In February, 1965, a group comprised of a dozen individuals banded together singularly interested in the joy of song. James Pharis directed the male barbershop chorus but men dropped out so they thought to ask the wives and girlfriends to join. They performed Christmas concerts in the Calumet Theatre. Pharis was a student at Michigan College of Mines at the time. Places they practiced were Dollar
Bay and in the upstairs room of the Hancock Fire hall. Under the leadership of Edward O'Connor as President, with membership growth, music loaned by the Ishpeming and Calumet Music Clubs, and the dedicated directorship of James Pharis, a formal organization, newly named COPPER COUNTRY CHORALE, presented its initial concert in June, 1965. Between 1965 and 1971, the chorale made several television appearances and performed by request at various area functions. Concerts are presented annually for the Christmas and spring seasons. Officers have been elected yearly to serve from September through May during which weekly rehearsals are scheduled. Former directors of the Chorale include:
James Pharis 1965-1967
Gene Warner 1967-1968
Curtis Glanville 1968-1971
John Clark 1971-1973
Grover Wilkins III 1973-1976. Milton Olsson 1976-1978
John Lehto 1978-1990
Becky Kramer 1990-1991
John Lehto 1991-1993
Charles White 1993 - 2010
Carol Waisanen 2011-present
Acccompanists have included Melvin Kangas, Clark Re*****on, Myra DeMotts, Kathleen Alatalo Arten, Isabelle Hagen, Neil Paynter, Maggie Kieckhafer, Duane Stephenson, Julie Gades, Ardys Maki
