Affiliation The Heart Of Texas Chorus is the performing
chorus of the Central Texas Corridor Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society,
the largest all-male singing organization in the world. In addition to approximately
30,000 members in more than 800 chapters in the United States and Canada, there
are affiliated organizations in: Australia, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland,
New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, and The Netherlands. There are also barbershop
singers in Denmark, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and parts of the former Soviet Union. The
Central Texas Corridor Chapter is one of approximately 50 chapters in the five-state
Southwestern District of the Barbershop Harmony Society.
Members Current membership is approximately 60 and growing.
Members come primarily from the Austin - San Antonio corridor. Membership is open
to males over the age of 12 who love to sing, and can. Anyone interested in membership
is encouraged to use the Point of Contact information at the end of this document.
Rehearsal Location and Time Rehearsals are held in Room
222 of the Texas State University Music Building located at the corner of Sessom
Drive and North LBJ Drive, San Marcos, every Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. Guests
are always welcome.
Vision Established in early 1994 under the principles
of Total Quality Management, the chorus vision is to serve as a model for a new
generation of barbershop choruses; not only from the standpoint of singing and performance
excellence, but also from the perspective of how a chorus may be effectively organized
and operated. The Heart Of Texas Chorus’ goal is to provide an atmosphere wherein
each member may reach his full potential as a singer, performer and leader. It is
envisioned that the lessons learned in self-esteem, cooperation, communication,
leadership, and continuous personal improvement will carry over into the everyday
lives of our members, their families, and the communities they serve.
Honors The Heart Of Texas Chorus has won honors in every
competition it has entered. In its brief history, the chorus has claimed the Southwestern
District Chorus Championship four times and has represented the District in International
chorus competition finals eight times against the best of more than 800 barbershop
choruses in the world. The chorus represented the Southwestern District in the annual
“World Series of Barbershopping” competitions in Atlanta in 1998, Kansas City in
2000, Nashville in 2001, Salt Lake City in 2005, Indianapolis in 2006, 10th place
in Denver in 2007 (our first top 10 ranking), a second consecutive top 10 recognition
with a 9th place finish in Nashville in 2008, and in Anaheim in 2009. The Chapter
has also earned the award for the best all around chapter in the Southwestern District
three times.
Charitable and Community Activities Members of The Heart
Of Texas Chorus contribute to the Harmony Foundation, the Barbershop Harmony Society’s
charitable subsidiary, generating funds that provide scholarships and grants to
support music education in North America. In addition to participating in this worthy
effort, the Heart Of Texas Chorus funds annual scholarships for music students at
Texas State University. As an extension of the Barbershop Harmony Society’s “Youth
in Harmony” outreach program, the Chorus sponsors and conducts its’ own youth outreach
programs at the local level. The Heart Of Texas Chorus is a member of the San Marcos
Chamber of Commerce, the San Marcos Performing Arts Association and a Diamond Century
Club level member of the Texas State University Friends of Fine Arts and Communication.
Performances The Heart Of Texas Chorus performance schedule
is high-lighted by the very popular (and free) “United We Sing” concert, a soul-stirring
patriotic tribute, every September in San Marcos. Spring and Christmas concerts
are frequently held in Austin, San Antonio and San Marcos. The Chorus also performs
for churches, conventions, corporate and community events, and private functions.
Contact information for booking the chorus is listed below.
Operations The Heart Of Texas Chorus is a 501(c) (3)
non-profit charitable and educational organization. Operating revenue is generated
primarily through performances, donations from supporters, the sale of our recordings,
and membership dues. Expenses include charitable donations, uniforms, coaching,
travel, education, legal sheet music, insurance, director's fees and expenses,
show production, promotion, postage, printing and communication expenses.
Internet The Heart Of Texas Chorus has a presence on
the World Wide Web at: www.hotchorus.org. You can find information on Heart Of Texas
Chorus performances, directions to rehearsals, merchandise information, and other
items of interest about the chorus. We have also joined the social-networking medium
with The Heart Of Texas Chorus group Facebook page.
Points of Contact
Toll Free: 1-866-801-4238
Email: info@hotchorus.org
Web Site: www.hotchorus.org |