The Hickory Tree Chorus celebrated its 45th
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 2nd 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
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