Visiting Us & How To Become A Member…

If you would like to attend a rehearsal, you are welcome to just show up at our usual rehearsal spot at the UCC in Keene on any Tuesday night. Note! Please confirm that we ARE rehearsing that particular date/night (and where) or if need additional information, you can start at our HOME page where we post weekly updates.

Or, email us at info@cheshiremen.org. If you want to speak to our Vice President/Membership please leave a phone number and we will call you promptly.

If you’re not ready for membership just yet, but would like to understand more about the Cheshiremen Chorus:

Choose <<ABOUT>> above!

This page last updated: August 19, 2026 • 0900h

 

So - you liked what you experienced at our rehearsal or performance... but what is the next step?

Here you will find answers to the "How do I join?" question...

Singing with the Cheshiremen Chorus involves membership with the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) - aka “SPEBSQSA Inc..” (see the footer!).

There are no formal or strict/precise audition requirements to become a member. When you attend your first rehearsal you'll be voice-placed by our Assistant Director. This is one of the first steps in becoming a member.  We want you to sing comfortably in your capable voice range - as a guest and future member!

As a guest, we will provide you weekly with sheet music via a “Guest Book” for on-site use only. We may specifically make available to you some of our “Learning Media” files. MP3 audio files -and- PDF sheet music via email links, separately.

After you have attended at least 3 rehearsals and feel comfortable with your voice and singing your part, you may ask to officially join the Keene Chapter. Then, you’ll receive instructions from the Music Team about learning a few short Society songs and determining your acceptance. When you join us, you are joining our Society (BHS), our Northeastern District, and the Keene Chapter Cheshiremen Chorus. When you are ready - and our Music Team has endorsed your ability - the Keene Chapter Board of Directors (BOD) will vote on accepting your application for membership. A quick, simple process. Then, we will provide you with the opportunity to sign-up online at the Society web site. Don't worry, most everything is voluntary and respects your privacy. After the initial registration online, you will be offered to complete the application with your initial DUES* payment. It is then sent to the BHS for final International acceptance. (*See member dues schedule HERE/below – the Keene chapter has zero dues.)

* Keene Chapter - 2026 membership Dues INFO

The main criteria for joining are:

  1. A person of good character.

  2. Ability to sing, keep the pitch, and carry a tune.

In a few weeks time, you will receive your membership card and welcome packet from the Cheshiremen VP of Membership, or Chapter Secretary, and you are now a part of our chorus family! 

After your three rehearsals and your membership application has been approved, our webmaster will provide you with permanent login credentials to access the chapter’s Members Only site for sheet music and learning tracks to learn our repertoire! 

 

BHS ETHICAL STANDARDS. The Barbershop Harmony Society ("BHS" or the "Society") aspires to preserve for its members and for all future generations of prospective members, the sacred right of all people to seek haven from the burden of their daily cares through indulgence in old-fashioned vocal quartet harmony. To that end, all Members solemnly pledge to abide by the precepts of the Code of Ethics:

  • Endeavor to perpetuate the Barbershop Harmony Society and the barbershop style of singing.

  • Deport ourselves and conduct BHS functions in such a manner as to reflect credit upon the Society and its membership.

  • Conform to the bylaws of the Barbershop Harmony Society and any other rules set forward by its Board of Directors.

  • Accept for membership only congenial persons of good character who love barbershop harmony or have a desire to harmonize.

  • Exhibit a spirit of good fellowship toward all members and strive to resolve any conflicts with civility and respect.

  • Refrain from forcing our songs upon unsympathetic ears.

  • Refrain from taking improper advantage of our membership and BHS fellowship for personal gain.

  • Not permit political, religious, or other controversial issues to hinder or inhibit the enjoyment of barbershop harmony.

  • Through our service to the Barbershop Harmony Society, endeavor to spread the spirit of barbershop harmony throughout the world.