Date: Monday, June 20, 2011
Join the GNU, Ringmasters, Grand Design and GQ in this high octane barbershop concert!
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Date: Thursday, May 13, 2010
The Great Northern Union Chorus is inviting male collegiate singers to join them for a summer of Great A Cappella Music....
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History
The Great Northern Union is a premier a cappella male chorus in the upper Midwest region dedicated to the performance, education, promotion, encouragement and preservation of high quality vocal music, primarily in the barbershop style. Founded in 1985, the Great Northern Union was founded with the motto: Fun Through Musical Excellence.
The GNU has performed all over the US and Canada as well as an annual concert tour. Historical performances include: The North Central American Choral Directors Convention, Minnesota Music Educators Convention, National Anthems; Minnesota Vikings, Twins and Timberwolves and many Midwest guest performances. The GNU has competed in the BHS competition 21 times in its history and placed in the top 10 each time, with eight trips to the medalist circle. Our most recent International competition placed us third.
Over 90 members strong and growing, the GNU over its history has been recognized for its precise harmonies and high impact message. A chapter member of the Barbershop Harmony Society (Hilltop, MN Chapter), the GNU has had the opportunity to entertain in cities all over North America, Nashville, Louisville, Miami, Kansas City, Anaheim, Portland, Atlanta, Calgary, Montreal, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, Madison, Appleton, Green Bay Decorah and Fargo. In Minnesota, the GNU has performed in Duluth, Appleton, Faribault, Fairmont, Moorhead, Stillwater, St Cloud, Rochester, Waconia, Minneapolis, St Paul, Lakeville, Brooklyn Center, Mahtomedi, St Louis Park, Hopkins, Plymouth, Bloomington, Northfield, Richfield and Eden Prairie.
GNU has produced five CDs during its tenure. Two of the CDs have been recognized and received nominations by the Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards under the categories of best Barbershop Song (It's a Grand Night for Singing), best Barbershop Album (It's a Grand Night for Singing), best Religious Album (Bound for Glory) and best Religious Song (Bound for Glory). In 2010 we released our sixth CD, Brand GNU.
GNU has developed an annual concert season featuring collaboration concerts with other area choral and International recognized ensembles that are performed throughout our calendar season. Past seasons collaborations include:
2010: The Singing Statesmen from UW Eau Claire, The Vagrants, 4Given, Sweetwater Revival, The Minnesota Boychoir and StormFront
2009: St JohnÕs University MenÕs Chorus, The Wissota Singers, Minneapolis Commodores, The Singers, Crossroads
2008: Luther College Norsemen, St. Olaf Viking Chorus, Men In Black Quartet, Marcoux Corner, Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir w/ Robert Robinson, 4Given, Hot Air Buffoons Quartet
2007: Iowa Statesmen from Iowa State University, The Limestones, Land of Lakes Choirboys, OC Times Quartet
2006: Luther College Norsemen, Metropolitan Boys Choir, Cantus, Vocal Spectrum Quartet
2005: Luther College Norsemen, Cantus, Real Time Quartet
2004: 4 Voices Quartet
In 2011 the GNU will collaborate with the Iowa Statesmen from Iowa State University, the Singing Statesmen from UW Eau Claire, Saint John's University Men's Chorus, the Ringmasters and MaxQ.
In March GNU will collaborate with St. Cloud University's Men's Choir at Ritsche Auditorium in Stewart Hall at St. Could State. In May, GNU will travel to Jackson, MN to perform a concert sponsored by the Windom Area Chordhustlers and KKOJ/KRAQ radio. In October we will head to Rochester, MN to complete in our 26th District competition to qualify for the 2012 BHS International Contest.
GNU has been under the direction of three directors over its 23 years including Roger Williams, Dean Haagenson and Peter Benson (our current director).
If you would like to make your mark in GNU history, please click here.
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A Chorus of Champions
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