Official Publication of the Pioneer District September/October 2004 Volume 55, Number 4 The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. Pioneer’s Rancillio ranked 5th in the world By Art Lane in recent years only by Pioneer placed 24th in the international Capital Chorus of Iowa City LOUISVILLE, KY -- Robert District editors Elbert Ford of contest. Iowa. Rancilio, editor of The Pitch- Traverse City and Gary Simon Winner of the international Hasse also placed second in Pipe bulletin of the Grosse of Wayne. bulletin contest was The a competition for single-event Pointe Chapter, placed fifth in the Rancilio last spring placed first ReChorder of Lincoln Nebraska, public relations. That competition international bulletin contest. for the second consecutive year in edited by Dick DeLorn. Placing was won by Fred Teller of the Results were announced at the the District’s own bulletin contest. second, and most-improved, was Chorus of the Plains in Hastings PROBE annual meeting during These contests are for bulletins The Tag Rag of Sarasota Fla., Nebraska. the international convention in published in the previous year. edited by Jerry Lunkes. Winning for full-year PR Louisville. The District’s other entry, The New this year was a contest effort was Hal Mapes of the Rancilio has attained a level Windmill Blade edited by Art for electronic bulletins. It was Ambassadors of Harmony of St. in bulletin competition reached Lane of the Holland chapter, won by David Haase of the Old Charles Mo. Before Reagan was famous, he sang in a Barbershop Quartet By Joe Serwach Three years before O.C. Cash formed Jack’s back By Mike Jaissle and Matthew Tipton our Society, a young At Macomb’s first rehearsal sports announcer after returning from International named Ronald Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, “Dutch” Reagan, Carl Dahlke shocked the chorus by would get off work, to resigning as the musical director. meet his friends at a Words have not been invented to nearby inn. convey the chorus’s feelings over the Dutch would then last three years. His talent is matched find Ed Morley, Will only by his experience. Scott and Pee Wee It is only through his efforts Williams. The quartet, Please see SLAMKA, Page 9. according to Reagan biographer Edmund The 2004 International Convention Morris, would then included many Pioneer representatives. Power Play (middle) the 2003 stand around a big International Quartet champs sang horse tank full of ice before their successors were named. and floating strung Macomb (above and left) came in bottles and sing old 20h in the chorus contest scoring 73.1 Barbershop songs like percent, Infinity (top left) came in his best man, Reagan instead “Baby won’t you please come 42nd scoring 76 .4 percent, while the called his old quartet buddy, home.’’ Extremes (second from top) finished Will Scott. th A little more than four years 20 in the Reagan would go on to star College later, on December 27, 1939, in bigger films, served in the Contest Reagan was a rising movie star Army during World War II, with 59.9 in Hollywood marrying for the returned to run for president of percent. first time. Reagan’s first wife the Screen Actors Guild, starred was also a rising star, Jane Photosby in numerous films and TV David Wyman. But rather than asking Wagner and shows, spent eight years as another celebrity to stand as Grady Kerr Please see Reagan page 3. 2 12 September/October 2004 Pioneer Troubadour Official publication of the Pioneer District, Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Next copy Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. Editor: Joe Serwach, 1274 Vernier Road, Grosse Pointe, MI 48236 deadline: 313-881-0531 (R) 734-647-1844 (B) — E-mail: [email protected] October 15 http://www.harmonize.com/Pioneer/pio.htm Rates quoted are for scanner- ready copy or properly PRESIDENT EVENTS VP Bruce Smith formatted electronic John Szewc Jr files. Please send check with 208 Beech St. 24749 Hickory Dr. Charlotte, MI 48813-1004 Grosse Ile, MI 48138-1619 copy, payable to “Pioneer 517-541-1104 (R) (734) 676-7402 (R) District.” [email protected] (734) 676-7402 (B) Ad sizes available: EXECUTIVE VP [email protected] Raleigh Bloch Full page $100 2033 Wild Cherry Lane CHAPTER SUPPORT/LEADERSHIP VP 2/3 page $75 Kalamazoo, MI 49009 Doran McTaggart 1/2 page $65 269-375-6849 (R) 269-375-6849 (B) 890 Buckingham 1/3 page $50 [email protected] Windsor, ON N8S 2C8 SOCIETY BOARD MEMBER Quartet-size card $13 519-948-0637 (R) Quartet-size card (annual) Bob Brutsman [email protected] 2000 Orkla Drive $55 Golden Valley, MN 55427-3430 MUSIC & PERFORMANCE VP Troubadour PUBLISHING INFORMATION 763-546-7795 (R) 763-764-4015 (B) Dan Bezaire [email protected] Published in January, March, May, 354 East Puce Road, RR #1 August, and November. Copy deadline: CONTEST & JUDGING VP Belle River, ON N0R 1A0 Al Fisk 5th of the month prior to the month 519-727-5842 (R) 519-728-1212 (B) of publication. The Troubadour is 1018 River Mist Drive [email protected] published by the authority of the Rochester, MI 48307 Pioneer District Association of Chapters 248-651-3796 FINANCE VP of the Society for the Preservation and [email protected] Robb Smith Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. All articles CHORUS DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT VP 46210 Copper Lock Lane James Ryan not by-lined are by the editor and do Macomb, MI 48044-6202 not necessarily reflect the opinion 308 Harvard St. 586-307-8007 (B) Canton, MI 48188 of the members or officers of the [email protected] District. Space will be made available [email protected] for opposing views relevant to any MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS VP YOUNG MEN IN HARMONY VP issue. Nothing will be published that Gregory Humbel David Anderson is in violation of the Society’s Code of 2011 Frieze 39043 Cadborough Dr. Ethics. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Clinton Twp., MI 48038 Subscription rate for non-members: 734-494-3691 (R) 313-790-4598 586-286-4860 (R) [email protected] $6.00 annually, $1.50 for single copy. [email protected] Remit check, payable to SECRETARY “Pioneer District,” to editor. Marvin Skupski 34430 Spring Valley PioNet subscriptions Westland, MI 48185 To subscribe to the PioNet 734-525-2968 (R) at no cost, [email protected] Address changes e-mail your name and IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Pioneer District members: DO NOT SEND Al Bonney CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO EDITOR. Chapter name to 12660 Sundown Lane Mailing data are furnished by SPEBSQSA, [email protected]. Traverse City, MI 49686 Inc., 6315 Harmony Lane, Kenosha, WI Visit Pioneer District Web 231-223-4064 (R) 53143-5199. Please furnish change of address [email protected] to your Chapter secretary and SPEBSQSA with site: MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT VP your name, www.harmonize.com/ Brian Dunckel Chapter name, Chapter and member number, Pioneer/pio.htm 5872 Green Road and your old and new addresses. Copies not Haslett, MI 48840-9783 deliverable at the time of mailing will not be 517-339-3422 (R) 517-625-3143 (B) forwarded, [email protected] 3 REAGAN: Convention Pre-Glow September 21 Continued from Page 1 As founder O.C. Cash said 66 quartet people can also sing in well as men who are tea-totallers governor of California and eight years ago, in these days of war and larger groups or just meet fellow and men who wouldn’t think years as the President of the United economic upheaval, all Pioneer Barbershoppers, have a beer, have of singing without holding a some fun, eat some good food, hear Manhattan or beer in their hand. States, renewing the national spirit, members, competing quartets and some good quartets. Thus trying to offer began policies that commenced 20 choruses are invited for a Pioneer Other Fun Nights, open to “something for everyone’’ the years of economic growth and won District “Pre-Glow’’or Sept. 21. It’s called a Pre-Glow because it all Barbershop fans and singers chapter focuses on its chorus most the Cold War. Generations of leaders willing to come, are planned for the weeks, holding rehearsals at the tried to echo his message and style. will be like an Afterglow but serve as a chance to “take your act on the last Tuesday in October, November Grosse Pointe Neighborhood He died June 5 and hundreds of road’’ before going to convention, a and December... Club most Tuesdays. Fun Night thousands came to pay tribute. chance to sing for a good audience The venue for these events, is designed for Barbershoppers He actually spent most of his of friends with no judges or score sponsored by Grosse Pointe who prefer the type of meetings working life as a performer, the first sheets in sight. An afterglow but but open to all chapters and Barbershop was known for in the actor to win the White House. He before the fact. Barbershoppers, is Elks Club “old days’’: quarteting in a social would once joke that he didn’t know The Pre-Glow is part of Number 34 at the corners of setting, how it was possible to be president if Grosse Pointe’s monthly “Fun Harper and Sunnyside in St. Clair Take I-94 to the Eight Mile- you hadn’t first been an actor. By the Night’’ program, an old fashioned Shores. Vernier Road exit to 21728 Harper time he became president, he had, in Barbershop Fun Night to just relax Like most chapters, Grosse at Sunnyside, half way between fact, perfected so many of the skills and enjoy yourself with some Pointe’s membership is very Eight and Nine Miles on the east every quartet singer needs: quarteting, gang singing, perhaps diverse, including chorus singers side of the road. -- The ability to walk into a room an inter-chapter contest but non- who hate quarteting and quartet- and capture everyone’s attention, singers who hate chorus-singing as immediately connecting with his audience. Whatever happened to Eddie? -- Stage presence and the ability to By Joe Serwach then sail off to a nearby yacht little boy, the center of attention. paint an image with emotions with I envy Jack Slamka. Like club or two to sing, drink and Very soon afterward, he was words. most Barbershoppers, I admire have a good time. They pick our youngest member, making all -- The ability to deliver a powerful his talent and accomplishments up cards and the man with the of us very proud as we watched message, to tell a story, simply so but the thing I envy is watching winning hand wins a prize. him grow up. all could understand. him regularly do something Today, people -- The ability to know, understand he loves with his 30- constantly ask me and reach his audience, to inspire, something sons “Where’s Eddie? How’s move and “sell’’ what he came to and nephew. Eddie doing?’’ He’s 17 say. And they’ve now, a senior bigger -- Style, grace and an impeccable done it year than his dad and most sense of timing. after year and of the time he is off on -- A soothing, confident, year. his own, playing around commanding yet entertaining and How many fathers with cars and friends soothing voice that entertained, can say they do anything and girls, doing his own reassured and won applause. with their sons with any thing. Still a member -- A plan to intersperse each frequency? How many of us after seven years in The first time I went on this performance with good jokes, well- shed a tear when we hear Huron Barbershopping but we don’t trip (one of the funnest things timed to help illustrate the story he Valley or anyone else sing “Cats see him much any more. College I’ve ever done in Barbershop), was trying to tell. in the Cradle,’’ that song of is just around the corner and was August 3, 1997. My son, Another Reagan friend, Frank fathers and sons being too busy hanging with “the old man’’ isn’t Eddie was turning 10 that day Sinatra, began his performing “doing their own thing’’ to do so cool anymore... so I brought him along. He career as part of a quartet, The things together? “Son I’m proud The experts tell me this is was this adorable little smiling Hoboken Four. One of Sinatra’s of you, can you sit for a while? normal, that boys go off on their character having the time of his most prized possessions was a He shook his head and he said own, conquor their own worlds life, singing with all the men as photograph of Reagan standing with a smile, “What I’d really while only the daughters come women hugged the cute little in the White House with his three love dad is to borrow the car back home to their families with boy and grown-men patted him predecessors: Gerald Ford, Jimmy keys. See you later, can I have any real frequency. Though the on the back and told him how Carter and Richard Nixon. them please?’’ apple rarely falls far from the great he was. Our director and Each of the four presidents Thought of this in August tree. leader, Russ Seely, was pointing wrote a personal message to as the Grosse Pointe chapter How does that song go? “I’ll him out to the crowd, noting Sinatra. But Reagan signed the embarked on its annual Poker never find that little boy, he it was his 10th birthday and photo of the quartet of presidents Run where chapter members hop meant so much to me, the boy I everyone was loving the cute with a message that would have aboard three big cabin cruisers used to be.’’ made O.C. Cash proud. Reagan wrote: “Dear Francis Pioneer Troubadour (USPS# P000-011) is published bi-monthly by the the Pioneer District SPEBSQSA 275 N. Albert: Who said Barber Shop Groesbeck Hwy., Mt. Clemens, MI 48043. Application to mail at Periodicals postage rates is pending at Mt. Cle- Quartets are passe’? Ronald Reagan.’’ mens, MI and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pioneer District SPEBSQSA, 4 News you can use from International

By Bruce Smith diverse backgrounds. exists. Having this position at up to a limit of 12 choruses (the Pioneer District President Fun the chapter level can only help in exact number to be determined by In addition to performances We have fun. We sing reaching out. the Society C&J Committee). by quartets, choruses and others Barbershop harmony for the sheer A New Official Name:The This contest will be held in a from across the Barbershop enjoyment of it. Our singing Society Board acted to make separate venue in Salt Lake City world, boards and is accompanied by laughter, the Society’s official name and with a separate panel. The top committees use the camaraderie and the thrill of the “Barbershop Harmony six choruses in the preliminary convention week to performance. Society.” That is the name we round (allowing no ties) are hold meetings. They Enrichment should all immediately begin eligible to compete in the 2005 make decisions that We realize lifelong personal using. Actually, it’s the name International chorus contest.” impact our hobby growth and enrichment through that has been in common use by Yes, the contests and shows and the way we run singing. At every level, in every many of us for some time so the are exciting, but sometimes what our chapters and districts. I’d like Society chapter, we teach, learn, change shouldn’t be difficult to goes on outside the contest venue to review a couple of items that and perform four-part harmony. implement. Thank you impact Pioneer. We also develop skills in While legally we will remain Core Values and leadership and enrich others the Society for the Preservation Pioneer Fundamental Reason for through our performances and and Encouragement of Barber Existence: In my first article for community outreach. Shop Quartet Sing in America, From Infinity: the Troubadour, I pointed out Creativity Inc. so that legal documents Just a brief note to our dear that great organizations need a We embrace and celebrate don’t have to be changed, we friends and family, to thank you great purpose, one that seeks a creativity. We create sound from need to switch to the new name for the continuous support and greater good. I also mentioned silence. We inspire hope, joy, and in our daily references and encouragement of our quartet. that plainly stated values other artistic expression. communications. What a thrill to be on the proscribe how we will act as well As performers, we experience As the Society makes this International Stage. We were able as providing a roadmap for our the exhilaration of creativity change, we will be able to take to hear the District and Power actions. in soul and voice. In turn, our advantage of national marketing Play (from their front row seats), Each Chapter should review audiences undergo their own efforts that are being planned to all welcoming us to the mic. its activities using these items emotional uplifting. introduce this name. It’s a tight race at International as a measure of their actions. Fundamental Reason for Changes for 2005 International with a couple points deciding Following hundreds of hours Existence: To enrich lives Contest: Two that will be quite the final placement. We are of discussion with hundreds of through singing. visible are: encouraged by the scoring and are Barbershoppers, these items have Marketing and Public First: The introduction of a determined to work hard toward been clarified. They are: Relations Officer required at Comedy quartet show and dinner. our next opportunity to represent Core Values chapter level: There has been a Second: The addition of a Pioneer! Marketing and Public Relations preliminary chorus contest, which Lastly we would like to express Singing We love to sing. Through officer position at the Society and will alter the way choruses, other our appreciation to the Chapters singing in four-part harmony, District Level for some time, but than district contest winners are and District who at the Send Off we provide opportunities for not all chapters have adopted this selected to compete. Show, truly proved their support personal expression, spread joy in position, or appointed someone to The board approved the of the Chorus, Quartet and College performance and enrich our lives fill the post. following process: “The highest- Quartet representatives. and the lives of others. As I pointed out in the last scoring non-qualifying choruses A special thank you to Power Troubadour, we need to look at in the 2004 fall contest season Play who made an INCREDIBLY Fellowship We foster rich relationships reaching out to make sure that in the 16 district preliminary generous contribution to our and a sense of belonging. Our those around us know that the chorus contests will be invited to Louisville Travel Fund. common interests bond people of Barbershop Harmony Society participate in the contest round, Bruce, Craig, Scott and Mike 5

Up-North’s Road Show Not to be outdone by their southern brothers, Pioneer’s four Up North Chapters organized their own Road Show and gathered in Gaylord June 24. Barbershoppers from Sault Ste Marie, Alpena, Traverse City and Gaylord met for two and a half hours of Barbershop fun, complete with a tag contest, some Dave Stevens wisdom, and LOTS of singing. Actually, the idea came from Jim Stewart of the Alpena Chapter who, during a Chapter Counselor visit to the Chapter last fall, suggested to Don Bazely and Al Bonney that the Up-North chapters plan a joint Chapter meeting – just like the old days. So, long before Ev Nau ever thought of the idea for a Road Show, the idea was spawned Up-North, and began to cook. Finding an acceptable date was the challenge for the four busy chapters. Between performances, coaching, contest and rehearsals, scheduling a mutually International quartet convenient date had to wait till June. Four chapter leaders, Bill Webb from the Sault, Bob King from Traverse City, Jim Stewart from Alpena, and Erv Erickson from sings in two countries Gaylord joined Chapter Counselors Bazely and Bonney as the event By Bob Shami planning team and the idea got legs. Northland Music Director and Chapter Treasurer Using free conference calling facilities located on the web, all the The Northland Barbershop Chorus draws its membership from both coordinating meetings were held by phone, the work all got done and sides of the International Bridge which links the sister cities of Sault Ste. nobody had to pull the whole load. Marie, Mich. and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. In the end, for $10 per man (all picked up by the chapters so the One day each year, in a show of bi-national harmony, pedestrians are participants did not have to pay anything), the restaurant provided all permitted to cross the bridge. the pizza and pop the guys would eat after the two hours of singing This year’s 18th Annual International Bridge Walk drew over 2,000 and celebration. walkers on June 26. I put together a quartet and eventually convinced the respective Chambers of Commerce who organized the event to allow us to sing the national anthems of both countries to the assembled throng of walkers at the opening ceremonies, just before the walk began. The quartet of men from the Northland Chorus was deliberately comprised of two Americans (dressed in blue and white) and two GREAT LAKES CHORUS Canadians (in red and white). We called ourselves “The Sweet Adelines International Yankcanucks”. The quartet symbolized in a very real way the harmony which exists OCTOBER 9, 2004 between our two countries. After the quartet had sung both anthems to the assembled walkers, Warren Woods Middle School the organizer MC announced to the crowd that “this has been the 13400 12 Mile Road, Warren classiest opening ceremonies we’ve ever had!” (west of Schoenherr Road) The quartet then walked across the bridge with the crowd and PREPAID TICKETS stopped at the halfway point, where it felt moved to sing each country’s $18 general admission 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. anthem again. With the two Canadians standing in the United States. $16 seniors/students 3 p.m. only and the two Americans standing in Canada, the quartet straddled the At the door: $20 ~ Information (586) 566-5965 border and sang away, lamenting that none of us had thought to bring a camera. Checks payable to Great Lakes Chorus The above photo was taken by Mr. S. Arlen Oakes, a U.S. Navy mail to: Louise Dimattia veteran from Portage Indiana whom we met while crossing the bridge. 49700 Potomac Court Shelby Township MI 48315 In the photo, Canada is visible to the left and the United States is on the Please include stamped, right with the St. Mary’s River which forms the border visible in the self-addressed envelope. centre. From left to right, all members of the Northland Barbershop Chorus of GUEST STARS Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, “The Yankcanucks” (sorry about the backlighting, they wouldn’t allow us on the opposite side of the bridge): As seen in their very own American Tenor Tom Lehman (with the flagpole growing out of his national PBS television special head!) American Lead Mark San Angelo THREE MEN and a TENOR Canadian Bass Bill Webb “Pop, Motown, Country, Oldies and originals Canadian Bari Bob Shami featuring the greatest instrument of all – the human voice 6

special fund-raiser benefits COULD WE for them. Of course, it also gave them more DO IT? opportunities to perform in public. By Dave Anderson Could we possibly Vice President YMIH start something like this This past convention in in Pioneer? Do we have Louisville opened my eyes a young director that to some new ideas. As would take on the task? our Macomb Chorus was We might be able to get a warming up on Saturday young music major coming morning out of college and train in the him in the Barbershop hotel, style. the next Could we get a chapter chorus to be the “big brother” and behind have a lot of mentoring us was going on? Maybe two the chapters could share the Westminster Chorus from Above: Infinity responsibility…and the Westminster, Calif., and as Left: Power Play fun! they entered, I was amazed The quartets entertained Please talk this over at how young they were… more than 350 people at within your chapters and the Windso r Send-Off ALL of them. see how much interest Show. Then when they began there is. It would take a For more details, see to sing, their sound was committed group for a page 15. clean, bright, and full of Photos by Joe Serwach long term to make this emotion. This group of work, but just think of 29 young men finished in the dividends it would ninth place in the contest pay. At the conclusion of and I found out that the Harmony Happening ‘05, maximum age for the we would then have a next chorus is 29, including the step available to which we director. could invite these young Northland Chorus setting an ex- How did such a chapter singers. get started? Five young The Lansing Chapter men of high school and ample for the rest of us to follow has graciously invited the college age wanted to Harmony Happening ‘05 sing with other young Chorus to sing on their people, not with those old By Al Booney --They sing pretty good too – 7th show, so plans are now guys, and most had been I had the opportunity to spend a most overall in Gaylord with an average score underway to have our through programs like remarkable evening with the Northland of 60.4. event on March11 and 12 our A Capella Blast and Chorus in Sault Ste Marie. --They put on a great show every year in Lansing. Harmony Happening, Because most of their guys cannot and sell out the auditorium. I will need all only in California the attend Harmony College or Harmony --They have a guest night every year of you fine Pioneer schools were larger. Round-Up (distance issues) and because (24 guests this year and over 40 last year!) Barbershoppers to step up They won their District they realize the need for continuing --They do this Harmony College two and help me out again this contest with 19 singers on education on the various subjects of our weeks after the guest night and invite al year, so mark those dates the second try. craft, President Bill Webb and his team the guests to participate – sort of a follow- on your calendar. They have an advantage decided to do their own! up – several attended. It is also the perfect in that the Masters of This started last year (2003) and the --The Sault Northland Chapter had the time to plan a meeting with Harmony, Foothills May 17 event I attended was the second highest net increase of members of any your local school’s vocal Chapter, has been like annual. They did four classes. chapter in the District last year – up five music teacher, so get on a big brother to them, What is really neat are these things: from 2002. the phone and see if there offering great coaching and -- The Sault chorus is no different than Not bad, huh, for a little chapter of 49 is anything that you can do mentoring. any of our choruses – just a great bunch guys stuck way up in the north woods, to offer some help to them. The other chapters in of guys who have decided they want to with no resources except their own You also just might want the area have had them have fun together and sing well for their determination to have fun and sing well? to give them a Power Play on their shows as paid community. Wish everyone could do this!! CD to keep. performers, and when They don’t have any gold medals or The end of the year is they won the right to sing judges or music PhDs in their midst, near, so take some action in Louisville, all of the nor do they have access to any within a in your YMIH Program. chapters in their area ran reasonable distance. 7 Bush League NOTICE OF PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENT PIONEER DISTRICT HOUSE OF DELEGATES MEETING Quartet October 15, 2004 Qualification – The Gaylord Hamonie Meisters In its reorganization activities, the Society has promulgated new Standard District Bylaws which Event Committee has broadened the the Pioneer District Board of Directors is recommending the Pioneer District House of Delegates guidelines for qualification to enable adopt at the Fall Convention House of Delegates Meeting in Kalamazoo, Michigan on October 15, more quartets to participate in this 2004. traditional and unofficial competitive These new bylaws will bring Pioneer District up to date with some management and governance event. changes that have already been made by the Society and some that are planned for the near future. With the advent of the Pioneer The new bylaws accomplish several things: District’s partnership, Bush League 1.The new bylaws eliminate that troublesome process of being required to have all district officer now offers the enhancements of candidates approved by a Society committee. coaching, craft development and 2.The Board of Directors is reduced to five positions: president, executive vice president, audience presentation techniques to immediate past president, secretary and treasurer and any number of additional board members- participating quartets. at-large deemed necessary by the individual districts, all positions to be filled by election at the The program perpetuates the fun Fall House of Delegates meeting just as in the past (except immediate past president). Pioneer and informal environment of a non- District will not elect any board members-at-large unless or until it is felt they are needed. sanctioned competition while allowing 3. The title of the current eight vice president positions will be changed to “Director,” and those quartets to “fine tune” their performance directors will make up the new Management Team or Operations Team. Candidates for the in preparation for the Fall Convention director positions will be nominated by the Nominating Committee and appointed by the District and Contest. President at the Fall House of Delegates Meeting. This nominating and appointing procedure for The following are revised “Rules” these eight director positions is not in the new bylaws but is recommended by the Society and which we hope will make this event will be written into the Pioneer District Policy Manual. more enjoyable and valuable for your 4. The Society Board Member for Pioneer and LOL Districts will be nominated by the districts quartet but elected by the Society Board. 1. Competing quartets do not have to be The proposed new bylaws are posted on the Pioneer Web Site in Acrobat format so they can be registered with SPEBSQSA., Inc. New accessed and printed out by each chapter. Go to the Pioneer Web site, select “District Business,” quartets are especially encouraged to then select “Proposed Bi-Laws for Pioneer District 2004.” enter. Please print them out and share the details with your chapter board of directors and chapter 2. There are two categories of members. This statement is an official notice that the House of Delegates at the October 15, 2004 participants. They are “Bush League House of Delegates Meeting will be asked to vote on acceptance of the new bylaws. Trophy” competitors and “For Score Only” competitors. 3. All quartets that have previously competed in Society sanctioned competitions and placed 3rd or higher, Uptown Sound quartet mak- may compete for SCORE ONLY. Along with all other competing quartets, ing final appearance during they are eligible for coaching, craft development and other singing events. This applies also to quartets that have October 2 Escanaba show previously won the Bush League Trophy. 4. The top two competitors in each of Uptown Sound from the Columbus, Ohio area will be making their very last on-stage the above categories will be asked to performance at the Delta County(Escanaba, Mich.) Chapter annual show, October 2. sing on the Evening Show. Uptown Sound took Silver Medalist honors at the International Contest in 2001 and again in 5. The First Place Bush League qualified 2002, then placing 4th behind International Champs, Power Play, in 2003. Quartet will be awarded the Bush They announced earlier this year that they will be retiring immediately after the Escanaba show. League Trophy. The Quartet will sing Escanaba is about two hours west of the Mackinac Bridge in the gorgeous U.P. We’ll even on the following year show and will throw in our beautiful fall color tour for free! present the Trophy to the new winner. Ticket price is $15, general seating only, at the newly renovated Escanaba Jr. High School 6. All quartets must sing two (2) auditorium. Contact Bill Ehrhardt Barbershop style and arranged tunes. 7.Comedy Quartets are welcome as long 2509 5th Ave. S- 301E as they adhere to Rule #6. Escanaba, MI 49829 8.All coaches are welcome to attend (906)789-9420 coaching sessions with their quartet. e-mail: [email protected] 8 Remembering Arthur “Chip” Cardy By Paul Howe Contest and how excited they good. Mathi’s for $1 each. I was in Louisville at the were. Two days later, I called Art Art usually didn’t drink International Convention when I Art sang tenor with the and said “Hey, let’s register and unless, of course, the drinks were received a call from Reese Olger Used Parts, Tunester’s enter the fall contest (which was cheap or on the house. etc. well of the passing of our GOOD Union, Captial Classics, (I to be in five weeks).’’ after two or three Mahti’s Art friend in song Arthur “Chip” think), Crossroad, Pittsburgh He said, “Well I don’t know, came around and asked each of Cardy. I was saddened as each Squealers, (24 years) what do the other guys think the quartet members what size of you were who knew him. Collector’s Choice, Gallery and about it.’’ shirts we wore. I was also very touched by filled in for thePatch Chords I told him they were ALL for The Hawaii Chapter also the emotions of Reese who had numerous times. He also sang in it. (of course I hadn’t called them sold RED or BLUE shirts with to hand the phone to Rosie a quartet with Mark Humenick, yet). old song titles on them for $20 because he couldn’t talk. I was Jeff Marks and Bob Fox. The Art said we’ll have to have each. Next thing we knew. able to reach Bob Fox, Bruce name slips my mind. a name and I said how about Art had bought each of Smith and Larry Parker who He filled in with many Sufficient Grounds,(recalling that the Collectors Choice a RED helped me pass the word on to other quartets too numerous to Art said on previous Thursday shirt. It’s amazing what those the rest of members attending mention. He had a quartet of that would be a good name for a Mahti’s will do to a guy. the convention and to the guys from the St. Johns area that quartet). Art “thanks for the good many Pioneer members at the he sang with before he joined Then I called Tim Olvier and times” and some day you’ll meet convention who had known Art the chapter. His last official T.R. Gerard to run it by them ALL of us again in the BIG over the past 25 or more years of quartet to my knowledge was the and they said “well, what did Art Chorus in the Sky. Until then, his Barbershopping career. formation of Sufficient Grounds say’’ and of course, I told them you’ll be greatly missed. God Yes, I said CAREER as Art in September 2002. Art was ALL for it. On Monday, made a wonderful person when made it his responsibility to The last public appearance of I called Kenosha and registered he created you. know every note and every move the Pittsburgh Squealers was in us. It was three months later in any song he learned with August 2002 when we sang in that December when Art had G.P. loses 3 men either one of his many quartets Howell for the hospital employee his stroke and had to leave the Grosse Pointe members had or songs sung by the chorus. He recognition dinner. On the way quartet. to attend three seperate funerals took his hobby/career very home, Art spotted a coffee shop Don Terpe had been singing for members this summer seriously and was eager to get in Howell and the name was bass in the chorus and agreed to including one for the sudden coaching anytime he could. Sufficient Grounds. give tenor a try and the quartet death of Jim Kinner, the He sang “solos” for many I remember him saying “That has been together ever since that Chapter’s historian and 2003 weddings and sang in his church would be a good name for a unique beginning. Barbershopper of the Year. choir. He seldom missed a quartet.” You all know what a great Kinner tirelessly worked to rehearsal and he always sang One month later, Tim Oliver sense of humor Art had and most complete a massive book on from the heart. I was trying to was asked to get a quartet to of you know how well he could the histrory of Grosse Pointe recall all of the quartets he has sing in Owosso for the Arts stash away the food. Some of Chapter, dating back to 1945. sung in over the years and the Council. He called me and asked you may not know that Art was Tony Ales, a long-time member following may not be totally if we could get a tenor and a bass pretty tight with his cash. of Grosse Pointe and Macomb accurate or complete. to sing with us. We ended up A funny thing happened in chapters and the original tenor However, I do know his asking Art and T.R. Gerard. We 1989 when Collector’s Choice in Fermata Nowhere, died in first quartet was calledSubtle got together an hour before went to Harmony College. On July of congestive heart failure. Impression: Art Cardy, tenor; our performance never having Wednesday night, they have the He was 52. Jim Miller, lead; Jim Schule, sung together before as a Steak & Ale Bash. Well, the John Mullens, a five-year bari and Al Fisk, bass. I quartet. After the gig was over Hawaii chapter has a tradtion member, also died after a long remember their first District we ALL felt we sounded pretty at Harmony College to provide illness. 9 Slamka back directing Macomb after Gold Medalist retires Continued from Page 1 compliment that is. Those who Jack Slamka. Harmony Heritage Chorus, but that have achieved our recent know Macomb members know Jack has a long history with thanks to these two fine men, we accomplishments -successful how proud we will be to carry Macomb. can rest assured it is something shows, won contests, fun and him on our rolls. He is a charter member and has bright that the Pioneer District can productive rehearsals each week Any Barbershopper who has served as director on two previous be proud of. -all directly attributable to Carl. been involved in a chorus director occasions; both times leading the Please join with the Macomb A finer man there isn’t and search knows what a daunting chapter to District Championships Board of Directors and the Pioneer District should know task that can be - especially if you and international competition Harmony Heritage Chorus in what a treasure Carl Dahlke is. are trying to replace the likes of qualification. thanking Carl for his exemplary Carl’s presence will be missed Gold Medallist Carl Dahlke. Jack had to take a leave from leadership and welcoming Jack at the helm, and though he It simply underscores how the chorus in 1999 to pursue a Slamka as our new musical graciously declined a position on fortunate we are at Macomb that gold medal of his own. Having director. the risers, he told the chorus, “I we had to go no further than our achieved that, Jack is returning We could not be more proud will not be transferring to Frank own ranks to find someone willing to his chorus home and new than we are on this day to be able Thorne. I am a member of the and able to rise to the challenge. challenges. to claim both Carl and Jack as our Macomb chapter.” Those who Macomb is pleased to announce No one can know exactly what own. know Carl know what a high and welcome its new director the future holds for Macomb’s 4 Voices! 2002 International Gold Medal Quartet, ‘96 college champs See one of the best quartets ever live… in Pioneer! Plus an original musical “Grosse Pointe: Guilty as Charged!’’

Grosse Pointe Chapter Show, September 18, 2004 Tickets available by contacting any Grosse Pointe member or call Joe Serwach at 313-881-0531 or call (313)886-SING www.gpsingers.com 10 Music, mailing labels and my values

in the can, I feel a little bit guilty I am sending what I would developed but we can expect By Al Bonney unless I send a donation. As I ordinarily send to other charities, more requests for our giving in I don’t know if others are have evaluated what I send every to the Harmony Foundation the future. experiencing the tremendous year for these “free” labels, I am whose mission it is to preserve I hope our Society doesn’t increase in personalized mailing amazed. Barbershop harmony for future end up sending mailing labels labels that I am but, I suspect you However, I have solved generations. as I don’t want anymore. And, I are. my guilty feeling problem by Did you know that 90 percent believe you don’t want anymore Every time I prioritizing the charities I send of SPEBSQSA members are non- either. bring my mail to based upon my value system. donors to Harmony Foundation? However, you may want to home I have at What is one of the things I value The new direction is to encourage take a look at the charities you are least one set of most in my life? Barbershoppers to become regular giving to and see if they match labels asking for a Honestly, I have found that donors to Harmony Foundation. what you value in your life. donation for this, preserving Barbershop harmony Our new Harmony Foundation If you want to know how you that or the other in the world is among the top staff is attempting to increase the can give to Harmony Foundation, charity. three things I value most in my percentage of those giving to our I would be happy to answer I’ll be honest. life. It is right up there with own charity by structuring giving your questions. Let’s build the my Family and my Church. programs tailored to the needs Society’s future together in If I keep the labels, without Therefore, rather than collecting and values of our membership. harmony. sending a donation, or throw them all of those mailing labels, This effort is still being HARRISVILLE 2004 SCHEDULE Don’t forget: OF EVENTS Pre-Glow Sept. 21 (details on Thursday, Sept. 2 page 3. Springport Scrambles Golf Outing 1:00 p.m. (Gather at course around 12:30) District Convention, Oct. 15-17! Sign up on Lot#87 (Fred McFadyen) Sunrise Harmony Interchapter Party Everyone is invited! 7:30 p.m. in Harrisville Day Park Friday, Sept.3 Sweets Adelines Mass Chorus rehearsal @ North John in Campground @ 5:00 p.m. Director: Susan Heimburger [email protected] Music: “This is My Country” and “Sweet Adeline” Friday, Sept. 3 Greenbush Golf Club PreGlow: Quartets Invited to sing/Public invited to enjoy!!!\ Saturday, Sept.4 Greenbush Scrambles Golf Outing 8:30 a.m.-noon Sign up on Lot#102 (Linda Liddicoatt) Saturday, Sept. 4 Sweet Adelines Mass Chorus rehearsal @ North John @ 5:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept.4 Maria Hall PreGlow Show 8:00 Quartets and chorus invited to sing Public invited to to enjoy!!! 11

Bush League Agenda Time Activity Location Friday September 24, 2004

6 – 8 p.m. Registration for the program and check in to hotel rooms Tree Tops Resort 8 – 10 p.m. Master’s class with an District Champion level quartet with Tree Tops Resort open discussion on subjects like: • Rehearsal techniques • Marketing your quartet • Planning a show package • Blending voices • How to choose music • Anything you want to ask! 10 - ? Tag singing contest with mix ‘n match quartets and afterglow Tree Tops Resort Saturday September 25

10 am– 12 Bush League quartet contest with four certified judges. Note E-Free Church noon there will be no A&R session because the judges will spend the rest of the day coaching the quartets and any input might be just repetitive – Judges will, instead, be asked to make their comments on their score sheets and give these to the quartets as input. Top 2 scoring quartets will sing on the show that night. 12 – 1 pm Lunch – on own

Contacts and More Information

Registration for Weekend Events: To bring your quartet for the weekend: Contact Al Bonney at [email protected] or go to the Pioneer Web Site at www.harmonize.com/pioneer/pio.htm and find all the information you will ever need. If none of this works, call him at 231.223.4064. Fill out the registration form and send it to Al with your non-refundable deposit of $40 per quartet.

For Hotel Reservations: See the Hotel information sheet attached for package options and reservations instructions.

For the Bush League Contest and Barbershop Show: Contact Hank Hedges at [email protected] or Erv Erickson at [email protected], or Bob Dittman [email protected]. 12 38-year DOC member dies in traffic fatality

By Tom Uicker Durham, riser buddy borrowed that same chair to use participating in the deaconal Robert Sage, a 38-year What is the first thing you in Louisville this summer as affairs of his church [St Gerald member of the Society—first think about when you’re thinking he competed with Macomb’s Catholic Church, Farmington]. with the Northwest (Detroit) about Bob Sage? You remember Harmony Heritage Chorus.] This was clearly Chapter, and then Oakland his contagious smile and his Even while Bob was in rehab, demonstrated with Julian taking County and Detroit-Oakland great sense of humor. after each hip replacement, he an active part in Bob’s funeral Chapters—was struck by a I will never forget that last asked to be provided with sheet mass. van as he crossed a side road in Monday night practice where, music so he could keep up with Bob also mentioned that downtown Farmington on June cane in hand, Bob headed the chorus songs. their pastor, Father McEnhill, 22. towards the risers—not using the There was no way he was was being transferred to another He was still conscious at the cane to assist with his walking, going to allow only “infirmity” parish and what a joy it had been scene, but he was pronounced but twirling it like a “Yankee to stop him from enjoying the to work with him. dead two hours later, at Botsford Doodle Dandy,” the consummate camaraderie, fellowship, and We talked about other things Hospital. At age 82, showman! enjoyment of singing and being a too; things that were almost Bob Sage had recently Bob was bound and part of the chorus. What a guy! prophetic of times to come. gone through hip replacement determined to be on the risers I’ve known Bob Sage for 35 I will deeply miss our time surgery in both hips, and he was and sing with the chorus even years. We’ve ridden to practice together, going to and from overjoyed to be able to continue if it meant purchasing a special together for almost 20 years. chorus practice, and the sharing singing with the Gentlemen chair in which he could sit, Somehow, we talked about things of our lives. Those who knew Songsters Chorus. and then donating that chair to last Monday night that dealt with Bob were “touched” by him. I His sudden death was a blow the chapter when he no longer the future. am proud to say that I am one of to us all. needed it in order that someone He mentioned how proud those people. A Tribute to Bob Sage, by Fran else might use it as necessary. he was that his son Julian was Riser mate John Nolte renewing his faith and actively Plan ahead for new officers, COTS

Harmony Heritage Chorus and the Senior Pioneer District COTS this January 8-9, 2005. By Doran McTaggart, quartet reps that will be crowned this fall. Mark these dates on your calendar and plan to Pioneer DVP-CSLT Power Play appeared to say thanks for the have your Chapter take full advantage of the Our Barbershop Harmony Society is support we have given them through the years, classes taught by a world-class faculty. We certainly filled with caring people who will to show us their gold medals and to sing up a were the envy of the Society last year when come out of the woodwork to express their storm. What great champions they are! Pioneer had 100 percent attendance by all of good wishes when the occasion arises. Get nominations ready our Chapters. We had the largest percentage of During my recent double heart by-pass Summertime usually finds your Chapter’s Chapters with four or more attendees also. surgery, I was really overwhelmed at the Nominating Committee busy as they prepare I hope we are prepared to do as well again outpouring of good wishes that came to me via a slate of officers that will have the talent and this year. Our 2004 successes should reinforce cards, phone calls and e-mails. creativity to move the chapter forward as they the need for each chapter’s Leadership Team Sometimes you can expect plan for growth in membership, music and to once again obtain the tools to do each of our close friends to respond with enjoyment. jobs successfully. Don’t forget to include your positive words but I received When the elections are completed in Chapter Counselor in your planning. Let’s good vibes from people all over October, these elected men have said that lead the Barbershop World again in 2005. our Barbershop world. My they would serve and now they are prepared sincere “thank you” to all of to be trained to be you. I guess we all know now that I really do the best that they have a heart. can be in their $80,000 distributed to Intl. reps respective offices. The 2004 edition of the Send - Off Show They are willing to held at the Hellenic Banquet Halls in Windsor act as a Leadership was the 28th time the Windsor Chapter has Team. Like the hosted this Pioneer District premiere fund- Three Musketeers raiser. Many quartets and choruses have they are all for one reaped the benefits of the net profits through and one for all. the years. COTS January I estimate that about $80,000 has been 8-9 distributed to our International representatives. It’s not too This year, the profits were shared among early to put in Infinity, The Extremes, the Macomb County a plug for our 13 14 Bush League Arrival: Friday, September 24, 2004 Departure: Sunday, September 26, 2004 Return this form to: Reservations Department TREETOPS RESORT 3962 WILKINSON ROAD GAYLORD, MI 49735 Fax # (989) 732-8459 CHECK-IN TIME: After 4:00 PM

CHECK- OUT TIME: 12:00 Noon

NAME(S) 1. ______2. ______ADDRESS______Home Phone ( )______CITY______STATE_____ ZIP______Business Phone ( )______You are welcome to arrive early or extend your stay following this scheduled event. Every effort will be made to reserve the room type requested as well as any special requests such as connecting rooms, non-smoking, location, etc. Should we not be able to do so, we reserve the right to assign the next available room type and rate. Children 17 years and under sleep free when in the room with parents.

ARRIVAL DATE: ______DEPATURE DATE: ______

PLEASE RESERVE THE FOLLOWING ACCOMODATIONS: per person Package 1- Includes: 1 night’s lodging, 1 breakfasts,1 AfterGlo with all taxes and gratuities. $64.00pp Double ______$101.00pp Single ______Package 2- Includes:2 night’s lodging, 2 breakfasts,1-Pre-Glo,1After Glow with all taxes and gratuities. $122.00pp Double ______$198.00pp Single ______Room Only Rates: Based on Per Room/ Per Night $ 75.60 Single or Double ______

All lodging is subject to 6% state tax and 2% local assessment.

DEPOSIT POLICY: You may guarantee your room reservation with a major credit card or a deposit of one nights lodging, no later than September 13, 2004. Refund of your deposit will be made if cancellation occurs at least 14 days prior to arrival. Treetops will be sending you a confirmation of this reservation request. Upon receipt, please review all information. You should receive your confirmation within 3 to 5 working days.

Do you require any special lodging requirements? ______Barrier Free ____ Main Floor _____ Non-Smoking

PHONE�RESERVATIONS�NOT�ACCEPTED� � ������ � FAX�NUMBER�989-732-8459 ______VISA ______MASTER CARD ______DINERS CLUB ______AMEX Number: ______Exp. Date______Date: ______Signature: ______(Not valid without signature) 15 Windsor attracts 350 to Send-Off By Bill Strong successful surgery. thing as well. Summer time and the living is easy. Not Doran, we missed you in your absence Summertime will have us out doing so for the Windsor Chapter as we continue meeting and singing throughout the summer months. June 11 saw us host our Annual Send Off show and we had some 550 guests and Barbershoppers who were well entertained by some of the best quartets in the World. International Champs, Power Play, Louisville bound Infinity, Extremes and the Macomb Chorus. Also on stage we had our Pioneer District Champion Chorus, Detroit- Oakland. Not to be outdone by all this talent, we had a mass sing with all the Barbershoppers on Stage directed by some of the finest Chorus Directors in the District leading us in their favorite songs. It was a great evening and the best part was our and are so sing outs and getting ready to compete in ability and other chapter’s pleased Kalamazoo. to give money to our to have We had 51 men on stage in Gaylord and it International participants you back would be great to able to increase that number in Louisville. attending our in the fall. Barbershopping is alive and well If you missed this functions. in Windsor. year’s Send Off show, I’m sure mark your calendars Left, a mass chorus sang with various for next year, June directors. Above, center, the Extremes. 10, 2005. It’s a great Top left, Doran entertains. Top right, evening. the future. Right lower, Macomb wows the crowd. We are delighted to have our fearless leader, Doran back in our midst after a Margaret is glad to have you out doing your Pontiac-Waterford preparing for November 6 fall show

By John Cowlishaw Johnson, Holm) and Four in Accord teachers. The Big Chief Chorus was 10th of 19, (Ford, Nevaux, Cowlishaw, and For over three years, Yong McDowell with 703 pts for a percentage score of 59 at Melkonian) joined forces to sing at has built and maintained our web site. Now spring convention. a Saturday night social event at the his involvement in ballroom dancing in Though we had hoped for a higher score, Clarkston Free Methodist Church May the Ann Arbor area has led him to move to there were encouraging signs. Our Singing 1. Pittsfield Twp between Ypsilanti and Ann and Presentation scores averaged 61 percent, Fred Devries, Jeff Spires, Chuck Arbor and he is leaving our chapter and and we know from the judges how to score Murray, and Zaven Melkonian from handing over the reins to Russ Ensign and higher in Music. Pontiac-Waterford enjoyed The Roadshow, Jim Troeger. Quartets singing at our hospitality room April 26. Recent barbershoppers of the month have included: Sufficient Grounds, Infinity, One of our Chapter Goals for 2004 been: Ron Clarke (April), Ted Prueter Night Shift, In the Neighborhood, Bootleg, was to send at least eight men to Harmony (May), and Art Carinci (June). Chordiology, Four Man Fishing Tackle Round Up. We doubled that number (the Our Fall Show is November 6 at Choir, For Got to Shave, Crescendo, The highest attending chapter). Accoustix was Clarkston High School. In addition to the Extremes, Silverdomes, Insignia, Alchemy, brilliant - their 54 TV theme medley package BCC, we will have the Clarkston High School Fermata Nowhere, and the Sweet Adelines’ is amazing! Rick Spencer knows more than Barbershop Singers, and three guest quartets: Musicality. any 26-year-old ought to and taught it well. Insignia, Musicality, and Infinity. It will be a B Natural (McFadyen, Howard, The Knickerbockers were excellent coaches/ Great Show. 16 Here comes the judge -- make that judges

By Al Fisk time. I hear it’s pretty intense, yet Vice President C&J gratifying. I’m booked to do an Greetings, Pistons fans! Evergreen District contest in Many of us have just returned BC, Canada in from the International Convention October, so I’d better pass. ; ) in Louisville. It truly was a As I’ve been preaching wonderful week. all year, we’re looking for Pioneer should be very proud gentlemen to of Infinity, The Extremes, and enter the three- the Harmony Heritage Chorus! year judging Personally, Bonnie and I program enjoyed the Swingle Singers process. As show and playing “gopher” for of now, I’m the judges pleased to during the quarter finals. announce that I also had the opportunity five guys will give it a go: to practice judge the Mike Slamka - Presentation finals. YES!!! Not only Don Bazely - Presentation We’ll have: International Chorus did I have a great seat, but Don Slamka - Singing Prelims (for Utah), Most that lists five references and get my scores matched up very Ron Eubank - Contest Improved Chorus (based on last two letters of recommendation well. {{{whew}}} LOL Administration Fall’s scores), District Quartet from certified judges in your Roger Lewis - PRS, Mike Bud Leonard - Contest Championship, Novice Quartet category. O’Donnell - PRS, and I - MUS, Administration Championship (no more than two It’s hard to believe but our have been invited to Category Remember, the window to guys having ever Fall convention in Kazoo is just School (late July). Those gents apply closes at the end of the competed in a registered quartet), around the corner (October). I’ll will be recertified year. To get things rolling, you and International Midwinter get the web site entry forms going while I take the plunge for the first need to fill out an app from me Senior Quartet Championship/ this month soy’all can enter.

The Pontiac-Waterford BIG CHIEF CHORUS PRESENTS “FAMILY” November 6, 2004 7:30 pm Guest Quartets : Insignia, Musicality & Infinity Also Featuring: Clarkston High School Barbershop Chorus Big Chief Chorus Quartets & Ensemble

Tickets: General Admission - $15.00 Reserved Seats - $20.00 Call: 248 682-4311 17 2004 PIONEER DISTRICT FALL CONVENTION OCT 15-17, 2004

CONVENTION REGISTRATION ***PLEASE FILL IN NAMES AS YOU WOULD LIKE THEM TO APPEAR ON YOUR BADGE(S)*** **REGISTRANT NAME ______**SPOUSE/GUEST NAME ______ADDRESS ______E-mail:______CITY ______STATE _____ZIP ______PHONE ______(Area Code) **COMPETING QUARTET? YES NO QUARTET NAME ______

**COMPETING CHORUS? YES NO CHORUS NAME ______

**CHAPTER NAME ______**VOICE PART: TENOR LEAD BARITONE BASS

EARLY REGISTRATION: $25.00 PER PERSON LATE REGISTRATION: $30.00 PER PERSON EARLY REGISTRATION MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN Oct 1, 2004 FEE FOR _____PERSONS @ $25.00/$30.00 TOTAL REGISTRATION FEE: ______MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: PIONEER DISTRICT SPEBSQSA, INC.

OR: MASTER CARD OR VISA NUMBER ______EXPIR. DATE____/____

MAIL CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM AND FEE TO: Robert Smith Jr. 46210 Copper Lock Lane Macomb, MI 48044-6202 All Events passes will not be mail to you. Please pick them up at the convention registration desk, located in the Kalamazoo Radisson Plaza Hotel (Headquarters). Partial registrations will available at the convention’s registration desk : The cost for each single event registrations is $15. Children 12 and under Free.

Each member of a competing quartet or chorus must be registered for an all-events pass. Failure to do so will disqualify the quartet or chorus from the contest. REFUND POLICY: REGISTRATION FEES WILL BE REFUNDED TO PERSONS CANCELING IN WRITING PRIOR TO THE 11:00 OPENING ON FRIDAY. District convention facilities are handicap accessible. Please indicate any special requirements you need to fully participate. ______

Information marked with a ** is important and is used to create your convention name badge 18

Who has the best pitch? Why “He Quartet profile: The Ritz, -- champs retiring sings like a bird” means something The Ritz is a unique quartet champion, coaches Rossford City Schools, quartet in that it is quartets and choruses, he resides in Perrysburg, Canadian researchers have shown that humans just comprised of four vocal and has been on the staff Ohio with his wife, aren’t cut out to discern certain pitches like their music teachers, each from of several craft schools Barb (and two children, feathered friends. a different school district. and clinics. During his Stephanie and Matthew). Since winning the free time, he enjoys the Ben Ayling, bass, Testing completed on humans, rats, and three Pioneer District Quartet outdoors, participates in has been a member of different species of birds shows that the birds--even Championship in 1984, outdoor sports, and is a SPEBSQSA for 32 years ones that have been raised in isolation--are better at The Ritz has gone on to private pilot. Jim resides and has been in five identifying, classifying, and memorizing absolute the International Quartet in Oakwood, Ohio. quartets including the pitches than both humans and rats, with humans Competition. Doug ‘Nic’ Nichol, Sound Syndicate. He In July 1991, they lead, received his currently is the director of performing just slightly better than rats. became the international bachelor’s and master’s the Canton Hall of Fame “It’s amazing how dissimilar the results of this test champions while degrees in music from the Chorus and has directed are when you compare humans and birds,” said Chris representing the Johnny University of Iowa. While the Seaway Commanders Sturdy, a psychology professor at the University of Appleseed District. teaching in Iowa, he in Maumee, Ohio; the Alberta. “Humans and rats are weak by any standard, Since the Barbershop sang with the Formalities State Line Chorus in Society doesn’t allow its quartet and directed the Monroe; the Motor City and they’re just awful when you compare them to the international champions Old Capitol Chorus in Chorus in Dearborn; and songbirds.” to re-enter competition, Iowa City. He is also the several choirs at Bowling For the study, humans were given monetary rewards The Ritz has focused on former director of the Green State University when they memorized or recognized the pitches that making performance tours Toledo Seaway Sweet where he received his were played for them, while the birds (zebra finches, and studio recordings. Adelines Chorus. bachelor’s and master’s The quartet has Having taught all degrees in music white throated sparrows, and budgerigars) and rats regularly performed levels, kindergarten education. were given food rewards. throughout the United through university, he He earned his Ph.D. Sturdy said humans actually perform fairly well in States and Canada and presently teaches in the in music education from tests of relative pitch, which refers to the relationship has been the featured Toledo Public School Ohio State University. between two pitch sounds played one right after entertainment aboard System. Nic is the Having taught high school Caribbean, Alaskan and author of five songbooks choral music for 20 years, the other, allowing the listener to use one pitch as a Hawaiian cruise ships. with recordings, many his choirs have toured reference for the other. They have appeared on individual compositions, across the Eastern U.S., However, when humans try to comprehend absolute the “Grand Ole Opry” and a guitar instruction Canada, Belgium, and pitch, which refers to pitches played alone without any and in the fall of 1994 book. He has been a the Netherlands. He is a external standard to contrast them with, their ability is they were featured on the guest speaker, sung or professor at Kent State nationally broadcasted conducted in all 50 states, University where he “lackluster at best,” he said. PBS special, “Keep Canada and Europe. teaches music education Sturdy believes that it is too early in the ongoing America Singing” and A Barbershopper of courses, conducts the research to speculate extensively about the cause of again in March 1996 31 years, Nic lives in KSU Men’s Chorus and the striking difference between the absolute pitch on the “World’s Largest Maumee, Ohio, with his KSU Chorale. Ben and processing abilities of birds and mammals. Concert.” wife, Suzy. his wife, Mary Ann, live Their concert tours D. J. Hiner, baritone, in Kent, Ohio. Whatever the cause, Sturdy thinks it cannot be have taken them to Great is a member of the In addition to special to humans because other mammals (rats) are no Britain, Russia, New Maumee Valley Chapter appearances and better at judging absolute pitch than humans. Zealand and Australia. in Toledo, Ohio. He competitions on three Absolute pitch testing is planned on more mammals They retired in July has been very active as continents, The Ritz has and bird species. 2004 at the SPEBSQSA a quartet man and in his made eight recordings International Convention 17 years of SPEBSQSA with their newest CD The goal is to in Louisville, Kentucky, membership, he has been release entitled Puttin’ create a map of 20 years to the day after a chapter officer, assistant on The Ritz. The Ritz... absolute pitch their forming and in the director, and a music team Swingin’ On A Star, understanding same city they won their chairman. Old Songs Are Just among as many gold medal. D.J. also sings and Like Old Friends, I’m Jim Shisler, tenor, produces part-learning Beginning To See The animals as possible. was introduced to tapes for the Barbershop Light and The Ritz...On “How animals Barbershopping during Society and choruses Moonlight Bay are understand absolute his college days and has world-wide and has available on compact disc pitch may get to been singing the high sung for national and and cassette tape and are the heart of the notes ever since. Jim is international radio and also available as a four- a retired music teacher, television commercials recording “Box Set,” The origins of musical member and director of with Nic and Ben. D. J. Ritz Anthology. The perception,” Sturdy the Northwesternaires attended Bowling Green Most Wonderful Time added. “Once we barbershop chorus in State University where Of The Year, featuring 20 can determine Defiance, Ohio. he sang as a member of favorites of the Christmas the extent of the He has served as the the Varsity Quartet and season, and Rare Times, director of the seven- received his bachelor’s in which features the solo differences in time regional champion music education. voice of each singer, absolute pitch Pride of Toledo Sweet He received his are available on CD and perception, then Adelines chorus. While master’s degree in cassette formats. All of we can begin to under his leadership, they music education at the their recordings are now understand why finished as high as sixth in University of Toledo. available through the international competition. A junior high and high Barbershop Harmony these differences exist and why our mammalian brains He is a three-time district school music teacher for Society’s Harmony work the way they do.” 19

REQUEST FOR HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS Pioneer District Association of Chapters Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites KALAMAZOO, MI October 15-17, 2004 Please fill out this form and mail to the Kalamazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 346 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007-3737 or fax to (269) 343-0430. One form for EACH room must be submitted. Please indicate your preference: Hotel Single Double Suites Please indicate your first & second choice Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites (HQ) $89.00 $89.00 $130-145* ______Country Inn & Suites $70.00 $70.00 N/A ______Fairfield Inn East $59.00 $59.00 N/A ______Quality Inn & Suites $59.00 $59.00 N/A ______

*Call Radisson directly (269) 343-3333 for a full description of suite configurations. **Room Rates do not reflect 11% state and local taxes. ______To guarantee your room, please provide the credit card information below. If credit card information is not provided, your room will NOT be reserved.

Name on card: ______

Card # : ______

Please Circle: Visa Card Master Card Discover Card Expiration Date ______

Signature ______

One room will be reserved for: (print clearly in pen)

Name: ______Date of Arrival: ______Date of Departure: ______Address: ______Number of people in room: ______

City: ______State: ______Zip:______E-mail: ______

Day Phone: ( ) ______-______Name of other guest(s) in room: ______Evening Phone: ( ) ______-______1-Bed ______2-Beds ______

Preference for Smoking ______Non-Smoking ______

Please indicate if you are physically challenged or need special requirements:

You will receive an acknowledgement from the Kalamazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau within two weeks. If you do not hear from us within two weeks please contact the housing department at (800) 530-9192 (USA Only) or (269) 381- 4003. You may also e-mail us at [email protected]. 20 XM airing weekly national Barbershop radio show Barbershop Harmony Society host of music channels as well singers now have their own as news channels (Fox News, national weekly radio show on CNN, MSNBC, etc.) sports, a XM-Satellite Radio. station called “Frank’s Place’’ XM, basically cable TV for with Frank Sinatra and friends your radio, offers more than 100 singing all the standards, talk channels including channels for radio (with right-wing and left just about every genre of music. wing channels) etc. The signals The system includes a 1940s are broadcast via satellite so you music channel (channel 4) that can listen to the same show from plays all 1940s music, including anywhere across the nation. a Sunday evening show called For more information, “Harmony Square,’’ playing contact: XM Radio - Track 4 (B) Crescendo sings for kids! Saturday June 19 was a beautiful day for outdoor singing and the Big Barbershop and Sweet Adeline Christopher Drummond - christo Family of Michigan Adoption Festival in Southfield was the perfect venue choruses and quartet recordings. [email protected] for Pioneer’s newest quartet Crescendo to share its craft. At the end of each show, Harmony Square - part of More than 25 foster and adoptive care agencies participated in the the DJ tells listeners how to “The 40’s” Check out http: event that helps to address the needs of children state wide. Crescendo contact the Society’s 800- //www.xmradio.com for teamed up with other local performers including some Detroit Lions to entertain more than 500 children, perspective parents and agency number to book a quartet. The information about subscribing. volunteers. XM service, which costs less Sun. 8-8:30pm, repeated a little The group strolled the grounds and watched eyes light up as they sang. than $10 per month, includes a later at 12-12:30 am In the course of the afternoon Crescendo found itself serenading Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence and even teaching a 5 year old boy named Brandon to sing a tag. 2004 CALENDAR: It was definitely a fun and rewarding experience and a great way to promote harmony. The response by those in attendance was overwhelming. It was truly the perfect way to put a little harmony into the lives of Upcoming events many less fortunate boys and girls. September 18 Grosse Pointe Chapter Show Gratiot County Chapter Show September 21 Pre-Glow Fun Night, Grosse Pointe September 24-26 Bush League October 15-17 District Convention - Kalamazoo October 30 Rochester Chapter Show November 5-7 Leadership Forum November 6 Pontiac-Waterford Chapter Show November 20 Huron Valley Chapter Show December 9 Grosse Pointe Christmas concert 2005 January 8-9 COTS February 18-19 Detroit-Oakland Chapter Show March 12 Lansing Chapter Show