New Yorkers Chorus sets milestone at Renegades game

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FISHKILL – This year marks the 25th consecutive year that the New Yorkers Chorus has performed the National Anthem at Dutchess Stadium before a Hudson Valley Renegades baseball game.

On a recent hot summer night at the stadium, 11 members of the chorus, part of the “Barbershop Harmony Society,” once again received an enormous round of applause after they performed the ceremonial start to the game.

The group’s director, John Hadigan of Hyde Park, explained that the men in his group look forward to their annual performance at “The Dutch” in Fishkill.

“It’s a great time,” Hadigan said.  “We get to sing the National Anthem prior to the game and then see some up-and-coming baseball stars.  The men love it and the crowd seems to really enjoy our performance.”

Dave Gamache of Pawling was in attendance and praised the chorus.  “Outstanding. I always enjoy their performance. Very talented group.”

Hudson Valley Renegades Vice-President Rick Zolzer, who also serves as the public address announcer at the games, spoke highly of the chorus. “Those guys have been a part of what we do since the beginning,” Zolzer said. “I always look forward to them singing at The Dutch every year.”

Most members of the chorus are in their 70 and 80s except for Hadigan, who is 56.  Hadigan has been a part of the group for 35 years, with the last 10 as director of the group.

Dick Schaffer, one of the crowd favorites of the group is 86 years old yet makes his way around the stadium as though he were still young enough to be in the dugout with the kids.

Hadigan said that the members of the group come from Orange, Ulster, and Dutchess counties and perform 10 to 12 times a year in addition to their “singing Valentine’s” that they sell every year as a fundraiser.

The group practices every Wednesday evening in the Town of Poughkeepsie.  The members use the Crown Heights Clubhouse at 34 Nassau Road for meetings and practice.

Hadigan said that anyone interested in barbershop quartet music is welcome to join them on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Nassau Road location.




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