On September 30, 1974, a small article in the Bozeman paper announced that a “meeting will be conducted by Mrs. Ronald (Lee) Lundquist… in the interest of organizing a chapter of Sweet Adelines, Inc. [sic].” Many women responded and a women’s barbershop chorus was born. Between 1974 and 1977 the group grew and performed in the community, including the first of 26 appearances in the Chord Rustlers’ annual show. The chorus presented its first show October 22, 1977 at the Willson School. Tickets sold for $3. At that show, the Snowbird Chorus received its charter from Sweet Adelines International.
In 1979, the chorus competed in the regional competition for the first time, placing sixth. They received the Novice Chorus Award. Later competitions would yield a First Place, Small Chorus trophy (1985) and three Second Place, Small Chorus ribbons.
From 1987 through 1992, the chorus’ annual show was a dinner show, often held at the MSU Ballroom.
In the late 80’s, membership dropped below the required 20 and the chorus lost its charter. After regrouping and recruiting, the charter was finally restored.
Jerrie Beyrodt, the chorus’ director since 1992, moved from Bozeman in 1997 and passed the reigns on the Glenna Berdahl who had joined the chorus in 1981. Glenna brought a renewed commitment to competition, taking the chorus to regional competition 12 times in 14 years. Under Glenna, the chorus got its first Fourth place medal (2006) and its highest score of 496 (2007).
In 2001, the chorus changed its name from Snowbird Chrous to Bridger Mountain Harmony Chorus. During the next 10 years the chorus put on 7 fall shows at the Emerson or Belgrade High School Auditorium as well as 3 Christmas shows. The chorus never misses a chance to sing in the Chord Rustlers’ shows and enjoys sharing the gift of music with the community, whether Whitehall or Livingston or points in between.
2012 marked the chorus’ 35th anniversary and the retirement of their director Glenna Berdahl of 15 years.
In 2013, Director Rebecca Ballotta joined Bridger Mountain Harmony.