Hickory Tree Chorus Announces September Auditions for November Show

The award-winning Hickory Tree Chorus will hold auditions on September 17, 2025, at the Shrine of Saint Joseph in Stirling, New Jersey, for participation in their November 15th 2:00 PM show, “Thank You for the Music: A Celebration in Song”. Auditions will take place from 6:30 to 7:00 pm. Participants are asked to perform an a cappella song of their choice. Following the auditions, they are invited to stay for an additional hour to engage in vocal skill activities, observe chorus practices, and enjoy singing demonstrations. The performance will be held at The Concert Hall at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. Recognized for its beautiful design and exceptional acoustics, the 433-seat Concert Hall has been sought after by major artists for both recording and performance since its opening in 2005. The Hickory Tree Chorus has consistently demonstrated its exceptional talent, winning first place in Division A at the Greater NY/NJ Sweet Adelines Region #15 competition in Albany, New York in both 2024 and 2025. Their top-scoring performance at the 2025 competition earned them a coveted spot in the Harmony Classic at the 78th Annual Sweet Adelines International Convention & Competition in October 2026, which will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Master Director Carolyn Schmidt, a member of Hickory Tree Chorus since 1974 and musical director since 1994, has been instrumental in the chorus’s success. She is one of only five active Master Music Arrangers in Sweet Adelines International and arranges a significant portion of Hickory Tree’s unique repertoire. In addition to her role as director, she serves as a Sweet Adelines International Approved Music Category Judge. Hickory Tree Chorus is dedicated to advancing the musical art form of four-part a cappella harmony sung in the barbershop style. As a chapter of Sweet Adelines International Organization, it has been entertaining audiences in the New Jersey area since 1968. They believe every voice counts and encourage women singers of all ages, colors, ethnicities, and orientations to visit us and share our joy of music.