Local residents help barbershop choir harmonize throughout Oakland County

BY CHRISTINA ULAJ
Clarkston News Staff Writer
The Pontiac-Waterford Big Chief Chorus will be spreading harmony this Valentine’s Day.
The chorus will offer singing valentines from Feb. 11?14. The valentines will be delivered by male quartets throughout Oakland County. The package includes two love songs, a rose for the honoree and a photo to remember the moment. The singing will be done at the location of choice for $45.
‘It’s a fun thing to do,? said Bill Auquier of Independence Township. ‘It’s a great way to improve your singing and learn new techniques.?
The 56 member male barbershop chorus was started in Pontiac 62 years ago. The chorus is a chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, which is for preservation and encouragement of barbershop quartet singing in America.
In the last year, the Big Chief Chorus has modernized and includes members throughout Oakland County ? Auburn Hills, Clarkston, Commerce, Farmington, Lake Orion, Orchard Lake, Ortonville, Oxford, Pontiac, Rochester Hills, Southfield, South Lyon, Walled Lake, Waterford, West Bloomfield and White Lake.
There are nine members from Independence Township and Clarkston; some participating for over 15 years.
I have been with the chorus for 16 years,? said music chairman Roger Holm. ‘I love the barbershop harmony. It’s very appealing.?
The chorus spends a lot time rehearsing to perfect their sound. Also, the group offers their lyrics to charity including: Oakland County Medical Care Facility and visiting senior centers around the holidays.
For more information, call 248-698-4052.