On Thursday March 15, 2001 we had eleven guys present at our first meeting. Since that day we have gone through licensing in September 2001 and full charter status by September 2002 to operate as the Athens, AL Chapter (B-95) of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Incorporated (SPEBSQSA).

Southern Splendor has had three directors over the past years. They are Robyn Swaim, Rick Ramsey, and our current director Dr. John Buttler. Allen Neeley has been our steadfast assistant director taking the reins when required. The chorus has a couple of quartets that have formed throughout its life. They include Fine Mesh, Dixie Junction, Rocketeers, and Power of 4 just to name a few.

October 2002 saw Southern Splendor perform in its first annual show. The show was a huge success with guest quartets from Central AL, and Memphis TN. Our second annual show featured the world famous and International Champions Accoustix. Subsequent annual shows have seen Dixie District and International Medalist State Line Grocery, and Lunchbreak.

Southern Splendor Chorus competes in both the Spring Preliminaries and the Fall Chorus Championships. Saturday March 22, 2003 saw Southern Splendor in only its second appearance with 18 members on stage for District Competition stage finished 7^th out of 17 choruses that competed, and 37 other choruses that felt they were not prepared to compete. Three times Southern Splendor Chorus has won Most Improved Chorus. Most recent Dixie District Quartet and Chorus competition found Southern Splendor with its best finish. With only 15 members singing, the chorus finished a strong 6^th place.

Southern Splendor Chorus serves the public through a true American “art” form of uplifting, wholesome a capella music. This close knit four-part harmony not only enriches the lives of the men who sing, but the audiences who enjoy this “art” form worldwide. Southern Splendor Chorus is doing its part to build better communities by bonding people together with the pure fun of a capella singing. Southern Splendor can be seen gracing stages throughout the Tennessee Valley in Athens, Ardmore, Madison, Decatur, Cullman, Huntsville, and many others. The Chorus provides Singing Valentine’s each year as the biggest fund raiser to keep the Chorus operating.

If this sounds of interest to any men, please come join us each Thursday night to try you voice in the fun world of Barbershop singing. Be watching for some exciting news about singing with Southern Splendor Chorus. This is singing that you won't want to miss.

Upcoming Special Events ...

    February 14, 2012 Valentine's

    March 9 - 11, 2012 Dixie District Spring Competition Gadsden AL

   March 15th we will be celebrating those 11 guys who met to form the core of Southern Splendor.
 
    July 20 - 21, 2012 join Southern Splendor Chorus at the Dixie Lakeside Harmony Weekend at the University of Alabama Huntsville for a weekend of learning and singing, singing and learning. Did we mention we would be singing and learning.