b'HarmonyAcross the AgesThe Maplewood Glee Clubs brotherhood of song and funBY ADRIANNA DONATThe Maplewood Glee Club\'s spring 2023 concert opened with the Beatles\' "Here Comes the Sun." Members sprang the sunflowers on the audience during the final verse.I fyoufindjoyinsinging,youvecometoanIts a shared passion for, and enjoyment of, mu- er,Theclubhasbeenmymusicalhomefor10 the right place. The Maplewood Glee Clubsic that brings us closer, he says. years, Weist says. In that time, weve grown togeth-is composed of men for whom music offersAdamczyk and Weist form the clubs artistic cen- creating performances that captivate audiences, camaraderie, merrymaking and a shared pas- ter. Their collaborative synergy shapes the choir intochallenge our members and, most importantly, cel-sion for song. ensemble known for arrangements that delightebrate the power of harmony.At the heart of the endeavor is a group ofthe ear. Adamczyk has been a part of the club forThe clubs success is mirrored by its increasing dedicated men who put considerable effortmore than 17 years, and Weist boasts an impressivemembership. A decade ago, the club had 18 voices; into guiding the glee club, now in its 77th year: Joshdecade of service. today it boasts more than 60.Adler, club president; Bryan Kleppe, vice president;The two mens journey with the group has beenThe club traces its origins to a group of World Steve Adamczyk and Kevin Weist, co-artistic direc- marked by innovation and experimentation. TheyveWar II veterans, led by Columbia High School grad-tors and arrangers; Gregory Scim, music director;pushed boundaries, reimagined classics and intro- uate WesPollittwho,afterreturningfromactive and Dave Malyzsko, intrepid accompanist. duced a more diverse repertoire. Their associationduty in 1946, wanted to celebrate the camaraderie The affable Adler exudes enthusiasm. For him,with the club has been nothing short of a beautifuland healing power of music. After getting the glee the choir is a tightly knit brotherhood. symphony. club started, he sang with the group for 25 years.12/ matters magazine / holiday 2023'