80 Years of Conventions How One Week a Year Affects the Trajectory of Barbershop

BRINGING BARBERSHOP HARMONY TO LIFE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

80 YEARS OF CONVENTIONS HOW ONE WEEK A YEAR AFFECTS THE TRAJECTORY OF BARBERSHOP

NOTEWORTHY SPOTLIGHT TIP SHEET VIRTUAL HARMONY UNIVERSITY WHY SKY HARRIS STARTED AN WHAT DO WE DO IN ENJOYS HISTORIC SUMMER SEASON INTERNATIONAL MEN’S CHORUS DOWNTIME? EMBRACE IT! barbershop.org | September/October 2020 | The Harmonizer | 1 In This Issue SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 • VOLUME LXXX • NUMBER 5

George Campbell leads community singing during 18 the 1947 International Convention in Milwaukee. In Every Issue 4 Starting Pitch + Letters Survival assumed—aim for serving the world during a crisis; Reen family story

8 Noteworthy An historic all-online Harmony University Kevin Keller, Alan Lamson in BHS Hall of Fame

33 Chapter Eternal Members reported as deceased between May 15 and July 15, 2020

34 Member Services Directory How to contact your leaders, where to get answers

36 The Tag Features “Gonna Rise Up on Wings of Song” 18 80-year history of BHS conventions While our contests have always been front and center every July, much of what has happened both onstage and offstage during every convention has left a lasting impact on our barbershop lives.

Departments 14 Tip Sheet 16 Spotlight Months into a frustrating online purgatory, the Before Sky Harris could become a Society time has come to view our forced downtime as a member herself, the former “barbershop “sabbatical”—a break from the routine that gives brat” had already founded an internationally us the time and means to rejuvenate our groups. competitive BHS men’s chorus.

On the cover: Conventions past and present, by Eddie Holt main photo by Read Photography 18

Connect with us YouTube: BarbershopHarmony38 Twitter: @barbershopnews barbershop.org Facebook: barbershopharmonysociety Instagram: @barbershopharmonysociety

2 | The Harmonizer | September/October 2020 | barbershop.org GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE/EDITORIAL [email protected]

EDITOR Lorin May

OUR VISION Everyone in Harmony

OUR MISSION To bring people together in harmony and fellowship to enrich lives through singing.

OUR PURPOSES To perpetuate the old American institution: the barbershop quartet and barbershop harmony

To promote appreciation of barbershop harmony

To initiate and maintain a broad program of musical education, contests, and appreciation in support of barbershop harmony and the allied arts

To establish and maintain foundations that support our vision

To initiate, promote and participate in charitable projects that support our vision

The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. (DBA Barbershop Harmony Society) is a non-profit organization operating in the United States and Canada.

September/October 2020 Volume LXXX Number 5 Complete contact info: pages 34-35

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. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Harmonizer, 110 7th Ave N, Nashville TN 37203-3704

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barbershop.org | September/October 2020 | The Harmonizer | 3 STARTING PITCH A conversation with our President and CEO

Survival assumed– aim for serving the Dick world during a crisis Marty

Maybe the pandemic is the distilling moment that reveals our true purpose.

BRIAN: To use Marty’s favorite in abundance, online coaching for ing some kind of online meeting are metaphor, how do we keep the fly- chapters, visits of Society Board and getting that benefit. wheel spinning during a pandemic? district officials to chapters. We still have lots of work to do to How do we accept and understand Despite the fears and disruption help the other 40% of chapters who that things are not going to be the brought by the coronavirus, our are not meeting regularly. It’s my same as they were in February before communities are healthier and able hope that the chapters having some this all hit? to cope with the pandemic much success online will reach out to those DICK: I don’t see the situation we’re better because of barbershop. I think that have not yet tried. Invite them in as doom and gloom. I see it as an that’s profound, I really do. to your meetings, teach them how incredible testament to the spirit of MARTY: Our second quarter mem- Barbershoppers, to the “can-do!” ber survey shows it: more than 80% attitude they bring to every chal- agree/strongly agree that “when lenge, to the wondrous things we’ve people facing significant challenges “IT IS THROUGH OUR learned how to do in the last six SING together, it helps them with months that have slingshot us into those challenges.” So the many SERVICE TO OTHERS THAT WE the future. We see online courses chapters (about 60%) that are hold- FULFILL OUR OWN DESTINY AND RISE ABOVE THE DAILY TRIALS TO BECOME WHO Get in Touch WE WERE MEANT TO BE. Dick Powell, Society President [email protected] DON’T HOLD ONTO THAT Marty Monson, CEO/Executive Director [email protected] NOURISHING STUFF AND KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!”

4 | The Harmonizer | September/October 2020 | barbershop.org to use the technology, have featured “THIS DISTILLING MOMENT guest speakers and coaches that all can enjoy. We’re already seeing OF THE PANDEMIC BRINGS well-resourced chapters offering open US TO THE CORE: WHAT ARE rehearsals. We’re seeing two or more THE ABSOLUTELY IMMUTABLE, chapters combining on interchapter Zoom calls. It feels a bit like getting on UNCHANGING QUALITIES OF OUR Society Board the bus and going to a cookie festival BARBERSHOP EXPERIENCE?” or interchapter quartet night, like we Transition planning with used to do in the ’70s and ’80s. President-elect John Donehower, DICK: How do we encourage more of EVP-elect Steve Denino that versus just always thinking about ourselves? It is through our service to hold onto that nourishing stuff and Marty’s virtual meetings others that we fulfill our own destiny keep it to yourself—enrich yourself and and rise above the daily trials to be- the world around you! Aug 10, Downeasters Chorus come who we were meant to be. Don’t MARTY: I think it gives our barber- Aug 20, Acaville Radio Interview Aug 22&29, Legacy Quartet Championship Watch the full State of the Society address Aug 23, EVG District Board In an address livestreamed as Aug 24, Gulf Coast Harmonizers part of the annual meeting of Sept 3, BABS interview the Society Board of Directors, CEO Marty Monson reflected on Dick’s virtual meetings the challenges of thriving during Aug 6, Central Florida Chapter a pandemic. Watch the full video online, as Marty speaks Aug 6 MAD Board frankly about controversy, Full Circle virtual choir hope, hard choices, and great production of “Dream Lover” new ideas. Some (excerpted) Patapsco Valley BHS virtual highlights follow. rehearsal (every other Tuesday) CHANGES: “The changes Aug 19, Virtual Mixed we’ve experienced over the last three years pale in comparison to what we’ve experienced over the last four months as an organization. As a member of the Barbershop Harmony Barbershop Harmony Showcase Society, you have experienced a lot of change in the last several years.” TRUST: “To thrive during periods of change, there must exist a trust between the organization Dick is learning and its members that the decisions being made are with integrity and, ultimately, in the best “Yesterday” (mixed), interest of our collective future. I recognize the trust you have provided in us has been challenged “Hallelujah” (mixed), since the launch of our Strategic Plan and our new vision of Everyone in Harmony, especially “Sweet Caroline” (mixed) the recent frank and honest questions, deep concerns, and passionate dialogue that have been expressed in public forums, phone calls, meetings between leaders, and emails to me person- ally around our decision to fund-raise directly, which has also led to some sobering realizations Marty is reading: regarding the overall change management of the Strategic Plan’s implementation.” Dying to Lead, APOLOGIES: “True leadership is built on honesty and humility, and though it is hard at Dr. Robert Mckenna times to do, we would like to take this opportunity to humble ourselves, apologize, and ask for your forgiveness.” INCLUSION: “Looking at the heartache that our communities are experiencing today, I can say… I am so glad that our Society chose to become more inclusive years ago. We may not have rolled out the vision perfectly, but being more inclusive is always the right thing to do.” barbershop.org/state-of-society-july-2020

barbershop.org | September/October 2020 | The Harmonizer | 5 STARTING PITCH A conversation with our President and CEO

“DESPITE THE FEARS AND DISRUPTION BROUGHT BY THE CORONAVIRUS, OUR Reader Feedback COMMUNITIES ARE HEALTHIER Let us know what’s on your mind: [email protected] AND ABLE TO COPE WITH THE The Reen Family’s story PANDEMIC MUCH BETTER I always enjoy my Harmonizer, but just like other publications issued on a BECAUSE OF BARBERSHOP.” recurring basis, some issues are just “better” than others. Take, for instance, your July/August issue. I had never heard of the Reen Family, or heard them sing. But what a great story well told. And what a hugely memorable impact! PW “Bill” Miller shop community energy to go help their Columbus, Ohio own local backyard community. Why don’t we invite the local community Super article on the Reens! Lots of moving pieces and a moving choirs or church choirs that aren’t getting together right now and do a virtual piece on a well-known family. It was worth a cover. choir with them? Talk about unification! Jim Bagby Our barbershop community can be a Kansas City, Mo. solution for their local circles of need. Once you’ve figured out how to feed Legacy Quartet Contest yourself, go out and feed others. The 139th Street Quartet had four leads, all earning medals. To only list Larry as the lead DICK: Marty, this sounds like trying is not fully encompassing the longevity of the group from 1976-1996 in competition. It to fulfill the entire Maslow Hierarchy of Needs. First, we’ve been focusing on would be unfair to not recognize all. Likewise, the Easternaires had multiple members, as did the survival—our personal survival of not Playtonics and Bank Street and The Roaring 20’s, etc. being sick, but also our barbershop sur- Dan Jordan vival. What you’re saying is, now we can 139th Street lead 1991-2010 drive it up that pyramid of needs toward self-actualization, creativity, reaching To clarify: The committee selected each group’s highest contest placement and/or score, then listed human potential—through service! the lineup for that year. Contest videos will be primarily drawn from that year. A story about the MARTY: I wonder if people are going to “champs” and/or “medalists” will appear in a future issue. Members of those groups that were not read this column and think, “Sure, sure, from the year listed in the July/August issue may be listed in that article. optimism and hope, but you’re not connected, you’re not seeing reality.” But Speaking of which, the wrong lineup really, our strategic plan suggests that for the Easternaires was shown in the we have a greater duty that goes beyond July/August 2020 issue. The honored our present membership and brings our Easternaires lineup from 1970 is Dave value to a broader world. DICK: So, this distilling moment of the Mittlestadt (Br), Bob Bohn (Bs), Danny pandemic brings us to the core: what are Heyburn (L), and Eddy Ryan (T). n the absolutely immutable, unchanging qualities of our barbershop experience? MARTY: It’s not just the harmony singing. It’s the harmony making in terms of fellowship that keeps people around, that gives hope and gives a journey 110 7th Ave N. Harmonizer@ Barbershop.org Facebook.com/ of support. During this pandemic, it’s Nashville, TN, 37203 barbershop.org barbershopharmonysociety needed more than ever. n

6 | The Harmonizer | September/October 2020 | barbershop.org Clubs

barbershop.org | September/October 2020 | The Harmonizer | 7 NOTEWORTHY The latest in the world of Barbershop.

ONLINE EDUCATION Hundreds learn virtually during historic Harmony University There may have been no singing in the stairwells or late-night ice cream, but we just learned how fun and effective online Harmony University instruction can be!

his year, we celebrated 50 years of THarmony University, but although we could not gather in person, hundreds enjoyed the live HU experience online for the first time ever. Led by the same world-class faculty as previ- ous years, Virtual HU (VHU) offered hours of programming every day for four weeks in July. Attendees mixed and matched class types in both full Andrew Rembecki (left) taught “Ear Training Apps” registrations and à la carte packages. from his home in Germany, while four-time champ There were 85 faculty members Tony De Rosa (above) taught “Artistic Singing.” representing seven world-wide barbershop organizations teaching some engagement. There were 2,384 hours ist) and Hot Pursuit (2019 Harmony, portion of VHU, including six core of recorded content produced in Inc. Harmony Queens), all of which seminars: Arrangers, Directors, Lead- July; there were 100,805 page visits are registered BHS quartets. After re- ership, Music Educators, Performance, to education.barbershop.org in July. hearsing virtually with Deke Sharon, and Mechanics of Artistic Singing, The Everyone in Harmony Virtual Virtual Choir members submitted plus an additional 80+ elective courses. Choir experience with Deke Sharon video and audio recordings for both Overall, VHU produced 323 differ- moved from LA2020 to VHU and songs, which are being combined into ent sessions resulting in 378 hours swelled to 351 participants; section online video performances. of content, with the hundreds of leaders were 2018 International More details about Virtual Har- registered attendees engaging in live Champion After Hours and women’s mony University will appear in the content in more than 13,117 points of quartets GQ (2019 SAI bronze medal- November/December issue.

KEVIN KELLER, ALAN LAMSON INDUCTED INTO BARBERSHOP HARMONY SOCIETY HALL OF FAME Congratulations to the two new members of than 250 songs so far), educator, and as a Barbershopper of the BHS Hall of Fame. Both will be appropri- highly innovative chairman of Contest and the Decade for the ately honored online this fall. Judging. He has won gold medals with the 1990s. A profes- Vocal Majority and the Ambassadors of Harmony, sional architect, he KEVIN KELLER. A and placed as high as 6th on the International identified the new Society member quartet stage with Cheers. BHS headquarters since 1978, Kevin location and made lives in St. Louis, ALAN LAMSON. Since 1981, Alan has had a major contributions Mo. and is in high strong impact in a wide variety of leadership to its design. He served as Society President demand as a coach roles at the chapter, district, and Society in 2011-12, serving for a time as interim and arranger (more levels. A past NED President, he was also NED CEO, and led the search for the new CEO.

8 | The Harmonizer | September/October 2020 | barbershop.org THE ROARING 20’S QUARTET

Nominate for the NAfME/BHS Music Educator of the Year award With the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the Society annually honors an exemplary music educator who inspires students through the power of music. Nominate educators by Novem- ber 1. Link at barbershop.org/harmonizer.

Largest-ever Virtual Choir A lot of Barbershoppers added their Sticking their necks voices to the record 17,572 from 129 countries who made up the largest virtual choir ever assembled. Link to out for an old friend the performance of Grammy-winning embers of The Roaring 20’s quartet hadn’t been singing in person due to composer Eric Whitacre’s “Sing Gently” at M COVID restrictions, but when they learned that former lead Gerry Kelly barbershop.org/harmonizer. could pass away any day, they assessed the risks and donned their masks in Gerry’s bedroom on July 15. Despite barely being able to talk, Gerry mouthed the words during much of the 45-minute performance—a lot of songs to choose from, considering he started singing with the quartet in 1969 and earned seven international medals with them from 1976 to 1983. The singing and tearful goodbyes were none too soon, as the quartet received word the following day that Gerry had passed away at age 83. “I think it did us a lot of good for Gerry,” said bari Mike Connelly, “and it did a lot good for us to be ringing chords after four months.” Above: Mike Connelly (Br), Ned Comisar (Bs), Tom Rouse (L), Bob Moorehead (T). Barbershoppers voice song in animated movie Animal Crackers Three Nashville Barbershoppers now share a screen credit with Ian McKellen, Sylvester Stallone, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, and Danny DeVito. Eddie Holt, James Pennington, and Donny Rose, plus VeggieTales composer and past HU Keynote speaker Kurt Heinecke, provided four-party harmony for Animal Crackers, a big-budget animated movie recently released on Netflix because of the CHANGING LIVES pandemic. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it quartet moment at the 1:03:57 time FRESH TAKE QUARTET A DEAD “RINGER” FOR FOUR FRESHMEN remaining mark. Fun Fact: Recorded on After The Quarter Tones of Pennsylvania competed in the Junior Quartet Contest April 11, 2017 (Barbershop Quartet Day)! at Midwinter in January, they were in awe of guests the Four Freshmen and saw a bit of themselves. The original 1940s Four Freshmen started out as a barbershop quartet before combining their vocal and instrumental skills to become a famous 2019 Annual Report also online jazz foursome. After a one-member change, these recent high school graduates The report included in this issue is avail- (they are literally four freshmen!) are now Fresh Take Quartet. The high quality able online with additional information. of their Freshmen covers—only a few weeks after forming—suggests they should Go to barbershop.org/2019. keep this up and see where it goes. They’re already making a splash locally and online. Watch and follow them at facebook.com/FreshTakeQuartet.

barbershop.org | September/October 2020 | The Harmonizer | 9 NOTEWORTHY The latest in the world of Barbershop.

THE PODCAST (NOT THE FACEBOOK GROUP)

Member Center is upgrading Let’s Talk Barbershop Member Center is getting an upgrade! BHS staff and a team of volunteers are Host Nicholas DiLorenzo says it was always intended to be kind of working with partners Cloud for Good like the International livestream banter, but at your leisure and Salesforce Community Cloud to improve the functionality and user hy a barbershop podcast? We love all the talk during the contest Lives- experience of Member Center. Watch W tream. We wanted a show like that available year round. It started in for more information as we get closer to April 2019 to lead up to International in Salt Lake. It is now a regular program our target Fall launch! with 30+ episodes! What is an episode like? Most are about an hour long. Among other things, hear about new quartet formations, previews of new albums, interviews with champs and other well-known Barbershoppers, current events, scores, and more. Are champions humans too? They pay the same price for gas as we do, they do laundry (sometimes during the interview), they work normal jobs, and fangirl or fanboy over the same quartets as we do. We’ve talked about things like when a Yonge Guns collaborates on quartet loses its rental car keys, thinks they finished fifth movie tune with ‘70s pop star then won the whole thing, or what barbershop is like in Yonge Guns quartet worked with Elliot Australia. Lurie, lead singer of Looking Glass and songwriter of the 1972 soft rock hit Who produces the show? Nicholas DiLorenzo from his studio in Raeford, N.C., “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl),” used in with Rob Roman, Ann McAlexander, and Patrick McAlexander. the opening scenes of Marvel Studio’s How is it done? Most are via Skype or phone call. Guests call in, it gets record- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Link to the ed, edited, we add some production elements, and then we publish it. If you’re video at barbershop.org/harmonizer. subscribed, it comes straight to your phone or computer. How do I get it? iPhone, iPad, Mac: Open iTunes and search “Let’s Talk Bar- COVID-19 resources for members bershop,” tap the subscribe button, hit play! On your computer, do the same Go to the COVID-19 Resources for Bar- at spreaker.com. It is also available via Facebook, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and bershoppers web page for up-to-date Soundcloud. singing safety research, virtual activity recommendations (see the “How to Use Zoom” tutorial), BHS leaders resources, ASK A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP and Society events and announcements. Go to barbershop.org/virtualresources. Reaching 50 years HOW DO I QUALIFY TO BECOME A HARMONY FELLOW? Those barbershoppers who have been members of the Barbershop Harmony Society for 50 years are welcomed into the status of Harmony Fellow. In recognition of this loyalty and years of service, Society level dues are no longer assessed and many districts and chapters also waive their dues. This year, these folks are being recognized in Canada knows what’s cool a virtual way at the Society’s first ever Gala Awards. Seen on a billboard near the Toronto – Allison Barrett, Pearson International Airport [email protected]

10 | The Harmonizer | September/October 2020 | barbershop.org What’s Happening

2021 International Cleveland Barbershop Songwriter Series Published 2022 International Charlotte September 2020 2023 International Louisville Arrangements and learning tracks available for purchase at shop.barbershop.org

Harmony, Inc. Convention Harmony University November 4-8, 2020 Belmont U, Nashville Online Spend a life-changing week learning from barbershop’s 2022 Midwinter Pasadena AIC Show best coaches and instructors 2023 Midwinter Daytona Beach December 18, 2020 • www.barbershop.org/hu www.aicgold.com 2024 Midwinter New York

CHAMPS BEING CHAMPS 10K streams for July’s AIC Show Association of International Champions’ July 3 production so successful that they’ll be doing a 90-minute one in December

rom a hotel ballroom in Nashville, the AIC put on a live Fshow during what would have been our Internation- al Convention week in Los Angeles. While there was no audience onsite, more than 10,000 screens connected to 12 live and recorded quartets, as well as a 102-voice virtual choir. Mike Rowe made a virtual cameo appearance, while Debbie Cleveland hosted live onsite. “With the absence of singing, we knew we needed to put on a show,” said Tim Broersma, tenor of 2005 champion Realtime. Quartets that did not wish to perform live offered prerecorded video performances. Live quartets The show was free to all, with considerable production were tested before arrival, then quarantined from other and travel costs covered by Harmony Foundation Interna- quartets. Live performances took place on two separate tional. Quartets on the show were (in order) After Hours stages that were disinfected between quartets, and all (2018), Vocal Spectrum (2006), Masterpiece (2013), OC Times crew remained masked and distanced. (2008), Interstate Rivals (1987), Crossroads (2009), Instant Classic (2015), Ringmasters (2012), Forefront (2016), Main Street (2017), Storm Front (2010) and Signature (2019). The While the live show will not be rebroadcast, WATCH ONLINE production company owned by Chad and Brandon Guyton the AIC is gradually re-releasing songs online. Go to YouTube.com (Four Voices, 2002 champion) produced the show, and will and search for “Association of International Champions.” produce a 90-minute show planned for December. n

barbershop.org | September/October 2020 | The Harmonizer | 11 Barbershoppers have a passion for their craft and the lasting bonds of YOUR GIFT CREATES friendship it builds. Working together, we can build a future where more A WORLD OF HARMONY! people can make harmony together in more ways. Which area of our work resonates the most with you? We’ll point your gift in that direction!

PRESERVE BARBERSHOP FORGE CONNECTION AND TRANSFORM YOUNG LIVES MUSIC ANOTHER EIGHT SUPPORT MUSIC EDUCATORS DECADES—AND BEYOND COMMUNITY

For young people searching for a sense of Our barbershop predecessors had a The benefits of singing — emotional, Great music educators create a ripple belonging and self, barbershop singing is a vision of preserving the great American physical, intellectual — are magnified when effect across hundreds of young people pathway to acceptance, recognition, safety, art form and pastime of singing together, people sing together. Barbershop singing by hooking them on harmony. Singing and artistic expression. but 16 million YouTube views? Today, we builds unity and cohesion across differences improves overall school participation and bring barbershop to the whole world in age, race, gender, orientation, identity, attendance, critical thinking, collaboration, We energize young people of every via publishing, recordings, and contests, economics, abilities, and beliefs. We build and creative problem-solving, but school background with amazing events, with more ways to find, hear, and sing and strengthen nearly 3,300 barbershop music programs face huge budget scholarships, music, and performances that barbershop than ever before. We leverage communities, from our original all-male pressures. We support the success of music help them in the here-and-now, while kindling our vast historic archives to preserve the groups to the diverse communities that educators through scholarships, destination a lifelong love of singing. past — while creating the future! — for every have flourished since we welcomed all events, free music and curricula. generation of singers. people as members in 2018.

LEARN MORE AT LEARN MORE AT LEARN MORE AT LEARN MORE AT GIVE.BARBERSHOP.ORG/YOUTH GIVE.BARBERSHOP.ORG/PRESERVE GIVE.BARBERSHOP.ORG/COMMUNITY GIVE.BARBERSHOP.ORG/EDUCATE

● Focus your gift more precisely on specific ● Easily set up an employer match programs that resonate with you — or choose to support our overall work and vision. ● Make a tribute gift or a memorial on SUPPORT THE ENTIRE MISSION behalf of someone who has passed ● Direct a portion of your gift — up to 85% in total — The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. We hold major to your local chapter or district national and international events, publish thousands of barbershop arrangements and learning tracks, produce educational programs and events live and online, produce or fund major youth festivals across the country, produce content on many different social media GIVE TODAY AT GIVE.BARBERSHOP.ORG platforms, and collaborate with peer organizations in the choral world. Your generosity can go to work directly on the programs you care about most.

12 | The Harmonizer | September/October 2020 | barbershop.org [email protected] (800) 876-SING

Development-Spread_v3.indd 2-3 7/31/2020 2:07:30 PM Barbershoppers have a passion for their craft and the lasting bonds of YOUR GIFT CREATES friendship it builds. Working together, we can build a future where more A WORLD OF HARMONY! people can make harmony together in more ways. Which area of our work resonates the most with you? We’ll point your gift in that direction!

PRESERVE BARBERSHOP FORGE CONNECTION AND TRANSFORM YOUNG LIVES MUSIC ANOTHER EIGHT SUPPORT MUSIC EDUCATORS DECADES—AND BEYOND COMMUNITY

LEARN MORE AT LEARN MORE AT LEARN MORE AT LEARN MORE AT GIVE.BARBERSHOP.ORG/YOUTH GIVE.BARBERSHOP.ORG/PRESERVE GIVE.BARBERSHOP.ORG/COMMUNITY GIVE.BARBERSHOP.ORG/EDUCATE

[email protected] (800)barbershop.org 876-SING | September/October 2020 | The Harmonizer | 13

Development-Spread_v3.indd 2-3 7/31/2020 2:07:30 PM TIP SHEET Nate Ogg, BHS Chapter Success Manager [email protected]

What do we do with downtime? We embrace it!

Months into a frustrating online purgatory, the time has come to view our forced downtime as a “sabbatical”—a break from the routine that gives us the time and means to rejuvenate our groups

n music, there’s a notation known as Ia caesura, a metrical pause or break in a verse where one phrase ends and another phrase begins. In barbershop music, it can be expressed by a com- ma or two lines, either slashed (//) or upright (||) and often referred to as “railroad tracks.” In time value, this break may vary between the slightest perception of silence all the way up to a full pause. When we, as performers, see this notated, the duration of the pause is entirely up to the conductor or indi- vidual performers. While this pause can help build tension and suspense, it most of us have not settled into know- When The Alliance (Greater Central Ohio Chapter) can also give the listener (and the per- ing what to do with extended caesu- went through a change in directors, the chorus former) a well-needed rest and reprieve ras or downtime. took a year off competition and attended Harmony from a busy or challenging piece. University as an ensemble in 2019. This spring, all 781 of our BHS THE PURPOSE OF A “SABBATICAL” choruses, from the casual, social Among university professors and in chorus to the gold medal chorus, some professions, it can be common or call “creative disruption” can have were plunged into new territory, even encouraged for those with senior- meaningful benefits both for the leader not knowing immediately how to ity to take off up to a yearlong sabbat- and the organization itself. keep their singers engaged and not ical from work. The idea is to prevent In their 2009 study on “Sabbati- knowing the duration. Suddenly, out burnout or stagnation by allowing time cals for Capacity Building & Leader- the window went all plans for social to attain professional goals, develop ship Development in the Nonprofit events, local concerts, new music, additional skills, write a book, or simply Sector,” Deborah S. Linnell and Tim conventions, and world travel. While take some well-needed rest from a Wolfred state: “The stresses and de- the emotional toll on many of us is relentlessly stressful career. What some mands of leadership make intellectual, lasting, the impression on our orga- emotional, creative, and even phys- nizations could be indefinite if not ical burnout all too common among used proactively. nonprofit leaders. A ‘time away’ from BHS staff have been busy visiting WHAT SOME CALL “CREATIVE the daily grind of high-pressure work hundreds of chapters’ virtual rehears- routines can rejuvenate body, mind, als to provide organizational guid- DISRUPTION” CAN HAVE and spirit. It can also bring a leader to ance and musical enrichment. Even MEANINGFUL BENEFITS FOR new perceptions and re-framings that though some are excelling at provid- ultimately create greater leadership ing content and keeping engaged, it’s BOTH THE LEADER AND THE capacity in his or her organization.” clear that to one degree or another, ORGANIZATION ITSELF. What sabbaticals can do for an indi-

14 | The Harmonizer | September/October 2020 | barbershop.org operational “business as usual.” plan for members (or your community DURING A REST, GAIN as an outreach project), build a leader ORGANIZATIONAL AND UTILIZING YOUR FORCED SABBATICAL succession plan, and ensure that lead- PERSONAL CLARITY ON HOW A break like this—either by choice ers’ heirs apparent are trained/men- or by necessity—can be disruptive tored effectively. Reach out and connect TO BE THE BEST VERSION OF to an organization, but often sparks virtually with past members. YOURSELF YOU CAN BE. creativity and establishes new per- Most important, don’t be afraid to spectives regarding a group’s work, rest and invest back in yourselves. organization, and leadership style. Enrichment for yourself and your The disruption may also show leaders members might benefit the organiza- vidual, they can do exponentially for that they need to take on, delegate, tion in the long run, but it has a value an organization as a whole. or outsource additional responsibil- all to itself. In that “rest,” you can find Although uncommon, an “organi- ities—sometimes permanently—and personal and organizational clarity zational sabbatical” can happen even allow board members to examine on how to be the best version of your- without pandemics and other “acts of their own roles from a new, produc- self you can be. n God.” From 1935 to 1987, the sto- tive perspective. ried Handel Choir of Baltimore was Such was the case for the Concord, known for its unbroken annual tradi- Mass. Chapter (Vocal Revolution) and tion of performing Handel’s “Messi- Greater Central Ohio Chapter (Alliance BY THE NUMBERS ah.” Then they took an unprecedent- Chorus). Both followed up director ed 10 months off to reevaluate their turnover with a year off of contest, Here’s more about the quoted Linnell bylaws, merge/reorganize their board followed by taking the entire chorus to and Wolfred study that analyzed the structure (to include members of the Harmony University for leadership and sabbaticals and business models of 120 singing chorus) and launch aggressive musical development. organizational leaders. The responses educational outreach programs. In a recent example, the Hilltop, demonstrate that as a result of the The leadership took a proactive ap- Minn. Chapter (Great Northern planning and learning surrounding proach to address some issues they’d Union), took advantage of the time, this kind of “break,” the organizations been hearing about among the singers now in abundance, to invest in their underwent significant post-sabbatical and patrons regarding a lack of con- members. After five months of virtual changes. The leaders reported: nection to their changing community. rehearsals, an online music theo- They made the best of the time, and ry and education program, and an % Shared a greater amount the shifts they made would have been aggressive online coaching sched- 85 of decision-making with impossible while trying to maintain ule, they saw the opportunity to dig other leaders deeper when it was announced that Were more comfortable Harmony University was going virtu- % delegating major After months of online meetings, Great Northern al this past July. Instead of continuing 84 responsibilities Union took a few weeks off to help send members to bring in only a couple of coaches, to Virtual Harmony University. “This also gave the they thought “Why not go where Felt that employees/ music team time to fill their well and focus on all the coaches are and let everyone % volunteers had become long-term items of musical strategy,” said GNU enjoy their own path to becoming a 83 more skilled Director Mo Field. musician for the month?” The chapter invested in their members’ devel- % Restructured the opment by underwriting half of the 69 management team cost for their members to attend the hundreds of available sessions. Restructured their job and % delegated some of their WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW? 64 duties to others Now is the time to create a new founda- tional base, refine and realign mission Reported that their board and vision statements, raise local funds, % of directors became more apply for grants, or make any necessary 60 effective personnel changes. Build an education

barbershop.org | September/October 2020 | The Harmonizer | 15 SPOTLIGHT David Lunden, President of Liverpool, N.Y. Chapter [email protected]

Flying high with Sky Harris

Before she could become a Society member herself, the former “barbershop brat” had already founded an internationally competitive BHS men’s chorus. Sky Harris discusses what she’s learned as a music educator and in her experience within both men’s and women’s barbershop.

watched Sky Harris introduce my I kids to barbershop as their choral director, and then my kids brought me back to barbershop after 35 years. Harmonic Collective started in 2016 as a youth The passion and persistence of Sky, WHAT DO YOU WISH YOUR BARBERSHOP chorus composed mostly of Sky’s students and now my chorus director in Harmonic AND MUSIC EDUCATION COMMUNITIES alumni from Liverpool, N.Y. In 2017, the group Collective (SLD), gave me the gift KNEW ABOUT EACH OTHER? became a BHS chapter open to all ages and won of singing with my son on chapter I want music educators to learn the Seneca Land District Chorus Contest. The shows and on the International Cho- from the inclusive, accessible family chorus competed in the International Chorus rus stage. I sat down with Sky to let experience that barbershop can be and Contest in 2018 and 2019. From the beginning, her share a little of her past, present, embrace it for all its musical, vocal, Sky has been the central figure in the formation and perspective with everyone. and social value. I want Barbershop- and musical direction of the chorus. pers to take the time to embrace all WHAT ARE SOME LESSONS YOU’VE the music-making going on in schools TAKEN AWAY FROM GROWING UP AS A already, with no strings attached. the women in SOS. They chaperoned “BARBERSHOP BRAT”? Sometimes barbershop music isn’t the youth chorus to the Youth Chorus Staying to watch every quartet necessarily the answer, but the barber- Festival at Midwinter, threw us a party in the Quarterfinals with my dad shop community can always be. when we got our BHS charter, invit- taught me that every voice has value. ed us to be on shows, and we’re still Volunteering at his chapter shows, WHY START A MEN’S CHORUS? learning from and cheering for each I learned you don’t have to win a In all my time growing up around other today. As an educator, I know the medal to make a difference—you just the men’s barbershop world, my dad treble/bass choral experience can be have to care about people. At after- always treated me like just another invaluable on so many levels, just like glows, I learned it’s okay to make a Barbershopper, and so everyone else mixed experiences. I’m grateful to so mistake—just ask the group to sing did, too. When I started teaching, my many that my kids have access to both. the line again and keep trying. Sing- brother and I took kids to barbershop ing tags with the guys in my dad’s camps. He’s always my partner in OUT OF HUNDREDS OF PERFORMANCES AS chorus taught me that reaching out crime. When the girls got bitten by A SINGER OR DIRECTOR, WHAT IS YOUR and including people in your circle “the bug,” I could bring them to Spirit BEST MOMENT ON STAGE—OR WORST? can change lives. When Dad pulled of Syracuse (Sweet Adelines). But my Being on stage at International my brother and me up on stage to guys didn’t have an equitable opportu- with my brother and father had been sing “Keep the Whole World Sing- nity, so we created one with the help of a dream since my first International ing” at every chapter show, I learned your “hobby” can become a calling if WATCH ONLINE See Sky Harris direct Harmonic Collective at Midwinter and International you believe in its power to make the Contests 2016-19 at youtube.com/BarbershopHarmony38. world a better place.

16 | The Harmonizer | September/October 2020 | barbershop.org contest in 1998. The first time, my but- WITH YOUR EXPERIENCES, WHAT terflies were fully deployed. But when PERSPECTIVE DO YOU MOST WANT I turned back to my guys, I wasn’t BARBERSHOPPERS TO HEAR AND KNOW? afraid anymore—just in awe of their Last summer, I was the only female greatness. director to cross the contest stage. The most awkward things have There were five of us in Orlando. My ABOUT SKY HARRIS happened after performances. After fear is for my guys to be judged by BHS member since 2018 (Associate my Sweet Adeline quartet’s second one trait that I cannot and would not 2015-18), 17 Persons of Note contest ever, we had a great hit, won change. I’m humbled and proud to be most improved, and then we got our one of the few women in the Society CHORUS DIRECTOR scoresheet. It included a comment currently directing at that level, and • Harmonic Collective (Founding about how unflattering our outfits I’m grateful my guys value me both Director, 2016-Present) were. Very deflating. Another was af- as a Barbershopper and a woman. In- • Spirit of Syracuse Sweet Adelines, ter directing Harmonic Collective in tersectionality and understanding the International (Associate Director, a BHS contest. A gentleman told me, value in all our pieces matters. Making 2010-Present) “Those guys are amazing! How are music together has the potential to • Scarlet YWIH Chorus (Founding you not married yet?” I laughed and make us all better humans—that’s Director, 2017-Present) tried to change the subject. His re- why I became a music teacher. Use • Liverpool High School Concert Chorale sponse? “I could be the one!” I know your platform, your passion, and your (2014-Present) he meant it as a compliment, but it felt privilege to amplify others and make • Chestnut Hill Middle School Chorus like being reduced to a commodity the world a better place. I’m grateful (2008-Present) instead of the powerhouse I had felt I have the chance to still learn how to like moments before. Words matter. do that every day from my family and QUARTET TENOR from my singers of all ages. • Revolution Quartet Sweet Adelines, International (2010-Present) IF YOU COULD JOIN BOTH A GOLD MEDAL • Sky and the Guys Mixed Quartet QUARTET AND A COMEDY QUARTET, (2020-Present) WHICH QUARTETS AND WHY? I love so many quartets—The Gas YOUTH ADVOCATE House Gang, Vocal Spectrum, GQ, • Lakeside A cappella Camp and all the youth quartets I’ve ever (Founding Director, 2014-Present) gotten to love, but in both cases I’d • SAYacaFEST (Founding Director, choose Storm Front (2010 champi- 2015-Present) on). I love their mission with young • SAI Region 15 YWIH Co- people, and that they can make you Coordinator (2015-Present) laugh and cry in the same set. Hav- ing had the honor to learn from them FAMILY in person, I feel their quartet culture • Sagan (brother), Mary (mother), is one I could always buy into—help Richard (father) each other, work hard for each other, • “All my ‘kids’ at school” and do something out there that makes people think and feel. I sing EDUCATION tenor, so that would mean kicking • B.M. and M.M. in Music out Jeff Selano ... sorry! n Education, Syracuse University

Left, top two photos: With her father and OCCUPATION brother at a 2011 Carolinas District Convention, Music Educator, Liverpool Central competing with her mother in New Orleans with School District (N.Y.) Spirit of Syracuse. Bottom two photos, both at Lakeside A cappella Camp: serving as Camp Director, singing tenor with Revolution quartet.

barbershop.org | September/October 2020 | The Harmonizer | 17 International ConventionS A partial look at 80 years of impact

By Lorin May, editor of The Harmonizer. With contributions by Kevin Keller (KK), David Wright (DW), Jim Bagby (JB), Brian Lynch (BL), Terry Reynolds (TR), Eddie Holt (EH), Rob Hopkins, Ken Buckner, John Schneider, Dusty Schleier, Henrik Rosenberg, Anthony Scardillo, Doug Miller, Bill Biffle, Chad Bennett, and Tim Brooks. With thanks also to the late BHS historians Grady Kerr and Val Hicks.

St. Louis 1941, O.C. Cash is bottom left

18 | The Harmonizer | September/October 2020 | barbershop.org 25th Anniversary, Toronto 1963

1930s Tulsa 1939 Tulsa’s Bartlesville Barflies tops 23 Even if you have never attended other quartets to become our first champion. Lead Harry International Conventions Hall, a native of the United in person, they have impacted Kingdom, is the first foreign- your barbershop life born champion. O.C. Cash polls membership about whether to include popular actress Ann he first convention was meticulously Championship Barber Shop Quartet” were Sheridan as a celebrity judge. planned by O.C. Cash. Always the held Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. She doesn’t attend, but O.C. showman, Cash had crafted an Being the first contest, there were very Cash is 80 years ahead in T agenda of events that included a few rules. The ones that were observed seeking women judges! (KK) business session, luncheon and, of course, included: “Competition restricted the quartet competition. In the program, to Quartets (male) with or without Cash wrote this about the registration accompaniment”; “Each quartet will be process on the Mezzanine floor: “Barber permitted to sing two numbers of own Shoppers will be vaccinated, ear-tagged choosing in qualifying and final rounds”; and tattooed so they can be returned to and finally “Quartets will be known to the the herd if lost, strayed or stolen.” The cost judges by number only.” of registration was “a mere $3.00,” which Speaking of judges, none would qualify as covered the cost of the “Official Songbook, a judge today. The panel included a doctor, badge, luncheon and dinners.” the Lieutenant Governor, an American Among the competitors at that Legion commander and local educators. convention were the Capitol City Four from The Bartlesville Barflies won singing “By Canton, Ill. Folklore has it that on the first the Light of the Silvery Moon” and “Just a day of the convention, the quartet entered Dream of You.” Incidentally, the second- the lobby of the Hotel Tulsa and “were place quartet was the Capitol City Four—the overwhelmed by the singing of the Flat Foot quartet that had been overwhelmed by the Four” (eventual 1940 champs) who were Flat Foot Four! there performing. As the third-place quartet, the Flat Foot The first qualifying rounds took place on Four were awarded a “Consolation Title” Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. with quartets and a “commission to each member as being scheduled “as they arrived” that ‘Little Colonel.’” The “Also Rans” were afternoon. The second round of qualifying awarded “A box of throat lozenges and best took place on Saturday morning at 8:00 wishes for the next convention.” a.m. Cash wrote in the program “Those The contest—and the publicity it who blew a tonsil or made it to the finals garnered—created an instant hit for the can play golf, if they want to waste their young society and by early 1940, new time that way. The more serious artists chapters were springing up across the will serenade the townsfolk from pillar to country. post.” The “Grand Finals” for the “World’s – Anthony Scardillo 1941’s NYC Parks Contest quartet champion The Grand Central Red Caps were denied the chance to compete in the 1941 contest because they were not white. The quartet members were honored at the 2017 Vegas International Convention with posthumous Society memberships. (See Nov/Dec 2017 issue)

is only open to white men. Cleveland 1946 Of the 31 Oklahoma City 1948 Mistrust (Onsite, the Society Board quartets, 19 perform with of the judging system comes 1940s makes the whites-only canes. Rules and brief to a head after crowd favorite New York City 1940 The rule official.) The Society descriptions of the judging The Mid-States Four wins Quartet Contest is held at is excoriated in national categories are first published silver. Accusations of bias New York City’s World’s Fair. media, and the exclusionary for public viewing. had circled for years due to One of the celebrity judges is policy profoundly affects the lack of training offered reportedly overheard telling the musical, cultural, and Milwaukee 1947 With two to each year’s famous and/ Al Smith, “Gee, Al, they all demographic future of competing “Keep America or knowledgeable judges. A sound the same to me!” From the Society. At the 2017 Singing” compositions to robust and more objective 1941 on, only SPEBSQSA Convention, Society leaders choose from, Arrangements system, including trained members are judges. (KK) formally apologize and bestow Committee Chairman and certified judges, begins posthumous memberships to Phil Embury prioritizes development. (KK) St. Louis 1941 Joe Stern writes the four Red Caps members, Frank Thorne’s at the the first contest rules, which while debuting a new policy convention due to personal Buffalo 1949 Highly included that no instruments to actively foster inclusion. respect for Thorne. But it influential comedy quartet were permitted. (None had (DW) is Bill Diekema’s superior The Mid-States Four (singing been used before.) (KK) version that becomes our non-comedy sets) receives Grand Rapids 1942 Sacred unofficial anthem (official the first-ever quartet trophy, Prior to the convention, NYC and patriotic numbers are after 1988), its popularity later called the Landino Mayor La Guardia wires O.C. officially barred as contest assured after Bill has the Trophy. It is presented Cash that he intends to send repertoire. Milwaukee Chapter perform in person by creator Ben as New York’s representative his composition on the grand Landino, who had spent 600 the Grand Central Red Detroit 1944 Chord Busters staircase of the HQ hotel and hours crafting it without Caps, a top-level African tenor Doc Enmeier organizes has copies distributed in the being asked or informing American quartet that won past champions into what lobby. Bill disapproves of the anyone. The Society Board 1941’s prestigious NYC Parks would eventually become the later alteration to “Keep the had been inclined to reject contest. Cash responds Association of International Whole World Singing.” (DW) the gesture until seeing the that only members can Champions (AIC). trophy. compete, and membership 1951 champion The Schmitt Brothers were extremely active during their career. In 1952, they made a two-week Necessity, accident, USO tour of military installations in Alaska, and at the 1966 convention and purpose: in Chicago, the four brothers rented a bus and loaded their wives and 32 How Conventions children aboard. All 40 appeared on stage at the AIC show. (EH) incubate change Without an annual international convention, what kind of organization and culture would we have today? Time and again, circumstances arising Washington, D.C. 1954 The around the yearly gathering have shaped the 72-man Singing Capital traditions and practices of our Society. 1950s Chorus tops 22 others in the It’s easy to mythologize the earliest years of Omaha 1950 The Buffalo Bills’ first official chorus contest. SPEBSQSA as an era of predominantly casual winning sound helps them (1953 winner Great Lakes quartet singing, with contests and chorus singing become a top-tier show Chorus was unofficial because mere afterthoughts. But from the first convention in quartet and later the Society’s not all Society Districts 1939, a contest was at the center, and time and again most famous quartet, starring were represented.) The that has resulted in secondary effects that have on Broadway and in the film Society enjoys outstanding shaped our culture. Barring The Grand Central Red The Music Man. nationwide convention Caps from the 1941 contest reflected the widespread exposure as the top five segregationist practice of fraternal groups of the day Toledo 1951 The first quartets are recorded and and helped institutionalize it in the young Society. systematic judging system is broadcast by CBS Radio, with Moving from ear harmonizing in contests to written used, with certified judges in recordings provided to local arrangements codified the style and spread the Harmony Accuracy, Balance stations. Some past champs “standardized” sound more broadly—at the expense and Blend, Voice Expression, are included. of a richer, wider tapestry of sounds and styles, Stage Presence, and Song to the point where there was understood to be a Arrangement. The system Los Angeles 1957 The past definite division between “contest barbershop” and lasts through 1970. (KK) champions stage their first “show barbershop.” convention show. An emergency decision eliminating racial The last quartet of the first exclusion in membership eligibility salvaged the 1963 round, The Schmitt Brothers, Columbus 1958 All 13 Convention, and with the stroke of a pen resolved faced a worn-out audience competing choruses perform (on paper, at least) a contentious issue that had raged fanning themselves with together on the Ohio State for years. The actual impact on making barbershop programs in a hot auditorium. Capitol steps. welcoming to non-whites was glacially slow, but The quartet belted its another convention innovation, the 1992 College famous “Hello” bell chord Chicago 1959 Illinois’ small, Quartet Contest, grew to become an important entry intro. Everyone forgot how stunningly precise Pekin point for younger singers who came from a broader miserable they were and Chorus wins gold with demographic mix than the Society as a whole. Today, rewarded the Schmitts with a director Jim Moses. They’d those singers lead our chapters, quartets, and Society rousing ovation. They would win again in 1963 and 1968. and enrich our thinking and art. go on to win gold. (DW) Expanding the array of offerings and appealing free events for host city residents has been a springboard for better awareness in each market we visit. Looking to the future, an international Dinner show, Miami 1955 contest that welcomes men’s, women’s, and mixed ensembles will undoubtedly engage more people in the pursuit of the biggest stage in barbershop. It will be neither an accident nor an unforeseen circumstance. It will reflect purposeful inclusion. Its effects on our Society may not be seen for several years, and they may be wildly different from what we expect. What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in conventions ripples outward for years to follow. – Brian Lynch

barbershop.org | September/October 2020 | The Harmonizer | 21 25th Anniversary, Toronto 1963

Osmond Brothers Quartet, standing ovation for their Chicago 1966 Joe Wise special guests at ages 7-13, next-level arrangements and and Jim Miller lead the 1960s makes the audience swoon sound. They later perform Thoroughbreds’ stunning Dallas 1960 The Evans shortly before its star-making over 200 shows and sell four introduction of chorus Quartet, among the first appearances on The Andy popular LPs. choreography with the quartets to use extensive Williams Show. “Mardi Gras March.” Wild choreography, sees its San Antonio 1964 Avid applause and a win follow— announcement as winner Toronto 1963 Early in the quartetter and wealthy golf “My watch flew off my arm, tarnished by audible protests week, the Society’s most course designer Hal Purdy I was applauding so hard” from audience members controversial policy is thrust starts the invitation-only quipped Jim Bagby—although who are angry that the to the top of the agenda hospitality room Purdy’s not all cheer. After the Pekin crowd-favorite Nighthawks after the Province of Ontario Corral. Plentiful food, top Chorus wins its third gold were shut out from the informs the Board that quartets, and an open bar in 1968, director Jim Moses medals. Mal Purdy (son of events that exclude on the are behind an often well- declares, “Just proves singing Hal) reportedly stands and basis of race are illegal, and guarded door. The tradition is better than dancing!” (JB) dramatically tears up his that the convention would continues under Hal through Society membership card therefore be shut down. (See 2001. Others, including Los Angeles 1967 Minutes before storming out. p. 21 sidebar.) The Society AIC members, continue to after the Potomachords Board immediately amends sponsor it after Hal passes perform the popular Four Philadelphia 1961 The Bylaws to remove the word away in 2002. (JB) Renegades ballad “This is All Suntones win in style, later “white” from qualification for I Ask,” it is announced from becoming popular outside of membership in the Society. Boston 1965 With a packed the stage that the quartet the Society and going down (DW) main venue, the Society sells has been disqualified for as one of our most beloved tickets to a room with closed violations of barbershop and well-known champions. In a non-contest circuit TVs, where many style rules. This is very performance, Rudy Hart and watch the Four Renegades’ poorly received. While Kansas City 1962 The the 15-to-20-man Hartsmen diverse sets foreshadow its it is the last time such an Thoroughbreds win the first from Michigan City, Ind. career as an all-time popular on-stage announcement is of seven championships. The receive a five-minute show quartet. (JB) made, it likely accelerates Memories from running conventions

Logistics. The night before the chorus but the rep finally agreed to have us contest at the first convention I visit the Georgia Dome contest venue Score sheet production managed (1998), I dreamed that the during a different concert, confident contest had started 45 minutes late there would be no issue. As we stood because I led the first competitor in on the floor of the Dome during that the wrong direction and we wandered next visit, the general manager asked downtown Atlanta trying to find our the security guard to turn off the radio. discussions concerning the way back to the arena. The next day, The radio wasn’t on—we were hearing number of non-arrangers the service I had hired to transport the concert. The GM said, “If I hadn’t serving as Arrangement judges, wheelchair-bound competitors to the been here to hear this, I wouldn’t have plus concerns regarding style arena provided a driver who didn’t believed it!” He helped resolve the evolution. Later, 1971’s “new” know how to operate the lift. Two scheduling conflict, and as a bonus the Arrangement category rewards members of the first competing chorus Vocal Majority performed at that rock and penalizes arrangements needed that lift. By the time we got concert! based upon a strict codification them to the stage, the contest was of the style. Ironically, the starting 45 minutes late. Weather. In 1994, the AIC Show had disqualified song had appeared planned to open the arena roof just on the 1965 Top Ten album Volunteers. Most convention goers before 10 p.m. to allow the crowd to because SPEBSQSA Director of have no idea how many volunteers watch the nearby July 4 Fireworks. It Music Education Bob Johnson it takes to plan and run a successful poured down rain during the entire asked them to break tradition convention. For the largest, we needed show. Facility managers said they and record the non-contest up to 400 separate four-hour segments would only open the roof if it stopped song. (Double irony: The to be covered by volunteer busing raining by 9:50—the rain stopped at favorite barbershop song of coordinators, chorus and quartet 9:45! uber-purist Bob Johnson was hosts, backstage aides, marketplace non-contestable!) (KK) workers, PR runners, ushers and door Busing. Imagine trying to move monitors, and more. Most volunteers thousands of people from one Cincinnati 1968 Various strikes served multiple sessions and received location to another, 55 people per lead to a last-minute change of no more than a shirt for their hard bus. It was taxing on volunteers and convention dates and venues, work. They just wanted their local busing companies and also required wreaking havoc on competitor convention to be successful. great patience and understanding by and attendee schedules. convention attendees. Fireworks. Halfway through the 1997 Quartet Finals in Indianapolis, we Karma. After retiring in 2009 with began to hear fireworks booming 12 internationals and 12 Midwinters outside so loudly that we took an under my belt, I was so looking unscheduled intermission until the forward to Philadelphia in 2010. I got fireworks stopped. Among several to my section, row, and seat to find that hundred Barbershoppers watching a production video camera had been from an adjacent parking garage placed where my seat should have rooftop came the sounds of people been—pretty late in the process to try singing “God Bless America.” Before to find another good seat. I knew that long, everyone on the rooftop was my successor, Dusty Schleier, likely singing patriotic songs, a moment had no say in where the camera was those involved will never forget. placed, but I “blamed” him anyway. When I first told the story to friends, Noise. On an Atlanta site visit before their only comment was, “Welcome to my first convention to run (1998), I our world!” learned that a July 4 rock concert was scheduled in nearby Centennial Park – John Schneider, at the same time as our Quartet Finals. long-time Events Committee member, I objected rather loudly to no avail, BHS Director of Events 1998-2009

barbershop.org | September/October 2020 | The Harmonizer | 23 A President’s Ball

signs off with, “Oh well, Lyle Pilcher and Don Clause in 1996 with Nightlife there’s always next year.” intensifies, intertwined with (Masters of Harmony) and 1970s Dealer’s Choice becomes controversy regarding judges in 2009 with Crossroads New Orleans 1971 The French the only quartet since the who score groups that they (Ambassadors of Harmony). Quarter kicks off an espe- Society’s early days to win coach. By 1979, a rule is im- BGSU would become the cially strong decade of great in its debut, its “expanded plemented that judges cannot most popular show quartet food cities. (JB) The exciting sound” techniques forever score a contest that includes of the 1980s and a landmark sound of Gentlemen’s Agree- changing barbershop groups’ groups they have coached ensemble. ment helps Al Rehkop (T) approach to singing. (DW) within the prior 60 days. and Glenn Van Tassel (Br) Minneapolis 1979 The Vocal become the second and third Indianapolis 1975 Sore Philadelphia 1977 The Dukes Majority’s winning “Liar double gold medalists after disagreements swirl about of Harmony (Scarborough, Medley,” arranged by Renee Mo Rector. changes that give Stage Ont.) top the mighty Craig and Jim Clancy, Presence judges nearly one- Thoroughbreds to become demonstrates a perfectly Portland 1973 A BBC third of the total score. The the first SPEBSQSA chorus executed quick tempo that camera crew follows the Vocal Majority Chorus wins champion from Canada. did not run away, setting a pre-contest presumptive its first of 13 championships. standard emulated for decades champ Pacificaires all week. Cincinnati 1978 For the first in the barbershop choral The finished barbershop San Francisco 1976 The win- time, the quartet (Bluegrass world. (DW) Musical and documentary shows their ning Phoenicians chorus stuns Student Union) and chorus choreographic innovators disappointed faces backstage the audience with the first-ev- (Thoroughbreds) champs Grandma’s Boys win gold when they are announced as er costume tear-off. The come from the same chapter. with a repeat of their 1978 Toy silver medalists. The program rivalry between supercoaches This would be repeated Soldiers performance.

Ken Buckner’s Baptism by fire

Only after I started my new Events job in September 1987 did I learn there were no hotel contracts, no contract for the contest site for our 50th Anniver- sary convention. Ten months out, I had zero information to prepare. I flew to San Antonio to meet with Carman Gamez in the Convention Bureau. With hat in hand, I explained that I was new to the job and had no information about hotels, rates, contest sites. She said, “Close the door and have a seat.” Then she walked me through the whole process: which hotels to use, what their normal convention rates were, who to talk to, ideas on picking the The Barberteens program used to occupy teenagers Headquarters hotel, arranging for decorators—you name it and she had the an- while giving their parents a break. Activities included swer. She concluded with, “If you tell anyone about this meeting, I’ll deny it.” pizza parties, local entertainment stops, trips to a Over the next 10 years, assistant Kathy Gilliver and I introduced the Society ranch, quartet performances in their Barberteens to computers and FAX machines; established the Convention Management room, etc. After a few years, interest waned. Due to Committee (CMC); wrote, along with John Schneider, a hotel contract that popular demand, the “Barbertots” room was born as moved all the “perks” from the hotel side to our side; established a direct line a place for parents to take unruly children and still of communication with Convention Bureaus; led the move to selecting three view the competition on television. It took a while for convention sites at a time; and coordinated the change to computer-generated attendees to grasp that parents had to stay with their convention seating assignments and tickets. children–it wasn’t a babysitting service. – Ken Buckner, Society Events Manager 1987-97 – John Schneider Waiting for a hotel bus

the Arrangement Category are the first medalist per- Minneapolis 1985 A “Marx considered songs that were formers; Nightlife is the first Brothers” set helps The 1980s single tempo from start to champion performer in 1996. New Tradition become Salt Lake City 1980 After finish “foot music” that was In 2004, the “private” suite arguably the first comedy eight medals, Boston not in line with a style fo- ends up next to the Presi- gold medalist; five of six Common finally finishes cused on ringing chords and dent’s Suite, hosts numerous contest songs had comedic on top; many still contend distorting tempos. Uptunes top quartets, and effectively themes. The first Gospel Sing that the Common were the were expected to break tem- becomes public. In following is organized by past champs best quartet in some prior po for various effects. The years, organizers promote Jerry Fairchild, Joe Mazzone, contests as well. 4 Under Par judges thought better of it via Rainbow buttons and big Dale Deiser and Mo Rector debuts its contest comedy and let it go, setting the stage screen ads, and the Rainbow as the Good News! Gospel approach that would later for many future set tempo Room becomes one of the Quartet. It would continue inspire FRED, Storm Front, performances on and off the convention’s most popular for decades under successors Lunch Break, The Newfangled contest stage. (KK) hospitality rooms. (TR) The Happiness Emporium. Four, and others. Most Happy Fellows’ (1977 champ) Wizard The Sounds of Concord Seattle 1983 Everyone’s Salt Lake City 1986 The of Oz set on the AIC Show perform an on-stage heart stops when The Side first-ever Affiliate (now sets a high-water mark for wedding that includes men Street Ramblers belt the called “Alliance”) quartet comedy. The Vocal Majority impersonating women. tag of “I’m Sorry I Made competitor (BABS) is Gilt performs with the Tabernacle Though not the first such You Cry” (arr. Brian Beck), Edge from England. SNOBS Choir, the beginning of a long performance, it was enough landing on a unison high F# would send Good Time collaboration that would for a rule change that then blossoming outward in Singers and Evening Swingers include recordings, concerts lasted many years, stating a swipe then an echo. The in 1987-88. In 1990, BABS in Dallas and Salt Lake City, that female impersonation “Cry” tag remains one of our chorus Hallmark of Harmony and future concerts in the could be grounds for most sung tags. (DW) becomes the first Affiliate Tabernacle in 1986, 2005 disqualification. (KK) chorus competitor. and 2019. The Masters of St. Louis 1984 Higher and Harmony would also perform Pittsburgh 1982 The Rainbow louder seems to be the trend, Hartford 1987, San Antonio in the Tabernacle in 1996. Suite begins as a relatively se- whether due to the sound 1988 To battle “two-song cretive gathering for LGBTQ system or otherwise. Over syndrome,” the top six Detroit 1981 The Thorough- Barbershoppers. In 1991, the next few years, judges chorus finishers perform breds give one of the most Special Feature is the first impose penalties when voice an additional set in a “super electrifying performances competing quartet to perform parts sing higher than their finals,” meaning top groups ever with their “Mardi Gras in the suite, and in 1993, reasonable range. (KK) had to have four contest Parade March.” At that time, Nightlife and Special Feature songs ready.

For the 50th Anniversary Convention, we strutted pretty hard. A real street parade put Barbershoppers in front of San Antonio. Bringing up the rear was a farm tractor driven by the Rural Route 4 towing a float that bore retiring champs the Interstate Rivals, and 85- year-old Glenn Howard, who had attended every international convention since 1939. A Riverwalk Massed Sing was attended by more than 4,000. (BL)

barbershop.org | September/October 2020 | The Harmonizer | 25 Jim bagby, 55 Conventions later

A few stalwarts like Suntones baritone Harlan Wilson have attended more (Harlan hasn’t missed since 1959), but Jim Bagby has attended all but two International Largest-ever Convention: Calgary 1993 Conventions since his first at age 19 in 1962. “Conventions were homecomings, family reunions, a giant, harmonious hug, a place to meet virtually all your best friends, every year,” said Jim about why he kept returning. “Before I got into quartet competition, conventions were for hearing every contest session, Water Street Junction wins staying up all night tagging and woodshedding, sleeping 1990s the inaugural College Quartet until noon, and starting all over the next day.” San Francisco 1990 The recently Contest. Now called the Next Convention schedules have gradually expanded to formed Masters of Harmony Generation Barbershop Varsity accommodate a NextGen quartet contest, a World tie seven-time champion Quartet Contest, the event Harmony Showcase, and an expanded Chorus Contest. Louisville Thoroughbreds. launches the barbershop Today, attendees can also stay entertained throughout The Masters win the tie- careers of many future chorus most convention days without attending a show or breaker with the top Sound directors, coaches, district contest: 100+ HU classes, Tag Zones, Everyone in Category score, the first of and chapter leaders, judges, Harmony Chorus rehearsals, Harmony Platoon, etc. three consecutive Masters International leaders, and Jim remembers enjoying a lot of downtime when championships with director staff. Youth quartets to become there were fewer events and competitors—at least Greg Lyne. The Masters go on international champs so far: until he became a BHS judge and served on the Society to win nine championships Four Voices (2002), Vocal Board (“Meetings, meetings, and more meetings ...”), under four directors. Spectrum (2006), Ringmasters competed nine times as bari of 1986 champion Rural (2012), and Musical Island Route 4, and directed Heart of America chorus more New Orleans 1992 The Boys (2014). Instant Classic than a dozen times. Prior to that, his schedule looked shootout between Keepsake (2015) and After Hours (2018) something like this: (best song: “Roses of are past youth medalists. In Picardy”) and The Gas House recent years, medalist quartets Wednesday Gang (best song: “Bright Was that do not feature at least one • Arrive with Joann, meet our friends the Night”) fascinates the past youth competitor are the • AIC Show audience. (DW) exception. • Tagging/woodshedding/gang singing

Thursday • Quartet Quarterfinals, each quartet limited to six- minute sets. (Slots were pre-allocated to districts according to their size, resulting in a much wider spread in skill levels.) • Meet mutual friends and family for lunch and dinner, set up more meals for Friday and Saturday. • Tagging/woodshedding even later

Friday • Wake up barely in time for noon Mass Sing • Rehearsals for chorus members; sightseeing, socializing, and golf outings for everyone else • Quartet Semifinals • Tagging/woodshedding until exhaustion

Saturday • Chorus Contest, 16 groups • AIC Sing with the Champs • Quartet Finals • Hospitality rooms, Chordatorium, tagging until dawn 1994. Problem: how to get the EntertainMen Chorus of Ronninge, Sweden, from a free gig at an outdoor festival to their performance on the World Harmony Jamboree? They could walk 26 | The Harmonizer | September/October 2020 | barbershop.org the five blocks … or they could run while screaming at the top of their lungs, jumping on bus benches and brandishing swords. Spectacle won, earning a front-page photo and story. (BL) Ditchfield Family Singers at the Society Board Meeting Ice Cream Social, 1998 Atlanta

Calgary 1993 All-time peak were discouraged. Time Indianapolis 1997 Bari Rod convention attendance penalties were also removed, Nixon of Yesteryear becomes New Honorary Lifetime in Calgary with 11,103 allowing groups to sing fully the oldest-ever quartet Member Dick Van Dyke registrations. The New developed music and comedy champion at age 59. spends several days at Tradition Chorus (2nd quartets, such as FRED and the convention, including place) and Ambassadors of others, to further develop Anaheim 1999 The New onstage performances with Harmony (12th place) are the their shtick. (KK) Tradition Chorus performs Mutual Fun quartet and first-ever chorus wildcards. “Do You Hear the People at Disneyland with the The Gas House Gang sets a Salt Lake City 1996 CBS Sing” and “Bring Him Alexandria Harmonizers. scoring record for the retiring News Overnight broadcasts Home” from the musical Les (BL) 1971-1993 judging system. a live onstage performance Miserables. While lauded from Nightlife following for its artistry, many fear the Pittsburgh 1994 Songs from the Semifinals; the next style had broadened too fast, all of the Great American day Nightlife wins chorus and call for a study. While the Songbook (swing, big band, gold with the Masters of resulting Style Examination and other eras) are finally Harmony and the quartet Committee’s findings focus permissible in contest, championship. (BL) less on the style and more on with many new songs the perceived loss of “lock quickly making their way Acoustix (1990 champion) and ring,” style debates and into District and Divisional and the Masters of Harmony the pushing of the contests, as well as non- join the Tabernacle Choir in a style seem to slow contest repertoire. Prior joint Sunday concert. down for a few to that, swing rhythms years. (KK)

(above) In 1996 Ron Reagan, Jr. directed the (below) 1994 Champ The “World’s Largest Barbershop Chorus” for the Gas House Gang performs Record Breakers TV show. The famous first son Lady of Spain at the AIC directed an officially-tallied 10,456 singers from Show, which never failed to a cherry picker in the Olympic Plaza. (BL) bring the house down. (EH)

Legendary comedy quartet FRED wins their first medal in 1996 while simultaneously setting the record for highest celebratory jump in call-off history. At least we’re pretty sure, if this photo of Jared “Pookie” Carlson (tenor) is any indication. (EH) 9-11 Memorial, Portland 2002

but not enough Nashville test of all time (Freestyle and true “International” quartet 2000s locals attend to cover costs. guests) and the soaring swan champion. A Sunday morning ABC News broadcasts a live song performance “All Rise” “Sacred Gold” concert Kansas City 2000 For the first Semifinals segment featuring by Four Voices and Voices of features 526 Barbershoppers time, 16 district winners eventual champion Michigan Lee. of the Gold Medal Chorus are joined by four wildcard Jake. After 13 consecutive combined with the and three affiliate choruses, medals—the last eight at Louisville 2004 Months after Tabernacle Choir. a then-record 23 chorus silver—Jay Giallombardo baritone Rob Henry passed competitors. Gary Lewis is directs New Tradition Chorus away from cancer, The Gas Indianapolis 2006 The the first collegiate winner to gold. The Gas House Gang House Gang’s retirement Chorus Contest permanently (bass of The Real Deal, 1994) and Power Play sing at the performance on the AIC moves to Friday. Midwest to win international gold, Grand Ole Opry to enormous show sees Rob deliver the Vocal Express chorus singing tenor for PLATINUM ovations. solo with his three quartet presents a medal-winning, with lead Joe Connelly, who mates via video magic in a live polyurethane-enhanced becomes the first three-time Portland 2002 At the first post performance of “I Still Can’t comedic masterpiece that quartet champion. 9-11 convention, a music-filled Say Goodbye”; many call it ensures 2006 is thereafter outdoor ceremony draws the most moving barbershop remembered as the “Year The first-ever webcast and thousands. Four Voices is the performance they have ever of The Fish.” Ubiquitous audio livestream is hosted by first youth champion to win witnessed. camera crews for the Rich Taylor and Phil DeBar, a the big contest. Professional coming American Harmony comparatively low-tech affair stage production is first Salt Lake City 2005 The barbershop documentary in which thousands dialed implemented in contest, with audience convulses with blanket hallways, backstage up on their 28.8K modems to custom stage set-ups each laughter as body parts areas, and the arena floor listen via Live365 ... at least year and improved lighting go flying duringHot Air all week. The AIC Show until family members bumped and sound. Buffoons’ “Crash Test features dozens of Sweet them off by picking up the Dummies” set. For one year Adeline and Harmony, Inc. home landline. (BL) Montreal 2003 Quebec only, all wildcard choruses champion singers, including discovers barbershop in must compete in a semifinals a mixed chorus that produces various scheduled public contest in order to appear overtones unlike any heard Nashville 2001 The Society outdoor performances. The in the Chorus Finals. before. hosts a two-day SING! festival Slamkas of Power Play are the Realtime quartet, featuring early in the week featuring first all-family champion since two Canadian brothers, Denver 2007 Society music top a cappella and barbershop the Schmitt Brothers in 1951. an American, and a recent education staff begins groups. It sells 5,700 total The Finals are bookended Australian transplant to offering a few barbershop tickets and earns rave reviews, by arguably the funniest mic Canada, becomes the first craft and voice classes onsite,

In 1995, Scott Kitzmiller and Jim Richards invited judges to pack an instrument for Category School. Many enjoyed the jam session, and a few years later Bill Biffle dusted off his trumpet after 35 years and asked Scott, Steve Delehanty, Jim Richards, Ev Nau and others to join him in a semi-public Midwinter performance. Soon an ever-changing cast of performers and instruments, now called the Dixieland All Stars, jams at every Midwinter and International convention. In the late 2000s, the popular late-night performances were added to the official schedule. Backstage all-stars

Each year, local committees have moved mountains to help conventions run smoothly. The incredibly 9-11 Memorial, Portland 2002 complex and technical aspects of creating and running the contest stage were for decades shouldered largely by staff members and an Events Committee. Since 2016, volunteer expertise has been concentrated in a convention team of BHS members, most of whom have worked supplementing the standard gathered for the Nashville countless hours before and during every convention Gold Medal Hours. fireworks.Old School wins the since 2004, if not also years before: Tim Brooks The Westminster Chorus wins Quartet Quarterfinals round (Production), Scott Wetle (Production), Hank but almost doesn’t, after a and Crossroads wins the Pivarnik (Back of House) Daniel Endy (Team non-singing, multi-measure, final two rounds, but super- Coordinator), David Duncan (Stage Manager), foot-powered “drum solo” is consistent OC Times wins Kevin Pape (Front of House), Jack Donaldson too much for some judges. overall. (Meetings Manager). Their scores are lowered “Doug Maddox (2004-14) was the biggest enough that Westminster Anaheim 2009 A snarky segment influence to the way we have professionally ties with the Ambassadors of taped onsite by The Tonight handled the production of our events,” said Dusty Harmony, but Westminster Show host Conan O’Brien Schleier, BHS Director of Events & Conventions. wins on a tie-breaker Singing is later enjoyed/panned by “His legacy lives on today in every aspect of our score. Due to perceptions many Barbershoppers. Jim convention. We also have had so many influential that judges “penalized” the Henry becomes the first gold convention volunteers over the years, including performance, BHS CEO Ed medal director/quartetter in Raisha Quinn & Jeff Forman, as well as all of the Watson and others call for rule the same year; Crossroads’ convention chairs.” “infractions” to be quantified “Lucky Old Sun” becomes the It’s also a new stage and venue every year, which and published. Over the years, song of the decade and The means endless months of preparation. Since 2004, eventually only rule infractions Ambassadors of Harmony’s Tim Brooks has been in the thick of details like the have quantifiable penalties winning performance of selection and placement of mics, speakers, lights, assigned. (KK) “76 Trombones” goes on backdrops, cameras, risers, and curtains. Each to become one of the most venue presents new challenges: the acoustics, the Nashville 2008 Thousands tour viewed barbershop chorus size (or lack) of backstage areas, audience sight the new BHS headquarters performance ever (3M+ lines, potentially loud air-handling equipment building and participate YouTube views to date). The and its effect on curtains (now eliminated), and in large-scale outdoor Vocal Majority, Masters of coordinating professional contractors and union performances. Hotshots Harmony, Ambassadors of members. Unlike prior decades, there are no quartet competes on one Harmony join their 400 voices longer concerns about sound shells (replaced by riser section as a four-man on the “Harmony Foundation monitors), quartet backdrops, or changing the slice of a barbershop chorus, Presents …” show. The Dapper number of risers. lampooning (without Dans of Disneyland become One of the best decisions? “We used to require exaggeration) every possible Honorary Lifetime Members. that judges didn’t hear any amplified sound,” Tim chorus quirk. Max Q sings said. Often, that meant either optimal sound for the National Anthem for an the judges or for the audience, but not both. This audience of over 100,000 abruptly ended when there was an unbearable echo in the judging “pit” during the first quartet mic test in 2009. When the performance was piped through the public address speakers in the pit, the echo went away. “I was quick to point out that there zero8 at the Larry Ajer Show was no going back once we had amplified sound in the pit,” Tim said. “And, indeed we have done that, allowing both the judges and the audience to have a better listening experience.”

barbershop.org | September/October 2020 | The Harmonizer | 29 World Harmony Jamboree Dinner Show Gospel Sing, Nashville 2016

final performances.Great event. The front curtain is The Great Northern Union 2010s Northern Union almost permanently eliminated from “Winter Wonderland” set wins gold while satirizing chorus contests. The Toronto includes a “snowball” fight Philadelphia 2010 Lunch recent contest trends with Northern Lights win in their and a streamer cannon, Break quartet invites the an intentionally over-the-top hometown while dressed as leaving the stage “damaged” other nine Semifinalist medley that features 30 songs vegetables, the first comedy for the final competitor. Rules quartets to join in the onstage and four layers of tear-away performance to win chorus at International regarding chaos of its Finals mic test; vests. gold. The Saturday Night props, glitter, etc. were the 40 performers somehow Spectacular debuts as a can’t- thereafter implemented, precipitate a sound system Portland 2012 Sweden’s miss event. with significant penalties if malfunction that is resolved Ringmasters become the violated. (KK) with the flick of a switch after first non-North American Las Vegas 2014 The entire a 45-minute delay. A comedic Quartet Champion, while convention takes place Pittsburgh 2015 Harmony “car ride” makes Storm Front Sweden’s zero8 is the first inside the gargantuan MGM University makes a huge a champion. The Alexandria off-shore chorus medalist. Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. leap forward to more than Harmonizers enjoy several The host chapter chorus, Doug Maddox, despite a 100 one-hour onsite courses televised performances for Salem Senateaires, closes out terminal cancer diagnosis, throughout most of the oversized July 4 crowds, the contest with a 25-minute, produces his 11th and last week. Designated Tag Zones while a diverse barbershop impossible-to-describe contest. Harmony Platoon free attendees to sing at any “marching band” entertains at “Caveman” comedic set that enjoys its convention debut. time with experienced tag Philadelphia’s parade. wins massive ovations and Kentucky Vocal Union brings teachers. The Tuesday night fifth place. zombies to the stage with Larry Ajer Show ends its Kansas City 2011 The Father/ “Thriller,” while “Johnny long run. The Society begins Son/Grandson chorus melts Toronto 2013 Historian Comes Marching Home” posting all competitor videos audience hearts. Old School Grady Kerr and Harmony gives the Vocal Majority, now on YouTube, creating tens of lead Joe Connelly becomes Hall staff pull out all the under director Greg Clancy, millions of new barbershop the first four-time gold stops to celebrate our 75th its first win since 2006. The views and helping grow the medalist while tenor Kipp Anniversary. Harmony four Pacific Islanders of New BHS channel from 20K in Buckner earns his third. University expands offerings Zealand’s Musical Island Boys 2014 to 134K today. Main The legendary Suntones on both Tuesday and become the second non-North Street’s “Pop Songs Medley” defy their age in a magical Saturday. Harmony Brigade American quartet champion. goes viral, now with almost AIC Show set, one of their holds its first convention six million YouTube views.

Sing with the Champs Toronto 2013, Most Happy Fellows Wizard of Oz Costumes, 75th Anniversary displays

30 | The Harmonizer | September/October 2020 | barbershop.org Since 2015, there has been a concerted effort to ensure that both our International and Midwinter conventions leave a mark on the cities we visit that is felt beyond the venues, restaurants and hotels. Since then, dozens of competing and non-competing quartets and choruses have performed at food banks, children’s hospitals, schools, and with various other charitable organizations, as well as at other local festivals and gatherings and in high traffic public areas.

Nashville 2016 “A Better Signature’s “Dance With women onstage are newly- online with Deke Sharon World Singing” Day draws My Father” is song of the minted BHS members. After in July and later releases more than 2,000 Nashville decade. Members of The Hours sets a quartet scoring its performance. Harmony locals to the Saturday Night Grand Central Red Caps, record. University courses enjoy Spectacular and Quartet denied the chance to compete a large online presence Finals. Onsite music in 1941 because of their Salt Lake City 2019 throughout July. Viewers vote publication offerings expand race, receive posthumous Westminster Chorus beats its for the best quartet to never exponentially. Ringmasters’ BHS memberships. The 2010 chorus scoring record win during two weeks in (2012 champion) performance presentation of the “Everyone in a soaring send-off to August. The BHS Gala Awards of Aaron Dale’s “Hunchback in Harmony” long-term director Justin Miller, while are scheduled to take place of Notre Dame” medley on vision of inclusion receives the Ambassadors of Harmony online in September. the AIC Show is lauded as a a standing ovation. Mike push the creative envelope high-water mark for the art Rowe, 2017 Honorary with a literal “black and form. Following years of non- Lifetime Member, spends white movie” set. The Vocal comedy sets, The Newfangled several nights tagging at the Majority performs a televised Four launches its comedy convention. Video of his joint performance with the and viral online identity onstage performance with Tabernacle Choir. Signature by showing off high-level 2016 champ Forefront goes is the first champion since comedic chops during a non- viral. Acoustix (1990) to win within contestable Quartet Finals a year after a (two) part mic test. Orlando 2018 The change. Quarterfinals are held in three Las Vegas 2017 Arena rounds and in a different Online 2020 A global pandemic construction work in venue than later contest cancels nearly every major Minneapolis prompts a quick, sessions. The Gas House Gang gathering worldwide. Some challenging relocation. Two reprises its 2004 tear-jerker events planned for LA2020 additional sets of mics give tribute, this time adding are retooled into online competing quartets triple soloist Ryan Henry, Rob’s son. versions. A widely-viewed the stage width to execute The Everyone in Harmony AIC Show is broadcast during routines. The Finals round Chorus debuts three weeks the canceled convention is almost canceled due to after BHS membership is week. The Everyone in flooding from a burst pipe. opened to all; many of the Harmony Chorus practices

Barbershop Marching Band, Philadelphia 2010 ‘tasty’ chords, even at the expense of television, professional stage shows and Trends in interpretation.” Only six-minute sets nightclubs have to offer?” In 1972, the were allowed, so arrangements were Stage Presence category was weighted contest simple and brief; the majority repeated equal to the Sound and Interpretation neither the verse nor the chorus. categories, and a new Arrangement performance 1960s Stage Presence judges started category had a range of -20 to +20. to focus on entertainment, to the ire This placed increased emphasis on Partly adapted from the author’s of some competitors. Stage Presence entertainment. paper in American Music: “From judge Bill Spooner replied, “We’re not 1980s Attendees had to be prepared to ‘the Chord Was King’ to ‘a Dynamic asking you to dance, but to entertain.” hear several of the same arrangements Journey’: Changes in the Barbershop Longtime contest judge Jim Massey of the same songs over and over again, Quartet Style in Contests Since the said of the early 1960s judges, “They as the scoring system encouraged 1950s” were still hyper-concerned about competitors to select songs that had 1940s The emphasis was on four men pant lengths, matching shoes, and previously been rewarded with higher having fun singing chords rather than mechanically coordinated hand and Arrangement scores. attempting to entertain the audience. body movements; but were beginning 1990s New scoring categories Deac Martin states in a 1944 Harmonizer to comment on the entertainment and substantially changed contest article: “I’ve always maintained that the presentation as a plus.” Over time, performances, in part because of the very essence of barbershop harmony performers became more concerned increased emphasis on musicality and is—Four guys singing for their own with entertaining general audiences, entertainment and in part because of pleasure, and to hell with any audience.” partly due to the immensely popular the absence of time penalties and the 1950s At least through 1955, contest 1961 champion Suntones, who were restrictions of the old Arrangement rules made no mention of the audience performing extensively on television. category. Audiences enjoyed more or visual presentation, and Stage Tenor Gene Cokeroft reports that the varied kinds of songs and the Presence judges focused primarily quartet aimed to appeal to audiences opportunity to allow a song to develop on uniformity in costuming. “It never that were newly shaped by television of in more interesting ways over a longer crossed our minds to be as entertaining the late 1950s and in the 1960s. period of time. The lack of time in contests as we were on shows,” said 1970s Society President Wilbur penalties opened up the opportunity for Dave Mittlestadt, a 1958 quartet finalist. Sparks emphasized a need to entertain, extended comedic performances. n The care, precision, perfect tuning, encouraging “excellent visual and diction of the 1958 top ten quartets presentation” in public appearances: – Rob Hopkins is a coach, was impressive. Society Historian “Does your chapter understand that arranger, music professor, past C&J Val Hicks reported: “The ‘chord was its annual show is Show Business, Chairman, past BHS President, king.’ Emphasis was placed on certain in competition with the best that BHS Hall of Fame member

32 | The Harmonizer | September/October 2020 | barbershop.org CHAPTER ETERNAL

Members reported as deceased between May 15 and July 15, 2020. Send updates to [email protected]

CAROLINAS Peter Sparaco Edwin Simons Kenneth Ehrlich Larry Blundell SOUTHWESTERN Charles Gugan Fremont-Hayward, CA Cleveland West Lansdale, PA Kitchener-Waterloo, Don Cotten Brunswick County, NC Robert M Suburban, OH Joseph Fiori ON Amarillo, TX Rocky Mount, NC Thompson Kenneth Wheeler Manhattan, NY Lubbock, TX Wilmington, NC Central Arizona Zanesville, OH Montclair, NJ PIONEER Donald Fegley Greater Phoenix, AZ Princeton, NJ Don Duff Central Texas CENTRAL STATES Sun Cities, AZ LAND O’ LAKES Thomas McKinney Traverse City, MI Corridor Ray Eilts John Wright Harold Casselman Altoona, PA Richard Osmond South Texas Alamo Calvin Yoder Hays, KS Conejo Valley, CA Winnipeg, MB Somerset County, PA Gratiot County, MI Regional Lead of 1986 Robert Johnson San Fernando Gerald Erickson David Updegrove Hillsdale, MI International Olathe, KS Valley, CA Frank Thorne Loudoun County, VA SUNSHINE Quartet cham- Gerald Jordan Ventura, CA Kenneth Felton Kenneth Weber, Jr. ROCKY Thomas Brandt pion Rural Lincoln, NE Appleton, WI Bryn Mawr, PA MOUNTAIN Tallahassee, FL Route 4 David Montgomery ILLINOIS Gerald Hampton Pottstown, PA Donald Brayton Lynn Hirschfeld Beatrice, NE Leslie Bloomfield Delta County, MI Grand Junction, CO Greater Sun City Calvin Yoder Elgin, IL John Solheim NORTHEASTERN Sharon Gardner Center, FL Kansas City, MO Don Duff Wausau, WI John Cruickshank Salt Lake City, UT Webster Lott Chicagoland West Paul Stein Cape Breton, NS Robert Reed Hernando County, FL FAR WESTERN Suburban, IL Winnipeg, MB John Sketchley Longmont, CO James Petrovsky Frederick Garner William Southam Beverly, MA Palm Beach County, Sun Cities, AZ JOHNNY Winnipeg, MB Richard Scharp FL Gerry Kelly William Santee APPLESEED ONTARIO Salt Lake City, UT Lead of 7-time Davis-Vacaville, CA David Johnson MID-ATLANTIC Chuck Alexander medalist Greater Central Ohio Peter Cerutti Barrie, ON quartet The Lima Beane, OH Bryn Mawr, PA Oshawa, ON Roaring 20’s

barbershop.org | September/October 2020 | The Harmonizer | 33 MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTORY

How can we help you barbershop today? Get answers from the staff at Harmony Hall

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

www.barbershop.org 800-876-7464 (SING)

EXECUTIVE OFFICES MARKETING PROGRAMS & IMPACT Marty Monson [email protected] [email protected] Executive Director/CEO Holly J. Kellar Erin Harris Megan Henderson Chief Marketing Officer Chief Program Officer Executive Assistant to the CEO Chris Bernstein Cassi Costoulas Advertising Campaign Manager Strategic Initiatives Manager FINANCE Sarah Brown Dustin Guyton [email protected] Marketing Coordinator Volunteer Manager Erik Dove Jeremy K. Gover Madison Wall CFO/COO Video Production Manager Data Analytics & Insights Manager Jama Clinard Eddie Holt Controller / HR Manager Graphic Design Manager OUTREACH Nick Anello James Hurlburt [email protected] Finance Administrator Video Production Specialist Joe Cerutti Brian Lynch Director of Outreach CONVENTIONS Public Relations Manager Chad Bennett [email protected] Jernie Talles Millan Show Producer Dusty Schleier Marketing Assistant Ashley Brown Director of Events & Conventions Amy Rose Outreach Grants Administrator and Inclusion Social Media/Comm. Manager Coordinator INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Lani Torroll [email protected] PARTICIPATION Outreach Youth Programs Coordinator Sam Hoover & ENGAGEMENT Systems Adminstrator customerservice@ MUSIC EDUCATION barbershop.org [email protected] HARMONY MARKETPLACE Caki Gray Donny Rose customerservice@ Director of Membership Director of Music Education barbershop.org Devin Bradford Steve Scott Mark Morgan Community Development Manager Music Education Curriculum Director of Marketplace and Retail Ops. Danny Becker and Online Learning Manager Justin Gray Quartet Success Manager Brent Suver Warehouse Manager Katie Macdonald Music Education Operations Coordinator Krystie Mitchell Recruitment & Retention Manager Warehouse Coordinator Nate Ogg MUSIC PUBLICATIONS Raphael Llana Chapter Success Manager [email protected] Marketplace eCommerce Assistant Janice Bane CUSTOMER SERVICE Copyright & Licensing Manager STRATEGY customerservice@ Scott Harris [email protected] barbershop.org Arranger & Repertoire Manager Kevin Lynch Rich Smith Resat Taser Chief Strategy Officer Contact Center Success Manager Music Production Coordinator Allison Barrett Customer Service Luke Davis Customer Service Douglas Gordon Receptionist/Bldg. Maintenance

34 | The Harmonizer | September/October 2020 | barbershop.org OFFICIAL ALLIANCES BOARD OF DIRECTORS President • Barbershop Harmony Australia Dick Powell • Crofton, MD barbershop.org.au • Dan Millgate: [email protected] 410-451-0694 [email protected] • BHNZ (Barbershop Harmony New Zealand) BOARD MEMBERS AT LARGE barbershopharmony.nz • John Denton: [email protected] Executive Vice President Jeremy Albright • Haslet, TX John Miller • Westport, CT 620-249-1605 • BABS (British Association of Barbershop Singers) 203-254-9594 [email protected] singbarbershop.com • Martin Baglow: [email protected] [email protected] Jeremy Brann • Lexington, KY • BinG! (Barbershop in Germany) Treasurer 859-420-7696 barbershop-in-germany.de • Constanze Jager: [email protected] John Santora • Bel Air, MD [email protected] 410-937-2611 • Holland Harmony [email protected] Blair Brown • San Diego, CA hollandharmony.dse.nl • Leonie Vink: [email protected] 314-486-1668 Immediate Past President [email protected] Skipp Kropp • Indianapolis, IN • FABS (Finnish Association of Barbershop Singers) 317-946-9882 John Donehower • Monroe, WI fabs.fi • Valentin Arbamenkov: [email protected] [email protected] 563-599-8565 • IABS (Irish Association of Barbershop Singers) [email protected] Executive Director/ irishbarbershop.org • Liz Nolan: [email protected] Board Secretary Randy Loos • Lecanto, FL Marty Monson (Ex Officio) • 727-510-5901 • MBHA (Mixed Barbershop Harmony Assoc.) Franklin, TN [email protected] mixedbarbershop.org • Roxanne Powell: [email protected] 800-876-7464 [email protected] Bernard Priceman • Palm Desert, CA • SABS (Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers) 818-625-2832 sabs.es • Dawn Ritch: [email protected] [email protected] • SNOBS (Society of Nordic Barbershop Singers) snobs.org • Henrik Rosenberg: [email protected] FRIENDS IN HARMONY • SPATS (Southern Part of Africa Tonsorial Singers) • Harmony Foundation International • harmonyfoundation.org spats.co.za • Mark Jensen van Rensburg: [email protected] • Sing Canada Harmony • SingCanadaHarmony.ca • American Choral Directors Association • acdaonline.org • Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia • sinfonia.org • World Harmony Council • worldbarbershop.org • National Museum for African-American Music • nmaam.org • Sweet Adelines International • sweetadelines.com • Harmony, Incorporated • harmonyinc.org • Barbershop Quartet Preservation Association • bqpa.com • National Association for Music Education • nafme.org GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE EDITORIAL BOARD • Chorus America • chorusamerica.org [email protected] Holly J. Kellar, Brian Lynch, Amy Rose, • Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers • labbs.org.uk Sarah Brown, Lorin May EDITORIAL Lorin May (Editor) (Stan Peppenhorst, copy editing) Brian Lynch, Amy Rose (Associate Editors)

SOCIETY SUBSIDIARIES (PARTIAL LIST) • Association of International Champions • AICGold.com • Harmony Brigade • harmonybrigade.org • Association of International Seniors Quartet Champions • aisqc.com North Carolina • Indiana • Atlantic • Harmony U • Great Lakes • High Sierra • • Ancient Harmonious Society of Woodshedders • ahsow.org New England • Lone Star • Northern Pines • European • United Kingdom • • Southern Harmony Brigade • southernharmonybrigade.com Mixed Harmony Brigade (New England)

barbershop.org | September/October 2020 | The Harmonizer | 35 THE TAG

Joe Liles, Tagmaster [email protected]

for men's voices Gonna Rise Up on Wings of Song Joe Liles 2020 for male voices rise, rise up on wings, on wings of j 1 2 3 4 Tenor nœ œ Aœ. . œ. œ. œ. œ. œ. œ. Lead b b . œ . . ˙. ˙. Gonna V b b 86 œ œ ˙ œ nœ Gon - nJa rise up on wings of rise, rise up on wings, on wings of Rise j Bari œ œ œ. œ . œ. œ. œ. œ. œ. œ. Bass ? 6 œ œ œ. œ. œ. œ. œ Up on bbbb 8 J . song! 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . 10 . Wings b ˙. œ˙. ∫œ. ˙. b˙œ. bœ. ˙. ˙. V b bb ˙ of Song song,, on wings of song! . . . ˙. . . ? œ˙. bœ. œ. bœ. ˙. ˙. ˙. ˙. bb b œ b œ ˙. e’re endeavoring b W to do all of the happy things we can muster Gonna Rise Up on Wings of Song for women's voices Joe Liles 2020 for female voices during these challenging rise, rise up on wings, on wings of months. Listening to virtual 1 2 3 4 Tenor j singing being produced by Lead b b 6 nœ œ Aœ. œ. œ. & b b b 8 œ œ ˙. œ. œ. nœ. ˙œ. œ. ˙œ. œ. users of new technology, Gon - nJa rise up on wings of reading books, having rise, rise up on wings, on wings of fun conversations, a lot Bari j Bass Ê b 6 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ. œ. œ. œ. of laughs, getting to know b bb 8 œ œ œ. œ. œ. œ. . œ b J . each other even better than song! 10 before, playing with the 5 6 7 8 9 doggies, using FaceTime b b bb ˙. œ˙. ∫œ ˙. ∫˙œ. bœ. ˙. ˙. and other visual communi- & b . . . ˙. . . cation, Netflix, Prime, HBO, song, on wings of song! growing plants and veggies ˙. œ. bœ. ˙. ˙. ˙. (Did I mention eating?) ... Ê bb b œ. bœ. œ. ∫ œ. ˙. ˙. ˙. ˙. all provide pleasure and b b ˙.

recreation. © xxxx A lot of sadness, too, for mixed voices for friends and neighbors Gonna Rise Up on Wings of Song Joe Liles 2020 suffering the result of a for mixed voices rise, rise up on wings, on wings of 1 2 3 4 virus running rampant Tenor Lead # 6 j throughout the world. But & 8 #œ œ Nœ. œ. œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙. œ. œ. #œ. ˙. . ˙. . we hold great expecta- Gon - nJa rise up on wings of tions that it soon will be rise, rise up on wings, on wings of eradicated. Then we hope j Bari œ œ . . œ. œœ. œ. œ. œ. œ. œ. œ the next challenge that may Bass ? # 86 œ œ œ. œ œ. œ. come, if it must, is a far off J song! future time. The tag for this 5 6 7 8 9 10 issue is from a song that ex- # & ˙. ˙. ˙. œ. ˙. ˙. presses our anticipation to ˙. œ. bœ. ˙. b˙. nœ. ˙. ˙. participate in the creation song, on wings of song! of harmony. We WILL rise up on wings of song! n ˙. œ. bœ. ˙. ˙. ˙. ˙. ? # œ. nœ. œ. b œ. ˙. ˙. ˙. © xxxx

36 | The Harmonizer | September/October 2020 | barbershop.org