"Sing A Cappella Series" To Teach Barbershop Harmony

November 18, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Dana Dunlevy, Publicity Chair, Hickory Tree Chorus, 973-980-8466

“SING A CAPPELLA SERIES” INVITES WOMEN SINGERS

Women singers are invited to attend any or all sessions of a unique month-long series of free workshops sponsored by the Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International. “Sing A Cappella Series” will introduce singers to the barbershop-style of a cappella music under the guidance of Patricia Danner (pictured on left), a New Jersey state-certified music educator, and Carolyn Schmidt (on right), Master Director of Hickory Tree Chorus.

Danner, of Long Valley, is a music educator at West Morris Mendham High School, where she teaches a variety of musical genres, including barbershop singing. Several of her students sing in barbershop quartets and one quartet performed on a Hickory Tree Chorus show. She is an Assistant Director with Hickory Tree Chorus.

“Sing A Cappella Series” guests will work exclusively with Danner to hone their vocal and listening skills. The workshop will be held concurrent with Hickory Tree Chorus’s weekly rehearsals and guests will be invited to attend any part of the regular rehearsal following their private workshop.

“In this small group setting singers will be able to learn and experience barbershop-style singing in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. The shared experience may even create some lasting friendships,” says Danner.

Schmidt of Gillette, has served as Master Director of Hickory Tree Chorus for the past 15 seasons. Under her directorship, the chorus has won many awards and competed in international contests, most recently November 6 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She is also one of 25 Certified Music Arrangers in the Sweet Adelines International organization.

“Patty is an especially talented and fun young woman who infects everyone with the joy of singing well. I know our guests will benefit from, and thoroughly enjoy, their time together with her,” says Schmidt.

“When I came to the chorus as a singer, I found the four-part a cappella harmonies captivating and members warm and welcoming, enough so that I've remained a member of the organization for the past 34 years,” says Schmidt, adding, “As director, it is my passion to share my knowledge and love for performance with other women singers.”
Schmidt encourages interested women singers to seize this unique opportunity. “My mom joined when she was in her mid-forties and, at 82, she is still going strong as an unbelievably vibrant singer and performer. She has often stated that she wished she found the chorus years earlier. While most of our members are significantly younger than Mom, she is living proof that healthy singing and a healthy attitude can go a long way!”

Register now to attend any or all four workshops held Wednesdays in January, 7:15 pm, at 570 Central Avenue, New Providence. Call 908-307-6367 or e-mail carole.auletta@verizon.net. More at hickorytreechorus.org

Hickory Tree Chorus Helps to "Harmonize the World"

New Providence Hickory Tree Chorus Meets Japanese Singers

by Independent Press

Tuesday November 18, 2008, 10:33 AM

FRIENDS IN SONG -- Members of Hickory Tree Chorus, a New Providence-based chapter of Sweet Adelines International, shared an impromptu song with Japanese sisters-in-song, while attending the organization's annual convention in Honolulu, Hawaii, Nov. 4 to 8. From left in back row, Lois Taylor of Bridgewater; Dana Dunlevy of Florham Park, Rita Peyton of Berkeley Heights and Mary Lou Van Handle of Randolph. Hickory Tree Chorus offers a free series of a cappella workshops where women will learn to sing harmony. Workshops begin at 7:15 p.m., on Wednesdays in January, at 570 Central Avenue, New Providence. Register to attend. Visit hickorytreechorus.org or call 908-307-6367.