Top Score Earns HTC International Invitation

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.”

HTC Wins First Place Mid-Size Chorus, Second Place Overall

The Hickory Tree Chorus was awarded First Place Mid-Size Chorus and Second Place Overall in the annual competition of the Greater New York Region of Sweet Adelines International, April 24, 2010 at the Sheraton City Center, Philadelphia, PA.

In quartet competition, Hickory Tree Chorus members appeared in three of the five medalists quartets. Escape, featuring HTC member Susan Schuman singing lead, was named 2010 Champion Quartet. Drive! featuring HTC member Patty Danner singing baritone, was awarded Third Place. The Four Baris, featuring HTC members Dana Dunlevy (tenor), Laura Partynski (lead), Kat Britt (baritone) and Carolyn Schmidt (lead), was awarded Fourth Place and the Novice Quartet Award.

Join the chorus, join the fun during the 'Sing In Spring' month-of-May Open House rehearsals, Wednesday evenings, 7:30pm.

HTC Friends and Family Wish Chorus Good Luck!

The Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International treated its friends and family to a free performance April 14, featuring the songs it will perform in the April 24 Greater New York Region of SAI annual contest in Philadelphia, PA. Also appearing were Moonstruck and The Four Baris, two of the four chapter quartets that will compete April 23.

'Sing In Spring' Month-of-May Open House

Grow with Hickory Tree Chorus and 'Sing In Spring'! Have real fun learning to sing real harmony with members of our trained Music Staff. Experience a guest-friendly introduction to singing 4-part a cappella harmony, barbershop style. Join the chorus, join the fun Wednesday evenings in May, 7:30 pm. Contact Membership Chair, Dolly Power at members@hickorytreechorus.org for more information!

Nothin' Could Be Finer Than Some Singin' In The Diner

A small but loyal group of members from the Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adeline International regularly meet at the Prestige Diner in New Providence for post-rehearsal eats, chat and laughs. The staff is friendly, keeps the coffee hot, and is often treated to a fun-filled, chord-ringing song in four-part a cappella harmony. The members of Hickory Tree Chorus are real women, singing real harmony, and having real fun. Join the chorus, join the fun!

Free Performance for Friends and Family of Hickory Tree Chorus

Friends and family of the Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International are invited to a free performance Wednesday, April 14, 8:15 p.m., 570 Central Avenue, New Providence. Chorus members will kick up their heels in preparation for the chorus’s participation in the annual contest of the Greater New York Region of Sweet Adelines International.
“We often welcome visitors to our weekly rehearsals, but there’s nothing like the excitement of performing for our friends and family who usually only hear us singing one of four parts around the house! The 50-member chorus sings a cappella music in four-part harmony, barbershop style, and it’s just not the same without the other three parts ringing a chord!”, says Dana Dunlevy, Marketing Chair.
Doors open for guests at 8 p.m. The chorus’s half-hour set features fun, popular uptunes and moving ballads enhanced with choreography. Guests have the opportunity to meet and greet chorus members following the performance and before the chorus resumes its regular rehearsal at 9 p.m.
The Greater New York Region of Sweet Adelines International hosts its annual quartet and chorus contest April 23-25 at the Sheraton City Center, Philadelphia, PA. “April Showers Bring . . . Singing In the Rain” features more than 700 area women, members of the Region’s 15 choruses located throughout lower New York state, Long Island and New Jersey. Hickory Tree Chorus is proud that four of 14 competing quartets will feature its members.
In its 41 year history the chorus has won 25 Regional medals, 12 under current Director Carolyn Schmidt of Gillette, and competed on the International level seven times. Members hail from 40 area communities and all walks of life –real women, singing real harmony, and having real fun. The chorus performs an annual show, at community events, and offers an annual $1,000 scholarship to an area high school senior girl (this year’s deadline is April 16).
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 membership, performance and scholarship information visit hickorytreechorus.org or e-mail info@hickorytreechorus.org.

New Providence NJ News - Sweet Adelines Reunites Sorority Sisters

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New Providence NJ News - Sweet Adelines Reunites Sorority Sisters