HTC in Florham Park Eagle

‘Sing with us’
Chorus seeks new voices
Published: Jun 19th, 7:07 AM
FLORHAM PARK - The Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International is looking out for new members, said Dana Dunlevy, a Florham Park resident and member of the group.

“We are accepting registrations for our free ‘Sing A Cappella Series’,” said Dunlevy.

The summer session of vocal workshops will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from June 24 through July 8, at the New Jersey Youth Symphony Music Center, 570 Central Ave. in New Providence.

“Women will learn to sing chord-ringing, fun-filled, four-part, a cappella music in the barbershop style with a small group of other guests,” said Dunlevy.

A trained member of Hickory Tree Chorus’s music staff guides the group, she said.

“The sessions include a free voice-placement evaluation,” Dunlevy added.

The winter Sing Acappella Series has been wildly popular, she said, attracting more than a dozen guests, “six of whom joined the Hickory Tree Chorus and have already enjoyed singing in community performances.”

‘Joy To My Heart’

Tina Peterson of Chatham, a winter Sing A Cappella Series participant who joined the chorus in February, said of her experience, “I always loved to sing and found I was really sad when I was no longer singing with my girls at their ‘Mommy and Me’ music classes. I saw a flyer for Hickory Tree’s free Sing A Cappella Series and decided to come. I feel so lucky to have joined this award-winning chorus,” Peterson said. “Singing with the Hickory Tree Chorus has brought joy to my heart on a weekly basis. The fellowship of this warm, talented group of women is a real treasure on my ‘mom’s night out’.”

The Hickory Tree Chorus was awarded the bronze medal in the Sweet Adelines International’s Greater New York Regional chorus contest on March 28, in Philadelphia, Pa.

It was the 25th regional medal awarded the chorus, and the 12th under Master Director Carolyn Schmidt.

The singing group achieved the highest-ever score, performing the ballad “If You Love Me” and the up-tune “Lulu’s Back In Town.”

Making their stage debut in March were four new chorus members, graduates of the Hickory Tree Chorus’ January Sing A Cappella series of workshops. The women qualified to compete after dedicating eight weeks to perfecting notes, artistry, and choreography.

Membership Offer

Women who attend the first Sing A Cappella Series session on Wednesday, June 24, will receive a free first-month membership should they join the chorus by Wednesday, Sept. 30.

The chorus, which is nonprofit, was chartered in 1968.

It is an award-winning women’s chorus singing four-part a cappella harmony in barbershop style. The chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International.

The 70-plus members hail from more than 40 communities in New Jersey, from Wantage Township to the Toms River section of Dover Township and from Hackettstown to Staten Island, N.Y.

The women are dedicated, making the trip to New Providence each week for the chance to sing popular music, ballads, and novelty tunes in close harmony, improving their musical skills and performing throughout northern New Jersey.

To register for any or all of the Sing A Cappella Series summer sessions, e-mail members@hickorytreechorus.org or call (908) 307-6367.