History of Jonestown Male Chorus

Fifty Years of Service

1947 to 1997

As the men and women from the Jonestown area were returning home from the service in 1947, several of them decided to form the Jonestown Alumni Association Chorus.  At the first rehersal two ladies and twenty men showed up for practice.  The ladies never attended any more rehersals and thus the Jonestown Male Chorus was founded, an organization consisting then and today of men who share a common desire to sing.  The chorus has been committed to providing quality secular and sacred music for the past fifty years.  Appearances have included churches, civic organizations, alumni banquets, Memorial Day services, trips to Washington DC, and Atlantic City, NJ.

Our repertiore consists of hymns, traditional anthems, spirituals, gospels, and works of the masters.  Secular works feature traditional arragnements for men's voices, novelty songs, sing-a-longs, Broadway show tunes, and patriotic anthems.

Today, as well as fifty years ago, the group consists of volunteer choristers who meet on Wednesday evenings for rehearsals and companionship.  Our accompanist is Mrs. Kenneth Hess, who has shared her musical talents for the past forty years.  Our current director, Mr. Henry 'Skip' Gerhart has provided his muscial directorship for forty years.