Acorn

A cappella singing is a very important part of Drew culture, and many students flock to the concerts of the school�s popular groups.

Tomorrow Drewids can experience the a cappella style that started it all � the barbershop quartet.

The Morris Music Men, a chorus that specializes in classic barbershop songs, and other local singing groups for �Harmony on Parade� at 8 p.m. in the Dorothy Young Center for the Arts Concert Hall.

The Morris Music Men, comprised of males of various ages from northern New Jersey, is a non-profit organization that has been performing in the Morris County area for about 40 years.

Barbershop quartets first became popular in the 1890s and typically feature four men singing close, intricate harmonies.

�The music has a lot of seventh chords in it. Marvelous, rich chords. It is so much fun to do,� Terry Scullin, who sings tenor in the chorus and is a member of the chorus� Board of Directors, said.

The Morris Music Men sing arrangements from the 1890s-1930s, although Scullin said there are some �new songs� from the 1960s in their repertoire.

While this Saturday is their large annual show, the Morris Music Men also perform at other benefit concerts throughout the year.

Last year, they held a fundraiser for the Morris Interfaith Food Pantry, sang at nursing homes and participated in a gazebo concert for Morris and Chatham townships.

One of their most popular events is singing valentines. Every February, New Jersey residents can pay $45 to have the Music Men quartet show up at the house or workplace of that special someone � dressed in tuxedos, of course � and sing a few barbershop love songs.

The singers delight in this popular event. �I really enjoy getting out and singing for the public,� Scullin said. �I once did 17 gigs in one day!�

Scullin called barbershop music �an art that we�re trying to keep alive.� The Morris Music Men want to make connections with younger generations by introducing them to the classic American vocal style.

�What we�re trying to do is expand and get other kinds of a cappella singers in our shows. We are constantly looking to develop quartets and give them the opportunity to perform.�

In addition to the nationally known senior male barbershop quartet Sage, Drew�s own all-male a cappella group, 36 Madison Aveune, will perform on Saturday. The Bell Tones and Steppin� Out, two quartets featuring members of the Morris Music Men, and Escape, an all-female quartet and current champion of the Sweet Adeline�s women�s harmony society, will be featured as well.

Like many of Drew�s recent guest performers, Scullin and the Morris Music Men are enamored by Drew�s new concert hall. �We�re tremendously excited to be coming over to sing in that hall,� Scullin said.

Tickets are $13 for students and will be available at the door.

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