Music aficionados looking to escape the loud bass beats or screeching guitars of contemporary music may want to visit Depot Park July 15 for some classic vocal harmony.
Filling the Local Talent Spotlight at 6:30 p.m. is The Pontiac-Waterford Big Chief Barbershop Chorus. Consisting of 58 men from the Oakland County area, the chorus performs mostly classical barbershop music, but does sing a variety of songs.
‘We play a good variety of basic historical barbershop music of 1900 ? 1940s,? said member Jack Teuber. ‘We play something by the Beatles often.?
Member Walt DiNeo discussed the chorus? ability to adapt modern pieces.
‘Arrangements may be done to bring modern stuff to the four-part harmony of barbershop. It’s hard to put a date on our music. We do older stuff, but also sing songs by groups like the Beach Boys,? said DiNeo.
Teuber said songs like ‘Ain’t Misbehavin?? and ‘Don’t Blame Me? should fit in nicely with The Stardust Swing Band who follow.
While many members sing only in the chorus, others perform in quartets as well. The quartets within the chorus are B-Natural, Celebration, Four-Wheel Drive and Jackpot.
The chorus is active in the area performing at functions across Oakland County and welcomes the community to its annual fall show held the first Saturday in November. This year’s upcoming ‘Juke Box Classics? will feature Three Men and a Tenor.
Clarkston residents who are members of the chorus are: Bill Auquier, Walt Bachmann, Neil Braun, Walt DeNio, Tom Ford, Roger Holm, Bill Pascher, Art Ripley and Jeff Spires.
Men who enjoy singing are encouraged to stop by a rehearsal and see what the group is about. The chorus? main objective is to create wholesome fun, fellowship and good singing for men. No previous training or experience is required. Locations for practices vary throughout the year.
The Big Chief Chorus is a 501C nonprofit organization.
For more information about the Chorus, call 248-689-4052 or visit the Web site at www.bigchiefchorus.org.