A Short History of the An-O-Chords

 The An-O-Chords Barbershop chorus is one of over 800 chapters of the Barbershop Harmony Society (formerly known as the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, or "SPEBSQSA."  (What a mouthful that was!) We're members of the BHS's Evergreen District which includes the states of Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, and Alberta.  Chartered in 1955, the An-O-Chords have earned a national reputation as one of the happiest chapters in the country.  For the last 53 years, the annual An-O-Chords Weekend has been held the last full weekend in July and features Broadway Quality performances Friday and Saturday nights by National Champion quartets, local favorites, and of course, the full 50+ voices of the An-O-Chords Men's Barbershop Chorus.  The weekend is always capped by the fabulous An-O-Chords Salmon Barbecue with its delicious food, more appearances by the guest quartets, a novice quartet contest and an afternoon of fun at beautiful Sunset Beach in Washington Park at the west end of town.

 The roughly 50 men of the An-O-Chords are from all walks of life and hail mainly from Island and Skagit counties. Our members are drawn together by a common love of singing in harmony, the excitement of performing, and the wonderful fellowship of friends.  We're based in one of the most beautiful spots in the country -- Anacortes, Washington -- gateway to the famous San Juan Islands of Puget Sound -- about 70 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia, 90 miles north of Seattle and about 20 miles off the beaten path between the two.  The An-O-Chords Chorus is a registered non-profit organization and net proceeds from all projects and performances are returned to charities and projects in our community.  Our major charitable effort involves teaching the joy of singing to young people in our communities through our Youth Outreach Program, and the Evergreen District's fabulous Summer Youth Chorus Camp, Harmony Explosion.

Chorus practice is held every Thursday night from 7:30 to 10:00 PM at the Island View Elementary School, 2501 "J" Ave in Anacortes.  Following practice, most of the stalwarts adjourn to a local pizza parlor for a few refreshments and a lot more songs.  It’s a slice of life and we’re always looking for new singers!  Drop-ins are warmly welcomed!