Big Orange Chorus
Big Orange Chorus | |
---|---|
![]() Big Orange performing at 2011 Barbershop Harmony Society's International competition | |
Background information | |
Origin | Jacksonville, Florida |
Genres | Barbershop music |
Years active | 1980 | –present
Website |
Official Website |
The Big Orange Chorus is a men's chorus and chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society[1] based in Jacksonville, Florida. The chorus became a chartered member of the Sunshine District[2] in Orange Park, a suburb of Jacksonville in 1980, and also attributes its name to this community. The primary musical focus of the chorus is a cappella music in the style of barbershop harmony, however their repertoire of music spans many styles and difficulty levels in addition to traditional barbershop. Over the years the membership of the chorus has grown to include men from all over the Jacksonville metropolitan area and beyond in the tri-state area of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
The Big Orange Chorus has recently become the cutting edge with the "combined chorus" concept, joining with the Tampa Bay Heralds of Harmony, performing together for competitions and shows, singing under whichever banner is consistent with the venue.
The chorus has become a frequent competitor on the world stage. Most recently, The Big Orange Chorus (combined with the Tampa Bay Heralds of Harmony, singing under the Heralds name) was ranked 9th in the world[3] at the Barbershop Harmony Society's International Competition in July, 2015, at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Big Orange Chorus most recently won the 2015 Sunshine District chorus championship [4] (their 9th time).
To support ongoing vocal development the chorus is committed to embracing, developing and introducing innovative uses of technology. Digital learning materials in addition to specialized rehearsal approaches and methodologies enable Big Orange Chorus singers of all levels to develop world-class skills in preparation for both regional performances as well as international contests. The result of these efforts is helping improve the quality of male a cappella singing not only within this chorus but also among similar choruses in the Southeastern United States.
The chorus is also referred to by the nickname "The Big O".[5]
Barbershop Harmony Society International Competition
The chorus has had the privilege to perform on the International stage on nine occasions. Their highest ranking came in 1986 when they placed 8th in the world.
Appearances
1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1990 | 1991 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2015 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10th | 8th | 10th | 13th | 10th | 19th | 18th | 17th | 9th |
External links
- Big Orange Chorus website
- Jacksonville Cultural Council article on the Big Orange Chorus. Author: Frank Nosalek. Published: 11/21/2013. Retrieved: 1/16/2014.