Quad Cities, IL (May 17, 2016) – The Rock Island Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and
Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA) today announces the 75th
anniversary of their charter in SPEBSQSA (now Barbershop Harmony Society). The chorus also
announces a change in the chorus name from Bend of the River Barbershop Chorus to Harminators.
This marks the third name change for the chorus since receiving their charter in 1941. Rock Island Rockets
was the name the chapter used for the chorus in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s, and may have been named after a
quartet by the same name that competed in the very first international convention in 1939. The chorus has
used the name Bend of the River Barbershop Chorus since the mid ‘70’s, but last week, the chapter
changed the chorus name to Harminators. According to Mike Kaas, Chapter President, “The chorus is
singing more modern songs and arrangements, and needed a new name to match our new image.”
SPEBSQSA, Rock Island Chapter is seeking former members, and their friends and family, to join in a 75th
anniversary celebration on June 7, 2016 at 6:30 pm at the Hauberg Civic Center in Rock Island. They also
invite those who are interested in barbershop music to join in the celebration. Cake and soft drinks will be
provided. Memorabilia from the Chorus’s 75-year history will be on display, and there will definitely be
some singing, too! Mr. Kaas stated, “We are hopeful that some former members, or friends or family of
former members, will have stories or memorabilia to share.”
The Harminators currently rehearse every Tuesday evening at 7:00 at Northcrest Calvary Baptist Church
in Moline, IL (except June 7). They are under the direction of Dawn Higgs who has her degree in music
education, and teaches music in Cambridge, IL. “Men are always welcome to stop by to see what
barbershop singing is all about. We are a singing organization first, so that is our highest priority, but we
also make time to socialize, too,” stated Mr. Kaas.
Those wishing to learn more about the chorus may do so by visiting the chorus’s Webpage at
www.harminators.com, by emailing Mike Kaas at president@harminators.com, or by phone at (309) 236-
9612.
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