Our Current Music Director:
Mark R. Brosseau
Mark’s musical journey started with a three-ring circus in 1st grade and eventually led him to the Cheshiremen, a group he’s known and followed since he was six years old.
An Eagle Scout and All-State singer, Mark attended Keene State for Music teaching, and he has spent decades quartetting before stepping onto the director’s podium in 2017.
He brings a "fun first" energy to the risers, fueled by a lifelong passion for traditional harmony and community spirit.
Mark lives in Sullivan, NH, and balances his love for four-part harmony with his career as a Branch Store Manager at Hamshaw Lumber in Brattleboro VT.
(Updated: 2025-March)
Craig Fisher - Current Assistant Director
More about Craig - soon (I hope!) …
Jim Kirschner - The "Co-" Duality Splits in 2018
On December 16, 2017, during our Christmas concert/show at the United Church of Christ in Keene, we announced and presented long-time Keene member and chorus director, Jim Kirschner, with our first (we believe) Certificate of Recognition as CHORUS DIRECTOR EMERITUS, as he soon embarked on a new adventure, moving from the area. We are deeply appreciative of his numerous years of fine directorial skills and singing, his compassion for the art form of Barbershop Harmony, and his friendship. Go forth and prosper, Jim! We know you'll be singing again soon in California! Good luck!
Our Directors - pre-2018
The "Dynamic Harmonic Duo." Co-Directors - JIM KIRSCHNER and MARK BROSSEAU.
Jim Kirschner and Mark Brosseau served as the Music Co-Directors of the Cheshiremen Chorus and had been doing so for over eight years (2017) after serving as Associate and Assistant directors respectively. Both men sang and performed under the former direction of Dino Houpis and Jim Flanders.
Jim Kirschner sings lead and has over 40 years in barbershop and was named chapter Barbershopper of the Year in 1990.
Mark Brosseau sings baritone, has quartetted for over 35 years, studied Music Education at Keene State College, and was named chapter Barbershopper of the Year in 2004.
Jim and Mark can often be seen and heard singing in their quartet “Heart’s Accord” and found out-in-front with the Cheshiremen in performances throughout the Monadnock region.
Past Directors
CONSTANTINE “DINO” HOUPIS - A Legend in Keene and for barbershop harmony
“Hard work, high notes”
Hard work, high notes — monadnock profile, saturday, may 4, 1996 - keene Sentinel photo by MICHAEL MOORE, May 4, 1996 - 1 of 2
Hard work, high notes — monadnock profile, saturday, may 4, 1996 - keene Sentinel photo by MICHAEL MOORE, May 4, 1996 - 2 of 2
Monadnock Profile, Saturday, May 4, 1996 - The Keene Sentinel
Houpis built a life, a business, a family and a chorus in Keene
Dino’s “crystal'“ / courtesy, cheshire county historical society
By ELIZABETH W. CROWLEY • Sentinel Staff • May 4, 1996 • Monadnock Profile • Re-published here March-2019
WHEN HE began picking on the freshman in his orchestra, Arthur Fiedler had no way of knowing the impact he would have on music in Keene.
What Fiedler did know is this: The young Boston University violinist talked way too much. …
….
> > > READ MORE - Select HERE < < <
JAMES L. FLANDERS (Dir.1997-2008)
Cheshiremen - Music/Choral Directors - Listing:
Mark Brosseau (2017— )
Jim Kirschner & Mark Brosseau (2008-2017)
Jim Flanders (1997-2008)
Dino Houpis (1974-1996)
Harry Packard (1973-1974)
Emerson Jenkins(1970-1972)
Tom Sando (1969)
Dino Houpis (1957-1968)
Gardner H. Barrett (1952-1956)
Note: the above text and descriptions may be used in Press Releases, News features and Programs - without further permission.
More info may be obtained by contacting us. Thanks!
