All-male chorus seeks new members

WENATCHEE -  Wenatchee’s oldest community singing group, the all-men Wenatchee Apollo Club, is looking for more singers as rehearsals for a new season beginning September 12.  

The Apollo Club has a wide repertoire of pop, folk, jazz, musical theatre, patriotic, barbershop, seasonal, spirituals and non-denominational religious songs. It began in 1910 with interruptions during both world wars and for two years during the recent Covid pandemic. It resumed rehearsing in April 2022 and performed traditional Christmas selections at senior living centers that December. It performed eight times this year before taking a summer break. Those performances included a benefit concert with Columbia Chorale and other groups, a performance of the U.S. and Canadian anthems for the new Wenatchee Bighorns Basketball Team, and guests at an Appleaires concert.

The Apollo Club was also in the Apple Blossom Festival parade, a fundraiser for Ukrainian refugees, and a performance at the Wenatchee Farmers Market in June.

Tim Scheer, a retired choral music teacher of 40 years in Wisconsin public schools, became Apollo Club director in January and says he’s “delighted and humbled to step into the shoes of a long line of exceptional club directors.” Hank LuBean, club president who has been a member since 2012, said the mission is to provide men an opportunity to develop their vocal skills and be community ambassadors of goodwill.

“All-male choruses are a unique sound that audiences love,” LuBean said. “We love to sing and bring entertaining, positive songs.”

“Community and church choirs were already declining before Covid and the Apollo Club was no exception and continues to struggle to maintain its numbers. We need new members, particularly young men of high school and college age, but all ages are very welcome.” LuBean said. “The community would lose a valuable asset if Apollo Club ceased and we need new members to continue the men’s choir tradition here in North Central Washington,” he said.

Prospective members must be able to sing. The ability to read music is desirable but not required. Practice tracks are provided to learn parts. Few songs require memorization. 

The club is planning a Christmas concert and a late spring 2024 concert and is looking for other opportunities, including benefit concerts.

Singers interested in joining or groups interested in arranging performances may contact Apollo Club at:  wenatcheeapolloclub.com or apollo1910.org or come to a rehearsal. Apollo Club is on Facebook. Rehearsals are 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Eastmont Junior High in the choir room on the lower level with entry from the west door. A pre-season potluck will be held at Walla Walla Point Park, shelter No. 2, at 5:30 p.m. August 29; prospective members and their families are also invited.