The Pine Tones Chorus
Formed in 1998, the Pine Tones Barbershop Chorus is a member of the Barbershop
Harmony Society. The Society is the largest all-male singing organization in the world,
with over 35,000 members and 8000 chapters in North America, plus international
chapters throughout the World.
The men of the PineTones enjoy their hobby in many ways; performing for
community events, sponsoring and performing in their annual show, competing in
district contests, attending workshops to improve their skills, and providing
outreach services to community organizations.
Yearly Activities
The highlight of our performance year is our annual show at the Lunda Theatre. The chorus performs a show based on a
theme and brings in top professional-quality quartets. Recent shows have had western, old time radio and southern themes.
The show is generally held on the third Saturday in May.
The chorus and quartet regularly perform for the
Festival in the Park and Karner Blue Butterfly Festival, various church services, Christmas
caroling at area senior living facilities, the Seniors Prom, and other area
events.
Choruses and quartets may compete in division,
district and, if they qualify, national competitions.
Barbershop Harmony
Singing is done a-cappella in four-part harmony;
Tenor, Lead, Baritone, and Bass. Rehearsals are held weekly. The traditional
songs of the late 1800s and early 1900s have been joined by arrangements
of show tunes, religious and patriotic music, seasonal music, and even rock and
roll. Among the repertoire
are twelve songs that all barbershoppers learn, which enables men from
all over the world to sing together in quartets or choruses. Have you ever sung in a 300 voice chorus?
It’s nothing short of awesome!
Members are welcome to sing with any of the chapters world wide. Members of the
Pine Tones have visited chapters in England, Canada, and several states.
Local chapters collaborate on various events. The Pine Tones have participated in concerts with The Eau Claire
“Diplomats of Harmony”, La Crosse Coulee Chordsmen and shares some
dual members with the La Crosse and Winona chapters.
Membership
Membership is open to men of any age who desire to sing. Dues are approximately $100 per year,
which covers local, district and
national fees, tuxedos, uniform shirts, music, learning tapes, fees for
conferences and national and local publications. Women interested in singing barbershop harmony should visit the
Rhythm of the River, the Black River Falls chapter of
Sweet Adelines International.
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