Southern Splendor Chorus
On Thursday, March 15th, 2001 eleven guys came together for our first meeting. The chorus went through licensing in September of 2001 and received full charter status in September 2001 as the Athens, Alabama Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), dba Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS).
Southern Splendor has been led by four directors over the years, including Robyn Swaim, Rick Ramsey, Dr. John Buttler, and our current director Tommy Mitchell. Numerous quartets have formed within the chapter, including Fine Mesh, Dixie Junction, Rocketeers, Power of 4, Copeland Road, Eight Feet Wide, and City Slickers IV.
In 2002 Southern Splendor initiated its popular series of annuals shows. Annual shows have featured award winning quartets including Accoustix, Stateline Grocery, Lunchbreak, and most recently Shugah. In our most recent annual shows, we've partnered with the Rocket City Chorus to provide stellar entertainment.
Competition runs in our veins. Since our first appearance in competition in 2003, Southern Splendor is a regular participant on the Dixie District competition stage. Southern Splendor has captured the Most improved Chorus award in five competitions and won FIRST PLACE for Plateau A in the 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2023 Dixie District Fall Conventions.
Southern Splendor serves the public through a true American “art” form of uplifting, wholesome a cappella 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 is doing its part to build better communities by bonding people together with the pure fun of singing. Southern Splendor can be seen gracing stages throughout the Tennessee Valley in Athens, Ardmore, Madison, Decatur, Cullman, Fayetteville, Huntsville and others. The Chorus provides Singing Valentine’s each year as the biggest fund raiser.
If this sounds of interest to you, please come join us one Thursday night to try your voice in the fun world of Barbershop singing.
2020 Chapter Officers
President
Jim Ellis
Secretary
George Williams
Treasurer
Wes Paradise
VP Membership/Development
vacant
VP Music/Performance
Wayne Emfinger
Immediate Past President
Doug Kontac
Member At Large
John Weis
Director
Tommy Mitchell
Southern Splendor Chorus @ 2013