A history of Greater Harrisburg Chorus
By Janet Adams
Over the course of 51 years, a Sweet Adelines chapter will see its share of characters and milestones. Greater Harrisburg Chorus is no exception. This chapter, founded in 1956, marked its 51st anniversary in June, 2007.
Let’s go back to where it all began. Jane Davis, who sang baritone with a local quartet, Koffee Klotch, learned of Sweet Adelines on the radio when she heard the champion quartet Chordettes perform on “Arthur Godfrey Time.” Meanwhile, some wives of barbershoppers in Harrisburg’s Keystone Capital Chorus were getting together with Jane Loose. Both Janes investigated starting a Sweet Adelines chapter. Jane Davis received a letter suggesting she get in touch with Jane Loose – she did, and barbershop, Sweet Adelines-style, was born in Harrisburg.
Jane Davis and Jane Loose founded the chapter and Johnnie Owens was the first director. Harrisburg chapter received its charter that June. The group later merged with the nearby Penn-Harris chapter and was rechristened Greater Harrisburg Chorus. Among its first members was Mary Ann Myers, followed soon after by her sister, Patti Bowman. They stand on our risers today as 50-year members of Sweet Adelines International. Soon to join them in that distinction are a host of dedicated Greater Harrisburg women who have sustained the chapter throughout its history.
Musical excellence has always been at the forefront in Greater Harrisburg Chorus. In its formative years, the chapter was directed by Bob Loose, Jack Knerr, Al Gross, Eddie Allison, Jane Davis and Evelyn Baker.
In 1967, Betty Pettibon, lead of the 1963 Sweet Adelines International champion quartet The Heathertones, moved to Harrisburg from Western Pennsylvania, and before long became director. Under her expert leadership, Greater Harrisburg won seven regional chorus championships and was a consistent top-five competitor throughout her 31 years as director. In 1985, Betty was elevated to Sweet Adelines’ highest distinction, Master Director. She led the chorus to International competition six times, including two finishes in the coveted top 10. Betty retired as director in 1998, and remains a lifetime member of the chapter and Sweet Adelines International.
The chorus continued to thrive under the interim leadership of Barb McConnell, and in January, 1999, Claire Domenick arrived as full-time director. Under Claire’s guidance the chorus has enhanced its reputation as a delightfully entertaining, strongly competitive group. In regional contests, Greater Harrisburg has won two regional championships (2007 and 2005), brought home five silver second-place medals and one third-place award (in only Claire’s third month on the job). In October, 2006, the chorus competed before more than 11,000 spectators in Sweet Adelines’ International semifinals in Las Vegas, Nev., and returned home as one of the Top-20 choruses worldwide.
Since 1968, the chorus has produced an annual show. Greater Harrisburg shows have played host to the best in barbershop, including Sweet Adelines International champion quartets City Lights, Showtime, Rumors and Signature Sound, as well as top groups from the men’s Barbershop Harmony Society, including MaxQ, Hi-Fidelity, Five Towns College Chorus, and Saturday Evening Post.
Several mid-year benefits have also played a part in our history, such as the 1972 Harrisburg Mayor’s Flood Relief Show following Hurricane Agnes, the annual CONTACT benefit show, and a concert to raise funds for disaster relief agencies in the wake of terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Each year, the chorus designates a charity to receive a portion of the proceeds from its annual show. Recent recipients have included the USO and Salvation Army to benefit the vicitims of Hurricane Katrina, as well as local entities including hospice caregivers and educational institutions.
From 15 members in 1956 to nearly 100 singers today, Greater Harrisburg has been fortunate to have members who display as much loyalty and devotion as its earliest enthusiasts. The chapter has branched out, too, and the roster today boasts members from Berks, Blair, Bucks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Snyder and York counties in Pennsylvania, and even Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.
So long as there are songs and sequins, Greater Harrisburg Chorus will bring its best to stages near you and around the world. The first 50 years have been a whirlwind. We can’t wait to see what’s ahead.
50-YEAR MEMBERS
Mary Ann Myers - 2006
Patti Bowman - 2007