Carolyn Schmidt Appointed to Sweet Adelines International Committee

The Sweet Adelines International (SAI) Board of Directors ratified the appointment of Gillette resident Carolyn Schmidt to serve as one of three coordinators of its International Music Arrangers Program (IMAP), for the 2013-14 term beginning May 1. The committee is comprised of three Master or Certified Music Arrangers. Schmidt was advanced to Master Music Arranger earlier this year, and is currently one of only five Master Music Arrangers currently active in the 23,000-member world-wide organization.

As an IMAP Coordinator, Schmidt will oversee the selection, evaluation, and promotion of music arrangers in the program. She previously served five years on the committee during the 90’s and has since served as a mentor to other arrangers in the program. Schmidt is a well-respected music arranger in Sweet Adelines International, having arranged over 125 songs, sung by hundreds of women’s choruses and quartets around the world.

Sweet Adelines International is a worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education, competition, and performance. This independent, non-profit music education association is one of the largest singing organizations for women.

Schmidt has directed the Basking Ridge, NJ-based Hickory Tree Chorus since 1990, and in 2000 advanced to the title of Master Director by leading the chorus to its first ‘600+’ score in Sweet Adelines International regional competition. Under her direction, the chorus has consistently placed 3^rd or higher in regional competition, and has qualified for International competition four times. The chorus was awarded 2^nd place in Sweet Adelines International’s 2012 Harmony Classic competition for mid-sized choruses. On April 13, it was awarded 3^rd place overall in the Greater New York Region’s annual competition.

Hickory Tree Chorus performs regularly, offers an annual scholarship, and auditions new members year ‘round. Its commitment to education helps women singers realize their full potential through learning, leadership, musical, and creative opportunities. For more information call: 973-980-8466 or visit on the web at: hickorytreechorus.org

HTC Accepting 2013 Scholarship Applications

The Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International is accepting applications for its annual $1,000 scholarship.  The scholarship will be awarded to a young woman graduate who intends to pursue a career in vocal music, based on vocal musical talent, YouTube presentation and application. The scholarship will be presented to the winner after her acceptance to a vocal music program at the college or university of her choice. Application deadline is April 19, 2013.

The Hickory Tree Chorus is a women’s chorus performing popular music in four-part a cappella harmony, barbershop style, entertaining audiences through its annual show and many community events.  Its 50 members hail from communities throughout northern New Jersey and Staten Island, NY. As a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, one of the world’s largest independent music education organizations, the chorus is committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education, competition, and performance.

The award-winning chorus rehearses and welcomes guests 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 140 S. Finley Ave., Basking Ridge, NJ. Auditions are held year ‘round. Membership, performance, and scholarship information is available at hickorytreechorus.org. For more scholarship information, call Willadene Karns at: 973-347-0873.

Photo: Ariel Rubin, Hickory Tree Chorus's 2012 Scholarship recipient.

Hickory Tree Chorus Celebrates 45 Years of Harmony

The Hickory Tree Chorus celebrated its 45^th anniversary as a chapter of Sweet Adelines International with an refreshments and an open rehearsal February 20 in Basking Ridge.  The 50-voice women’s chorus was founded in the Hickory Tree section of Chatham in 1968 and has been entertaining local audiences, winning medals, and supporting vocal music education in the community ever since.

Friends and family enjoyed light refreshments and observed the open rehearsal as the chorus prepared to compete in the April 13 annual contest of the Greater New York Region of Sweet Adelines in Philadelphia.  The chorus has earned medals in every regional contest since 1977. They were awarded their first international medal in Houston, as Sweet Adelines International’s 2012 2^nd place mid-sized chorus.

Following rehearsal, members and guests celebrated with the induction of a new member, cheering a new chapter quartet, and socializing over cake and coffee.

Hickory Tree Chorus performs frequently in the community, including a performance at last year’s Charter Day. Its December 1 annual show ‘Jersey Bounces Back’ was a celebration of New Jersey’s resilient spirit in the wake of Super Storm Sandy.  Last July the chorus hosted Youth In Harmony Night for area student acappella groups, and it offers an annual $1,000 scholarship to an area high school senior girl continuing her vocal music education.

The chorus is one of more than 500 chapters of Sweet Adelines International committed to advancing the musical art-form of barbershop harmony through performance, competition, and education.  Members come from all walks of life, with a love of singing and performing fun-filled popular music forming a common bond.

The chorus, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, hosts Zumba for a Cause on March 3 to benefit its scholarship fund. New member auditions for interested women singers are held year ‘round. For performance, membership and more information visit hickorytreechorus.org on the web or e-mail: info@hickorytreechorus.org

Zumba For A Cause Benefits HTC Educational Programs

Join the fun with Zumba For A Cause, to benefit the Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. Doors open 1:45 p.m. for the 2-4 p.m. event, Sunday, March 3, at the Martinsville Community Center, 1961 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville, NJ.  Save $5! Register by March 2 for $20; Registration is $25 March 3 and at the door.  For early registration and more information contact:  Denise- sweetadel@hotmail.com; or 908-338-0802.

The Hickory Tree Chorus is an award-winning chapter of Sweet Adelines International, performing popular music in four-part acappella harmony, barbershop style, enhanced with lively choreography.  The dynamic 50-voice women’s chorus auditions new members year ‘round, and offers an annual scholarship to an area high school senior girl continuing her vocal music education. More at: hickorytreechorus.org

Open House Welcomes Women Singers

New year, new you! Take a vacation from your virtual life and sing with a world-wide chorus of real women, singing real harmony, and having real fun! The Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International invites women singers to its January Open House, Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 140 S. Finley Ave., Basking Ridge.  We sing popular music in four-part, a cappella harmony and offer expert vocal music education, exciting performance experiences, and opportunities for personal growth. Start your real life today! RSVP at info@hickorytreechorus.org