Maplewood Glee Club Seeks New Members

Maplewood prides itself on being a harmonious community, but the Maplewood Glee Club takes that identifier literally.

Every Monday night—starting September 13—the men of the Maplewood Glee Club meet to practice their harmonies at the DeHart Community Center on Burnett Avenue in Maplewood. Rehearsals take place from 7:45 p.m. to 9:50 p.m. The club performs two large concerts—in December and May—along with some smaller ones throughout the year.

Big news for the club this year is the appointment of its new music director and conductor, the renowned Candace Wicke, who is the first woman to lead the all-male group since it was formed in 1946 (this will be the club's 65th season). A resident of Westfield, Wicke has a DMA in choral music and has conducted ensembles at Carnegie Hall. According to club member Josh Zion, Wicke "was selected as a way to further the musical education of our members as well as for her energy and enthusiasm." Wicke will be assisted by a professional accompanist.

The Club is seizing on the excitement of Wicke's appointment as an opportunity to attract more members. Despite Wicke's impressive credentials, Zion says potential members should not be intimidated. He reports: "There are no auditions and various levels of musical accomplishment—one former member is starring in the London production of Hair, but he's definitely the exception!" Members live throughout Essex, Union, and Morris counties. For more information contact the Maplewood Glee Club president Erik Solberg at president@maplewoodgleeclub.org or call Solberg at 908-273-5777. 

Added Zion, "We generally gain a few members and lose a few each season. This year we want to publicize the group a bit more than in the past to give others who love to sing the opportunity to join us and grow the ensemble."

In the end, said Zion, this club of 25-30 members includes men "from all walks of life who love music and enjoy each other's fellowship and camaraderie."