Phoenicians

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Spirit of Phoenix Chorus (formerly Phoenicians)

The "Phabulous Phoenicians" of the Phoenix-Saguaro Chapter of the Far Western District won the BHS International Chorus competitions in 1972, 1976, and 1983. All of their championships came under the direction of Lou Laurel, who directed the chorus from 1966-1989.

The chorus acheived consistent International success under Lou's direction:

They were famous for bringing very theatrical performances to the contest stage, including costume changes and fireworks being shot from the risers.

After Lou's retirement, Gary Steinkamp ably took the reins of the chorus. And after a short transitionary period, the chorus returned to International form, placing 5th in 1993 and 1994, and 4th place in 1996.

In 2002(?), after some philosophical disagreements, a group of chapter members formed a new split-off chapter called the Greater Phoenix Chapter (Spirit of Phoenix Chorus). This group was directed by Russ Young and Gary Steinkamp. Fraser Brown directed the Phoenicians during this period. The two choruses competed against each other for a few years before re-merging in 2004(?), keeping the original Phoenix-Saguaro 1943 charter, but using the Greater Phoenix Chapter name, as well as the Spirit of Phoenix Chorus name.

The chorus has repeatedly returned to the International Chorus Competition and done well, however have not returned to the medals since 1996.

Contest Placement

International

Ineligible for two years after each Gold Medal.

1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970
3rd 3rd 2nd
1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980
1st 2nd 1st 4th
1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990
3rd 1st 4th 5th
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
5th 5th 4th 8th 7th 10th
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
15th 8th 14th 11th 16th
2011
17th

District

Member of the Far Western District. Ineligible for two years after each International Gold Medal.

  • 1943: 1st (Arizona state contest)
1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960
3rd 3rd 2nd
1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970
2nd 1st 1st 1st
1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980
1st 1st 1st 1st 1st
1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990
1st 1st 1st
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
3rd 1st 1st 1st

Recordings

External Links

Barbershop Harmony Society - International Chorus Champions
1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972
1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
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