  THE BEAT From the Greater Indianapolis Chapter, Barbershop Harmony Society Winner, 2011 PROBE International Bulletin Contest

Volume 44, Issue 5  May 2013

Our mission: To enhance lives by performing with excellence and encouraging singing within our community. Barbershop Harmony Society celebrates its 75th anniversary in grand style

Ringmasters in New York City BHS CEO Marty Monson and Todd Wilson at the celebration in Nashville Special appearances on network television, birthday cakes, proclamations from all cor- Meanwhile, in Nashville, Tenn., home to ners of North America, many choruses and our Society headquarters, the Society's quartets singing and a free webcast were 75th birthday party was held at the down- all a part of a special week in the life of town Arcade. Many current and former the Barbershop Harmony Society—our Society staffers were in attendance for the 75th Anniversary! 2012 International festivities. Quartet singing was everywhere, Quartet Champions Ringmasters ap- as were network TV crews. Seventy-five peared in two segments of the New York birthday cakes were served, each honoring City-based Today Show, singing “I Can’t a different International Quartet Champion. Give You Anything But Love” and “Eight Nashville's Mayor Karl Dean was also there Days a Week,” while Manhattan’s Voices to proclaim the week of April 7-13 as Bar- of Gotham chorus was across town enter- bershop Harmony Week in Nashville. taining on Good Morning America.

Also in this issue:

City of Indianapolis Proclamation Toronto Information Annual Show NBA Playoff Performance Sound Corner Page 2 THE BEAT May 2013

THE BEAT What else would you like to know about Toronto?

Jerry E. Troxel, Editor Member, PROBE (Public Relations Officers and Bulletin Editors) 129 Yorkshire Blvd. E Indianapolis, IN 46229 317 891-1634 [email protected]

The BEAT is published monthly by the Greater Indianapolis, Indiana, Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, Information abounds for Toronto, its sights and sounds, the schedule and activi- a proud member of ties for the Barbershop convention. But you may have overlooked some of the the Cardinal District. opportunities along the way.

For convention schedule information, visit: Chapter Leadership 2013 www.barbershop.org/toronto-schedule-of-events.html President Skipp Kropp The CCS schedule, as of the publication of this newsletter, is as follows, but is VP Chapter Development subject to change: Steve Cline

VP Music & Performance Wednesday, July 3—rehearsal at the Sheraton—9:00 til 11:30 am Duane Henry Thursday, July 4—rehearsal at the Sheraton—9:00 til 11:30 am VP PR & Marketing Friday, July 5—rehearse at the Sheraton and begin the contest pat- Larry Anthony tern—8:00 am VP Operations There are many entertainment and recreational opportunities throughout Jeff Boyd Toronto and the surrounding area, including: Secretary Bruce Bellen CN Tower (with or without EdgeWalk)

Treasurer Blue Jays baseball games Paul Gabriel Theatrical productions of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Wizard of Board Members at Large Oz” (discounts available) and “CATS” Scott Beverley, David Fouts, Scott Wiederoder Toronto Zoo, Ontario Science Centre, Casa Loma

Immediate Past President Niagara Falls Gary Garitson ...to name but a few Director Garry Texeira Check out many other opportunities on the Best of Toronto blog at www.blogto.com/toronto/ Assistant Directors Theo Hicks, David Zimmerman or in the very informative Toronto Attractions document at www.barbershop.org/images/Toronto%20Attractions%202013.pdf Circle City Sound meets every Monday at 7:00 p.m. Christ Lutheran Church Secure the future of Barbershop harmony through 345 N. Kitley Ave. your generous gifts to the Harmony Foundation. Pro- Indianapolis, Indiana 46219 vide additional support to your chapter and district www.harmonyfoundation.org with the Donor’s Choice option. May 2013 THE BEAT Page 3

Strolling down memory lane

A monthly look back at our chapter’s history Calendar by Lew Gillespie, Chapter Historian of Events Five Years Ago (2008)

Performances for IMS The Greater Indianapolis Chapter was well-represented Opening Day both in the spotlight and behind the scenes at the spring Saturday, May 11 Cardinal District convention. The event was held April 4-6 Indianapolis Motor Speedway at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Louisville, 11:57 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Kentucky. Competing out of district, TKO, with our own Garry Texeira, was the highest scoring quartet of the con- CCS Annual Show test (77.6). Interchange, with CCS members Kurt Vogel Saturday, June 8 The Palladium and Phil Griggs, placed third in the district with a score of Carmel, Indiana 67.9. Timeless, the newest CCS chapter quartet, with Lew Gillespie 7:00 p.m. Patrick McAlexander, Randy Freeman, Joe Schmidt, and Jared Gollnitz, placed sixth with a score of 63.9 and was honored as Nov- Afterglow ice Quartet Champion. Saturday, June 8 Prime Life Enrichment Center In the Senior Quartet Division, Stage Struck, with Duane Henry and Gary Carmel, Indiana 10:00 p.m. Garitson, scored 67.9 to win that division. Duane Henry was honored as the

Cardinal District Barbershopper of the Year for 2007 and the District Bulletin Guest Night/Open House Editor of the Year contest honored Jerry Troxel as its runner-up. With the Monday, June 10 Indiana Harmony Brigade serving as the host chapter for the convention, at rehearsal many of the CCS members were busy hosting quartets, taking tickets, running A/V, and helping backstage during the weekend. (notes taken from The Beat, National Anthem at Vol. 39, Issue 5, May 2008, Jerry Troxel, editor). Indiana Fever Game Saturday, June 22 Bankers Life Fieldhouse Twenty Years Ago (1993) 7:00 p.m.

On April 17, 1993, 60 members of The Pride of Indy (CCS) performed with International Chorus the Bloomington Pops Orchestra in a 175th anniversary celebration of Monroe Finals County and Bloomington, Indiana. The chorus did two sets, and some of the Friday, July 5 songs included “Old Soft Shoe,” “Lida Rose,” “Over the Rainbow,” and “America- Air Canada Centre - Toronto God Bless America Medley.” The grand finale consisted of the orchestra and 10:00 a.m.

chorus performing together “The George M. Cohan Medley.”

Once again that year, the annual Clowes Hall Golf Outing was held the morning For detailed information on all of June 12, 1993. Morningstar Golf Club, in Indy, hosted the outing. Several chapter performances check our bi-weekly bulletin, members of the Louisville Thoroughbred Chorus had indicated their desire to play in our outing. The Thoroughbreds and the 1991 International champion SOUND BYTES quartet, , would be the guests on the annual show. The chorus had or go to: been working on “O Canada” for the 1993 International Convention in Calgary. www.circlecitysound.org and visit the This is the official Canadian National Anthem. (material taken from Inside Indy, Members Only section Vol. 24, No. 5, May 1993, Lew Gillespie, editor).

The deadline for the June issue of The BEAT is Wednesday, May 29. Send articles to: [email protected] The preferred cleaners of Circle City Sound

Page 4 THE BEAT May 2013

Mayor Ballard

proclaims

Barbershop

Harmony Week in

Indianapolis PROCLAMATION

TO ALL WHOM THESE PRESENTS MAY COME, GREETINGS:

WHEREAS, the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Bar- ber Shop Quartet Singing in America now known as the Barbershop Har- mony Society was officially organized April 1938 in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS, what began as a small group has steadily grown into the world’s largest all-male a cappella singing organization with chapters in the United States and international ones as well; and

WHEREAS, the Barbershop Harmony Society has actively preserved and presented a distinct style of vocal music, the , that origi- nated in North America; and

WHEREAS, the Greater Indianapolis Chapter of the Society, Circle City Sound, has played an active part in the continuation of the Society’s mission since 1948 with their singing competitions, performances at sporting venues and non-profit organizations, and also with the promotion of musical educa- tion through scholarships and high school programs; and

WHEREAS, the City of Indianapolis congratulates the Barbershop Har- mony Society on its 75th Anniversary and Circle City Sound on its 65th Pictured above and duplicated at right Anniversary as barbershop quartet music continues to be heard; in a more readable format is the docu- ment which proclaimed April 7-13 as NOW, THEREFORE, I, GREGORY A. BALLARD, MAYOR OF THE Barbershop Harmony Week in Indian- CITY OF INDIANAPOLIS, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM APRIL 7-13, 2013 apolis. Similar proclamations were AS: prepared by the governors of all 50 United States, the Premiers of the BARBERSHOP HARMONY WEEK Canadian provinces and the mayors of numerous cities. In the City of Indianapolis, and I ask all citizens to join in this observation.

Thanks to our PR and Marketing VP, IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I HAVE HEREUNTO SET MY Larry Anthony, for obtaining procla- HAND AND CAUSED TO BE AF- mations on behalf of our chapter and FIXED THE SEAL OF THE CITY district! OF INDIANAPOLIS ON THIS 2ND DAY OF APRIL IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND THIR- TEEN.

BY GREGORY A. BALLARD MAYOR CITY OF INDIANAPOLIS

May 2013 THE BEAT Page 5 A picture (or performance) is worth a thousand words

It’s a proven fact that the most effective way of intro-

ducing our hobby to a prospective singer is through a Steve Cline personal “face to face” invitation from a Barbershop- per. It’s also a documented fact that more than 70% VP CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT/ of our Society’s members joined from a personal invi- MEMBERSHIP tation from another Barbershopper. All other ways of prospecting, such as ads in newspapers, billboards, mailings and the so-called “cattle calls” from the stage “...the salvation of our Society depends following a show or a performance just have not pro- on our individual recruiting efforts...” duced positive results. It’s also a proven fact that our success at a “face to face” invitation can become much more effective if the invitation comes after the pros- pect has witnessed one of our singing performances. So it It will be a fun-filled evening for your prospects to get some just makes sense that we capitalize on this fact. hands-on experience as to what we do. It will be a safe, non-threatening experience for your prospects and an op- Our annual show coming portunity for all of us to display our passion for what we do. up on Saturday, June 8 is There will be tag singing, refreshments and time for fellow- the best shot we could ship pick-up quartetting with our guests. hope for to get our pros- pects in front of what we Just as each of us has been charged with selling show tick- do. In other words, a ets and program ads for financial reasons, it is even more “picture (our performance) important that we realize that the salvation of our Society is worth 1,000 words.” depends on our INDIVIDUAL recruiting efforts. Keep this in mind because I have planned our first GUEST NIGHT or OPEN HOUSE for So don’t forget Rule# 1 in recruiting, DON’T ASK A ‘YES’ OR the Monday night after our Annual Show, MONDAY JUNE ‘NO’ QUESTION! Instead of asking: “Do you sing?”, ask: 10th. “SO……WHERE DO YOU DO YOUR SINGING?“

Coaching retreat prepares us for Toronto Photo by Steve McCullough

On Saturday, April 27, the majority of our Toronto-bound We had a great session with our coaches, Theresa chorus met to spend a day of intense focus and rehearsal of Weatherbee and Scott Kitzmiller, and costume advisor, our Pinocchio contest set. Jiminy Cricket, Gepetto, the Linda Rowand. It was a lot of fun, and we came away butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker were all with an enhanced vocal and visual package. Thanks go to there, but Pinocchio had a prior commitment (yes, that is Theresa, Scott, Linda and Garry for a great session. correct!).

Page 6 THE BEAT May 2013 A winning team, on and off the court

Wow, AGAIN! This is getting to be a habit. We just came off an amazing performance on March 25th of doing the National Anthem at an Indiana Pacers regular Larry Anthony season game. Last month I commented on the high VP PR & MARKETING degree of exposure we get at activities such as this. Lo and behold, John Robinson had us once again hooked up to sing for the Pacers. Talk about exposure. “We are each an important piece of I asked last month about how many lives were im- the CCS puzzle...” pacted by that performance and how many people are wondering, “Who are these people, and how can I take advantage of this wonderful sound?” Dave Zimmerman, one of our Assistant Directors, had John not only had us singing again at Banker's Life Field- stepped forward to direct in Garry's absence. At he last house for the Indiana Pacers but this time for an NBA play- minute, Dave was called away, so Skipp stepped up again off game! Wow, once again! We had over 30 CCS singers to direct us for the performance. It was amazing. What a wowing the crowd. As I was walking on the court floor in team! preparation to sing, a security person commented to me, “Fantastic (I love that word), you guys are back!” As I Are we done? I don't think so! The CCS team (that would walked past him again after singing, he commented be all of us) is always at work. As we all have heard by “another great job” and extended his hand in congratula- now, Jack Shaffer has stepped forward. He had heard tions. This great performance, both on the setting up side that we have been attempting to get a connection with the and actual performance side was due to the work of a great Indianapolis Motor Speedway to perform for them. Jack CCS team. used to work for them, so he made a connection with them on our behalf. We then got John Robinson involved and First of all, it was made possible by the excellent work CCS magically(?) we are now singing at the 2013 opening day of singers have done for other Indiana Pacers and Indiana the IMS. Not only are we singing the National Anthem but Fever performances of the National Anthem. High quality we are also singing on the stage next to the garage area. singing makes people Simply amazing. I am want to hear us not even going to more. Who is re- guess where this is sponsible for that? going to take us That would be this next. The Indianapo- year’s Music VP lis 500 possibly? The Duane Henry and Indy Brickyard for Skipp Kropp last NASCAR? Other races year. It is made pos- or events? Who sible by the efforts of knows? It all started Garry Texeira in with someone think- pushing us to where ing that possibly he we should be. It is could help. made possible by the day by day and week Always remember by week efforts of that WE are a team. every CCS mem- Whether it is selling ber. Finally, it was tickets, selling ads, made possible by the asking about possible exemplary efforts of performances with John Robinson in our individual con- working out all the nections, whatever. logistics. Circle City Sound sings the National Anthem, directed by Skipp Kropp We are each an im- NBA Playoff Game, April 21, 2013 portant piece of the Imagine, I thought CCS puzzle. No one these things just happened. But wait a minute, we're not single person can make it happen. If we were to start think- done. As I previously stated, over 30 singers took time off ing like that and sit back to watch, then we would be doom- their busy schedules to volunteer to sing at almost the last ing ourselves to failure. minute on April 21st. John Robinson was in constant com- munications with our Pacers representative, since the date Let's make it happen! How much more can we all do? and time of the first playoff game were unknown until the GO CCS! last minute. Garry had an out of town commitment, so May 2013 THE BEAT Page 7 Grinch or not, Harold keeps on smiling

As a musician who can play multiple instruments, a seven- year member of the Smilin’ Through quartet and a man who says he has been truly blessed in this life, it’s a little The Sound Corner ironic that Harold Mathews is best known to many as the narrator who brings our version of “Mister Grinch” to life. by Greg Roembke

Like so many of our members, Harold’s first exposure to music was playing a musical instrument. He began playing the trumpet in the fifth grade and continued through high in order for us to survive. school, playing in the marching band and sym- While singing with Circle City Sound on the International phonic choir. Harold also stage made Harold’s list of favorite barbershop memories, was the solo trumpet his time singing in quartets led the way. Turning Grey sang player in the jazz band. In for a woman’s 100th birthday, joining five generations of her his spare time, he taught family in the celebration. Harold also remembers when himself how to play the Smilin’ Through sang “Silent Night” as the wife of a organ as a member of a neighbor passed through to the next life. He says that second jazz band! while it was not a “fun time,” giving comfort to the family through song is something that he will never forget. Harold says that his school’s music program There are several people that Harold feels have had an was “extremely aggres- impact on his barbershop career. They include Jerry and sive” and shared the sup- Bob from his first quartet, Bryan and Aaron Hughes and port of the community. our very own Garry Texeira. He also said that his first This allowed him to per- real coach, Zoe Hagey, Harold Mathews form on the same stage taught him to “sing on the As the Village Tailor in our with such music greats as air and reduce the stress.” Pinocchio contest set Buddie Rich, Woody Her- When asked his opinion of man and Count Basie just where our chapter is at, he to name a few. And while in college, he played organ, pi- stated that we are now in a ano and a keyboard bass in a rock band. wonderful situation, but are also poised to do greater While singing bass in the church choir, he was approached things. He said the key is about becoming a member of the Seymour Barbershop as a chapter, we have to Chorus. Harold stated that he was hooked with that first want them and challenge tag, so in 1998 he started singing with the Mello-Tones ourselves to do the things to and at one point served as their Chapter President. keep moving ahead.

Harold and his wife Jane His first quartet was Turning Grey where he sang with Smilin’ Through have been married for 32 long time Cardinal District characters Jerry Tracey and (clockwise from upper left: Bob Christie. He then sang bass with Smilin’ Through for years and still live in Sey- Jerry Troxel, Harold seven years. We’ve even brought them out of retirement a mour. Their daughter Mathews, John McQuistion, couple of times to try and kill that darn partridge in the Elaine teaches sixth Dustin Hall) “Twelve Days After Christmas” in our Christmas shows. He grade literature and says that he really misses being part of a quartet and is shares her mother’s love rumored to have something in the works. of English-style horseback riding. Harold says that his other passion is woodworking, but that he unfortunately doesn’t When asked to name some of his favorite quartets, Harold have the time to pursue it right now. listed some of the all-time greats. He stated that had a style of their own, and the members have given so You only have to watch Harold as he tells the tale of Mr. much to the Society. made his list for their Grinch to see the passion and enthusiasm that he brings to beautiful sound and style. He thought that the Gas House our hobby. He loves singing with Circle City Sound and the Gang was very entertaining while had a consis- Indiana Harmony Brigade. For seven years he was part tent and wonderful sound. Harold did single out fellow bass of a quartet that not only sang well, but sang for some Kevin Miles by stating “What a bass!” He also stated that unique and emotional events. As he said, he has truly been he enjoyed the youth and variety of OC Times, and that blessed in this life, and we’re happy that he has shared it we needed them to pull the young people into the Society with us.

Page 8 THE BEAT May 2013

Greater Indianapolis Chapter Board Meeting Summary April 2013

The Greater Indianapolis Chapter Board of Directors met on Monday April 15, 2013 at Christ Lutheran Church for a regular monthly meeting prior to rehearsal. There were Bruce Bellen eleven members present constituting a quorum. The follow- CHAPTER SECRETARY ing is a brief summary of the business transacted at that meeting.

Secretary The minutes of the March 18, 2013 meeting as submitted by Secretary Bruce Bellen were approved. The CCS Board meets the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church or at Treasurer The treasurer’s reports for January and Febru- other times and locations, as announced. ary as submitted by Treasurer Paul Gabriel were ap- proved with an ending balance of $53,484.71 of which All chapter members are encouraged to attend. $31,259.12 is restricted and $22,225.59 is unrestricted.

Operations Operations Vice President Jeff Boyd is New Business: searching for an upscale high school venue for our Christ- mas show more amenable to our audience. Flyers for the annual show are available for posting and will be sent to the CCS mailing list. Membership Steve Cline is shopping for khaki pants for the chorus for our anthem invitation at the Indy 500 and A transfer of $5000 from unrestricted funds to the member other singouts. travel fund was approved as planned for inclusion in the distribution to members for the Toronto trip. Marketing The annual show contract with the Palladium has been executed. For the Good of the Order:

Old Business: Randy Freeman was selected as BOTM for March for his effort in assisting member Jim Patterson in his move from None. Indianapolis to Lafayette.

May is Mike’s month!

Whether you need more money for Toronto, are looking for gift ideas for Mother’s Day and Fa- ther’s Day, or just have a dirty car, Mike’s Carwash tickets are the answer. CCS will be selling these coupons throughout the month of May. See Jeff Boyd to get your coupons.

May Birthdays Membership Statistics

5/2 Brad Kieper 5/17 Patrick 5/6 Vic Kendall McAlexander Chapter members as of May 1, 2013: 111 5/7 Chuck McKinsey 5/20 Bob Whitacre Average member age: 55.2 5/9 Tom Davis 5/24 Bruce Bellen Average years of service: 19.6 5/10 Joshua Larsen 5/31 Steve Golten 5/10 Jim Sauder Number of active chorus members: 77 (69%)

May 2013 THE BEAT Page 9