Hickory Tree Chorus Installs 2012-13 Officers

            The Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International installed its 2012-13 Management Team ceremonies held June 11 at the Chimney Rock Inn in Gillette, NJ.  The Music and Performance Team was also recognized, and Hall of Fame and Choreography awards were also presented.

            Management Team members are pictured (l-r) Mary Lou Van Handle of Succasunna; Carlyn Barr of Manchester; Karen Ayres of Berkeley Heights; Carolyn Schmidt of Gillette (behind guest hostess, Lisbet Duponte); Rita Peyton of Berkeley Heights; Miriam Gonzalez of Staten Island, NY; Dolly Power of Elizabeth; Michelle Metallo of Hillsborough; and Patty Visioli of Somerset.

            Susan Williams of Madison was awarded the annual Hall of Fame award. A member of the chorus for 20 years, Williams currently serves as a Tenor Section Leader, a member of the Show Committee, and produces a weekly internal newsletter, but has held many leadership positions and “flies under the radar handling lots of vital tasks, never seeking recognition,” according to Master Director Carolyn Schmidt.

            Sara McHugh of Stanhope was awarded the “Golden Sneaker Award” for excellence in choreography. As a member of the choreography team, McHugh often presents the award to others members who have made great strides in choreography. But this year, the Management Team awarded the tongue-in-cheek trophy to McHugh, who returned to the chorus earlier this year after taking a leave of absence to pursue a Master’s degree.

            The Basking Ridge-based women’s chorus performs popular music in four-part a cappella harmony, barbershop style. The chorus was awarded 2^nd place, in the mid-sized chorus division, in the Sweet Adelines International competition, October 2011 in Houston, TX.  Women singers interested in joining the chorus are invited to visit a rehearsal, 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 140 S. Finley Ave., Basking Ridge.  Visit on the web at hickorytreechorus.org or e-mail: info@hickorytreechorus.org

The Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International performed May 19th at Bernards Township's annual Charter Day festivities. It was the award-winning chorus's first performance there since moving rehearsals to Basking Ridge's St. Mark's Church September 2011. Under the direction of Carolyn Schmidt, the chorus performed a 20-minute set of popular songs in its signature four-part a cappella harmony, barbershop style. The chorus is available for both large and small performances and can be seen next May 25 at the County College of Morris in Randolph. Find the chorus on facebook and at hickorytreechorus.org.  Photo: Pat Auriemma

Sing In Spring With Hickory Tree Chorus

The Basking Ridge-based Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International is buzzing with activity this spring, with two scheduled area performances and an invitation for women to join the chorus, join the fun!

About 20 members of the 50-voice chorus will perform 1:40 p.m., May 19 at Bernards Township’s annual Charter Day Street Fair and Festival. This will be the award-winning chorus’s first performance in Bernards Township, since the chorus moved to Basking Ridge in September 2011.

 “We’re really looking forward to performing for the community and meeting women who might enjoy singing chord-ringing, fun-filled, popular music with us,” says Master Director, Carolyn Schmidt.

Another small ensemble from the chorus will perform 1:15 p.m., May 25 at the Student Center at the County College of Morris. The performance is open to the public.

More than 23,000 women world-wide share harmony and friendship through Sweet Adelines International. It is one of the largest independent music education organizations in the world.

During the month of May, Hickory Tree Chorus’s trained music staff offers a free vocal lesson to any woman who visits a 7:30 p.m., Wednesday rehearsal at St. Mark’s Church, 140 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge. Ready to really live your life? E-mail: info@hickorytreechorus.org. More at hickorytreechorus.org and on facebook.

Hickory Tree Chorus Awarded Regional Medal

The Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International was awarded 3rd Place medals in the 2012 Greater New York Region annual competition, March 24 in Philadelphia, PA. It is the 27th regional medal awarded the Basking Ridge-based women’s chorus and the 14th under Master Director Carolyn Schmidt of Long Hill Township.

Individual members of the chorus also competed in the March 23 quartet competition, including Patricia Danner of Long Valley, who was awarded a 2nd Place medal with Drive! quartet. Members Rosemarie Gerber of Randolph, Lori Servidio of West Caldwell, Rita Peyton and Shayna Atkinson, both of Berkeley Heights, singing as Three Quarter Time quartet, were awarded the Novice Quartet Award.

Jeannie Allen of Florham Park, Eleanor Borris of Rockaway, and Lilas Schmidt of Long Hill Township were each awarded certificates recognizing their 40 years of continuous membership with the world-wide organization, singing exclusively with The Hickory Tree Chorus.

Sweet Adelines International is a worldwide organization of women singers dedicated to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education, competition, and performance.

The chorus competes and performs regularly and, through April 21, is accepting applications for its annual $1,000 scholarship, to be awarded to a graduating high school senior young woman. For membership, performance, and scholarship information e-mail info@hickorytreechorus.org or visit hickorytreechorus.org.

2012 Scholarship Applications Accepted Through April 21

The Basking Ridge, NJ-based Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International is pleased to offer its annual $1,000 Scholarship to an area high school senior who intends to pursue a career in music. This scholarship will be given to a young woman selected on the basis of her application and her vocal musical talent. Presentation of the check to the recipient is usually in June, after her acceptance to the college or university of her choice.

Each student should complete the application and submit a CD which should include at least two vocal performances, demonstrating her particular talent. Both the application and CD should be received by April 21, 2012. Please no DVD’s.

Request an application through your high school guidance office or by e-mailing: lynnmacbeth@comcast.net

The Hickory Tree Chorus is an award-winning women’s chorus performing popular music in four-part, acappella harmony, barbershop style. The chorus performs regularly at community and civic events and welcomes new members. More scholarship, membership and performance information can be found at hickorytreechorus.org.

January 2012 Open House

Hickory Tree Chorus invites women singers to visit its January Open House, 7:30 pm, Wednesdays, 140 S. Finley Ave. Basking Ridge, NJ ! Visit one, some or all! Each week features lots of singing focused on a guest-friendly, vocal or performance skill theme! Join the chorus, join the fun!

Celebrate in 'Holiday Style'

The Hickory Tree Chorus presents "Holiday Style" its annual show, December 10, 3pm at the Dolan Performance Hall, located on the campus of the College of St. Elizabeth, 2 Convent Road, Convent Station, NJ.

Celebrate the season with holiday favorites, and more, performed in four-part, a cappella harmony, barbershop style. Special guests Drive! (2011 Greater New York Region, 2nd place quartet), singer/songwriter/humorist Carla Ulbrich, Frosty the Snowman and Santa!

Reserved seat tickets are available now by e-mailing: tickets@hickorytreechorus.org or calling 908-790-0334. Advance prices are $20 adults; $18 seniors (62+); $10 youth (12 and under). All tickets are +$2 at the door.

More at hickorytreechorus.org