VIDEO: Spirited A Cappella Chorus

Every Wednesday, The Hickory Tree Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, meets in in Basking Ridge for a rehearsal of fun-filled popular music in four-part a cappella harmony, barbershop style.

Anyone is welcome to drop by to either join in with the chorus, which also dances, or just to watch, said Dana Dunlevy of Florham Park, the chorus' marketing chairwoman. "We love to perform for an audience," she said.

The chorus was founded in 1968 in the Hickory Tree section of Chatham Township, and relocated to Basking Ridge in the fall, coming from New Providence, Dunlevy said. 

The rehearsals begin at 7:30 p.m., starting with physical and vocal warm-ups. The music usually lasts until around 10 p.m., and wraps up with some refreshments.

Dunlevy said the group made a big push in January to welcome new members to its 50-voice chorus, and received a lot of interest from Basking Ridge residents.

Members come from many backgrounds and 30 communities in Northern New Jersey and Staten Island, N.Y., she said. Rehearsals are open to guests, and auditions are held year around.

The Hickory Tree Chorus performs at events and private parties — recently leading the caroling in Summit — Dunlevy said.

Dunlevy said the chorus would like to find a place to perform in Basking Ridge. She said the group is making plans to perform at this year's annual Bernards Township Charter Day celebration coming up in May.

Much of the repertoire is arranged by Certified Arranger and Master Director, Carolyn Schmidt of the Gillette section of Long Hill Township. The chorus performs regularly and competes annually in regional competitions. The group has a "huge" repertoire — from the Beatles and Beach Boys to Barbershop — with more information on the chorus' website.

Won international competition

Last year, the 50-voice chorus was awarded second place medals in the mid-size chorus division of

The chorus is preparing to participate in Sweet Adeline International's Greater New York Region's annual competition March 24 in Philadelphia.

Sweet Adelines International is one of the world’s largest singing organizations for women with nearly 23,000 members singing in some 500 choruses and 1,200 quartets, according to the Hickory Tree Chorus.

Music scholarship being offered

On Thursday, the Hickory Tree Chorus announced the organization is once again offering a $1,000 scholarship to a musically talented young woman interested in pursuing a career in music. Qualified high school senior girls with good academic records and exceptional talent in vocal music are encouraged to apply.  Details are on the website's scholarship page.

— Linda Sadlouskos contributed to this article

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