The New Providence-based Hickory Tree Chorus has earned an invitation to compete in Sweet Adelines International’s Harmony Classic contest in Houston, October 2011. Invitations are limited to the five highest-scoring mid-sized choruses competing in the world-wide organization’s 28 Regional contests. Not only did Hickory Tree Chorus place first in the mid-sized chorus division (and second in overall competition) at the April 24 contest of the Greater New York Region but, with the final regional contest completed May 22, its score was also officially the highest of all mid-sized choruses in the world.
A frequent International competitor, this will be the first appearance by Hickory Tree Chorus in the Harmony Classic. Unlike the overall International competition, where semi-finalist choruses are limited to performing two songs, Harmony Classic competitors are considered finalists in their division so have the opportunity to perform a 10-15 minute “performance package,” a mini Broadway-style production with choreography and a story-line.
Master Director, Carolyn Schmidt of the Gillette section of Long Hill Township, is looking forward to continuing the chorus’s tradition of excellence. “I am extremely proud of our chorus! Our singers have grown so much as performers and will enjoy the challenge of preparing for a competition of this scope. Performing for the live convention audience and friends all over the world watching the webcast, will be very exciting.”
Sweet Adelines International is a worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performances.Boasting nearly 25,000 members worldwide, it is one of the world's largest singing organizations for women. Members sing four-part, a cappella harmony in more than 1,200 registered quartets and 600 choruses. Chartered chapters are located in Australia, Canada, England, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Wales and most of the 50 states in the United States.
Hickory Tree Chorus’s 52 members hail from more than 40 area communities. Team Coordinator, Michelle Metallo of Hillsborough encourages other women to join the chorus. “This is such an exciting time for all of our members and for Hickory Tree Chorus. We are the first chorus in the Greater New York Region to participate in this select competition. This honor has inspired us to perform even better than we already have and we would be thrilled to have new members join us on this exciting adventure.”
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