INSIDE: Top 10 Baris of all time • witnesses new attitude among music educators • Your 2015 District Champs

January/February 2016 From the creative mind of artistic producer DEKE SHARON ( Pitch Perfect, The Sing-Off ) comes the all-new live concert event that takes a cappella to a whole new level!

INTRODUCING

1/15/16 Gainesville, FL 2/5/16 Bradford, PA 2/20/16 Blacksburg, VA 1/16/16 Tampa, FL 2/6/16 Cleveland, OH 2/22/16 Newport News, VA 1/17/16 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 2/8/16 Lebanon, IL 2/25/16 Greenville, SC 1/22/16 Green Bay, WI 2/10/16 Athens, OH 2/26/16 Durham, NC 1/24/16 Des Moines, IA 2/11/16 Oxford, OH 2/27/16 Charlotte. NC 1/26/16 East Lansing, MI 2/12/16 Springfield, OH 2/28/16 Atlanta, GA 1/27/16 Jenison, MI 2/16/16 Boston, MA 3/1/16 Tyler, TX 1/28/16 -1/29/16 Madison, WI 1/30/16 Iowa City, IA 2/17/16 Kutztown, PA 3/3/16 San Antonio, TX 1/31/16 Minneapolis, MN 2/18/16 York, PA 3/4/16 Austin, TX 2/2/16 Kirksville, MO 2/19/16 College Park, MD 3/5/16 Galveston, TX

VOCALOSITY – THE ALBUM AVAILABLE JANUARY 15, 2016 on Universal Music Classics

For More Information, visit us at VocalosityOnTour.com January/ February 2016 VOLUME LXXVI NUMBER 1

Wayne Grimmer

Watching the tide turn. So- ciety staffer Wayne Grimmer is one of many Society staff- ers dedicated to building a barbershop following among established and future music educators. 2009 champ Cross- roads has been in the thick of the efforts in 2015 and has news for Society members— music educators’ attitudes are changing quickly. 18 Features Helping chapters help chapters Lincoln, revitalized 10 The new Healthy Chapter Initiative will connect 22 After years of decline, this Nebraska chapter looked chapters with the best field-tested resources. outside the barbershop box, then spent the next Dr. Duane Gunn months reeling in a great director—who then became a Barbershopper and the Society’s top recruiter 2015 District Champs Tom Tipton 12 The 17 best districts quartets from 2015 10 best baritones of all time 25 Baris are the butt of so many insider jokes, yet four of More from the Storytellers this panel’s top 10 bari’s were some of the funniest men 16 Chapters team up as “Harmony Mercenaries,” How of any voice part—and all 10 are legends. See who the Boise chapter recovered from an unfortunate made the list—and tell us who else should have. beginning to a 700-student youth festival Jim Bagby Various On the Cover Todd Krier directs Nebraska’s newly revitalized Lincoln Continentals Departments Cover by Eddie Holt

2 7 THE PRESIDENT’S PAGE Harmony How-TO 2016 resolutions for the chapter microcosm 20 communication habits of successful directors 3 28 Straight Talk making a difference Now is the very best time to be a Barbershopper Trace Adkins: “You guys really made my year” 4 For your repertoire: a great song about sausage letters 30 New Performance category; missing leads Member service directory 5 Where to find answers TEMPO 28 2017: Target Center closed—Axis Theater open! The Tag Past Society CEO passes away Valentines Intro

January/February 2016 • The HARMONIZER 1 the President’s page Don Fuson, Society President • [email protected] 2016 resolutions for the chapter microcosm n looking ahead to the year 2016, many options are Hidden barriers to chapter membership. Have you available to each of us. considered the barriers that are obvious to new We all can look back and celebrate our 2015 members but may often be overlooked by the “cur- events, personal and professional, and also relive rent/old” members? Even men who are otherwise I what has allowed our local chapter, quartet, chorus, experienced singers can be quite challenged by some district ... to come together to engage our communi- of the following: ties through singing. • Singing without sheet music and instead watching So it is possible that any thoughts I might have the director at all times. about what 2016 “should” become is only a part of • Combining good singing skills with good visual the story. performance skills. • Committing to attend each week and being prepared. • Engaging the audience from his spot on the risers. • Becoming performance-ready on new and old songs. • Understanding the chapter culture. • The chapter’s lack of or ineffective use of the Man of Note program. • The chapter’s lack of new member orientation. Differing views • The chapter’s lack of complete and timely com- “I am always fascinated by the structure of munications about shows, uniform, performance, things; why do things work this way and not audience—and making sure new members know it that way.” all in advance. – Ursus Wehrli How would you overcome these? How have you reached out to new members so that barriers, per- Mr. Wehrli is a Swiss comedian who ceived or real, are turned into opportunities to build How have you often comments about nature and art. on? How are a new member’s thoughts, needs, “itches reached out to He “tidies up” complex patterns and and expectations,” or even outside singing experi- simplifies them, recasting them to in- ences molded into what the chapter wants to do in new members dividual components. (Examples of his the new year? so that barri- work are above.) If making things more straightforward is a good thing, consider Help new Barbershoppers develop a heritage ers (perceived how to apply that value to: Someone asked me about developing a “heritage” for • learning new music. barbershop singing, even if a member has to leave his or real) are • camaraderie and fellowship. current chapter. Or in other words, “if a member has turned into op- • performing songs we already know. to leave a chapter, how often does he rejoin a new • learning and mastering new songs and chapter in a new location?” portunities to arrangements. A first or home chapter can develop a sense of build on? • coaching new members to find their learning and sharing, and then a member who does own voice in singing in our barbershop relocate can bring those best practices to a new chap- style. ter. Borrowing some great ideas from one location • developing more leaders for our chapter tasks. and bringing them to a new location is a great heri- • reaching the full potential of our quartets and cho- tage to share! ruses in our performances. • reaching a brand-new set of people who enjoy our 2016 and beyond musical product and appreciate the hard work that Here’s to a resolution of sharing, developing your own we put in to master our craft. heritage, and making sure your chapter microcosm is healthy and sharing in spirit and performance! Overcoming problems in the chapter microcosm Share Your Music, expand and enrich your world in When I joined the Society, one of the key chapter 2016! leaders was the Program VP. Through his planning, a mix of activities, songs, craft, and singing ... and a little business ... came together each week. That time was fun, instructive, offered new things to learn, engaging ... and enabled sharing harmonies with friends. [email protected]

2 The HARMONIZER • January/February 2016 Straight talk Marty Monson, CEO/Executive Director • [email protected] Now is the very best time to be a Barbershopper The below comes from my 2015 End of Year Letter to chapter leadership education. The Society and its Dis- chapter and district leaders. Also, catch pages 18-20 of tricts are particularly focused on improving the chap- this issue, where Crossroads discusses the new attitude ters that are ready and prepared to become healthier. music educators are developing toward barbershop! The big picture: our strategic direction is externally aimed. Even as we tend to our own internal needs, we ow is the very best time to be a Barbershopper. are working to position our Society as a major arts or- A bold statement? You bet. The Society is better ganization that has a $30 million annual impact when positioned today for making a change in the world all of our business units are considered. When building Nthan we have been for years. Consider: and planning all of our activities, BHS will build upon • Barbershop is getting meaningful media cover- the following strategic pillars. Through the medium of age, social media and interview views. We’re no barbershop harmony, we longer an undiscovered treasure; people know • Maintain & expand supportive services for a global more about us and are curious. Are you ready to community of artists; see them come in the door and retain them? • Elevate artistic and leadership skills through educa- • People are crazy about a cappella singing right tion and best practices; now, with smash hit TV shows (The Sing-Off), • Establish lifelong singing as a core community asset; movies (Pitch Perfect), and -selling • Scale our impact by growing social enterprise, indi- albums (Pentatonix) bringing attention to vo- vidual philanthropy, and institutional philanthropy. cal music. Awareness and interest are at an all- time high! Why bother? • Youth and educator interest is surging with in- Barbershoppers have always been more than just creased turnout for camps, workshops, our youth hobbyists. From the earliest days, our Code of Ethics quartet and chorus programs, and there are more has declared “The Society aspires to preserve for its educators than ever before at Harmony members and for all future generations of prospective Chapters–espe- University. members the sacred right of men cially small, iso- • The BHS is financially stable, with to seek haven from the burden What’s on Marty’s daytimer? lated, or aging strong cash reserves, an expanding pro- of their daily cares through in- • Feb 10-13, Texas fessional staff, its largest expenditure in dulgence in old-fashioned vocal Music Educator chapters–need history for programming, yet member quartet harmony.” Association, San dues rates will be constant for the We do this for the joy that Antonio more resources third straight year. comes from singing. For the joy • March 7-10, ACDA scaled to their None of these successes is meaningful that comes from genuine friend- Southwestern Division unless your chapter is thriving. A growing ships. For the joy that comes Conference “Then Sings capabilities. Society is only growing if your chapter is from joining together. For the My Soul” Kansas City growing, thriving, experiencing the joy joy that comes from making a every time you get together to rehearse, perform, and difference in people’s lives. What’s Marty listening to? serve your community. And all of these joys are worth • Vocalosity by Vocalo- Continuing the work of the 2011 Chapter Visitation preserving and encouraging for sity Project, we’ve been listening pretty intensely during future generations. 2015. While our members are telling us that the BHS Together, we are making the What’s Marty reading? is heading in the right direction as a whole, we’re hear- music that’s making a difference. • Alone Together; ing loud and clear that chapters—especially small, iso- Thank you for making a differ- Why we expect lated, or aging chapters—need more resources scaled ence in the lives of so many. I more from technol- to their capabilities. How can we help them develop wish you a happy, safe, and won- ogy and less from musical leaders or recruit more leaders locally? How derful holiday. each other, Sherry Turkle can chapters create better local awareness, get in front Yours in harmony, of audiences, find more people to become singers, fans, Follow Marty’s social media and fellow travellers? bit.ly/martyfacebook 2016 is a year of continued investments. We are orga- twitter.com/Marty_Monson nizing 2016 to invest in staffing and programming that address chapter needs. The Healthy Chapter Initiative, underwritten by a major grant from Harmony Founda- tion, will transform the ways we define and deliver [email protected]

January/February 2016 • The HARMONIZER 3 letters [email protected] New Performance category; missing leads

New Performance category I feel compelled to write regarding two notable nly through reading the C&J Handbook and ask- omissions from the list of the Ten Best Leads (plus ing questions do I have a passing understanding honorable mentions). First, Randy Chisholm of of the contest criteria. I love that you are taking a (1995 champ), one of the most unique new view at categories and making these changes. lead voices ever—rich, warm, vibrant, and an ex- O However, until every member is taught what it tremely charismatic performer and great guy. Sec- means, it’s all nebulous. As a chapter leader, a ond, Rick Knight of 1993 champ The Gas House quartet man, etc., I still can’t answer what each Gang—a great lead in a legendary quartet. category is looking for. Scott Brannon As part of this initiative, perhaps teach chapter Mt. Kisco, NY leaders how to interpret this and pass it on to Joe Member. Workshops at conventions “Singing— Peyton Manning commercial explained how to score a 90; “Music —this worked for that As a life-long Barbershopper and as the lead singer quartet but you won’t score that well”; and “Pre- in the Peyton Manning commercial (Sept./Oct., sentation—you mean waving my hands doesn’t 2015, page 6), I offer perspective for those who just give us an A?” would be great to see. may have reacted negatively. In almost all cases, Jevon Wright when you are hired for a TV gig of this kind you do Oklahoma City not have creative control over the final product. Look for an article expanding on the new Performance The director doesn’t ask your opinion. And apart category in the March/April 2016 issue. –Ed. from turning down an opportunity to make a living as a professional, what are we to do? This is a well thought-out plan that will enhance per- It’s all in good fun, anyway! The quartet was com- formances. When I sang with Nostalgia in the 1978 prised of all current and former Dapper Dans of Dis- International in Cincinnati, we were rewarded with ney, and we were thrilled to be selected. I did a solid one of the highest stage presence scores ever for a barbershop arrangement of “Camptown Races” for “monster” package with members of the quartet the shoot and on set we sounded great. For the come- coming in from both sides of the stage. We had dic bit, Manning replaced our bari and they dubbed a standing ovation before reaching the micro- his part as to double up the lead an octave higher phone because it was different. Congrats on the (with no bari part) which is why it sounds funky. foresight to change. The feature on Fox’s Red Eye show with Tom Shil- Gordon Bergthold lue was a great promotion for barbershop, so the end Chico, Calif. result is that barbershop got some good publicity. n Jim Campbell I hope this also inspires alternatives to quartets Roseville, Calif. having to be locked into place on the stage dic- tated by the microphones. I’d say make the whole stage available and give quartets the ability to use it without losing the audio—similar to stage produc- tions. January/February 2016 Volume LXXVI Number 1 Alan Kousen Complete contact info: pages 30-31 Oxen Hill, Md. The Harmonizer (ISSN 0017-7849) (USPS 577700) is published bimonthly by the Barbershop Harmony Society, 110 7th Ave N, Nashville TN 37203-3704. Periodicals Postage Paid at Nashville TN and at additional mailing offices. POST- Elite leads are missing from Top 10 list MASTER: Send address changes to The Harmonizer, 110 7th Ave N, Nashville TN 37203-3704. Not disagreeing with our honorable panel of judges, Advertising rates available upon request at [email protected]. Publisher but have they forgotten about the Hall of Fame lead assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. Postmaster: send address changes to editorial offices of The Harmonizer, 110 7th from The ? Not even “honorable Ave N, Nashville TN 37203-3704 at least 30 days before the next publication date. mention for Rick Knight”? Must have lost their cas- (Publications Agreement No. 40886012. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses sette players or don’t like Christmas music. Wow, to: Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor ON N9A 6J5. Email: [email protected]) A portion of each member’s dues is allocated to cover the magazine’s subscription what does it take? price. Subscription price to non-members is $21 yearly or $3.50 per issue; foreign Bruce White subscriptions are $31 yearly or $5 per issue (U.S. funds only). © 2016 The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Argenta, Ill. Quartet Singing in America, Inc. dba The Barbershop Harmony Society. Printed in the USA

4 The HARMONIZER • January/February 2016 tempo Timely news 2017: Target Center closed—Axis Theater open! s much as we loved our 2014 Inter- national Convention in Las Vegas, we hadn’t planned on returning so Asoon. But with the announcement that the Target Center in Min- neapolis will be under renovation in 2017, we were forced to change venues (and, eventually, cities). You already know Vegas is a great con- vention city, but wow, wait until you see our main performance venue! Our main performance venue in Vegas: the 7,000-seat All major shows and contests for Axis Theater in the Planet Hollywood Resort, deep in the the 2017 International Convention heart of the Las Vegas Strip will take place in the 7,000-seat Axis Theater, located in the Planet Hollywood Hotel, which means: Harvey will not do the call-off at the quartet finals.) • perfect sound at every seat included! Everything you loved about Vegas in 2014 will • state-of-the-art concert lighting included! be back, except in this part of town we’ll have even • perfect sight lines throughout the facility included! more dining and entertainment options, all while re- The minute we arrive at the Axis Theater, every- taining a “virtual” all-under-one-roof experience. You thing required for a sensational show is already in may walk even less in 2017 while we stay at Planet place. This premium space was built for the demand- Hollywood, Paris Las Vegas (connected) and Bally’s ing needs of music industry superstars like Britney (less than 5 minutes away). Spears, J-Lo, and the Miss Universe finals. (No, Steve More details to come as they develop. Past Society CEO passes away Zero8 experiences both fame and loss in 2015 On Jan. 12, 2016, past Members of Sweden’s 2014 Inter- quartet singing and won with the Interim Society CEO Larry national bronze medalist chorus first non-North American group in Deters passed away after Zero8 have been getting serious rec- history. This seemed to please the a brief illness. As a retired ognition outside of the barbershop Royal Family.” Nashville Healthcare world. After a Russian tour earlier in (Unfortunately, we don’t have CEO, he bridged most of the year (May/June 2015 issue), the pictures of that gig.) the period between the retirement of chorus traveled to Italy in Septem- However, in De- CEO Ed Watson in July, 2011, and the ber to compete in the Rimini Inter- cember the chorus hiring of current CEO Marty Monson in national Chorus Competition. They also lost its found- July, 2012. During this same period, Larry left as Grand Prix winner, which ing director. “... Our also served as executive VP and then included a €5,000 cash award. founder, master direc- president of the Dixie District. In December, the lead of 2012 tor, mentor, brother A 45-year Society member, Larry di- champ Ringmasters, Rasmus Krig- and dear friend Doug rected both BHS and Sweet Adelines ström, posted on Facebook: Harrington as of December 23 is choruses, served as a Singing and Sound “Just sang a quartet gig at a pri- retiring from Zero8,” the chorus judge for more than 30 years, and was a vate dinner party with the Swedish stated in a press release. “Without past Category Specialist. He performed King, Queen, and Crown Princess you there would not be a Zero8. on the International stage in both the among the people at the table. We We would probably also never quartet and chorus contests and held a had the chance to chat a little with have been able to enjoy the many chorus gold medal. Larry had been on the royals after the gig and they talented quartets that have sprung the faculty of Harmony University, was a asked a few questions, eventually from the ranks of Zero8. You have certified Standing Ovation evaluator, and leading to me explaining that I was forever changed the course of bar- was a certified CDWI instructor. a world champion in barbershop bershop in Sweden.”

January/February 2016 • The HARMONIZER 5 tempo

Chapter leaders take note: new official chapter bylaws now in effect for 2016 The Society Board updated the Standard Chapter 4. Section 6.02 – chapters are given the option to Bylaws to provide more flexibility to chapters in allow officers to serve a term of two years rather the manner in which they operate. All chapters than one. must follow the Standard Chapter Bylaws unless 5. Section 6.04 – chapters may choose to create an they have been granted a variance by the Society’s executive committee to manage the chapter’s Governance and Bylaws Committee. A copy of affairs between board meetings. Specific condi- the updated bylaws can be viewed on barbershop. tions apply. org at this shortcut: http://bit.ly/2016bylaws The Society’s pilot program to allow chapters The major changes: who apply to utilize non-members as members of 1. Section 5.02 – chapters now may hold board the board continues, and may result in changes to meetings less frequently than monthly as long as the chapter bylaws in the future. If you have ad- the board meets at least quarterly. ditional questions after reading the new version of 2. Section 5.03 – chapters should use Roberts’ the rules, you may contact the G&B Committee. Rules of Order for the conduct of meetings, and The new Bylaws became effective January 1, may use the Small Board Rules section of Rob- 2016, but chapters may transition into the use of ert’s Rules. certain provisions, such as the term of office for 3. Section 6.01 – where permitted by state or pro- officers and combination of the secretary and trea- vincial law, chapters may combine the officer surer positions with the election of officers to hold positions of secretary and treasurer if so desired. office in 2017.

Society and Harmony Foundation create new positions, welcome new staff Scott Harris, Arranger Harmony Foundation director of alumni relations. In ad- & Repertoire Manager. Joy Carrigan joined dition to development and alumni Filling a different (but Harmony Founda- roles, she has experience in student overlapping) role than tion International as admissions, marketing, athletics and that held by our past director of strategic music education. Elizabeth holds Society music edi- partnerships in early bachelor’s and master’s degrees in tor (currently working to become December. With more music and has extensive solo and Professor Adam Scott), our new than 25 years of development ex- group performance experience in A&R Manager is the very talented perience, she has raised millions for both music and dance. Scott Harris. Serving as the primary prestigious institutions and organiza- contact for our arrangers, Scott tions including Yale University, the Connie Harris was hired will oversee the creation and edit- Environmental Defense Fund, the as the first director ing of new and existing barbershop American Heart Association, Mas- of communications arrangements to be distributed sachusetts Institute of Technology at Harmony Founda- and sold through the Society and (better known as MIT) and Harvard tion International in through external partners. University. Joy will manage a na- December. She has Scott brings serious music chops tional donor portfolio from her home almost 20 years’ communications and 15 years music industry experi- office in Sag Harbor, New York. experience with a focus in nonprofit ence to our team. His background education and health care environ- includes arranging, orchestrating, Elizabeth Wilde as- ments. She has a passion for music writing, performing, and producing in sumed the role of and professional expertise in strat- a variety of styles. He has previously regional director of egy, branding, content management served as Senior Music Editor and development for Har- and integration, and graphic design. Director of Choral Projects for War- mony Foundation In- Most recently with University of ner Music Group, Music Director for ternational in Novem- Tennessee Foundation, she has also Nashville’s Fellowship Bible Church, ber. She comes to us most recently served in roles at Vanderbilt Uni- and he continues to be an active mu- from Trinity College in Hartford, versity, Florida State University and sician in the Nashville music scene. Conn., where she served as associate West Tennessee Healthcare. n

6 The HARMONIZER • January/February 2016 harmony how-to 20 communication habits of successful directors

e all know that successful choruses have great tor to bring those unique experiences into the lives directors. We also know that choruses sing to the of your men and their audiences. level of competence of the director and the quality 4. Create a positive learning environment. Set the of leadership from the music leadership team. The norms for the rehearsal so that good things hap- W purpose of this article is to encourage all directors pen. to do a self-examination of their personal commu- 5. Create opportunities for discovery. The phrases, nication skills with this 20-point outline. “What if….”, “I wonder”, “Imagine”, “If we could only…”, are so powerful in freeing the North Amer- Relationship between the ican male to take some risks and try new things. director and the individual singer “What if we sang ‘don’t cry, little girl, don’t cry’ so 1. Know your people. Take time to find out about tenderly that we could hear her gentle sob over the your singers. There is nothing more important to music.” We as directors can open possibilities by the new member than having the director take a modeling, encouraging expression, stimulating personal interest in him. creativity in our singers. 2. Be invitational. If we as Directors in- clude new and old members in activities Communicate effectively during that they enjoy, then they will be loyal learning and teaching opportunities to the chorus. 1. Arrive carrying a positive image 3. Develop trust. Tell him what you for success. Your walk, your plan, your like about his voice. Ask him if there is dress will all influence your men. anything he would like to work on. Too 2. Use supportive body language. often we jump in to fix things we hear Singers stand like the director stand; overlooking the positive. they will model what they see. If we stand 4. Actively involve the men. Involving all the men in tall then they will stand tall, they will feel proud the lesson builds a sense of a team working together. and sing better. 5. Use humor. Laughter is a great healer, relaxant 3. Be succinct and specific. As a general statement, and stimulator of the respiratory system, especially directors talk more than is needed, and the men do if the director takes the brunt of the joke. The not sing enough. Consider giving the next instruc- only rule is to avoid sarcasm or make a joke at tion using no more than eight words. someone’s expense. 4. Use a variety of ways to say the same thing. We 6. Remove your ego. Let the men know that this know what we want and often end up repeating learning activity is about all of us working togeth- the same thing over again, and our men tend to er. When the singers see the director working and tune out. We all want our basses to sing like leads learning along with them, then the relationship is with warmth and resonance. Try “Imagine you much stronger than a him/us relationship. are a bass drum being played with one of those fat sheepskin drumsticks?” “What would it be like if Motivating the singer your voice filled a rain barrel?” “What if your voice and the chorus to improve drifted to every corner of the room?” 1. Be positive and deliver meaningful feedback. 5. Maintain eye contact. The majority of com- Saying “Nice job, baritones” could be one choice munication is nonverbal, and probably 70%-90% that you might make. Another choice would be to happens from the upper lip and above. Maintaining say, “Baritones, when you sang sharp on that third connected and meaningful eye contact will keep it allowed the chord to ring. That is what makes your singers focused, bringing about greater unity. the barbershop sound so special to our audiences, 6. Provide a framework. If the men understand how bringing them joy.” Chances are baritones will things fit together, they will have greater opportuni- start looking for thirds to sing sharp and repeat the ties to bring about success. desired behavior. 7. Create visual images. It is estimated that there 2. Be enthusiastic. You keep members coming are between 60% and 70% visual learners in our cho- Dr. Paul Tamblyn when they know they are important and make a ruses. These singers will respond to images that are Late, great Harmony U faculty difference. They will only know if we tell them familiar to them. “Tenors, try scampering over that member, long-time with enthusiasm. phrase.” “Basses, could we sing that ascending phrase trainer of chorus 3. Find ways to inspire. Each of us directs for our as though we were lifting off in a hot air balloon?” directors own personal reasons. You are privileged as a direc- (continuted. next page)

January/February 2016 • The HARMONIZER 7 8. Use action words. Many of our effective directors use when work- area you want to improve and work singers like to do things as they sing. ing with their choruses, but there at it until it becomes a part of you. Some suggestions might be: “In ‘You are many more. If we develop strong Then pick another one. The process Made Me Love You’ let’s snap beat relationships with the men, if we is one of continuous learning; that two and four of the chorus ‘I didn’t are successful at motivating them to is the fun and challenge of being an wanna do it’.” “Let’s put our hand on improve and effective in our teaching inspiring and inspired director of a the shoulder of the man to the right methods then our chorus will sing barbershop chorus. and tap the tempo for ‘Alexander’s at a higher level. The most effective We don’t have room for Paul’s nine Rag- time Band.’ Many of our singers way to monitor our own behavior is page document here, but find his un- respond strongly to action words that to videotape our rehearsal, sit down edited article in our document center, call on them to do something. and look for the 20 characteristics under the education tab. (Direct link: 9. Use successful teaching practices. and monitor our successes. Pick an http://bit.ly/20directorhabits.) n We often inadvertently make learn- ing difficult for our men. We say something like: “Sing that interval in ‘My Wild Irish Rose’ correctly and fix the diphthong on ‘Mahee’ and get the first word sound of ‘ooWild’ and make sure the ‘Ah’ vowel is open.” No wonder our men get confused. Great teachers only teach one thing at a time.

Conclusion The points listed above are guide- lines to some successful practices that

SEIZE THE DAY

Hundreds of choruses use the world’s best Chorus Management Solution. Do you?

Free for groups with 15 members or less www.groupanizer.com/bhs

8 The HARMONIZER • January/February 2016 Helping chapters help each other Dr. Duane Gunn will be the central figure running the new Healthy Chapter Initiative

I am committed to the life and success of our chapters tactical perspective. The districts and chapters are the and believe that my unique barbershop, military, and operational and tactical experts. You are out in the field doctorial research experiences have brought me to promoting barbershop singing every single day in your accept the Director of Leadership Education position. communities and districts. You have the practical lessons Thanks to the Harmony Foundation International, learned that I need to know so they can be shared with BHS is launching a Healthy Chapter Initiative (HCI). other chapters and districts. I’m at the strategic level. I With the help of some incredible field volunteers, we have these grand ideas, but only you will know which are launching a long-term strategy to provide chapters ideas are practical for your group or area. Every idea you with different purposes the ability to achieve their full share will be examined. I won’t guarantee every single potential. More information will be forthcoming in idea/program will be implemented or every course de- future Harmonizer articles, blogs, and through LiveWire. veloped. What I will do is find like-minded ideas and This help is not a silver bul- make them available online to Alet that will instantly transform What is the Healthy Chapter Initiative? help chapters meet their goals. every chapter. This is a way to More details are to come, but in essence this is a We’ve only just begun. This is develop trust by listening and new program based on the hands-on “chapter men” a new journey. Though we have understanding you, the chapter. approach from years past. HCI is designed to help had similar programs in our his- My promise is to listen and chapters develop a stronger membership. HCI is the tory, in today’s technological develop bonds of trust. Oh, and chapter leadership assessment model that will be used age we have to find the best of I’ll probably make a few mis- as a systematic method of determining strengths and the past and revise it to work takes along the way. weaknesses at the chapter level. Online and facilitated in today’s information age. We Finding the best old and new curriculum will be developed and provided to help have to leverage today’s tech- strategies. A new volunteer lead- chapters develop tools to meet their respective needs. nology and innovative ideas to ership team has already started help propel us to meet the future reviewing all of the Society’s documents and curriculum that BHS brings to the a cappella community. This will to figure out what we already have. This team is also blow- work because you’ll have access to every tool you need ing the dust off of some of these old products, updating to develop personal and organizational leadership while them, and working with the district presidents to develop providing you with some “how to” information for chap- new curriculum and products. Please be on the lookout ter meetings, rehearsals, organizational, and personal for this information in the first half of 2016. It will be only development. a few products at first, but will grow over time. Please send me your thoughts. I am humbled that the Effective and frequent communication. The next step will Society has chosen me to work with you the districts/ be getting to know the districts and chapters. I want to chapters and by extension members. My family and I develop a process where I can visit four or five districts are excited about this new chapter in our lives. I promise each year. If you do the math, it may sound like it could you that I will listen; offer ideas for you to consider; and be up to three years before I help you, but remember I will be a trusted advisor/liaison to you as well as to the that we’ll see each other at leadership events, Harmony headquarters. n University and conventions as well. I also believe in us- ing the telephone, email, FaceTime, Skype, and Google About Dr. Duane Gunn Hangouts to the fullest, in addition to travel. (I’m open • Lt. Col. in the U.S. Air Force (26 years of service), currently to learn others electronic mediums as well.) I will do my developing and teaching leadership courses at the Air Com- best to constantly communicate, as appropriate, through mand and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama The Harmonizer, blogs, Facebook, and LiveWire. • Ph.D. in Organization & Management (Leadership specialization) Leadership philosophy. I believe in centralized control • Over the past five years, advised 10 African nations in developing and decentralized execution. (“Control” is probably military education, air strategy, and counter-terrorism strategies the wrong word—it simply means I’m your focal point • Society member since 1994. Past member of Lompoc, Santa Maria, to bring individual chapter ideas together.) There will Santa Barbara chapters (all Calif.), Colorado Springs (Colo.), Denver Dr. Duane Gunn be decentralized execution of those ideas through the Director of Mile High (Colo.) and Alexandria (Va.) Chapters Leadership development of different products/curriculum that can • Married, with two teen daughters. Currently an advisor to Education help chapters meet their objectives. BHS, will become full-time and relocate from Alabama to dgunn@barber- My role—and yours. I will serve as a liaison to the Nashville in the summer of 2016 shop.org districts and chapters from a strategic, operational, and

January/February 2016 • The HARMONIZER 9 Together, making a difference in the lives of military families.

We’re proud to honor our veterans and those currently serving through song, good deeds, fundraising and more. It’s how we stay true to our Code of Ethics, which states, “We shall render all possible altruistic service through the medium of barbershop harmony.” Bringing joy to those who are most deserving of it. We’re happy to oblige. No medals expected. To find out all the different ways we’re bringing joy to others, go to barbershop.org/stories.

Our Mid-Atlantic District and Day Time Singers greet active-duty military and their families at the Baltimore airport with gratitude and song upon return from overseas deployment.

spreadsFINAL.indd 3 9/9/15 2:48 PM Together, making a difference in the lives of military families.

We’re proud to honor our veterans and those currently serving through song, good deeds, fundraising and more. It’s how we stay true to our Code of Ethics, which states, “We shall render all possible altruistic service through the medium of barbershop harmony.” Bringing joy to those who are most deserving of it. We’re happy to oblige. No medals expected. To find out all the different ways we’re bringing joy to others, go to barbershop.org/stories.

Our Mid-Atlantic District and Day Time Singers greet active-duty military and their families at the Baltimore airport with gratitude and song upon return from overseas deployment.

spreadsFINAL.indd 3 9/9/15 2:48 PM 2015 District Quartet

The Rooftops (CAR) Erek Gillespie (T), Bryan Hughes (L), Chris Gregory (Bs), Josh Hughes (Br) Bryan: (765) 744-8202; [email protected] CHAMPS www.facebook.com/therooftopsquartet

Great American Sound Machine (DIX) Rick Spencer (T), Ryan Modrall (L), David Carden (Bs), James Pennington (Br) SwitchBack (CSD) Rick: (860) 305-0539; [email protected] Erik Sherard (Br), John Hayden (L), Terry Blessing (T), Lee Thomsen (Bs) Erik: (319) 929-4805; [email protected] www.facebook.com/switchbackqt

4.0 (EVG) Flightline (FWD) Ted Chamberlain (T), Gavin Jensen (L), Tyson Jensen (Bs), Ira Allen (Br) Cody Littlefield (Br), Kyle Williamson (Bs), Daniel Huitt (L), Oscar Sotelo (T) Ted: [email protected]; 253-414-2267 [email protected]; (714) 752-0418 www.4.0quartet.com www.facebook.com/flightlinequartet

12 The HARMONIZER • January/February 2016 Union Station (ILL) John W. Davis (Br), Jay Giallombardo (Bs), Oliver Merrill (L), Steven Davis (T) Quorum (JAD) Jay: [email protected]; 847-272-1022 Nick Gordon (Br), Chris Vaughn (L), Gary Lewis (Bs), Puck Ross (T) Puck: (216) 312-3626; [email protected] www.facebook.com/quorumbarbershopquartet

CHORD SMASH! (LOL) Sam Sather (T), Erik Eliason (L), Scott Perau (Bs), James Estes (Br) Route 1 (MAD) Brandon Brooks (Br), Thomas Moyer (Bs), Scott Disney (L), Brian Schreiner (T) James: (612) 237-3234; [email protected] Brian: (717) 659-7470; [email protected] www.chordsmash.com www.route1quartet.com www.facebook.com/Route1Quartet

Supersonic (NSC) Fast Track (NED) Justin Slack (T), James Monday (L), Kier Klepzig (Bs), Kevin Kehres (Br) William Stearns (T), Dan Falcone (Bs), Dan Signor (L), Dave Bagley (Br) Kier: (318) 613-4713; [email protected] Dan: (603) 491-1063; [email protected] www.facebook.com/supersonicquartet www.facebook.com/Fast-Track-Quartet-336938246394071/

January/February 2016 • The HARMONIZER 13 Frontier (PIO) Chris Cordle (T), Cody Harrell (Bs), Aaron Pollard (L), Brandon Smith (Br) Cody: (810) 931-7053; [email protected] Yonge Guns (ONT) www.facebook.com/frontierquartet Chris Tanaka-Mann (T), Reuven Grajner (Bs), Greg Mallett (L), Jonah Lazar (Br) Greg: (647) 668-7380; [email protected] www.yongegunsquartet.com

J.A.M. (SLD) Blue Steele (RMD) Jason Weitz (T), Adam Lukasik (L), Brian Praetzel (Bs), Jamie Arrington (Br), Greg Titus (Bs), Shawn Mondragon (L), John Donohue (Br) Stewart Bush (T) Jason: (585) 247-1519; [email protected] [email protected]; (505) 934-1003 Facebook: J.A.M. www.facebook.com/bluesteele4

Signature (SUN) The Essentials (SWD) Will Rodriguez (T), Daniel Cochran (L), Dan Walz (Bs), Matt Clancy (Br) Steve DeCrow (T), Eric Bell (L), Joel T. Rutherford (Bs), David Webb (Br) Matt: (607) 661-2460; [email protected] www.facebook.com/signatureqt Joel: [email protected] theessentialsquartet.com

14 The HARMONIZER • January/February 2016 What’s new at Harmony U! July 24-31, 2016 • Register at www.barbershop.org/hu

After a sell-out in 2015, barbershop’s best week Every day at Harmony U • Rehearse Like A Champion of the year is returning with an even bigger • Early bird sessions daily at 8 am • Sound Management 1, 2, 3 and better faculty, more classes, more learning • General session daily at ** • Theory 1, 2, 3, 4 and more options. Registration is now open! • 10:30 a.m.: 28 class choices • THINK!: How to Grow Your Chapter • 2 p.m.: 28 class choices • Tune It Or Die! What’s NEW at HU! • 3:15 p.m. 18 class choices (11 two- • Wavebox Singing with Paul Ellinger • 8 a.m. early bird sessions. Catch popular hour blocks @ 2 p.m.) • Help, I have to direct a song! courses before each day’s General Session! • 4:30 p.m. 18 class choices (but 6 • Music Educators Seminar • Bigger cafeteria building. Enough room for all two-hour blocks @ 3:15) • Conducting Techniques to eat at once, with classroom space above! • 25 electives every day! • History of Barbershop with David • Longer classes. More time to absorb each Wright concept. Each class is now 10 minutes longer, Partial sample of course titles • Vocal Pedagogy for Music Leaders Anow with a longer 15 minute-break between. • Communication 101 - Becoming a • Elements of Coaching • Block classes (2 hours) now offered at all times. Leader Worth Following • Make a professional recording of • First-ever Women’s Honor Chorus. • Care Of The Senior Voice your quartet or chorus • Dozens more private lessons offered. Includes • Good to Great with Marty Monson • Rhythm Counting Methods voice, conducting, arranging, sight singing, • How Barbershop Chords Work • Sight Singing Skills and theory. (Extra fee.) • Coaching Apprentice • Supercharge Your Chapter with • Commuter quartet coaching. M-Th. Can’t • Director Leadership Development Paul Ellinger swing a week off work, but can drive to • Personal Leadership Development • You Be the Judge Belmont for the night? Come on down! • Rehearsal and Teaching Strategies • You Should See What You Sound • More Saturday options. The Saturday • Elements of Coaching Like A Cappella Festival (performances around • Fundamentals of Music • Leadership for Directors Nashville) is now only 4 hours, with parallel • How To Give P.V.I.’s To Your Chorus • Non Verbal Communication for classes/electives offered all day at Belmont. • How to Teach What You Know Directors Perform, take more classes at Belmont, or • Jump, Shout, Knock Yourself Out • Arranging 1, 2, 3 just sightsee Nashville—it’s up to you! n • Make ‘Em Laugh • Vocal Techniques

Top-ranked faculty is back, with some exciting new instructors and coaches Harmony College Kirk Young Next Generation Chorus Terry Reynolds Performance Richard Lewellen, dean Rich Lapp Douglas Carnes (director) Paul Ellinger Mark Kettner Jay Krumbholz Ron Black Section leaders: Duane Gunn Marty Lovick Paul Olguin Cy Wood Shane Scott Vocal Tech instructors David Zimmerman (tenor) Chorus/quartet coaches Gary Steinkamp David Wright Wayne Grimmer, dean Theo Hicks (lead) Gary Plaag, dean Brian Lynch Kim Wonders Kyle Kitzmiller (bari) Show Danny Ozment Steve Scott Kohl Kitzmiller (bass) Music Carlos Barillo Donya Metzger Katie Taylor Steven Armstrong David McEachern Cindy Hansen-Ellis Andrew Wheaton Arranging 1, 2, 3 Alex Morris Karen Breidert Dave Tautkus Adam Scott Mo Field Joe Hunter Men’s Honors Chorus Steve Tramack Evan Boegehold Directors College Robert Mance (director) Tom Gentry Private Instructors Don Campbell, dean Singing Patty Leveille (voice) Chris Peterson Women’s Honors Chorus Leadership Anthony Colosimo Larry Triplett (arranging) Jay Dougherty Debbie Cleveland and Kar- Steve Denino, dean Alex Rubin Joe Cerutti en Breidert (co-directors) Marty Monson Rich Knight Lawrence Dodge Steve Wyszomierski Jordan Travis

January/February 2016 • The HARMONIZER 15 Story Tellers Send to [email protected] Want to be a storyteller? Contact [email protected] or [email protected]

Chapters team up as “Harmony Mercenaries” PHONe Warning IS not only for audienceS. The performance was great, but even better was the new chapter My quartet, Thick ‘n Thin, was performing for the partnering concept behind it. Thousands attended Kalamazoo’s 30th crowd at a 45-year high school reunion when some- annual New Year’s Fest, welcoming in 2016 with 28 acts and 77 per- body’s cell phone started ringing really loudly. formances at 11 downtown venues. Among them, the Kalamazoo Everyone was looking Mall City Harmonizers Chorus, under the direction of David Woolf, around, but no one could who were fortunate enough to be selected by the local media as “one find it. With everyone of the 12 acts not to miss.” starting to laugh, we This performance was also the pilot for a newly developed concept had to stop singing. of chapter partnering called Harmony Mercenaries, developed by Then I felt a buzz in Grand Rapids Chorus Director Jamie Carey. The concept involves my pocket and real- developing an army of “singing mercenaries” from local chapters ized it was mine! I had including chorus members from Grand Rapids, Lansing, Muskegon, trouble getting it out Holland, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. Each chapter has learned the of my pocket, then to same package of popular songs, and is now available to support each everyone’s laughter I had trouble getting it to stop other’s chorus or quartet performances whenever needed. ringing. It turned out to be an accidental comedy “We were honored to offer the first opportunity to try out this excit- routine enjoyed by all. ing new concept, and were wowed by its success!” said Michael Sobel, Keep on singing, and remember to turn your Kalamazoo chapter president. “Our chorus doubled in size and we put own phones off. over 40 men on stage! Combined with a fantastic turnout of singers and a packed house at each of our three 45 minute performances, we – Vaughn Vordahl, Columbia Basin Chapter, started off 2016 with a BANG!” Basinaires Chorus, Ephrata, Wash.

After unfortunate launch, 8 years later, Boise now hosts a 700-student annual festival

About eight years ago, the 40-member tor Donny Rose came from Nashville Patterned after a similarly-sized fes- Boise Chordsmen had four schools as boys’ clinician and master direc- tival annually hosted by the Rexburg lined up for its first youth festival. All tor Beth Bruce came from Salt Lake Chapter on the eastern end of the state, four backed out. But with dogged deter- City to work with the girls. The 2013 the chorus get overwhelming feedback mination, chorus member Con Hobson collegiate champion quartet, The from schools to keep going. All thanks and Musical Director Rich Lapp tried Newfangled Four, coached the indi- to some very dedicated men from a again, and eight years later, the two-day vidual school quartets to polish their medium-sized chapter! annual festival attracts more than 700 performances for the Festival, and students from 20 schools. visited local school chorus classes to – Dennis Berg, In 2015, Harmony University Direc- work with them. Marketing VP, Boise Chordsmen

16 The HARMONIZER • January/February 2016

2016 International Convention July 3-10, 2016

Schedule of Major Events Great family packages! Tuesday, July 5 Friday, July 8 5–9 :30 p.m. Harmony Foundation Youth 10 –2 :30p.m. Chorus Contest Session #1 Member/Associate/Affiliate pricing Barbershop Quartet Contest 4–9 p.m. Chorus Contest Session #2 (up to two registrations allowed per member at 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Chorditorium the discounted price): $279 Wednesday, July 6 10 -3 p.m. Quartet Quarterfinals (Session 1) Saturday, July 9 Non-Members: $299 4:30-9:30 p.m. Quartet Quarterfinals (Session 2) 1:00 p.m. *World Harmony Jamboree 7:30–10 p.m. *AIC Wednesday Night Show 5:00–6:30 p.m. Saturday Night Spectacular! Youth (25 & under): $229 7–10 p.m. Quartet Finals Thursday, July 7 11 p.m.-1 a.m. Chorditorium Family Four Pack (two adults, two youth 11 –3 :30 p.m. Quartet Semifinals 7:30–10 p.m. *AIC Thursday Night Show * = Separately ticketed event from same household): $699 Use code FP2016 when registering. PLUS ... Harmony University classes • Sing with the Champs Additional Youth: $30 MegaSing • Gold Medal Hour • Singing, singing ... SINGING! 2016 International Convention REGISTER NOW www.barbershop.org/nashville 800-595-4849

Convention hotel Convention venue Rooms far below Tourist-oriented area Nashville’s going rates To preserve our discounted hotel rooms for attend- 7 ees, we now require attendees to register for the 4 2 Friday, July 8 convention prior to reserving a hotel room. 3 10 –2 :30p.m. Chorus Contest Session #1 1. Renaissance $179 4–9 p.m. Chorus Contest Session #2 2. Omni $181 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Chorditorium 3. Doubletree $184 4. Hilton $199 Saturday, July 9 5 1 1:00 p.m. *World Harmony Jamboree 5. Sheraton Downtown $167 5:00–6:30 p.m. Saturday Night Spectacular! 6. Holiday Inn Express* $177 7–10 p.m. Quartet Finals 7. Courtyard Downtown $169 11 p.m.-1 a.m. Chorditorium 8. Loews* $176 11 9. Millennium Maxwell House* $152 * = Separately ticketed event 9 10. Union Station* $181 11. Sheraton Music City** $155 6 *Bus service available **Bus service not available (approx. 8 miles) 8 10 Association of International Champions Show

The acoustically pristine Schermerhorn Symphony Center Hear the champs like you’ve never heard them before!

Save the date(s) Wednesday, July 6 • Thursday, July 7, 7:30 p.m. Performers and ticket information coming soon!

WORLD HARMONY JAMBOREE As usual, the best of the best from around the world!

New time, new day: SaturdayThe show will July take 9, place 2016 in the at Davidson 1PM Ballroom in the Music City Center, Nashville. More info to follow.

Tickets available at: barbershop.tix.com Price: 45 USD

Ad Harmonizer.indd 1 NOW ON STAGE...

IN STOCK and PRICED RIGHT!

STRIPED BLAZER $39.50 STRIPED VEST $29.50

Trounce Alley quartet jazzes up charitable fundraiser TUXEDOS Many Barbershoppers now know that a lot of the biggest early jazz pioneers first sang barbershop harmony[The Harmonizer, Jan./Feb. 2015]. Those $ historical connections were on display in Victoria, B.C.’s top spot for jazz 89 this past July. BHS quartet Trounce Alley helped raise money for the Pacific Jacket Institute for the Blind by waiving their performance fee in a fund-raiser held at the popular Hermann’s Jazz Club. The quartet performed a number of jazz and favorites in the barbershop style, including “Mood Indigo,” “Bye Bye Blues,” Pants “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” and went on to sing classic “They Wrote ‘Em In The Good Old Days,” complete with soft shoe sound effects supplied by sandpaper blocks. A rousing rendition of “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” had the audience clapping along with the beat. Allan Jacques (Br), David Christmas (Bs), Paul DeGagne (L), Bob Doak (T). – David Christmas, Trouce Alley Quartet

Outreach Chairman George Lancaster, Major BLAZERS Dan Proctor, Chapter VP Bob Slade 17 EXCITING COLORS! • Royal Blue $59 • Carolina Blue • Augusta Green • Hunter Green • Kelly Green • Burgundy • Pink • Navy • Camel • Purple • Brown • Orange • Gold • Red • Grey • White • Black

GIVING BIG. On December 11, four ensembles from the Paradise Coastmen Chorus For Formal Wear visited local restaurants to share Christmas cheer and to solicit donations for the from Tux to Tails, Salvation Army Christmas Fund. The groups raised a total of $5,100, of which Etons, Hats, Shirts and More! $4,100 was donated to the Naples area fund and $1,000 to the Fort Myers fund. This represents the tenth year members of the Naples/Ft. Myers Chapter have HarmonyOnStage.com participated in the outreach, which has generated in excess of $50,000. – Gray Poehler, President, Naples/Ft. Myers Chapter 800-788-9336

January/February 2016 • The HARMONIZER 17 Becca Grimmer Watching the tide turn Crossroads quartet is seeing music educators discover barber- shop harmony’s value—while As the face of barbershop harmony at major music educator conventions, the many other educators are now members of 2009 champ Crossroads have sparked major interest in our sheet music and performance style for potentially hundreds of school and college changing long-held perceptions ensembles. Watch some of the action on YouTube at http://bit.ly/bhsnafme.

You performed for 1,500 music educators in November, and I years ago, barbershop would not have been on the radar understand you got a reception you wouldn’t have expected even screen, and here we are, with barbershop being the face a few years ago. Talk about that. of music education to Congress. That’s because barber- Mike Slamka (lead): At the national convention for shop and vocal harmony in general are really taking off. NAfME (National Association for Music Educators), on Fred: The guest artist is important because when opening night we sang five songs and got several stand- music educators go to the Hill, it can come off a bit self- ing ovations. The rest of the week, music educators were serving because their livelihood is also at stake. They telling us, “I didn’t realize that barbershop could be that.” love the fact we represent purity in that message—that Jim Henry (bass): The old stigma among educators we represent what music education can be after students about barbershop harmony is changing. We saw the get out of school. same thing in February at the ACDA (American Choral Brandon Guyton (bari): For ACDA, NAfME and YDirectors Association) National Convention. others, their interest in barbershop goes way beyond Fred Farrell (tenor): I wish you could have seen the what the style does for your ear and voice. Barbershop the look on music educators’ faces at the BHS booth offers a rare opportunity to continue to sing after when we gave away free packets of music and learning college, and that’s something these organizations are tracks. They say, “What’s the catch?” There is no catch, interested in. and they light up like a kid on Christmas morning. We Jim: I’m sorry to think there was a time where the don’t have a hidden agenda—we want people to sing. word “barbershop” would close a lot of doors. But finally, barbershop is becoming respected. People who never Apparently the top brass at NAfME were more than a little im- used to get it are finally saying, no, this is very beneficial pressed with you and barbershop harmony. Jim: NAfME invited us to be their guest artist for Hill Day in Washing- ton, D.C., in June. NAfME has two legs—one to become better teachers, and the other is music advocacy. We’ll be going with music educators to con- gressional offices, where the educators are trying very hard to foster music education in schools. A guest artist is Wayne Grimmer and Sherry Lewis are always sort of the face of Hill Day, and professional music educators and Society Lorin May that’s us this year. There will also be a staff members who work nearly full time Editor, The concert that evening. on music educator outreach efforts. Three Harmonizer additional staff music educators contrib- lmay@ We had no idea we would be leav- ute heavily to these efforts. barbershop.org ing with that kind of invitation. Ten Becca Grimmer

18 The HARMONIZER • January/February 2016 to my choral program. The trend is definitely turning.

Has the perception of barbershop changed among students? Jim: There’s never been a stigma among students. You get them in a room ringing a chord, and they’re hooked forever. If we had issues, it was from their teachers, who Honor Choir performers organized an unofficial barbershop tagging were concerned that they were going to misuse their session via social media ahead of NAfME’s November convention in voices singing barbershop. Nashville. After Crossroads’ opening night performance rocked the house, students asked the quartet to lead the session. NAfME gave So while you’re helping more music educators discover barber- organizers a much bigger space, and up to 100 very enthused students shop, how is the younger crowd discovering it? and educators had a “mountaintop” experience with barbershop. Jim: Well, The Ragtime Gals [The Tonight Show Star- ring Jimmy Fallon] have something to do with this. I the arts are so good for. In the history of various cultures, know there are some Barbershoppers who think they’re they are known for their arts as much as their mathematics. making fun of barbershop, but I don’t think other people Fred: I grew up singing with my parents, never had a look at it that way. good music program in high school. I didn’t sing any- Brandon: On Facebook and YouTube, barbershop thing other than barbershop. I’m not trained, don’t read performances get hundreds of thousands or millions music. I’m a product of the Society 100%. This is an of views. And these [views] are not coming from outlet for me that has been a life-changing thing, cre- Barbershoppers, but from people outside our walls. ated so many relationships and opened so many doors. You look at the comments, and non-Barbershoppers are Jim: The arts are no longer taught in most homes. saying, “I love barbershop.” We depend on music educators and other arts educators Jim: There are all sorts of Barbershoppers showing to be the conduit. We have to support this. Singing, up in professional groups like Chanticleer and Can- singing, singing—it doesn’t have to be barbershop, but tus, and in their bios, they say “I’m a Barbershopper.” hopefully they’ll come to barbershop. We’re part of a Vanderbilt’s Melodores won The Sing-Off, and they community of singers. We have to band together. include barbershop in their stage shows; for auditions, one of their callback requirements is getting guys to sing Do you have any advice on what to do—or maybe what not to barbershop tags so they know they can sing harmony. do—to support music educators? Brandon: A lot of Barbershoppers, their hearts are So we’re seeing more music educators becoming interested in in the right place, but they go in asking for something barbershop—what can you say about getting more Barbershop- of music educators. My brother, Chad, and I are Bar- pers interested in helping music educators? bershoppers because Ron Weaver came to our music Jim: With money tight, the arts are being marginalized teacher and asked, “What does your program need?” She in schools. I understand the pressures the administrators are said, “A piano.” He said, “If you let me into your class under, but I think that’s short-sighted. Industry today relies to talk about barbershop, I’ll put together a quartet and as much on creativity as on other things, and that’s what we’ll raise enough money to buy a piano.” It wasn’t “I want to bring Becca Grimmer them to our chapter meeting.” We were immediately hooked. We did 50-60 performances and raised enough money.

What if the educator or the students aren’t currently interested in singing Over the past two years, Outreach Program Manager Joe Cerutti and CEO Marty barbershop? Monson have led an effort to ensure that barbershop readings, presentations, Brandon: I’ve seen when and major performances take place at virtually every major national and the kids come to the chapter regional gathering of music educators. As a result, dozens of music educators and it wasn’t the right fit, and have or will attend Harmony University, hundreds have taken home barbershop the chapter shunned them. music for their choruses, and thousands have come away with a more positive The attitude should be, how view of barbershop harmony’s potential value to their choral programs. can we help you? Can we get

January/February 2016 • The HARMONIZER 19 jeremy gover

you music? It doesn’t have to be about your chapter.

What do music educators and students need to see when a Barbershopper or group starts working with them? Grammy-winning gospel quartet The Fairfield Four has joined Crossroads for Fred: We have to be careful of several presentations on the African-American origins of barbershop harmony what we’re putting out there. Be sure and its links to gospel music. See both groups at http://bit.ly/fairfieldSLC. our standards of musical excellence are high when we sing for non-barbershop audiences. all our lives more than the music. Jim: Music educators have a stereotype that Bar- Fred: In 2013, we were singing for big classic musical bershoppers oversing. And then a quartet goes in and audiences in France—these were real musicians instead oversings—well, we’ve lost one there. of what I do—and we were getting huge ovations wher- Brandon: When Chad and I heard barbershop, it was ever we went. To me, it’s a testament to what barbershop like the sky opened up. If it had been a quartet that had can do for someone who can carry a tune. That and the just thrown something together or used cheesy humor fellowship and love that is out there in the barbershop that only works for Barbershoppers, I don’t know wheth- community. er we would have had that mountaintop experience. Jim: You don’t have to be a member of the Barber- Jim: A good video recording is better than a bad shop Harmony Society to sing barbershop. Barbershop live quartet. singing for its own sake is enough. But being a Bar- bershopper, the gift of that is all this other stuff—the Are we still fulfilling our mission even when friendships. The best friends any of us have are bar- “This is not acci- we work among people who want to sing bershop friends. dental. We would other music styles? Jim: There was a day when Barber- Any final words about the success of the Society’s outreach efforts not have these op- shoppers were threatened by other among music educators that we haven’t covered yet? portunities if they styles—they thought if we work with Brandon: Nobody is asking us to say this, but the singers of other styles, their sound will members need to understand something: this is not had not invested infiltrate barbershop. And now I think accidental. Marty and the team at the BHS have been time and money now there’s a much more healthy at- intentional about this and made it a major part of the titude, which is, “singing is singing.” Society’s mission. We would not have these opportuni- and staff resources Mike: The more people we can get ties if they had not invested time and money and staff to make this hap- to enjoy lifelong singing, the more resources to make this happen. who will sing barbershop. It’s just a Fred: Everyone who sees this needs to feel good about pen ... I wish every numbers game. what the Society is doing. There’s a clear vision. We’re Barbershopper so happy to be on the tip of the spear with this. We’re What have you come to appreciate more starting to see it bear some fruit right now. I think it’s could see the vision about barbershop as you sing alongside just the beginning. unfolding in the performers of other musical forms? Jim: I’ve never seen someone with Marty Monson’s Brandon: We’ve come to really foresight. For the first time in a long, long time, we’re way we can.” love the The Four in our presen- enormously proud to be Barbershoppers. There’s this tations. And 100 percent of their feeling of I can’t wait to tell people about barbershop. I music is woodshedding, just like it used to be for feel like I was just a kid. I want to thank Marty and his barbershop. This group started in 1920s, but there is team for giving that back to me. no organization preserving what they do. When they Mike: You can see the results just in the staff—the die, the music will more than likely die with them. It’s energy. given me a renewed appreciation for the preservation Brandon: I wish we could have had a camera set side of what we do as a Society. up for all the reactions, this wave of people, wave of Mike: It starts with the music, but once we were teachers, thanking us. It was overwhelming. I wish involved in barbershop, belonging to a Society af- every Barbershopper could see the vision unfolding in fected who we ended up marrying and where we live. the way we can. [Belonging to the Society] has changed my life and Fred: Trust us, it’s happening. n

20 The HARMONIZER • January/February 2016

How recruiting a music educator transformed Lincoln, Neb.

From barbershop novice in 2013 to the Society’s #1 recruiter in 2014, Todd Krier shows that some of the top barbershop directors of the future may not start out as Barbershoppers at all

22 The HARMONIZER • January/February 2016 When Dale Comer retired as our long-time direc- Albuquerque to attend graduate school at the tor in 2008, the Lincoln Continentals (Lincoln, University of Nebraska, and was looking for Neb., Chapter) started a slow decline that went a teaching job. on for several years. We were losing members and It wasn’t an immediate sell. Roger had to not recruiting. The average age was 61 and climb- contact Todd several times before he agreed to ing! We were down to 41 active members and meet with chapter leaders in November, 2012. only about half would be at any given rehearsal. We knew immediately we had a great candidate The enthusiasm was gone. It took us two to three with a passion for teaching and directing. Todd months to learn a new song. We had at most had little experience with barbershop harmony, three performances a year and our contest scores but loved men’s a cappella. He suggested we bal- Wwere the lowest in more than 25 years. A series ance men’s choral music, contemporary a cap- of interim directors couldn’t turn that tide. We pella, and barbershop. It wasn’t exactly what we continued to search for a new leader. expected, but we were okay with it. Todd started In 2012, after several years without a perma- as our new director on January 1, 2013. nent director, long-time chorus member and retired high school music teacher Jon Peterson A dramatic turn-around recommended looking for a director at the Todd’s energy is contagious. Everyone works Nebraska Choral Director’s Association clinic. hard for him because it’s fun. Search committee members Roger Millnitz & We are now at 61 members and growing. So Gerry Wirth set up a recruiter’s table at the event. far, we’ve recruited 36 new, younger members Tom Tipton Among several curious attendees, one asked and the average age of the chorus is now 50. Of 2015 chapter VP of marketing a lot of questions. Todd Krier (pronounced those new members, 11 are Todd’s Men of Note, tomtipton1@ KREE-er) had recently moved to Lincoln from and four more were brought in by his recruits. He yahoo.com

Todd transformed the chorus—and vice versa From an email Todd sent to the leading up to rehearsal, your chorus in February, 2015: energy and enthusiasm make ... This year has been an amazing me work harder and make me year. My whole life I have been sing- so thankful I am a part of some- ing harmony and loving it, but always thing bigger. Thank you for felt strange because I was the only giving of yourselves each week one around me who was addicted to and dedicating time to this harmony. I became a choral director wonderful passion and hobby. because I wanted to inspire others I enjoy each week with you and in singing and sharing my passion simply love making music with for music. all of you. I love ringing chords, I then met a small group of folks being silly, going to afterglows, in Albuquerque who introduced me and learning songs with you. I to tags, and even learned a couple of have been blessed to learn from barbershop songs. Many of my choral many of you who have done colleagues looked down on me, and this hobby for many years, and I knew it was because they hadn’t I have been equally blessed by Lincoln saw almost an immediate 10-point experienced the amazing ring and the men who have recently jump in contest scores, and the chorus has qua- harmony of barbershop. Then Roger joined the Continentals since drupled its annual public performances. Coach- Millnitz and Gerry Wirth found me I have come. To Spontaneous ing help from luminaries like Joe Connelly has and Roger insisted that I come be a Chordbustin’, thanks for your helped a lot, but the difference mostly comes part of the Continentals. Since then, willingness to give Barbershop down to a skilled and enthusiasic director who my life has changed. I’ve always loved a try. I am inspired every day makes hard work fun for the chorus. singing and directing choirs, but the when I see you ringing chords. Continentals gave me something I thank you all so much for the Lincoln Continentals something more. sharing all your passion and love for truly special ... Not only did I fall in love with bar- singing with me and the rest of the It’s Great to Be a Barbershopper, bershop, I met some of the most amaz- Lincoln Community. Let’s keep up and a Lincoln Continental! ing men. No matter how tired I am the great work, and continue to make – Sincerely, Todd Krier

January/February 2016 • The HARMONIZER 23 was recognized at district convention and in the March/April 2015 issue of The Harmonizer as being the #1 overall recruiter for 2014 in the Society. We now learn new songs quickly. We’re off music in three weeks or less! We’re averaging 12 performances a year. And Todd Krier’s resumé includes Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees from in October, 2013, we were the University of South Dakota and a total of nine years teaching vocal music in the Central States District elementary, middle and high schools. He was Teacher of the Year at West Central AA champs. (We were High School in Hartford, South Dakota and he won numerous show choir competi- even better in 2014 but tions, including first place two years in a row at the New Mexico State Concert Choir that year Central Standard Competition. He was most excited about a men’s group he organized while director competed as an AA cho- of a church choir in Albuquerque. He had only a little experience with barbershop, rus and raised the bar ... a but he loved men’s a cappella music. little.) [Central Standard placed third in the 2015 International Chorus Contest.] to try new things. Our repertoire grew with exciting new music, but it has always contained a mix of a Even better than expected cappella styles—mostly barbershop. Todd became Vocal Music Director at Pius X High Be persistent. Many music educators are not familiar School in Lincoln in August 2013. From the begin- with our music and may have a low opinion of barber- ning, he added barbershop to his vocal music program, shop, still common in some colleges and universities. organizing and coaching quartets, teaching tags, sing- Don’t give up. Find a way to expose them to good ing polecats during lunch with students and staff. His barbershop. Send your best quartet as “recruiters” to enthusiasm for barbershop resulted in several students choral director’s events and do what we do best—teach joining our chorus. One all-sophomore barbershop a tag to attendees gathered around. Invite them to quartet, Spontaneous Chordbustin’, frequently performs attend a rehearsal and give them free tickets to your at school functions and Continentals performances. performances. Get the teachers of your Youth in Harmony attendees to sing in quartets on the YIH Advice to other chapters: concert stage. Volunteer to sing in their classrooms Check out school choral associations for new directors (elementary, high school, college). Make sure someone and assistant directors. stays in touch with every prospect. Don’t be afraid to try additional a cappella styles. We Bottom line: find a way to connect with music educa- opened the door for our new director by being willing tors. They have a lot to offer. n

Todd is spreading the gospel of barbershop well beyond his school This summer, with a grant from BHS, Todd led a five-day Harmony Explosion Camp, enlisting seven other area music educators to work with 50 male and female high school students singing a cappella in small and large groups. They offered small master classes along with an Xtreme Quartet Competition. Barbershop learning tracks were distributed to prepare students and staff for the event. The camp was an incredible success. Students are begging to come back next summer. The music educators from the camp are planning to teach and perform barbershop in their Spontaneous Chordbustin’ performs at the 2014 classrooms and they’re spreading the word to colleagues throughout the Lincoln area. chapter show. Quartet members, like several For our Spring 2016 Youth in Harmony event, Todd is using another BHS grant to of Todd’s Men of Note, are also his students at organize an a cappella competition, similar to a show choir competition, but geared Pius X High School. However, new members also toward a cappella groups, chamber ensembles and any small groups that might include fathers of Pius X students, who have in spring up at participating schools. His vision includes hiring technicians and four turn recruited their friends—including two college judges from the Society. It will still be a YIH event with a top-level guest quartet and vocal education majors who help direct the chorus! chorus performances, but students and educators won’t just be learning a couple of barbershop songs, but will be building groups and preparing to compete.

24 The HARMONIZER • January/February 2016 Harlan Wilson, Tony De Rosa head best of God’s Chosen People Aficionados of baritone singing—okay, it’s a small singers together (bass Gary Parker and lead Bill Thorn- group—say it’s a good thing Harlan Wilson took the ton). “He was always there, never obvious.” Wright “Maria” solo in the 1961 champ Suntones’ remarkable agrees that Beck was a huge part of the enduring influ- “West Side Story” medley; otherwise you’d never hear ence that the DC had on the quartet sound. “He had him. And that’s a fair description of a bari: the guy in an unbelievable range (in both directions) and agility.” barbershopping who carries the luggage without being That range is what first struck me about Brian when I noticed. The bari fan club just advises us to look in the met him in the early 1960s. We were both members of dictionary under baritone, where it says: Harlan Wilson. the Oklahoma City chapter, directed by a young Jim Harlan was the one unanimous choice in the list of Massey, and the after-meeting tags were the highlight Top 10 baritones chosen by the same panel that earlier of my week. As a teenager, I thought I could sing high, gave you the best Barbershop Harmony Society tenors but my top was no match for this guy, who could do and leads of all time. A step behind him in the vote by everything he bragged that he could. Clarke concurs. Athe 10-member panel (see box) was Tony De Rosa, a “He’s a musician who understands the dynamics of gold medalist at age 19 and so far the only singer hon- chord, sound and color. What’s more, he hears what’s ored twice on our top 10 lists. The three-time champ going on within the chord to the point of ‘looking’ also made the honored lead list (see Nov/Dec 2015 issue people to their correct note or tone.” of The Harmonizer). De Rosa sings lead with current bronze medalist Main Danny Burgess. Danny Burgess of Street and 2007 champ . He was the bari both was an- with 1992 champ and 2000 winner Platinum. other easy choice for this exclusive In fact, it was his soaring “Bring Him Home” solo with list. He bridged some significant that quartet that first convinced him to pay attention and distinctive voices in “Kinny when Joe Connelly urged to set out on the lead path. Ray” and monster bass Rick Staab. Balloting for baritone was fiercely contested, with a “Being between them must have total of 34 Society heroes from the 1940s to the present been fun,” notes Biffle, who has drawing consideration, and the lively discussion ranged had some success as a bari. Loos through the fall months. We finally settled on the 10, recalls that Burgess played his part with 12 honorable mentions. perfectly in what was often a showy Bluegrass Student Union (1978) quartet, “never seeking the lime- Brian Beck. A deserv- light but always there visually, vocally and at the mic.” ing honoree who knows Beck agrees: “The Bluegrass body of work gave Dan about parts. He won a the room to roam. Always there, but you never heard gold on bari with the him. However, he could bridge that gap artfully and Dealer’s Choice in 1973 consistently between Ken and Rick.” Clarke admits he and on lead with the came late to the Burgess fan club. “I never realized how good Dan was until singing with him. He also possesses 10 years later. He is a a very quiet and quick wit.” (Yes, Terry, all baris do). Society record-holder for Dealer’s Choice (1973) being the only singer to Side Street Ramblers (lead, 1983) Tony De Rosa. Tony is a second-generation Barbershop- medal on all four parts. per who credits his late father, “Papa Joe,” as his first Jim Bagby For his short stature and round face, his Association of major influence. The family moved from New York Bari, 1986 International Champions nickname for some time has to Florida in the early 1980s, and Tony vividly recalls champ been “Yoda.” Randy Loos says that when it comes to listening to 1978 champ Bluegrass Student Union’s jbagby3@ bari singing, Brian is just as wise as Yoda. cassettes all the way. So BGSU lead Kenny Hatton kc.rr.com Bill Biffle says Beck glued two great Dealer’s Choice was the first voice to influence him, before he hooked

January/February 2016 • The HARMONIZER 25 up with Joe Connelly. Tony competed in a Loos calls Guyton “one Sunshine District quartet for the first time, of the best of all time. He singing tenor, at age 8. But as he matured is smart, with a huge range. he says he knew he was a baritone, and “I’m Soloist if needed [listen to very honored to be on this list.” ‘Down the Via Dolorosa’]. However, when he learned that he had And he’s a chameleon at made our lead top 10, he found it “shock- matching resonance.” Wright ing, surprising, humbling—but very cool.” says Brandon has “an incred- Keepsake (1992) That’s because he never felt he possessed a (2002) ible set of pipes. Just incred- Platinum (2000) characteristic lead voice. Instead, he says his Crossroads (2009) ible.” Biffle describes him as Max Q (lead, 2007) approach is to be “influenced by the music, “just a great voice and singer.” (lead) and I try not to be cute or tricky. But when you listen to Kenny or Joe or David Harrington, Forry Haynes. Four members of our top 10 likely will those are the kind of voices you think of as having the be remembered primarily as entertainers, although it characteristic sound to be a lead singer.” Beck says of could be a tossup whether De Rosa is better-known De Rosa: “best singer in the house these days.” And now as a singer or comedian. Foley is the second on TOP 10 PANEL Wright says Tony has mastered baritone with quality, the list. The third is Forrest “Forry” Haynes of the 1949 Jim Bagby accuracy and blend. champs, . Clarke has crowned Haynes Don Barnick “probably the funniest, most natural comedian among Brian Beck Jim Foley. The late Jim not only has the distinction all the baritones.” Neal, never one to shy from hyper- Bill Biffle of being in one of the most popular quartets ever, the bole, can top that. He says Forry “was the most gifted Terry Clarke also held a Society scoring record for member in Society history.” Gene Cokeroft 35 years. The margin of victory at Boston in 1965 was His pedigree is impressive. Prior to joining the Mid Joe Connelly the widest until Platinum’s at Kansas City in 2000 States, Forry performed virtually every stringed in- Bob Lindley (there may be a test later). Foley was the personable, strument on the national radio program “WLS Barn Randy Loos multi-talented singer who may have been the best Dance,” out of Chicago, with such stars as Les Paul and Tom Neal all-around bari of the Society’s middle decades. And Chet Atkins. With Forry as the top banana, the Mid David Wright he continued to make his mark in senior competition States became the Society’s most entertaining foursome after cutting a wide swath of the ‘50s, and rejected an offer from Arthur Godfrey in the Cardinal and Illinois to appear as regulars on his radio show after winning Districts. Beck noted his his talent scout competition. They wanted to be avail- uncanny blending ability able for all the chapter shows they enjoyed so much. and his great body of work. Legend has it that the 1950 champ had it How many quartets have in their contract that they would not follow the Mid won with a song named for States onstage. Forry and Marty Mendro did the bulk one of the members? Foley’s of the quartet arrangements, and we still sing their great comedic timing was always chord passages today. a key to the Four Renegade Neal says Forry’s violin act was a classic that would appeal. But they hit a memo- Four Renegades (1965) have been a hit today in Las Vegas. The feisty little rable high in their World baritone would play a few War II uniforms when they sang “They Were All Out moments before the instru- of Step But Jim.” Veteran Tom Neal, who saw a lot of ment collapsed into about the Renegades, calls Foley one of the best baris ever to 20 pieces. Forry was dev- take the stage. astated and began to cry, with his fake glasses shooting Brandon Guyton. A slam-dunk choice for our list was streams of water into the Brandon Guyton, one of the most versatile and talented hysterical audience. Wright singers active today, as well as a coach, judge and highly says Haynes was iconic by sought recording whiz. He broke on the scene with virtue of both his singing and collegiate-then-Society champ Four Voices (2002), overall musicianship. Mid States Four (1949) as the reinforcing skill in a potent group of young voices—including his brother, Chad. Now he puts on Freddie King The fourth funny man was the king—Fred- a clinic of brilliant range, technique, quality, emotion die King of the , 1970 gold medalists. Since and style in making 2009 champ Crossroads a hugely he also was a popular emcee, and director of the 1971 popular BHS foursome. international champion Chorus of the Chesapeake, he

26 The HARMONIZER • January/February 2016 got a lot of Society exposure. he should be remembered as a charming man who Audiences also remembered went out of his way to introduce reluctant singers to him because he had had full the magic of a tag.” set[s] of false teeth since his Biffle recalls that Van Tassell loved his work on both high school football days, and parts. Says our former Society president, “Glenn took he loved showing off all the a good lead voice and subsumed it to the bari duties in weird faces he could make GA. And he sang against some great voices there, too.” with—and without—them. But Fred also had a heart of Harlan Wilson Wilson’s ongoing career is as amazing gold, the soul of a teacher as his talent. He appeared with as much voice and (which he was) and the skills Oriole Four (1970) charm on the Suntones’ 50th anniversary show, at of an arranger and coach. Kansas City in 2011 as he did when the quartet won “Fred was a fine musician,” says fellow bari Pete Tyree, in 1961. Beck calls Wilson’s body of “and brightened up any group with his humor and work “phenomenal.” Both Beck and willingness to play the clown. But as one of our more David Wright recall being charmed colorful baritones, he certainly has earned a place in the by another Harlan solo, “Tennessee top 10 of all time.” Biffle says Freddie had all the quali- Waltz.” Wright’s overall evaluation ties that the voice part demands, as well as an amazing of Wilson: “smooth, fantastic range, range. “He could croon or he could blaze with equal longevity ... everything a great bari- dexterity and control.” Because we recall how funny tone should be.” Freddie was, sometimes we forget just how good he was. Another side of Wilson is his effort to share his talent and abilities. A Larry Tully. Larry was credited longtime chorus director, coach and Suntones (1961) with putting the blend in a quartet mentor, he does not issue compli- of great individual voices who let ments lightly. But like his late lifelong friend, Suntone you hear each voice. Beck says the tenor Gene Cokeroft, Harlan goes out of his way to 1980 champ , encourage youth, offering honest feedback and his who had a long trail of competition trademark, 50-tooth smile to all. “Call on every glowing leading to their gold in Salt Lake description you have in your arsenal,” says Terry Clarke. City, probably got it all together “Every plaudit fits the man.” around the steadying influence of Tully. Clarke agrees that Tully Whether you agree with these choices or not, there Boston Common (1980) contributed more than he’s ever has been at least one benefit to this exercise. It has been credited with for the Hall of reminded Terry Clarke of the importance of baritones. Fame sound of the Common. Through his quartet association with Tully, “I came to The primary musical mentor of the BC, Hall-of- realize that more than any other part, it’s the baritone Famer Lou Perry, or perhaps the brownies provided by that determines the richness of a quartet. Indeed, I his wife, Ruth, probably had as much as anything to do believe it’s the baritone’s unappreciated role of making with the success of the Common, as they likely would the quartet sound better.” On behalf of all unappreciated agree. But Lou once spoke in glowing tones of the baris, thank you, Larry! n mellow timbre of Tully’s voice, and Larry’s dedication to his craft that helped make him a better bari month to month and year to year. HONORABLE MENTION Bill Busby, Confederates (1956) Glenn Van Tassell. Glenn Dale Deiser, Mark IV (1969) and Good News! was another double threat. Dick Grapes, Buffalo Bills (1950) He was the lead of the De- Bobby Gray Jr., (1985) troit-based , Rob Henry, The Gas House Gang (1993) who won in 1966, and filled D.J. Hiner, (1991) the bari slot with the Gen- Gary Lewis, Platinum (tenor, 2000), Max Q (2007) tlemen’s Agreement, who Jack Lyon, (1977) took the gold in 1971—18 Jonny Moroni, (2006) months after it formed. In Auto Towners (lead, 1966) Pete Neushel, 139th Street Quartet both groups, says Clarke, “he Gentlemen’s Agreement (1971) Paul Schmitt, (1951) sang smart. More than that, Pete Tyree, (1954)

January/February 2016 • The HARMONIZER 27 making a difference q

Trace Adkins: “You guys really made my year” e knew something extraordinary was about to hap- ing out without our sensing them at all. pen. Just after The Virginians were introduced as an When it all was over, Trace announced that “there’s opening act for a Trace Adkins show at the Dahlgren nothing more to say,” which was his way of telling WNaval Base on Oct. 10, one of our chorus members, the audience that an encore would simply destroy the Charlie Negri, was recognized as a surviving World mood. He was right. It was magic. War II veteran who had fought in the Italian campaign But then the truly unexpected happened. Trace of 1943. Charlie, all 5’3” of him, walked smartly to the turned to the Virginians and uttered a most astonish- front of the stage and snapped a brisk salute. The 3,500 ing phrase: “Thanks. You guys really made my year.” audience members had a virtual melt-down. And the There’s a palpable aw-shucks honesty to this country Virginians, all 55 of us, had the first of many blood- boy. We wanted to believe him. We do believe him. freezing moments we would experience that evening By then, we were freezing but, to a man, elated. in a field full of zealous patriots and a famous country- We had sung on a big-time stage, performed excep- rock artist bent on honoring military veterans. tionally well, and had, at the very least, contributed We had stars in our eyes—we’d be singing with a meaningfully to a spectacular salute to our American platinum-selling legend of country music! More impor- military. Our role was, of course, only a small part of tantly, nearly everyone in the Virginians has some con- the overall effort, but the crowd reaction suggested nection to the military, either direct or family. Singing that it had been a decidedly important addition. The for our troops is a special gift. With the help of about chest-thumping country beat that’s the trademark of 20 barbershop friends (past chapter members and Trace Adkins’ music had been, for sure, elevated by the singers from the Alexandria, District of Columbia and in-tune barbershop chords of the Virginians. James River chapters), Music Director Mike Wallen – Roger Tarpy worked hard to prepare us for our five songs. The audience members went crazy for our first four Vintage show patriotic songs (patriotic standards and “Let There Be poster posted by Peace on Earth”), but our fifth number, sung at the Parkside Harmony very end of the show and the song for which Trace A show poster from is famous, really choked most of us up: “‘Til the Last a 1951 perfor- Shot’s Fired” (Check out a famous version on YouTube mance here in the at bit.ly/atkinswpglee.) old Hershey Park The song refers to famous conflicts throughout Arena hosted by American history. It was in the final chorus, which our brothers in the we sang a cappella, that we felt the real power of Lebanon Chorus... the message: that’s quite a Say a prayer for peace, for our daughters and our sons. line-up, includ- Set our spirits free; let us lay down our guns. ing legends The Sweet mother Mary, we’re so tired. But we can’t come home ‘til the last shot’s fired. Chordettes (who The Virginians sang these lyrics with more spirit recorded ‘Mr. Sand- and heart than just about any song we’ve ever man’ and many tackled. Indeed, many of us were so caught up in more!) and from the original broadway show & movie the moment that the notes and words came rush- ‘The Music Man’ - quartet champions The Buffalo Bills!

28 The HARMONIZER • January/February 2016 For your repertoire: the #1 song about sausage Singing Valentines countdown Fermata D Aria quartet takes on a different name when its members First Singing Valentines press sighting of the serve as pitchmen for the Johnsonville Sausage Company: the “Brat year came in early January in Country Line Cappellas.” The comedy quartet from the Chicago Metro Chapter magazine. It’s not drew the attention of Johnsonville’s public relations group and was too late to contact hired to provide a Barbershop version of America’s number one song local press with about sausage. (We’re not certain there’s a #2.) photos and stories Here they are on the Fox6Now morning news program Wakeup from last year’s Milwaukee performing “The Ballad of Bratsgiving” in the barbershop event, with aim of style for National Bratwurst Day. (August 16—it’s a state holiday promoting 2016 in Wisconsin! Or it should be ...) A video of the performance is on sales. Here’s an Johnsonville’s Facebook page and other social media. See the perfor- excerpt from the mance at http://bit.ly/bratsville. article, in which – Tip from John Q. Morris, bass of Fermata D Aria this photo ap- peared: Past assignments have ranged from the “set up” for a marriage proposal to de- livery to a teacher in a packed elementary school cafeteria where a rare hush came over the students to hear the beautiful song. One delivery embarrassed both the re- cipient and the quartet, according to Jenny Mercing, a bass from Mayflower, Arkansas, with VocalTeaz. The couple was sitting in a hot tub when they arrived to sing. Read the article at http://bit.ly/countrybbs. n

Chapter Eternal Society members reported as deceased between Nov. 1, 2015 and Jan. 1, 2016. Email updates to [email protected]. Central States James Hurt Rogue Valley, OR Western Hills Winchester, VA Barton Zeh Seneca Land Wallace Ingram Donald Fraser Roswell, GA Edward Pearson (Cincinnati), OH Charles Town, WV Schenectady, NY Craig Bray Corpus Christi, TX Des Moines, IA Lake Lanier, GA Victoria, BC Dean King Buffalo, NY David Kinkaid Gary Lewallen Jack Lane Xenia, OH Northeastern Carolinas Batavia, NY El Paso, TX Des Moines, IA Chattanooga, TN Far Western Duncan Creaser Wally Bader Warsaw, NY Houston, TX E. Frederick List G. Bernard Wheeler Phil Crawford Mid-Atlantic Frank Thorne Wilmington, NC Raymond Judd Lou Knabeschuh Columbia, MO Chattanooga, TN Inland Empire, CA William Hardman Frank Fehling Hornell, NY Southeast Texas, TX Dennis Longlett Davis-Vacaville, CA Nassau-Mid Is- Danbury, CT Ontario Raymond Wells Seth Moore Hal Maples Evergreen Sacramento, CA land, NY Edward Fletcher Earl Baskette Hornell, NY Corpus Christi, TX St Charles, MO Frederick Baker Bill Jackson Donald Leaman Waterville, ME Simcoe, ON Paul Pavlow Arthur Mowat Tualatin Valley, OR Santa Rosa, CA Morris County, NJ Walt Garrett William Bradbury Sunshine Corpus Christi, TX Davenport, IA David Deller Eureka, CA Ray Patsko South Shore, QC St Catharines, ON Roger Blunt Harvey Pritchard Chester Sautter Rogue Valley, OR Len Steck Wilkes Barre, PA William Langellotti Craig Bray Orlando, FL Corpus Christi, TX Greater Ozarks, AR Ray Gilbert Frank Thorne Bill Schlageter Waterbury/Derby, CT Niagara Falls, ON W. Stewart Hayner Bill Sharp Bill Woodhams Calgary, AB Nassau-Mid Is- Charles Maroon Harry Mays Sebring, FL Corpus Christi, TX Omaha, NE Medicine Hat, AB Illinois land, NY Waterville, ME Frank Thorne Richard Sturgeon James Sherrill Papillion, NE Joseph Gustin Tony Cook Pappy Simmons Raymond Odgren Norm Sanger Sarasota, FL Corpus Christi, TX Rogue Valley, OR Will-Cook, IL York, PA Worcester, MA Oshawa, ON Cape Coral, FL Edward Smith Dixie Alphonsus Hul Hal Maples Jay Spangenburg Tommy Spirito Corpus Christi, TX Harry Arnold Vancouver, BC Belleville, IL Lewisburg, PA Frank Thorne Rocky Southwestern Kevin Speaker North East Ten- James McNaul Larry Walker Barry Walden Mountain Roger McCandless Corpus Christi, TX nessee, TN Calgary, AB Johnny Smith Mountain Waterville, ME Eugene Melick Frank Thorne Louis Starr W. Lamar Green Medicine Hat, AB Appleseed Lake, VA Robert Weinhold Longmont, CO Dick Hulsey Corpus Christi, TX Chattanooga, TN Herbert Ottesen Thomas Freeman David Webb Schenectady, NY Corpus Christi, TX

January/February 2016 • The HARMONIZER 29 member services directory How can we help you barbershop today? Get answers from your staff Society Headquarters 110 7th Ave N • Nashville, TN 37203-3704 615-823-3993 • fax: 615-313-7615 • [email protected] Office hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Central or any time atwww.barbershop.org 800-876-7464 (SING)  Executive Offices Marty Monson Operations Board of Directors Executive Director/CEO Chip Gallent Director of Operations/COO President Michele Niec Don Fuson • Leawood, KS Executive Assistant/Office Manager Erin Harris 913-897-0625 Project Manager Douglas Gordon [email protected] Administrative Assistant Harmony Marketplace [email protected] Executive Vice President Margie Douglas Skipp Kropp • Indianapolis, IN Administrative Assistant Pam Cervantez 317-855-3093 Harmony Marketplace Manager Finance [email protected] [email protected] Krystie Mitchell Merchandise/Administrative Asst. Erik Dove Treasurer Director of Finance/CFO Justin Gray Dwayne Cooper • Austin, TX Production Center 512-633-3031 Jama Clinard [email protected] Controller Joe Rau Production Center Shelia Huey Immediate Past President Finance Support Music Publications Shannon Elswick • Clermont, FL [email protected] 407-948-9599 Conventions [email protected] [email protected] Janice Bane Copyright & Publications Manager Dusty Schleier Executive Director/ Director of Meetings & Conventions Scott Harris Board Secretary Arranger & Repertoire Manager Carlos Barillo Marty Monson • Franklin, TN Show Producer Alex Henrichs 800-876-7464 Copyright & Licensing Asst. [email protected] Harmony University [email protected] Information Technology Clarke Caldwell • Nashville, TN Donny Rose [email protected] (Ex Officio, Harmony Foundation) Director of Harmony University Eddie Holt [email protected] Duane Gunn Webmaster Director of Leadership Education Nick Fotopoulos Board Members at Large Programmer Gerry Borden • Abbotsford, BC Outreach 604-850-0789 [email protected] Sam Hoover [email protected] LAN & Software Project Manager Joe Cerutti Outreach Program Manager Ed Bittle • West Des Moines, IA Customer Service 515-240-6480 Wayne Grimmer [email protected] [email protected] Inclusion and Integration Caki Watson Ashley Torroll Customer Service Manager Doug Brown • Cranford, NJ Outreach Program Support Jacqueline Robinson 908-276-5811 Sherry Lewis Service Representative [email protected] ACDA/NAfME/CBQC Michelle Hankins • Carlos Barillo Service Representative John Donehower Monroe, WI Educational Tours 563.599.8565 Danny Becker [email protected] Marketing/Communications Service Representative [email protected] Ashley Brown Dick Powell • Crofton, MD Service Representative 410-451-1957 Amy Rose [email protected] Social Media/Editing Brian Lynch The Harmonizer John Santora • Bel Air, MD PR/Communication/Brand [email protected] 410-937-2611 Jeremy K. Gover Lorin May [email protected] Video Production Editor

30 The HARMONIZER • January/February 2016 Friends in Harmony Sing Canada Harmony Sweet Adelines International www.SingCanadaHarmony.ca www.sweetadelineintl.org Official Affiliates American Choral Harmony, Incorporated Barbershop Harmony Australia Directors Association www.harmonyinc.org www.barbershop.org.au Ian Mulholland: [email protected] www.acdaonline.org National Association Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia for Music Education BHNZ (Barbershop Harmony New Zealand) www.sinfonia.org www.nafme.org www.barbershopharmony.nz John Denton: [email protected] World Harmony Council Chorus America www.worldbarbershop.com www.chorusamerica.org BABS (British Association of Barbershop Singers) www.singbarbershop.com National Museum for Ladies Association of Ian James: [email protected] African-American Music British Barbershop Singers BinG! (Barbershop in Germany) www.nmaam.org www.labbs.org.uk www.barbershop-in-germany.de Roberta Damm: [email protected] Holland Harmony, Society Subsidiaries (partial list) Dutch Association of Barbershop Singers www.dabs.nl Association of Barbershop Quartet Wim van der Meer: [email protected] International Champions Preservation Association www.AICGold.com www.bqpa.com FABS (Finnish Association of Barbershop Singers) www.fabs.fi Association of International Ancient Harmonious Juha Aunola: [email protected] Seniors Quartet Champions Society of Woodshedders IABS (Irish Association of Barbershop Singers) www.aisqc.com www.ahsow.org www.irishbarbershop.org Harmony Brigade Public Relations Officers and Micheál Mac Giolla Ri: [email protected] www.harmonybrigade.org Bulletin Editors (PROBE) SABS (Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers) www.probeweb.org www.sabs.es Lyn Baines: [email protected] 110 Seventh Avenue North, Suite 200 SNOBS (Society of Nordic Barbershop Singers) Nashville, TN 37203 www.snobs.org 866-706-8021 (toll free), 615-823-5611 Henrik Rosenberg: [email protected] [email protected] SPATS (Southern Part of Africa Tonsorial Singers) Staff Board of Trustees www.spats.co.za Clarke Caldwell Sharon Miller – Chair Mark Jansen: [email protected] President/CEO 204-254-9594 3044 • [email protected] [email protected] Carolyn Faulkenberry David Mills – Vice Chairman Chief Financial Officer 813-786- 4381 3041 • [email protected] [email protected] Ryan Killeen • Director of Development Chuck Harner – Secretary General correspondence/editorial: 3051 • [email protected] 703-938-3001 [email protected] [email protected] Jim Clark • Regional Director 3042 • [email protected] Don Laursen – Treasurer Editorial Board: Marty Monson, Brian Lynch, 559-733-1496 Amy Rose, Lorin May Dixie Semich [email protected] Development Operations Manager Debbie Cleveland Copy Editing: Jim Stahly (Bloomington, IL), Bob 3047 • [email protected] 813-230-7845 Davenport (Nashville, TN), Zach Dunn (Lynn, MA) Connie Harris [email protected] Director of Communications Don Lambert Lorin May, Editor 3053 • [email protected] 850-240-5952 Associate editors: Amy Rose, Brian Lynch Elizabeth Wilde [email protected] Regional Director Casey Parsons The Society for the Preservation and Encour- 3052 • [email protected] 614-306-8858 agement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing Joy Carrigan [email protected] Director of Strategic Partnerships Arne Themmen in America, Inc. (DBA Barbershop Harmony 3043 • [email protected] 305-854-6654 Society) is a non-profit organization operating James Pennington [email protected] in the United States and Canada. Donor Care Center Manager Lynn Weaver 3048 • [email protected] 616-485-3392 Mission J.J. Hawkins [email protected] The Barbershop Harmony Society brings men Donor Care Center Associate Clarke A. Caldwell ** Ex-officio 3045 • [email protected] President/CEO** • Not board member together in harmony and fellowship to enrich Kyle Snook Marty Monson lives through singing. Donor Care Center Associate Society Executive Director/CEO** 3050 • [email protected] Kirt Thiesmeyer* Vision General Counsel To be the premier membership organization Sarah Ogiba • Finance Assistant 818-681-1631 3040 • [email protected] [email protected] for men who love to sing.

January/February 2016 • The HARMONIZER 31 The Tag Joe Liles, Tagmaster Here’s an intro for delivering Singing Valentines e welcome the beginning delighted by his prowess at of a new year of singing. the keyboard. Steve also is With great anticipation, a Music category judge. Wwe’ll be seeking opportu- “Valentine Intro” is an nities to express our emo- answer to “How do we in- tions with harmonious troduce our presentation?” sounds. Since tags gener- It can be sung a little high- ally are found at the end er or lower to accommodate of a song, let’s start the the key of the song or songs year just as we might start that follow, if necessary. On a song—with an intro! the downbeat of measure 3, Are you involved in the the name of the individual delivery of Singing Val- sending the Valentine can entines? Now’s the time be inserted ad lib using to get prepared for many the pitches of the written special heart-warming chord. Note the gender op- messages in song, quartet style. Steve Delehanty tions for the sender. has given us another one of his creative gifts. Steve The male and female versions of “Valentine Intro” is an accomplished composer, arranger and pia- are now at www.barbershop.org/tags. Happiest of nist. If you’ve attended a concert of the Dixieland singing to all for 2016 and years beyond. And, thank Band performing at our conventions, you’ve been Steve Delehanty the next time you see him. n

VALENTINE INTRO Words, Music and Arrangement by Intro Can be sung in A as well STEVE DELEHANTY 1 2 b 3 4 Tenor œ œ œ Lead b 3 œ œ œ n œœ œ œ Aœ œ œ ˙ œ V b 4 œ œ œ ˙ œ Val - en - tine greet - ings from (name) do we bring. Now

Bari œ œ œ œ œ ˙ Bass ? 3 œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ œ bb 4 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ

5 6 7 8 b œ œ œ bœ œ œ ˙. œ œ œ V b œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙. œ œ œ here's what he asked us to sing! He said (she) (She) œ œ œ ˙. œ œ œ ? bb œ œ œ bœ œ œ ˙. œ œ œ followed by such songs as "Let Me Call You Sweetheart," "Heart of My Heart (Story of the Rose)," "I Love You Truly," "I Don't Know Why," and many others.

32 The HARMONIZER • January/February 2016 From the creative mind of artistic producer DEKE SHARON ( Pitch Perfect, The Sing-Off ) comes the all-new live concert event that takes a cappella to a whole new level!

INTRODUCING

1/15/16 Gainesville, FL 2/5/16 Bradford, PA 2/20/16 Blacksburg, VA 1/16/16 Tampa, FL 2/6/16 Cleveland, OH 2/22/16 Newport News, VA 1/17/16 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 2/8/16 Lebanon, IL 2/25/16 Greenville, SC 1/22/16 Green Bay, WI 2/10/16 Athens, OH 2/26/16 Durham, NC 1/24/16 Des Moines, IA 2/11/16 Oxford, OH 2/27/16 Charlotte. NC 1/26/16 East Lansing, MI 2/12/16 Springfield, OH 2/28/16 Atlanta, GA 1/27/16 Jenison, MI 2/16/16 Boston, MA 3/1/16 Tyler, TX 1/28/16 -1/29/16 Madison, WI 1/30/16 Iowa City, IA 2/17/16 Kutztown, PA 3/3/16 San Antonio, TX 1/31/16 Minneapolis, MN 2/18/16 York, PA 3/4/16 Austin, TX 2/2/16 Kirksville, MO 2/19/16 College Park, MD 3/5/16 Galveston, TX

VOCALOSITY – THE ALBUM AVAILABLE JANUARY 15, 2016 on Universal Music Classics

For More Information, visit us at VocalosityOnTour.com