Hunterdon Harmonizers Expand With New Chorus

Press release from Hunterdon Harmonizers and Vocal Synergy:

Oct. 22, 2021

The celebrated “Hunterdon Harmonizers” men’s chorus based in Flemington begins a new tradition with the addition of an all-voice chorus. The new group, “Vocal Synergy”, is already experiencing great interest from singers of all walks of life seeking a welcoming musical experience in the Skylands area of New Jersey.

Recently the Barbershop Harmony Society broke with its 80-year all-male tradition and adopted a new vision of “Everyone in Harmony”. The Hunterdon Harmonizers are an affiliate of that organization and have embraced the vision by creating a new a cappella choral opportunity for treble and bass voices while continuing the opportunity for men to sing with the Harmonizers.
The brainchild of several local leaders and musicians, Vocal Synergy aims to provide a safe space for all levels of singing experience to make beautiful music in a collaborative environment.

With a focus on popular a cappella music, this mixed voice choir under the leadership of Charles Ross, and Kenneth Bryson brings more than 35 years of musical experience. “Charlie” Ross is an experienced director of numerous Barbershop choruses for over 25 years. Ken Bryson is Director of Choral Programs at Chatham High School and a graduate of The Juilliard School with a Masters in Vocal Performance.

Vocal Synergy is hosting their “Grand Opening” with two open rehearsals, Wednesdays October 20th and 27th, at the Zion Lutheran Church Christian Education Building at 18 Miller Ave. in Oldwick. The singing events kick off at 7:15 and an early arrival is recommended.
Informal rehearsals have been open to friends and family since late September and the response has been overwhelming with over two dozen attendees. Bryson remarked “I was blown away by the positive energy. Everyone was incredibly supportive of one another, and the group sounded fantastic!”

The prospect for people to make music together in a COVID-safe way is evident from the robust turnout. The chorus adheres to safety protocols in this “new normal” environment, including a requirement to wear masks, complete an attendance questionnaire and observe social distancing.
The Grand Opening nights will feature holiday music in anticipation of performances in December. Tracey Hunter, the leader of Vocal Synergy, comments that “even though it’s not quite time to turn from Pumpkin Spice Lattes to Peppermint Mochas, it’s not too early to work on music for the holiday season. We’ll sing several holiday songs that people always find themselves singing along to on the radio. I can’t wait to see what is possible with this group!”

For more information about Vocal Synergy’s a cappella chorus visit their website at www.vocalsynergy.org. People interested in attending a rehearsal can email njvocalsynergy@gmail.com to RSVP and get VIP access to the music. The Hunterdon Harmonizers can be reached at sing@njharmonizers.org and www.njharmonizers.org and are always welcoming to men interested in singing.

This press release was produced by Hunterdon Harmonizers and Vocal Synergy. The views expressed here are the author's own.