Our History

In the winter of 2013/14, Jerry & Kaye Johnson, of New Hope Ministries, asked Larry Marion to direct a new community chorus. Larry was a natural choice, because he had been the band leader and primary music teacher at Giles County High School for decades. So the Giles County Community Chorus convened its first practice on January 23, 2014 and thrived under his direction until he was unexpectedly called home in October, 2016.

So chorus members reached into the bass section and invited Thomas DeBusk to “take the baton”. With his guidance, and with the blessing of the New Hope leadership, the Chorus transformed itself into a self-governing, free-standing organization. After a few weeks of intensive study and planning, they adopted a set of bylaws, elected an executive committee, and elected Thomas DeBusk as the new director. (It sure helps to have an in-house lawyer!) The Chorus’ best days still lie ahead.

Our Performance Schedule

Rather than just 2 concerts, we perform 2 concert “seasons” each year: Spring/Summer and Christmas. Having a concert “season” allows us to sing great music we’ve spent a lot of time preparing more than once. It also allows our audience members multiple opportunities to come see us, so there’s no need to miss a whole season if you have a single scheduling conflict. For our upcoming concerts, check out our Concerts page for exact times, dates, and places. From time-to-time, we also perform for other events in between, based on requests and our availability.

Our Distinctives

We don’t do auditions. We take seriously our charge to promote the art of choral singing throughout the community. That means we don’t turn anyone away who comes with a willing, teachable spirit. We’re not looking for vocal all-stars. We’re looking for singers who want to merge their voices with others to create something larger than themselves. Spreading the love of singing is a contact sport. Give us a chance to pass ours on to you.

Original Songs and Arrangements

We perform many original songs and arrangements created by director Thomas DeBusk, including:

2017

All God’s Children Know (original song)

Dixie & The Battle Hymn of the Republic

Moon River (a cappella)

One Small Child (4-part quartet)

Over the Rainbow (a cappella)

Shenandoah

Some Children See Him (jazz-tinged duet)

State Pride on Parade (12-song original medley arrangement featuring songs about states, including: California Dreamin’, Carolina In My Mind, Georgia On My Mind, Indiana Wants Me, Rocky Mountain High, Rocky Top, Sweet Home, Alabama, The Yellow Rose of Texas, and Take Me Home, Country Roads)

2018

Annie’s Song (choir + hand chimes)

If

Jesus Is the Answer

Love Is the Answer

Take Me Back

Sweet Little Jesus Boy (duet)

2019

All My Tears (Be Washed Away)

Better Is One Day

Easter Parade

I’ll Be Home for Christmas (5-part quintet)

I’m Goin’ Home (original song)

Lord of the Dance (choir + handbells)

My Old Kentucky Home (w/additional original words & melody)

Peter Cottontail (handbells)

Silver Bells (solo + handbells)

We Three Kings (featuring male trio)

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

2020

Down in the River to Pray

The Morning After

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