It is a great pleasure to announce that Jim Halvorson has been selected as the new director for the Silver Statesmen barbershop chorus.
Jim’s experience and ability to connect with every member of the chorus was very much in evidence during the audition process. There was stiff competition with two other highly qualified and experienced directors vying for the important position. The chorus and selection committee had their work cut out for them when deciding which candidate would best serve the goals and vision of this Las Vegas Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS).
By way of background, Jim currently holds a B.A. in Vocal Music Education from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, with graduate coursework in Music Ed. from UNLV. He taught elementary general music for 11 years (one year in MN, and 10 years in Las Vegas). Jim currently serves as the director of the choral program at Cheyenne High School, where he oversees four choirs enrolling about 150 students.
Jim has been a barbershopper for most of his life. He joined the BHS on May 30, 1983, with the Minneapolis Commodores at the tender age of 10. He sang and competed with the Commodores from 1983 to 1986. In 1986, Jim became a charter member of the Great Northern Union chorus and sang with them from 1986-1998. He moved to Las Vegas in 1998 and became a charter member (and musical director) of the City of Lights chorus from 1998 until 2003. In 2005, he took over as the musical director of the Celebrity City chorus of Sweet Adelines International. He served as the director from 2005-2011.
Jim currently sings in the quartet, 95 North, which is the 2012 Far Western District champions. He is also currently serving as the Chairman of Youth in Harmony for the Far Western District of the BHS.
The Silver Statesmen Chorus invites men of all ages to join. The chorus rehearses at 7 p.m., each Thursday, at the Christ the King Catholic Community Church, 4925 S. Torrey Pines Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89118.
For more information, visit www.silverstatesmen.com.