On Saturday, June 28, the SenateAires were invited to sing the Star Spangled Banner to start the 5k run at the Marion County Employees’ annual picnic and 5k race.  We are told more than 250 racers were at the starting line for this year’s event.  It was a privilege to be invited back this year for the second time to this annual event.  It was a glorious morning at Willamette Mission State Park where the air was crisp, the energy level was high, and smiles were out in abundance.  Thank you to Kathleen Bolen and her staff at the County of Marion for this invitation.

Monday, May 26 held a special meaning for the SenateAires. Not only a day set aside to remember those who have served our great nation’s military, as well as first responders in every day life, but a day to remember and honor those who also made the ultimate sacrifice so that we enjoy the freedoms our country provides.  The SenateAires were honored to participate in Lake Oswego’s Memorial Day program at Foothills Park.  It was a special day of remembrance for those brave souls who have made it possible for us to live our daily lives as we do.  It was a privilege to sing the Armed Forces Medley, watching veterans and family members stand and be recognized as the anthem for their branch of service was sung.  Following that program, the SenateAires proceeded to Bonaventure Senior Living in Salem, where we participated in the Memorial Day event for their residents.  Again honoring those who served in the military, the SenateAires were proud to join in that program.  The SenateAires take great pride in supporting our community by lifting them up in song.  We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in these programs, and look forward to each time we share our music.

On May 24, the SenateAires welcomed an audience to the Salem Elks Lodge where a fun-filled evening of song, food and humor were had by all. Joining the SenateAires were several quartets and on octet from the ranks of the chapter, plus some very talented guest quartets. Those in attendance were well entertained by Jabberwocky, a mixed quartet from the Salem area, and Social Insecurity – champions from both the Oregon Senior Barbershop Quartet and the BHS Evergreen District Senior Quartet competitions. During the second half of the show, we were thrilled to welcome Public Noise Complaint – a high school mixed quartet from Westside Christian High School in Tigard. These four kids had competed on stage at the BHS Mid-Winter junior division competition in San Antonio, garnering praise from some of the most highly decorated and talented “Barbershop Royalty” around. At this show, they brought joy and energy with their vocal talents that lit up the crowd earning them a standing ovation at the conclusion of their set. Current Evergreen District Quartet Champion “Daddy Magic!” came to the stage and wowed us all with their fun-loving harmony The SenateAires took the stage again to close out the show. Honoring our Veterans and all those who have gone before us to serve our great nation, the Armed Forces Medley shined a light on those service members in attendance, singing each branch theme song to recognize all who have served.

The SenateAires thank all who attended for their encouragement and support. You mean a great deal to us. We also want to specially thank those who brought non-perishable food items for the Marion Polk Food Share. We simply can’t wait to sing for you all again soon!

It was a chilly night on May 7, when the SenateAires were called upon to sing the Star Spangled Banner for the season opener of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes.  For more than 20 years, the SenateAires have been asked to sing for opening day of the hometown team.  This particular Wednesday evening saw a contest between the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes and the Portland Mavericks ball clubs.  The evening was rife with adults and kids alike watching America’s Pastime, chasing foul balls hit into the stands, and generally having a great time.  We were truly blessed to honor America by singing the National Anthem for this great event.  Although the Volcanoes didn’t prevail in the final score, the game was enjoyable and lots of action on the field showed just how hard these guys work to play the sport they love.  During the 7th inning stretch, the SenateAires led the crowd in singing God Bless America and, of course, Take Me Out to the Ballgame.  It was truly an evening of fun for all.

Once upon a time a lead
Thought the time was ripe, indeed
To find three guys in other parts
And start a group for quartet arts.

First to find a good strong Bass.
He checked around the meeting place.
The man he found to fill the basement
Had plenty of power and perfect placement.

A tenor then was in demand
To really cap the forming band.
The guy he got was very clever.
His bell – clear tones he could hold forever.

But still there was no time to tarry;
He had yet still to find a Bari.
The winning man could sight read words
And coax a ring from sloppy chords.

The ranks were filled! Time to rejoice!
The founder could fulfill his voice.
But, on one thing, the other three agreed:
Twas time to find a better Lead.

.      Author Unknown

On the evening of Saturday, January 11, 2025, the SenateAires were privileged to join a number of amazing quartets to support Westside Christian High School’s premier mixed ensemble, Soli Deo Gloria.  The concert was a benefit to raise much needed funds to help send these amazing kids to perform and compete at the BHS Midwinter Convention in San Antonio, Texas.  The a cappella spectacular, entitled “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries,” featured the award-winning school ensemble along with headliner quartets Argonauts, Mugshot, and Timeless, as well as the Oregon SenateAires.  The school’s ensemble even showcased their own mixed quartet, Public Noise Complaint who also qualified to compete at the convention later this month.  Even though the show was a highly anticipated event, everyone in attendance was overwhelmed by the quality of the music presented.  The audience raved about the performance, with one audience member quoted as stating, “These kids are always amazing, but they sounded so much better than even I remember – and adding the awesome singing from the other quartets and, of course, the SenateAires, we were simply dazzled by the show.”

The SenateAires would like to thank our director, Will Fox, for allowing us to perform at this show.  Will also serves as the director of the high school’s music programs, and always seems to get the very best of his students and chorus.  We are thrilled to have been a part of this great evening.

It’s that time of year – and the SenateAires are joining in the joy of giving back once again.  On Monday, November 25, our chapter President Bob Cox met with the CEO of the Salem YMCA, Mr. Tim Sinatra, along with three of his executive support team.  Bob presented the YMCA with a check for $1000 for their annual fundraiser.  Members of the SenateAires stepped up to the plate to donate money to this organization, which has generously provided us with rehearsal space.  As part of our altruistic mission, the SenateAires take great pride in giving back to the community.  The YMCA is a very worthy recipient, and their goals truly align with ours in supporting the community and its youth.

Bob Cox wrote to the members, “I can’t say THANK-YOU enough to those who donated to this program.  Our relationship with the Y is strong and our principles of community service, support and outreach, work hand-in-hand with their mission and vision.”  He went on to report how grateful the YMCA team are for all that the SenateAires have done, dating back to performing at the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the facility, as well as the dedication of the Peter Courtney Veteran’s Housing facility across the street and several other events.

It has definitely been our privilege to support the YMCA’s work, and we look forward to a long partnership of giving back to the community.

On the drizzly Saturday afternoon of April 6, 2024, the SenateAires joined forces with International Champion Quartet Masterpiece to work with local area youth for an A Cappella Youth Festival.  That event took place at Morning Star Community Church in Salem, Oregon.

The previous day, this championship quartet visited some local Salem area schools to share with the music students their talents as well as lots of information about our craft.  The kids were invited to join us the following day for a free workshop and then appear on stage in a performance later that afternoon.  Chapter President Bob Cox noted, “The response from the kids and their music instructors was absolutely heartwarming.  Masterpiece got their interest and really showed the students just how much fun music is.”

More than two dozen kids showed up on Saturday morning at the appointed hour.  They were excited about learning a new song or two, and hearing more about the craft of singing without instrumental accompaniment to let the pure beauty of the voice stand on its own.  Along with the quartet, SenateAires director Will Fox worked with groups of kids in various vocal sections to usher them along the learning path toward a performance that afternoon.  It is no surprise that the final result was nothing short of wonderful.  Will is the musical director for Westside Christian High School in Tigard, and has led his choral groups to state championships year after year.  The youth in attendance at this festival were able to experience first-hand how Will lovingly guides them to be the very best they can be.

When the curtain went up on the afternoon show, several hundred audience members were in attendance, coming from as far as Washington, arriving by the literal busload.  No one went home disappointed and the response from the crowd was overwhelming.  One attendee said, “Absolutely the best show I’ve seen in years.  The kids were an absolute delight, and the SenateAires and the rest of the performers were top notch.”

Following the performance, everyone retired to the Salem Elks Lodge for the “Afterglow” and a spaghetti feed, and of course more performances by the chorus and quartets.  The staff at the Elks Lodge went out of their way to make us feel welcome, and made it the perfect finish to an awesome day.

We want to extend our sincere thanks to Masterpiece and the Harmony Foundation Grant in collaboration with the Association of International Champions for making this day possible.  Also, our thanks go out to the Salem Elks Lodge and to Morning Star Community Church for the use of their facilities.  We especially want to thank all of the quartets who gave so freely of their time and talents to make this happen.  Finally, we wish to express our most sincere thanks to the kids who participated, and to all who attended making the event such a resounding success. The day was amazing, and so rewarding to see the smiles on the faces of the youth when they finished their song to a standing ovation from the entire house.  You can watch the final song of the day by clicking HERE

The SenateAires ranks continue to grow, with the advent of more and more guests seeing just how much fun we have singing Barbershop.  It seems like each week we have new guests at rehearsal, and they’re finding it too irresistible to stay away.  In the month of February alone, we gained six new great singers to our official membership roles. Welcome Ben, Caric, Charley, Oscar, Tyler & Zach.  Along with those six new members, we have several guests who have attended rehearsals for several weeks and are considering joining the group.  I guess you just can’t hide how much fun it is to sing Barbershop when you see and hear it for yourself.  With our upcoming show and Youth Festival on April 6, we couldn’t be more excited with the expanding group.  I guess I had better order some additional shirts and ties for all the new guys!

Once again, the men of the SenateAires Chorus have been given the privilege of singing at the Holiday Show for the amazing ladies of the Oregon Spirit Chorus.  The first weekend of December, we will appear on stage with the award-winning women’s chorus to spread some holiday cheer and make some spirits brighter with holiday music raised to the rafters.  With Festive Fun Favorites and Happy Holiday Harmonies, we will join our voices to make merry and sing of good will and great joy.

The fun will take place at the Dayspring Fellowship Center in Keizer on Saturday, December 2, 2023.  You should secure your tickets early to be guaranteed a spot.  Simply click on the announcement image to be taken to the Oregon Spirit website where you can secure yours now!  If you prefer, you can also follow this link to obtain your tickets.

On Saturday, May 20, the SenateAires hosted an evening of harmony and fun to a huge crowd (more than 200 were in attendance) at the Salem Elks Lodge.  The night featured the awesome ladies of the Oregon Spirit Chorus, and quartets from the SenateAires as well as That’s the Spirit quartet from the OSC.  Also in attendance were the awesome One Man Short quartet featuring award-winning voices and over-the-top entertainment. The night also helped benefit the Marion/Polk Food Share as donation barrels were filled with canned goods and stable dry foods to help out our neighbors who often don’t know where the next meal is coming from.  The SenateAires are proud to align with the Food Share to help support their mission.

It had been some time since our last major public performance, but that didn’t stop the crowd from enjoying the evening.  Some said that the audience had almost as much fun as the performers.  A number of new songs as well as a couple of familiar standards brought forth resounding cheers and applause as the Choruses and Quartets entertained with the passion and joy that is Barbershop Harmony.  A special shout out to the staff of the Salem Elks Lodge for helping us make this a magical night, culminating with Barbershoppers from the audience joining the performers to sing “Keep the Whole World Singing,” the anthem of the Society.

Our regular rehearsal on March 23 was especially great because we were privileged to spend the evening with one of our own celebrating his 90th trip around the sun. Yes, Hardin King turned 90 this week, and to celebrate the event at rehearsal, he blessed us by bringing three of his daughters to share the evening in song.

Margaret, Helen Liola and KC helped to make the evening complete and allowed us to sing a few songs for them.  They were a tremendous audience and we certainly hope they’ll be back.  Two of the young ladies came from Eastern Oregon, while KC won the award from traveling the furthest – all the way from New Jersey.  It was a tremendous honor to share the evening with them, and we thank them – and Brother Hardin – for being so gracious and loving.  We hope to see them again very soon!