As a result of its recent performance at the Dixie District competition in Chattanooga, TN, the Music City Chorus has been invited by the Barbershop Harmony Society to compete as a "wildcard" entrant at the 2009 BHS International Chorus contest in Anaheim, CA. Despite finishing second in the District to the Atlanta Vocal Project, the chorus' score of 81.2% secured them a spot in the competition, along with nine other "wildcard" choruses from across the country and winning choruses from the 16 Districts in the Barbershop Society. The Music City Chorus has not competed in the International contest since 1978.

The chorus, under the direction of BHS Music Specialist Mike O'Neill, was also the Large Chorus Champion (42+ singers on stage) and won the distinction of being the "Most Improved Chorus", based on scores from the 2007 fall chorus contest.

In expressing his excitement about the chorus' success, Director O'Neill stated "The Music City Chorus continually impresses me, and they did it in a big way at the Dixie contest. The work ethic, the commitment to excellence, and the positive attitude these men bring to each chapter meeting and each performance is second to none. The spirit of fraternity and brotherhood makes me very thankful I am a part of such a wonderful family. I couldn't be prouder of these men for setting a goal, working their tails off to go after that goal and putting a tremendous performance on stage that has earned them a spot to compete at the International Barbershop Chorus contest. This is an exciting time to be a member of this organization!"

Furthermore, a chapter quartet called The Nashville Singers won the Dixie District Quartet contest by eight points over a quartet from Knoxville, TN and Atlanta, GA. This marked the third year in a row that a Nashville quartet has won the District championship, following The Great Nashville Singout in 2006 and Lunch Break in 2007.

The chorus is busily making preparations for fund-raising activities to help defray many expenses it will incur to go to Anaheim. We have a holiday show on Dec. 12, Singing Valentines in February, an annual show in May, and many other events planned to help raise funds for the trip and for the future. We're going to Disneyland!!