Hickory Tree Chorus in Chatham Courier and Florham Park Eagle

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Hickory Tree Chorus reviews 40-year history in library exhibits
Published: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:41 PM EDT
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CHATHAM TWP. – The Hickory Tree Chorus, a champion chapter of Sweet Adelines International (SAI), is celebrating its 40th year as a chartered SAI chapter, and is displaying related information and memorabilia during May at the Florham Park Public Library, 107 Ridgedale Ave., and in June at the Library of the Chathams, 214 Main St.

The library display includes photos of the chorus “then” and “now,” as well as photos of its current quartets, including Escape, a three-time Regional Quartet Champion.

In 1968, under director and Florham Park resident Richard Florsheimer, 20 women in the area competed in the first Regional SAI contest and placed 11th out of 26 choruses that year.

Last year, the now-70-voice chorus was awarded first place for the seventh time in its history, and this November will compete with SAI choruses from around the world in Honolulu, Hawaii.

In addition to regional and international competition, the chorus performs an annual show and at community events, like this year’s Fishawack Festival in Chatham, coming up Saturday, June 14.

Chatham Township Roots

The chorus took its name from its original rehearsal site, the Hickory Tree section of Chatham Township. Although its rehearsal location has changed frequently over the years, the chorus retained its name and has always attracted members from many communities and backgrounds. Members hail from more than 40 communities in New Jersey and New York, including two from Florham Park and four from the Chathams.

An annual scholarship is awarded to a high school 12th grader in the area who intends to further her music studies, and educational opportunities are provided for members through the chapter and SAI. The chorus performs popular tunes and ballads arranged in four-part a cappella harmony, many by Hickory Tree Chorus’ Master Director Carolyn Schmidt, a certified arranger.

The Hickory Tree Chorus rehearses and welcomes guests at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at 570 Central Ave. in New Providence. For information about bookings, performances or membership, the Web site is hickorytreechorus,org; e-mail is info@hickorytreechorus.org;

Sweet Adelines International is a worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance. With almost 27,000 members, SAI is one of the largest women’s singing organizations in the world.


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