Carols rang throughout northern and central New Jersey as the Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International, its ensembles and quartets spread holiday cheer with a full holiday performance schedule, even with two performances cancelled due to snow.
Escape, Moonstruck, True Blues and Brocade quartets regularly carolled on the streets of downtowns in Westfield, Chester and Summit. Small ensembles performed at the Berkeley Heights Tree Lighting, for the International Association of Administrative Professionals, and a 90th birthday party.
The final performance of the 2009 season featured the full chorus, performing two 45-minute sets, at the Assumption Church in Morristown as part of First Night Morris, one of the state's largest First Night celebrations.
The chorus looks forward to another full performance schedule in 2010, beginning with its popular Singing Valentines program. To tailor and book a performance for your entertainment needs, e-mail booking@hickorytreechorus.org. Singing Valentines can be ordered now by e-mailing valentine@hickorytreechorus.org
Pictured top to bottom: IAAP of Somerset County performance; 90th Birthday performance; First Night Morris performance (photo: Rory Britt).
Sweet Adelines International’s Hickory Tree Chorus invites women singers in the north/central New Jersey area who want to improve their vocal skills to register for the chorus’s Sing A Cappella Series, 7:15 pm January 6, 13, 19, and 27 at 570 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ. The Hickory Tree Chorus is one of the hundreds of Sweet Adelines International choruses that make up this worldwide organization of women who sing four-part barbershop harmony.
Any woman of average singing ability, with or without vocal training, will find a part that fits her voice range with the help of Hickory Tree Chorus’s Music and Performance (MAP) team. Sing A Cappella participants will have the opportunity to work with Renee Porzel, Sweet Adelines International Certified Faculty, who will coach the chorus in Performance and Expression January 19. The other evenings, guests will work exclusively with Hickory Tree Chorus’s MAP team, and participate in portions of the chorus’s weekly rehearsals.
The Hickory Tree Chorus performs regularly throughout the community, produces an annual show, and awards an annual $1,000 scholarship to an area high school girl continuing her vocal music education in college.
Singing, performing and music education are only some of the benefits that members of Sweet Adelines International enjoy. Members experience genuine friendships, increased self-confidence, renewed vitality, and the unwavering motivation and inspiration of others that becomes invaluable.
For Sing A Cappella Series registration and directions contact Membership Chair, Dolly Power, at 908-307-6367 or members@hickorytreechorus.org. Visit on the web at hickorytreechorus.org
seat-to-stage! is an opportunity for women to get out of the audience and onto the stage as a performer with the award-winning Hickory Tree Chorus on their November 21 original show, Museum Mayhem. After completing a series of three, free classes participants may experience the joy of singing a chord-ringing, fun-filled popular uptune in front of an audience of friends and family.
Georgette Chrystal, baritone of three-time Sweet Adelines International Regional Champion Quartet Escape, will host a series of three, free classes teaching women singers one of four a cappella voice parts.The ability to read music is helpful but not required. Like Hickory Tree Chorus members, participants will be aided by learning CD’s and sheet music, as well as patient, personal guidance.
seat-to-stage! free classes will be held three nights only — October 7, 14, and 21, 7:30 pm, 570 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ. Register with Membership Chair Dolly Power at 908-307-6367 or: members@hickorytreechorus.org. More information at www.hickorytreechorus.org
Virginia Hixson of Bridgewater has been awarded the 2009 Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International Annual Scholarship. The chorus awards the $1,000 scholarship to an area high school senior girl with a good academic record and exceptional talent in vocal music who has applied for acceptance into a music program at a college or university.
Hixson is a June 2009 graduate of the Bridgewater-Raritan High School where she was a member of the Choir. She served as the Alto II section leader and was also accepted into the Chamber Choir where she sang alto II, and served as tenor section leader.
“I was the only ‘tenalto’ in my chamber choir,” says Virginia.
She also studied Music Theory and, as a senior, gave sight-singing lessons to freshmen and sophomore choir students. She is the youngest member of her church choir where she sings with her father, Dana Hixson. Virginia is currently the youngest member of the Hickory Tree Chorus, singing baritone. She performs regularly with the chorus and participated in both Regional and International competitions since joining the chorus in May 2007.
Hixson will attend The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ where she will major in mathematics and minor in music. Virginia has, since eighth grade, dreamed of becoming a mathematics teacher and now also dreams of becoming a Sweet Adelines International chorus director.
Sweet Adelines International is a worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance. Hickory Tree Chorus rehearses and welcomes guests Wednesdays in New Providence, NJ. For membership, performance, and scholarship information visit hickorytreechorus.org
The Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International is accepting registrations for its free Sing Acappella Series summer session of vocal workshops running Wednesdays, 7:30pm, June 24-July 8, at the New Jersey Youth Symphony Music Center, 570 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ.
Women will learn to sing chord-ringing, fun-filled, four-part, acappella music in the barbershop style with a small group of other guests, guided by a trained member of Hickory Tree Chorus's Music Staff. The sessions include a free voice-placement evaluation.
The winter Sing Acappella Series was wildly popular, attracting more than a dozen guests, six of whom subsequently joined the Hickory Tree Chorus and have already enjoyed singing in community performances.
Tina Peterson , one previous participant who joined the chorus (shown right with winter session alumni Amy Cousins and Martha Watson) says of her Sing Acappella Series experience, "I always loved to sing and found I was really sad when I was no longer singing with my girls at their Mommy & Me music classes. I saw a flyer for Hickory Tree's free Sing Acappella series and decided to come. I felt so lucky to join this award-winning chorus. Singing with 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."
Read Tina's full story, and that of other real women, singing real harmony, and having real fun with Hickory Tree Chorus under the "photos" link at hickorytreechorus.org
Women who attend the first Sing Acappella Series session on June 24 will receive free first-month membership if they join the chorus by September 30, 2009. Register for any or all of the Sing Acappella Series summer session by e-mailing members@hickorytreechorus.org or by calling 908-307-6367.
HICKORY TREE CHORUS AWARDED 25TH REGIONAL MEDAL The Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International (SAI) was awarded the bronze medal in SAI’s Greater New York Regional contest March 28, 2009 in Philadelphia, PA. It is the 25th Regional medal awarded the New Providence-based chorus of 54 women singers.
Under the guidance of Master Director Carolyn Schmidt of Gillette, the Hickory Tree Chorus achieved its highest-ever score, performing the ballad “If You Love Me” and the up-tune “Lulu’s Back In Town,” sung in four-part, a cappella harmony in the barbershop style, with choreography.
The chorus performs often in the area, including in its annual show, at community events and at private functions. Interested women singers are invited to attend a Wednesday evening rehearsal at 570 Central Avenue in New Providence. In February, the chorus welcomed five new members who were able to participate in the competition with the educational support of the chorus, which provided coaching to all members by an international champion SAI director.
Hickory Tree Chorus supports vocal music education in the community in many ways, including the offering of its annual $1,000 scholarship to a talented high school senior girl continuing her vocal music education. This year’s scholarship deadline is April 24.
Schmidt and Assistant Director Patricia Danner are also involved with the upcoming Festival of Harmony, a full-day a cappella workshop for young men and women held April 18 in Rahway (festivalofharmony.org).
Sweet Adelines International is a worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance. For Hickory Tree Chorus membership, scholarship, and other information visit hickorytreechorus.org or e-mail info@hickorytreechorus.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 2, 2009 CONTACT: Dana Dunlevy, Publicity and Marketing Chair, Hickory Tree Chorus, 973-980-8466
SWEET ADELINES OFFER SCHOLARSHIP
The Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International is accepting applications for its annual scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a musically talented young woman interested in pursuing a career in music. The chorus has been awarding annual scholarships for over 20 years to area high school students. Qualified high school senior girls with good academic records and exceptional talent in vocal music are encouraged to apply for this year's scholarship. Students should also have applied for acceptance into a music program at a college or university. Applicants must submit an audio-tape or CD of a short performance demonstrating their particular talent. Tapes or CD’s may include accompaniment, as needed. Completed applications and audio-tapes or CDs must be received by April 24th, 2009.
High school guidance departments in more than 50 communities have information and applications. Applications can be downloaded directly from the chorus’ web site at hickorytreechorus.org. All applicants will be notified of the results during the week of May 18, 2009. For more information contact Lynn Macbeth at 908-879-2989 or email: lynnmacbeth@comcast.net.
Hickory Tree Chorus rehearses and welcomes guests Wednesdays, 7:30 pm at 570 Central Avenue, New Providence. Sweet Adelines International is a worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performances.
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 LongValley, is a music educator at WestMorrisMendhamHigh 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.Call908-307-6367 or e-mail carole.auletta@verizon.net.More at hickorytreechorus.org
Seventeen members of New Providence-based Hickory Tree Chorus will compete in the Sweet Adelines International (SAI) Greater New York Region quartet contest April 5 in Philadelphia, PA. Hickory Tree Chorus, the SAI 2007 regional chorus champion boasts of having its members in five of this year’s 23 competing quartets.
The five quartets include 3-time returning regional quartet champion Escape and the 2006 Novice quartet winner, True Blues who sat out last year’s contest due to a member’s illness. Moonstruck, who placed seventh last year will compete for the first time with two new members. 24-Karat has two members who hold dual chorus membership (with Princeton-based Jersey Harmony Chorus).
Hickory Tree Chorus Master Director, Carolyn Schmidt will compete as the baritone of Brocade alongside her mother, Lilas Schmidt who will compete as the quartet’s bass singer. This will be the 35th consecutive regional quartet contest in which Lilas has competed, a record for a Hickory Tree Chorus member.
Many chorus and quartet members were heard locally in February, delivering Singing Valentines to surprised sweethearts at their schools, homes, and workplaces.
Sweet Adelines International is a worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance. With more than 25,000 members, Sweet Adelines International is one of the largest women’s singing organizations in the world.
Hickory Tree Chorus hosts this year’s regional chorus and quartet contest, as they prepare to compete against SAI choruses from around the world November in Honolulu, HI. The chorus and quartets perform an annual show and at local community, corporate, and private events. The chorus rehearses and welcomes guests Wednesdays, 7:30 pm at 570 Central Ave., New Providence. Visit hickorytreechorus.org or e-mail info@hickorytreechorus.org
February 13, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dana Dunlevy, Publicity and Marketing, Hickory Tree Chorus, 973-980-8466
Hickory Tree Chorus Offers $1000 Music Scholarship
Hickory Tree Chorus, a champion chapter of Sweet Adelines International, is accepting applications for its 2008, annual $1000 scholarship to a musically talented young woman interested in pursuing a career in music. Qualified high school senior girls with good academic records and exceptional talent in vocal music are encouraged to apply. Students should also have applied for acceptance into a music program at a college or university. Applicants must submit an audio-tape or CD of a short performance demonstrating their particular talent. Tapes may include accompaniment, as needed. Completed applications and audio-tapes or CDs must be received by April 14th, 2008.
High school guidance departments in more than 50 communities have information and applications. Applications may also be obtained by e-mailing info@hickorytreechorus.org, or printing directly from the chorus’s web site at hickorytreechorus.org.
Hickory Tree Chorus rehearses and welcomes guests Wednesdays, 7:30pm at the New Jersey Youth Symphony Music Center, 570 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ. This year marks its fortieth year as a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance. With almost 27,000 members world-wide, Sweet Adelines International is one of the world’s largest women’s singing organizations.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 22, 2008 CONTACT: Dana Dunlevy, Publicity and Marketing, Hickory Tree Chorus 973-980-8466 or dldunlevy@gmail.com Sweet Adelines Deliver Songs to Sweethearts
Send your sweetheart a song this Valentine’s Day! For just $50 a quartet from Hickory Tree Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, will sing two songs, present a gift, and take a digital photo with your loved one to mark the occasion.
Singing Valentines can be delivered to a north/central New Jersey location of your choice. Repertoire is appropriate for spouses, friends, children, or parents. Surprise your loved one at work, school, home, or during a romantic dinner.
If your sweetheart is away on business, at college, or retired to someplace warm send a Telephone Valentine, one song, for just $20. Book your Singing Valentine early by calling 718-979-2349 or e-mail valentine@hickorytreechorus.org.
Hickory Tree Chorus is the 2007 champion of the Greater New York Region of Sweet Adelines International. Its 60 members rehearse and welcome guests Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, at 570 Central Avenue, New Providence. Visit on the web at hickorytreechorus.org
Sweet Adelines International is a worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance. With almost 27,000 members, Sweet Adelines International is one of the largest women’s singing organizations in the world.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 22, 2008 CONTACT: Dana Dunlevy, Publicity and Marketing, Hickory Tree Chorus 973-980-8466 or dldunlevy@gmail.com
Hickory Tree Chorus Celebrates 40 Years of Harmony
Hickory Tree Chorus celebrates 40 years as a chartered Sweet Adelines International chapter later this year. In July of 1968, 20 women, under Director Richard Florsheimer, officially began rehearsing four-part acappella harmony in the Hickory Tree section of Chatham Township, from which the chorus took its name. They have performed and competed locally, and internationally, ever since.
As the 2007 Greater New York Region champion of Sweet Adelines International, the chorus is preparing to compete in international competition in Honolulu, Hawaii in November. It will be Hickory Tree Chorus’ seventh trip to the international stage. The more than 60 women from over 40 communities in northern New Jersey and New York are led by Director Carolyn Schmidt of Gillette. Her daughter sang with the chorus until leaving for college this past fall. Her mother, Lilas Schmidt, has performed with the chorus, and as part of a quartet, for almost 40 years.
The chorus offers educational opportunities for members and awards an annual scholarship to an area high school senior pursuing music in college. The chorus performs pop, jazz, show tunes, and American standards all arranged in four-part harmony, many by Carolyn Schmidt, a certified arranger. The chorus does more than just sing the music, they perform it. In addition to placing first overall in the region in 2007, the chorus was awarded the first, annual Renee Craig Showmanship award for their exciting choreography and performance.
“This chorus, and this organization, offer so many opportunities for a woman to challenge herself to grow, not only as a singer and performer, but as a person,” says Dolly Power, Membership Chairperson.
Hickory Tree Chorus currently rehearses and welcomes guests Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, 570 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ. Visit on the web at hickorytreechorus.org or e-mail info@hickorytreechorus.org
Sweet Adelines International is a worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance. With almost 27,000 members, Sweet Adelines International is one of the largest women’s singing organizations in the world.
September 4, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dana Dunlevy, Publicity Chair, 973-980-8466
HICKORY TREE CHORUS SHOW TICKETS ON SALE
Hickory Tree Chorus, the 2007 Champions of the Greater New York Region of Sweet Adelines International, will present “Dance With Me” an exciting show of toe-tapping popular songs performed in four-part acappella harmony, and featuring guest men’s quartet, “Our Town.”
The chorus takes the stage for two lively performances on Saturday, November 17, at West Morris Mendham High School, 65 East Main Street, Mendham, NJ at 3pm and 7:30 pm. Advanced tickets are available by calling 973-539-7904 or by e-mailing tickets@hickorytreechorus.org. All seats are reserved and tickets are priced $20 for adults; $18 for seniors aged 62 and older; $10 for youths aged 12 and under. A 20% discount is available for Jersey Arts cardholders. All tickets cost an additional $2 at the door.
Guest quartet, Our Town, promises dynamic barbershop harmony from its international medalist members, including lead Scott Brannon, director emeritus of the Big Apple Chorus, from the Barbershop Harmony Society.
Hickory Tree Chorus has performed recently at community events like the Relay for Life in New Providence, but “Dance With Me” is their first big public show since winning first place this past April in regional competition held in Philadelphia. The win qualifies the chorus to compete in the Sweet Adelines’ international contest November 2008 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The chorus boasts some 65 voices on stage, with members coming from over 40 communities in the northern New Jersey and New York area.
Hickory Tree Chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performances. This non-profit, independent music education association is one of the world’s largest singing organizations for women.
Rehearsals are held and guests welcomed Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, at the Suburban Music Center, 570 Central Avenue, New Providence. For information visit hickorytreechorus.org or e-mail info@hickorytreechorus.org
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