Kokomo Men of Note

The Kokomo Men of Note is a chorus of men (also now including women) who love to sing four-part a cappella music in the barbershop style. That is, the melody is principally carried by the second tenor (or lead as they refer to it) with the tenor harmonizing above the melody and the bass and baritone filling in the other two parts.

 

The Men of Note is the local chapter of the international Barbershop Harmony Society (formerly SPEBSQSA), one of the largest singing organizations in the world.  They perform many times throughout the year for various functions, organizations and community events, including a summer Concert In the Park. The chorus also includes a VLQ (very large quartet) called the FROGS (Four Really Old Guys Singing) who perform with the chorus and on their own.

 

The chorus, which has been in existence in Kokomo, Indiana since 1966, is a member of the Cardinal District of the Barbershop Harmony Society, which includes the states of Indiana and Kentucky.  They have been honored as District Chapter of the Year three times and have won in their chorus plateau at district contest twice.  They have also achieved recognition for their outstanding rendition of the National Anthem at ball games and other events. One of the highlights of the year is their appearance with the Kokomo Park Band, a renowned organization of outstanding musicians who perform concerts in Highland Park during the summer. For that concert a special musical arrangement is created for the chorus and the band.

 

The Men of Note have had three principal musical directors: Raman Briggs, who was one of the founders of the chapter, Charlie Rose, a retired music teacher from Taylor High School and the current director, Brad Coon, a Taylor HS and GMI alumnus who works at Delphi Electronics in Kokomo.

 

Several of the past members of the Men of Note have served as officers at the district level.  In fact, four have been Cardinal District presidents (Bill Terry, Roger Davidson, Gary Denton, and Ray Briggs). One member has been Cardinal District Vice President of Chorus Director Development (Ted Hinkle). Another has been the District Chairman of Harmony Explosion (a music camp for youth singers) and one has served on the International Board of Directors (Gary Denton).

 

The Men of Note are always happy to provide good wholesome entertainment for almost any occasion.  They can be contacted by calling President Al Temby at (765) 416-1754 or (765) 434-5990 or through any chorus member.