MAY 17TH OPEN HOUSE SESSION WELCOMES THOSE INTERESTED IN EXPERIENCING THE JOY OF SHARING FELLOWSHIP AND SPREADING JOY AND HARMONY
The Danbury Mad Hatter Chorus welcomes all those interested in sharing a love of making music, ringing chords and connecting with others who enjoy the same. This “open house” will take place on Tuesday evening, May 17th, at 7:15 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the Church of Christ* 90 Clapboard Ridge Road Danbury, Connecticut (approx. 1 mile north of Danbury High School).
FAQs
1. * I noticed above that you meet at the Church of Christ. Do you have to be a church member? Are you a Christian singing group? What type of music do you sing?
We are not affiliated with The Church of Christ. We have found that the building is centrally located and the church leadership has been gracious and supportive in providing us with this wonderful rehearsal space in their fellowship hall. Our repertoire is eclectic. We perform selections from the traditional American songbook, patriotic and inspirational numbers, holiday music, in addition to a more modern range of music from the 1950’s and 1960’s to the present (Queen, the Beach Boys, The Beatles, etc.). What all of our repertoire numbers have in common is that they are sung a cappella-----and many are performed in a contestable barbershop style.
2. I don’t know how to read music so I don’t know if I should waste anyone’s time attending. How do you learn your music?
You are never wasting your (or anyone else’s) time when you allow yourself time to develop a new interest or hobby. Moreover, scientific studies have shown that “all work and no play make ‘Johnny’ a pretty dull/stressed person”. Hobbies are HEALTHY!! You do not need to know how to read music. The only two requirements are a love of “making music” and ability to carry a tune. If you can sing a recognizable version of “Happy Birthday”, we can help you learn your music. We are a very supportive group and learn our music during rehearsal time (see #3 below), and via learning tracks----with your voice part isolated. Many people learn their part while in front of their computer, listening to their MP3s, or while en route to/from work.
3. I’m a very busy person---very involved with my work and family. I would probably not have time to add anything worthwhile to your award winning chorus. How much time would this “hobby” take out of my schedule?
We meet every Tuesday evening, between 7:15 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. In addition, you will need to spend some time, on your own, learning your music (see #2 above)----but it comes pretty quickly with repetition. You do not have to be present at 100% of the rehearsals or know your part perfectly 100% of the time. We learn together, support one another, and enjoy each other’s fellowship. Every voice, including yours, adds quality and richness to our sound and THAT is worthwhile!
4. How would you describe the chorus (age-wise, activity level, etc.)?
We are a small to mid-size group of men (28 on the books) who range in age from their late 20s to their 80s! We are all busy/active individuals from a variety of careers ranging from retail sales to IT personnel to business entrepreneurs to teachers/college professors. While some may be more competitive than others, what we all have in common is our love for singing in the shower/enthusiasm for making music and getting that infectious, knowing smile when we make a chord “ring” with our combined voices. Most importantly, we love spending time together and meeting others who share our hobby/interest in spreading joy and harmony throughout the community. We perform at various venues in the greater Danbury area like: a variety of assisted living facilities, Danbury First Night, Newtown Cultural Arts Festival, Richter Arts Association, Putnam (NY) County Fair and at numerous Danbury Westerners baseball games. In addition, we have performed on radio and appeared on local cable and statewide television programs.
5. I don’t know if I‘d like this activity or this group. How would I find out more information about this event or the Mad Hatter Chorus?
There are two easy ways: a) call the chorus number 203-744-9480 and leave your contact information so that one of us may contact you and respond personally to your questions OR b) view our chorus website: www.madhatterchorus.org
6. Do I need to know someone to come to this open house?
Absolutely not. We will have people waiting to greet you at the door and welcome you to our special program. All you need to bring with you is your interest, enthusiasm and voice. We’ll do the rest!! If you’d prefer to contact someone prior to Tuesday evening May 17th, please contact us via the two means noted in #5 above.
