By Loreen Berlin
The Orange Empire Chorus (OEC) is a barbershop chorus performing throughout Orange County, directed by Craig Ewing of Buena Park with Associate Directors Woody Woodson of La Palma and Tom Nichols from La Habra lending a direct hand too. OEC is the Fullerton Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, which is an international organization of 20,000 members.
Their next performance is the annual Christmas Cabaret set for Saturday, December 7, at the La Habra Community Center (101 W La Habra Blvd.). The Christmas Cabaret features a luncheon and a dinner show at 12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively. Tickets sell quickly; best to reserve a spot early.
For those who enjoy the four-part harmony of barbershop singing, the Orange Empire Chorus is a real treat—with quartets from within the larger chorus also sharing their amazing talents—albeit interspersed with lots of “barbershop” humor that will keep you well-entertained and laughing.
OEC members come from many local cities and walks of life including La Palma, Buena Park, Anaheim, Garden Grove, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Brea, Diamond Bar, Long Beach, Irvine, La Habra, Orange, Placentia, Rowland Heights, Yorba Linda and all points in between. The common bond of the chorus is singing four-part harmony, with a love of performing for audiences.
Men of any age interested in joining the group for weekly rehearsals, may do so; rehearsals are held at the Fullerton Union High School choir room Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Guests are always welcome.
Each August, OEC performs “Harmony Under the Stars” at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center to benefit their “Youth in Harmony” program that supports music education in local high schools. Since the high school music program began, the young people, directed by OEC member and Associate Director Tom Nichols, have formed quartets at the high school level, including both young men and young women as members. As the students have become more skilled, they are often invited to perform during the OEC concerts; it’s easy to see and hear that the youth training is paying off and will keep barbershop harmony singing and ringing throughout the next generations.
Tickets for any of the upcoming concerts may be purchased by calling 714-931-6958. Singing valentines may be ordered for delivery February 10-15 by calling 714-871-7675.
For more information about OEC, visit oechorus.org.
