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History |
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 The
MOUNTAIN ANTHEMS Chorus hails from the Allegheny Mountains in
Somerset County, Pennsylvania and Garrett County, Maryland,
nestled at an altitude of over 3000 feet. The chorus members
come basically from one church, The Mountain View Mennonite
church, Salisbury, PA. |
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In
the mid 1950's, the Mountain View Youth Group asked Menno Beachy
to teach them basic rudiments in music and shaped notes. We
called it singing school. |
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In
1960 churches began calling Menno and asking us to sing. It
seemed the Lord was pushing us over a precipice, because we
had no intentions of becoming a singing group for the public.
It became a ministry ordained of God without the help of man.
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In
1969 the MEN'S CHORUS produced their first and only recording.
In 1970 the MIXED CHORUS produced their first recording. By
now we needed a name for our recordings. The name MOUNTAIN ANTHEMS
was chosen. As of 2000, we have a total of eighteen recordings.
Up to 1974 we traveled in cars and vans. |
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In
1974 we bought our first Greyhound coach with money from freewill
offerings and recording sales. In 1976 we built a rehearsal
center with a bus garage at one end and a small apartment on
the opposite end, again with freewill offerings and money from
recording sales. |
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Since
1974 we have been booked every other weekend from February to
November. Once every two or three years, we will take longer
tours of approximately ten days at a time. We are constantly
booked about 1.5 years in advance. We do our own booking, but
don't solicit churches; they need to ask for us. During the
winter months we disperse for a rest from travel and rehearsal.
We give about 65 concerts a year and have ministered in 25 states,
Canada, and Washington DC. |
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The
MOUNTAIN ANTHEMS average about 45 in number. The director and
all personnel, including our bus driver, serve on a voluntary
basis with no personal remuneration. On long, extended trips
we have at times hired a relief driver. |
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The
singers are not auditioned and vary in age from 15 to 50. Age
is of little importance, but a redeemed and perfect heart before
God is a requirement--NO EXCEPTIONS. |
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Recordings
are available at each concert. We do not make a charge for our
concerts, but a freewill offering is accepted. We do ask the
hosting church to provide a meal for us. On extended tours we
ask for food and lodging. |
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God
has always supplied our needs through the generosity of His
people. He has kept us safe in our thousands of miles of travel.
It is a privilege to serve Him in this ministry. |
