General Motors Employees' Chorus
Article by Norma J. Grijak - 7/4/2008
Seventy-five years ago, in 1933, a community chorus was formed, but I am certain most people in the corporation are probably unaware GM even had a chorus. It was one of the oldest employee activities within the corporation through the efforts of the late William S. Knudsen. Since its beginning, the chorus was made up of employees and their families from all divisions of the corporation in and around Detroit. Its purpose was to bring pleasure to those who enjoyed musical participation, and goodwill to the audiences for which it performed. Chorus members volunteered their time and talent, and felt a sense of civic pride in providing musical programs to the community and charitable organizations.
At that time the chorus was comprised of over 100 voices, and for 40-plus years they participated in numerous events and functions sponsored by General Motors and the GM Men's and Women's Clubs. As a GM retiree, I can recall many wonderful events throughout the 46 years I have been a member of the chorus. I always looked forward to the traditional annual concert in the lobby of the GM Building on West Grand Blvd. in the New Center area on the last work day of the year, to hear the live broadcast at noon by GM's Chairman of the Board, addressing employees at the GM Building in New York City and Detroit. It was always a festive atmosphere and the excitement was felt by chorus members and employees alike.
Prior to the holidays it was also a yearly tradition that the chorus was invited down to the WJR studios in the Fisher Building to tape a concert emceed by the former Charley Park, and later by J.P. McCarthy of WJR, which was aired on Christmas Eve to the Detroit area listeners. On one occasion the chorus even made a brief television appearance on Christmas Eve on WJBK-TV. The chorus also made a Christmas recording in the 1960’s that was produced into an actual high fidelity 33-1/3 long play record (special bright green color!) as a memento given by GM to chorus members to play on phonographs back in that era...Oh, how times have changed!
One of the most memorable times was April 27-28, 1970, when General Motors sponsored an over-night chartered trip from Detroit Metro Airport to Washington, DC for the chorus to perform at a joint dinner for Michigan’s Congressional Members and the members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, along with about 400 Michigan businessmen and their wives. What a truly exhilarating and one-time experience for all chorus members who took part in that wonderful concert!
Another exciting event was when the GM Chorus received an invitation to perform a concert on stage, right at trackside on June 23, 1975, when the 25 car American Freedom Train rolled into town at the old Penn Central Station at 17th and Vernor in Detroit, between June 21 through July 6, commemorating America’s Bicentennial (1776-1976). Visitors to the display were able to view some of America’s most treasured historical documents, artifacts and memorabilia, including a copy of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In years past, the chorus looked forward to their annual formal "Spring Concert" at the end of the season that also featured a guest artist, one of which was the late "Fat" Bob Taylor (the singing plumber) of WJR. For many years it was held in the Community Arts Auditorium on the campus at Wayne State University, in Detroit.
The General Motors Employees’ Chorus (as they are currently called) have also been an integral part of an annual “Industry Sings” program for 51 consecutive years, together with the Ford Motor Company Chorus, Detroit Edison Glee Club, Masco Chorus, the Gentlemen Songsters (formerly Great Lakes Steel Male Chorus), and also an occasional guest chorus. It first began with Lynn Salk, an employee of Edison, who had an idea for several industrial choruses combining to put on a spring concert. The first concert was performed in 1957 at the Edison Auditorium for about 200 people and the audiences have since grown, having performed at a variety of venues in both Detroit and surrounding communities. Just one year ago Industry Sings celebrated its 50th (Golden) Anniversary at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts in Dearborn.
The chorus has had many wonderful directors and accompanists throughout its long history, one of which was organist, Mr. Bill Fox, who accompanied the chorus from 1990-1992, and also was organist for the Tigers, Red Wings and Pistons in his career. On one occasion it was comically noted that at a Tigers game he got in trouble with the umpires for playing Three Blind Mice at them...(Not surprising!)
In 1994, and again in 1999, the GME Chorus was invited to perform in a Christmas show with folk singer Judy Collins at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts. They also appeared with the Michigan Opera Theatre ensemble in the opera, Carmen. More recently they have performed with various local area symphonies, the Warren Concert Band, and also the Lincoln High School choirs.
In 2003, the chorus produced its first CD for family and friends, consisting of a variety of chorus "Favorites" in commemoration of their 70th Anniversary.
This year, the General Motors Employees’ Chorus is celebrating its 75th Anniversary, which happens to coincide with GM’s 100th Anniversary. Even though the chorus has been self-supporting since the mid 70’s, they are still active in the community, performing two seasons (fall and spring), with an average of 25 concerts per year at churches, senior retirement homes and civic organizations.
The GM Employees’ Chorus wishes to congratulate General Motors Corporation on celebrating this milestone 100th Anniversary and extends best wishes to them for continued success and excellence in the future for producing "Great Cars and Trucks"!!
For more information about the GME Chorus, or for membership or a concert, please call (586) 447-2319 or click here to visit their website.
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