About Us

What is the NGC?

The Northern Gateway Chorus is the Barbershop chorus of the Stevens Point, WI chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. We sing music in Barbershop style–four-part harmony. The Society is an international organization, arranged in 16 districts across the U.S. and Canada. Locally, we are part of the Land O’Lakes district, consisting of chapters located in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Upper Michigan, and parts of Canada.

Chorus members reside in the central Wisconsin area. Our activities include singing in organized quartets, tag singing, woodshedding, socializing and good fellowship, and performing in the larger chorus. We strive to promote better singing, both for the individual and the chorus as a whole.

What is Barbershop Harmony?

Barbershop is a four-part vocal music sung without any instrument accompaniment, and is truly an original American art form. The four voice parts are Lead (the melody), Tenor (harmony above the lead), Baritone (about the same range as lead but harmony), and Bass (lowest harmony). “Close Harmony” is what makes Barbershop unique. The notes sung by the four parts are very close together, unlike traditional choral music.

What Do I Have to Do to Join?

When you attend a chapter meeting, a music leader will listen to your singing range, and suggest you try singing one of the four voice parts best suited for you. After you have experienced the joy of close harmony, and are interested in membership, you may submit an application to join. All potential members are “musically approved” by our music leadership. To be able to perform with the chorus, you must demonstrate that you are proficient in the current repertoire.

Do I have to Read Music?

No. The chorus will provide you with music and learning materials for new songs so that you may learn your notes and words without having to read music.

When and for Whom does the Chorus Perform?

Several different types of performances are slated throughout the year. In late September or early October, we produce our annual show, nicknamed the Harvest of Harmony. We sometimes take this show on the road and perform it at several different communities in Wisconsin throughout the year. We also compete at division and district conventions and contests during the year. In between, you will find the chorus busy singing for local meetings, conventions, and charitable organizations.

History

The Stevens Point chapter was chartered in 1953 with help and mentoring from the Wisconsin Rapids chapter.

The chorus is a regular contender at the Packerland Division and Land O’ Lakes District competitions, bringing home a number of AA championships over the years. We also took the blue ribbon for the national championship at the 2004 Buckeye Invitational in the small chorus division.

Over the years, our chapter quartets have achieved significant competitive recognition. In 1975, RAGTIME was named LOL District Novice Quartet Champions, and in 1980, COMMAND PERFORMANCE was named LOL District Quartet Champions. Both quartets went on to compete at various International competitions.