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A
little bit of history regarding the Denver Mile Hi chapter and the Denver
Tech Chapter which, now merged, are known as the Denver Mile High Chapter
(Sound of the Rockies), SPEBSQSA. The
Denver Mile Hi Chapter came into existence in the early 1940's but did not
require the need of a SPEBSQSA charter until later, however, a group of
men, 38, by count, sought society accreditation and were given the charter
in May of 1946. These men began a chapter that has functioned on a regular
basis since that date with many accomplishments in the Barbershop harmony
arena as well as the local area. SPEBSQSA
functioned as 14 Districts at that time. Subsequently the Sunshine
district was established which was a basic step toward allowing the
formation of the Rocky Mountain District which now partners with this and
35 other like-chapter organizations in a 9 state area with a link to The
Barbershop Harmony Society which boasts a grand membership of over 30,000
North Americans. As
an 'All Male' singing organization dedicated to the preservation of the a
cappella, barbershop style singing, we continue serving our local
communities with a vocal outlet for any interested male. The uniqueness of
our music and presentations have entertained the Denver and Front Range
residents in many venues and often. In
1977 the Society established the Rocky Mountain District. As a previous
part of 5 surrounding Districts, 'RMD' would begin full operations on 1
Jan 1978 with all support and attendant responsibilities of membership
accruing to all chapters on their role. A pre-district convention was
convened in Colorado Springs in October of 1977 to establish a Chorus
champ winner who would represent the Rocky Mountain District at the next
International Chorus Contest to be held in Cincinnati, July, 1978. Among
those chapters of more than 75 members were the Salt Lake Beehive
Statesmen and the Denver Mile Hi group. Competition was keen; Mile Hi was
crowned the champion. In the same vein, a regular activity during this
type convention, a District Champion Quartet is usually named. It happened
that two years previously, during the fall convention, that a quartet from
the Denver Mile Hi chapter called Classic Collection was crowned Champion
in the Central States District, which was our affiliation at the time. The
plot thickens; The Classic Collection entered this contest in Colorado
Springs as well and were again crowned District Champion. This is only
quartet to have such honors to this day. In 1982 they were crowned the
Society and World Champion. Denver
Mile Hi had many productive years competing at Society conventions. During
the ensuing years it was felt that another chapter, if established in the
Denver community, might be timely and useful. The Denver Tech chapter was
born in 1986, chartered April 6th, 1987 and prospered for many years with
great accomplishments. This group also represented the RMD at
International Chorus Contests on several occasions. When
Darin Drown, an enthusiastic barbershop singer, educator and director
arrived in the Denver area, both choruses sought his expertise and from
that consideration the "merger" of these two chapters came
about. History compiled by |