EHARMON
"Ipray that we will all continue to provide hope .lor tllis abandoned generation. l1tey are, {~fier all, tile Olles II'ho will inherit tile earth. " SELECTIONS FROM COOL YULE INCLUDE:
You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch custom arrangement by Greg Volk, bass solo by Joel T. Rutherford • The First Noel custom arrangemenl by G,ammy'U \',;00"09 arranger Jproducer I singer,l.Iervyn \'/auen (formerly \'.ith Take 6) Kay Thompson's JIngle Bells perfOl'med \'.ith ab:g baoo, \'ocal adaptation by Joel T. Rutherford Happy Holidays / Holiday Season Medley custom arrangement by Greg Vo!l< The Christmas Song S·parl arrangement by Frank OIoebaum, teaturing Wendy Wilson DeCro\'! Mary Had A Baby arrangement by David Wright COOl Yule performed I',ith a b:g band, vocal custom arrangement b'J Greg Volk Sliver Bells custom arrangement by Greg Volk Little Saini Nick performed \',i!h instlUmenlal accompaniment, "ala the Beach Boys' Auld Lang Syne 'ala the Beach Boys' Pine Cones & Holly Berries lit's 8eglnnlng To Look A Lot Like Christmas Medley performed with instrumenlal accompaniment, featUfing lhe VOCAL !.lAJORITY and ACOUSTIX o Little Town of Bethlehem auangemenl by Joel T. Rutherford
Other ACOUSTIX tilles include "Jazz, Jazz, Jazz", "Stars & Stripes" and "The New Science of Sound". ACOUSTIX PRODUCTIONS also distributes CDs and lapes from the SUNTONES, IIle VOCAL MAJORITY, the DEALER'S CHOICE, the BLUEGRASS STUDENT UNION. We also distribute, Ihe award-winning barbershop documentary, VHS video "VOICES", produced by Seven Rays Pictures. Call us TOLL-FREE or visit our web sile for details.
PRICING: MAIL ORDERS TO: ACOUSTIX PRODUCTIONS SHIPPING CHARGES: Individual Tapes· $10.00 PMB: 109-128 Order Total I Shipping COSI Individual CDs, $15.00 10455 North Central Expressway Up to 515.00/52.50 VOLUME DISCOUNTS: Dallas, TX 75231-221t USA 515.01 - 525.00 / 53.50 Any three ACOUSTIX Tapes - $25 PHONE ORDERS, CALL TOLL-FREE: 525.01 - 550.00 / 54.50 Any three ACOUSTIX CDs - S40 888/448-STIX (7849) 550.01 - 575.00/55.25 All tour ACOUSTIX Tapes - $35 Over 575.00/56.00 All lour ACOUSTIX CDs - $50 EMAIL CREDIT CARD ORDERS TO: [email protected] SPLIT ORDERS will be charged shipping and handling lor each destination. FAX CREDIT CARD ORDERS TO: 214/265-9555 OVERSEAS ORDERS will be cl1arged at our WEB SITE: www.acoustix.com cost. Shipping charges will vary according to location & order sizo. NOVEI.mER DECEt.IBER 1999 VOlUt.~E T L1X NUW1ER 6
Save the voices of the next generation! ------Features------1 What does FRED stand for? MM 2000 means singing The 1999 champs answer fans' 24/7 singing at next convention questions... sort of. JOHN SCI/NEIDER 1 Mastering harmony Valentines lessons '99 Putting together a chorus championship ~lhat to know for next year's project takes planning, guts, and big hearts. ARussian Odyssey HX Camps wow singers The musical experience of a lifetime. Inside "the best week of my life." GREG LYi\'E, CAROl. y,\HN, THE RITZ, BRIAl\' P/lII.fUN REED------SAMPSON Departments ------2 14 THE PRESIDENT'S PAGE HARMONY HOW-TO Bringing passion to bear Be a great tenor 6 32 LETTERS CHARITABLE ACTIVlTI ES 14 Of posters, covers and swashes Scholarships, teachers learn 8 36 On the Cover LET'S HARMONIZE STAYTUNED Singers from the Proud! Proud! Proud! Success-things that work Rosemount High School Choir. 10 44 Photo courtesy TEMPO THETAG Wenger Risers. New releases, contest draw, "Johnny Doughboy"- expanding horizons D.C. Cash's favorite! Society for the Preservation and Encouragement 11)1 of Barber Shop Quartet Singing In America
Nowmber/December 1999 • The HARMONIZER1 Let's Grow Young Together Tuxedo Wholesaler ne of the most endearing attributes of Barbcrshoppers is their pas~ sian for the hobby. As was pointed out in the 1994 study by Free 40 pnge Color Catalogue Dieringer Research Associates of a representative sample of mem~ cnll toll free (800) 828-2802. bers, about two-thirds of our members fell into one of three seg ments: those who want to compete and improve their pcr{or, mancej those who want to teach and leadj or those who want to NEW BLACK TUXEDO improve their singing but aren't as interested in cOlnpeting. Even In Polyester the other one,third or so of us join these groups in two passions shared by all: We want to improve our singing and like to bring $99.00 quality entertainment to audiences. The difference in the various psychographic profiles of the respondents was simply the degree of passion they felt about the hobby. Switching subjects, I've also been following New Willg Col/or Shirl $15.75 with great delight the Young Men In Harmony New LaydowlI Col/or Shirl $15.75 activities taking place in the Sunshine District, Tie & ClIl1Il1Wrblilld Set ill Poly/Satin funded in part by a matching grant from $8.95 Harmony Foundation. The activities arc inspired Tie & ClIlIIl11erblilld Set ill Lallie in no small part by the support they've received $12.95 Bow Tie Poly/Sntill $3.00 from the highest quarters in Florida's Education Bow Tie ill Lame $5.00 Department, specifically the person in charge of 1 the music cutTiculum for Florida schools. As Mel/'S Tllxedo Pall! (l'.t.l(l1i$/./!/(1(k) $24.00 Mel/'S Tuxedo Pall! (,·.\".ml;$/,/>/(1(K) $36.95 pointed out in the Society's new YOlmg Men in 5ltawllnpel fill/back Vest' $22.50 Hannony Resource Guide (stock no. 4074), appro Sltawl Lall/e Inpel flll/bnck Vest' $29.50 priate contact with school district administrators V Neck Lall/e Vesl $36.00 and music educators is critical to the success of S/lspellders 01/ colors $5.00 any high school or elementary school activity in Pricl'S Sl/lJjl'ct 10 cllnuge Wit/lOllt /lotice volving young men and the introduction of our 'Vests cOllie ill Red, Royal style ofsinging to them and their teacher(s). alld Black witlt black lapels Unfortunately, we get a little too passionate Call a Sales Repl'eselltotive today sometimes--especially as we continue to be faced (800) 828-2802 with a gradual decline in membership in our Soci ety. Some chapter members want these high schoolers now! We must heed the advice of the Free Catalogue Resource Guide: u\':le never wish to give the impres sioll that we are V)'ing for swdenrs' time to the delr;, Samples Availnble ment of the school program. If a posirive working rela (Please secure wit" a rionship is established wilh Ihe teacher, the teacher will credil card.) then become a partner in OIlr efforts for mllSic edllca rion preservarion. If rve have done our jobs properly, many of Ihe stlldenlS of today will surely become the adult Barbershoppers of tomonow." A similar thought is echoed in a 1991 joint statement from the Society and the Music Educators National Conference (MENC), Tuxedo Wholesaler to wit: 15636 N. 78th Sf. "Becallse barbershop IUmnOH)' can be a lifelong commitment, it is reasonable Ihat some high school stlldenlS may wish to join a local chap Scottsdale, AZ 85260 ter. This can be an enhancemenl to the nll/sical development. of the Stll dent., but should not be at the ",pense of his commilment to the local sdrool program." ~EBlrAN~ In other words, use common sense. After all, not all high school EXEBESS~ students are so involved with their school's music program that their membership in the Society would cause their teacher a prob-
2 The HAIHvlONIZER • NOl'embel'/Decembe,. /999 T EHARMONI~R
.. : . . .. ," . - • November I December 1999 \~l Volume LlX Number 6 SPEBSQSA Vision Statement The Society is 10 be an ever·growing fraternity of barbershop-style singers, leading the cause of encouraging vocal music in our schools and communities, lem. [IE We're all concemed abollt the Harmony Foundation Your clearinghouse for all charitable activities, Including SingAmerica, SingCanada, small. yet steady Society membership Hearlspring, the Heritage Hall Museum, the endowment program and memorial giving, decline, of course. It's becorne our may be reached at (800) 876·SING, ext. 8447 number one area of concern. We have HEADQUARTERS OFFICE STAFF SPEBSQSA BOARO OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SOCtETY PRESIDENT our work cut out (or liS as we try to DARil\'l }-'1I~~ (8S·B) Eo WALS("I([ reach the new membership and chap~ D.IIECTOR OF MUSIC EOUCAOON & SElMCn 6 Vista lane' Md\'iJlt, NY 11747 tef crcation goals we're committed to DR.. GRrG LThE (8549) SocIETY EXECUTIVE VICE PRESlOOrT DJl.£CTOR OF FI:W«:E & AOUiI'4STAATlOtI Cm:a W,mos achieve by the end of 2001. F·S CP\ CAE(8450) 784 McCallCourt· Columbus, 011 43235 RA.\... A!I."ARUlI, 'J SoaETYTREASlJREJI The tools are there. The leadership HAlu"OIlY FOUIlOAT1OII EXECUTIVE Dil'IECTOR Ke- FLETCHER is there. All we need is for yOll to COI11' O'.IIECTOR OF EXTERHAl AfFAIRS
Ufl
Nm'ember/DeCC'lIIber /999 • The HARMONIZER3 www.a-cappella.com www.a-cappella.com
, -800-827-2936
AMBIANCE: FRED: NEW TRADITION CHORUS: RICHeTONES: I HEAR A RHAPSODY (jET HAPPY SILVER LININGS FOOTLOOSE This record"ng includes I',hat is in our eJ{>erience Ano:hel boisterous CD from these merry (and Led by Jay Gia'~ombardo, th:s men's chorus is \'illen you hear drums, "doo-doo's" and clap pefh.;ps the most asked·fO!' woolen's perlar we mean merry) barbershoppers. Champs in irK!edb~e! SIxlgs include: "Irish Montage: "A p:ng, you wonder, ''Is this the same group that ITklnce f2\'er, an amazing rendition of GerstMin's the 1999 inlemotiork1l wrb€rshop competition, little B~l 0' Heal'en," "S',':eet Hour Of Prayer," I':on the 1999 S',',oeet Ade~nes In:ematiooal "Rhapsody In Blue." Other songs on this \'.inner FRED doesn't d&ppo;nt fun-10',ing I;steners, "I'm lool;ing O..er <1 4-Leal C!o','tf," "!mposs;b~e chdmp:oosh'pT The Rich·Tones mt< contempo O~d iodllde "lo','e Is Here To Slily: "E\'ef)'th:ng This group deveriy b~ends humorous songs I',ith Dream," "(,)!endar G;o: "A Tnbute To World rary and barbershop in <1 satis~~ng met Among Is Nf?>'I AMn," 'Something's Com"ng. ~ 'When straight-up oorbershop soond 10 produce a sel Peace," "Db La Di ab La Da" and mOle, The:r the lunes are "Desperado" aoo 'Heartache \\\,II8e loved: a gospel med'ey dnd fTlOfe, for that's over the lop barbershop, "Battle H!mn of the ReP\Jb~:c" I',ith women's Tonight" Barbershop highlights include "Bes: 'ROUP TffiE coo< co, mf$ GROlJP nm COD COl TAPE $ ,- TffiE CODE COl 1m, E H!:'l&.Q;;". RUMORS: ARE FLYING ..JAZZ SINGERS UNLlMIfEO: The 1999 S·....eel Ade!ne qU Shippin~ Infol'!1ation, Method of Payment (U.S. Funds Only' Sorry No C.O.D.s) Orders \\~I be sh'pped \'oil U.s' Make Checks Payable to: Mainely A CAPPELLA Subtotal postal serY,(e \·.i!ft'n 48 hours (jVisa {]Maslercard (]American Express ( IDiscover { ICheck of rece{ll. prq/.ded €\'tl)th:ng No~_~===-=:-:===--- is in stock. Oc:Cds'ona~ deIa',~ ___I _J_P_urChase Order __ State Tax p~ease a~(J.'I See info at left OCCUI so 4 10 6 card number weeh for de~\'efy.1f an item is badocdered. we \'.'1 noti~ Shipping \00_ exPiradon--'da-'te-- signature & Handlino See Info at left ~~torders\'i,'becha~ed Name'----,- I------+------t hand"'ng Pr' -, M'I etrnWnganddtstinaOOn. or Addr.css,______lOr! y ell City f-----+------l O,'t'fSNS orders \',';'1 be =--._---=,--,State_-.,---- ,Zip_---=_-.c-_Couutry Total ~~~~~a~~~J:~~~~;~ I~D~a~yt;;ll;l.;;P~h~O~I~.~C==~=====~C.~-;"~'a~I~IJ~~~~~~~~~~==~==~E~"~C;IO~S~.~d~=====! and order soze. Ca'i for aquo:e. r R,',,,,'Ex,h,,!,, Mail Orders To: Malnely ACAPPELLA On:yoodelecti",eproducts. P.O, Box 159 Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 IHAHK YOU 1-800-827-2936' .,mail order@a-cappella,com LETTERS [email protected] Cover clash and poster pickings Pro & can, the "new" Harmonizer all of whom worked equally hard and some readers and disappointment of oth draws plent)' of attention. As expected, contributed to the championship that ers, the innovations of tlie September isslle our chorus now enjoys. We hope and expect eller)' isslle of The (qllarret poster and llaction" covers) I would ask you to please consider Harmonizer will contain at least one broHgl1t vel)' few nCIHml retlctions; it has using the entire chorus photo in future "new thing" that. lots of readers will prett)' HlIICh been a ulove it ~ hate it" years, and make sure that every man is LOVE ... and eX/Jeer an eqllal nlHnber proposition. visible. llrill HATE. That's good. It means members ac~ MARK FREEDKIN That's the reward - and lisk! - of rivel)' read the magazine, care abow its Irvine, CA innovation. content, and have a personal stake in it. That's one reason )'oll'll see some letters critical of these choices. Poster poo-pooed Loves pix and Bill Myers The Hannonizer is an ongoing history Pictures! Pictures! Pictures! Great new for our Society. One of the most im, format. I love all the pictures associ Some Masters' voices portant areas of record is that of our ated with the great barbershop articles. I guess I don't need to (mine my Har~ competitor members. In this case, that Human interest stories far surpass an monizer with my picture in the back, record has been isslled in the form of issue devoted to the mundane of tech, since it only has eight out of 137 guys an Uadvertiser's tear out" to be ripped nical articles; however, great article by and can stop dreaming of getting my out and lost. Bill Myers, an all-time great bass. picture with a gold medal staring at TO;l lvhLLOT Great centerfold in color of the me from the front cover. Belton, MO champs. Wow! Wonderfut upscale, Knowing that the entire professional magazine. makeover is to make us The makeoller RFP in MITCHELL PAIlAlJIS look a little lllore spunky clllded a reqllest for a solll Sun City West, AZ and youthfut the unani, tion to the traditional page mous feeling last night for after-page CQtalog of com I found myself reading the whole thing the nine Masters 25 and petitor photos, which, "" from cover to cover, instead of just under, plus an interna, changed after IlllI/Jel)'-lImp glancing through. Can you keep this tional champion quar, years seemed in need of re, up issue after issue? I hope so. tet, was that there must fres/ling. Back came this Sllr FRANK FANNING be a way to update it prising approach, which, with without completely some smart cooperation from smashing tradition and Olll· prill tel', allowed liS to Flag rag redux the prestige of the intema present mall)' l>elfol1ners in Harmoni~er isn't even in the dic, tionallevel of contests. E5pecially our color (16 more than before), at lie!')' little tionary. I'll add my complaint to Dick champions. additional cost for /Jrinting. Ellenberger's ALA;" GOROON The collers tao reflect a desire to get CHeCK ABER,"ATHY Orange, CA more dee/II), into the life of lhe pClfonners Past International President titan a portrait. allows, As a commemora, I am bothered by the partial chorus rive, tlte COlHillllOlIs,tone photos most per, Please return the title graphic to the photo on the back cover. As you can fonners bll)' will always be sllperior to the old one. I miss the Society emblem imagine, it is quite an honor to be process color of a magazine, and of better appropriately located in the llO." named international chorus cham, dimensions and reso/llrion for picking alit BILL )01 INSO~ pion. I am fortunate to have enjoyed indillidllals. Again, t/le choice was a lisk Long Beach that honor twice so far ('96 & '99). that seems rewarded b)' the excitement of The reader refers to the pre ViOl IS Jlame~ Part of thar honor has always included the res lilt. plate of the lllagazine, retired in 1979 and an appearance on the back cover of Finall)'i and importantl)', to those who reprodllced Irere. The Hannoni,er. bemoan a tradition shaltered and flltllre This year, only a small handful of not of their vision: a single instance does lllen (myself included) received that not an Imc1ll1Jlging tradition make. Next honor, while the rest of the chams was ),ear may bring ),et another wa)' to tell this denied. The action shot is nice, but I StOI)' - or on old wa)' again (see tire cool don't think its value outweighs the collage collers of tire'50s for one ap failure to recognize the other 124 men, proaclr) - wldol/btedl)' to tire deliRlrt of 6The HAIU"lONIZER • Nowlllber/Decemhel' 1999 SONGS OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON FROM THE VOCAL MAJORITY FAMILY TO YO DRS ~-- Dt's that time ofyear again, to discover new Christmas song arrangements and search for the perfect stocking stuffer for someone special in your life. The Vocal Majority is proud to announce the release ofour third Christmas recording. This rerording features several favorites from the Voral Majority and our friends along with arrangements by Jim Clancy, director ofthe Vocal Majority for over 25 years. Selections include: • White Christmas How TO ORO ER • Let It Snow PHONE Call1·800·VMSONGS (867·6647). •I Wander As I Wander (featuring salaist Jeff Oxley) MAIL Send your payment to the Vocal Majority, P.O. 80x 29904, Oallas, TX 75229. • Pine Canes and Holly Berries / It's Beginning To EM All [email protected] Look A Lot Like Christmas Medley (featuring Acoustix) INTERNET www.vm.org FAX 800·876·6647 • Toyland Please send me White Christmas • Auld Lang Syne DYES by the Vocal Majority • Rudolph the Red·nosed Reindeer __ CO·s@$15.005, _ • What Child Is This __ Cassettes @ $10.00 5 _ Shipping and handling 5__2.;.,5,-0,-_ • Ave Maria (featuring Charla Cfare, tenar, from 1999 Sweet Adelines International Champion Quartet RUMORS) Texas residents add applicable sates tax at 8.25% $ _ • Baby It's Cold Outside (featuring Steve and Wendy Total 5 _ Wilson DeCrow) Name: _ Address: _ City/State/lip _ Other Recordings ___ CHECK/MONEY ORDER ENCLOSED By The Vocal Majority: BILL MY CREDIT CARD The Secret Of Christmas: 0 Come All Ye Faithful, Jingle Belts, Silent Night, 0 Holy Night and 8 others _Mastercard _ American Express Alleluia: Songs of Christmas Medley, Little Drummer Boy, Hallelujah Chorus and 6 others CARD. EXP__ The Vocal Majority With Strings: Acoltedion of classic love songs with full string backup International shipments witt be charged actual shipping How Sweet The Sound: Sacred and inspirational music and handling costs. Thank you for your order! Go to www.vm.org for a complete fist of our recordings, and songs on each recording. No\·embe,./DI?Ct'm!Jer 1999 • The HAR.i\IONIZER7 Froud! Proud! Froud! eing proud was not one of the reasons 1signed on for this great job, but as we near year's end, it seems that, like me, you must have some favorite parts of this wonderful hobby that give you a measure of pride, I've just been bustin' my buttons about the work we arc doing with the schools of North America! The success stories of our chapters, quar~ tets and a nUinber of dedicated individuals working with kids and teachers, are monumentaL This year, our traveling staff will have been in front of more The Incomparable than 7/XYJ students, 650 teachers at more than 150 Bluegrass Student Union will revive their different schools. Our chapters and districts have Music Man act In a free concert at Kansas City. sponsored eight Young Men in Harmony (YMIH) camps, which have attracted 805 students and an, They will perform a free one,hour concert at 11:00 other 60 teachers. What a positive difference we are p.m. on Thursday of Kansas City convention week. making as we honor President Ed's theme, "Let's TIle Bluegrass Student Union will feature some grow young together!" llMusic ~tann repertoire and more. 1hope you share my pride about Thinking about "The Music Man" reminds me of our Society's web site. It's better than how proud 1was as a kid (and still am) to have great, it is the greatest! (Check it out shared the stage with the incredible Buffalo Bills. Of at WWW.SI>ebsqsa.org). You'll find a course, they went on to star in the Broadway and world of information, music, vieleo movie versions of Meredith Willson's liThe h1usic clips, and our newest feature, Har~ Man." To honor the occasion of the Bills' fiftieth mony Marketplace, which has its anniversary as champs, we will celebrate at Kansas own page up and nmning. In its first City next July in a IlMusic Man" themed conven several weeks, we've enjoyed almost tion. And isn't it just pelfect to think that the year $15,000 of additional new merchan 2000 finds 'The Music Man" opening on Broadway dise sales and nearly 50 inquiries for a revival nm. If the impact is anything at all like about membership, just from our what we enjoyed in the '50s and '60s... look out! Marketplace web page. What an incredible eXIX>Sure of aUf style! Evel)' Speaking of membership, we can chapter must make it a priority to capitalize on this all be proud ofour "Men ofNote." exposure with aggressive recruiting campaigns! TIlese are the guys who make it their Dick Grapes, the original baritone of the Bills will business to bring men who love to be one of our masters of ceremonies for the week. sing to their chapters and into our We think the newly opened ~vtusic Man Square in beloved Society. They are great sales "River City" nvtason City, Iowa) will bring a travel, men of our harmonious brotherhood. ing display to Kansas City, so come on down! Join us We will proudly give out 2,500 Man at Kansas City. You'll be proud that you did. of Note awards to 1700 great Finally, may 1share a word about the personal Barbershoppers this year. Thanks, pride that my wife, Meredith, and I derive from be friendsi we would dry up without your care and con~ ing a small part of the legacy represented by Har cern. mony Foundation. The general fund drive (spoken And speaking of brotherhood ... I am so proud of about elsewhere in this issue) is the lifeblood of the our Association of Intemational Champions (AIC) mission and the work of the Foundation. I hope gold medal quartets who appear on our chapter you'll find a way to join us in supporting the future shows, teach at our district schools, coach our cho, of SingAmcrica and SingCanada, Heartspring j and ruses and quartets and provide us with a wonderful our Heritage Hall ivluseu1l1, with a gift to Harmony selection of CDs and tapes. The now famous AIC Foundation's general fund. Friday night show was a highlight of the Anaheim Lees Harmonize, convention. The big news about their show at Kan, sas City is a cameo appearance by our 1980 champs, ~L The Boston Common. And, speaking of fonner champs, it sure is good to hear that The Bluegrass P.S. Thrce issues into it, and I'm proudcr still of Student Union is back, replete with a new CD. our new Harmonizer, How do you like it? 8The HARi\,IONIZER • Nm'(>lIIberlDecember 1999 ANNOUNCING The Vocal Ma'ority 20th Century Co lection A Limited Edition Boxed Set 'I~ - II I ,.. - I- A' - I "I la. I /"', II, I{ j I(.. I 1 1(; I SLxtecn recordings. Nearly 200 State-Of-The-Art HOW TO ORDER songs. And a first·evcl' release of Remastering Technolgy the songs that have won eight Each 20th Century Collection from the Gold Medals in SPEBSQSA In addition, the early recordings Vocal Majority boxed set is $74.95 Intcmational Chorus Competition. released by the Vocal Majority have (available in CDs only). Please add $7.50 It's the Vocal Majority 20th been completely remastered. Never per order for S&H shipped in the U.S. Century Collection. before on Compact Disc, these Please add $25.00 for shipment outside recordings will feauue the early of the U.S. ONLY 3,000 sound ofthe Vocal ~'lajOlity like Individually Numbered Sets you've never heard it before. The Phone: Calt l~OO·VMSONGS (867·6(47) Only 3,000 Vocal Majority 20th Vocal Majority 20th CentlllY Mail: Send your check payable to the Century Collection recordings will Collection will include Vocal Vocal J\lajority, P.O. Box 29904, Majority songs from these ever be produced. And Dallns, TX 75229. recordings: they will be individually Email: sales@vm,org 1. Standing Room Only (1976) numbered and signed 2. Champs Back To Back (1976) Internet: www.vm.org by the Vocal Majority's 3. With ASong In Our Hearls (1979) legendary director, Jill ---..: 4. Here's to The Winners (1980) YES Please send me ~The Vocal J\lajOlity: Clancy. Order early 5. From Texas With Love (1981) 20th Century Colleclion Box Set- because the more 6. Oecade of Gold (1983) desirable lower 7.AII the Best (1983) Box Set@ $74.95 $---- numbered sets will 8. Secret of Christmas (1985) Shipping and handling $._--- 9. Voices In Harmony (1987) be delivered on a Texas residents add 10. For God, Country. and You (1988) first-come, first·scrved basis. applicable sales tax at 8.25% $, _ 11.1'11 Be SeelngYolI (1990) Total $, _ 12.Allelula (1992) SPECIAL BONUS 13. The Music Never Ends (1996) Every Gold Medal 14. How Sweet the Sound (1997) Name: _ Winning Performance 15. Vocal MaJorllyWith Strings (1998) Address: _ 16. All SPEBSQSA Gold Medal Winning As a special bonus, this boxed set Contest Sets from 1975 through 1997 will include a special CD which For a complete list of all songs in Telephone # features the Gold Medal winning this special collection, go to our City/State/Zip _ contests of 1975, 1979, 1982, 1985, website, www.vm.org. 1988, 1991, 1994, and 1997. Never This collection is available for before have all of these contests $74.95 (plus $7.50 S&H). (Please ___ CHECK/MONEY ORDER ENCLOSED been heard on one CD. Imagine ot note that "Whit.e Cluishnas , our ___ BILL MY _ Visa _MasterCard l hearing "Who ll Take J\'ly Place currcnt release, is available CARON EXP__ When I'm Gonel! from the first separately). CaU, email, or fax. your Gold 1I1edal performance in 1975 Thank you for your orderl order today. with the same stereo quality as We MUST have your complete account number and e}(plratlon date for credit card orders, "Redhead" on the SPEBSQSA along with name, shipping address, and your Contest Stage in 1997. telephone number. Your telephone number Is very Important! Having It means we can call you wltl, any questlotls and avoid shipping delays. NOI'ember/December /999 • The HARMONIZER9 Start the holidays right Boxes top gift ach year at Christ Enas, tbe Lebigh Val ley Harmonizers help lists out with the Bethlehem or many newer members, the great Salvation Army Kettle Fquartets of the past arc just names. Drive. Members take Hearing the music that made them shifts over the coursc of monuments of the barbershop style is one Saturday just before a difficult proposition at best, usually Christmas singing carols requiring a helpful collector and a at one of the local semi~legal taping scheme. kettles - usually at a lo No more. Boxed sets arc the hottest cal shopping cenrer. trend in the barbershop recording Salvation Army offi~ market these days, offering a rfe, cia Is always report that it mendous selection of great music is one of the best collec Dick Pedersen ®, Chip Moyer W in crisp, remastered digital audio. tions of the season. Lou Nlcharol, particular notc1 this Iimitcd edition • "I'm Sitting On Top OfThe With our secure release of3JXX) units features tracks World," as sung by Second Edition server, you can lise your from each of the VM's eigbt gold • IIAin't Misbehavin'lI VISA or MastelCard to medal perfonnances. • "This Little Light Of Mine/Do order convcntion regis~ Needless to say, all these Lord Medley" trations online. Tours great gift items (and dozens A bonus for newt)· registered qllar~ and other special events more) are available at tets: enroll in lvillsic Prclniere for one will come online later in HallllollyMarketplace.com year at the regular pricc, and get the the year. or 8oo-876-SING. second year free! Save money-save time-and get your con~ finnation via email. 10 The HARMONIZER • NO\,(!lIIb('r/D('Ct'lIIb~r 1999 Web essentials Still more proof that singing barbershop WWW./JaI"'0I1)71""l NOI'ember/December /999 • The HARf\'IONIZER11 Bands of gold, badges to match Pete Bermel of the Fairfax, Va. Chapter hit on a great way to show his wife how important her loyally to the barbershop hobby is to him. This cute lillie stocking stuffer means your bride can say, "YesI It's great to be married to a Barbershopper."Throw in a lanyard to protect her blouses from pin holes, and YOU'll have her outfitted for every barbershop event. Strut that barbershop in ~~~~~ 20 choruses invited to Harmony Sweepstakes CJ-;11~ international contest ow in its fifteenth year" the Harmony Sweep More than 250 choruses competed In stokes A Coppello Festlvol draws from hundreds N Is your album district contests this fall. Of these, 171 of vocal groups fwm around the country with re scored in the "B" range and above, gional competitions in eight cities. The winning awinner? compared with 153 choruses achieving group from each festival is flown to perform in front that level in 1998-a promising of celebrity judges ond 0 solei-out house of enthusios Prove it! indication that more choruses are tic 0 coppel," fons ot the Notionol Fimls, "T11e Contemporary developing quality performance skills. Barbershoppers have done well in recent years. A Coppello Record Four wild card invitees (indicated by 0) Metropolis WOll it oil in 1998, Ollel SPEBSQSA Ollel 1 ing Awords cclebrate the will join the 16 district representatives to Sweet Adelincs quartets have been successful in re best 0 coppella releaseel the Big Show. Affiliate choruses will be gional competitions throughout the '90s. anywhere on the planet. named soon. Introduce barbershop hannon)' ~ and your quar Every albull.1 released • Alliance Chorus (JAD) tet - to new audiences: audition for the Harmony between Jan. I, 1999, • Ambassadors of Harmony (CSD) Sweepstakes. Details are online at anel Dec. 31, 1999, is Big Chicken Chorus (DIX) wWlV.harmon)'~sweepstakes.comor contact: cligible---<]uortet or • Granite Statesmen (NED) Harmony Sweepstokes A Coppello Festivol P. O. Box D chorus, male, female or • Great American Chorus (ILL) 0 mixed group. Great Lakes Chorus (PIO) San Anselmo, CA 94979 A few years ago the Great Northern Union (LOL) (415) 455-8602 [email protected] barbershop category was Heart Of Texas (SWD) 0 Boston New York conccled for lock of sub Heralds or Harmony (SUN) Saturday, March 11 Saturday, Feb 26 missions, and we don't Men Of A Chord (SLD) Cohen Allditon'WIl S)'lllphon)' Sfxice Pelfomling want that ever to hap~ Midwest Vocal Express (LOL) 0 l'dike ~\'lcGon.'lll Am Cenrer 508·485·8976 Ronnie Iwlfano 201-365-0049 pen again. To enter, New Tradition Chorus (ILL) mmcgol'cm1Yplc .rom Ilg}[email protected] send two copies to: Pot O'Gold Chorus (FWD) Pacific Northwest CARAs Saltalres (RMD) Chicago Saturday, March 25th 1850 Union St., Senate-Aires (EVG) Saturday, March 18 \Vl15hingron Center for the #4, PMB 1449 • Singing Buckeyes (JAD) 0 NonhShore Center Far Pelforming Arts San Francisco, CA o Thoroughbreds (CAR) PeJfonning Arts Datid Mel,le .. 36O·4/2-i!868 Gar, Podolsky 847-215-2821 metzlel@ol)'lm,net 94123 o Toronto Northern Lights (ONT) gm")'[email protected] o The Virginians (MAD) San Francisco • Vocal Majority (SWD) Denver Saturday, February 26 SlllUla)', March 25 Palace Of Fine Arts Tiek)'o He(~nts Pelfollllillg Arts Center Wllr(l Criminis "Singing Here With Dad ... " 415-455-8602 Row,.,. JohnJOn 303-346· 1966 lwmlOn)'@singers,com How would you like to sing on the stage at the international con~ Los Angeles vcntion? Better still, how would you like to make it a family affair? Washington DC TBA You can - os port of the Fother/Son/Gmndson Chorus. Pur Saturday, February 26 Peter NellShnl chase packets of music and learning tapes for I'Lida Rose "and timer Auditorill1Jl, Geor,g-e ~all 3/0·543·/902 \'Vl15ningroll Unirersil)' "Singing Here With Dad)) in the Harmony lvfarketplace or [email protected] 800-876-SING to order, Sign up for the chorus by contoctmg National Finals: Saturday May 6, 8.00 PM convention@sIJebsqsa,orgor 800-876-SING x 8462. Hun) - tltis cllO ~'I(/)in Vl'temnJs Al1dilOliwlI, San Rafne/ CA nlS will be limited to 150 singers! John NraI415·455-8602 12 The HAR.MONIZER • Nol't'lIIbedDen'mher /999 INTRODUCING THEIR 3RD RECORDING "UNFORGETTABLE" • You'll Never Go Wrong With A Song • Sound of Music Medley • You Made Me Love You • Alley Cat • Unforgettable • YOUI' Mother Should Know Medley • Atlanta's Jumpin' (This Joint Is Jumpin') • There Goes M)' Heart • Ida/Aiu't She Sweet • Nice Work IfYou Can Get It • America Medley "ONE MOMENT IN TIME" "GOl\'NA BUILD A MOUNTAIN" • My Ik.m Stooo.l Still ·l'mGon.nalJuildA Mounlain ·It Don't Me3n A Thing Uf II Ain'l Got ThJISII'ing) • Origil1~1 Di,idmd ()rl(' Step • Sonn)' BoylDJnn)' 80)' • \\'h Namc _ Address _ City Statc Zip Code _ E-mail Address _ "Unforgettable" CD!s @ $15 ea Cassette!s @ $10 ea. $ _ "One Moment In Time" __CD!s@$15ea. __Cassctte!s@$lOea.$ _ "Gonna Build A Mountain" __CD!s @ $15 ea. __Cassette!s @ $10 ca. $ _ Subtotal $ _ Mail check or moncy order (US funds) to: EXCAL18Ult 1609 Stonepinc Court· HudsOll, 'VI 54016 Postage + Handling $-----.2..Q(L E·mail Address: [email protected] Total $ _ NO\'('lIIberi/JeCt'm!Jl'1' /999 • The HARMONIZER13 Don Kahl, Rural Route 4, 1986 international champion How to be agreat tenor ....,_...... ecribing IIhow to sing great tenor" is a bit like demonstrating how to chy one's " back without lIsing one's hands. YOLI pretty much leanl by doing and not by DON'S J reading. Does reading an article in a golf magazine help your game? There arc, ...LI-..,'" however, some tips that are translatable to your tenor,singing teclmiques. Sometimes, in OUf attempt to conserve enough air to maintain support 8 through a phrase, we don't achieve preparatory breath well in the first place. TIPS FOR Make the breath part of the release while forming the next intended target. BETTER TENOR Barbershop (>elionners are always behind the focus of the ensemble sounds we create. Listen carefully. SINGING Shift body weight at appropriately frequent intervals. Maintain shoulder posture, and keep chin and "Adam's 1 "Rehearse apple" in a comfortably low position. Breathe to lllcre is no stich thing in "justly" tuned barbershop consume air, notjustenough tenor singing as a half step. Tenors need to work dili~ not to gently to sing in tune with the lead. Be alert to the conserve to get it right, need for lifting or settling certain intervals as you re~ butenough to hearse and perform. The chord that the audience perceives as "ringing" is 2 neverget it because of instantaneous adjustments. A tenor and his Finish lead can never duct too much. phrases with a wrong." "Imagineering" or "looping" one's performance is ex~ breath cellent for creating a consistent and positive frame of mind. Rlln through your entire pelfonnance in your 3 m.ind. The more you prepare yourself the more confident you'll be. Rehearse not Listen harder just enough to get it right, but enough to never get it wrong. Every tenor 1 ever heard, to a greater or lesser degree, was and is one of my favorites. But there are three men who are at the top of my personal list. Each of 4 these men was blessed with consistently accurate melody singers. (Timing is less (1 Move feet to /))"oblem wilen tile melody is well Slmg.) Two of these men may not be as well stay fresh known as the third, but they are giants to me and taught me welL Gene Cokecroft was flawless as he sang with the Suntones, and he has an 5 unbelievably beautiful voice. For his unfailing artistry in every performance, he There are no tops my list. half-step Ed Rooke,· sang with the Central States District's legendary Merry Mugs quartet in the early days in my barbershopping life. The happiness that filled Ed's intervals eyes when they perfonned has been a beacon to me during some of my most stressful pelformances 6 Dale Radford possessed a crisp, lyrical and clear, almost Irish tenor quality. I Duet the recall his voice atop more than one Southwestenl District foursome. \Vatching melody him taught me much of what I now describe as instant matchability. But, as I said earlier, and I mean it, every tenor is my hero. To Gene 7 Cokecroft, Dale Radford and the late Ed Rooker, my everlasting thanks for what Rehearse you taught and gave me. Now, if anybody wants to know even more firsthand how we pass on the gospel ofgreat barbershop tenor singing, come to Harmony until College someday, and I'll see yOll in class. error-free then do it again The Three Tenors: 8 Don Kahl, Gene Cokeroft, "Loop" your Ed Rooker. performance 14 The HARMONIZER. NOW'lIIbl!r1Decelllbf!l' 1999 The Perfect Gift for Your Barbershopper From Louisville #1 Chapter of S.P,E,B.S.Q.S.A. The Thoroughbreds 20 Gold Medal Performances by The Chorus and Chapter Quartets Order Today! Only $20.00 plus $4.95 Shipping and Handling. Order By Phone! Call 1-877-666-8743 and place your order with Holly. She is waiting for your call!! Or Send Your Order to: Solid Gold: 404 Hidden Oak Way, Louisville KY 40222 Please send _ Copies at $20.00 each (plus $4,9S for the first CD and $2,00 per each additional CD) to: Name SI.Address _ City State Zip Code _ Paying by check __ Money Order or Visa/MC # Exp, date _ Don't forget our 51st Annual Holiday Show Dec. 3rd and 4th. Phone orders at tire number abov Nu\·emberllJec('lIIhl'l' /999 • The IIARMONIZER15 What does ) ) stand for? Take the FRED t was the moment for the announce; come up with your bits? Who comcs up super-quiz! ment we all were waiting for in Ana; with the ideas?" Choose one: heim. Chuck Hunter, grinning ear to A poor question, indced! Nonethe~ 1. FRED stonds for truth, cor, yelled, "Yourl999 Gold Medol less, it's worthy ofan answcr bccause )'011 justice and the Amcrl; Quartet Champion)) ... my heart want to know. First of all, we truly re~ can way. stopped beoting for what seemed like sent thc term "bits." We feel it dimin~ 2. FRED stonds for Four three months ... "FRED!" And the en ishcs the tme depth and pothos of grem Really Awesome tire audience broke into wild hysteria. I comedy. Dudes ... no, guess not, tllmed to hug my wife, Carla, and she You know, it's like asking, llHow do thot would be FRAD. was on all fours, sobbing and mumbling you come up with your stuff!" We prefer 3. FRED stonds for.some something completely incoherent. to call our work lIeggplant." But we can thing the quortet could What a terrific nine years ofcamara; forgive and forget-as a matter of fact, not mention and still cleric, fellowship, hard work, coaching, wc forget all the time. All four of the get this ortiele pub rehearsing, exploring, idea bouncing and FREDs are in the eggplont business lishcd. fun led up to that announcement~ one person just couldn't be that stupid. Got a better suggestion? probably a greot deol more fellowship First, Rick has the idea to do some~ Best eno)' (as jlldged by the and fun thon hord work. But it oil comc thing funny. Then Clay and Joe agree qllartet) sent b)' 12/1/99 to down to those few seconds; a new quar~ with Rick ond finolly Jared does some fred@spebsqsa.org wins a tet champion had been named. thing. When this fails, thc first altemo FRED compact disc from Like many champions who preceded tive is generally for Rick to select a song Hannony Marketil/ace. them, FRED started quite low in the to best carry the idca and write the international standings. As Rick porodI' lyrics. Then, Cloy supports the LaRosa puts it, "We've got a great ftl~ idea with an arrangemcllt that optimizes ture behind us." the quartet's voices and augnlcnts the Over the past several years, we've at~ comic devices of the song. Next, Joe tempted to respond to oil the notes of honds the finished song to Jored ond congratulations, questions, suggestions Jared changes it so that no one recog~ -by- (well, most of them) and correspon~ nizes where we started. Tlwm Hine is FRED's dence received from FRED fans. Let rne Simple. Next question, please. bllsiness manager, Cla)"s share a few more of FRED's innermost lIHow do you turn a comedy quartet dad, and oh )'es, Dixie secrets with you. into one that also sings grcatr' Distlict president. One admirer writes: lIHow do you All four of thc FREDs comc up with 16 The HARMONIZER. NOI'ember/December 1999 ''Who are those nice boys, anyway?" Gelling to know FRED Tenor Lead Bari Bass Jared "Pookie" Carlson Rick LaRosa Clay Hine Joe Clay Age 29 Age 39 Age 35 Age 45 Married, two children Married, two children Married, two children Married, three children joined Society 1986 joined Society 1972 joined Society 1978 joined Society 1980 InSllral1Ce Adj lister Company VP Sales Engineer Information Systems Di~ "1 enjo)' nmning around in "My idea of happiness is a "I can Pllt Illy foot behind rector for Coca-Cola my backyard chasing small 00)' wir/lOl the sarne answer on this one: III don't know, but I'm open for suggestions. 1I What it's like to And finally, lilt's been a long time since acomedy quartet has won the gold. coach FRED How did you do it?" My first experience in cry. All four of thc FREDs attributc this coaching FRED was in One of my greatest barbershop thrills to the fact that comedy is probably the 1991 as the quartet was was filling in on tenor with FRED at the most difficulr presentation style for the preparing for its first inter~ 1997 midwinter convention in Sacra~ performer to successfully command. One 11 national competition in menro. I'll bet I fell down more times overriding goal of the quattet is ro keep Louisville. I knew right that weekend than I did when I was first the audience and judges laughing so loud -by from the start that these learning to walk! I found out later that and so long that when each song is COIll' Joe guys were different, and they had me fall down three extra times pleted, the judges will have absolutely Connelly, that their purpose was to during the pelfonmmcc, just for the fun no idea how to score it. lead, entertain every audience of it. Looks like it worked! Platinlll11 to the best of their abili- The audience has always come first ties. for FRED, so it's great to sec FRED fi At the risk of being serious for just a It's always been a lot of fun for me to nally finish first for the audience. Hear~ couple of seconds, FRED extends a sit in on their parody~fonning rehearsal ing the Anaheim crowd chanting heartfelt thank-you for all the support sessions. Rick being the mastermind FRED, FRED, FRED, FRED as the 1999 so freely given by all four families. With with lyrics, Clay having the awesome international quartet champion was an~ out such support and loyalty from those talent to put those lyrics to music, Joe nounced is an experience l'll always re~ who love ancl are loved so deeply, this being the rock-solid vocal foundation for member; althnugh I'll try my best to for accOinplishtnent would be but a distant the foursome and Jared, of course, the get! (Joe's qlllll'tC! took rhe sifver.] dream. Thanks for all your time, love unparalleled king of timing and deliv- and patience. And finally to all the au diences FRED has had (or will have) the pleasure and honor to meet, this barber' It takes avillage to raise avillage idiot shop world would be an empty place, FRED is larger than just jared, Rick, Clay and joe. The quartet thanks the many indeed, if not for your enthusiasm for who contributed to FRED's success as coaches and mentors: Tim Brooks, Jim Cascy, this fOllT~pc'lrt sport. Thanks and we love Greg Lyne, Cindy Hansen, joe Connelly, Greg Clancy, Tom Schlinkert, Ken y'all. Buckner, numerous Dixie Top Gun Invitational (acuity members and perhaps a hundred or morc omitted. You are the best friends and givers in the Society. Nor('l1/ber/December /999 • The HAR~\'IONJZER 17 Brooks breaches security, four separate high,bias cnssettes by their Cindy's trip inside FRED's heads reveals FRED's secret plans captive sound engineer. Their business Il'lCmagcr then holds a fifteen minutc ses; FRED is.... My relationship with FRED dates sion with updates of their stock portfo •A few fries short ofa Happy Meal. back to their origins in 1991. After just lio, tlleir mcrchandising contracts, prod • All foam and no beer. a few months together, they competed uctsales, fan mail, autographs, and guest • And ifthey were given in the Dixie prelims and, appearances. Then, their wardrobe man the opportunity to much to their surprise, ager takcs five minutes to try somc new drink from the foun qualified for lntemational. fashion designs for them and possible li tain of knowledge, At that point, they all censing to others. Finally, they close out they would only gargle. agreed that the quartet their session with "We Sing That They But that's what you've -b)· should actually take their Shall Speak," "Let's Get Together gotta love about 'em. Cind)' -by growth seriously. Well, as Again/' a medley ofall the national an; How can you not enjoy Hansen, Tim anyone who knows FRED thems from the countries they've visited, being entertained by four coach Brook., , will attest, UseriOllS" has a and finally, "Keep The Whole World gex)d friends having fun? cooch vcry broad definition. Singing.1I I think what was best about working A typical FRED reheal,al OK, so that's a bit much. A typical with FRED is that it was never work. is very focusedj They meet each and rehearsal isn't quite that productive or However, I had to tell them it was work, every Tuesday promptly at 6:45 PM. structurcd. With all the musical, to make surc I got paid. ll,ey begin with "llle Old Songs", then comedic and creative talent in the quar; I had a front row seat for almost seven go directly in to thirty minutes ofwarm, tet, stl1lcture and productivity aren't al years, thc one most of you would have up and vocal technique led by a local ways the easiest things to attain. Quite paid season ticket prices ro have. All the music teacher/vocal coach. This is fol the contrary: my job as one of their U out takes" that happened are better lowed by an hour of repertoire review coaches, has typically been to try to keep than anything you cver got to see on and performance enhancements in the quartet focused. This can be likened stage. (ront of a customized, quartet'width to a phrase many of you have probably The harder you pushed the more they mirror designed specifically for them to seen in a popular email message of late: played, and actually some of their best be highly reflective, yet simultaneously Like trying to nail)ello'" toa tree. How materials came from those types of ses reduce the glare from Pookie's forehead. everj I wouldn't trade the experience for sions. You think you have been blessed They then move swiftly into a fifty, anything. and thcy have touched your livcs with minute segrnenr dedicated to new song Yes, coaching FRED can be a chal smiles and laughter- you have no idea. learning and arrangement "tweaking" lenge. But, the payoff is well worth the recorded for them simultaneously on effort. 1998 International Quartet Champions FEATURING Sentimental Gentleman /;';'om GfOlgia lIem QIY. Price Totar co $15 each Casselle $10 each Shlpplng $2.50 CA 'fslder~s add ].7!>!• ....:~.lA.c Total Enclosed Please specify U.S.lunds. Oulside NOlIn America add 52.SO per item. f Method 01 Pa-,.menl: o VISA Q MasterCard 0 Discover o AM EX a Check 0 Money Order Card' Exp, _ Sptule _ Name _ Acklless ~ _ City, StatefPrO'/., ZiplPC _ Also send orders via: Phone: 619.472.5049 Fax: 619.624.9525 Phone Country E-mail: [email protected] Mail form and payment to: REVIVAL· 9779 San Diego Street· Spring Valley, CA 91977 Website: Vv\vw.harmonize.comjrevival The d:Sl/ibutkJn. sale or advertising of uoofflclal rocord'ngs Is oot a reprosentatloo lhallhe contents 01 such reoord'ngs are appropriate for contest use. 18 The IIARMONIZER • NtH'ember/December /999 "California Here I Come" ., Dedication to Larry Ajer little over five years ago, when the Mas; by arranger David Wright ters ofHarmony agreed to host the 1999 International Convention, little did we "larry continually led us toward know the rough and rocky road that lay new heights in musical pertor ahead ofus. After Dr. Greg Lyne left the mance, enlightening and inspiring chorus to share his exceptional gifts with Barbershoppers at all levels. The the Barbershop Society at large, we faced many who benefited greatly trom a difficult traosition. In the three years hiS Wisdom include the Masters of H~:mony and this arranger. The road to between OllT historic victory in Salt Lake City in 1996 and our recent win in Ana~ It IS an honor to have learned from this great man; he enriched theirfourth heim, the Masters experienced a host of hurdles and challenges. During these everyone he touched. He lives on by virtue of the gifts of love and straight trying times, under the solid leadership knowled,ge he left with us. The of our lvlusic Committee coupled with Masters performance of this goldtook the strong administrative skills of our Board of DirectOl'S, our chapter family splflted song will surely reflect larry's keen insights on the art nothing has remained faithful and persevered, and psychology of entertainment." except growing even stronger in the face of ad~ versity. Our dedication and resolve were brains, never more fully put to the test than when we set about the daunting task of talent, simultaneously hosting and competing in an international contest. The gift these people generously gave hardwork The Masters ofHannony have always us was the freedom to concentrate on had a policy requiring every active mem~ the task of seeking OUL' fourth chorus and ber to undertake a nonmusical job for championship ofthe decade. Our direc the good of the chapter. In tackling as tor, Jeff Oxley, started us on the journey absolute massive an undertaking as hosting an when he took over the directorial reigns commitment intel1"mtional convention, it was essen; in January 1998. Over the next year and tial that every member rise to the occa~ a half, he coaxed and cajoled, prodded from sian and contribute his part toward and preened, perspired and inspired, and meeting this enormous challenge. successfully led us to divisional and dis the 135 men Since the Mastel, needed to be free trict championships. during much ofthe convention week to During this time, the barbershop ofthe reheal'Se and mentally prepare for COI11; world suffered the tremendous and un; petition, we knew that we would need timely loss of one of our coaches, Larry Masters of some assistance. Fortunately, our friends Ajer. Arranger extraordinaire David from the Southern California area gladly Wright focused his reflections and fond Harmony. and graciously offered a helping hand. affection for Larry into a creative en; Now'lIIbedDe<.'emhl'l' /999 • The HAJUvlONIZER19 de"vor and in June of 1998 presented As the contest week quickly ap the Masters with "California, Here I proached, the excitement grew as we an Come," ticipated the Anaheim arrival of more 'Think, With this wonderful new uptune, than 10,000 fellow Barbershoppers. Ea embellished by the choreographic genius ger to extend a sunny Southern Califor of Cindy Hansen and Wayne Mendes, nia welcome, we fervently strove to put the Masters of Harmony dedicated the last minute preparations into place. Al men!" contest cycle to ourdear, departed friend most before we knew it, the masses be and mentor. Larry's wife, Kim, added an gan to descend upon Disneyland and the The Illllsic team ancl the members of extra emotional clement to our reprise Arrowhead Pond, leaving uS desperately the Masters of Harmony realized early of the ballad "When Day Is Done" by trying to fully embrace each experience on that, in order to win a fourth gold sharing with us her heartfelt words of and memorize each moment, all the medal in a single decade, they would encouragement and appreciation for the while attending to the dual tasks at have to do much more than just train bond of love we shared with her hus hand, running the convention and fo ... hard and sing well. They knew each band. Her tears and tender words lent cusing on our pelformance preparation. singer would need more emotional in ... an additional depth and poignancy to Although each member has his own volvement in his music and presenta... the pClformance of the already power, story to tell in his individual quest to tion than ever before. ful lyric. negotiate this difficult challenge, at the With a tip of the hat to The Inner Once these two musical vehicles were end of the week, when the dust had Game of Music for Barbers"oppers by tweaked and fine tuned by the unparal, settled, despite the odds and the adver Larry Ajer, Dr. Greg Lyne and Barry Ieled coaching regimen ofDr. Greg Lyne, sity, together we had weathered the Sllll'" Green, I worked with Dr. Paul Laemmle Greg and Jim Clancy, and Joe Connelly, dry storms and achieved our lofty goal: to create a visualization that each mem we felt confident that we could join the a golden convention.• bercould practice on his own. It was pre... elite company ofthe 1954 SingingCapi -b)'- sented at a weekend... long rehearsal and tal Chorus, the first and only other cho Steve Hansen sings wit" coaching retreat. The members were 11.tS to host and win an international Call' tile Masters of Hannon)' given a quick relaxation technique, and test. when they had quieted their minds, they were instructed in a IlTheatre of the ~1ind" that ran about six minutes and took them through the entire contest cycle. They imagined being backstage, and ?How? pictured thenl.selvcs giving their all... out best in perfonnance, and even imagined How does a chapter man, to staff all of the func being presented with a gold medal by age to both host an inter tions. The remainder their section leaders. national convention and came from the Southern °VOlunteer By practicing perfection in their then successfully compete California family of stats minds three times a day in meditative at that S<'lme convention ~ SPEBSQSA and SAl state, each member learned to eliminate Answer: IIlats of help!" members. • 435 volunteers internal distractions and give his whole Long before the Mas Surprisingly, almost • 29 commilees heart to every phrase he sang with the ters knew we would com, 500 volunteer hours were • 21 SPEBSQSA chorus. The last few weeks before con pete in Anaheiln, it was received from people with Chapters test, members shared the sights and the desire of the chapter no current barbershop af • 17 Sweet Adelines sounds of previous victories until every leadership to host the big filiation, Stich as the chapters guy could see it and hear it and feel it. event. It started with a Southern California High • 6,000 total By July, contest day was a series ofevents convention bid in 1993. School All-Star chorus volunteer hours they hacl ulived" 100 times before. Committee planning ancl fanner chapter lnem... • 3,000 volunteer We built on the spirit of brotherhood began in depth in 1997, bers attending the can... hours from MOH that has always been at the heart of the and with most details in vention. families MOH by inviting resident quartet place by the start of 1999, The outpouring ofhelp • 500 volunteer chmnps and beginners alike to share the fulfilling convention staff... from so many people to hours from non thrill of winning and the dreams of fu ing assignments was now make the convention a barbershoppers ture accomplishments. Each man be... the major task. Although success was so over • 2-1/2 years came part of a family which encourages Santa Fe Springs is a big whelming that current planning one another to always strive (or excel chapter with an active Santa Fe Springs Chapter lence, rally around a once... in ... a... lifetime extended family, staffing President Marlin Fors goal and make every performance his was going to be a chal made a point of thanking best. Because the thrill ofit is in the jour lenge even if we weren't these volunteers first, ney, together. • competing. The MOH when accepting the inter... -b)' family, including a large national chorus champi ... Marlin -b)'- contribution from our la ... onship trophy in front of Fors is t"e Steve Goebel is a Masters dies, provided about half 10,000 enthusiastic c"apter Hannon)' coach. ofthe 6,000 hours needed Barbershoppers. president. of 20 The HAIH...10NIZER • NOl"/!/IIbl!/IDecember /999 - - ~ - ~ y-:::q\;A-:- 8\1\_ ::;-Cq_S ::;-1\V P 'C\J ------The Masters' Plan: , 'I ten steps to California Gold n 1. Plan from the start established. Established Convention Planning 5. Hold lots of sectlonals TIle unex, Team; two orgnnizations, music and Key to learning music and words pected loss of support. For Anaheim, there was a rapidly - these were coupled to Larry Ajer was separate International Convention learning tapes that facilitated rapid difficult to over- """ Committee. learning. come - nobody could ~ Began planning at threc... year Imint Key to solving musicality problems fill in for him or match the mutual prior to international. on a continuing basis. admiration we all shared - we kept Layout entire cycle month by Important when singing in shotgun asking ourselves, UWhat would month and plot critical music and formation - each singer must be Larry have doner' It appears we logistic deltas; music introduction, comfortable as an individual. guessed right. presentation plan introduction, reg... istrations, housing, financing, quali... 6. Retreats are a good thing g. Psychology is part of winning ficatioi1S, transportation, retreats, We went on two retreats; one be; We desig!1ated one of our singers pelformances, etc. fore district and one before Ana; who was deeply respected by the This outline will focus on the music heim. chorus for his communication skills, preparation with overlap into sup'" Held them early enough before and appointed him resident chap port logistics where obvious. contest so that lessons learned from lain and psychologist. weekend had time to be incorpo, He developed and planned weekly 2. If it ain't broke don't fix it rated, three weeks before district activities that involved the morale With three previous champion and five weeks before international. and emotional well being of each ships, the outline for winning was Rough plan established for week singer, from both the team and in; already established end but not minute,by,minute. dividuCll perspective. Some 1l1Odification to plan due to Start Friday night and finish Sun With the help of other singel~. con Jeff Oxley becoming music director day noon. ducted focus sessions on visualiza; with 18 months to go. Tremendous music and bonding tion, what it means to win a gold Jeff, already understanding what experiences. medal, learning to trust your winning required, recognized the brother, etc. plan was optimal and we pressed 7. Voice the chorus; qualify This process facilitates the bonding on. each singer process that amalgamates the old Transitioned to shotgun formation choms members and the new cho; 3. Select music eerly after divisional; some major voice HIS members into a new stronger We try to select our contest music placement at this point. family. two years in advance so it is ready Voiced the entire choms with ac, for introduction at the 18;t1lonth cornpanying riser placement in 10. It's a family affair point - at two;year point we had summer. Brotherhood and bonding lead to a no music director. Begin qualification planning after sense of family. Jeff arrived at 18-month point district competition - we actually Tradition and heritage adel to the uCalifornia Here I Comell intra, began qualifications in January sense of (amily. duced to chorus immediately after 1999 - finished in early Mal'. Hosting the international COlwen, divisional at 15,n10nth point. Recognize from the very beginning tion enhanced our sense of family Brought back 1990 winning ballad that "qualification" means you may and resulting togetherness. "\Vhen Day Is Done" for district leave some brothers behind. Family includes everyone who competition in October 1998 makes the joumey from immediate eventually made decision to keep 8. Program your coaches family to those who comprise the for Anaheim. As soon as Jeff was comfortable, we extended family. sat clown and reviewed the coaches 4. Work harder land smarter) we had traditionally used and the -by- Establish this work ethic carll' ones that Jeff wanted us to work Dan FllllerlOn is Mllsic & veteran singers need to be re, with. Perfonnallce VP. minded - new singers need to be We scheduled each coach for a introduced - continuing reminders session(s) at the time they would Read related stories at throughout the cycle. most benefit the chorus - each the Masters of Harmony Yesterday's lI ten" is taclay's lIseven." coach was contacted and the dates website: tvtvlll.mastcrsofhannoHy.org NowlllbedDecelllbel' 1999 • The HARMONIZER21 22 The HA R~\'IONIZER. I\OI'f!lIIheIID'I (cell/her J999 !b , ~- ---- Silence is not always golden. A set of empty risers also means a set ofempty hearts. You are the key to our Charitable Mission... Harmony Foundation NOl"embc:r/D«oember /999 • The HARMONIZER23 Give agift... give the future he holidays are almost here. It's a time Dear Harmony Harmony Foundation when we gather family and friends, en~ Foundation: joy special events, partake of wondetful I recently watched food and beverage, pelfonn special sing tile production your ing engagements, and share sacred mo grant helped subsi ments. This is all part of this festive sea dize. The actors were son. our very own youth So is the warm feeling ofhelping oth the ones who sociely ers. Barbcrshoppcrs have their own spe tends to overlook or cial way of helping young people, view as troublemak through gifts to the Harmony Founda ers. tion General Fund. This fund supports Every day during our important causes: Heartspl'ing, the the summer they Heritage Hall Museum of Barbershop rehearsed their lines, Harmony, and SingAmerica and memorized their SingCanada. marks, and learned You may have already received in the the art of listening mail a special invitation to help the and cooperating. voice of the next generation. Your gift When they presented can literally change lives through our their program titled support of dozens of young people who 'The Holy Spirit and learn life skills at the Heartspring Me," we all rejoiced at School, ,scores of visitors and scholars their accomplish who use the Heritage Hall Museulll, 24 The HARt\·]ONIZER • NOH!lI1ber/Decl!mher 1999 Now Available for Christmas bookings for 20001 """'" Tille Tapes co. Total R:urlimrs aSlo aSls The Most Wonderful Time or the Year OSlO a$IS Nothing rare about these guys! The Rilz S1ringio 'On AStar t «$10 «SIS Old Songs Are lusllike Old rrirnds I ~SIO 1.l$15 Among the most sought alter International Champion quartets in the I'm Beginning To Set' The Light t «$10 QSIS country, The Ritz are available in handy take home packages The Rilz on ~Ioonlighl Bay' aSlo «SIS especially designed lor Christmas. Orderyours today and be sure to Thr Rilz Aolholog,.l (i"c1uJa iltm' ,,-jlh "" •j Q~JJ «'49 catch them at their next performance. Anthology + 1 (.\loll mmduful Tim, or Raft Timn) a'40 6'60 Anthology + 2 f.lf(lll IrcJ1lJoful nmt J: ROlf TimtJ) 6'48 11'72 Shipping & Handling Amount Enclosed Namo Phonn _ Addross _ VISA/Me , ~ Exp. dale: _ City, St,Zip _ Signatur8 _ Send your check made payable to: The Rilz (Jpuify'USFuIIJ1') Ritz Recordings· Box 126 • Oakwood 0" 45873 • 1·800·555·2324 • ww\\;kordsmcn,orglritz .-.-.-•• I .-.-.•••• .1 .....~•• ,I ...... •••••• -.... . , .·:-.·1 ·...:-,. ·.:-...., : • :1 .....• ••1 •I ..: .: • • ·1 ..., ...., ·.., ••••••••1 .... •••••1 ....J _::::: •••••1 ·-!.·I..... •••••1 •••••1 •••••1 ..••..I ••• I ••• I •••• I .-:'1 -. •I ••• I .:-.: ••• I ••• I -= :": •• I .11••1 - ..-, ==...:::: www.irfpledlsc.com([email protected] ....., ••••• 700 Jackson Si. I Fmdorlcksburg, VA 22401 IImra••, NOI'emha/Decemhcl'1999 • The HARi\'IONIZER25 Hannony Explosion camp a dynamite experience tudcnts and teachers actually agreeing about music? How can this her' you ask. The answer is simple - it's barbershop harmony. "Barbershopputus on The smiles on the faces of the boys who came to Ball State University for Harmony Explosion Camp the map. Even the were matched by those of the teachers who accompa~ Administrationpaid nied theIn. For the majority of the boys, this was their first experience in the realm of close harmony. How~ attention to the Music ever, several of the teachers were "repeat customers." Often times, older Barbershoppers can't see a po~ Department." tentiat singer in a 16-yem"-old boy with a pierced ear, -Nelson Huntcl; tcacher, orange or bleached hair (Joe Connelly may be onro Lebanon, Indiana something!) and baggy jeans. As they walked from the donn to the rehearsal hall, many of the students lis tened to portable CD players and who knows what OtiS in his comments kind of music. When the evening sessions were fin about the students. "Salt ished they wanted to find a place to go dancing. But of the earth kids; they in the rehearsal hall they wanted to sing! And sing have been willing to do they did, and very well, too. Well enough, in fact, to anything we asked of prompt Society Music Specialist and clinician Bill them. They have been Rashleigh to comment Friday that the boys' progress confident as singers. -, was a "better second day than in the pastj their con~ They've been flexible in centration is higher." their ability to move from And that really was evident. You could hear the style to style, from barber improvement as the day pro~ shop to choral rnusic. It's gressed. The boys were able to mo really been an extraordi~ CD Ignite a tivate themselves to continue nary experience." Harmony Explosion working hard. Riser discipline was Sixteen-yem-old An never an issue or problem. tonio Copeland from Past Illinois District Quartet Muskegon Catholic Cen Learn more about Champion Sharper Image had a tral High School in Harmony Explosion role on the faculty, conducting Michigan, said he made Camps and how your coaching sessions and leading sec~ the six~hour trip on his chapter can become tion rehearsals. The quartet also own to attend the camp, a sponsor by calling sang on the Saturday night show. "all for the love of barbershop." Siudents at the Society Music He was sponsored to Harmony Ex~ Ihe HX Department at Salt of the earth kids plosion Camp thorugh a SingAmerica Camp In 800-876-SING: Linda Dr. Paul Drummond was the donation to Harmony Foundation by Muncie Neuenfeld, x8591 , guest clinician. His style of direct~ the Muskegon Chapter. Copeland, now covered a or Bill Rashleigh, ing was comfortable, and the boys a junior, said he tried barbershop a year~ wide range x8560, or email responded well to his leadership. and-half ago and has been hooked ever of music, [email protected] Drummond had high praise for the since. His foursome won its division and including Dates and loca organization of the camp, calling finished in fifth place out of 27 overall, barbershop, tions for the 2000 it lIan atmosphere where these kids an experience he called lithe best week~ glee club, HX camps should be can have the best possible and end of my entire life." gaspeland announced in most positive experience singing Copeland stood out from many ofthe Jazz. November; the draft with men." He was no less gener~ othersingers because ofhis total involve~ sclledule includes camps in the Cardinal, Norlheast ern, Southwestern and Sunshine The dislricts. faces of HX 26 The HARMONIZER. No\'embeI!Df.'cC'JIIbC'1' 1999 ment in the music. His explanation for it and loved it. They're even writing that was offered through a huge grin: "I their own tags. We had a show the night just get so much out of it, that's why I "The best my daughter was born and the kids went put so much in." on without me." weekend oj l'It's fun, it's motivational and inspi~ Is it "cool" to sing barbershop? myentire lift." rational," said Susan Keefer from Ask any of the students at HX Camp Wabash High School. "Every year we -Antonio Copeland, and you'd get an unequivocal uYes/' in have chapter sponsorship. I've got four student, reply. When pressed for more explana guys here this year. They're doing more Muskegon Catholic High tion, the members of Priority Male said barbershop and are more confident. all their friends think what they're do They're going to contest." ing is cool- especially the girls (it's very A quartet from Western Boone High Another third year HX veteran was important that the girls think you're School in Indiana (they were still Nelson Hunter from Lebanon} Indiana. cool). searching for a name), said similar things IlBarbershop put us on the map/' said lIYour friends think it's coo1," said lead about their friends} reactions to barber~ Hunter, a teacher for 34 years. IlEven our singer Andy Bruder. "They praise you shop harmony. lIThey love it ... they Administrative Department paid atten~ for it and they want to try it} too." never get tired of it," said bass Jason tion to the ~vlusic Department and the TIle quartet often sings at parties, has Davis. uWe sing the same songs over and principal knows about it, too. appeared numerous times in their home over and they never get tired of it. They IIM.usic should be fun/' said Hunter. town of Mount Zion, Illinois} and} of love barbershop music." IIOur upcoming freshmen and sopho~ course} is featured on their high school mores want to try it. Barbershop is a great music programs. The foursome also has Teachers make the HX program voice builder. I can't think of a better two Society chapter appearances thrive way to build boys." booked. In the final analysis, it's the teachers Rich Hansen, who sang in a quartet who bring their students to a Harmony named lIPARR For The Course" in the Explosion Camp, who will keep the pro~ CD The HX·HF Connection MBNA America Collegiate Barbershop gram viable and provide those students • The HX Camp concept was born Quartet Contest in Anaheim, is the with an incredible musical experience. at the creation of the quartet's coach. Hansen teaches history Fortunately, thc teachers understand SingAmerica and Sing Canada at Mount Zion High School. Priority and appreciate the valuc of HX and give movement Male is actually his second quartet at the it their wholehearted support. • HX Camp scholarships are school} having previously coached a Kelly Williams is from Sharpsville, supporled through SingAmerica foursome call HBored Of Education," Indiana, and this was her third year at (SingCanada) and Harmony which won the Illinois District high h1uncie. liMy guys never sang together Foundation General Fund school contest. before," Williams said. liThe kids tried contributions. You Heard Them At The 1999 International Convention in Anaheim! Xow, Jlusl gn 'Jime !for 'J.I1e Jioliclays, !four WorldGlass !J?ecordings... Two magnificent recordings featuring exciting and Order Your CDs and beauriful renditions of holiday favorites: Cassettes Today! Toll Free - 1-800-274-9887 or Order Online www.AIIAmericanBoysChorus.ol.g "A Little Christlllas ,'vIagie" "The Best Gift ~f All" CDs $15 Two thrilling salures to America and her music: CASSETTES $10 US Dollars PillS shippillg and handling 501(c)(3) lIoll-profit laX-e.H'Jllpr organization "011 the Sunil)' Side (~{the Street" "By Request.''' NorembeJ!J)ecell1be,. /999 • The HARivl0NIZER27 The music will never end at the Music Man 2(xx) convention s Barbershoppers1 our hearts belong to to involve a large segment of the 10' the music. Here are some of the special cal community in this event as well. musical events slated for the Music i\tlan • Best of the Collegiate Barbershop 2000 convention. Better news: most are Quartet Contest: Thursday, 4 to 5:30 at no cost. p.m.. This is primarily for college • Gold Medal Hour: Wednesday, 8:30 quartet members, either those com, to 9:30 a.m. This will be an hour with peting in the CBQC or guys who FRED, the current international want to get into a college quartet. quartet champion. It gives aspiring • Father/Son/Grandson Chorus: This quartet singers an opportunity to hear will be the creme de /a creme of par, the champ tell it like it is and to ask ticipatory singing in Kansas City, as questions about rehearsal techniques, family members spend time together warm~lIp ideas, song selection, etc. singing. !lUda Rose" will be one of • Mastel' Class: Wednesday, 9:30 to the songs and the other is USinging lia.tn. This is an opportunity for any Here With Dad." We are working to Barbershopper to hear the tricks of get a well-known father/son direct the trade from the current interna~ ing team for this event and it should tional champion chorus. The ~vlas' provide an emotional high for all who ters of Harmony will conduct this participate. There are plans to have class in Kansas City. the FSG chorus sing on stage follow • Gospel Sing: Thursday, 9:30 to 11:30 ing the chorus contest. Sheet music a.m. This annual event is organized and learning tapes are available The whole family lakes by Jerry Fairchild and the Good through the Harmony Marketplace. pari in the Massed Sing! News! quartet. It will most likely take (stock no. KC2000, $6)The logistics place in one ofthe churches in down, of this activity are still being worked town Kansas City. out, but mark it on your calendar if • Sing with the Champs: Thursday, 10 you and your son or grandson would a.m. to noon, and 1 to 3 p.m. This like to participate. program gives you the opportunity to • AHSOW: The Ancientand Hanno sing your part with an international nious Society ofWocxlsheclclers room champion quartet. The Association is open all week long. There is always ofIntemational Champions sponsors a group of singers in that room who -by/ine- the event, and publishes an advance can get you singing and tell you ev, lohn Schneider is list of the quartets that will partici erything there is to know about SPE13SQSA pate and a list of the songs the quar woodshedding. Man(lger of Conventions tets will be prepared to sing. There is Take advantage of every opportunity and Meetings. YOll can a table in the exhibitors area of the to sing-especially in pickup lobby qllar~ reach him at convention Marketplace where you tets! - and enjoy the convention to the 800-876-7464.\8444, or register to sing with a particular qual" maximum extent. jschneide,@spebsqsn.org tet in a specified time slot. You have to pay a small fee for this fan tastic experience, but you will receive a SING WITH THE video tape of the per formance. Events and • Massed Sing: Thurs times are day noon. The Massed listed as Sing will be held out presently side the headquarters scheduled hotel (Marriott Down Touch immortality for one and are town) at the plaza in moment as you sing with sublect to the heart ofdowntown a champion quartet like change. Kansas City. We hope Nightlife. 28 The HARMONIZER. NOl't'mbeliDeCl!/IIba /999 ~------. 'Ju4t 2-9! 2000 INSTRUCTIONS Complete order form and mail with Date Chapter name ~~ _ payment to: SPEBSQSA, 6315 Third Name Nickname _ Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53143·5199. Registration fee includcs a conven Spouse/guest name Nickname _ tion badge, a reservcd seaL at all contest Address _ sessions and a souvenir program. If yOll register for more than onc City State __ Zip Code person, please furnish complele infor Telephone Bus. () Res. () _ mation for each person on a separate sheet and attach to this order form, Quantity Type Rate Total (US funds) All registrations received prior to June 1, 2000 wiU he maUed. Those Adult (Pos/marked by 12/31/99J $85.00 ea. $ received after that datc may be pickcd lip at the convention rcgistration area Adult (Pos/marked aller 1/1/00) $100.00 ea. $ beginning Monday, July 3. 2000. Mail Jr. under 12 (Pos/marked by 12/31/99) $42.50 ea. $ ings will be made during the month of May 2000. Jr. under 12 (Pos/marked aller 1/1/00 $50,00 ea. $ Fulll'egir/rrllio!fJplflr:!taseddurillg Add 53 P&H for each 8 registrations ordered. ;fdtf~ (EX CYBER-TUNE f!J.LlJll.e THE NEW ELECTRONIC PITCH PIPE }tIll SCie/)<:'1l I.,~e Pitch .~ 00 0 YOU CAN'T SING Now you can shop for your o ~oi» t ON PITCH favorite Barbershop CDs, ~ ~09. Jf".9.P. IF YOU DON'T START songbooks, apparel, gifts ... ~ ,9. Primaril A CaSR.ella The Original Vocal Harmony Catalog The most complete source of barbershop recordings! www.s.ngers.com• /barbershop PO Box 0, San Anselmo, CA 94979· 7-S00-SING-7S7 • [email protected] No\'cmbcrlDeccmbcr 1999 • The HAR.MONTZER29 Whe does sight improve sound? When you conlbine your quarteUs sound wid! the reasonably pIiced, high-quality painted backdrops, draperies, lighting, and special f!fects fi:om the professionals at robins Lake Studios, robins Lake Studios has helped quartets like yours look good for the past 50 years, call (810) 229-6666 today & ask for our free catalog. You'/ljind everythlngyou need at Tobins Lake to meetyourscenic needs. Ex/pe~Vence the When You're Ready to Release a CD ... S~eet Southern Harmony of , ) the Atlanta Convention! Order 1999 Convention videos and recordings. Videotapes $35 • Audio Cassettes $10 • CDs $10 ( • Orders accepted until December 1, 1999,call toll free 800-992-7464 • Check out Sweet Adelines International's updated web site at www,sweetadlineintl,org ...lnn,1 tbv Illllflli-.. k>lllll~ al C,11111~,~k·. \\'(·'w lW\'1i I'n;lklll,,' (''ilIil~m{,:l ,lbq f;!ll\'\.· l(N4. \Vl'!n~ .{tllml i'll 11. \\VII hl'l!" ) (1lI 1ll~ .... 1 )'9111' dL'it~lIi Il{)~ illUJ ImlK ) Hlir TheCitationsonCD 1:11' !'i I, ill i'll i1rrtlrd;~hIL~ pI 0(' . ..~._._._.~._._.-. _. -.- ..-._.-.~ .~.- .-.•.•.- ...- ..~.~ I The Citations, 1965 Cardinal District champion Check out The Citations web page at i 1000 RQ!o11·R.ody (01...$1699 i and international tinalist quartet, has re : You !'UNity U1IIUlioi dis< ulld "I f1t~s..: mastered its two albums and combined them httpllhometown.aol.com! : VI. do all II>, 10$1, (011 101 doroll,. : on a single CD, Thirty-three songs; more than kenvention!citat ions. html L.~ .. ~ ~ ~.~ ! 72 minutes of music, including live contest cuts from the 1972 international contest. For immediate delivery, send S15 plus $2 S&H The Citations cMMDGK:. (Sorry ... checks only, please) To: Ken Buckner "An Evening to Remember" and GJ:~i:r 804 Stivers Road "They're Off and Singing" Louisville, KY 40207 (800)255040'10 hItP.//WWW••OI..Oo.II •.IOm ")~UltJl'II!IlI(l!,\l'"(IiJ.\'A~r\O ij,) '1<~<).'(Q 30 The HARMONIZER. NOI'ember/December /999 Lessons learned from Valentines '99 Press coverage introduces you Get hip to new audiences Walking through a school cOlTidor, one We were asked to appear on "CBC In of the students rcmarkc(t "There goes fonnation Nlot11ing." The host surprised those singing eludes!" his spouse by having us sing to her over JACK NE\Vl-(A,'l, !'R.E~IIU~I BLEND the airwaves. A member of the listen, Terre Haute, Ind. ing audience contacted LIS immediately, aneI we delivered later that night. While Extend your reach being serenaded by III Love YOli Truly/' All the sponsors and recipients should they dreamily looked at each other, kiss be put on your mailing list. These are ing while they sang. After sharing the the people who are interested enough joy of the experience, Mr. Beaton ex, to want to hire us! plained that he and his wife also had JOE NlJffiY musical talent. Inviting LIS to their (am, Ocean County, NJ Chapter ily rOOl11, decorated with musical notes, she sat at the piano and played LIS a Wall' Boost other people's image derful piece, accompanied by her lUIS' ~1y quarret delivered to my wife at the band on violin. What a treat! Bailey's Crossroads Office of the Inter GARY ProACH, PEACH CHORDS nal Revenuc Servicc. As we lcft, a ta,,~ Glace Bay, Nova Scotia payer seeking assistancc said somcthing aooutthe new kinder, gentler IRS. Prob Reach new generations ably figured that someone working there With prior permission, we delivered a couldn't have a heart. Valentine from Sherry Shamel to her PHIL SONNE~IAN boyfriend Jim Bartos at his classroom in Prince William Cty., Va. Chapter Live up to your name Gary, Ind., where he teaches special edu Three Quarts and A Pint sing for a water cation students. The students were just Check delivery as delighted asJim (maybe more so!) We addresses carefully! aerobics class at a senior residential community near Savannah, Ga. gave them a bonus with a couple Disney The Valentine delivery to the stripper Bill Breamer (D, Earl Gleaton (\), songs. It is always a thrill for us, when still rcigns suprcme in the hearts and I§, we sing to young children who have minds of the guys. Sccms the young Ed Woodhouse Derek Ballj@. never heard barbershop before, to watch damsel's boyfriend ordered it for her. The their reactions and hear their comments. music stopped as the guys prepared for Accept help gratefully ALVIN Ru:.s their delivery. Somewhat unsurc of the Our tenor was alit of town, and our sub Lake County, Ind. Chapter reaction that would follow, they pressed had the flu and couldn't sing at all. We on, with all patrons present watching in~ called all the tenors we knew, but no We sang to school tently. Just then, Jeff's contact lens fell luck. Hats in hand, we called Sweet out, and he missed the visual on the rest Adeline baritone Peggy Rounseville and teachers in their of the gig, but he heard it all - some asked if she would fill in. Peggy agreed, thing about catcalls from the other la and three B.U.B.B.A.s and a BUBB-ette to~ classrooms, nurses in dies present to Ilrake it oR" directed sang about 25 Valentines, and appeared ward our intrepid quartet. It has been on a radio show. hospitals, stock clerks, said there was a lot of stuttering going WAYNE WER.'lER, BUB.B.A. secretaries, shut-ins, on, too. (B,IRBERSHOPPERS UNITED TO BRENT VCXiAi\!, BItiNG BACK ACAPELIA) recovering stroke VUJA DE QUARTET Tyler, Texas victims, wives, Get ready for Valentines 2000 husbands, sweethearts 1.Starl early. Order Successful Singing Valentines (stock no. 4058, $10) and children. from Harmony Marketplace, or download free from spebsqsa.org/docs. CHUCK VALENTI Milford, DE Chapter 2.watch for registration info in Update and at www.SingingValentines.com NOn'JIIher/DI!{'l'lI/her /999 • The HARr-.·IONIZER31 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES The many ways we Sing ... for life Foundation grant sends quartet to Harmony College Brass Rail, a scniors Larry Ajel' Endowment quartct from Albuqucr; Fund, your quartet can que, New fV[cxico, was participate in the Otlt~ the 1999 recipient of the standing coaching at Larry Ajer Memorial Hannony College next Scholarship to Hannony summer. For free! College. They had done Larry Ajer1 in whose well at district, prelims memory this Endow and the international tncnt Fund of Hannon)' senior quartet competi; Foundation was estab tions, but wanted a lished, was a selfless con coaching and leClrning tributor to our Society. experience that would Larry was devoted to take them to the next providing quartets with level. opportunities to become Their experience at more effective and en Harmony College tertainil1g barbershop helped them to flgo from performers. He was the an OK quartet to a good force behind such pro quartet" and to realize grams as Top Gun and their goal to "sing and Standing Ovation, an pedonn better than advocate of the show ever." The magic mo package competition} ment they experienced anc! a long-time coach at when they sang on the Hannony College. Saturday evening show The scholarship cov Special WClS the culmination of ers tuition, room and Olympics Poughkeepsie Newyorkers sing their work during the board for four quartet athlete for Special Olympics entire week at Harmony members to be coached Tom Chieffo College. With their as a quartet at Harmony leads the Poughkeepsie's Newyorkel's Chorus provided en coaches, Steve Plumb, College. To maintain chorus in a tertainment for its local Special Olympics Associa Reid Stewart, Rob the viability of future fund tion. The Newyorkers, along with chapter quartets Hopkins and Jim scholarships through raising The Footlighters and Hudson Valley Connection, De13usman, this quartet this cndO\\'ment funcI, pertorrnance. sang while dollars drifted from the balcony at the was reoorn. travel and other ex local shopping mall. More than $12,000 was If your quartet aspires penses are not amassed during the day-long marathon to raise to the next level in con covered. money for the local charity. test and show pel{or Tom Chieffo, son of chapter baritone Bob mances, then the Har Scholarship winners Chieffo, has been a member of the Special Olympics mony College experi Brass Rail: team for several years> winning many top ribbons for ence, through the Larry Jim Law CD, Les Elmer~, his swimming capabilities. Area residents enjoyed Ajer Memorial Scholar Mike Taylor@, the musical marathon both in person as well as over ship, may be just the Oz Wehlander (j). their local radio stations. ticket. Through the o Harmony College Quartet Scholarships • Deadline for applications for the Larry Ajer Memorial Scholarship to Harmony College 2000 is February 1, 2000. • Download an application from spebsqsa.orgl HCDClajerscllOlars/lip.l1tm, or call Lani Dieter at 800·876-7464 x8551. 32 The HARMONIZER. Nol't'lIIber//Ject!mber /999 Teach the teachers to sing? R. D. Mathey shows how slimmer meeting of rile Society's Exremal Af- A fairs Committee inc/llded a lot of animated and en "It is amazing to me rlJlIsiasric discllssion (ibOlI! SingAmeJim and that I was singing and SingCanada. This in tllntled to a change of presentation plam at the Ans Unlimited program (I{ Bowling Green not looking around to State Universit)·. The res lilt: a grOilp of teaellers redis cover the sheer joy ofsinging for its own sake. see who was listening Arts Unlim.ited is a program at Bowling Green State University designed to assist e1emcntar~' teach, to me." ers in the fields ofart, drama, dance, and music. I agreed to appear as a guest music teacher at AU's yearly conference in The culmination of this project June. My original plan will be in the fall and spring of 1999 Keep the Whole was to do a presentation 2000. The BGSU Men's Chorus will about singing in har~ present four concerts (1,000 elemen World Singing mony. After attending tary students will attend each concert) the EAC meeting, I de in which the men will perform for 30 cided that it would be LJow important is minutes and then spend 20 minutes morc advantageous to r-Linging to our clll~ singing from the song bookwith the tackle singing easy melo ture! How important is students. All the students will have dies. The IIGet America it to each of us? memorized five of the songs in the Singing...Again!" song You know the answers book (their teachers have been book proved to be a pcr to those qucstions. charged with this responsibility).• feet vehicle for my three SingAmcrica and days of presentations. SingCanada wcre cre~ --b)'- The cuhnination of ated by our Society to R. D. Mathe)' direcls help keep recreational the week-long workshop Ihe Singing Buckeyes, sirs on was a public perfor singing alive. One way cite Excelllal Affairs Committee, and is mance the participat, to do this is to promote by retired direclor of lite Bowling Green ing teachers. Arts Un cOlnmunity singing State University Men's CItOrl/s. limited deals equally when and wherever we perform. with art, dance, theater IHusk, We can also ellcour~ and so all of these art forms had a segment age community singing on the progrmn. The in other organizations to music portion brought which we, as individuals, belong. the teachers to the stage "Music can help to to sing and, to my great Every chapter presi~ surprise, all 120 teachers dent was sent the Com~ putback some ofthe mllnity Song Leading took pan. I have never Guide with the Septem seen such enthusiasm balance in our school ber issue of Update. Also, and bright faces. It was days andmake our lyrics for more than 100 as if we had given these teachers new life and their enthusiasm was conta~ public domain songs can learning environ be downloaded at gious. Arts Unlimited gave each teacher a copy of Fol~ spebsqsa. orgJAnmtge lCGet America Singing...Again SingAmerica." ments be a little bit ments/Free/ lowing the concert, there was an onslaught of teachers wanting more information about the matc commllllic)'sill&ting.11 rm. happierfor evelyone." rial we used. (The song book is available from Har What are yOll waiting mony Marketplace.) for? ! NOI'elll/)aIDec('lIIber /999 • The IIARMONIZER33 Denver hosts super high school quartet contest even quartets competed in the first high school barbershop 0 5steps to Squartet contest hosted by the Denver Mountainaires last great contests March. Using seed money from a fund honoring a recently de; 1.Slarl early. Mail as ceased member, the chapter sent flyers and letters to the vocal early as September music departments of all public and private high schools in the for a March Denver metro area announcing the contest. The schools were contest. offered free music and coaching for the quartets who registered to 2.0ffer free music compete. and coaching. Presentations were made to the vocal rnusic classes of each 3.Use qualified, school that responded, including a showing of the Harmony Ex high-energy plosion video. members to make In January, the chapter hosted a barbershop clinic for the the pitch to twelve quartets and their teachers who had initially registered. students. Satllrday Evening Post, current Rocky Mountain District quar; Top: Winners, The tet champions, donated its services to judge the contest. Juicy Hams Westminster, 4.Prizes to school 1 music program. -by- Colorado; left, The 5.School programs Jen) Hooper Cavaliers, Lakewood, get portion of Denver MOIllltainaires. Colorado; right, First Class ticket revenues. Male, Golden, Colorado. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• : Midwinter Convention Registration. Tucson, Ariz.• Jan. 24-30, 2000 : • Date Chapter name INSTRUCTIONS • • Name Nickname Complete order form and mail with •• • payment to: SPEBSQSA, 6315 Third • Spouse/guest name Nickname Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53143-5199.• • A housing application and infonna- • • Address lion regarding convention events and • City State _ Zip Code tours will be seut to you following. • receIpt of this registration form. • Telephone Bus. () Res. () If you register for more than one. • persoll, please turmsh complete IIlfor- • 0 Ple<:Jse check here if you have a disability and may require accommo- mation for each person on a separate. • dation In order to fully partiCipate In the convention. You Will be con- sheel and attach to this order form. • tacted by a staff member to discuss your specific needs. All show ancl tour tickels may be • • Please accept my order for: ~icked up in the convention registra- • . hOIl area at the Holiday Inn City Cen- • • Quantity Total (US funds) ter Hotel in Tucson after I p.m., Tnes- • Registrations @$50.00 each $ clay, January 25, 2000. • • Make checks payable to. SPEBSQSA. When you receive con- • • o MasterCard 0 VISA Exp. date: mo. year firmation, please keep it as yonr re- • ceip!. I • Account No. ~I I I l ~ IIIIII Regislrtilionsmoyhelrtinsferredto. • onother person, hut tlley ore NOT. • rijundnhle.. WHAT'S INCLUDED: ( For office use • 1 Registration package Includes a personalized conventIOn badge, a reserved seat for the Friday and Saturday • NIght shows, admiSSion to the Saturday NIght Afterglo\'! and admisSion to the Seniors Quartet Contest _ _ • 2000 CONVENTION ONLY • ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 34 The HARMONIZER. Nm'embedDecelllber 1999 Insurance plan offers coverage As a benefit to members, SPEBSQSA port this result as well. Coverage can be contracted nationwide network of has entered into a business partnership purchased at any age, with age 50 and 45,000+ participating phannacies. Mail with Frank F. Haack & Associates, Inc. over being most common. Long,term order coverage is also available. to offcr a comprehensive insurance pro' care insurnnce provides a monthly ben gram. Based in part on resc American verld Travel Book your Vacation Package* with us and receive the lowest price by taking $25.00 off the Total! Discounted Vacation Packages! Book your C.,aribbean, Alaska, Las Vegas or Cruise Vacation with us and receive additional savings off the lowest price available. *A Vacation Package includes prepaid hotel and roundtrip air transportation or cmise vacation. One discount per package. Call Toll Free 1-877-I-DO-RE-MI (1-877-436-7364) Official Travel Agency of SPEBSQSA American World Travel 7936 Sheridan Road-Kenosha, WI 53143 November/December 1999 • The HARMONlZER35 STAY TUNED •••••••I• •• Scituate builds a bridge "T1,e South Shore Men of Har- ,.,~ &;~~ • it{·... 1 mony make sure evcl1'one can get to their shows. TIley even build Enlightened self-Interest leads to good community relations. Ramp up your efforts to build bridges to other groups in your town. bridges when needed. Members of the chapters con 'IB;::..r~~// -.._ ..a.J'." --. "' structed a handicapped access ramp at Vintage music 'IAIt II: IT\. c; \. III .\N \.111.1,\1. (, Sacred Heart School Auditorium, Weymouth, Massachusetts. (And they sends off built it during some pretty cold weather, too.) vintage cars Local building supply companies On Sunday, June 6, very generously donated most of the 1999, eighty;six vintage building materials. A sizable donation cars left Marietta Square from a health care and retirement in Marietta, Georgia, for group and a portion of the annual The History Channel show proceeds are being used for the Great Race. These cars, pllI"chase of a metal railing system to all built before 1951, complete the project. headed for Anaheim, 11,e Sacred Heart Parish has al California and $275,000 lowed the chapter the use of its facili in prizes. Among the ties for the annual show. special fe, entertainers appearing hcarsals, coaching and recording ses, in the Square were The sions, and barbershop seminars. The Big Chicken Choms ramp-building was the Men of and As You Like It, a Hannony's expression of appreciation quarter of the ~v(arictta As You Like It: and thanks for the parish's many years Chapter and one Jack Herberl Three men, one tenor, one lovely gal, one great memory Talk about your sweet gigs: 3 Men and A Tenor, from Visalia, Calif., recently entertained at a diabetes awareness convention. Featured speaker: Nicole Johnson, 1998 Miss America. Scarcely able to contain themselves, the quartet managed to hold still for 1/1000th of a second while this photo was snapped. Somehow, they squeaked out a second song, too. Left to right: Robert Gonzalez 36 The Ht\lnlifONIZER • NOl'embel'/Decemher /999 Daytime chorus works smart, keeps busy "Because we like to sing" is the motto of "Ui!sing the Thursday Songsters, a daytime chorus of songs known Barbershoppers from the San Diego ami EI Cajon to anyone Chapters. Now in its sixth year, the group born before keeps busy with more than a dozen perfor 1950." mances annually, build- ing on thematic pack ages, Christmas, \X!est "All subscribe to the ern and patriotic among Music Prcll'licrc Sereies thern. to learn ancl perform Director Gene Raguc new songs." Sounds like shared the group's secret: a neat trick. Heralds of Harmony name Debbie Connelly 1998 Vocal Music Naval honors with Educator of the Year Senator McCain ', Jack Greenfield, President, Tampa Bay Heralds of Har Dmany Chorus presented the Herald's 1998 Vocal Music Edu cator of the Year award to Sweet Adelines International quartet champion Debbie Connelly. Each year, a 't1.mpa Bay area vocal music educator is recognized, lIpon the recommendation of his or her music superintendent, for making the best use of barbershop harmony in building the schooPs music program. Debbie first introduced her middle school students to the world of barbershop music, producing the Southeast's finest middle and high school Sweet Adeline quartet Encore FOllr. She is now teaching at the high school level where she organized and, with Dr. Greg Lyne, conducted the Herald's 1998 continuing education The Hilton Head, SC Chapter chorus "Island chorale work ~ Sounds" petforms at the Hilton Hcad Island Navy shop/clinic Leaguc annual r-vtemorial Day observance. for Presidential Candidate Senator John McCain Hillsborough R~Arizona, was the featured speaker and helped County float a wreath in the harbor in recognition of teachers. America's fallen veterans. Retired U. S. Navy Captain Kiah UBrie directs the chorus. NOI'embcr/December 1999 • The HARjVlONlZER37 "Unless you're dead or dying, it's never too late to barbershop." I understancl VP Warren Willard la menting his lost 35 years of not Barbershopping. My experience was somewhat like that. I was 55 years old when I became a Barbcrshopper, but I've never really had any regrets. For 25 years, my wife and I raised 5 chil dren and ran a fruit orchard pretty much with no hired help. I taught ancl she nursed to support the farm. Northland Gold: First commercial jingle: When I got a chance for recreation, Duane Rygg @, the last thing I wanted to cia was walk Bob Brutsman @, Wheaties, sung in barbershop! around a golf course or stand on risers Duane Hutton 38 The IIARMONIZER • NOI'em/)('1IDecemb('l' /999 n December 1997, we were ple~sed to welcome some At this first mceting, we listened intently as Russian dignitaries to Harmony Hall. These musicians Alexander Demchenko, Deputy Head of the Ministry and artists represented the Russian goven1meht and of Culture of the Russian Federation, told us of his Game to the Society headquarters to request that we dream to introduce barbershop harmony to his COlln~ assist them in teaming about this uniquely American try. I believe our first reaction was mther onc of disbe~ art form called barbershop harmony. lief that this man, dle head ofall music, art and dance (or Russia, might have selected barber~ willing to assist in the tcaching of mas~ Ill'·"{oscow Nights" and "Kalinka," which shop singing as a way to get more people ter classes. We all developed a real bond included some Russian lyrics. Autograph in Russia (particularly young people) in and sense of mission. Plus we had so seekers sought us out. Audience mem~ volved in singing. much fun just putting this all together! bers waited for us at our hotel after our He wanted master classes. He prom~ And what of those promises from concerts. ised beautiful concert halls in which to Alexander Demchenko? They all came perform. He told us that, if we should true and more! This festival met with Embraced by top musicians come to Russia, he would see that the far greater success than any of us (even \\le were welcomed with open arms country's top musicians would be in at~ Alexander!) could ever have imagined. by some ofthe most important musicians tendance at all of these events so we What a rare opportunity it was for our in Russia today Vladislav could teach them about barbershop Society! Whatwonderful friendships we Chernusllcnko, world~renowned con~ singing. We herud the words, but we also made! How marvelously our music was ductor and rector of the St. Petersburg felt, somehow, those words were just too received by these wonderful Russian State Conservatory; Askold ~"takarov, good to be true. people! It was truly the musical experi~ artistic director of the St. Petersburg ence of a lifetime. Academic Ballet; Gintautas Shyalvis, A dream realized conductor of Opera and Music Theater Somehow, they did. In July 1999, Highlights? So many", at the Conservatory; Victor Andronov, more than 120 Barbershoppers anived We performed to packed houses at director ofthe Male Choml Lyceum, and in St. Petersburg, Russia, Our days were each concert. In fact, they were all filled many, many others. There were numer~ filled with rehearsals, concerts, cultural to capacity an hour before each event. ous television and newspaper interviews. activities, numerous master classes and Concerts were met with foot~stomping The concerts we presented have been more, The musicians we brought with and ubravos." Flowers were brought to broadcast throughout all of Russia. The us were superb. The quartets were Ollt~ the stages. ~llany audience members Society received many gorgeous and lav~ standing in performance and always were moved to tears as we performed ish thank you gifts from the Russian gov~ and kindness ... and generosity llat Beg· 1 as an individual effort to bring t\ue suitcases bulging with children's clothing, toothbrushes from our dentist, blos~ vi amins and 1)'lcnol, and money, ~o le1 into contributions that totally \ill d the back of my taxi, while I sat up ft-ont with an overflow bag on my lap. When the barbershop group became aware of my mission and the orphans' need, they brought every lIseful thing they could think of. Our hotel room was ...... ,~ . :; ,: ... ; the collection and sorting area. By the ;• :I last day of Ollr stay, the room had the look ofa store that had exploded. There were bags everywhere containing towels, soap, toilet the 30 or so Barbershoppers and their wives who had paper, pens and crayons, toys) more toothbrushes, taken the subway with my husband Jerry. They had clothes, medicines and much more. A carry~on bag picked up bunches of bananas, a common food to us held snack items ~~ things such as crackers, energy bars but a treat for the children. and peanut butter. The orphanage is an austere building, but does have Our last day in St. Peten;burg found many people a sandbox and a few other outdoor toys. The building interested in visiting Orphanage No. 16. My heart was is well~kept and immaculate, but painfully sparse. TIle joyolls and my spirit light when I arrived to wait tor children range in age from infants through age 4. ernment and from the Russian children. They are now proudly displayed in Harmony Hall. By the time we left Russia, there were twO quartets, a men's chorus and a female vocal en~ semble singing barber shop. We know now there are numerous male choruses throughout Rus, sial including one in the Ural Mountain region of Siberia, performing bar, bershop for the first time. What might become of all ofthis! It's too early to tell, but don't be surprised if we hear a barbershop quartet from Russia at an international convention before too long. And let's not be too shocked to learn of barbershop sing ing taking place at the St. Petersburg Conservatory of lvlusic. Pretty amazing, isn't it! I will tell you with great pride that I know it can happen because I was there and had the chance to see the Russian musi, dans embrace this thing we love so very much known as barbershop singing. -by- Dr. Greg A prime feature of the Russian tour was the opportunity to sing in the finest concert halls in Russia. Lyne is The Singing Buckeyes performed at the St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music Kappelle Hall Direccor of along with The Ritz, Metropolis, and other performers. Dr. Greg Lyne is joined by Music Alexander Demchenko, Russian Minister of Cultural Affairs, George Gordon of Edlltalion the International Fine Arts Institute (organizers of the tour), and the chief Interpreter. & Services We were greeted warmly by the head doctor. For and that the USA was the "Evil Empire." After we Carol Yalm many years she has cared for orphans and other chil explained what some of the more llIlUS1I81 American is the wife dren placed by parents who were unable to teed them. items were, things such as packets of tissue, raisins, ofJen) Her face was serene and she had an inner glow as she cans of uma, Band,Aids, cough syrup and razors, she Yalm. talked. We felt peace and contentment. Despite the assured me that everything donated would be given to a memher hard times and little compensation, the staff seemed those most in need. The doctor expressed her gmti of the happy and loving in their simplistic atmosphere. tude for the money we'd collected and the other con~ Milwallkee Oh, the joy we felt as we carried in the bags ofdes tributions. and accepted a small silk American flag and Chapter. perately needed items, and saw the looks of surprise an attacllcd International Fine Arts Institute pin and YOH alll and pleasure on the faces of the staff! The meager sur placed it on a cabinet in a place of honor. reach roundings took on the appearance of Christmas. Yes, the choms sang wonderful concerts and we saw Carol via Later I met the doctor/director, who seemed over, marvelous sites, but the trip proved to be more than a email at: whelmed by the generosity ofthese people who wanted grand cultural event. It tllmed into an American ges~ jercaryahn nothing in return. In her 50s perhaps, she explained turc of love and friendship and generosity that won't @jullo,com, she'd been told all her life how terrible Americans were be forgotten. • Keep Siberia Quartetting! The Ritz serves The Hams Rimsky'Korsakov, Prokofiev, and many others. About Our joullley to Russia was not just as pcl{onncrs, however. Our halfway through uSweet Adeline." as I watched this main mission was (0 teach educators, students, ancl perfonners aoout very important man listening intently to us just six the barbershop harmony style. The response (rom them was over~ feet away, I started to think ofwhat was happening to whelming, and those with whom we worked came inco QlIT classes me. Here I was " in the Sf, Petersburg ConservatOl)', with high musical skills. They take musical training very seriously in singing for it's director in a private audience ~~ and I Russia, and when we taught them songs, they only needed assis started to choke up with emotion. It took all the expe tance with the style and pronunciation. They can read the spots off rience of 52 years of pelforming to beat it down to a the page, believe me! They didn't need help with proper vocal pro level where I could continue to sing. duction except as it related to the barbershop style, and intonation The Ritz was happy to have had the opportunity to never needed to be mentioned. They were hungry to leam. more teach in Australia and judge the first Australian Na about barbershop. tional Contest, and to watch that country's barber, There were several groups ofdelight shopgrowth since thenj to have given clinics in schools ful young singers who were a part ofthe across New Zealand and to serve on the (acuity ofNew "The festival in St. Petersburg. The director Zealand's Harmony College, and to watch that of the girls' ensemble has reported that COuntl)1'S barbershop growth. Now we can proudly say only thing Uthe girls arc working hard to lean) more that we have been able to help enthusiastic singers in barbershop music ancl were 'thrilled' to Russia to develop the skills necessary to make barber tlUlt keeps have had such a woncbful opportunity shop chords ring throughout rheir nation. to be part of this festival." She also said We are tmly blessed and we have added still more them going is lithe parents were just 'shocked' at how u rare times'! to our 15 years of existence. energized the children were after the fes -hy their love of tival. It became the talk of the entire Tire Ritz is tire 1991 Imemarional Q"artet Clrampion. barbershop villagc. ll One of the visiting choir mas; ters from Siberia has already contacted Metropolitan internationale music." Alexander Demchenko, the Russian There is genuine excitement on the part of the musi, Deputy Minister of Culture, with a re- cians in Sf. Petersburg at being exposed to barbershop. quest to establish a "Center of Barber IIFervent" might be a more appropriate description" shop Nlusic in Siberia." these folks are tl1lly thrilled by what, to them, is a new In addition to the young singers, there was a quartet c<:tlled lIHams." form of music. In the 10 years since the Iron Curtain (We Americans lovingly called them "The Bad Actors.") What fun fell, the influx ofother cultural art forms has moved at it was to work with these four young gentlemen. They already had a a slow trickle at best. pretty good basis for quarretting and were making a very go CHORUS DIRECTOR-SPEBSQSA MISCELLANEOUS HAWAII CALLS I THE ALOHA CHAPTER is accept MEMORIES FOR SALE. Have you lost your old TRUE ing applications for an experienced, knowledge barbershop records? Missing your favorite LP able, energetic director 10 lead our 80-man Sounds or Harmonizer? Selections from my vast col WHOLESALE 01 Aloha Chorus. II you inspire others with enthu lection of barbershop recordings (\'Ie have them PRICING! siasm for barbershop singing, consider joining us all) are now available for a simple donation to in Honolulu for\'londerful sunshine, beaches, surf, the Heritage Hall Museum. Please contact Grady and natural beauty every day 01 the year. We have Kerr, SWD Historian, 8403 Manderville Lane Em:ID a skilled music leam with acertified singing judge, #1072 N, Dallas, Texas 75231; (214) 369·5893; WAT $ several registered Quartets, and an annual program or send email [email protected]. BLACK TUXEDO W'ITS 91.90 loaded with high-quality events. We have placed TUXEDO PANTS $21.95 as high as 5th in Far Western district competition THE GAS HOUSE GANG FAN CLUB - For those and are especially excited to have appeared in the of us who find listening to their music just isn't SHIRTS 1999 World Harmony Jamboree, SPEBSQSA In enough, join no\'l and receive your membership ternational Convention in Anaheim, Calif. If you card and fan club button. Soon to come; "Gang WING COLLAR $12.95 believe you are the person \'Ie are looking for, con Notes" newsletter. Send name and address to LAY DOWN COLLAR $12.95 tact Steven Hokanson, The Sounds of Aloha Cho K.J. Brandt, 2021 S. 28th St., La Crosse, WI rus, P.O. Box 1723, Aiea, HI 96701, voice: (808) 54601. Email [email protected]. Web page: BAND COLLAR $17.95 591-1300, fax: (808) 521-4647, email: Shokanson members.aol.com/ghgfan/page/index.htm. @CompuServe.com. ACCESSORIES SINGING BUCKEYES: THE BIG 50 IS COMING THE HARMONY KINGS OF GREATER SEATTLE, UP for the Buckeye Chapter. If you are an alumni CUMMERBUNDS WI~R5' $5.95 WASH. is searching for an exciting, enthusiastic or nonactive members or just a friend of Buck BOW TIES w(&s/ $1.95 director for an 85-member chorus. We have agreat eye make plans now to attend our annual sho\'l facility, and offer Competitive salary. Reply to: on May 6, 2000. and help us celebrate 50 years CUM & TIE SETS $7.90 [email protected] of great barbershopping. We have an afternoon LAME BOW TIES $4.95 3:00 P.M. and an evening 8:00 P.M. show fea LAME SETS d~~/ CALLI SPRING, TEXAS. The Spring Statesmen, a 50 turing several of our chapter quartets, the Sing member "B" level chorus, is seeking an experi ing Buckeyes and the 1994 International Cham VESTS enced director to take us to the nexllevel. We are pions Joker's Wild. We will have a gathering on looking for a person \'lith the ability to motivate Friday evening \'/ith tags, fellowship, and sing BLACK FULL BACK and to leach music and performance skills and ing. If you cannot attend send a snail mail or SHAWL LAPEL. •• $21.95 with a \'Iillingness to work \'Jith the board in de email to Tom Larsen. Tom can arrange to get veloping a plan for excellence and in carrying out very good tickets for you. Hope to see you all at FULL BACK NO LAPEL that plan. Contact Richard Dove at (281) 370-8287 our reunion. Tom "Lars" Larsen, 649 City Park MANY COLORS • •• $ 18.95 or [email protected]. Ave., Columbus, OH 43206-1003. Contact: 614-469-1598 or email [email protected]. MISC. CHORUS DIRECTOR-AUSTRALIA THE BANANA BLENDERS are a seventy-man cho ANNA MARIA, flORIDA -- No, not on the beach KNIT POLO SHIRTS $13.95 rus based on the magnificent Gold Coast in -- but only 80 metres from it, is my apartment SUSPENDERS $4.95 Queensland, Australia. We require a Musical Di on this beautiful island on the west coast of rector who is prepared to lead this triple AAMBS Florida. Take a break - up to four of you - and TOP HATS $16.95 Gold medalist group of friendly and motivated Illen not only soak up the peace and sunshine ... but it's only one hour from the Heralds of Harmony ALL MERCHANDISE IS to the next AAMBS National Convention in 2001. BRAND NEW & In addition to national successes, the Banana in Tampa! Give Valerie a call at Wedebrock Real FIRST QUAlITYI Blenders boast five consecutive state champion Eslate at 941-778-665 or email Elfi at ships, a CD, and the recent honour of being the [email protected] for rates and availability. SAME DAY SHIPPINGI first Australian Chorus to compete at International UNCDNDITIONALLY level. Our goal is to become an A Grade Chorus. GUARANTEED! Full details from Max Rose, Publicity Officer; [email protected]. CUSTOM UNIFORM DESIGN BIG & TALL SPECIALISTS! PUBLISHER'SST ATE~l Ei\! STATEMEl\'T RF.QUIRED IlY THE ACT OF AUGUST211911.ASAJ\IENDED AYTHEAClSOF:-IARCH 3,l933,JUlY1, 19.t6AND JUNE II, 1960( H STAT.10SjSHo\\,II\GTIIEOWNERSHIP, 1I1ANAOBIENTAND CIRCUlATIQNOFTHE IlAR..\10~IZERpubli~"'I.i inJaJ1lury, 1I1arch, IIby, July. Sl:p!~11lb.:r and NOI"~Illl\.'r al Ko:oosJu, WiSllJruln, fl."lf"(kl,mcr I, 1999. l. Th..: IUln.-s and aJJr&"O oflh..: publL NO\'('III!Jer/December /999 • The HARJvlONIZER43 THE TAG Joe liles, Tagmaster • Sing this tag with O. C. Cash bout three years ago, I spent some enjoyable time reading every article I could find written by Society founder, O.C. Cash. lvly interest was particularly "Drop down to thefilling piqued by a number of references to the "two sweet station, and I'll show you A chords" in llJohnny Doughboy." This short passage was obviollsly a favorite of his. He said that he, bc~ the two pretty chords in ing the \Vorlcl's Greatest Baritone, was the only pcr~ son who could teach it properly, but that if he was 'Johnny Doughboy' not cuound, Buzz Haeger could reach it. Fortunatel},! \Xlarren "Buzz" Haeger, while we are getting tenor of the] 965 international cham~ pion quarrer, Four Renegades and our windshield wiped." bass of the 1994 senior champ New -.... and Improved Industrial Strength with the fermatas. a.c. always Mini~Chorl1s, is still an active stopped at the big D' spread chord. Barbershoppcr in Chicago. Well, don't \Vhen asked Uwhy not finish it?1I a.c. yOll know, that the vcq' next time I would reillark, UWhy? You've already saw Buzz, he taught Inc the tag! I've sung the two swcetest chords.lI He en# becn teaching it since and enjoying couraged wo II .I I I JLlIl -,II)' Dough - bo)' found a rose in Ire land, in JJ J J J J d: J .0. #.u J I I I I I I V V r l~ 5 6 Ire land, -by- Joe Liles is SPEBSQSA A'I"sic P"blications Editor ':' optional ending 44 The HAIU...10NIZER • NUl'I..'lIIber/IJI!('('lIIher /999 Second International Russian Barbershop Harmony Festival featuring The Gas House Gang Join Rob, Jim, Rich & {(jpp for the trip ofa lifetime August 9-19, 2000 "The first Russian Festival was a phenomenal artistic and cultural success. You won't want to miss being with us in Russia next summer." Dr. Greg Lyne The trip is sponsored by the Russian Ministry of Culture, Intemational Fine Arts Institute and SPEBSQSA. For travel arrangements or more information, call: (414) 352-1917 or e-mail: [email protected] ijA~MO~Y CO[lEGE Where do you want to " DI~ECTO~S go in barbershop? ~ ~ COllEGE We can tal Keynote address YOUR CHAPTER NUMBER YOUR MEMBER NUMBER _ by Society legend Val Hicks, Society Histo rian, Music Educator NAME _ and Contest Judge Emeritus AOORESS _ "The Keynote Address always connects me to the history of CITV STATE ZIP _ the Society." PLUS! Harmony PHONE· HOME WORK; _ College's tradition of quality EMAIL ADDRESS _ A new show! PAYMENT MASTERCARD I VISA II EXPIRES _ Featuring FRED, 1999 ·OR· international quartet cham· CHARGE TO CHAPTER # AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE _ pion ·OR· CHARGE TO DISTRICT # AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE _ ·OR· World-class faculty CHECK / MONEY ORDER ENClOSED _ Dr. Greg Lyne, Dean, and big time names like Freddie King. OFFICE USE ONLY: David Wright, Bill Myers, Ed CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION CHECK NUMBER _ Waesche. Joe Liles and more.