The barbershop chorus has been captivating audiences along the Waatch Front for decades. As a young boy, Gene Miner often snuck out of bed in his pajamas and slipped down the hall to listen to his father's barbershop quartet practice.

Those after-bed excursions led to the Sandy resident's enduring love for barbershop. His father, Linel "Lynn" Miner, was one of the Beehive Statesmen's original members when the Salt Lake City-based barbershop chorus was conceived in 1948 under the inspiration of Roger Fruend.

Following in his father's footsteps, Gene Miner has been with the Beehive Statesmen for 35 years, ever since returning to Utah from military duty when he was 23. Salt Lake resident Clark Gable, who sings with Miner in the group, first tuned in to barbershop at a Lions Club in Rockford, Ill., in 1964.

The two men and other members of the Beehive Statesmen have been giving barbershop aficionados an earful ever since. The group is now an integral part of Utah's musical landscape. Its members cover a lot of ground, hailing from Davis County to Utah County and all points in between. And their four-part harmony keeps listeners coming back.

Besides luring listeners, the group attracts award-winning groups, including the Evans Quartet, the Salt Flats and One More Time - all of which have sung with the Statesmen, which recently was named the "most-improved chorus" at the Rocky Mountain District contest.

Ryan Riches, a Statesmen who hails from South Jordan, enjoys the melodies and meeting people.

"The past years' performances, from the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Salt Lake City to various Christmas performances, provide an opportunity to meet audiences from all over the Wasatch Front," he says.

Murray resident Beth Bruce, conductor of the group, provides the chorus with professionalism and focus.

"As a singer and director in Sweet Adelines International, a ladies' barbershop-style chorus for over 35 years, I can honestly say I'm enjoying this new musical adventure with these gentlemen," Bruce says.

Rex Bailey of West Valley City is one of many chorus members who sing Bruce's praises.

"Our chorus practices are always well-coordinated and dynamic due to our new director's organization skills and continuous-improvement ideas," he says.

One idea that resonates with the community is the group's practices at West Valley City's Utah Cultural Celebration Center, where there is a standing invitation every Wednesday night for males ages 8 to 80 to sing along and join in the fun.

Davis County resident Doug Stone brings his sons, 10-year-old Joseph and 8-year-old Jacob, to the practices to sing.

"This is a family-friendly hobby that is easy to stay involved with," Stone says.

Upcoming performances

* NOV. 24: Kaysville Daughters of the Pioneers show, Kaysville, 7 p.m.

* DEC. 2: Christmas Show at Highland High School, 2 p.m. For ticket information, call 967-1041.

* DEC. 17: Temple Square (Assembly Hall and South Visitors Center) at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

* DEC. 18: Utah Cultural Celebration Center at 7 p.m.

For additional information, visit the Beehive Statesmen's Web site at www.beehivestatesmen.org.