Motivated
Our Chapter’s mission is to create an organizational structure that allows choruses to thrive.
About
The St. Croix Valley Chapter is the parent organization of two men's choruses - the Croix Chordsmen Chorus and The Journeymen Chorus.
Our Mission
"We share the joy of singing — inspiring our communities and inviting men of all ages to experience the camaraderie and fulfillment that comes from making music together."
Historical Evolution
When the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), now known as the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS), was founded by O.C. Cash and Rupert Hall in 1938, the organization focused entirely on four-man quartets. Choruses did not exist in the official structure. The transition to choruses occurred organically in the 1940s and 1950s when large groups of singers at conventions wanted to ring chords together en masse. BHS officially recognized choruses with the first International Chorus Contest in 1953.
Because most chapters historically only had enough members to sustain a single ensemble, the distinction between a "Chapter" (the legal entity) and a "Chorus" (the musical product) blurred. For 74 of our 75 years, our chapter operated under this single-chorus mentality. However, the modern BHS "Everyone in Harmony" vision explicitly separates the administrative infrastructure of the Chapter from the distinct musical brands it can support.
Our Chapter's Origin & Identity
Official Registered Name: St. Croix Valley Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, Inc.
Tax Status: 501(c)(3) organization founded on February 14, 1951
Federal Tax ID Number (EIN): 23-7072868 | Wisconsin Sales Tax Number: 045805
Mailing Address: St. Croix Valley Chapter - Brian Schultz, Resident Agent, W9397 812th Ave, River Falls, WI 54022
Our Mission: "We share the joy of singing — inspiring our communities and inviting men of all ages to experience the camaraderie and fulfillment that comes from making music together."
On February 14, 1951, 45 men gathered at Moose Hall above Moody Chevrolet’s Garage in River Falls, Wisconsin, to charter this chapter. Sponsored by the Menomonie club, our founding members laid the groundwork for 75 years of fellowship crossing the river into Hudson and Stillwater. A significant membership boom occurred in 1962, sparked by the movie The Music Man, which ignited a barbershop revival throughout the Valley.
Strategic Framework – The Multi-Chorus Model
In the last decade many BHS chapters have formed multiple choruses. In 2025, our chapter structurally evolved by welcoming The Journeymen Chorus. This established a multi-chorus ecosystem under one operational "parent" banner, providing localized options tailored to different singer needs:
|
Ensemble Brand |
Audience & Musical Focus |
Operations & Logistics |
|
The Croix Chordsmen Chorus |
Open, non-auditioned community chorus focused on the year-round joy of four-part a cappella, fellowship, and deep local roots. |
Rehearses weekly on Tuesdays from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (1616 Olive St W, Stillwater, MN). |
|
The Journeymen Chorus |
Top-level, audition-based seasonal ensemble drawing elite barbershoppers, music educators, and district champions from three states. |
Operates seasonally (Season 7.0 spanning June–November 2026). Specialized web presence at www.journeymenchorus.org. |
The Strategic Advantage: This model mirrors successful corporate branding strategies (like Toyota and Lexus). The Chapter serves as the backend infrastructure—handling insurance, banking, and BHS compliance—while the choruses operate as separate musical products. It offers a spectrum of engagement, ensuring we retain members regardless of whether they seek a high-competition environment or a relaxed, year-round community group.
Future Vision – The "Sing for Life" Initiative
To further fulfill our mission and leverage our non-profit infrastructure, the chapter could explore future specialized choruses. A primary tactical target is the launch of a mixed senior outreach chorus operating out of a local senior center.
Financing via the Anderson Foundation: While BHS, district, and chapter dues present a financial hurdle for fixed-income seniors, the chapter could tactically deploy its existing grant from the Anderson Foundation supporting our Sing for Life initiative to subsidize these fees. This strategy transforms the grant money into a powerful vehicle for community health, combatting elderly isolation through music, while ensuring the new ensemble is fully protected by BHS liability insurance and ASCAP/BMI/SESAC music licensing codes.
Chapter Leadership
The strategic and legal operations of the St. Croix Valley Chapter are managed by the 2026 Board of Directors:
- President: Walt Ogburn
- Vice President: Loren Paulson
- Past President: Jim Otto
- Secretary: Ed Obermeyer-Kolb
- Treasurer: Joel Ortman
- Membership Vice President: Jon Tanberg
- Music and Performance Vice President: Jeff Knight
- Board Members At Large: Louis Nosan, Bill Montgomery, Curt Larson, Jay Althof, Lee Wyland
75 Years of Community Impact
Our longevity is anchored in our dedication to the St. Croix Valley fabric. Our historical record includes:
- Supporting Local Youth: Donated our iconic 1960s Sunday Best uniforms to Hudson High School.
- Honoring Our Veterans: Annual performances for Veterans Day and Memorial Day services in Stillwater and River Falls.
- Celebrated Milestones: Performed for the Sesquicentennials of both Hudson and Stillwater, and the Minnesota Capitol Centennial.
- Serving Local Charities: Directing concert proceeds to St. Croix Valley non-profits focused on supporting community members.
At the core of it all remains the "Barbershop Spirit"—a culture where every longtime singer or first-time guest walking into rehearsal is met with a welcoming, "Come sit by me."