By Pam Teel
There are friends to be had and songs to be sung with the ladies who make up the Heart of New Jersey Chorus. Do you like to sing? Would you like to refine your singing voice? The ladies in the Chorus would like to meet you. They practice nearly every Wednesday night at 7:30 pm at the Primary School, at 18 Schoolhouse Road, in Millstone Township.
The Chorus, a chapter of the Sweet Adelines International Group, is a chorus of female singers who sing four-part acapella harmony in the barbershop style, which includes base, baritone, lead, and tenor. They sing a variety of music from show tunes to swing, ballads to boogie, and more. With the guidance of their newest director, Jeanne Elmuccio, a graduate of the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, and a member of the Sweet Adeline’s for many years, among other musical assets, comes a renewed positive energy. With a year behind her, the Heart of New Jersey Chorus brought home third place in the Small Chorus Division of the Sweet Adeline’s International Greater NY/NJ Region #15 Convention this past April. This was a huge accomplishment for a chorus who had only months to prepare under the new leadership.
There’s no stopping these talented and friendly women who welcome new talent with open arms. The chorus consists of twenty-five women from six different counties who come together to share a passion for singing. These women are committed to advancing the art form of barbershop harmony through educational competition and performances. They welcome you to come and watch one of their rehearsals and see if this is for you. Women of all ages are invited. (It’s best to call first before heading out to a rehearsal to make sure they will be practicing that night.) The contact membership chairperson is Kerrie and she can be reached at the number below. For information on upcoming rehearsals, go to: www.HONJ.org or call 609 469-4537.
The Chorus performs for civic events, charities, private parties, and more. They also host an annual show of their own. Upcoming events include November 6th at the Summit Library in Summit, NJ, and December 3rd at the Millstone Primary School. You can find more information on how to obtain tickets for the show on their website. If you are interested in booking the Chorus for your next event, you can call 609 469-4537 or email honjmembership@gmail.com.
Music is the voice of the soul!