Our Choruses
Northwest Sound is only one of three choruses that call the Bellevue Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society home. These are:
Northwest Sound Men’s Chorus is our original, award winning chorus. Comprised of men of all ages from all walks of life, this large chorus has been entertaining audiences throughout the Pacific Northwest and more broadly across the US for more than 30 years. As a perineal competitor in the annual competition of the Barbershop Harmony Society Northwest Sound has competed against the very best choruses in the world.
Classic Sound is our small chorus comprised primarily of retired men who perform at senior centers throughout the eastside community. Devoted to singing classic barbershop arrangements they have been extremely popular with the retired community.
Northwest Mix is our mixed voice chorus comprised of experienced male and female singers from throughout the Puget Sound region. The average singing experience of this unique group is 23 years, primarily in the Barbershop world, either with the Barbershop Harmony Society or Sweet Adelines International.
All three choruses are teaching choruses, with over 30 years of providing regular vocal coaching and instruction for the chorus members as well as special programs teaching a cappella singing to members of the community. The Bellevue Chapter is the premier barbershop chapter in the Northwest with a reputation for quality that attracts members from as far away as Tacoma and Vancouver, BC. We have a highly trained and accomplished music team and coaches with decades of experience, awards from regional and international competitions, and qualification as contest judges. We use instructional techniques and materials from Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) to enable singers with a wide variety of musical backgrounds and talents to learn, improve and enjoy developing their skills to the fullest.
Part of the barbershop culture is to showcase the skills we’ve gained and share the joy of our accomplishments in regular friendly competitions. Northwest Sound won its first competition in just the 3rd year of existence and has continued to perform at a high level throughout its history. We have been regional champion and International competitors 13 times in our 33 years, including 4 of the last 5 years. With the inspiration and expert direction from our Music Director Ken Potter and our greatly expanded musical team, Northwest Sound has steadily improved scores over last 3 years moving from 27th to 13th place among choruses at the BHS International competitions.
Barbershop is about harmony in human voices coming together to create beautiful and inspirational music. It is a fellowship where men and women of all ages can join together in this truly American art form and form friendships that last a lifetime. It provides challenge, growth, and commitment - singing great a cappella harmony is continuous journey of learning. The combination of delight in music, friendship, and personal growth makes barbershop singing a joyous and fulfilling hobby. Will we see you at our next rehearsal?
- The Northwest Sound Men's Chorus rehearses most Wednesday evenings at 7pm at Temple B’nai Torah in Bellevue (15727 NE 4th St).
- The Northwest Mix chorus rehearses most Sunday evenings at 6pm at the Bellevue Christian School in Clyde Hill (1701 98th Ave NE).
- The Classic Sound chorus rehearses as needed, typically at the Fairwinds Retirement Community in Redmond.
All are welcome to visit or join in.
Northwest Sound Mission
The mission of Northwest Sound is to impact lives and build community through artistic and emotionally driven a cappella performances for diverse audiences.
Northwest Sound Vision
The vision of Northwest Sound is to be recognized as one of the premier choral organizations in the Pacific Northwest.
Northwest Sound Culture
The culture of Northwest Sound is based on eight pillars. For more detail about the Northwest Sound culture, click here