The Singing Dutchmen Men’s Chorus will hold their first rehearsal for the upcoming year Sept. 8.

The group invites men from high school age and older to come to a rehearsal to see what the group has to offer. Rehearsals are held 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday afternoons at Shiloh Evangelical Presbyterian Church Sanctuary in St. Marys.

Dutchmen members have been from St. Marys, Emporium, Ridgway, Johnsonburg, Kane, DuBois and Bradford areas. For the past 36 years, they have been under the direction of Edwin Schwer, a local musician and retired music teacher from St. Marys. The group is accompanied by Rita Ordiway, a highly respected pianist well known throughout Elk County.

The group has a rich history going back more than 50 years when the organization was founded by Gloria Anderson. The chorus sings unison to four-part harmony on all varieties of music; both secular and sacred. They sing songs from Christmas selections to contemporary Christian music; and folk Broadway to pop music throughout many decades.

The men’s chorus has performed in the surrounding area as participants in Christmas and patriotic programs along with civic organizations, county fairs and facilities for seniors. They have also sung for church services in St. Marys and Emporium. Their calendar already has requests for this new season.

The group not only serves the local communities in song, but they give back with two scholarships through the Elk County Community Foundation. The first scholarship is in memory of their founding director, Gloria Anderson. The second scholarship is in memory of their past long-time accompanist, Gladys Schultz. Both scholarships are presented annually to high school seniors; additional details available through school guidance departments or the foundation.

If you are interested in participating or learning more about the Singing Dutchmen Men’s Chorus or if your organization is looking for entertainment, contact Ed Schwer at (814) 834-7733.