Q: How many guys are in your quartet?
A: 4 Sometimes as many as 5 or 6. It depends on how many spare parts you need.

Q: Are you guys married?
A: No, we just sing together.

Q: How did you get started singing Barbershop?
A: For many of us the story is similar. A friend or family member invited us to come to a rehearsal. We went and had so much fun, we couldn’t wait to go back. Yes, it is that much fun. You can have that much fun in your life, too.

Q: What are the benefits of singing?
A: Generally, singers are healthier and live longer than non-singers.

Q: How can I get started in this hobby?
A: Just come to one of our Chorus Rehearsals and give us a try. You will be tested by our Director to see what voice part you should sing. You will also be tested to see if you can match pitch and harmonize. You may also be asked to sing a simple song such as Happy Birthday. After that it is up to you. How far do you want to take it?

Q: How often do you meet?
A: We meet once a week, on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 9:30 PM, in St. Timothy’s Church at the corner of 40^th Ave and Richey Rd. Any guest is always welcome, singer or listener. Guys are welcome to bring their wives and children. If all you do is listen it will be an enjoyable evening.

Q: Do I need to know how to read music?
A: No you don’t, but it is helpful if you can. If you don’t read music but would like to, arrangements can be made to teach you.

Q: How much does it cost to become a member?
A: The current dues for the International Society, the Evergreen District and the Yakima Chapter comes to a total of $158 per year. However there are many ways to pay. Installment plans are available, plus, students pay a much lower rate. A student is anyone under the age of 26. They can join for the 1^st time for only the $10 enrollment fee. The subsequent years until they turn 26 are at half the current dues at the time. There are many benefits to becoming a member. Ask us about that when you come to visit.

Q: What if I can’t sing but would still like to help the Chapter?
A: There are times when we need volunteers to help with our show or administrative jobs. The Yakima Chapter of the BHS will gladly accept donations of cash or bequests that could be used to keep a small non-profit 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) organization afloat. As a registered non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductible.

Q: What is the purpose of the Valley of the Sun Chorus?
A: Since we are a non-profit educational organization, our main purpose is to educate the community about the barbershop style of music. It’s origins go back to the 19th century in actual barbershops, where men would come not only for haircuts, but also tooth-pulling and other minor procedures, and music was used to help keep customers calm. Secondary to that, we provide a place where men of all kinds can get together in fellowship and learn how to sing this type of music and entertain the people of the community. We spend a lot of energy trying to be an organization that helps to keep the tradition of music in our schools and provide assistance on many levels.  If you are involved in a school music program, we'd love to talk to you about how to encourage young people to continue singing, and the support we can offer you.