Hickory Tree's 2007 Scholarship winners were featured in The Star-Ledger.
http://www.nj.com/starledger/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1190262346276800.xml&coll=1
"Two Local Singers Win Music Scholarships"
College Corner
The Star-Ledger — Thursday, September 20, 2007
A local scholarship committee didn't have to search very far for its annual candidate. In fact, there were two deserving students within its own group.
Carianne Bennett of Millington and Lauren Kahn of Gillette were named recipients of the 2007 Hick ory Tree Chorus Music Scholarship.
The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a musically talented young woman interested in pursuing a career in music. For the first time in its 20-year history the scholarship was awarded to two young women, both members of Hickory Tree Chorus.
"We were fortunate to have two very talented, very deserving candi dates within our own chorus this year," said Lynn Macbeth, Hickory Tree Chorus scholarship chair. Both young women are 2007 graduates of Watchung Hills Regional High School.
Carianne Bennett will major in vocal studies at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, Ohio. Her extensive musical background includes participation in the New Jersey chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing competition, placing as high as second; participation in the Spoleto Arts Symposium in Italy, performing the role of Mother in "Hansel and Gretel" and acceptance to the All-State Opera Festival.
Lauren Kahn will major in physics and minor in music at Northwestern University in Chicago, Ill. She is a member of the National Honor Society, a Bloustein Distinguished Scholar and recognized by Watchung Hills Regional High School for Outstanding Achievement in calculus and in French. She has studied voice, piano, music theory and arranging, and has participated in the New Jersey Youth Chorus, Central New Jersey Region Chorus and the New Jersey All-State Chorus.
With Bennett, Kahn conducted independent research, in conjunc tion with her Advanced Placement Physics class, regarding the ties between physics and vocal pedagogy.
Both young women have competed and performed with Hickory Tree Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, and with Capriccio, a registered Sweet Ade lines International quartet. With the chorus, they have been named Regional Champions, and with Capriccio they have participated in, and placed as high as third, in the Sweet Adelines International Education Symposium Quartet Competition.
Hickory Tree Chorus members from more than 40 communities rehearse weekly in New Providence. As the 2007 Greater New York Region Champions of Sweet Adelines International, they will compete in Honolulu, Hawaii, with choruses from around the world in November 2008. For scholarship, membership, booking, or performance information, visit hickorytreechorus.org.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Hickory Tree Chorus in The Township Journal
Click link to read about two HTC members in The Township Journal.
http://www.strausnews.com/articles/2007/06/08/township_journal/news/13.txt
"Mother And Daughter Are Truly In Harmony All The Way To Hawaii"
By Margaret Witt
The Township Journal — June 7, 2007
Byram — Willadene Karns figures it's always nice to win, but it's even nicer to win when you win a trip to Honolulu.
Karns and her daughter, Sara McHugh, both teachers in the Byram school district, also sing with the Hickory Tree Chorus, the 2007 first place winner for the Greater New York Region of Sweet Adelines.
"For the last 25 years we've taken first, second or third place," Karns said. Had they taken first place last year the trip would have been to Las Vegas. Two years ago, it was to Indianapolis. Karns figures they picked the best year to win.
Karns and her three daughters all have certain things in common, the facial expressions, mannerisms and catch phrases typical of many mothers and daughters. While Karns was teaching her daughters the typical "mom lessons:" right from wrong, to be kind to others, to be ourselves and to work hard for our dreams, she was also providing one more lesson- a love of music.
Karns, of Stanhope, is a third grade teacher at Byram Lakes School and has been singing with Hickory Tree Chorus for more than 24 years. A friend in the chorus at the time asked her to join her at a rehearsal. Karns' husband told her, "I can babysit; you need to do something for yourself." At the time her daughters were 17, 14 and 11.
One of Sarah's sisters used to perform with Hickory Tree and the other is a trained opera singer.
McHugh, of Byram, teaches kindergarten. She joined the chorus in 1996, after college. "After I graduated I had no performance outlet," said McHugh.
Noting the Sweet Adeline/Barbershop Quartet stereotype, McHugh laughed: "We're not your white-haired biddies anymore. We don't just stand and sing." The Sweet Adelines groups now bring choreography into their performances.
Sweet Adelines International choruses perform barbershop-style four-part a cappella harmony. The groups range in size, with Hickory Tree's group at about 65 members. "We're the smallest of the large chorus groups. Our youngest member is 16 and our oldest is 80. We're from all different walks of life. What binds us together is our love of music," said Karns.
After the Hickory Tree Chorus won in Philadelphia, they had 18 months to raise money for the Hawaii trip.
"We raise money by selling candy, a cookbook we wrote as a group, and in the summer we sell refreshments for the Somerset Patriots ballpark. Our favorite way to earn money, of course, is to perform," said Karns. The group performs songs of all types, including the Beatles, Carol King, Disney tunes and Fats Waller to name a few. "We love to entertain small groups, the personal contact is wonderful," said McHugh.
Besides making the best music they can, the Hickory Tree Chorus has other goals. They are currently working with Curves to strengthen their bodies which helps build strength for improved vocal quality and breath support. Each year the group donates a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior going in to music.
To join the group all you need is a love of singing and to be able to hold your part. You don't even need to read music. "I learn most of my music in the car. The songs are given to us on tape as well as the sheet music," said McHugh.
The singers in Hickory Tree come from as far as New York City and Staten Island. There is no age requirement either. Their group has several family groups, two with three generations in the chorus- grandmother, mother and daughter. Practices are at the New Jersey Youth Symphony/Music Center in New Providence, New Jersey, near the Short Hills Mall. Practices are once a week, with a few extra before a performance at times. Besides the private performances, Hickory Tree has one concert a year open to the public. This year's concert will be November 17.
For more information on joining the chorus or how to hire them to perform, visit their Web site at hickorytreechorus.org.
http://www.strausnews.com/articles/2007/06/08/township_journal/news/13.txt
"Mother And Daughter Are Truly In Harmony All The Way To Hawaii"
By Margaret Witt
The Township Journal — June 7, 2007
Byram — Willadene Karns figures it's always nice to win, but it's even nicer to win when you win a trip to Honolulu.
Karns and her daughter, Sara McHugh, both teachers in the Byram school district, also sing with the Hickory Tree Chorus, the 2007 first place winner for the Greater New York Region of Sweet Adelines.
"For the last 25 years we've taken first, second or third place," Karns said. Had they taken first place last year the trip would have been to Las Vegas. Two years ago, it was to Indianapolis. Karns figures they picked the best year to win.
Karns and her three daughters all have certain things in common, the facial expressions, mannerisms and catch phrases typical of many mothers and daughters. While Karns was teaching her daughters the typical "mom lessons:" right from wrong, to be kind to others, to be ourselves and to work hard for our dreams, she was also providing one more lesson- a love of music.
Karns, of Stanhope, is a third grade teacher at Byram Lakes School and has been singing with Hickory Tree Chorus for more than 24 years. A friend in the chorus at the time asked her to join her at a rehearsal. Karns' husband told her, "I can babysit; you need to do something for yourself." At the time her daughters were 17, 14 and 11.
One of Sarah's sisters used to perform with Hickory Tree and the other is a trained opera singer.
McHugh, of Byram, teaches kindergarten. She joined the chorus in 1996, after college. "After I graduated I had no performance outlet," said McHugh.
Noting the Sweet Adeline/Barbershop Quartet stereotype, McHugh laughed: "We're not your white-haired biddies anymore. We don't just stand and sing." The Sweet Adelines groups now bring choreography into their performances.
Sweet Adelines International choruses perform barbershop-style four-part a cappella harmony. The groups range in size, with Hickory Tree's group at about 65 members. "We're the smallest of the large chorus groups. Our youngest member is 16 and our oldest is 80. We're from all different walks of life. What binds us together is our love of music," said Karns.
After the Hickory Tree Chorus won in Philadelphia, they had 18 months to raise money for the Hawaii trip.
"We raise money by selling candy, a cookbook we wrote as a group, and in the summer we sell refreshments for the Somerset Patriots ballpark. Our favorite way to earn money, of course, is to perform," said Karns. The group performs songs of all types, including the Beatles, Carol King, Disney tunes and Fats Waller to name a few. "We love to entertain small groups, the personal contact is wonderful," said McHugh.
Besides making the best music they can, the Hickory Tree Chorus has other goals. They are currently working with Curves to strengthen their bodies which helps build strength for improved vocal quality and breath support. Each year the group donates a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior going in to music.
To join the group all you need is a love of singing and to be able to hold your part. You don't even need to read music. "I learn most of my music in the car. The songs are given to us on tape as well as the sheet music," said McHugh.
The singers in Hickory Tree come from as far as New York City and Staten Island. There is no age requirement either. Their group has several family groups, two with three generations in the chorus- grandmother, mother and daughter. Practices are at the New Jersey Youth Symphony/Music Center in New Providence, New Jersey, near the Short Hills Mall. Practices are once a week, with a few extra before a performance at times. Besides the private performances, Hickory Tree has one concert a year open to the public. This year's concert will be November 17.
For more information on joining the chorus or how to hire them to perform, visit their Web site at hickorytreechorus.org.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
HTC's 2007 Scholarship Winners in The Local Source
Click link to read about HTC's 2007 Scholarship winners in The Local Source.
http://www.localsource.com/articles/2007/09/18/mountainside/from_the_community/a747b9d4c7ef660619378e3b7d51b714.txt
"Hickory Tree Chorus Announces Scholarship Winners"
The Local Source — Friday, August 24, 2007
MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ — Carianne Bennett of Millington and Lauren Kahn of Gillette were named recipients of the 2007 Hickory Tree Chorus Music Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a musically talented young woman interested in pursuing a career in music. For the first time in its 20 year history, the scholarship was awarded to two young women, both members of Hickory Tree Chorus.
"We were fortunate to have two very talented, very deserving candidates within our own chorus this year," said Hickory Tree Chorus scholarship chair, Lynn Macbeth. Both young women are 2007 graduates of Watchung Hills Regional High School.
Carianne Bennett will major in Vocal Studies at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, Ohio. Her extensive musical background includes participation in the New Jersey chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing competition, placing as high as second; participation in the Spoleto Arts Symposium in Italy, performing the role of Mother in Hansel and Gretel; and acceptance to the All-State Opera Festival.
Lauren Kahn will major is Physics and minor in Music at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. She is a member of the National Honor Society, a Bloustein Distinguished Scholar, and recognized by Watchung Hills Regional High School for Outstanding Achievement in Calculus and in French. She has studied voice, piano, music theory, and arranging, and has participated in the New Jersey Youth Chorus, Central New Jersey Regions Chorus, and the New Jersey All-State Chorus.
With Carianne Bennett, Lauren Kahn conducted independent research, in conjunction with her Advanced Placement Physics class, regarding the ties between physics and vocal pedagogy.
Both young women have competed and performed with Hickory Tree Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, and with Capriccio, a registered Sweet Adelines International quartet. With the chorus, they have been named Regional Champions, and with Capriccio they have participated in, and placed as high as third at, the Sweet Adelines International Education Symposium Quartet Competition.
Hickory Tree Chorus members from over 40 communities attend weekly rehearsals in New Providence. As the 2007 Greater New York Region Champions of Sweet Adelines International, they will compete in Honolulu, Hawaii with choruses from around the world in November 2008. For scholarship, membership, booking, or performance information visit hickorytreechorus.org or e-mail info@hickorytreechorus.org
Sweet Adelines International is a worldwide organization of almost 27,000 women committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performances.
http://www.localsource.com/articles/2007/09/18/mountainside/from_the_community/a747b9d4c7ef660619378e3b7d51b714.txt
"Hickory Tree Chorus Announces Scholarship Winners"
The Local Source — Friday, August 24, 2007
MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ — Carianne Bennett of Millington and Lauren Kahn of Gillette were named recipients of the 2007 Hickory Tree Chorus Music Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a musically talented young woman interested in pursuing a career in music. For the first time in its 20 year history, the scholarship was awarded to two young women, both members of Hickory Tree Chorus.
"We were fortunate to have two very talented, very deserving candidates within our own chorus this year," said Hickory Tree Chorus scholarship chair, Lynn Macbeth. Both young women are 2007 graduates of Watchung Hills Regional High School.
Carianne Bennett will major in Vocal Studies at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, Ohio. Her extensive musical background includes participation in the New Jersey chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing competition, placing as high as second; participation in the Spoleto Arts Symposium in Italy, performing the role of Mother in Hansel and Gretel; and acceptance to the All-State Opera Festival.
Lauren Kahn will major is Physics and minor in Music at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. She is a member of the National Honor Society, a Bloustein Distinguished Scholar, and recognized by Watchung Hills Regional High School for Outstanding Achievement in Calculus and in French. She has studied voice, piano, music theory, and arranging, and has participated in the New Jersey Youth Chorus, Central New Jersey Regions Chorus, and the New Jersey All-State Chorus.
With Carianne Bennett, Lauren Kahn conducted independent research, in conjunction with her Advanced Placement Physics class, regarding the ties between physics and vocal pedagogy.
Both young women have competed and performed with Hickory Tree Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, and with Capriccio, a registered Sweet Adelines International quartet. With the chorus, they have been named Regional Champions, and with Capriccio they have participated in, and placed as high as third at, the Sweet Adelines International Education Symposium Quartet Competition.
Hickory Tree Chorus members from over 40 communities attend weekly rehearsals in New Providence. As the 2007 Greater New York Region Champions of Sweet Adelines International, they will compete in Honolulu, Hawaii with choruses from around the world in November 2008. For scholarship, membership, booking, or performance information visit hickorytreechorus.org or e-mail info@hickorytreechorus.org
Sweet Adelines International is a worldwide organization of almost 27,000 women committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performances.
HTC Show Tickets On Sale
September 4, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dana Dunlevy, Publicity Chair, 973-980-8466
HICKORY TREE CHORUS SHOW TICKETS ON SALE
Hickory Tree Chorus, the 2007 Champions of the Greater New York Region of Sweet Adelines International, will present “Dance With Me” an exciting show of toe-tapping popular songs performed in four-part acappella harmony, and featuring guest men’s quartet, “Our Town.”
The chorus takes the stage for two lively performances on Saturday, November 17, at West Morris Mendham High School, 65 East Main Street, Mendham, NJ at 3pm and 7:30 pm. Advanced tickets are available by calling 973-539-7904 or by e-mailing tickets@hickorytreechorus.org. All seats are reserved and tickets are priced $20 for adults; $18 for seniors aged 62 and older; $10 for youths aged 12 and under. A 20% discount is available for Jersey Arts cardholders. All tickets cost an additional $2 at the door.
Guest quartet, Our Town, promises dynamic barbershop harmony from its international medalist members, including lead Scott Brannon, director emeritus of the Big Apple Chorus, from the Barbershop Harmony Society.
Hickory Tree Chorus has performed recently at community events like the Relay for Life in New Providence, but “Dance With Me” is their first big public show since winning first place this past April in regional competition held in Philadelphia. The win qualifies the chorus to compete in the Sweet Adelines’ international contest November 2008 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The chorus boasts some 65 voices on stage, with members coming from over 40 communities in the northern New Jersey and New York area.
Hickory Tree Chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performances. This non-profit, independent music education association is one of the world’s largest singing organizations for women.
Rehearsals are held and guests welcomed Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, at the Suburban Music Center, 570 Central Avenue, New Providence. For information visit hickorytreechorus.org or e-mail info@hickorytreechorus.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dana Dunlevy, Publicity Chair, 973-980-8466
HICKORY TREE CHORUS SHOW TICKETS ON SALE
Hickory Tree Chorus, the 2007 Champions of the Greater New York Region of Sweet Adelines International, will present “Dance With Me” an exciting show of toe-tapping popular songs performed in four-part acappella harmony, and featuring guest men’s quartet, “Our Town.”
The chorus takes the stage for two lively performances on Saturday, November 17, at West Morris Mendham High School, 65 East Main Street, Mendham, NJ at 3pm and 7:30 pm. Advanced tickets are available by calling 973-539-7904 or by e-mailing tickets@hickorytreechorus.org. All seats are reserved and tickets are priced $20 for adults; $18 for seniors aged 62 and older; $10 for youths aged 12 and under. A 20% discount is available for Jersey Arts cardholders. All tickets cost an additional $2 at the door.
Guest quartet, Our Town, promises dynamic barbershop harmony from its international medalist members, including lead Scott Brannon, director emeritus of the Big Apple Chorus, from the Barbershop Harmony Society.
Hickory Tree Chorus has performed recently at community events like the Relay for Life in New Providence, but “Dance With Me” is their first big public show since winning first place this past April in regional competition held in Philadelphia. The win qualifies the chorus to compete in the Sweet Adelines’ international contest November 2008 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The chorus boasts some 65 voices on stage, with members coming from over 40 communities in the northern New Jersey and New York area.
Hickory Tree Chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performances. This non-profit, independent music education association is one of the world’s largest singing organizations for women.
Rehearsals are held and guests welcomed Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, at the Suburban Music Center, 570 Central Avenue, New Providence. For information visit hickorytreechorus.org or e-mail info@hickorytreechorus.org
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