Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a professional singer?
No. Our organization is not a group of music professionals. We have very few people with music backgrounds in our organization. We are men of all ages and professions (teachers, lawyers, realtors, doctors, retirees, students and business professionals) who just love to sing well.
Do I have to be able to read music?
Not really. In fact, most of our members are “ear singers.” They first learn from hearing the music and then listening to how their voices blend with the ensemble. They use the sheet music as a guide.
What type of music do you sing?
The Mason Dixon Chorus sings a variety of types of music. These include doo-wop, spirituals, patriotic and classic barbershop. The one thing that all of our music has in common is that we sing exclusively a cappella music. That is, we do not sing with a piano or other instrumental aids.
How can I find out more about Barbershop music?
Check out these sites from the Barbershop Harmony Society and from Wikipedia.
How many are in your organization?
Our membership fluctuates throughout the year, but at any given time there will be about 20 men at our practices. We are also a charter member of the Barbershop Harmony Society which has many tens of thousands of members around the world.
How often do you meet to rehearse?
We rehearse once per week from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Haven Lutheran Church in Hagerstown, MD.
How often do you perform?
We perform in a variety of venues such as county fairs, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, museums, church services and schools. Valentines Day is special for us because we get to sing love songs all day long! We’re romantics at heart.
Do you compete?
We have competed in the past but we haven’t done so for many years.
I am not sure if I am good enough. Do I have to audition to be a part of your group?
There is currently no formal audition. However, the chorus director will do a voice placement exercise with you to determine which part is right for you and help you gauge your abilities.
Sounds interesting. What should I do?
Come visit us at one of our rehearsals. You are welcome to sing with us at rehearsals without being a member. This gives you an opportunity to hear the music, sing with us and get to know our organization before you decide you want to join. We are confident that you will enjoy yourself.
Need a ride? Just want to talk about it first?
Contact Jeff Matthews, 240-428-4458
or e-mail Masondixonchorus1@gmail.com.
No. Our organization is not a group of music professionals. We have very few people with music backgrounds in our organization. We are men of all ages and professions (teachers, lawyers, realtors, doctors, retirees, students and business professionals) who just love to sing well.
Do I have to be able to read music?
Not really. In fact, most of our members are “ear singers.” They first learn from hearing the music and then listening to how their voices blend with the ensemble. They use the sheet music as a guide.
What type of music do you sing?
The Mason Dixon Chorus sings a variety of types of music. These include doo-wop, spirituals, patriotic and classic barbershop. The one thing that all of our music has in common is that we sing exclusively a cappella music. That is, we do not sing with a piano or other instrumental aids.
How can I find out more about Barbershop music?
Check out these sites from the Barbershop Harmony Society and from Wikipedia.
How many are in your organization?
Our membership fluctuates throughout the year, but at any given time there will be about 20 men at our practices. We are also a charter member of the Barbershop Harmony Society which has many tens of thousands of members around the world.
How often do you meet to rehearse?
We rehearse once per week from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Haven Lutheran Church in Hagerstown, MD.
How often do you perform?
We perform in a variety of venues such as county fairs, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, museums, church services and schools. Valentines Day is special for us because we get to sing love songs all day long! We’re romantics at heart.
Do you compete?
We have competed in the past but we haven’t done so for many years.
I am not sure if I am good enough. Do I have to audition to be a part of your group?
There is currently no formal audition. However, the chorus director will do a voice placement exercise with you to determine which part is right for you and help you gauge your abilities.
Sounds interesting. What should I do?
Come visit us at one of our rehearsals. You are welcome to sing with us at rehearsals without being a member. This gives you an opportunity to hear the music, sing with us and get to know our organization before you decide you want to join. We are confident that you will enjoy yourself.
Need a ride? Just want to talk about it first?
Contact Jeff Matthews, 240-428-4458
or e-mail Masondixonchorus1@gmail.com.