Warner Township
Clark County, Wisconsin
In celebration of song, and singing
This year marks 40 years of annual "Spring Sings" performed by the Clark County Male Chorus.
The men's choral group that has been spreading the joy, and enjoyment, of singing throughout the county and beyond goes back even further, according to its current president, Clarence Hoesly, of Granton.
The chorus's current president, Clarence Hoesly, has been a part of the vocal group for 33 years.
"The group was started in 1964, taking over for the disbanded Thorp Male Chorus. Some of its Greenwood members were determined to keep a proud tradition going," Hoesly said.
Over the years, the chorus has welcomed men from all walks of life to its musical ranks. Singers all, they have included bankers, farmers, teachers and factory workers.
The chorus also presents quite a mix when it comes to ages. The group includes relative youngsters of 35 and seasoned songsters 70 years of age.
"We sing just about everything," said Hoesly reflecting on his taking part in more than 30 years of singing pop music, Christmas carols, hymns and patriotic songs. "It depends on the occasion," he said.
The Clark County Male Chorus has added its distinctive musical touch to many an event over the years. Members of the chorus have performed at Queen Coronations at the Clark county Fair, at Christmas concerts with their female counter-parts, the Clark County Choraliers, and during their annual later winter circuit of singing at the churches within one of the communities of Clark County.
But the chorus has also been called to the special, and somber, duty of singing at the memorial services of soldiers killed in battle. The members have responded, in a way to match the honor and dignity of Clark County's finest " Todd Olson and Joshua Schmitz " who died in the Iraq War.
But on a lighter note, the Clark County Male Chorus has taken its songs on the road over the years, singing in places like New York and Canada.
When chorus members aren't performing, they are looking forward to practice. They meet every Monday evening at Greenwood High School's music room. They were there again this week, the sense of camaraderie filling the room . "We've been together so long, we feel like brothers," Hoesly said.
Strengthening the bond for all 19 members is the music that keeps bringing them back. "Everyone likes to sing " that's what keeps us going," said Hoesly.
And sing they did during practice on Monday, with the same pride and enthusiasm that shows up at all their performances. Between songs, they broke into the smiles and laughter of an ageless brotherhood.
Come Saturday, April 21st, at 7 p.m. at the new American Legion Hall in Neillsville, it will be a special show time for the Clark county Male Chorus.
"We'll be celebrating 40 years of "Spring Sings,"" Hoesly said proudly. In doing so, they will be joined by three other choruses. There will be one from Eau Claire, another from Minneapolis and the third from Eagan, Minn., making nearly 90 voices in all.
The Clark County Male Chorus will not only be sounding good, but looking especially good, as well.. Chorus members will be debuting brand-new tuxedos, thanks to combined donations from the Clark Electric Cooperative's "Ace," Listeman and Wuethrich charitable foundations.
"It should be a great time," said Hoesley.
Long-time piano accompanist for the chorus, Deon Spangler, is a part of the Monday night practice session.
Joe Anderson, a music teacher at Loyal schools, is the latest in a line of directors, including the late Kendall Smith, who have provided a guiding hand, or two, for the chorus at both practices and performances.
Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI
April 16, 2008, Page 5
Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon
Clark County Male Chorus to Host Spring Sing
The Clark County Male Chorus will be hosting their 41st annual Spring Sing to be held on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at the Granton High School Gymnasium. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. and there will be a variety of sacred, secular, patriotic and “just plain fun” songs performed.
The guest chorus this year will be the Cold Spring Mannerchoir, who will be traveling from Cold Spring, Minnesota. Both choruses will be performing several selections as solo choruses and then join together for several selections as a massed chorus.
Both of these choruses will also be performing in the Associated Male Chorus of America, Upper Midwest District’s “Big Sing” being held this year in Eau Claire, WI. The concert will be held at Zorn Arena on the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus on April 26, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. There will be 18 choruses from various parts of the United States with approximately 400 male voices joining in song.
The Clark County Male Chorus was organized in 1964 and serves as singing ambassadors for Clark County. The current membership is at about 24 members and they have performed at many different functions during its season that runs from September to May.
Currently, they are under the direction of Joe Anderson of Loyal and are accompanied by Rhonda Eskildsen from Loyal. Some of the performances this year were the annual joint Christmas concert with the Clark County Choraliers, the women’s counterpart to the Clark County Male Chorus; and church tours in Greenwood, Loyal, Neillsville, Granton, Chili, Cadott, Abbotsford, Colby and Riplinger. The group also sings in area nursing homes, American Legion events, and various other functions in the surrounding area.
The group is always looking for a few good men to sing and to continue the proud tradition of the Clark County Male Chorus. Being able to read music is not a requirement to join the group. An enthusiasm for singing and dedication to rehearsing on Monday evenings for two hours from September to May is all that is required.
Tickets for the Spring Sing can be purchased at Granton High School on the evening of the concert or from any Clark County Male Chorus member.
Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI
April 15, 2009, Page 4
Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon
Clark County Mail Chorus to host Spring Sing
The Clark County Male Chorus will host its 42nd annual Spring Sing, Saturday, April 18, at the Granton High School Gymnasium. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. with a variety of sacred, secular, patriotic and “just plain fun” songs performed.
The guest chorus this year will be the Rochester Male Chorus, which will be traveling from Rochester, MN. Both choruses will perform several selections as solo choruses and then join together for several selections as a massed chorus.
Both of these choruses will also perform at the Associated Male Chorus of America, Upper Midwest District’s “Big Sing.” The “Big Sing” concert is being held at the Inver Hills Community College in Inver Grove Heights, MN, Saturday, April 25, at 7 p.m. There will be 14 choruses from various parts of the Midwest with approximately 350 male voices joining in song.
The Clark County Male Chorus was organized in 1964 and serves as singing ambassadors for Clark County. The current membership is at about 24, and it has performed at many different functions during a season that runs from September to May.
Currently they are under the direction of Joseph Anderson, Loyal, and are accompanied by Rhonda Eskildsen from Loyal. Some of the performances this year were the annual joint Christmas concert with the Clark County Choraliers, the women’s counterpart to the Clark County Male Chorus; church tours in Greenwood, Loyal, Neillsville, Granton, Chili, Cadott, Abbotsford, Colby and Riplinger. The group also sings in area nursing homes, American Legion events and various other functions in the surrounding area.
The group is always looking for a few good men to sing and to continue the proud tradition of the Clark County Male Chorus. Being able to read music is not a requirement to join the group. An enthusiasm for singing and dedication to rehearsing Monday evenings for two hours from September to May is all that is required.
Tickets for the Spring Sing may be purchased at Granton High School the evening of the concert or from any Clark County Male Chorus member.
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