Sing and Celebrate 'Christmas In July'

Looking for a way to cool off? Think snow! Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman --sing and celebrate ‘Christmas In July’ with the Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International. Learn to sing the coolest winter holiday songs in four-part a cappella harmony!

The New Providence-based Hickory Tree Chorus sings popular music year ‘round and is warming-up its holiday repertoire for this winter’s community performances, including its annual show, caroling in area downtown shopping districts and tree lighting ceremonies. Members from more than 40 area communities meet weekly to socialize and rehearse chord-ringing, fun-filled popular music sung in four-part, a cappella harmony, barbershop style.

Women singers are invited to attend any or all Wednesday evening rehearsals in July, including the ‘Holiday Party’ July 21. Sing along with the melodies you know or challenge yourself to learn a harmony part. Rehearsals are held 7:30 pm, July 7, 14, 21, and 28, at 570 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ. RSVP by e-mail: members@hickorytreechorus.org or phone 908-307-6367. Visit hickorytreechorus.org for more information.

Top Score Earns HTC International Invitation

Top Score Earns Local Sweet Adelines an 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.”

Women who love to sing chord-ringing, fun-filled music may qualify to perform in the Harmony Classic by auditioning before May 2011. The ability to read music is not necessary. Guests are given learning CD’s, sheet music, and help from the music and performance staff. Visit a Wednesday evening rehearsal at 570 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ. E-mail members@hickorytreechorus.org. More at hickorytreechorus.org

HTC Thanks Veterans

Members of the Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International performed for an enthusiastic audience May19 at the Lyons Veterans Hospital. The chorus was invited by Hal Saks and Jim Conroy, members of American Legion Bernays Apgar Post 342 in Chester who have allowed the chorus to use the American Legion hall for its annual post-show party.

The chorus was grateful for the opportunity to thank Saks and Conroy, and honored to sing for the veterans. The performance was part of a pizza party hosted by Saks and Conroy four times a year for the veterans. The chorus performed favorites like “Tuxedo Junction,” It Had to Be You,” and “It’s a Good Day.” The veterans accepted an invitation to sing along with the chorus to “God Bless America.”

Hickory Tree Chorus member, Tina Peterson of Chatham said of the performance, “It's always fun to perform, but I really found it fulfilling to perform for those who have served for us in the military.”

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 medalist 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 (top photo), featuring HTC members Dana Dunlevy, Florham Park; Laura Partynski, Madison; Carolyn Schmidt, Gillette; Kat Britt, Warren, 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.

Friends and Family Wish Chorus Good Contest-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!