Neighbors across Moore’s Ferry have a long-standing affection for the Hickory Choral Society (HCS), a community treasure that has turned local performances into shared celebrations of music, fellowship, and hometown pride. The choir’s appeal goes beyond its polished harmonies. Residents often say they attend because the performances feel personal as singers are their coworkers, teachers, church members, and lifelong friends.

“HCS is a special group with a storied history and some of the most interesting and talented people I’ve met,” said resident Tim Penn, who has been a tenor in the group for 6 years. “Singing with these people brings me great joy and makes me feel part of a larger community.”

And then there is Mary Texer, who was the accompanist for 4 decades until she retired in December. Mary said, “To be a part of the HCS family for 40 years, a wonderfully diverse group of musicians who share a passion for making beautiful music, has blessed me more than I can describe.”

Supporting the choir becomes a way of supporting the community itself. Many neighbors describe the concerts as a chance to slow down, reconnect, and experience something beautiful created by people they know. Residents David and Monica Harker have been members since they moved to Hickory 6 years ago. The Christmas concert is a special part of their holiday season, and their kids especially enjoy the Cookies & Carols concert.

Local businesses, arts supporters, and families often rally around the group, helping sustain its mission through donations and enthusiastic attendance. That shared investment has turned the choir into a cultural anchor that strengthens community bonds and inspires pride in Hickory’s artistic life. Resident Chris Bish has been a tenor in the group for 3 years and shared that he is happy to be singing again after a 50+ year break.

As HCS prepares for its 49th season, the focus is on sustaining the choir for the next 50 years and beyond. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community, including seasonal memberships, business sponsors, and concert underwriters. And to ensure that we can financially sustain and expand programs to achieve our mission, we launched a Joy of Music endowment campaign last fall.

Neighbors are already marking their calendars for the Fall and Christmas concerts. Drew and Sherri Isenhour have been longtime supporters of HCS. “We look forward to each year's events, especially the Christmas Concert”, said Drew. “That event kicks off our Christmas spirits and sets us on a path toward another season with our families and celebration of our saviour's birth. Our friends also enjoy attending the various events with us, and we look forward to supporting this worthwhile cause for many years to come.” In Hickory, showing up for the Hickory Choral Society isn’t just a night out. It’s a tradition, a celebration, and a reminder of how music brings people together. 

For information, visit www.hickorychoralsociety.org or call the office at 828-322-2210.