Greater Decatur Chorale Auditions – 2023
Celebrating its 39th season, the Greater Decatur Chorale is comprised of 70+ adults who enjoy singing and sharing their talents with the community. The group, directed by Ted Hesse and accompanied by Anita Gifford, performs throughout the area, including the a winter and spring concert. To join this spectacular ensemble, see audition info below. All are welcome!
Auditions: September 11, 6:30 – 7 p.m. (Fall Semester)
Fee: $40/semester (costumes/tux rental not included)
Rehearsals: Mondays, 7 – 9 p.m. beginning Sept. 12
Location: Scovill Activity Center
Note: To audition, please prepare a song of your choice. Tape or CD may be used as accompaniment. You may be asked to sight read or perform tonal memory singing. For an appointment, contact Megan Dickerson at 217-619-8042
Cookin’ with the Chorale – 2023
Presented by WAND, on May 27 & 28 in Fairview Park Pavilion #1, enjoy a performance by the Greater Decatur Chorale. Directed by Ted Hesse, and Accompanied by Anita Gifford, the Chorale celebrates 37 years of sharing their love of singing with the community. This event is free and open to the public. Hot Grills for cooking will be available at 5 p.m. Special Guests at the concert will be the Heart & Soul Choir.
Chorale History
The Greater Decatur Chorale shares a passion for choral music with our community through performance, education, and public outreach.
The Greater Decatur Chorale has a heritage dating back to 1985 when it performed under the direction of Steve McClarey. Since then, the group has been directed by Jim Collins, Robert Teel, Brian Downen, Robert Hills, Ted Hesse, Christopher Thomas, Jonathan Saeger, Michael Engelhardt, Jason Garrett, Cyndi Johnson and the return of Ted Hesse. Accompanists have included Julie McClarey, Karen Neece and, since 2001, Anita Gifford. We are thankful for the ongoing support of WAND- TV and many generous individual donors!
The Chorale features two events annually, offering a formal performance in January and free concerts in the parks in the spring. Auditions are held in August and January for the winter and spring sessions.
Besides its annual concert schedule, the GDC members share their enthusiasm for song to area shopping centers and businesses, as well as nursing, assisted-living and group homes in an active outreach program. The Greater Decatur Chorale enjoys a variety of venues and a local following in the greater Decatur area, remaining a chorus that takes great pride in its musicianship while keeping the word “community” first and foremost in its scope and mission.
“Feed the body food and drink; it will survive today. Feed the soul art and music; it will live forever.” – Julie Andrews
GDC Conductor, Ted Hesse
Ted Hesse is proud conductor of the Greater Decatur Chorale. Hesse received his bachelor of music degree in vocal performance from Millikin University and his master’s of music in choral conducting from the University of Northern Iowa. He furthered his studies in music at the University of Minnesota. He has been a church musician for over twenty years and taught at the collegiate level for fourteen years. He is active as a clinician, adjudicator, soloist and conductor.