Pathfinders Chorus performs at Wayne State

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Photo by Rachel Vogt

The Pathfinders Chorus performed in Ramsey Theater on Saturday. The chorus is a male a capella group that sings a wide variety of songs.

Ana Mata, Staff Writer

The internationally recognized men’s a capella group, the “Pathfinders Chorus,” performed last Saturday at Ramsey Theater.

The “Pathfinders Chorus” sang a variety of different songs ranging from country/western to pop, and even incorporated a Disney song as well.

Matthew Armstrong, Director of Choir at Wayne State, previously worked with “Real Men Sings,” an a capella choir made of male singers from the area who had rehearsed all day for the show that night. They were given only a few hours to practice alone before they had to practice with the “Pathfinders” and still had limited time be for the concert.

“The Pathfinder Chorus,” under the direction of P.D. “Pete” Stibor, has charmed audiences throughout the Midwest and has competed in the Central States District Chorus Contest since the chorus was first established. Their chapter is made up of over 100 men from more than a 20,000 square-mile area surrounding the Fremont area.

The choir was founded in 1972, and the chapter has adopted an enthusiastic program that includes music education, participation in society competitions, youth outreach and service to the community. In addition, they perform at their annual show and various concerts throughout the year.

Toward the end of the show, they took a moment to show their appreciation to the Armed Forces members and families by singing “The Armed Forces Medley.”

“We’re going to sing for every service. I will call out the service and if you or your family member served, please stand up, proudly, during that part of the anthem,” said a “Pathfinder Chorus” member. “We just want to say thanks to all who have kept us free and allows us to enjoy these incredible privileges.”

They have qualified eight times internationally and are hoping to make it nine in the next few weeks at the “District Fall Contest and Convention” in St. Charles Missouri. Their upcoming Christmas show is on Dec. 22 in Fremont. They raise money for the Salvation Army and are encouraging everyone to try and stop by to see their show. The concert is free, but the choir takes a goodwill donation in lieu of admission.

“It means a lot to us and I don’t think Christmas really starts ‘til we sing.”