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 more than
30,000 members in more than 800 chapters in the United States and Canada, there
are affiliated organizations in: Australia, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, South
Africa, Sweden, The Netherlands, Great Britain. 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 70 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 Sessoms Drive and North LBJ Drive, San Marcos,
every Thursday evening at 7:15 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 southwest in International
chorus competition five times, against the best barbershop choruses in the world.
The chorus competed in the annual “World Series of Barbershopping” competitions
in Atlanta in 1998, Kansas City in 2000, Nashville in 2001, Salt Lake City in 2005
and most recently, Indianapolis in July 2006. Until recently, the chorus was ranked
13th from the top in the world standings and aimed to improve on that ranking at
the next International competition in Denver in July 2007. In July 8, 2007 The
Heart Of Texas chorus was ranked the 10th best in the world with the goal of continued
improvement, at the next international competition in Nashville in
July 2008 Heart Of Texas Chorus became 9th best international champions. 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 worthwhile
effort, the Heart Of Texas Chorus funds annual scholarships for music students at
Texas State University as well as scholarships and registration fees for area high
school students and music educators for the annual “Harmony Explosion Camps” in
Denton, Texas, which are part of the Society’s overall “Youth In Harmony” outreach
program. The chorus is also actively involved in conducting its own 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 in the Texas State University Friends of Fine Arts and Communication.
PERFORMANCES The Heart Of Texas Chorus performance schedule
includes Spring and Christmas concerts in Austin, San Antonio and San Marcos and
a free patriotic tribute, “United We Sing,” in September in San Marcos. The Chorus
also performs frequently for churches, conventions, corporate and community events,
and private parties. 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.
Points of Contact
Toll Free: 1-866-801-4238
Email: info@hotchorus.org
Web Site: www.hotchorus.org
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