Society for the preservation and encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet of America Inc., 1955

1 image. Society for the preservation and encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet of America Inc., 29 April 1955. Robert G. Hafer (secretary); William Frederickson Jr. (Superintendent of Recreation); Berney Simner (President).; Supplementary material reads: "International officers of the SPEBSQSA, Berney Simner, president, St. Louis, and Robert G. Hafer, secretary, Detroit, were welcomed to Los Angeles today (April 29) by music and recreation leaders for the three day convention of the Far Western District, society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. Champion quartets will vie for top honors at Shrine auditorium Saturday in a contest to select two winners for the society's international competition in Miami next June. Radio-TV star Art Baker will emcee the songfest. J. Arthur Lewis, Bureau of Music Coordinator, commended the group for 'encouraging barber shop quartet harmony as a form of American folk song.' George Hjelte, Recreation and Parks department manager, William Frederickson Jr., superintendent of recreation, Mrs. Ceraldine Healy, secondary schools music supervisor and Lewis met with SPEBSQSA officer to discuss the society's role in developing school and community quartets. 'We want to share the fun we have making music together with teenagers and recreation groups,' Simner stated.