Special to The

Citizen

It's not necessary to be

able to read music or have a trained voice to be a member

of the Southland Chorus.

You do, however, need to be

male. Barbershop is "for the average guy with an

average voice, who enjoys singing a song and would like

to know more about harmonizing and improving his singing

talents," says a spokesman.

The Southland Chorus is the

name used by singers in the Fayetteville chapter of the

SPEBSQSA Inc. SPEBSQSA stands for the Society for the

Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartets

Singing in America. Members prefer to call themselves by

the shorter title, the Barbershop Harmony Society.

The chorus currently has 26

members. Within the chorus, there are three quartets that

perform separately also. The chapter was formed in 1990.

They sing a wide variety of songs ranging from music

written in the 1840s to John Lennon's

"Yesterday."

Those who are interested in

joining the group will receive lots of help. They offer

schools, craft sessions, tape recordings and manuals to

help novice members become better singers and learn to

sing in a quartet. "You can go as far as you want,

or you can simply sing in the chorus and enjoy the

fun," the spokesman says.

Fun is a large part of the

draw for chorus members. The enjoyment is evident to

anyone watching and listening to their performances. The

quartets and choruses have provided entertainment at

conventions, business events, local civic and social

gatherings as well as many community events. They also

"bring a smile" to shut-ins, those in

retirement homes and communities and at hospitals.

The chorus practices each

week in the chorus room at the old Fayette County High

School at 7 p.m. The public is welcome to stop in and

listen as they practice.

For information, phone Glen

Allen at 770-487-7551.

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