May/June 2016
INSIDE: Why Instant Classic connects • 10 reasons we go flat, and how to fix it • An incredible Reno Midwinter
May/June 2016 VOLUME LXXVI NUMBER 3
Do you know why so many Barbershoppers call our Midwinter Con- vention the best event of the year? Maybe be- cause everything about barbershop harmony that give us joy—and that changes lives—is 20 programmed into three Lorin May incredible days. Features More from the Storytellers Resonating with Instant Classic 10 A quartet shows up a month early for a gig 16 Ever heard of “resonance matching”? It’s even and gets a big audience. What every teen more important than vowel matching, and a big wants: pitch pipes and a welding mask. Special part of the Instant Classic sound. And the secret Olympics enjoys 26 years of great singing to their audience connection? 100% vulnerability Various Scott Kitzmiller Deke Sharon talks barbershop Seniors Quartet Finalists 12 The Society’s newest and most enthusiastic 22 An entertaining and high quality Seniors contest was Honorary Lifetime Member is one of barbershop’s so good that we ran out of silver medals biggest allies. Learn why he is so optimistic about the future of barbershop and a cappella Youth Chorus Festival Lorin May, Editor, The Harmonizer 27 See and learn about the 16 choruses that rocked Reno
On the Cover Departments Honorary Life Member Deke Sharon with Youth Chorus Festival participants in Reno Photo by Lorin May 2 8 THE PRESIDENT’S PAGE Harmony How-TO Listening requires a lot of active effort 10 reasons we sing flat, and what to do about it 3 28 Straight Talk making a difference Planning the long-term future of the Society Storm Front on TV for National Quartet Day 4 Chapter cross borders to sing together letters 34 Readers inspired by “The Art of Performance” Member service directory 6 Where to find answers TEMPO 36 No surprises among top quartets ... until July The Tag Order the Webcast at www.barbershop.org/nashville “Tell Me That You Love Me”
May/June 2016 • The HARMONIZER 1 the President’s page Don Fuson, Society President • [email protected] Listening requires a lot of active effort kay, so just maybe there could have been one time year, your chapter has not performed for some type in which I tried to answer a question before the of new or expanded audience, I bet there is a pret- speaker reached the end of a sentence. In other ty good chance your chapter has had few guests or words, I sometimes make the all-too-common new members. The correlation is extremely strong. O mistake of focusing more on my response than on On the other hand, since all of us know there are listening until I understood the whole picture. Like many more community singers that “could” come me, you may have been embarrassed to start to and join us, it is solely up to us, in each of our local speak, only to find out that you didn’t understand communities, to seek our opportunities to perform the whole question! and market ourselves better. Just like our singing, communication needs a lot “How do I do that?” you might ask. Consider the of practice. And practice. And practice. following: In leadership skills training, listening is taught • The other members of your chapter have to want as an art. Listening is not assumed to be a quality to do that kind of outreach. that many or most people practice consistently. It’s • Some team of chapter members would have to not that we have a malicious desire to not listen apply even a few well published outreach guide- to others, but most of us still tend to be working lines that the Society has in an ever-increasing to put some “spin” on our comments even list of videos and training documents. before we understand the whole situation. • Recognize that involvement with community If waiting to speak until someone is groups that offer additional performance oppor- done talking is good, asking follow-up tunities will allow each chorus member to show questions is even better: “What experi- the fun in singing and sharing your music that we ences have you had in that area?” “What all know is critical to local and Society growth alternatives did you try and what and future success. Each of us were the results?” “Please tell me needs to feel more about what you think about Evaluation of chapter success
Events and performances— what else are we practicing for? If, in the review of 2016 performances so far this [email protected]
2 The HARMONIZER • May/June 2016 Straight talk Marty Monson, CEO/Executive Director • [email protected] Planning the long-term future of the Society ne of the best parts of my job these days is looking My favorite part of this job: forward to the future of our beloved Society. You visiting districts & chapters may have noticed a steady stream of communica- Thank you Mid-Atlantic and Land O’ Lakes tions about our Strategic Planning. There will be districts for being wonderful hosts at your spring O more to come. conventions. Even though We’re shooting for a plan that will look at every both conventions were their What’s on Marty’s daytimer? aspect of what it will mean to be the Barbershop smaller conventions, they • June 15-16: Chorus Harmony Society, including our “product,” our both packed a punch of great America Confer- members, our structure, how we’re governed, our singing and fun. The high- ence, Cincinnati business model, and the financial underpinning for light of my travels is always • June 17-19: success at every level. Our focus will be on a chapter visit. First, a big Americans for the Arts creating a better world, singing, both with shout-out to the men of the Conference, Boston current members and stakeholders and fu- White Rose Chorus in York, • June 22-24: NAfME ture generations of Barbershoppers. Penn. (founded 1945), which Hill Day, Washington, A few weeks ago, we were part of a gath- I believe was our Society’s D.C. ering of choral leaders at Yale, scoping the first 100-member chapter. • July 3-10: International entire ecosystem of choral singing. In David Kelly arranged for a Convention, Nashville Our focus will May, the Society Board of Directors and great night! Representatives What’s Marty reading? be on creating senior staff spent an entire weekend in from six other chapters were • Melodies for Mil- Nashville reflecting on our history, our also in attendance. Thank lions, SPEBSQSA, a better world, DNA, key trends, and how to bring all you for singing some of the by Will Cook of that forward into a glorious future. new songs! Barberpole Cat II Follow Marty’s social media singing, both By the time you read this, we will have While in LOL I visited bit.ly/martyfacebook with current completed a major piece of research on the Windom, Minn., Chap- twitter.com/Marty_Monson current member attitudes and prepared ter and their director, Kent members and a second on member Mickelson. Windom stakeholders attitudes about future is a strong organization that has done a directions. These are but remarkable job of sustaining a chapter in and with future a few of the steps in this a very rural farming community. These generations of 18-month process, cul- guys could teach my son how to shake minating in the comple- Barbershoppers. tion of a Strategic Plan next spring. We are deeply committed to listening to you and keeping you informed of our prog- ress as we move along. Let us know what you’re thinking at [email protected].
Cheers to National Windom, Minn. Chapter • Kent Mickelson, director Barbershop Quartet Day! April 11, the anniversary of the 1938 day that a hand! I really enjoyed the evening and all the marked the beginning of organized barbershop, singing! Keep up the good work and enjoy your has increasingly become known as National performances this summer. Check out their blog: Barbershop Quartet Day. The national and inter- chordhustlers.wordpress.com. national media have picked up on this. Did you Yours in Harmony, share or reflect on a quartet memory? If not, put it on your calendar for 2016. For two years in a row, Fox News Channel has reached out to us to share some barbershop harmony on a national program. This year, our pals Storm Front were joined by ClassRing, our sisters from Sweet Adelines Interna- tional. See the story on page 33. [email protected]
May/June 2016 • The HARMONIZER 3 letters [email protected] Readers inspired by “The Art of Performance”
think those are the two best articles I have ever read heard these points of view expressed before now; how- in The Harmonizer. Nice job! Much of it is what I’ve ever, they are beliefs that I have always had, but have been trying to pass on to my quartet for years but been quiet about because of my lack of barbershopping never could come up with the right words or the knowledge. It makes me sort of proud—maybe I am Icred. Some of it is also new to me, but it is all great not as musically limited as I have always believed! stuff. I wish these pieces had come out 40 years ago! John S. “Sandy” Prickett Keep up the great work! Fort Myers, Fla. Forrest Lamotte Federal Way, Wash. There is a four-star French restaurant near my house. They discovered they can get more customers by Donny’s article is right on. Many performances from serving fast food-style burgers and fries instead of au- groups all levels can be too “in your face.” Take tips thentic French cuisine. I don’t go there anymore. from the greats: Sinatra, Bublé, Lady GaGa, Midler, Frank Kirschner Striesand all have something to offer. I told my sister Germantown, Md. when she was small to make the big eyes and she would open her eyes and mouth as wide as she could. Last year, I had an hour-long talk with an officer of That’s what I see so very, very often. Thanks for this Great Northern Union in hopes that we could dupli- article and I hope we can start down the road of real cate the success they have had with their youth pro- artful presentations and singing that can be appreci- grams and increase our number of young members. ated by all who listen. He shared his personal opinion that it was not so Johnny Sherburn much the youth programs but the music they choose 139th Street Quartet (Society Hall of Fame quartet) to use in public performances that brought in most of their young members. I have no reason to doubt his Barry Towner claims that “Barbershop singers are opinion that choice of music is their effective tool. performers first, and we happen to sing in the bar- David Beaudry bershop style.” That is totally off-base. The valid Southern Gateway Chorus statement would be, “While we’re first and fore- most singers who love to harmonize together, when Donny Rose’s article is absolutely right. We can we make the effort to share our music with audienc- only communicate in the musical language the audi- es, we need to deliver effective performances.” For ence is equipped to understand. The opportunity the sake of our hobby, we absolutely must keep our to educate non-Barbershoppers about our roots and primary focus on the participatory singing side. We history must be earned over time. With so many fine are not and will never be primarily a performance arrangers these days, there is no reason to force-feed society. Barbershop is about inviting the world to a contemporary audience a diet of “The Old Songs.” sing with us, not about inviting the world to sit qui- etly and watch us as we show off. Much of the emphasis on removing odd artifice in favor of sincere performance is great, but we still need to keep perspective about our deeper priori- May/June 2016 Volume LXXVI Number 3 ties. Good riddance to awkward gestures. Just please Complete contact info: pages 34-35 preserve our priority focus on singing and harmony. The Harmonizer (ISSN 0017-7849) (USPS 577700) is published bimonthly by the Performance is secondary, period. Barbershop Harmony Society, 110 7th Ave N, Nashville TN 37203-3704. Periodicals Postage Paid at Nashville TN and at additional mailing offices. POST- Aaron Wolf MASTER: Send address changes to The Harmonizer, 110 7th Ave N, Nashville TN Evergreen AHSOW DEC 37203-3704. Advertising rates available upon request at [email protected]. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. The two articles by Donny Rose and Barry Towner Postmaster: send address changes to editorial offices of The Harmonizer, 110 7th Ave N, Nashville TN 37203-3704 at least 30 days before the next publication date. (Mar/Apr 2016) were the best articles I have ever read (Publications Agreement No. 40886012. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses in The Harmonizer. I am not an accomplished Barber- to: Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor ON N9A 6J5. Email: [email protected]) A portion of each member’s dues is allocated to cover the magazine’s subscription shopper, but have been in an excellent chorus and a price. Subscription price to non-members is $21 yearly or $3.50 per issue; foreign couple of quartets that went to International—their subscriptions are $31 yearly or $5 per issue (U.S. funds only). talents, not mine—and I learned a great deal while at- © 2016 The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. dba The Barbershop Harmony Society. tending the first nine Harmony Colleges. I have never Printed in the USA
4 The HARMONIZER • May/June 2016 We often hear older Barbershoppers Director Donny Rose: I’m thrilled your the sure and certain recollection that (like me) say, “They just don’t write chapter show was well received! But while they once sang in a bang-up chorus at good songs anymore.” Well, yes they do! they may have applauded, could they ever a Society Midwinter Convention. Is A measurable fraction of tunes in the imagine singing with your group? Chang- that self-serving? Yes, but that’s okay. Billboard Top-100 are adaptable to the ing your songs for each audience doesn’t It’s in our roots. a cappella style with intelligent chord- mean learn eight new songs every week. It Dick Shaw progressions, stimulating melodies, solid could be the wisdom of reading the room Past International President rhyme schemes and emotional lyrics, and NOT singing a song or woodshedding and some also lend themselves to bar- a request for “Duke of Earl.” From Joe Cerutti, Society Director of Out- bershop chord progressions. Some of our Today’s contest music typically has a reach: This experiment does not represent arrangers and groups have discovered very different arrangement style than our a change in mission for the Youth Chorus this and are benefitting. show charts, which are much easier for Festival. We’re drawing from the experi- Lead with tunes the audience rec- the new listener to digest. Clearly you can ences of chapters and districts that have ognizes. There will continue to be a offer contest charts on a show, but if that’s learned that male-only outreach events place for original songs and for rever- all you offer, your audience is glazing over attract limited numbers; but when women ent treatment of our musical heritage, ... 100% of the time. I would like to nudge are allowed, they attract far more groups but we must be selective if we want to you into considering the people you are and thus far more young men. Many music serve the most important person in the singing for, rather than only your personal educators who could not previously jus- room—the audience-member! Tradi- enjoyment. Meet them halfway and change tify attending a male-only Youth Chorus tional barbershop songs have artistic some lives! Festival have applied for the first time to value, but so do progressive barbershop bring their groups in 2017—and already songs. Limitation and progress are both Why women in Youth Chorus Festival? we have a record number of both total and vital to our future success, albeit each As a 48-year Barbershopper and past first-time applications. alone is insufficient. Good job! Society International President, I have Many young men who would otherwise Kenny Ray Hatton heartily supported nearly every Society never be exposed to barbershop harmony 1978 champ, Bluegrass Student Union initiative to expand our influence as a may finally get the chance in 2017—and leader in vocal singing and the inclu- so will their female peers. This is a pivot In 27 years, never has an issue stimu- sion of all who might derive personal toward helping more young men discover lated such an intense response in me— benefit from singing … all but one: the singing and barbershop harmony, not unfortunately, all negative: experimental inclusion of female or fewer. After the 2017 San Antonio event, Page 6: Female judges? No, thanks. mixed choruses in our Youth Chorus we’ll evaluate whether the experiment Page 8: “Perform songs people know.” Festival. It was explained as an appeal worked and then determine future plans. We choose songs we want to sing, and from music educators to allow them to our chapter shows are well-received. showcase their programs and in some Bridging the “two Societies” “Change the program for each cases to allow for the fact that they “Just Having Fun,” regarding the Friends event.” Most events don’t give that have few or no boys in their programs. in Harmony chorus, illustrates that much lead time. We try to pick a var- Well, that’s the idea. When we first when it comes to competing there is not ied program and keep updating. But envisioned the Youth Chorus Festival one BHS but two! One for “exclusive” change the set for every audience? (I was there), it was to encourage the choruses (requirements to be a member) “Traditional contest music shouldn’t formation of male ensembles as an ef- and “inclusive” (only requirement is the be performed in public.” If it’s not worth fort to expose more young men to the desire to sing). Exclusive choruses sing performing in public, it’s probably not joys of singing. Immersed in that idea and perform at professional levels and worth performing at all. The flipside also is the desire to have someone to sing deserve their kudos. They dominate the applies: “Thriller” was part of my col- with as the old timers age out. And, stage at the Internationals and yet are lege music. I would never, ever, dream of course, to Preserve and Encourage fewer than 10% of the 800 Society cho- of singing it for a barbershop audience, which was our original mission. ruses. Occasionally, an inclusive chorus expecting a positive response. Shouldn’t we be rewarding those will sing at International. The new Performance category: An- programs that make an extra effort to In light of this stark inequity, I be- other judging category that really can’t recruit young men? Women in youth lieve that representatives of inclusive be explained? I guess I’ll do whatever I ensembles already far outnumber men. and exclusive choruses should gather to want and ignore your opinions, because Are we to become like everybody else focus on: (1) having two contest tiers, changing to embrace the judges’ prefer- and succumb to the easiest path which one for exclusive and one for inclusive, ences would be bowing to conformity! would not improve the recruitment of and that (2) choruses cannot compete I’ll go my way, enjoy what I sing and young male singers by music educa- at international two years a row. hope the audience is entertained. tors? I suggest we gently challenge I formed a study group with men Paul Krull them to form and foster good quality from both chapter types. We will later Mason City, Iowa men’s choruses that will serve the pur- present our research. pose of developing male singers who Bob Ostergaard Response from author and Harmony U can go in whatever direction with Plymouth, Minn. n
May/June 2016 • The HARMONIZER 5 tempo Timely news No surprises among top quartets ... until July he biggest quarterfinals field and have Forefront Signature Trocadero (58) in many years boasts a lot made big leaps since last year, and of new groups, but the story The Essentials have a chance to of the qualifying rounds is the debut in the top 10. Meanwhile, Tconsistency of the upper-tier past finalistDa Capo is back after groups. All seven of the 2015 two years away from quartet finalists that competed Main Street International com- in the district spring prelimi- petition, and past nary contests posted a top 10 qualifying medalist Flipside is score for Nashville—and with qualifying returning for its first scores that ranked them in the contest since 2007. same relative order as the last You want funny? time they faced each other. Hot Air Buffoons, If qualifying scores predicted Main Street and anything, we could just take last Lemon Squeezy Boardwalk will deliver reliable laughs, and year’s medalists and move every- other groups are rumored to have one up one slot. Except, as history comedy in the works. But will SNAFU shows, quali- remain a comedy group with the de- fying scores parture of funnyman Rick LaRosa? generally Can you expect 100% seriousness from predict noth- Throwback a group with a name like Dad Wagon? ing. (2015’s (“Yes, you can,” replies ballad specialist Signature top qualifier Frank the Dog.) ended up fin- Youth Barbershop Quartet Contest (YBQC). ishing fourth, and vice-versa.) With a new name come new rules. For But don’t tell that to 2015 After Hours example, quartets that qualify for both the silver medalist Fore- youth and open con- front, which posted tests must choose one one of the contest’s contest or the other. highest-ever qualify- Plenty have chosen ing scores, just ahead of Stockholm Syndrome Harmony Founda- mega-entertainers Main Hot Air Buffoons tion’s Youth contest, Street. There is a tight including 2015 medal- log-jam among top-level quartets, with ist Flightline and yet another new Lemon Squeezy, Throwback and After Swedish quartet, Lockness. (Swedish Hours rounding out the top five quali- quartets have won four contests since fiers.Stockholm Syndrome, Quorum, Quorum 2008.) Three of the top six qualifiers and Artistic License are close behind. are from outside North America. Rule changes also mean ever- younger quartets can qualify, Order the Webcast at www.barbershop.org/nashville including Indiana’s The Reen Live Gold Package – $139. Includes Delayed Viewing Gold Live Audio Only Package – $20 Brothers, who Package, plus live access to: (AIC and delayed listening not available) range from 11-18 • Youth Barbershop Quartet Contest (Tues.) years old, and • Quartet Quarterfinals (Wed.) Individual events middle school • Quartet Semi-Finals (Thurs.) Live Delayed quartet Polaris. • Chorus Contest (Fri.) Youth Quartet Contest $40 $20 Grammy-win- • Saturday Night Spectacular & Quartet Finals. (Sat.) Quartet Quarterfinals $45 $30 ning presenter. Note: AIC Show must be purchased separately Quartet Semifinals $45 $30 This year’s YBQC Delayed Viewing Gold Package – $65. Same events as AIC Show $30 $30 presenter is Dr. Cedric Dent Live Gold Package, but recorded. Available Wed., July 13, Chorus $50 $30 Cedric Dent, an emeritus through Wed., July 20, 2016, midnight. Sat. Spectacular/Qtet finals $50 $30 member of Take 6.
6 The HARMONIZER • May/June 2016 The Ritz celebrate silver anniversary, inaugural year in Legacy of Harmony Congratulations to among like-minded The Ritz on 25 years friends from all over of excellence, perse- the world—partners verance and generosity who are determined from Harmony Foun- to ensure vocal music dation International. programs are available In addition to cel- in communities and ebrating its silver an- schools to anyone niversary as a quartet, who would like to 1991 champ The Ritz Jim Shisler (T), Doug ‘Nic’ Nichol (L), Ben Ayling (Bs), join. is also celebrating D.J. Hiner (Br) Every contribu- the inaugural year of tion supports music membership in the Legacy of Har- programs that truly make a differ- Conventions mony program. ence. You have joined your fellow 2016 Nashville Legacy of Harmony celebrates do- quartet and chorus members to July 3–10 nors who choose to leave their estate—in full or give selflessly of your time, talent and assets to 2017 part—to Harmony Foundation International. Do- bring the joy of singing to both your audiences Las Vegas nors can choose from the variety of planned giving and yourselves. In so many ways, your dedica- July 2-9 2018 options to fit individual lifestyles and wishes. In tion embodies our mission, and legacy gifts Orlando 1998, The Ritz committed a life insurance policy to ensure that harmony endures. July 1-8 support the Harmony Foundation endowment. At For more information, call Harmony Founda- 2019 Salt Lake City the time, they became members of the Founder’s tion’s Donor Care Center at (615) 823-5611 or June 30-July 7 Club, which has become the Legacy of Harmony. (866) 706-8021. Foundation professionals can 2020 Participation in Legacy of Harmony places you explain various giving options to help deter- Los Angeles mine the best fit for everyone’s respective needs. Leadership Forum harmonyfoundation.planmylegacy.org Nashville, Tenn. Quartet quarterfinals July 22-24, 2016 Session 1 Session 2 There’s still time: Be a part of Hill Day! On June HARMONY UNIVERSITY 1. CHORD SMASH! (LOL) 30. The Core (JAD) 22-23, the National Association for Music Nashville 2. Let’s Sing! (NSC) 31. Fast Track (NED) Education (NAfME) will lead the single larg- July 24-31, 2016 3. Vantage Point (SUN) 32. Da Capo (MAD) est gathering of music education advocates MIDWINTER 4. Glen Arvin Ave (DIX) 33. Supertonic (ONT) to Capitol Hill to influence decision-makers San Antonio 5. Upper Deck (PIO) 34. Portobello Road (BABS) in Washington, D.C. NAfME asks that all Jan. 17-22, 2017 6. Fuego (SUN) 35. Up All Night (MAD) interested music educators and students in the 7. Main Street (SUN) 36. Lemon Squeezy (SNOBS) area join others, including 2009 quartet champ 8. Dad Wagon (DIX) 37. Trocadero (SNOBS) Crossroads, for the spectrum of events. For more 9. The Underground (LOL) 38. Late Shift (CAR) details, go to hillday.nafme.org. 10. Harmonium (CSD) 39. The Essentials (SWD) 11. Reckless (BABS) 40. Rooftop Records (SUN) New Harmonizer advertising 12. Clutch (SWD) 41. Gimme Four (MAD) rep ... and DJ. Direct all your 13. The Summit (RMD) 42. 4.0 (EVG) advertising inquiries to 38- 14. Flipside (EVG) 43. Test Drive (ONT) year Barbershopper Mark 15. Instant Message (DIX) 44. Route 1 (MAD) Holdeman, who is now repre- 16. After Hours (ILL) 45. Signature (SUN) senting both The Harmonizer 17. American Pastime (FWD) 46. Momma’s Boys (EVG) magazine for advertising and 18. Frank The Dog (MAD) 47. Boardwalk (DIX) all convention-related ad- 19. Yonge Guns (ONT) 48. Last Men Standing (MAD) vertising and booth displays. 20. Quorum (JAD) 49. SNAFU (EVG) Located in Ft. Worth, Texas, 21. Stockholm Syndrome (SNOBS) 50. The Con Men (JAD) Mark can be reached at 817- 22. ColdSnap (SLD) 51. Take Four (BinG!) 504-1793 or [email protected]. 23. SwitchBack (CSD) 52. MC4 (DIX) Coincidentally, you can also listen to Mark as he 24. The Rooftops (CAR) 53. Forefront (CAR) hosts ShopTalk for online radio station acaville.com. 25. Midnight Croon (LOL) 54. The Crew (JAD) The two-hour program featuring top barbershop 26. The Collective (CAR) 55. Hot Air Buffoons (JAD) groups from around the world will air every Thurs- 27. Union Station (ILL) 56. The Newfangled Four (FWD) day at 4 p.m. Pacific/7 p.m. Eastern and be rebroad- 28. Throwback (SUN) 57. Zero Hour (NSC) cast twice on Saturdays at 12 a.m. Pacific/3 a.m. 29. Artistic License (FWD) 58. The Mellow Diners (BHA) Eastern and 12 p.m. Pacific/3 p.m. Eastern. n
May/June 2016 • The HARMONIZER 7 harmony how-to 10 reasons we sing flat, and what to do about it ew things frustrate us more than flatting. We sing a where the [o] sound heard in the word “boat” is phrase or two, then sound the pitch only to hear that produced farther back in the mouth. The word we have already gone flat. Well-intentioned com- “love” can have many different outcomes: should ments such as “sing on the upper-side of the pitch” or it be closer to a schwa [ə] or more like an oh [o] or F“half steps going up are big, half steps going down are even a more British feel with a titch of ah [a] in it? smaller,” seem to be musical band-aids. Sagging pitch No one choice is necessarily right or wrong, but is a lagging indicator, not a leading indicator. Any of mismatched vowels will create conflicting over- the following 10 factors can be a root cause of pitch tones that blur the edges of the sound, causing a problems—and more often than not, several bead in the pitch. could be working against the pitch at any 5. Inefficient breath management. Many given time. In no particular order: singers use up too much air during the first 1. Body alignment issues. Even small part of a phrase, leaving inefficient or alignment issues can affect vocal produc- inadequate breath for the last 10%. Mu- tion and, by extension, pitch. Even if sical momentum can be lost, and pitch you know the proper singing alignment, will often suffer. The goal is to have the it can be difficult to consistently put that breath evenly distributed over the phrase. knowledge into practice. If alignment is If the airflow is insufficiently managed, an issue for you, try writing a reminder at with either the breath being front-loaded or the top of every page of your sheet music. by over-inflation, pitch will frequently If you are a perpetually slouching singer, Online Resources be a casualty. Starting a phrase with too try to sing while standing on one leg. • All four Harmony U much air can cause as many problems (You may need to use a free hand to bal- music theory classes as starting with too little. Like a jogger, ance on a nearby chair.) It is, after all, are online—and free. a singer should manage airflow evenly difficult to slouch on one leg, and in time Shortcut: http://bit.ly/ over a phrase to keep the muscles firing the proper upper body alignment will bhsmusictheory evenly, resulting in more secure intona- become second nature when you sing on • Learn your intervals tion over the life of the phrase. two feet. In short, practice how you per- perfectly with free ear 6. Insufficient initial muscle memory. form and perform how you practice. training. Shortcut: Initial muscle memory has to do with Think of correct body alignment as a http://bit.ly/intervaltrain learning a new song. Have you ever had straight line: your ears over your shoul- a song that almost always slips out of ders, the tops of the shoulders over the hips, the tops key, but when you try it in another key you can sud- of the hips over the ankles. denly keep the pitch? Muscle memory is definitely a 2. Heaviness in the sound. For many of us, singing factor, and the key change forces your mind and body above middle C feels, to use a baseball analogy, like to make different vocal choices. (Sing “Heart of My approaching the warning track. We become acutely Heart” up a whole step in Bb and you’ll find that vo- aware that we need to flip to falsetto. Rather than cal choices are suddenly new and varied. Even the making the kind of hasty transition that causes you to emotion and direction may change.) lose the pitch, try lightening up (thinning out the vo- If you are complacent about pitch while you learn cal folds) and mixing in falsetto before you have to. your song, your muscle memory will lock it into the Transitioning to falsetto earlier in your register goes a wrong key. You will have a significant uphill battle long way in keeping strain and heaviness out of your if you attempt to retrain to the original key. Many sound. When your voice is free, you will find it much choruses that have grown to the next level find that easier to maintain pitch. when they return to older repertoire, their old habits 3. False/poor start. Many choruses complain that are there waiting for them. Often, these choruses they go flat on the very first few notes. The onset of must eliminate old repertoire entirely. sound has a great deal to do with success in the ini- 7. Insufficient overall muscle memory. Can you sing tial phrase. Always breathe through the same vowel a major sixth right now? (Hint: The first two notes shape of the word that comes after the breath. This of the melody of “My Wild Irish Rose” is a major takes less effort, avoids shifting around, and gives a sixth.) Pitch will rarely be an issue if your mind Adam Scott cleaner, more accurate onset. knows each exact interval and your body has com- Harmony U Faculty 4. Mismatched vocal choices. Each vowel has its mitted each interval to muscle memory. This is part musicscotty@ own spectrum of where it’s placed in the mouth. of why singing with a top-level quartet or chorus is gmail.com The [i] sound (as in “teeth”) is a very bright sound, such a thrilling experience. Many members of top
8 The HARMONIZER • May/June 2016 groups have excellent muscle memory, this model. Though this requires that ask a trusted vocal coach for help. Our which helps them micro tune every you have enough riser space for all of talented arrangers choose their keys very interval no matter the song or the key. your singers, better hearing and better carefully. Ask one what songs fit your This is overall muscle memory. singing lead to better pitch. chorus best. Our coaches are in large 8. Oversinging. Oversinging is still a 10. Not tuning perfect 4ths/5ths. Have part very giving of their time. Even cho- problem in many of our singers. When you ever frozen a chord, checked the ruses at the top of their game are getting you are singing beyond control, you pitch and discovered you’re low? The consistent coaching. In many cases, can and should expect pitch to be a knee-jerk reaction might be to imme- such as when the Ambassadors of Har- casualty. Dr. Chris Peterson’s remedy is, diately tune that chord. But generically mony and The Vocal Majority coach “Don’t sing louder than beautiful.” telling everyone it needs to be higher is each other, coaches are happy to assist Consciously resist the urge to match less effective than finding the fifths and their likely competitors. or mimic a nearby singer, even (and tuning them first. Instead of freezing a When a chorus habitually flats its perhaps especially) if he is a great chord that isn’t tuning, freeze the inter- music, it is indicative of other musical singer. His voice is not your voice, val, isolate the perfect fifth (or perfect and vocal problems in the ensemble. Be and imitation can introduce a myriad fourth, it’s inversion) until that interval fanatical about staying in key. Dare or of problems, including tension and locks, then add the other parts back challenge each other or other sections. fatigue, with pitch issues becoming a into the chord. This is often why it is What habits do our singers cultivate byproduct. useful to duet parts with the lead or the when pitch is on our radar? We all love 9. Standing too close to other sing- bass. Remember, in barbershop music, it when the song ends where it should. ers. Recent choral research shows that the bass is the most likely part to be Last, consider how pitch affects when singers perform about two feet singing roots and fifths. membership. The better we sing, the apart at the shoulder, there is less ten- more polished our product, the more dency to oversing and a greater ability Conclusion likely we’ll attract new singers who to hear the overall ensemble sound. In closing, don’t be afraid to ask for help. love how those chords ring. It’s a mem- Some choruses like Westminster Cho- If you feel vocally tired at the end of the bership initiative you can’t buy in any rus and Central Standard are adopting night, do an assessment with yourself or other way. n
WORLD HARMONY JAMBOREE New time, new day: Saturday July 9, 2016 at 1PM The show will take place in the Davidson Ballroom in the Music City Center, Nashville. Tickets available at: barbershop.tix.com Price: 45 USD
Westminster BHS 2015 chorus champs Instant Classic BHS 2015 quartet champs Double Date Int´l 2016 mixed qtet champs Lemon Squeezy SNOBS quartet champs Reckless BABS quartet Heavy Medal BinG! chorus Take Four BinG! quartet Moonstruck Harmony Inc 2014 queens Speed of Sound SAI 2016 quartet queens Vocal Evolution BHA chorus champs The Mellow Diners BHA quartet Blindside BHA youth quartet Vocal FX NZABS chorus champs
Ad Harmonizer.indd 1 May/June 2016 • The HARMONIZER 9 The Chattanooga Choo- Choo Chorus has had an association with Special Olympics since 1990, when area coach Story Tellers Lindy Blazek asked the chorus (directed by her Send to [email protected] husband, Paul) to sing Want to be a storyteller? Contact the National Anthem at [email protected] a track and field event. or [email protected] These pictures show the chapter’s 27th ap- pearance at the Special Olympics track and field games. The Chorus has also opened the Special Olympics school-age bowling tournament every year since 1991, and a quartet opens the Aquatics event each spring. He’s not really a welder, but 16-year-old Barbershopper is building a lot of real singers Sixteen-year-old Greg- They showed up a month early for ory Bryan doesn’t self- identify as a welder, a gig—and it worked out great! although he looks to A couple saw a TV ad for our Boise Chordsmen be putting together a “A Cappella Fusion” event last fall and attended pretty strong identity as the free show. The husband was impressed by a Barbershopper, if his our quartet, River City Sound, and asked us to project from a one-day perform for the students at the Forest Service Job welding workshop says Corps center, where he works. A date was set and anything about one of we showed up for the performance on the 30th of the youngest members the month. The only problem was we came on the of Oregon’s Tualatin 30th of March, and the date was really April 30th. Valley Harmony Mas- We were embarrassed and apologized, but the staff ters (TVHM). asked us to stay while they put together a venue Even before Gregory joined his and rallied an audience. We did a 20-minute show grandfather, Don Petersen, on the for about 60 students and faculty and were warmly risers in March of 2015, performance received. (The students at this facility are there was already in his blood. A veteran of because of issues they had back home somewhere the Portland-Vancouver area Journey in the Pacific NW.) Theater Arts Group (JTAG), Gregory We were told that the students had put together soon recruited fellow JTAG performer a singing club before Christmas and were trying to Mitch Radford to join the chapter. Both keep it going. We visited afterwards, and taught are well-known for their on- and off- the kids a tag, and invited them to our Idaho stage enthusiasm, and both are already Youth Barbershop Festival in October. It was a two-time Barbershopper of the Month recipients for the chapter. cool experience and rewarding for all involved. We Gregory is helping an additional dozen young singers who are will nurture that relationship as part of our youth discovering barbershop harmony as well. He and his grandfa- and community outreach program. You just never ther have recently helped get a new class introduced at JTAG, know where and when these special moments will “Advanced Voice: Barbershop.” Gregory and a dozen friends come around. Keep singing! are currently taking the class. After this class is over, Gregory – Conly Hobson, Chapter Development & Youth hopes to recruit a few more friends to TVHM. Outreach, Boise Chordsmen – Don Petersen
10 The HARMONIZER • May/June 2016 NOW ON STAGE...
IN STOCK and PRICED RIGHT!
STRIPED BLAZER
A number of men have joined the Society as a result of seeing a recruiting bumper $ .50 sticker on the back of a Barbershopper’s car. But have you ever seen anything like 44 the car belonging to Phil Brewer, tenor of Anchorage quartet Lost @ C? Needless STRIPED VEST to say, Phil has had many chances to talk about his passion for singing. $29.50 “I had to buy and combine eight bumper stickers to build the quartet on the bumper to help with the interpretation!” Phil says. “It’s a smaller car, but I thought it’d make a funny video to see this car arriving at a gig and four guys dressed like us getting out. Almost like the score of clowns climbing out of the miniature TUXEDOS car at the circus.” From Small but busy chapter gives A+ service to its community $ Indiana’s Tri-County Harmonizers 99 may be a small chapter, but what it Jacket lacks in size, it makes up for in com- and munity engagement. Among dozens of area performances in 2015 were 26 Pants performances to the six area nursing homes, and members are busy learn- ing new songs in preparation to visit Brian McBlain (T), Joe Montag (L), Paul Min- all over again. ning (Bs), Dave Meneely (Br). Unfortunately “Just seeing the looks of apprecia- Paul passed away on March 31, 2016. tion on the faces of our audiences, I know that means ‘thanks,’” said a Chautauqua performance and at a chapter president Dave Meneely. The Seniors Christmas Dinner and at “Music BLAZERS chapter also sang with the New Point, on the Square.” To and from various 17 EXCITING Ind., Crackaway Daze extravaganza, engagements, they sang at a vet clinic, a hosted the Mello-Tones, performed at hair salon, a bank, and a local truck stop. From COLORS! • Royal Blue $ • Carolina Blue 59 • Augusta Green • Hunter Green • Kelly Green • Burgundy • Pink • Navy • Camel • Purple • Brown • Orange • Gold • Red • Grey • White • Black The Twin City Harmonizers of Kitchner-Ontario celebrated the chapter’s 70th an- niversary in style on May 7. Between a sell-out audience and a successful, all-day For Formal Wear from Tux to Tails, A Cappella Youth Workshop led by show headliner and 2015 collegiate silver med- Etons, Hats, alist ‘Shoptimus Prime. The 70th Anniversary concert raised substantial funds for Shirts and More! the chorus’ regular charities, Harmonize For Speech Foundation and Sing Canada Harmony. The chorus raised an additional $700 for relief efforts in the Northern HarmonyOnStage.com Alberta wildfires, which was matched by government and other institutional grants. – Jim Mills n 800-788-9336
May/June 2016 • The HARMONIZER 11 “You guys are my big brother. You do so many things so well. Barbershop remains an inspiration for vocal singers.”
He invented the contemporary a cappella sound, and remains the a cappella world’s most influential producer, arranger, and booster. Now, after years serving as one of barbershop harmony’s biggest allies in the broader choral world, Deke has made his advocacy official as our newest and most enthusiastic Honorary Lifetime Member
I have to say, you’ve gained a lot of new fans in the bar- bershop world this weekend. But you’ve already been a fan of Barbershoppers for a long time. How does it feel to have just received one of our Society’s highest honors this weekend? I guarantee there has never been anyone half as excited as I am to be an Honorary Lifetime Member. You guys are my big brother, you guys are the ones who have tried to show me what a cappella can be, what an organization can be, what a community can be, what a festival can be. I’m just copying you in everything I’m trying to do.
That’s great praise. I think we Barbershoppers sometimes don’t appreciate how much we’ve got going Background photo: Deke per- for us, individually and collectively. forms his arrangement of You’re the shining light on the hill that shows everybody what “Summertime” with combined vocal music organizations can be and can do. You do so many things Youth Chorus Festival perform- so well. Barbershop remains an inspiration for vocal singers. ers on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 at There’s no doo-wop society, which is why hardly anyone sings it the Midwinter Convention in anymore. Madrigals, sea shanties—pick a style of vocal harmony Lorin May Reno. The interview on pages Editor, The from the past, and none of them have the power, the presence, the infrastructure and the success that barbershop has. That’s why you 12-15 took place on Saturday, Harmonizer Jan. 30. lmay@ guys are ending up on The Tonight Show all the time and why you barbershop.org continue to be a part of the popular culture. Congratulations! Photo by Lorin May
12 The HARMONIZER • May/June 2016 “You guys are my big brother. You do so many things so well. Barbershop remains an inspiration for vocal singers.”
Feel a sense of success and a measure of that. Obviously visuals. You need to find emotional triggers in the lyrics there’s still more to be done to grow, but celebrate that! or your own experiences that you can put into that mo- ment. And it needs to be a process that people work on. How do you explain the exploding interest in a cappella? There’s so much generosity and so much genuine emo- In the same vein, we’re trying to emphasize more natural-looking tion and personality in singing. People have lost that in body language. Have you seen any barbershop groups that are popular radio—it just feels like music made by robots. especially good at that right now? Watch A cappella is just shining in stark contrast. I hope we’re Watch the Swedish groups: (2012 champ) Ringmasters, five short able to have it become a permanent part of the popular (2015 bronze medalist) Lemon Squeezy and (2015 videos on music scene, for generations to come. And barbershop Youth champ) Trocadero. There’s something about the BHS is very much a part of that. the way that they are not affected in their movement. YouTube They come across as being more natural and in many channel We certainly appreciate your advocacy for barbershop within the ways more American than North American quartets. to see for broader a cappella community. You’ve even called barbershop They just have a looseness in their shoulders and in yourself “the martial arts of a cappella.” Can you explain that? their body language and if their hand moves up it’s just why Deke In the martial arts, people have clear focus and because that’s what they were feeling when they were is such a discipline. Barbershop brings that to vocal sing- singing. There’s just a natural way in which the human powerful ing, where you can understand tuning, the body reacts to the voice. That’s what they’re doing ally for integration of a voice within a chord, singing: vowel placement, great phrasing. So what’s the fastest way for a group to improve its perfor- bit.ly/ Over the past 80 years, barber- mance skills? dekebhs shop has created a series of Sing for the public, get in front of people, make videos aesthetics and techniques and see which things work well. If the audience is roar- that are so informative to ing and up on their feet, those judges have no choice any singer. It bridges the but to score you highly. You’ve got to be worried about classic and the pop world what the hundreds of millions of North Americans think really beautifully. Anyone about you, because they’re the people who will become who is singing any kind of the new barbershop fans. choral music, any kind of pop, is so much better if I’ve known Barbershoppers who fear that rubbing shoulders they learn barbershop. Sometimes I think bar- Heralded as “The Father of Contem- College A Cappella Compilation), the A bershop is a little too focused porary A Cappella,” Deke Sharon is Cappella Summit), the Contemporary A on tuning. But I’ll say this responsible for the current sound of Cappella League, and the professional right down the barrel to pop modern a cappella, having created ensembles Voasis and Vocalosity singers: If you want to know the dense vocal-instrumental sound in • Arranged over 2,000 songs how to sing in tune, you’d better college and subsequently spreading it • Author of three a cappella books learn yourself some barbershop around the world. • Producer for dozens of award-winning because these people will whip you • Producer of “The Sing-Off” worldwide a cappella albums (including Straight into shape right quick. (USA, Netherlands, China, South No Chaser, Committed, Nota, Street Africa) Corner Symphony and the Tufts Beel- I understand you’re a fan of our new Perfor- • Arranger, on-site music director and zebubs) mance Category and its focus on authenticity and vocal producer for “Pitch Perfect” & • Created a cappella groups for Disney- audience connection. “Pitch Perfect 2” movies land and Disneyworld Absolutely! When a group is on stage, emotions • One of two main coaches for Lifetime • Frequently tours the world teaching a should be just as important as tuning. I’m just TV’s world-wide hit “Pitch Slapped” variety of topics to students and profes- now finishing up my third book,The Heart of Vo- • Founder, director and arranger for the sional singers cal Harmony, about the process of getting a group House Jacks, the original “Rock Band • His voice can be heard in commercials to sing with a unified emotion. There’s just so little Without Instruments” and video games literature about that. Choral music isn’t like Broad- • Founder of Contemporary A Cappella • One of only 20 honorary members way, where every person on stage is showing you a Society, the CARAs (Contemporary A of the Barbershop Harmony Society, different backstory. With choral music, each member Cappella Recording Awards), IC- plus honorary member of BYU Vocal of the group needs to tell the same story, and the face CAs (International Championship of Point, and recipient of CASA’s lifetime is everything. It needs to start from honesty. Acting College A Cappella), BOCA (Best of achievement award in 2016 isn’t enough. There has to be some truth behind the
May/June 2016 • The HARMONIZER 13 “It needs to start from honesty. There has to be some truth behind the visuals. You need to find emotional triggers in the lyrics or your own experiences that you can put into that moment.
with performers of other a cappella styles could water down and do better on their tests. They feel more connected the barbershop sound. Any thoughts on that? and the suicide rate goes down, the recidivism rate goes I have no interest in changing the style or sound of down. People need to feel connected to others, and barbershop. I want to inspire people to learn from they can immediately feel connected when they sing barbershop and for it to become a piece of the popular with others. culture. That said, I look forward to seeing groups that tilt barbershop a little bit and send it in their own direc- You know that we’re all about reaching out and helping music tion. Let’s get some Barbershoppers to color outside the educators—no strings attached. Do you have any thoughts for lines. It’s going to be those guys who blow up the public’s music educators who are considering working with Barbershop- perception of what it can be. pers, or even adding barbershop to their repertoire? Let me say this directly to music educators. You’re try- Some might also worry that we’re competing for the same singers. ing to raise your singers emotionally, interpersonally, There’s plenty of room at the salad bar for all of us. socially, creatively—all these ways that their math Everybody who is singing vocal harmony, regardless of teacher can’t address. And so you’re exhausted, you’re the style, is benefited by every single other person who overworked, and you’re always looking for more things is doing it. It’s about getting more people singing. We’re that can make your program more effective and help in this together. make you a better teacher. Turn to barbershop. The infrastructure here, the programs they’ve got. One We’ve been calling the lack of community singing an actual weekend with a bunch of Barbershoppers will leave crisis, and I think I’ve seen you use similar language. Why is you rejuvenated, will give you all kinds of ideas, and singing so important? will make you more effective with your students and We are hard-wired to sing, genetically and physically. help you reach new ones that you didn’t realize were But lately people, particularly in North America, potentially interested in singing. You could not do have stopped. If you keep singing, you get to feel like better than to make sure your male choirs, your fe- a whole person. Singing gives you a sense of commu- male choirs, your mixed choirs have some barbershop nity, a sense of connection with other people—the experience. ability to create something beautiful. To feel like you’re spending your evening doing something that’s I know you have a lot of thoughts about how to make barbershop meaningful, touching other people’s lives, reaching an even bigger part of the public eye. What are some examples? out and making lifelong friends. One thing I am hearing from Barbershoppers is that it’s With singing, you’re meeting other people in the the best-kept secret in town. Guys, remain the best, but community that you would otherwise never have let’s get rid of the secret part. You need to understand met—different socioeconomic backgrounds, races— Facebook, learn Periscope, Twitter, make followers, fol- together creating something beautiful. The people low other people. Focus on getting the biggest choruses. who sing are the happiest people on this planet. Focus on getting the most new fans out there each year. When someone sings in school, they study harder Focus on getting the most possible hits on your videos and then you’ll be bringing more people to barbershop Only a force of nature like Deke Sharon could have accomplished What kind of musical choices could help? so much in the quarter century Repertoire is essential. Think about since he graduated from Tufts the holidays, when more people want University—with a mission to vocal music than any other time of get the world singing a cap- the year. You guys could easily be nail- pella. As a world-class emcee, ing millions of he quickly won over the Mid- views for classic winter audience with his electric Christmas car- ols sung beauti- stage presence and his genuine fully and power- connection as a fellow traveler. fully. Fourth of As a world-class clinician, he July—build some later blew away more than 500 momentum. It’s youth with both the depth of his all within your musical knowledge and his ef- grasp, and you fortless approachability. don’t have to Lorin May Lorin May
14 The HARMONIZER • May/June 2016 “It needs to start from honesty. There has to be some truth behind the visuals. You need to find emotional triggers in the lyrics or your own experiences that you can put into that moment.
compromise a single thing about what barbershop is. roadmap to help singers connect with an audience. The arrangers’ job is to stand on the sidelines and to Do you have a favorite barbershop group? let that connection happen. Once they understand Yes, ever since they came to an early CASA festival in that, that’s when they become great arrangers. the mid-1990s. Every single song they sang—standing ovation! The place went nuts—I’ve never seen anything Any advice to our barbershop performers? like it in my life. The group, of course, was the legendary Stop trying to impress the judges. Stop trying to Gas House Gang (1993 champ). There was no pretense, get the gold medal. Look at the audience and sing there was no attitude, and that to me is the pinnacle of something from the heart. Choose songs that mean what barbershop can and should be. something to you. People listen to music because it makes us feel something. If you care To our readers who are new to the broader a about the judges, you are making cappella world, which groups would be a good your artform inwardly focused. Maybe intro? Who do you listen to on your own time? you’ll never have a gold medal, but Vocal harmony is so much of what I do you’ll have a million fans. that I can’t listen to it and relax. But if you aren’t familiar with the broader a Any final thoughts on how we can use singing cappella world, go to YouTube and look to change lives? for Pentatonix, or Home Free if you We know how singing changes our own love country music. Straight No Chaser—they are like lives and makes us feel like a whole human being—so 10 Michael Bublés. Take 6, The King’s Singers, The we need to make our number one job as singers to reach Swingle Singers. Once you start clicking on videos and other people. To keep this gift to ourselves is selfish. We following one group, you’ll start to see other groups that can’t make the singing be about ourselves. We can’t make you know and love. it be about a gold medal, we can’t make it Background photo: Af- be about impressing judges or how much ter graciously accepting You’re a prolific arranger—more than 2,000 songs and still money we’re going to get from the ticket his Honorary Lifetime going. Any advice for our current or aspiring arrangers? sales. No, we need to make it about chang- Membership, Deke joined Focus on this: What are the great things about the song ing lives. You go up on that stage and you members of 2008 cham- that I want to emphasize? My frustration with other find someone in the audience, someone pion OC Times to perform arrangers is when they get too ostentatious, when they out there is hurting, someone out there has the first barbershop song try too hard to say, “Look at me! Look at this splashy lost someone out there who is alone. Invite he had ever learned in a chord!” No, no, no! You get out of the way. An ar- them into our family. That’s the greatest rangement is just some thoughts on a page that are a gift that we can give to society. n high school quartet. Photo by Lorin May
Swipes ‘n’ Swaps “New director” ads are free in The Har- an opening for an energetic, experienced monizer (first 50 words) to Society chapters. director. If you’re not into yoga send your Send to [email protected]. resume to [email protected] or call Kirk Olinger at 540-537-9259. Inquiries DIRECTOR WANTED for additional information are welcome! Mountain Jubilee Chorus in SLC,UT seeks a director for our dynamic, award- 20 member chorus looking for a director winning chorus with the ability to take us to from the Danville, Champaign, Illinois, or even further heights of musical and artistic western Indiana area. We meet on Tuesday achievement. Excellent communication and nights. Respond to Garry Hinkle at gm- musical skills required. Inspire us with your [email protected] or 217-474-0472. application at mountainjubileechorus.org. Inquiries: [email protected]. The Kansas City Chorus is seeking a dynam- ic, artistic musical director with outstanding Do you like piña coladas, getting caught leadership skills and a strong knowledge of our website www.kansascitychorus.com. in the rain? The Virginia Gentlemen, a the barbershop art form. If interested complete Questions, contact: kccdirectorsearch16@ well-established chorus of 40+ years has the Prospective Director Applicant Form on kansascitychorus.com.
May/June 2016 • The HARMONIZER 15 Resonating with Instant Classic Want to know how Instant Classic came seemingly out of nowhere to win a championship? Two keys: “Resonance matching” for incredible lock and ring, and genuine onstage vulnerability
Excuse the parental pride, but it doesn’t make what I’ll my privilege to watch them grow and to play a part in say next any less true: Rarely do we see a group that their rapid ascent. I will attempt to adequately describe has over-the-top talent, extraordinary musicianship, these four lovely people and their journey so far. ferocious work ethic, artistic vision, beautiful voices, Kyle (bass) and Theo (lead) have been singing perspective on humanity, and yet are approachable together since 2005. They were brought together by and conduct themselves with humility as the men of Craig Pollard, who was singing in Infinity with me, Instant Classic. and whose son, Wayne, was The quartet’s journey singing with Theo in a high began in the spring of school quartet, Insignia. 2009, qualifying to repre- They were looking for a sent the Cardinal District bass, and I suggested Kyle. at the International Colle- After all, he could ride to Scott KitzmillerEgiate contest in Anaheim. rehearsals with me. They Coach, Music Little did they know that finished 11th at the Col- judge, father of Kohl & Kyle a short six years later, they Hoosier Daddy, 2006: The author, Scott Kitzmiller (left), lege contest in 2005, and it BuckScott@ would be International with Theo Hicks and Scott’s sons, Kohl and Kyle. The was apparent that a strong juno.com Champions. It has been younger men would later become 75% of Instant Classic. bond was rapidly forming.
16 The HARMONIZER • May/June 2016 Fraternal Champions A total of 13 quartet champs have included brothers, and Instant Classic is the fifth such quartet since 2002. 1. Curly & Gordon Hall (Harmony Halls, 1944) 2. Joe, Jim, Paul & Francis Schmitt (Schmitt Brothers, 1951) Kohl (bari) 3. Turk, Pres & Jack Evans (Evans Quartet, 1960) an aid, so I recused joined Kyle and 4. Gary & Jack Harding (Golden Staters, 1972) myself. This turned out Theo in 2006, 5. Ken & Allen Hatton (Bluegrass Student Union, 1978) to be for the best, as along with yours 6. Cal & Willard Yoder (Rural Route 4, 1986) working on their own truly on tenor, 7. David & Doug Harrington (Second Edition, 1989) helped them discover to form Hoosier 8. Rob & Jim Henry (The Gas House Gang, 1993) how to tap into a much Daddy. This was 9. Chad & Brandon Guyton (Four Voices, 2002) deeper sense of the Kohl’s first reg- 10. Mike & Mark Slamka (Power Play, 2003) music than they had istered quartet, 11. Mark & Tom Metzger (Realtime, 2005) previously envisioned. and we placed 12. Jeff & Will Hunkin (Musical Island Boys, 2014) With a CD under fifth in the Car- 13. Kohl & Kyle Kitzmiller (Instant Classic, 2015) their belts, prepara- dinal District tion for Las Vegas in contest that fall. Although this 2014 was primarily on the drama of the music, was designed to be just a fun thing focusing on Theo’s natural storytelling abilities, to do for one contest, a keen ob- server could clearly see the start of David Zimmerman (T), a native of Richmond, Ind., is a choral something big. director in the Indianapolis School District, assistant director at In 2007, Kyle and Theo recruited Circle City Sound, a Music judge candidate, and spends his spare time tenor Mark Lewis and baritone T. hiking. He is truly one of the goofiest human beings I know, a total J. Poliskie, to compete at the 2007 nerdmuffin. Dave is the kind of guy that would watch the entire Collegiate contest in Denver as Wagner Ring Cycle and actually enjoy it. His arrangements are diverse, from Cole The Goods, finishing fifth. 2008 in Porter to Victorian hymns to classic rock. He plays piano and guitar, mostly under Nashville saw a sixth-place finish, trees on college campuses to attract girls. You should see him try to carry a piano after which they re-formed with under a tree ... David likes long tenor posts on the beach. two new parts and started calling themselves Instant Classic. Theo Hicks (L), originally from Farmington Hills, Mich., is the The 2010 Collegiate contest in choral/drama director at Madison-Grant Jr./Sr. High School, director Shawn York Philadelphia, Kohl’s first, ended of Circle City Sound, director for collegiate outreach for the Cardinal with a 10th-place finish. Additionally, Kyle, Kohl, District, and a Music judge candidate. He is married to Laura, and and I were singing with Jeff Wallace in Heatwave, the they reside in Noblesville, Ind., with their dog Nellie, who is waiting CAR representatives in the men’s contest. The work- ‘til the sun shines. Of Greek and Syrian descent, food is very central to his world, load of two quartets became an issue, so IC decided and he can simultaneously prepare burgers, hot dogs, pitch horseshoes, change to take some time off while Heatwave continued on. a propane tank, and sing a tag. A musical theater nerd, he arranges many of the Meanwhile, David and Kyle formed quartets of their quartet’s ballads, and he is also a drummer. He would rather sing baritone. Just own, All in the Cards, The Chris Bateson Experience, ask him. and the infamous You Say Tomato, I Say Barbershop. Kohl Kitzmiller (Br), from Elkhart, Ind., works as an audio/ After a year off, IC returned to Portland in 2012 with visual technician in Indianapolis and records learning tracks. He is a higher commitment to performance, placing second Cardinal District director for Youth in Harmony, which administers in the Collegiate contest and 24th in the men’s. That the Harmony Explosion Camp, and is baritone section leader in Circle year of preparation, coupled with maturing voices, was City Sound. He switched from automotive engineering to music, nixing the launching point for great things to come. the promised Lamborghini Diablo for Father’s Day. He was also an accomplished The buildup to Toronto in 2013 was a bit challeng- hurdler in high school. His arrangements are fairly eclectic, mostly contemporary ing, in part because I was on the judging panel and songs in a variety of styles. Though he is a trombonist, he manages to stay sober was prohibited from coaching for 60 days beforehand. and has some modicum of musical taste. The resident hipster, Kohl spends his However, much work was done in the 10 months spare time gelling his hair. after Portland, with the main focus on becoming bet- ter musicians. Opening up the mind to the broader Kyle Kitzmiller (Bs), also from Elkhart (go figure), Kyle is in the musical issues was the big picture agenda, and a ma- operations department at a software development company, and a jor threshold was crossed into the A category (81+ freelance web developer. He also serves as Cardinal District contest points scoring average). Finally, the technique was and judging director, Music VP of Circle City Sound, is a certified Music becoming transparent, and that resulted in a 16th judge, and serves on the Music Category board of review. He plays place finish. alto sax and cut a CD with Truth in Jazz big band while he was still in high school. A Soon after, they headed into the studio for the first chameleon arranger, he does every style under the sun: square roots barbershop, time for any of them. After a few sessions of my “help- funk, R&B, silliness, and anything no one else in the quartet wants to arrange. ing,” it became clear that I was more a hindrance than We call him the Garbage Man. Kyle is a baritone trapped in the body of a bass.
May/June 2016 • The HARMONIZER 17 and sculpting the dramatic was the right thing to do, even impact. There was much though they weren’t happy with discussion on subtext of me at the time. lyrics, overall story arc, Latching on to the concept and everyone knowing the of resonance matching (rather subtleties of Theo’s story. than vowel matching) was not We adopted a schedule of Instant Classic formed with James Pennington too difficult for my sons, mostly two hours of singing every (left) at bari. There was some resistance to because I had been teaching day at the convention, an singing with Kohl at the time, as he was still some variation of it for about 20 hour at noon, and another in high school and lived three hours away years. Once they all committed at 5 p.m. That gave ev- with no transportation. After an eighth-place to it, the sound began to co- eryone some focus time, Collegiate finish in 2009, James left to focus alesce, and the small inconsis- some integration time, and on his other quartet, and Kohl took his place. tencies began to fall away. More some down time. It was just and more, they started to sound enough to keep the voices loose, the mind engaged, like a single voice on four parts. To their credit, they and the juices flowing. An eighth-place finish was a came back to me with improvements to the concept, surprise to the quartet, and a great reinforcement that which I immediately adopted. Much of the contest a focus on high art was the path for this foursome. cycle was focused on reinforcing this element.
The secret sauce: resonance matching Deeper connection with the audience Immediately after the 2014 quartet finals (by which The plan was to have a four-pronged approach to I mean Saturday night in Vegas between hospitality develop singing skills, musicianship, drama, emotional rooms), the focus shifted to singing work—more spe- accessibility to the audience. cifically, resonance matching. (See sidebar opposite As we drew closer to Pittsburgh, the focus particularly page) They were a little annoyed with me when I turned to accessibility. As we dug in, it became clear had them do vowel exercises between rooms, but I that each of the quartet members had different chal- stood my ground. Later on, they would confess that it lenges. Kohl was the most open at the beginning of the process, having decided long ago to just let it fly on The “winless” international champ (and other trivia) stage, to worry about nothing. His challenge was to not be visually scattered, and always remain deeply engaged. • The men of Instant Classic have • All four are accomplished arrang- Anyone who spends time with Theo realizes quickly not won a single round of any ers, with five of their six champion- that he is a truly genuine, humble person. Along with competition—including any of ship songs arranged by quartet that comes a little bit of shyness, which needed to be the three rounds for their 2015 members, and “Love Me or Leave overcome. It was a long process to get to the place championship—except for the Me” by long-time friend Patrick where he could share unapologetically. fall of 2011, when they won the McAlexander Dave was the most resistant to letting go, but we Cardinal District championship. In • Three are in the Society judging wore him down ... In the Saturday noon session, he many years of district international program, and Kohl plans to even- finally gave up the last bit of resistance and decided qualifying contests, they were out- tually enter the judging program to have no fear. Kyle’s challenge was to live in the scored in every round by Forefront, • Instant Classic scoring history: moment, to be a Zen Master, to not analyze. they never won a collegiate cham- Spring 2009: 73.0 Taken together, these breakthroughs led to a place pionship, and they were outscored International 2009: 77.8 where everyone was completely comfortable, and in all three rounds in Pittsburgh (Kohl joins) when it became clear that no one in the room would (two by Forefront, and one by Main Spring 2010: 74.3 judge anything on any level, the performance had Street). International 2010: 76.6 a real chance to live, and to soar. This is what they • Only two other quartet champs Fall 2011: 78.1 carried on stage, especially Saturday night. have been outscored in all three Spring 2012: 79.7 Again, we had two sessions daily, with each day rounds in the year they won: The International 2012: 81.2 bringing breakthroughs. The discussion was mostly Gala Lads (1962) and OC Times Spring 2013: 81.2 about breaking down our barriers as people, most no- (2008). International 13: 83.0 tably, our fears. We all have a mask that we present to • Kyle attended his first chorus Spring 2014: 84.1 the world, behind which we hide some (if not most) rehearsal at six days old. (He was International 2014: 86.2 of our true selves. The challenge is to remove the born on a Tuesday, and rehearsal Spring 2015: 88.0 mask and reveal our true essence. This is a frightening was on a Monday) International 2015: 92.7 proposition, for it reveals our fears and vulnerabilities. • Kyle has sung all four parts in contest Nevertheless, it is necessary to transcend the ordinary.
18 The HARMONIZER • May/June 2016 More important than vowel matching: Resonance matching Scott Kitzmiller and Instant Classic will present a 90-minute Harmony University class on resonance matching in Nashville’s Music City Center on Saturday, July 9, at 10 a.m. Caution: Advanced singing concepts ahead! The formance on Saturday night. Many have said that concept of resonance matching came from decades of night was magical, and I must concur. gathering information and ideas from many sources, Drew Wheaton (tenor of Forefront) was also both inside and outside the barbershop community. an integral part of their progress, coaching them The basis of the system is the idea that certain groups especially on vocal production and singing issues. of vowels have formants that compliment each other His knowledge and skill has been invaluable to mathematically. For instance, both the first formant the quartet, and they remain great friends. In what of “OO” and the second formant of EE resonate other hobby can you find direct competitors helping around 320 Hz, meaning they essentially set up the each other and being truly happy with the results? same overtone series. The theory is that we can draw No quartet is complete without loving encour- those two vowels together (the exact middle would be agement from family. Jane Zimmerman, David and the German umlaut, which we don’t use), and further fine Diana Hicks, and Terry and Bonnie Searls have tune them to create and reinforce the harmonic series they are already been a constant source of support and inspiration setting up. Further, this can be modified based on the natural tenden- over the years, without which this would not have cies of the individual voices in the quartet. Generally, we ask brighter been possible. The loving support of wives and singers to add more OO in the EE sound, and ask darker singers to significant others cannot go understated. Love do the opposite. Sometimes, individual voices have a balance, and and highest praises to Laura Vogler Hicks, Caitlin need little or no adjustment. Banton, and Emily Abrams for always being there. Usually, the vowels we sing in the barbershop world are universally In preparation for coaching sessions, I would create too pure, that is to say, too much O in the O, too much AH in the AH, a long list of things to discuss. After the first song etc. They can be modified toward their specific complimentary vowel or two, I realized that most of that list was moot, for sounds (without changing the vocal production), which keeps us more the work ethic, dedication, and vision had already consistent, helps with pitch, and rings like crazy. caused them to achieve most of the list. In that way, Resonance groupings: they pushed me to become a better coach (er...) • Short A (last), AH (lost), AW (long) facilitator. I have always tried to bring awareness, • EH (let), UH (love), O (low) point everyone in the same direction, and get out • IH (lift), UR (learn), short OO (look) of the way. Sometimes I feel like a life coach, rather • EE (we), umlaut, OO (you) than a singing or performance coach. I owe them a great debt, for they enlightened me to many high Rather than going on stage and connecting with level concepts, and pushed me to work at a higher an audience, the philosophy was to go on stage and level. I can truly say I am a better person because of our reveal your true self, so that the audience may con- collaboration. Watching these wonderful young men nect with you. This allows for an honesty that is blossom into great performers has been a tremendous rare among performers and is truly engaging. As the pleasure, and the fact that two of them share my DNA week went on, one by one they allowed themselves is sublime. I’m just happy to be along for the ride. Long to be more fearless, culminating in a wide open per- live Instant Classic! n
“Be passionate about everything you do, but don’t take yourselves too seriously!” Sage advice for any quartet, and Instant Classic spectacularly lives up to both ends of the equation. Their ideal quartet rehearsal? An intense three hours of singing and another intense three hours of Mario Kart. Their mutual passion for singing is only matched by their passion for ... well, a lot of other outlets that four best friends in their twenties might enjoy.
May/June 2016 • The HARMONIZER 19 Midwinter: the most balanced event you’ve ever loved
Pretty much everything Barbershoppers love and do is on display at our Midwinter Conventions. No chapter, district or Society event—yes, including our International Convention and Harmony U—lets you experience in one space the breadth of what it means to be a Barbershopper. Joy of friendship. The only way to not make a boatload of new friends at Midwinter is to stay in your room all weekend. And the casual pace leaves plenty of downtime together. The joy of singing. If someone didn’t sing a lot in Reno, it had to be because they didn’t want to. Even if you didn’t share in the widespread tagging (why in the world not?), even if you didn’t sign up for Harmony Platoon (ditto) or All-Chapter Chorus, there was plenty of participatory singing at virtually every show and every presentation. The joy of making a difference in people’s lives. Want to see what a lifetime of singing does for a man’s health and happiness? Anyone who watched the amazing Seniors Quartet Contest then tagged with these same men all weekend experienced what the joy of life-long friendships looks and sounds like. On the beginning side of the spectrum, among young men who showed up for the Youth Chorus Festival were many for whom the weekend may have changed their lives. Did you speak to them? Many now know that no matter what else they do in life, singing will always be a part of it. The joy of joining with others. The All-Chapter Chorus gave Barbershop- pers from smaller chapters or no chapter at all the rare chance join voices in a high-level rehearsal and performance experience that for many was a musical high-water mark. The Harmony Platoon gave men an instant quartetting experience that lasted for days. And where else can you sing with a 1,600-voice chorus multiple times a weekend? The joy of learning. The crowds filled up huge ballrooms for Harmony University classes taught by the very best in the business, including David Wright, Deke Sharon and Instant Classic. The joy of ... amazing shows! The non-participatory parts of the week weren’t only great, they were world-class! There were show sets from the 2015 international medalists and youth champion, and superior showman- ship from a variety of Seniors champs showing off a lifetime of learning. But what many considered the show highlight of the week (or the year) was 2015 International Chorus Champion Westminster Chorus, whose jaw-dropping Friday night set would have earned a thundering standing O on any stage in the world. Midwinter is already the can’t-miss highlight of the year for many Barbershoppers. Join us in San Antonio next year and find out why! n
20 The HARMONIZER • May/June 2016 May/June 2016 • The HARMONIZER 21 2016 Seniors Quartet Finalists
Miller Photography 1. High Priority (FWD) Ray Estes (T), Byron Bennett (L), Mark House (Br), Dan Davenport (Bs) Photos pages 22-26 by Lorin May except where noted Mark: (602) 570-5632; [email protected]
(tie) 2. Spotlight (JAD) (tie) 2. St. Croix Crossing (LOL) Matt Bridger (Br), Don Pullins (L), Dave Kindinger (Bs), Gary Wulf (T) Randy Lieble (T), Dan Heike (L), Jared Hoke (Bs), Steven Hardy (Br) Gary: (614) 793-8864; [email protected] Dan: (715) 926-5318; [email protected] www.prettygoodquartet.com www.facebook.com/scxbq
4. Time Bandits (CAR) 5. Rolls Voyce (PIO) Thomas Rouse (Br), David Boo (Bs), Marco Crager (L), Ken Limerick (T) Bruce LaMarte (T), T.C. Conner (L), T.R. Gerard (Bs), David Gillingham (Br) Ken: (574) 292-3206; [email protected] David: (989) 330-1407; [email protected]
22 The HARMONIZER • May/June 2016 2016 Seniors Quartet Finalists
6. DOUBLE TAKE (EVG) 7. Replay! (SWD) Brad Wilcox (T), Wes Sorstokke (L), Bruce Morgan (Bs), Chuck Landback (Br) Bill Wilkinson (Br), Art Swanson (L), John White (Bs), Frank Friedemann (T) Brad: (559) 437-9370; [email protected] Frank: (918) 230-1155; [email protected]
8. Youth Reclamation Project (MAD) 9. Leftover Parts (SLD) Mike Wallen (T), Roger Tarpy (L), Vic Owen (Bs), Hardman Jones (Br) Ron Mason (Br), Bob Fuest (L), Eddie Moss (Bs), Dennis Sokoloski (T) Vic: (804) 425-7170; [email protected] Eddie: (585) 735-5363; [email protected]
10. Social Insecurity (EVG) 11. Trade Secret (NED) Bob Martindale (Br), Kevin Stephens (L), Marty Anderson (Bs), Gary Raze (T) Bill Wright (T), Ralph St. George (Br), Mike Maino (Bs), Bob O’Connell (L) Bob: (541) 729-0283; [email protected] Mike: (401) 331-6156; [email protected] www.facebook.com/tradesecretquartet
May/June 2016 • The HARMONIZER 23 2016 Seniors Quartet Finalists
12. Port City Sound (NED) 13. Highpoint (LOL) Fred Moore (T), Walt Dowling (L), Jim Simpson (Bs), Jim Curtis (Br) Harry Hanson (T), Mike Ziegler (L), Darryl Cremer (Br), Bob Wozniak (Bs) Jim: (207) 629-8321; [email protected] Darryl: (262) 884-4827; [email protected] www.downeasters.org
14. Armchair Chorderbacks (CSD) 15. Take Note (ILL) Jim Bagby (Br), David Stockard (Bs), Mike Mathieu (L), Carter Combs (T) Rick Anthoney (T), Ralph Brooks (L), Ed Chapman (Bs), Dick Kingdon (Br) Mike: (913) 522-0776; [email protected] Ralph: (847) 924-7085; [email protected]
16. Basses Unlimited (ONT) 17. Final Countdown (NSC) David Wallace (Br), Ted Church (Bs), Rob Lamont (L), Bill Wells (T) David Mills (T), Chuck Villier (L), Dale Comer (Bs), Mark Rodda (Br) Rob: (416) 879-0166; [email protected] Mark: (704) 236-2468; [email protected]
24 The HARMONIZER • May/June 2016 2016 Seniors Quartet Finalists
18. Harmony Grits (NSC) 19. Blood, Sweat, and Years (FWD) Steve Tremper (T), Walter Miles (L), Jim Nappier (Br), Ted Leinbach (Bs) Paul Engel (T), Les Weiser (L), Bill Myers (Bs), Bob Cathaway (Br) Ted: (336) 724-0533; [email protected] Paul: (650) 752-0714; [email protected]
20. Razzmatazz (MAD) 21. Equinox (SUN) Rick Ashby (L), Ed Ludwig (Br), Don McElroy (Bs), Bill Gable (T) Ralph Brown (T), Frank Bovino (L), Ed McKenzie (Bs), Pat Bauer (Br) Rick: (717) 625-2945; [email protected] Ralph: (813) 677-5388; [email protected]
22. Silver Chords (EVG) 23. On Q! (ONT) Dave Brasher (Br), Dick Swanson (Bs), Bob Schmitt (L), Dan Tangarone (T) John Wilkie (Br), Bruce Marchant (L), Bill Vermue (Bs), Richard Frenette (T) David: (425) 820-1849; [email protected] John: (519) 837-9705; [email protected]
May/June 2016 • The HARMONIZER 25 2016 Seniors Quartet Finalists
24. Continuum (RMD) 25. Horizon (JAD) Jeff Styer (Br), Mike Kennedy (Bs), Tom Bugg (L), Bob Fox (T) Don Gray (T), Jerry Wallman (L), Dutch Speidel (Bs), Bayard Pelsor (Br) Mike: (303) 906-5189; [email protected] Don: (513) 421-2413; [email protected]
SO THIS HAPPENED. Jay Giallombardo’s epic Cleveland Heights Barbershoppers • Cleveland, Ohio • Jesse Lange, Kim Sudduth (asst.) “Tribute to World Peace” medely, performed by the All-Chapter Chorus, hundreds of Youth Chorus Festival participants, and Instant Classic. Just one of several mountaintop experiences that Barbershoppers young and old experienced in Reno. (The audience rather enjoyed it, too!)
26 The HARMONIZER • May/June 2016 2016 Youth Chorus Festival Participants View all of the Youth Chorus Festival performances at http://bit.ly/2016ycf Youth Chorus Festival photos, pages 27-30: Wide angle shots by Miller Photography; Close-up shots by Lorin May
Led by a renowned Sweet Adeline luminary/music educator, she has brought both men’s and women’s choirs to the Festival over the past two years because of the impact it has had on both groups. (The women have performed at other Midwinter events.)
Outstanding
Chandler High School Men’s Chorus • Chandler, Ariz • Lori Lyford
Excellent A long-time participant, their past director retired and the new director was unfamiliar with barbershop harmony. The students and the community suc- cessfully petitioned the school district and the new director to keep barbershop and the festival as part of the choral program.
Cleveland Heights Barbershoppers • Cleveland, Ohio • Jesse Lange, Kim Sudduth (asst.)
This high-level chorus learned of the Festival via Hong Kong-based profes- sional a cappella singer Eric Monson, past Collegiate champion and brother of Society CEO Marty Monson. The highest scoring and likely hardest working chorus of the Festival, they’ve performed barbershop for years.
Superior Dioceason Boy’s School Choir • Hong Kong, China • Felix Shuen Plateau A Award* Presenter’s Award
*Highest Score, Average Age <19
This Upstate N.Y. Chorus is directed by a young, female Barbershopper who was honored by Sweet Adelines and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) as a 2015 Music Educator of the Year.
Excellent
Harmonic Collective • Central New York • Sky Harris
May/June 2016 • The HARMONIZER 27 2016 Youth Chorus Festival Participants
Led by the Boise Chapter’s director, the chorus was formed as an outgrowth of the chapter’s wildly popular Youth in Harmony camps that attract more than 700 area high school singers every fall.
ExcellentExcellent
Audience Favorite Award
Mountain Standard Time • Boise Chordsmen Chapter • Rich Lapp, Sean Kane (asst.)
While the Wildcat Harmonizers (opposite page) performances center on the Excellent smallest performers of the contest, the Santa Maria Youth Chorus put their most charismatic performer front and center as well—a man who stands head and shoulders above most performers. He is also very tall.
Santa Maria Youth Chorus • Santa Maria, Calif. • Matt Ringer, Dona Kintzi (asst.)
Barbershopper Rich Hansen is not a music educator at his school, but directed this chorus of Excellent men from his school’s choral program. His school’s music educator accompanied the boys to Reno and was blown away by everything she saw. This performance could have received a special award for the most original use of plumbing supplies ever on a barbershop stage.
Some Assembly Required • Mt. Zion High School, Illinois District • Rich Hansen
Excellent Led by a long-time Barbershopper and music educator, the chorus knocked it out of the park with an old school tribute to the decades-old comedic repertoire first performed by the director’s old quartet.
OC Student Union • Fullerton Chapter & Far Western District • Tom Nichols, Andrew Hernandez (asst.)
28 The HARMONIZER • May/June 2016 2016 Youth Chorus Festival Participants
The Festival’s first-ever middle school chorus, and also this year’s youngest and smallest— average age 12.5!—proved that some middle schoolers can handle four-part harmony. Extremely well rehearsed, they charmed their way to the Audience Favorite award.
Good Audience Favorite Award
Wildcat Harmonizers • Quinton Township School of Salem County, N.J. • John Wernega
Excellent A college-sponsored group that has become heavily involved in barbershop despite limited prior contact with barbershop organizations.
3rd St. Sound • University of La Verne, Calif. • Carol Stephenson
Members of this chorus are young Barbershoppers and their friends from all over the Far Western District, with two A-level Society directors sharing the baton.
Excellent
Some Assembly Required • Mt. Zion High School, Illinois District • Rich Hansen Open the Doors! Chapters and Schools of the Far Western District • Gabe Caretto, Ron Black (asst.)
Superior Composed primarily of students who fell in love with barbershop at Chandler High School (page 27) and who have since graduated. Plateau AA Award* In 2015, they formed their own chorus in the Phoenix metro area.
Sounds of the Mouth • Community of Chandler, Ariz. • Mario Yniguez, Christopher Keene (asst.)
*Highest Score, Average Age 19>22
May/June 2016 • The HARMONIZER 29 2016 Youth Chorus Festival Participants
Comprised largely of young Barbershoppers from the Pioneer Outstanding District, they are led by young, up-and-coming directors.
The Voice • Pioneer District • Aaron Pollard & Cody Harrell
Outstanding One of the first youth choruses ever, many veteran members didn’t perform this year because they aged out under the new rules; however, they encour- aged the 25-and-under members to participate with or without them.
52Eighty • Denver, CO - Rocky Mountain District • Johnny Bugarin Jr., Keith Waldheim (asst.)
East Coast Sound (formerly Tri-Star), have attended every Festival and are now Superior a Society chapter. Like 52eighty, the older members were not phased by the Plateau AAA Award* 25-and-under rule change, and encouraged the younger members to participate.
East Coast Sound • Caldwell, NJ. • Mid-Atlantic District • David Ammirata, Will Downey (asst.)
Outstanding *Highest Score, Average Age 22>25
Past 52Eighty director Travis Tabares recently relocated to the Seattle area and took over direction of the chorus. Literally “outstanding” results!
Emerald City Sound • Bellevue, Wash. Chapter • Travis Tabares
30 The HARMONIZER • May/June 2016 The Voice • Pioneer District • Aaron Pollard & Cody Harrell making a difference O YA! Toronto youth chorusq storms Indiana hat did you do with your evening performance. Shawn, Bar- extra day this year? The ry and Theo taught and coached Circle City Sound Chorus the entire group with O YA Cho- of Indianapolis shared its rus members Yonge Guns (2015 Wextra day (Feb. 29) with Collegiate bronze medalists) as sec- the visiting O YA (Ontario tion leaders. Youth A cappella) Chorus The pay-by-donation “February and other guests who came Thaw Show” saw to an open rehearsal. a large, enthu- For the O YA Chorus, siastic audience this was the culmination enjoy both cho- of a long-planned road- ruses, The Rush trip/performing/workshop weekend. quartet, Yonge The seed was planted by CCS director Guns and Instant and music educator Theo Hicks, lead Classic, and a of 2015 champ Instant Classic, who Director Theo Hicks finale by all sing- fell in love and Circle City Sound ers. The standing with the O YA O YA Chorus ovation went on Chorus while and on and on! coaching them Sunday, Feb. 28, the O YA Chorus per- in the sum- formed in downtown Indy. On Monday, an mer of 2014. Australian TV documentary crew filmed the An entire chorus performing at the Indy weekend of Speedway. Later that night, performances the entire chorus attended and workshops was then planned Circle City Sound’s open re- by Theo and by O YA coordina- hearsal. tors, founders Barry and Sharon What a fantastic opportunity Towner, and O YA director and to cross-pollinate the art of music educator Shawn Oakes. barbershop singing from young On Saturday, Feb. 27, 21 young O YA Chorus with Instant Classic to older, city to city, province to Indianapolis Barbershoppers state, and district to district! joined O YA all day to learn three songs for an – Sharon Towner
Make new friends and keep the old: interchapter visits bring Barbershoppers together! thrilled to be Circle City Sound and The joined by our Thoroughbred Chorus. “The Thor- good friends oughbreds are very excited to have and the origi- a chapter from Indianapolis, Circle nal sponsor of City Sound Barbershop Chorus, our Chapter, visit us at our rehearsal venue, Jim the East York Miller Hall. We are even going to Barbershop- be singing a couple of songs together pers. They and perform for each other. # Bar- brought with bershopbrotherhood” Many members recall with the great them them an Has your chapter taken a field fondness the once common practice incredibly thoughtful and generous trip lately? Share your experience of chapters visiting each other’s re- gift of a hand-crafted podium, com- with us! If you’ve never had a multi- hearsals. It’s still going on! memorating our gold medal in 2013 chapter meeting, connect with your Toronto Northern Lights and East and the relationship between the local barbershop brothers and plan York Barbershoppers. “We were also two organizations.” an evening of singing together!
32 The HARMONIZER • May/June 2016 Storm Front celebrates Society’s birthday Every April 11, the anniversary of the Society ‘s 1938 founding, is promoted as Barbershop Quartet Day by all the North American barbershop organisations. This year 2010 champ Storm Front joined popular Sweet Adeline quartet ClassRing in several national- ly-televised segments on Fox & Friends. Crossroads quartet (2009 champ) appeared on the show last year, and the show loved the segment so much that they requested another quartet. Both quartets performed individually, and put together an eight-part “Lida Rose Medley” for a combined performance. Watch selected segments at http://bit.ly/stormfox. Potential conflict during afterglow turns into applause for dozens of wedding crashers party. Instead, the Barbershoppers pulled out their Code of Ethics cards and decided that the first order of business was to ensure their songs were not forced on unsympathetic ears. “We approached the groom about ‘crashing’ the reception and he gave an enthusiastic yes!” said Alan Stumpf. “The bride was speechless and did shed a tear or two. Congratulations Kylee and Kurtis Ganyo on your special day!” Had the situation been handled differently, someone could Contest judges Theo Hicks, Jake Pirner, have ended up calling the cops. Members of the Northern and Jordan Travis joined in “Can You Feel the Love To- Plains Region (LOL) showed up to their post-contest after- night” with members of host Bismarck, N.D. Chapter, glow only to learn that a wedding reception was going on in Fargo’s Great Plains Harmony chorus and singers from Win- the room next door. They could have waited to find out how nipeg, Saskatoon, Grand Forks, Minot and Rapid City. a potential noise conflict would go over with the wedding Watch video of the performance: http://bit.ly/bhscrashers. n Chapter Eternal Society members reported as deceased between March 1 and May 1, 2016. Email updates to [email protected]. Cardinal Norris Felt Inland Empire, CA Thomas Broeren Ben Monticciolo Carolinas Seneca Land Jamestown, NY Russell Dart Portland Metro, OR Ricardo Walker Green Bay, WI Bucks County, PA Thomas Ewald John Brown Bruce Stearns Vincennes, IN Tom Hipple Coachella Valley, CA Ray Dorey William O’Connell Hilton Head Is- Mark Twain, NY Mark Twain, NY Robert Demler Columbia Basin, WA Frank Wilken Winnipeg, MB Cherry Hill, NJ land, SC Thomas Coolidge Charles Young South Bend Mish- Pullman-Moscow, ID San Fernando Jim Richards Harvey Odell Mark Twain, NY Mark Twain, NY awaka, IN Donnie Hosford Valley, CA Minneapolis, MN Lancaster Red Ontario Eugene Corbo Portland Metro, OR Rose, PA Kenneth Burnside Mark Twain, NY Sunshine Central Herb Jones Illinois Mid-Atlantic Michael Pantelich Kingston, ON Donald Dickinson Harold Mersman States Olympia, WA Loren Dallinger Robert Beahm Lebanon, PA William Ellis Mark Twain, NY Englewood, FL Jon Bohlke Don Lakin Peoria, IL Prince William, VA Jerry Shearer Scarborough, ON Gordon Dunlap Robert Werkema Hastings, NE Centralia, WA Herbert Ives Roger DeVantier Lancaster Red Brian Ingram Mark Twain, NY Central Florida, FL Ron Floyd Olympia, WA Elgin, IL Cherry Hill, NJ Rose, PA Oakville, ON Gregory Emelski Wichita, KS Randy Peters Dennis Toren Thomas Ewald Harold Leasa Mark Twain, NY Southwestern R. Gerald Fraser Calgary Foothills, AB Elgin, IL Dundalk, MD Northeastern Seaforth, ON Donald Evans Albert Brans- Central Kansas Paul Pugh Charles Forbes Ron Higgins Mark Twain, NY comb, Jr. Portland Metro, OR Johnny Carroll County, MD Hanover, NH Pioneer Jay Holman Houston, TX Dixie Kenneth Torr Appleseed Patapsco Valley, MD Nashua, NH Robert Fox Onondaga Ron Floyd Larry Deters Portland Metro, OR David Sheehy John Hester Brad MacDonald Lansing, MI County, NY Dallas Metro, TX Nashville, TN Robert Van Gordon Greater Cran- Charlottesville, VA Kentville, NS Leonard Kaplan Central Texas Butch Kerns Portland Metro, OR berry, PA Rodney Huyett Dick Miller Rocky Mark Twain, NY Corridor, TX Nashville, TN Richard Sturm Reading, PA Brunswick, ME Mountain Conrad King J D Garner Far Western Northcoast, OH Bob Kreider Edward Murphy David Barnett, Jr. Jamestown, NY Oklahoma City, OK Evergreen Gary Moulin Robert Voth Lancaster Red New London, CT Billings, MT Robert Lagonegro Clive Kinghorn Pete Brooks San Mateo Lorain, OH Rose, PA Chester Stasiowski David Day Mark Twain, NY Amarillo, TX Eugene, OR County, CA William Malstrom Manchester, CT Denver Moun- Phil McCabe Lubbock, TX Herman Crisp Marlin Niesley Land O’ Lakes Baltimore, MD tainAires, CO Geneva, NY Canby, OR Santa Fe Springs, CA Tom Balkwill Thomas McPoyle, Jr. Douglas Lier Rochester, NY Portland Metro, OR Bob Patterson Regina, SK Dundalk, MD Los Alamos, NM Michael Mullen
May/June 2016 • The HARMONIZER 33 member services directory How can we help you barbershop today? Get answers from your staff Society Headquarters 110 7th Ave N • Nashville, TN 37203-3704 615-823-3993 • fax: 615-313-7615 • [email protected] Office hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Central or any time atwww.barbershop.org 800-876-7464 (SING) Executive Offices Marty Monson Operations Executive Director/CEO Chip Gallent Board of Directors President Michele Niec Director of Operations/COO Don Fuson • Leawood, KS Executive Assistant/Office Manager Erin Harris Project Manager 913-897-0625 Douglas Gordon [email protected] Receptionist / Facilities Harmony Marketplace
Margie Douglas [email protected] Executive Vice President Receptionist Justin Gray Skipp Kropp • Indianapolis, IN Warehouse Manager Finance 317-946-9882 [email protected] [email protected] Krystie Mitchell Merchandise/Administrative Asst. Erik Dove Treasurer Director of Finance/CFO Joe Rau Dwayne Cooper • Austin, TX Jama Clinard Production Center Controller 512-633-3031 Music Publications [email protected] Shelia Huey [email protected] Finance Support Janice Bane Immediate Past President Strategy Copyright & Publications Manager Shannon Elswick • Clermont, FL Kevin Lynch Scott Harris 407-948-9599 Chief Strategy Officer Arranger & Repertoire Manager [email protected] Conventions [email protected] Information Technology Executive Director/ Dusty Schleier [email protected] Board Secretary Marty Monson • Franklin, TN Director of Meetings & Conventions Eddie Holt Webmaster 800-876-7464 Harmony University [email protected] [email protected] Nick Fotopoulos Donny Rose Programmer Clarke Caldwell • Nashville, TN Director of Harmony University Sam Hoover (Ex Officio, Harmony Foundation) Antonio Lombardi LAN & Software Project Manager [email protected] Chapter Leadership and Education Customer Service Wayne Grimmer [email protected] Board Members at Large Inclusion and Integration Caki Gray Ed Bittle • West Des Moines, IA Outreach Customer Service Manager 515-240-6480 [email protected] [email protected] Jacqueline Robinson Service Representative Joe Cerutti John Donehower • Monroe, WI Outreach Program Manager Michelle Neal 563-599-8565 Ashley Torroll Service Representative [email protected] Outreach Program Support Danny Becker Sherry Lewis Service Representative Matt Mercier • Manchester, NH ACDA/NAfME/YBQC Ashley Brown 603-647-1784 [email protected] Marketing/Communications Service Representative [email protected] Murray Phillips • Wolfville, NS Amy Rose Social Media/Editing 902-542-1342 [email protected] Brian Lynch PR/Communication/Brand Dick Powell • Crofton, MD Jeremy K. Gover 410-451-1957 Video Production [email protected] The Harmonizer • [email protected] John Santora Bel Air, MD 410-937-2611 Lorin May [email protected] Editor
34 The HARMONIZER • May/June 2016 Friends in Harmony Official Affiliates Sing Canada Harmony Sweet Adelines International Barbershop Harmony Australia www.SingCanadaHarmony.ca www.sweetadelineintl.org www.barbershop.org.au American Choral Harmony, Incorporated Ian Mulholland: [email protected] Directors Association www.harmonyinc.org BHNZ (Barbershop Harmony New Zealand) www.barbershopharmony.nz www.acdaonline.org National Association John Denton: [email protected] Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia for Music Education www.sinfonia.org www.nafme.org BABS (British Association of Barbershop Singers) www.singbarbershop.com World Harmony Council Chorus America Ian James: [email protected] www.worldbarbershop.com www.chorusamerica.org BinG! (Barbershop in Germany) National Museum for Ladies Association of www.barbershop-in-germany.de African-American Music British Barbershop Singers Renate Klocke: [email protected] www.nmaam.org www.labbs.org.uk Holland Harmony www.hollandharmony.dse.nl Society Subsidiaries (partial list) Nelleke Dorrestijn: [email protected] FABS (Finnish Association of Barbershop Singers) www.fabs.fi Association of Barbershop Quartet Jan-Erik Krusberg: [email protected] International Champions Preservation Association www.AICGold.com www.bqpa.com IABS (Irish Association of Barbershop Singers) www.irishbarbershop.org Association of International Ancient Harmonious Liz Nolan: [email protected] Seniors Quartet Champions Society of Woodshedders www.aisqc.com www.ahsow.org MBHA (Mixed Barbershop Harmony Assoc.) www.mixedbarbershop.org Harmony Brigade Public Relations Officers and Ron Morden: [email protected] www.harmonybrigade.org Bulletin Editors (PROBE) SABS (Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers) www.probeweb.org www.sabs.es Lyn Baines: [email protected] 110 Seventh Avenue North, Suite 200 SNOBS (Society of Nordic Barbershop Singers) Nashville, TN 37203 www.snobs.org 866-706-8021 (toll free), 615-823-5611 Henrik Rosenberg: [email protected] [email protected] SPATS (Southern Part of Africa Tonsorial Singers) Staff Board of Trustees www.spats.co.za Clarke Caldwell Sharon Miller – Chair Mark Jensen van Rensburg: [email protected] President/CEO 203-254-9594 3044 • [email protected] [email protected] Carolyn Faulkenberry David Mills – Vice Chairman Chief Financial Officer 813-786- 4381 3041 • [email protected] [email protected] Ryan Killeen • Director of Development Chuck Harner – Secretary 3051 • [email protected] 703-938-3001 [email protected] Jim Clark • Regional Director 3042 • [email protected] Don Laursen – Treasurer General correspondence/editorial: 559-733-1496 [email protected] Rick Taylor • National Development Mgr. [email protected] [email protected] Debbie Cleveland Editorial Board: Marty Monson, Brian Lynch, Dixie Semich 813-230-7845 Amy Rose, Lorin May Development Operations Manager [email protected] 3047 • [email protected] Don Lambert Copy Editing: Jim Stahly (Bloomington, IL), Zach Connie Harris 850-240-5952 Dunn (Lynn, MA) Director of Communications [email protected] 3053 • [email protected] Casey Parsons Lorin May, Editor Elizabeth Wilde 614-306-8858 Associate editors: Amy Rose, Brian Lynch Regional Director [email protected] 3052 • [email protected] Arne Themmen James Pennington 305-854-6654 The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Donor Care Center Manager [email protected] Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. (DBA Barbershop 3048 • [email protected] Lynn Weaver Harmony Society) is a non-profit organization operating in the 616-485-3392 J.J. Hawkins United States and Canada. Donor Care Center Associate [email protected] 3045 • [email protected] Clarke A. Caldwell ** Ex-officio President/CEO** * Not board member Mission: The Barbershop Harmony Society brings men Kyle Snook Donor Care Center Associate Marty Monson together in harmony and fellowship to enrich lives through 3050 • [email protected] Society Executive Director/CEO** singing. Kirt Thiesmeyer* Sarah Ogiba • Finance Assistant General Counsel Vision: To be the premier membership organization for men 3040 • [email protected] 818-681-1631 [email protected] who love to sing.
May/June 2016 • The HARMONIZER 35 The Tag Joe Liles, Tagmaster Be the first to try out this brand-new tag ow about a simple tag you’ve not heard before? BHS website at www.barbershop.org/tags. Also, Find yourself three others and give it a try. It’s set find some time in your chapter meetings to sing a Hin both male and female versions and is on the tag or three ... or five. n TELL ME THAT YOU LOVE ME Words, Music and Arrangement TAG by JOE LILES freely 1 2 3 4 5 Tenor ˙ œ b˙ œ œ Lead b œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ ˙ nœ œ œ V b 43 œ Œ œ œ œ Tell me that you love me. Tell me my
Bari ˙ œ ˙ œ œ œ œ n˙ œ œ œ Bass ? 3 œ bœ ˙ œ œ bb 4 ˙ œ œ œ œ Œ œ
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 b A˙ œ . ˙. ˙ . . V b ˙ œ ˙. œ Œ œ ˙. ˙ #œœ ˙. ˙. dreams came true, my dreams came true. came true, my dreams
? bœ ˙ b˙. œ ˙ œ . . bb ˙ Ó œ ˙ Ó œ ˙ œ ˙. ˙. TELL ME THAT YOU LOVE ME Words, Music and Arrangement TAG for female voices by JOE LILES freely 1 2 3 4 5 Tenor Lead 3 ˙œ œ b˙ œ œ ˙ ˙ & b 4 œ œ œ œ œ ˙ ˙ Œ nœ œ œ Tell me that you love me. Tœell me my
Bari œ Bass Ê 3 ˙ œ ˙ œ œ bœ #˙ Œ œ œ œ b 4 ˙ œ œ œ œ œ 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 œ . & b A˙ œ ˙. œ Œ œ ˙ ˙ #œœ ˙. ˙. dreams came true, my dre˙am. s ˙ came true. came true, my dreams
Ê bœ ˙ Ó œ b˙. Ó œ ˙ œ ˙ ˙ b œ . œ ˙ œ ˙. ˙.
36 The HARMONIZER • May/June 2016 © xxxx
© xxxx