The Chorus

Annual Show 2009, Heider Center West Salem

The Chordsmen Chorus has a long history of music Western Wisconsin and the Midwest. In 1947, founders of the chapter and chorus were men who liked to sing. To this day, the Chordsmen like to sing. It’s our hobby. It’s our passion, it’s fun!

The chorus participates in two contests each year and has performed twice in national contests in Columbus, Ohio. The chorus is a frequent winner of regional contests and our quartets have won numerous contests.

The chorus rehearses for two hours each Tuesday night and during the year will average twelve to fourteen performances.

The chapter provides uniforms, music, contest registration fees, and transportation costs to major events.

Meet the Director, Dan Heike

Dan has been an avid Barbershopper for over thirty years. His history includes the hobby on both sides of his family tree where he remembers family reunions being more like musical jam sessions.

He claims that he can’t remember a time when he wasn’t involved in singing, including church choirs, State and National FFA chorus, Wisconsin Singers, and over twenty-five years with the district champion Midnite Watch Quartet.

Direction of the chorus is something he does out of pure enjoyment of the musical style and for the camaraderie experienced with a great bunch of guys.

Dan lives in Mondovi, WI where he partners with his son to operate a four hundred cow dairy farmall while maintaining his position as a head auctioneer ofan ongoing action business.

Assistant Director, Brian Berg

Brian has assisted with chorus directing duties for over 10 years. He has been involved in teaching and interpreting music during rehearsals. He has directed performances in concerts and special occasions.  When he is not directing, he sings lead in the chorus and has been a member of several quartets during his tenure with the chorus.

He has been a member of the Chapter for 17 years.  He has been a member of the Chapter Board.

Brian lives in Bangor, Wisconsin and the owner and head chef of the Village Inn in Bangor.

Mick Schwedler, Director Emeritus

Mick has been a member of the Barbershop Society for 29 years. He served as the Director of the Coulee Chordsmen from 1983 until 1992. During that time, the chorus was ranked in the top five of the 54 choruses in the Land of Lakes District. For several years, in the late 90’s, he sang in a quartet with his oldest son, Ben.

He continues to participate in chorus activities when he is not travelling for the Trane Company.