by Jim Collar
One of the longest-performing male choruses in the United States is based right here in Appleton, and at the end of April, they’ll stage a concert like none other in their long, rich history.
The MacDowell Male Chorus will host the American Male Chorus Association’s regional Big Sing event from April 24–26. Themed to the nation’s 250th anniversary, it will be the first official Big Sing staged in Appleton. Festivities include a 7 p.m. public concert on April 25 at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.
Steve March-Tormé will host the all-American show, which will feature choruses from North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
“It’s going to be a wall of sound,” said Al Schmidt, director of the Big Sing and a longtime MacDowell member.
The event will include up to 13 choruses that will perform individually and as part of a massive combined ensemble. While not all selections will be patriotic, the show will highlight American composers and close with a powerful finale.
Between 225 and 275 AMCA singers are expected. Schmidt expects the combined chorus to grow even larger as they’ve welcomed men from throughout the Fox Cities to join in.
They’re hoping to draw a strong contingent of veterans, who will be honored during the concert through a presentation of military branch flags. They’ve done similar presentations at performances through the years.
“It never gets old,” Schmidt said. “And it can’t possibly get old for the people who served.”
Founded in 1934 by a group of local businessmen, the MacDowell chorus emerged at a time when there were few performing arts options in Appleton. Today, there are plenty of outlets for both audiences and performers, yet the MacDowell Male Chorus continues to endure.
“Music is a common language that crosses generations and backgrounds,” Schmidt said. “But beyond the music, it’s an excuse to get together as friends. It’s a brotherhood.”
That brotherhood spans ages, professions, and decades of membership. Some men have sung with MacDowell for 40 or even 70 years, and many who’ve moved on still return for events. They’re always looking to welcome new members.
“We’re normal guys,” Schmidt said. “We’re not professional musicians. If you like to sing, you can be a member of MacDowell. It’s always been a ‘from‑the‑heart’ kind of group.”
Hosting the Big Sing in Appleton is a long-awaited milestone. The event travels annually, and the closest it’s come was a reduced version held at Appleton East High School in 1968.
Schmidt believes Appleton is uniquely suited for the experience. With the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and the Hilton Paper Valley Hotel across the street from each other, visiting choruses can stay together and walk to rehearsals and events — an advantage few cities can offer. For performers, the weekend will include a Friday recital as well as Saturday morning workshops.
Schmidt is certain that Appleton will make a great impression on visiting singers, and he’s hopeful it will encourage more local men with a love of singing to join the fun.
“Everything is falling into place,” he said. “This is our chance to show what MacDowell and Appleton can do.”
This article was originally published in the April 2026 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
