One day in July 1885, a group of German men in Reading gathered in a circle to    celebrate a birthday.  As the story goes, they started to sing their traditional German folk songs and realized that they were a very good octet.  One of the singers, a schoolteacher and choir director, suggested they organize a singing society, with himself, Adelbert Sell, as the musical director.  Thus was born a German singing society in Reading.  They purchased their own sheet music and worked with a rather limited budget; however, within one year the society grew to a chorus of 40 members.

In 1895, director Jakob Schmidt helped the Liederkranz Chorus to participate in its first competitive Prize Singing in Allentown, PA, where they were awarded First Prize.  Over the years, many distinguished directors have led the Liederkranz Chorus.  A name recognized even today is that of Profs. Dr. George Haage.  He became musical director in 1904 and led the chorus for 31 years...  truly a love story!

In 1978, Dr. Roy Hinkle became musical director.  He received his doctoral degree from Penn State University by writing the dissertation of "The Meaning of Choral Experience to the Adult Members of German Singing Societies, Comprising the United Singers of Pennsylvania."  With his scholarly approach and teaching methods, the singers have received widespread recognition in Berks County and beyond.

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