tidelanders HISTORY

The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, was founded in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

W. H. Anderson moves to Houston and starts Houston Chapter of SPEBSQSA on October 21, 1946 with 127 members.

This change, though welcomed by the Barbershoppers, drastically reduced the number of members in the chapter to only twenty or twenty five members.

He soon begins directing the chorus for their first contest performances in the late 1950s.

The group soon starts winning Southwestern District competitions.

SPEBSQSA opened to men of color in 1963, as the country was living within the crucible of the civil rights movement. 

The Tidelanders compete in their first International competition and they come in 12th place. 

The Houston Tidelanders score 2nd place in the St. Louis International Contest.

The Tidelander’s INNSIDERS quartet brings Houston a Quartet Gold.

The Houston Chapter, recognizing her incredible talent, hires Betty even though Society rules at that time did not permit women serving in that role.

 The SPEBSQSA rebrands as BHS.

BHS allows chapters to either remain "all male" or allow women to join the chapter.