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Our History
Our History
The Chordbuster Barbershop Chorus charter was approved in 1952 with thirty-three enthusiastic men wanting their own chapter. The Society for Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing of America. Known as S.P.E.B.Q.S.A.. At the same time they developed a strong relationship with the Davenport YMCA family now known as the Scott County Family Y. The Chordbusters have been a strong supporter of Camp Abe Lincoln and continues to do so today.
September 1952 Bill Mclatchie in the first weekly bulletin put forth the idea of holding the first Parade of Quartets Show. The charter celebration and first show was held in October 1952. Featured quartets included the Buffalo Bills (1950 International Champions) Mid-States Four (1948 International Champions) and the Vikings from Rock Island who went on to win the International Championship in 1953).
The annual Holiday In Harmony shows began in 1956 and have continued to today. Our 62nd consecutive annual show is a salute to those who serve, and the program is called "A Night To Remember."
The first chapter director was Floyd Connett who was an accomplished arranger. He arranged My Wild Irish Rose, Down Our Way, and Shine on Me, which are now all part of the Barbershop Polecat songbook, which all Society members are suppose to know.
Following Floyd in 1956 was Howard Mesecher who also was an accomplished arranger. Howard was director for 17 years and is the name sake of the Howard Mesecher/Hall of Fame Award given for excellence and service to the chapter. Since 1973 Larry Monson, Gary White, Dan Warschauer, Dick Rode, Harry Swarts, Andy Sauder, Joe Millett, Jay Krumbholtz, Dean Sellers, Debra Ragan and Michael Callahan have directed the chorus.
Membership surged to one hundred in the 1960s and during that time the Chordbusters participated in district chorus competitions from 1963 to 1978 and won the district chorus championship in 1969 in Omaha and again in 1970 Davenport. That same year the Chordbusters placed 8th on the International stage in Atlantic City and 6th in 1971 in New Orleans.
The Chapter received many outstanding society awards in 1967 and 1970. As well as Central States District awards 1970, 1971, 1975, 2014.
The S.P.E.B.Q.S.A., now known as The Barbershop Harmony Society, has always encouraged quartets to form and has been a big part in the chapter’s success. Some of our quartets were Hub Bubs, Sound of Music, Sound Connection, Seventh Encounter, Four Bits, Possible Side Effects, Da Guys, Four Fathers, Tonal Insanity, Chords R Us, A Touch of Fun, and many others. An additional group within the organization was formed to fill in at area churches during the Summer called "The God Squad" and was directed by Roger Wiese.
Support Goes Both Ways
In every Chapter, there is a focus on the preservation of vocal music in our schools. The Chordbusters actively look for ways to help preserve vocal music by hosting youth music efforts, most recently Acappellooza, a society sponsored event to bring young people in to help them become better singers and to learn about the Barbershop style of harmony. The Chordbusters were invited to participate with Real Men Sing where three hundred Jr. and Sr. high school boys gathered at the Adler Theater for a day of intense music, closing with a finale of three hundred young boys joining with the Chordbusters to close event.
No chapter can enjoy success without the support of their wives, and the Davenport Chordbusters are no different. The wives organization, called the Chord Jewels, play a very important role. They are faithful supporters and are always willing to lend an ear, or help with makeup and costumes. In addition, they meet weekly during chapter rehearsal and sew quilts for children in need. We couldn’t do what we do without them.
Throughout the 60+ years of history. We developed long-term relationships with our fellow singers as well as entertained thousands of people and became better performers along the way.