Liberty Oak Chorus to perform in Jackson

JACKSON- The Liberty Oak Chorus, an award-winning Freehold-based chapter of Sweet Adelines International, will be performing its "Red Hot" spring show at Jackson Memorial High School, 101 Don Connor Blvd., Jackson, at 3 p.m.May 18.

For ticket information call (732) 364- 1975 or visit www.libertyoakchorus.org.

The Liberty Oak Chorus sings a cappella four-part harmony - lead, tenor, baritone and bass barbershop-style - an original musical art form native to the United States. The all-female chorus, which was chartered in 1982, has enjoyed the success of bringing home division awards in consecutive years from regional competition.

Chorus President Kathleen Wright said, "I have been a proud member of the Liberty Oak Chorus since February 1991 and I believe our successes are due to the friendship, determination, spirit and tenacity of our members. We understand potential and we never give up believing in ours."

On April 5, under the leadership of master director Katie Blackwood, the members were thrilled to attain the First Place Division AA Mid-Size Chorus Award, with their highest score to date, which also awarded them Second Place Overall at the Sweet Adeline Region 15 annual competition in Philadelphia.

The chorus' repertoire consists of songs that span generations - from World War II-era songs to Broadway show tunes and more current classics, to a diverse selection of music that falls in between.

The chorus members rehearse each week at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Freehold Township, to perfect their craft. Currently there are 65 members who hail from Burlington, Camden, Ocean, Monmouth, Middlesex, Mercer and Somerset counties.

When some members were asked why they travel so far to sing with the Liberty Oak Chorus, they responded as follows:

Diane Poulson, who travels fromMarlton, said, "I travel a little over an hour to rehearsal every week because of the fulfillment I receive from being a member of such a talented and friendly group. Having a master director there to encourage and guide us makes the miles go quickly."

EileenWelsch from Cinnaminson said, "I travel over an hour to rehearsal each week because the Liberty Oak Chorus is a chorus that strives for musical excellence. The chorus has a dynamic director who is constantly teaching vocal skills. The music is challenging and fun to sing. The ladies are warm and friendly. I have become a better singer because I am challenged to sing with proper vocal production, to perform, but most importantly, to have fun."

Jan Perkins from Bedminster said, "Aside from the camaraderie of interacting every week with 65 enthusiastic, talented women and a director who consistently brings us to new heights in the barbershop genre, you'll find me on the risers at the Liberty Oak Chorus every week for the personal fulfillment of creating beautiful, exciting music that touches my heart and the hearts of our diverse audiences. Plain and simple, I'm here at Liberty Oak Chorus because I love to sing!"

One new member, Sheila Hodroski from Jackson, was asked what drew her to Liberty Oak Chorus and said, "When I moved to my new community I was hoping they had a chorus, as I love to sing but had never had time to pursue joining a group. What a fateful day it was when, just by chance, I met Barbara Lewis (a long-time Liberty Oak Chorus member) who invited me to try out for the Sweet Adelines. I never expected to be led to such an accomplished and talented group. I still cannot believe I have been given the privilege to sing with these enormously talented women and to be led by such an accomplished director."

Blackwood has been directing the chorus for three years.

Sweet Adelines International is a worldwide organization of women singers, nearly 30,000 strong, who are dedicated to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance. After the 60 years since it began, Sweet Adelines International encompasses more than 600 choruses and 1,200 registered quartets around the world. The organization's motto is "Harmonize the World."