Hickory Tree Chorus's 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

Hickory Tree Chorus 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 Event Benefits Sweet Adelines

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

Hickory Tree Audiences Aid Jersey Recovery

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International renamed “Jersey Bounce”, its December 1 annual show, “Jersey Bounces Back” and accepted donations for two relief organizations.

Despite a promotional schedule shortened by power-outages, displacement, and worse, the two shows at West Morris Mendham High School were nearly sold-out and audience members contributed over $1,000 to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund and a mini-van full of non-perishable goods for the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.

Guests included Miss New Jersey 2012, Lindsey Petrosh, and Frank the Dog, a Barbershop Harmony Society quartet that donated its performance fee to the Hurricane New Jersey Relief Fund.

Prior to the show, chorus members donated children's winter clothing to the Somerset County Freeholders clothing drive.

The Basking Ridge-based Hickory Tree Chorus hosts Wednesday Open House rehearsals January 2013 as part of Sweet Adelines International’s Global Open House event. E-mail: info@hickorytreechorus.org for more information.

Pictured delivering food and a check from audience members are Hickory Tree Chorus members Dolly Power (left) and Joanne Sarubbi, with Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Food Sourcing Coordinator, Gleny Herlihy (center). The same day, Sarubbi and Power delivered winter clothing donated by chorus members to the Somerset County Freeholders clothing drive. They are pictured with Assistants to the Freeholders, Tonya Jenkins and Samantha Tomara.

"Jersey Bounce" Now "JERSEY BOUNCES BACK"

The Hickory Tree Chorus had been planning its big budget December 1 show for a year.  The 50-voice women’s a cappella chorus was awarded 2^nd place medals by Sweet Adelines International for its 15-minute New Jersey-themed show package at last year’s international mid-sized chorus contest, and knew it would translate well into a full-length show.

The show was named “Jersey Bounce” after the featured, swinging 1940’s up-tune. Members learned new, Jersey-themed songs arranged especially for the show by its Master Director and Master Music Arranger, Carolyn Schmidt – songs by Jersey girls Whitney Houston and Dionne Warwick, songs about Atlantic City and Cape May, and more.  The show would even feature special guest Miss New Jersey 2012, Lindsey Petrosh!

Then, Hurricane Sandy hit, knocking out power, damaging homes –and worse.  The chorus leadership struggled with whether or not it was the right time to go on with the celebratory New Jersey show, now made poignant by the destruction. Members were still without power. Some had damaged homes. One was making funeral arrangements.

But as communications improved, it became apparent that members longed to get back to the camaraderie of its weekly rehearsals in Basking Ridge, which had been canceled for two consecutive weeks.  They needed to be together to give and get support.  And they wanted to extend that sentiment to others.

The decision was made to go on with the show, re-name it “Jersey Bounces Back” and partner with the Community Food Bank and the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, giving audience members the opportunity to contribute to the state’s recovery.

“Jersey Bounces Back” will be presented Saturday, December 1, two shows at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at West Morris Mendham High School, 65 Main Street, Mendham, NJ. In addition to Hickory Tree Chorus and Miss New Jersey 2012, guests include Frank the Dog (Barbershop Harmony Society’s 2013 Mid-Atlantic District Quartet Champion), and student a cappella groups from West Morris Mendham High School.

Tickets are priced $20 (adults), $18 (seniors 62+), $10 (children 12 and under).  All seats are reserved and +$2 at the door. Contact Jeannie at 973-822-0798 or tickets@hickorytreechorus.org.