Women sing out in praise of the Valley Forge Chorus
Susan Tucker, performance coordinator and singer with the Valley Forge Chorus, wants to dispel some of the images that come to mind when people think of barbershop music — striped poles, street corners, handlebar moustaches, and, of course men.
Tucker, who is also the all-women a capella group’s secretary, board member and costume chair, has been involved with the group for 10 years — and calls it the “greatest experience of my adult life,” of course with the qualifier, “that’s not involved with family or my job.”
Prior to joining the group, Tucker sang only with her church. When her daughter grew up, she decided to try out for the chorus.
“I had been in love with barber shop [music] forever and ever,” Tucker said. “I had a family member who was in it, but like many women, I had too many obligations in my life. I was going to night school, and I was raising a child, you know — family, job — all those commitments. When my daughter graduated, I thought, ‘Well, now’s the time to get involved in a barbershop chorus,’ and I knew about Valley Forge.”
The 40-member chorus sings Broadway, patriotic and religious songs in four-part harmonies, and is a member of Sweet Adelines International. And it’s looking to at least double its membership with a special guest programs Sept. 22, 29 and Oct. 6 at 7:15 p.m. Tucker said most choruses do membership drives, as there’s a lot of turnover — especially in women-only choruses with scheduling rigors of having children. Also, the Valley Forge Chorus was edged out of third place recently by a chorus of about 80 members.
“We had some stiff competition,” Tucker said. “We came in fourth in the last competition — edged out of third by three points. The choruses that did better had over 80 and over 100 members.”
Choral director Joseph Spiecker, of the Hatboro-Horsham area, said the chorus held a program for perspective members last year, though it was only one week, compared to three this year. At the helm for about 20 months, he said his goal is to try to replicate the success of the chorus he led in Dallas, Texas.
“I participated and was the producer and director of a chorus in Dallas called ‘The Vocal Majority,’ which was an all-men’s chorus,” Spiecker said. “And for 33 years, they were the international gold medalists. They started at about 30 people and started growing like we are at Valley Forge, and eventually grew to about 150 men, all singing a capella.”
The three-week program allows prospective members the opportunity to really get a flavor of the singing that the chorus does, Spiecker said. It also lets possible members know whether their personal schedule fits with the chorus.
For the program, Spiecker set aside some pieces of music with varying tempos and difficulties, including “Let it Snow,” and “If I Give my Heart to You,” and a patriotic medley. Prospective members are also given sheet music and a learning CD to help get acquainted with the songs — usually in the car. While in the chorus, members will learn vocal technique, vocal production and dancing. Tucker said every guest is assigned a buddy in the chorus to answer questions about the group.
Prospective members may audition after they’ve visited with the chorus three times, and after their third rehearsal. According to Spiecker, the group comprises members who are music majors, all the way down to people who can’t read music.
Tucker falls in the latter category and said her participation in the chorus has helped hone her musical skills.
“I sing 100 times better now than when I started,” she said. “And the way I’ve learned to sing and practice my craft goes forward into any other organization or any other time that I sing. It’s not just learning to sing barbershop; it’s really about learning to perfect your vocal production and your craft. These women are like sisters — we do get nasty from time to time — but the love and friendship is the best part.”
The Valley Forge Chorus rehearses in the community room of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 3625 Chapel Road, Newtown Square. For more information, visit www.valleyforgechorus.com.
Prior to joining the group, Tucker sang only with her church. When her daughter grew up, she decided to try out for the chorus.
“I had been in love with barber shop [music] forever and ever,” Tucker said. “I had a family member who was in it, but like many women, I had too many obligations in my life. I was going to night school, and I was raising a child, you know — family, job — all those commitments. When my daughter graduated, I thought, ‘Well, now’s the time to get involved in a barbershop chorus,’ and I knew about Valley Forge.”
The 40-member chorus sings Broadway, patriotic and religious songs in four-part harmonies, and is a member of Sweet Adelines International. And it’s looking to at least double its membership with a special guest programs Sept. 22, 29 and Oct. 6 at 7:15 p.m. Tucker said most choruses do membership drives, as there’s a lot of turnover — especially in women-only choruses with scheduling rigors of having children. Also, the Valley Forge Chorus was edged out of third place recently by a chorus of about 80 members.
“We had some stiff competition,” Tucker said. “We came in fourth in the last competition — edged out of third by three points. The choruses that did better had over 80 and over 100 members.”
Choral director Joseph Spiecker, of the Hatboro-Horsham area, said the chorus held a program for perspective members last year, though it was only one week, compared to three this year. At the helm for about 20 months, he said his goal is to try to replicate the success of the chorus he led in Dallas, Texas.
“I participated and was the producer and director of a chorus in Dallas called ‘The Vocal Majority,’ which was an all-men’s chorus,” Spiecker said. “And for 33 years, they were the international gold medalists. They started at about 30 people and started growing like we are at Valley Forge, and eventually grew to about 150 men, all singing a capella.”
The three-week program allows prospective members the opportunity to really get a flavor of the singing that the chorus does, Spiecker said. It also lets possible members know whether their personal schedule fits with the chorus.
For the program, Spiecker set aside some pieces of music with varying tempos and difficulties, including “Let it Snow,” and “If I Give my Heart to You,” and a patriotic medley. Prospective members are also given sheet music and a learning CD to help get acquainted with the songs — usually in the car. While in the chorus, members will learn vocal technique, vocal production and dancing. Tucker said every guest is assigned a buddy in the chorus to answer questions about the group.
Prospective members may audition after they’ve visited with the chorus three times, and after their third rehearsal. According to Spiecker, the group comprises members who are music majors, all the way down to people who can’t read music.
Tucker falls in the latter category and said her participation in the chorus has helped hone her musical skills.
“I sing 100 times better now than when I started,” she said. “And the way I’ve learned to sing and practice my craft goes forward into any other organization or any other time that I sing. It’s not just learning to sing barbershop; it’s really about learning to perfect your vocal production and your craft. These women are like sisters — we do get nasty from time to time — but the love and friendship is the best part.”
The Valley Forge Chorus rehearses in the community room of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 3625 Chapel Road, Newtown Square. For more information, visit www.valleyforgechorus.com.
