the CHORUS
HISTORY
over 50 YEARS of music
A Central Minnesota cultural resource tracing its roots to 1935, the Staples Area Men’s Chorus re-organized in 1971 under the leadership of Stan Carlson, director for nearly 40 years, and Doug Grossman,
chorus president through much of the 1970s.
Over the years, the chorus has received support from local civic, business, education and arts instiutions. And it has returned those gifts by collaborating with area choral groups and muscians to perform seasonal concerts, special works and events throughout the region.
In 2003, chorus members started the annual Real Men Sing Festival to promote lifeling participation by students in choral and solo music. The festival has since been recognized and copied by groups across the country.
interview with long-time SAMC member DAVE ANDERSON
The Staples Area Men’s Chorus observed its 50th anniversary during the 2021-22 season. We interviewed Dave Anderson, one of the veteran singers of the Staples Area Men’s Chorus and also past SAMC Board Secretary for 22 consecutive years, to learn more about his 49 years with the chorus.
Were you a member of the original SAMC?
No, but Mike Blessing was. When Stan Carlson organized the chorus in 1971-72, I was on a sabbatical leave from my teaching position in Staples attending the University of Northern
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our MUSICIANS
director
TERESA HAMP
Director Teresa Hamp is originally from rural Wadena County, where she graduated from Sebeka High School in 2014. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, with a minor in Character in Leadership, from the University of Jamestown in 2018. Teresa is an accomplished pianist, instrumentalist, and vocalist. She has played in various ensembles throughout her college years, frequently accompanying the University of Jamestown Choir as well as serving as the pianist for many churches.
She taught K-12 vocal music at Hancock Public School from 2018-2021. In the fall of 2021, Teresa became the High School Choir Director at Pine River- Backus High School, where she teaches grades 5-12. Teresa is currently pursuing her Master’s in Music Education from Bemidji State University and will graduate in July of 2025. In addition, Teresa served as the choir director for American Legion Auxiliary Girls’ State in 2023. Teresa married her husband, Steven, in August of 2018, and they celebrated the birth of their first child in December of 2024.When she is not involved in music, Teresa enjoys spending time with her family, giving private lessons, coaching cheerleading, reading, baking and camping with her husband, newly born son, and 2 dogs.
accompanist
SANDY PASKEWITZ
Sandy Paskewitz spent her first 18 years in Truman, MN and started playing piano at age 5. She graduated from high school there in 1978, after accompanying the choir and playing clarinet in the band. She studied music at the University of Minnesota for 2 years, and eventually became a lab technician while attending the Medical Institute of Minnesota. She married Bruce Paskewitz in 1982 and moved to a dairy farm near Staples, MN. They have 3 children, along with many other four legged children who demand a lot of attention. She has loved being a ” mom” to lots of students and calves over the years! Sandy has worked for the Staples High School music department for 18 years, accompanying the high school and middle school choirs, and has played for almost 500 student contest solos. She also has worked as accompanist for the Staples Women’s Chorus and the Colla Voce young girls choir. When she is not busy taking care of calves or playing the piano, she is active in her church and other volunteer activities.and Cantus. In 2013 he led an multi generational ensemble of choral groups and orchestra in the performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria for four Minnesota communities.
LEADERSHIP
TIM RICE
President
BILL SPAR
President Elect
KEVIN OLSON
Past President
JERRY RECK
Treasurer
STEVE SING
Secretary
PAT LUNEMANN
Director
JIM SAUER
Director