History of the Chorus

The men of the Schubert Male Chorus spent two
Saturdays singing Christmas Carols at retirement homes
and hospitals. While performing at God's Kitchen, they
were joined by some of the patrons who enjoyed singing,
as well as listening.

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.

Purpose

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.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are held each Monday evening at 7:00 pm at the St. Cecilia Music Society, 24 Ransom NE, from late August until June of each year. 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.

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.