Big Orange Chorus

Big Orange Chorus
Big Orange performing at 2011 Barbershop Harmony Society's International competition
Background information
Origin	Jacksonville, Florida
Genres	Barbershop music
Years active	1980 (1980)–present
Website	Official Website Facebook Twitter Meetup

The Big Orange Chorus is a men's chorus and chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society^[1] based in Jacksonville, Florida, under the direction of Tony DeRosa. The chorus became a chartered member of the Sunshine District^[2] in Orange Park, a suburb of Jacksonville in 1980, and also attributes its name to this community. The primary musical focus of the chorus is a cappella music in the style of barbershop harmony, however their repertoire of music spans many styles and difficulty levels in addition to traditional barbershop. Over the years the membership of the chorus has grown to include men from all over the Jacksonville metropolitan area and beyond in the tri-state area of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

The chorus has become a frequent competitor on the world stage. Most recently, The Big Orange Chorus was ranked 17th in the world^[3] at the Barbershop Harmony Society's International Competition in July, 2012, at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Oregon, besting their previous year's ranking of 18th.^[4]

To support ongoing vocal development the chorus is committed to embracing, developing and introducing innovative uses of technology. Digital learning materials in addition to specialized rehearsal approaches and methodologies enable Big Orange Chorus singers of all levels to develop world-class skills in preparation for both regional performances as well as international contests. The result of these efforts is helping improve the quality of male a cappella singing not only within this chorus but also among similar choruses in the Southeastern United States.

The chorus is also referred to by the nickname "The Big O".^[5]

Director

Tony DeRosa took the reins as director of the Big Orange Chorus in 2007. He is a three-time gold-medal winning quartet champion of the International stage. First in 1992 with Keepsake (where DeRosa became the youngest gold medal winner at the age of 19), with Platinum in 2000 and Max Q in 2007.^[6]

Tony currently sings lead with Main Street, a quartet dedicated to the traditional style of barbershop music. They recently placed 3rd in the world^[7] at the 2014 International competition.

Mr. DeRosa is also the director for the Heralds of Harmony.^[8]

Barbershop Harmony Society International Competition

The chorus has had the privilege to perform on the International stage on eight occasions. Their highest ranking came in 1986 when they placed 8th in the world.

Appearances

^[9]

External links

• Big Orange Chorus website
• Jacksonville Cultural Council article on the Big Orange Chorus. Author: Frank Nosalek. Published: 11/21/2013. Retrieved: 1/16/2014.

References