The large chorus category was won by Ionia High School directed by Rose Scheller, all gentlemen singers in white dress shirts, black pants and ties. 

Performing between groups were Grand Rapids professional quartets the men's Grand River Serenade, Barbershop Style, new collegiate quartet Post-ed Notes, and the women's Joy Ride Inc. 

Judges were GLC members Director Dr. Curt Struyk and District Judge Mike O'Donnell. 

Publicity Chairman Orson Coe spearheaded organizing the competition with assistance from Youth & Harmony VP Ralph Mueller. 

Several members of the GLC also helped as chaperones back stage.  Al Smith noted how impressed he was by these young performers doing so well singing in a new venue and in the barbershop style that they only had a short time to prepare.  Doug Weaver enjoyed seeing the kids all excited to be at the competition and having lots fun.  Jeff Chesnut had a similar impression saying the students were very enthusiastic, that he could see all the hard work that they had committed, and that it made the audience smile to see the winners so elated. 

Joining the chorus was Grand Rapids Chapter quartets Grand River Serenade and 2008 Pioneer District International Quartet Representatives Wildcard. 

The downtown is closed off to car traffic for the weekend while food booths of many nationalities and thousands of people fill the streets.  Several outdoor stages run continuously throughout downtown with every kind of music and dance. 

The chorus had to park a few blocks away and rehearsed in the parking garage.  Then we walked to the Clock Tower Stage off Ottawa and Pearl, a good spot without a lot of echo off buildings.  It was a beautiful sunny day but after leaving the shade of the parking garage the heat and humidity immediately started to work on us in our tux shirts, bow ties, and vests. 

by Jim Gillette, President
Great Lakes Chorus

The Great Lakes Chorus is beginning a search to replace its current director who will be leaving by the end of the 2008 calendar year. Current director, Dr. Curt Struyk, will be retiring as director and the chapter will need to have someone in place no later than January, 2009.


The Great Lakes Chorus is a very active chapter in the Grand Rapids community, has become increasingly competitive in recent years, and has begun to draw more and younger members to its risors over the past several months.