About the Columbus Swiss Singers
The Columbus Swiss Singers are the Swiss singing chorus
for Columbus. It consists of four subgroups:
-
Helvetia Männerchor, the men's chorus,
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Edelweiss Damenchor, the women's chorus,
-
Columbus Swiss Singers, the Gemischterchor, or mixed chorus, and
-
Columbus Jodel Club
We like to sing, of course: not just in English, but in
standard (high) German, Swiss German, French, Italian, Romansch -- and
one Christmas, the women even sneaked in a carol in Norwegian!
We have made two recordings: a Christmas CD in 1997, and a CD of
traditional Swiss music in 2005. (Click
We also like to have a good time, whether it is sharing a
beer at our rehearsals,
Our rehearsals are held every Wednesday evening, starting
with the ladies' chorus at 8 pm, followed by the mixed chorus at 8:45
and men's chorus/jodel group at 9:30.
If you live in central Ohio and this sounds like fun to
you, come to a rehearsal! Membership is open to all adults 18 years and
older who can carry a tune. You do not have to have Swiss ancestry to
join us. If you decide to consider membership, there will be a ten-week
trial period to help you make sure this is for you, and to determine
which section will most benefit from your voice.
The Helvetia and the Edelweiss are members of the North
American Swiss Singing Alliance and of the United Germanic Singing
Societies of Columbus.
For additional information on any of these organizations,
contact the
Webmaster.
John S. Long,
Director
John
Long, director of the Columbus Swiss Singers since 1979, assumed the
leadership of the Helvetia Maennerchor and Edelweiss Damenchor from the
famed German musician/conductor Fritz Saenger. The Swiss choirs have
performed extensively around the Columbus Ohio area and throughout the
Midwest. They have been successful in North American Swiss Singing
Society competitions earning several first place honors.
John is a graduate of Capital University where he actively
participated in the Men’s Glee Club and the Chapel Choir. He earned a
Masters Degree in Music Education with an emphasis in Choral Music from
The Ohio State University and was a Graduate Student Conductor of the
University Chorus. John has studied with James Major, Paul Christiansen,
Maurice Casey, James Gallagher, E. Richard Shoup, and Lewis Whikehart.
He is a member of the Music Educators National Conference, the Ohio
Music Education Association, the American Choral Directors Association,
and the National Education Association. John has functioned in a variety
of capacities for the Ohio Music Education Association and presently
serves as a vocal music and choral adjudicator. He is seated on the
Advisory Board of the All Ohio State Fair Youth Choir.
John Long is presently in his 35th year as Director of
Vocal Music and Music Department Chairperson at Pickerington Central
High School in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. His choirs have earned
superior ratings in State competitions and won national honors in
Washington DC and at Walt Disney World. His choirs actively perform
throughout the Central Ohio area.
In addition to his musical activities, John is a retired
coach of Cross Country and Track. His teams have earned many major
titles including Conference, District, Regional, titles and one State
Championship in Cross Country. He has earned statewide honors as a
coach.
John is married to his wife Cynthia and they reside in
Pickerington, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. They have four children, Jim,
Jennifer, Andrew, and Zachary.
Matt Ebright,
Accompanist
Matt
Ebright has been accompanist with the Columbus Swiss Singers since 1996.
He is a graduate of Pickerington High School, and earned a Bachelor of
Arts in Music degree from The Ohio State University. He plays
professionally for many occasions and teaches piano.
Last updated September 22, 2009