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Byron Myers II (Bemo) has been directing the American BarberBoys since January of 2001. Since that time the chorus has received the Central States District (CSD) award for the most improved chorus (fall 2002), Plateau AA Champions (fall of 2002, 2003), and have also doubled in membership. Under his guidance, the chorus hopes to grow into a contender in the “heavy-weight” division within CSD. Bemo has been a barbershopper since 1976. In addition to directing, he has served as music faculty/coach at various music schools. He has also been a member of three different CSD Champion quartets (1991, 1995, and 2001). All of these quartets also earned the honor of representing the Central States District at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s International competition. This places each quartet in the top 40 quartets in the world. Bemo holds an unusual distinction in that he has qualified to compete at the International level on three different parts (tenor, lead, and baritone). Bemo is very active in our community. He is the Director of the New Generation Singers, an ecumenical singing group for high school/college aged youth in the St. Joseph, MO area. He also participates in productions by the Robidioux Resident Theater. Bemo, his quartets, and chorus have also participated in numerous youth outreach programs to help support music in public schools. In his “real life”, Bemo is a life-long resident of St. Joe. He is employed by the Department of Mental Health as a Forensic Case Monitor and holds a Masters of Social Work Degree from the University of Missouri. He is married to Carol (who is also very active in community theater and New Generation Singers) and they have two children; B.J. (Byron Myers III) and Joey.
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Shaun Agnew is entering his second year as an associate director for the American BarberBoys. Shaun graduated from Missouri Western State College in St. Joseph in May with a degree in Vocal Music Education and a vocal performance emphasis. While at Missouri Western, Shaun was very active in campus ensembles and productions including various musicals, choirs, and chamber operas. He has also established himself as a skilled soloist with performances with the St. Joseph Community Chorus, Missouri Western Concert Chorale, and most notably this past Christmas with the St. Joseph Symphony. Shaun has received many awards during his collegiate career, most recently being named the Outstanding Graduating Senior in Music Education and Vocal Performance for 2004. Not only has Shaun been busy musically, but also administratively. He is the current president of the American BarberBoys after appointments as an at-large board member. Recently he served a two-year term as president of the New Generation Singers, a local youth Christian singing group. Over the past couple of years, Shaun has begun arranging and composing for a wide variety of ensembles. The American BarberBoys have sung several arrangements of his, and will debut two more on the Christmas Show in December. In addition, church choirs including the First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir have sung his compositions. Shaun also sings with Tomfoolery, the 5th place CSD collegiate quartet. They are hoping feverously to qualify to compete in Louisville this summer in an International Collegiate competition. Outside of barbershop, Shaun works full-time in church music. He was recently appointed as Director of Music, Worship, and Arts at Ashland United Methodist Church (coincidently where the BarberBoys rehearse) and in his spare time likes to spend time with his girlfriend of almost three years, Susan.
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Byron is a graduate of the St. Joseph Junior College/Missouri Western State College and Northwest Missouri State University. Byron taught for several years at Central High School and served as an adjunct faculty member of the Northwest Missouri Community College. Byron has received a number of music awards including the Distinguished Alumni Award from Missouri Western, Outstanding Educator from the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, Outstanding Achievement Award from SPEBSQSA and induction into the CSD "Hall of Fame”. Byron is among an elite handful of directors to have International top five medals for both a men's and women's chorus – with the Pony Express Men and the St. Joseph Sweet Adelines. Byron has made 15 trips with the men and 13 trips with the women to International competition. Byron was recently elected to the CSD office of Executive Vice President. He has sung in four CSD championship quartets: The Kippers, The Four Kippers, The Mid Continentals and the Saint City Singers, with a total of 16 trips to Internationals. Byron is also the Executive Director and founder of the New Generation Singers, celebrating over 30 years of excellence in music, evangelism and leadership training. |
Byron "Bemo" Myers II, Music Director
Byron Myers Sr., KUMU