The purpose of the Schubert Male Chorus is to foster and
develop an interest in a wide variety of music and to
encourage men to participate in the pleasure of singing. We
are a group of men who love singing, enjoy camaraderie and
strive for excellence in performance to the delight of our
audience.
History of the
Chorus | Rehearsals | Performance Availability
Don Huls has been Musical Director of the chorus since
1995. Don has been a vocal music instructor and director of
high schools, middle schools, churches and college
organizations. His theater experience includes Calvin Alumni
Players, Opera Grand Rapids and Circle Theater. Don's most
memorable performance was as Sweeney in "Sweeney Todd"
presented by Circle Theater. Don has a Bachelor's Degree from
Calvin College and a Master's Degree in Educational
Leadership from Western Michigan University. Don retired from
teaching in the Grand Rapids public Schools in 2004.
Our accompanist, Philip W. Pletcher has been with the
Schuberts since 1999. He has been active in music since he
was 4 years old. Phil works as a soloist and accompanist
throughout West Michigan, maintains a teaching studio and
serves on various regional music boards. He has served as
accompanist for Disney singer Bobbi White and has accompanied
master classes by Phyllis Curtin and Jerome Hines. Phil's
principal teacher was Ralph Votapek, gold medalist of the
first Van Cliburn Competition.
History of the Chorus
The Schubert Male Chorus is considered
the oldest independent continuing male chorus in America.
Founded by Henry C. Post, a talented pianist, teacher and
music critic, along with 12 other men on November 19, 1883 -
and immediately expanded from 13 members to 16 "just to be
sure" - the Club has presented at least one major concert
each year since its first on December 4, 1884. The
organization has never departed from the original intent of
furthering the appreciation and performance of good chorale
music.
Civic benefits have been part of
Schubert service since its beginning with innumerable
concerts for shut-ins, schools, churches and dedications,
including City Hall (1885), East Grand Rapids High School
(1929), City-County complex (1969), and The Ford Museum and
DeVos Hall. The group is a regular at the annual June Arts
Festival.
For many years the Jr. Schubert Club
served as a valuable training ground for singing and
community service for young men under 21, the beginning age
for Schubert members. Our own Russell Christopher, who won
one of the music scholarships and went on to sing with the
Metropolitan Opera started here. In the 1950's over 1,200
high school choir members from all over West Michigan
competed for these Schubert Scholarships.
The Chorus was a member of the American
Male Chorus Association and The Michigan Male Chorus
Association for many years. In 1983 the Schuberts' hosted
"The Big Sing" in honor of their 100th birthday. Dozens of
male choruses from across the country and Canada came to be
part of this spcial occasion. The DeVos Hall stage held over
1,000 men for this concert. Our archives hold letters from
many prominent men of the day, from our own Gerald Ford to
then President Ronald Reagan. The Schuberts were part of a
special presentation of the Dead Sea Scrolls at the VanAndel
Public Museum in February, 2003. The chorus commissioned
original music for this widely attended exhibit, and
performed along with the St. Cecilia Youth Choirs.
The Schuberts will also perform at many
civic and corporate functions during the year, including
benefit concerts, Christmas Carols at God's Kitchen and area
nursing homes, hospitals and retirement communities.
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Rehearsals
Rehearsals are held each Monday
evening at 7:00 pm in the Grand Rapids Community College
Music Center located at the corner of Ransom St and Lyon St.
SE, Room 304. We rehearse from late August until early June
each season and present two major concerts each season, one
in December and one in May. Membership in the chorus is open
to ALL males 18 years of age and older. Anyone interested in
becoming a member may contact us through this web site or by
calling 616-752-7470.
*Please note:* This is a change of
rehearsal location from previous years.
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Performance Availability
The Chorus and The Good Libations
are available to perform at civic and private functions.
Anyone interested in finding out more about performance
availability or fees may contact us by replying at this web
site or calling 616-752-7470.
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The Schubert Male Chorus of Grand Rapids is a tax-exempt,
non-profit corporation, organized under section 501(c)3 of
the Internal Revenue Code. All donations made to the Chorus
are tax-exempt.
The Schubert Male Chorus is a member of the Arts Council of
Greater Grand Rapids and the Grand
Rapids/Kent County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and proudly partners with The Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids.
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