HEART OF TEXAS CHORUS
FACT SHEET
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NAME
Heart Of Texas Chorus
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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. r>
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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.
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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.
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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. As of July 8, 2007 The Heart Of Texas chorus is ranked the 10th best in the
world with the goal of continued improvement on that ranking at the next international
competition in Nashville in July 2008
The Chapter has also earned the award for the best all around chapter in the
Southwestern District three times.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Points of Contact
Toll Free: 1-866-801-4238
Email: info@hotchorus.org
Web Site: www.hotchorus.org
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