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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 The Schubert Male Chorus sings a wide variety of music including folk songs, patriotic, spirituals, show tunes, classical, contemporary, love songs, sea chanteys and a large variety of Christmas and seasonal selections. The Schuberts perform at many civic and corporate functions during the year, including luncheons and dinners, benefit concerts, Immigration and Naturalization Ceremonies for new citizens, The Women's City Club, hospitals, churches and nursing and retirement communities. We have become a favorite at many retirement communities at Christmas and in the springtime. The chorus annually performs at the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts in June. History of the
Chorus | Purpose 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. Phil also sings with the group "Half and Half." 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. |Top|
The quartet "Half and Half" has become a favorite at all performances.The group includes Jess Fuzi, Phil Pletcher, Jim Molloy, RT Williams. 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. |Top| 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. |Top| 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.
|Top| 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.
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