The HeeBeeBGs is an a cappella chamber ensemble of the BGSU Men’s Chorus. Founded in the spring of 2007 by two graduate students, who envisioned a new type of musical ensemble for BGSU, and with the blessing of the Men's Chorus director, Dr. William Skoog, and now Mr. Timothy Cloeter, the new director of the Men’s Chorus, these graduate students co-founded the group now known as the HeeBeeBGs. The name "HeeBeeBGs", is a mixture of their unique brand of humor and school spirit that resonates with all the members.
The HeeBeeBGs have performed mini-concerts for sororities and other student groups, Dance Marathon, BGSU sporting events, as well as singing for the inauguration of BGSU’s 10th President, Dr. Carol Cartwright, and taking short day trips to perform at local area high schools to share the spirit of a capella music.
Last year was an important one for the group, as it was their venture into "competitive" a cappella singing. The HeeBeeBGs made it to the quarter-finals of the International Championships of College A Cappella, and ended up coming in 4th place in the competition as well as receiving the award for Best Choreography. Not too bad for their first time at competition!
Spring semester 2009 ended with the group's traditional year-end concert held on-campus. They decided they wanted to give back to the community, and made the event a charitable one - the cost of admission would be donations of non-perishable food items. They performed to a standing room only audience, and tremendous quantities of food ended up being donated to the local food pantry.
Now, currently under the direction of graduate student Chris Clark, who is receiving dual masters degrees in music education and choral conducting, (as well taking on 6 new members – including 4 freshmen!) they have performed at the Black Swamp Arts Festival in Bowling Green, and numerous special events throughout the BGSU, Ohio, and Michigan areas.
As a registered student organization, an advisor to the HeeBeeBGs is Dr. Joseph Oravecz, the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs for BGSU. Dr. Oravecz's knowledge, passion, and leadership for music and a cappella singing have helped guide the group both refine their showmanship, professionalism, direction, and sound, as well as personally helping with academics, and leadership development.
Since its inception, the group has continued to grow in both popularity and musical excellence. All of the HeeBeeBGs, both young and old, past and present, consistently strive to bring the highest levels of talent and dedication the group, and have helped to continue the new tradition of providing audiences with a superb quality of music and outstanding entertainment.
For more information about booking the HeeBeeBGs for your event, please send an email to HeeBeeBGs@gmail.com for pricing details and availability.