By JAKE JOHNSON
“There are no milk and cookies here,” said singer Judy Mathers, while, over her shoulder, The Heart of the Valley Chorus broke into the song “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do.”
Mathers and other members of the group were in the midst of a rehearsal at the JFK Middle School in Florence, where they meet weekly. And, while they say they are there to have fun, they’re also serious about the music. At the rehearsal, for example, the group’s director, Maggie Hawlicheck of Connecticut, was quick to correct any misplaced notes.
The chorus of 22 Pioneer Valley singers, which is seeking new members, performs contemporary and classic music in the barbershop style. It is the local chapter of Sweet Adelines International, a global organization of women singers which advances the art of barbershop music.
Originally called the “Sweet Adelines in America” the group was formed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the wake of World War II. The association has since grown to 23,000 members across five continents. The HOV Chorus, established in 1988, was originally called The Mount Sugarloaf Chorus.
Organizers say the HOV chorus provides a number of opportunities to participate in all aspects of barbershop performing, in duets, quartets and individually. The group sings at weddings, parties, local events, and a yearly regional competition at Springfield’s Symphony Hall, where the local singers have won numerous awards.
“Everyone is always helping out, always doing something for the chorus,” said Lori LaPlante, the team coordinator and a member since 2012. Each singer not only performs but is tasked with her own job, whether it be in administration, organization, marketing, etc.
Barbershop-style vocal music, sung without instrumental accompaniment, allows every member to stay in the spotlight, organizers say. The parts of lead, tenor, baritone and bass harmonize together to create easily singable melodies with simple, understandable lyrics.
“This isn’t a throw-together group,” chorus member Mathers said. “Every rehearsal is a singing lesson. … You learn to stand on your own.”
The chorus invites prospective members to come to any of their weekly rehearsals, held every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria of JFK Middle School in Florence. Anyone can simply show up, and musical literacy isn’t required; one needs only to be able to carry a tune.
“Our ideal member is someone who just wants a place to sing,” Mathers said. “But our purpose is to perform, not just be a sing-along group.”
Some members, like Mathers, have been with the chorus for more than 30 years, while others are fresh recruits.
Alanna Salzman, 23, who is slated to become the group’s newest member, found out about the chorus online.
“Their sound is incredible,” Salzman said, “and everyone is so welcoming and friendly.”
Members of the Sweet Adelines have access to optional regional, weekend workshops where they can work with international singing and performance coaches. Mathers calls it a “real confidence booster for all areas of life.”
Laplante says being a member of the chorus has helped her gain confidence, and can help others.
“It is a great learning experience for anyone. You learn to be expressive,” LaPlante said. “I used to be much more introverted, but the chorus allowed me to break out of my shell. It’s been the best thing I ever did.”
The Heart of the Valley Chorus is holding open houses on Wednesday and Nov. 2, both at 7 p.m., for singers interested in joining. They will also participate “Active Aging in the Valley,” a series of talks and conferences to be held Nov. 20 at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Campus Center.
More information can be found at www.heartofthevalleychorus.org/, sweetadelines.com/, or on www.meetup.com, where the chorus has information about rehearsals.
