Some Clarkston residents are singing with a purpose. A total of 11 locals are members of the Pontiac-Waterford Big Chief Barbershop Chorus who recently kicked off their 60th year.
The group has a total of 63 members.
‘We are just a group that believes in good fellowship and good singing,? Clarkston member Walt DeNio said. ‘We really have a good time doing this.?
The chapter was started by a small group of employees at the General Motors Engineering Building. Men used to gather during lunch in the lobby and sing old songs. They learned to harmonize by ear and eventually recruited the necessary 20 members to form a chapter. They were granted that charter on April 17, 1943. The group was formerly known as the Merry Motormen, but was renamed the Big Chief Chorus in 1998.
Bill Pascher, one of the original founding members, is still active after 60 years and sings with the group every week.
DeNio has only been a member since 1997, but enjoys it nonetheless.
‘One of my friends invited me into the group and I have been hooked ever since,? DeNio said. ‘There were only about 15 members when I joined. We have grown a lot in the past few years.?
The chapter meets every Tuesday evening from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Crary Middle School in Waterford. However beginning June 3, the chorus will be meeting at the Fellowship Hall at Central United Methodist Church at 3882 Highland Road in Waterford. DeNio said visitors and new members are always welcome to attend.
‘Previous experience or training is not needed. A lot of people who did not believe they were great singers are amazed at how good they sound when they sing with the group,? DeNio said.
The group keeps itself busy throughout the year. They hold an annual fall show in the first week of November at the Clarkston High School. The show last fall included performances by the Chapter Chorus and its quartets as well as performances by the CHS barbershop chorus, a community chorus and a championship quartet. This year’s show is set for Nov. 8
‘It is always a great show,? DeNio said. ‘We put a lot of time into it. We meet once a week but a lot of the singers meet separately with their quartets along with practicing by themselves throughout the week.?
The group also holds Christmas season concerts at The Summit Place Mall and offers singing valentines throughout the Oakland County area giving those being serenaded a flower, a photograph to remember the special occasion.
‘We are a not-for-profit organization and we spend time visiting nursing homes and senior centers as well as businesses in the community over the holiday season. We are often called upon by various groups and individuals throughout the community to perform at various functions,? DeRio said.
The chapter recently competed in a competition with Michigan’s other 32 chapters and took fifth place. The finish was the highest the chorus has had in its 60 years.
‘We had a springtime retreat and had a guest coach who really put us on the right track,? DeNio said. ‘The improvement we made from the previous year was great. We really got rave reviews from the judges about our performance.?
Clarkston members in addition to DeNio include Bill Auquier, Walt Bachmann, Neil Braun, Tom Ford, Jan Graham, Roger Holm, Al Monroe, Art Ripley, Dennis Robinson and Jeff Spires.
Information can be obtained by calling (248) 922-9090 or checking the chapter website at www.pontiacchapter.com.