OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BARBERSHOP HARMONY SOCIETY
~ ~ I KEEP THE WHOLE WORLD SINGING gold medals a d counting ...
Changed address? FIx nonlineal \WI1·I.spebsqsa.0f9~ JUST RELEASED!
Jim Clancy, Musical Director
Greg Clancy, Associate Director
Twelve Days of Christmas (2000) CDs $15.00 (plus 5 & H)/Cassette Tapes $10.00 (plus 5 & H) New songs include: Winter Wonderland; Do You HearWhat I Hear?; Twelve Days of Christmas; The Lights of Hanukkah/Happy Hanukkah, My Friend Medley; along with a new treatment of "0 Holy Night:' Songs from previous Vocal Majority Christmas recordings include: Songs of Christmas Medley: Carol of the Bells; The Christmas Song; Jingle Bells/Sleigh Ride Medley; Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas; Little Drummer Boy.
The Vocal Majority 20th Century Collection (2000) $74.95 (plus 5 & H) Almost 200 songs dating back from 1976 re·mastered and re·released! Special Bonus: Every Gold Medai Performance from 1975 through 1997, not available on any other single CD. Only several hundred of the 0"ginaI3,000 made remainl Eight CDs and a 40-page booklet in a Special Edition Collector's Box_ It is the perfect Christmas giftt
White Christmas (1999) CDs $15.00 (plus 5 & H)/Cassette Tapes $10.00 (plus 5 & H) Released in 1999, this recording offers the best in Christmas music! Check out our website for a listing of songs. JOIN US THIS SEASON!
FOUR CHRISTMAS SHOWS IN DALLAS WITH THE BLENDERS! Thursday, December 7; Friday, December 8; and Saturday, December 9, 2000 TWO CHRISTMAS SHOWS IN FORT WORTH WITH ACOUSTIXI Saturday, December 16, 2000 THREE SPRING SHOWS IN DALLAS WITH METROPOLIS! Friday, April 6, and Saturday, April 7,2001
To Order Recordings or Show Tickets, call Our Newest toll-free 1-800-VMSONGS or 1-214-526-VMVM (8686). Christmas Recording! Recordings may also be ordered from our website: "TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS" www.vocalmajority.com Brought to You by The Vocal Majority Chorus and ABCRadio's Memories 96.7 T UJHARMON~R
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Novomborl Docombor 2000 VOLUME LX NUMBER 6
"TWO CONTEST ISSUES in a row?1J Last issue wasn't enough to say it all. Alas, neither issue shows members of Metropolis how to ease their nerves around girls. 19 ------Features------1 The making of Camelot World's best job ... The Vocal Majority is a gold-medal dynasty ... for a Barbershopper, that is. What's it and more. Learn the keys to their Sllccess. like to sing full-time for Disney? G,\RI' HENNER BERG SHEW}" ORI.\I.\( All about Millennium Singing "I love you ..." They hadn't anticipated their success, but It's time to have your Singing Valentines other collegiate musicians are taking notice. program going. Here are some tips. SIDNEl" L/B..'iAK, jESS1KA DIA.\fONn REED SA,\/PSO.\' ------Departments------2 10 LET'S HARMONIZE HARMONY HOW·TO Lets hear it for the "Q!" Improve your voice between rehearsals 4 28 THE PRESIDENT'S PAGE CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Share the Dream with friends! family Success times 20 for Ontario needy 5 Stock growth can benefit HF charities LETTERS 30 Hurrah for PLATINUM' Boo for no STAY TUNED On the Cover scores! A note from the editor That's Dr. limbo to you, pal! VM's nine titles, 6 The easiest paid quartet gig ever 1975-2000 TEMPO 36 ART: LORIN MAY 16-foot-tall Barbershoppers on parade THE TAG WarUla be a Society HQ man? Goodbye Forever
Society for the Preservation and Encouragement I~ of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America
NOI'embeilDecember 2000 • The HARMONIZER 1 TRUE Let's hear it for "Q!" WHOLESALE clio friends, and thanks for joining in as we once again honor the PRICING! Cine art ofquartetting and the dramatic impacc quartets and qU3neuers have had on our barbershop universe. Ofour more than 2000 quartets, dozens (maybe hundreds) spe, EED cializc in daytime appearances for seniors, school kids, and other BLACK TUXEDO /l!tJT5 $91.90 audiences who can be reached only c1l11'ing the day, AttaboYI fel, TUXEDO PANTS $21.95 lows! With groups like the SLD quartet Cornerstone, which alone has had hundreds of performances in schools all over North SHIRTS America, we can say our Society has never had a better relation, WING COLLAR $12.95 ship with music educators. This year alone we'll demonstrate bar; bershop harmony to more than lZ,CXX> students and over 2000 LAY DOWN COLLAR $12.95 music educators. Let's hear it for our many fantastic ambassadors BAND COLLAR $17.95 for our youth outreach. We make presentations to thousands of music ACCESSORIES educators, like MENC and ACDA, at their con top~level CUMMERBUNDS (ol3J5! $5.95 ferences. Let's hear it for the many Sad; ety quartets who have been there to demonstrate BOW TIES (1J({fi\1 $1.95 our music and unique harmony to the music celu, CUM & TIE SETS $7.90 cators of North America. Barbershop harmony is LAME BOW TIES $4.95 being sung in more schools throughout North LAME SETS (&~'l\! CALLI America than ever before in our history. Let's hear it for The Management, four music VESTS educators (rom NED, who took time off from BLACK FULL BACK teaching and at their own expense, did tours of high schools in New England, promoting barber; SHAWL LAPEL. •• $21.95 shop harmony. The NED now has one ofthe FULL BACK NO LAPEL strongest YMIH programs in the Society. MANY COLORS • •• $18.95 Join me in applauding our Association of Inter~ national Champions (AIC). Each year, the AIC MISC. sends champion quartets into the districts as KNIT POLO SHIRTS $13.95 reachers and coaches at our mini;HEP schools. And keep the applause going for AISQC (Asso SUSPENDERS $4.95 ciation of Intemational Seniors Quartet Ch:=tmps), TOP HATS $16.95 whose work at promoting quartetting and quartet AIL MERCHANDISE IS competition among our senior guys is paying off BRAND NEW & handsomely. FIRST QUAlITY! Now, friends, might we have :=t standing ovation SAME DAY SHIPPING! for the many Society quartets who have knocked down the PR walls: UNCONOmONAILY • None more impactful than our great 1950 GUARANTEED! champs, The Buffalo Bills and theit magical role CUSTOM UNIFORM DESIGN in "The Music Man" • Acoustix, for their popularity outside of the BIG & TAIL SPECIAIISTSI Society (such as with ABC and Peter Jennings) • The Suntones and their popularity with Jackie Gleason and other media stars • Mutual Fun and their great friendship with Dick Van Dyke • The Osmond Brothers and the Andy Williams show (the Osmoncls still feature barbershop hannony in their show at Branson, lvlissouri) • The Knudsen Brothers and The Gas House Gang and Me tropolis and others for their impact on contemporary a cappella audiences • The dozens ofquartets who have traveled around the world to entertain our fighting troops at literally thousands ofusa shows
2 The HARMONIZER. Non>mheriDect'mber lOOO Let's hear a roar for one of our most popular quartets, the 139'h Street Quar tet who, in addition to numerous TV TH appearances (HCheers," UNight Court," get~ etc.) were singularly responsible for WWW.SPEBSQSA.ORG/HARMONIZER ting our Society started with what has ~--N-o-v-em-be-r-lD-e-c-em-be-r-2-0-00-----I~' Volume-L-X-N-u-m-b-e-r-6--~ evolved into our MBNA American Col~ legiate Barbershop Quartet Contest. SPEBSaSA Vision Statement They also kickstarted barbershopping in The Society is to be an ever·growing fraternity of barbershop'Slyle singers, Russia when they sponsored the Quiet leading the cause of encouraging vocal music in our schools and communities. Don quartet, which made a pilgrimage from Russia to NYC, where they made mEl their American debut at Camegie Hall, Harmony Foundation Your clearinghouse for all charitable activities, including SingAmerica, SingCanada, then worked their way across the coun~ Heartspring, the Heritage Hall Museum. the endowment program and memorial giving, try ending up at our 1990 convention in may be reached at B00-87B-SING, ext 8447 San Francisco. The result ofthat HEADQUARTERS OFFICE STAFF SPEBSQSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS groundwork is the hugely successful Bar, El[CUT'r't'f O:AECTOR SooElY PAESlOWT DAU'I"l. FLI)"~ (8)13) anuW,usos bershop Harmony Festival held every DiRECTOR OF MUSIC EOOCAnoo & SEIMCES 78nlcCallC(lW1'Colwnbus,OIl43135 summer in St. Petersburg, Russia. Dil. Guo L'"I>r; (8549) SOCIETY EXEctmvE VICE PAl$lOEUT DiRECTOR OF FIIiANCf: & ADWaSTRATlON . ROlilA lE"lolS Let's hear it for Revival, who rogerher r ~ s S CPA CAE(84IO) 2012512~hkRood-BauleCrttk,~1I49014 IW~ ~:TAllUI, , SOClElYTREASUAEA act as the quartet promotion chair for HAIUIOHY FOUUOAnoti EXECUT1VE DiRECTOR KEN Fl£tOllR the Society's Music and Pelfonnance DiRECTOR OF En£l'lliAl AmJR$ 42412I$tAw. W,#IOO'ScJttleWA98199 Committee. And for The Ritz not only G.un· StA.\Ul. CAE (8446) SOCIETY II&EWTE PAST PAESlOEUT M"'lAQINQ DIRECTOR OF ME1,l8EA SEIMCES Eo WAf.S('Jft over~the~top for their work with music E\' NAU (8478) 6VislaL.ane'Ml.'hil1t,NY 11147 educators all over the world, but for PU8UC RELATIOliS DiRECTOR SOOETY EXEctmvE (}IAECTOAI B04AO SECRETARY gold~level mem~ ORlAN L'O:CH (8554) D,uJlrtFul\.-': their cOIl1lnitment as EVENTS M,IJIA(lER I STAfF COOHSEt aoBirlo hers of Hannony Foundation's Endow~ JOllNSm"ElDl:ll(8444) SOCIETY BOARD MEMBERS ment Program, LIBFWUAH, OLD SONGS lIBRARY TO.\IIJ.a.n (8545) W"'"I>'EBROlI/lXIl And let's hear it for the hundreds of 4S.:16Glenbfook Lane -Palm Harbor, FlHS69 PU8UCATIOHS EOlTOA [)os Cll\LL\L\S quartets who have given themsclves to loR,~ MAY (8567) 916 Tangkwood Dril\~' Shorc\·il.'w, MN Heartspring and to Ontario's Harmonizc MuSIC SPEctAU$T I QUARTET DEVElOP.l.tENT BttlCOlYt· for Speech and to thousands and thou~ 11'1 DEOUS\IA" (8566) 501 Slaters Lanl.',ApI.IOI4.,\le.laodria, VA223 14 C&J I QIJARTET REGISTRY I HC·DC OE.\'l\lS COOK sands of local charities and good works lASl DIETER. (855 I) 60 19 N,Oclmont Wa)'. PJrkl.'t. CO 80 13.J in their own home towns. M,IJU,(;ER OF MEOlA PAOOOCTlOH & SElMCES GL"ECOURTS 1827 [)e.\ler Avenue -Cindnnati,OH 45206 Let's cheer for Good News and many Russ FOR.1S (8586) DEVElQPl.lENT DIRECTOR IloBCO"': other quartets who sing hymns and gos~ 5518 Karak Wa)' N£.S3lcm, OR97303 lArn· GllllOOSES (8448) E.w.IlAGS pel music that inspires thousands in MANAGER OF ItIFORUATtON SVSTE.uS 1217SlrJlfordDrh-e· Rkh.1n1son, TX 7S08()..2918 Soon HOGE(8485) churches all ovcr North America. And H",\!( H.\\t""' MUSIC PU8UCATIONS EOlTOR 2622 Leolke)' - S3n Antonio, TX 78251 let's sromp and rave for AHSOW and JOE lllLS (8553) AJ.llltll M~yx,1lO their mission to promote woodshed MEflCltAHOlSE OPERATIONS MAtt\GER 452 Bir(hwood Rood - ~Il.'dford, NY 11763 quartetting and the old songs. NA."cvTllo"",, l8487) DosPvI'U. MUSIC SPECIAUST IY~ OllTAEACH 4564 East Rood· Port Stanley, OX N5L 1,1.7 And ler's hear it for all of our quartets Bill RASlllUGH (8560) Bitt STOCK 522 N.laekson St~l· 1k1le\ille.lL 6.2220 who are singing their hearts out to dispel PU8LIC RELATlOOS SPECIAlIST Ruo SA~IPSO" (8592) the myth that "barbershopping is the Ml1,l8ERSMl' SPECWJ$T best kept secret in the world." Shhhh .... P,~TU:KKwv(8459) AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS the word is out! ASSI$TAHT TOTHE E.u:CU'TM'i D;fI(CTOR AUSTRAUAN ASSOC. OF MEN BARBERSHOP SIllGEAS (AALtSS) lliEVf.S[\'lCK(8542) kilnW~rr~ Let's lead a long and loud cheer for ~I Rl:tticiI P.n.lc • ~ lo."SW 21!O • All\oU'iJ MUSlC SPECWJ$TI CItORlJS [MECTOR DEVElOPWEH'T BARBERSHOP It(GERMANY (BInG!) the hundreds ofquarretters who are our KwcYe-,.:so(8)1t) 8"'''''~.'''''''' bill;:r.23 • D-5~m K%Ml • ~ musical directors, our coaches, our staff BRmSH ASSOCIATION OF BARBERSHOP S1tlGERS (BABS) HARMONIZER STAFF ON TIJelNn, Cblirmn at Harmony College and Direcrors Col lom MA\' (E0l10~), Run S.uusos (ASstSUl\7 EooOl.), "·B,;·t'dl~P ~ RtW. fl\'b»'~ K\'l.'llG 1103 lOT, UK lege and mini~HEPs, our judges and our BllA." l\"OI (Cm"RlIlUTTSG EoooR.), Cn'S'tAL MIUER DUTCH AS5OaATlON OF BARBERSHOP stNGERS (DABS) lEorroll.\t AutS1A.-':T) JtWIOS~SPEBSQS.\,Oll.O .r..iBlKlu)\~ leaders. And, at last, let's hear it for our Cl.'I\nb1,1l • U.\Sttkin ~ liD. 1h ~ IRISH ASSOCIATION OF BARBERSHOP SlIlGERS (lABS) growing list of"quartet only" chapters SOCIETY HEADQUARTERS EiItn: ~l..xo:) .• f'ml"ka SPEBsaSA ~~ ~. Co. Me.r:h· Jrn.nl and for our dedicated members who con~ flEW ZEAlAtlD ASSOC. OF BARBERSHOP SINGERS (NZ.ABS) 6315 Harmony Lane' Kenosha, WI S3143-5199 Dl\)j B~ f'teWcllI tinually remind us that the "Q" in SPEB 262·653·S4~O' 8(lO.876-SING (7464) I Ori.w ~ • B:~.w..1 • W~ ~ • N~"" ZtU:J SQSA is there for a mighty good reason. Fat 262·6>1-4()..l8 (Musk, Marketing, Ex~lItiv.:) SOCIETY OF UORDIC BARBERSHOJf SINGERS (SifOBS) Fat 262-6>1·5552 (Menlbtrship, Ibrmony MarketpIK(', """,n.,,,,,_ And oh yes, it sure feels good to men, R)1v. ~E, 5-191 6J • St-!ImI\m. S'll.~ Coorentions, AeOOllnting. Hannon)' FoundJlion) SOUTHERU PART OF AFRICA TONSORIAL SINGERS (SPATS) tion that I'm personally having a grand Email (rome):!!)ptbsqsa..org Gim U:usco. f'tesi&.onl (Example: Jaek Singer .. jsingtr({tsjXbiq$.1.org) B,..~7~1 • Pn:co:MTl • R~ ofSo:.uh AfikJ time quartening with my buds. Your Houfs: 8 a.m.. 5 p.m. (Genual TIme) Monday. Frlday Let's Harmonize, Th~ HalTOO#li..u (USPS No. 5777(0) (lSSN 0017·78-49) umolicittd mmus"iru or a'Nl"\.:. [,Ihe offlc[al f NOI·emberlJ)(?c(?mber 2000 • The HARMONIZER 3 THE PRESIDENT'S PAGE Chuck Watson, SPEBSaSA President Share the dream with friends, family he year has gone by very quickly and it is time sounds ofsinging, {md maybe even joined in to share the next tenet of why it's great to be a with you. barbershopper: The joy of barbershop membership is one which we can and should be sharing with oth~ flW/e believe that these vnlues extend beyond ers. How many of our friends or acquaintances the Barbershopper and clo, indeed, enrich 1F11n~ have had such an experience? It doesn't take a ily <11](1 commUllity life. JI lot of time, but it does often become a way of I'm sure many of yotl have had experiences life. In many ways, our hobby is like a religion, as a Barbcrshopper that validate this point. and it can be our way of expressing ourselves to Maybe it carne as yOll were singing at a local a higher being. Share that dream with others. nursing home, or as your chapter was involved Ask them to join you in sharing that dream. in a nllldiraising activity. Perhaps your chapter volunteered to be responsible for a section of liThe Society is to be an ever-growing frater highway and periodically cleaned the area nity ofbarbclShop-sryle singers, leading rhe along the roadway, or your calise ofencouraging vocal lBusic in our schools chapter was invited to sing and COlBlBlIllities. II with your local symphony, or This fall season has brought many activities perhaps it was just your anmml our way. I would hope that many of you went to show for the community. your district's annual convention. For me it was Whatever it was, I have no a special occasion--our 50th year as a district. I doubt you rose to the occasion think most of Olll' districts have now had such a and felt how proud one can celebration. It's a time to remember and a time feel to be a barbcrshopper. to look ahead. How many of those activities What will the next 50 years be like? Do we included your family? My fam want there (Q be another 50 years? I sure do. ily has been involved in more We've COlne a long way from the early days of than 33 years ofsharing this O. C. Cash and Rupert Hall. Listening to the hobby with me. Sometimes it old recordings, 1 feel we've certainly improved was an appearance as part of the level of singing (as well as the recording pro~ our annual show or holiday cess itself). We've certainly discovered many show. Sometimes it was in songs that were written in the years after the helping to make pizza, a local turn of the last century that we never realized traditional fund~raiser for us. existed, and we found that they have a real mes~ Almost always, the family trav~ sage to deliver to liS and to our loved ones. eled together on ollr vacation \Y./e've also experimented with many songs that to a barbershop convention came along much later and asked, uean these and then on to other planned be part of our barbershop heritage?" sights. We still have a long way to go to become one Many hobbies will satisfy of the readily recognized forms ofAmerican mu~ the contributions to a commu~ sic among the general populace. That is one of nit\\ but nO[ too many of them my dreams. Your board ofdirectors is wrestling can bring the tears to your eyes when you see with this issue right now and we need your an elderly person crying during your petfor~ pnlyers, words ofencouragement and thoughts mance during the holiday season. (No, those to make that right decision. aren't tears of a bad performance!) They're By the time many of yOll receive this issue the tears of remembrance of the many joys that snow may well be flying and the holidays will be person has had during the holidays and their upon us. May I extend my vcry best wishes to all gratitude for helping them remember. Perhaps of you for a joyous holiday season. II that extra joy occurred while visiting at a hos~ pital and seeing a patient who has rarely re~ sponded to anything suddenly smile at the 4 The HARi."IONIZER • Non'/Ilbe//December 2000 LETTERS [email protected] From the editor Convention feedback and such Your new Harmonizer Phew! The Harmonizer on your doorslep amonlh after Hurrah for PLATINUM! Permission granted to the previous one-again! I seriollsly doubt that there has ever With sleepy-eyed enlhusiasm, been a l3arbershopper who hasn't ignore posted schedule I see the nol-distanl day when dreamed ofwinning a gold medal (l I must say that the last two issues of ) we'll have caughl up alilhe know I did) let alone winning three of the Harmonizer have been possibly lime lost in Iransilion between edilors. them. I don't know for sure, but I the best I've read over m.y 23 years. Nine monlhs ago, il became my job 10 imagine the odds are about 500 Factual news, editorials, consummate !he vision of retired edilor Dan bazillion to one. lively pictures, informa~ Daily, Assislanl Editor Reed Sampson, and Those of us who tion, human interest. I Public Relations Director Brian Lynch: to were fortunate to be read them cover to cover, beller exploillhe slrengths ollhe magazine in Kansas City for which is quite rare for medium and make The Harmonizer more the 2000 quartet me. I was at the NED readable and relevanllo your needs. cOinpetirions saw Convention this past You had to nolice last years welcome those odds quickly weekend, and a number lace-lin for Ihe magazine. Look closer and vanish when PLATI of us commented how YOU'll also see updated content We're work NUM took charge of much we enjoyed the ing to achieve what magazines do besl: pro the proceedings. new Harmonizer. vide deeper relevance and context to issues, The Jurassic Larks If you keep this up, people and events. We wanllo cover big were on a show in you can be as late as topics in greater depth, while other topics Sarasota Florida with you want! will be condensed but there will be alot 01 PLUTONIUld ... PLATI KEVIN KELLER them. We're not yet where we aspire to be, NUM (sorry about that) St. Charles, Missouri but we're alolt and climbing. For example: and in addition to being • "Images with Impact" (March/April). great vocalists, musicians, performers You're already sending us better chorus and technicians, they are four great, Therels plenty room for and quartet photos, wilh comments like, down ... [Q~earth guys. Joe said it himself: "How's fha/for getting off Ihe risers!" "To be a great leaet find a great tenor, all kinds of barbershop • "Music Man" (May/June) Three articles, bari and bass." Well, he certainly did I just read Burt Szabo's letter in the one lopic-you'lt be seeing more of Ihe that. July/August issue. As one who is new "slrenglh in numbers" concept It's refreshing to know that the Jun to SPEI3SQSA but long familiar with • "The importance of being Fred" (July/ ior Division is alive and well. barbershop music, I'd like to throw my August) Hero worship? You bel-but it two cents in concerning l NO\'emberlDe(,l'mbel' 2000 • The HARMONIZER 5 Barbershop harmony to be featured in Rose Parade t began with this email to Society heaclquar, te" last March. OOIT a1 If/ have some news you and your ol'ganiza, ~OOITIDffiilllf[ ~ ~~~ tion might find \'ery interesting. Last 1IDJ llll ll!JU(ffiW1U mm m November, The president ofthe Pasadena ~ Tournament ofRases Association announced r~ the rheme ofrhe lOO/ Rose Parade--"The Fabric ofAmerica. II lIAs a result, the Burbank Tournament of Roses Associarion (city ofBurbank, Califor nia) has chosen for irs lOO/ floar, rhe rheme "The All-American B"rbe"/JOp Quar tet. JI It will (eature (OUf icons of America (a bald eagle, a Thanksgiving rurkej\ a Teddy Bear and an ali-Ameri can mutt) singing tradirional Barber shop songs! 71"0 barber poles will also be used. The Manager Russ Foris is putting the final touches on the float will be about 55 fecr long, /8 feet wide and /6 CD that will be used on the float. The committee se feer rail and will be animated." lected several recordings by our 1961 [nternational Clark From that tLlne on there has been and ever' Champion, The Suntones. Jellison growing relationship between committee chairman The Burbank entry is one ofonly six self-built floats Clark Jellison and Society headquarters. The com in the 2001 Tournament of Roses Parade. The float is mittee asked for assistance to select appropriate music for designed, built and decorated entirely by voluntee" the float. Tapes and CDs were sent for the committee to working year round. It will be an exciting entry and audition and a lIplay list" was chosen. wonderful exposure for barbershop harmony. Burbank At this time, Society Nledi3 Production & Services committee members have recently attended barber' shop shows and have been thoroughly taken with our style of music. Follow the float's final countdown They did it! Can you, tOO? to New Year's Day at The Perfect Gentlemen won www.burbankrose{]oat.com. Then be the Los Angeles Regional sure to tune in to ABC, CBS, NBC, or Harmony Sweepstakes the Home and Garden Network, this contest In April and went on New Years Day to watch the parade. to place second at the (Check local listings for time and national finals in May. The channel.) Harmony Sweepstakes, which -by- brings together regional a Reed Sampson is SPEBSQSA cappella sweepstakes public relations manager winners from around the country, has been won by two Cast your vote Society quartets, Metropolis The A Cappella Community Awards (199B winners) and The recognize the best in toclay's a Knudsen Brothers (1990 winners). cappella-anclunlike many awards, you have a say in who wins! Cast In the same competition, your vote in as many or as few cat~ lead Dan Jordan won the egories as you like, including best bar~ award for best arrangement, "20th Century Salute"-a piece he bershop group, best songwriter, best popularized with the 139th Street Quartet In which the group sings arranger, best male vocalist. (Rock, IfShine On Harvest Moon" in styles ranging from barbershop to jazz to jazz, gospel, etc. are included on the rap. To learn more about the quartet, visit http://hometown.aol.com/ full ballot). Vote by December 15. theperfectgents/index.html. To learn how to be part of Harmony Email your votes to [email protected]. Sweepstakes, visit www.harmony·sweepstakes.com or call 415·455· A printable form is available at 8602 or email [email protected]. Order Perfect Gentlemen recordings at HarmonyMarketplace.com. \\'wmcasa.org/alvards/aca/. 6 The HAR1V10NIZER • NOI'emberlDecember 2000 Wanted: Man with big Just in time for the holidays You should've just gotten your Harmony Mar~ ketplace catalogue, so be sure to open it up to feet to fill shoes check out the great selection ofgift items for your favorite barbershopper. This holiday season, you'll After to years on staff and half a million fre find plenty ofold favorites and many new items, quent flyer miles, a mainstay of the membership including: development area is leaving Harmony Hall. • More recordings than ever before! Patrick Kelly will leave Kenosha during the first • Computer software quarter of 2001 to set lip his own consulting • Christmas & note cards operation in Ireland and Florida. His troika of • lvlen's apparel, hats, ties businesses, Harmony,Partners, Harmony,Con, • Ladies' apparel sliiting and Hannony,Travcl, will provide edu' cation and training services to the overseas bar, • Jewelry bershop organizations similar to those the Society provides its mem • Gift items on~ t~ bers, as well as a full range of travel and tour services. You can also shop 'fti line at'SI Pat reported his to-year "staffstats" as follows: hannonymarkerplace.colll ,.- • 48 u.s. states visited (all but Alaska and Hawaii) or call 1-800-876- Jl'f1!i! • All to Canadian provinces visited t.; SING. Beginning No- ':j ~ • 523,843 frequent flyer miles i vember 6th and going ..... ~ • 152 weeks on the road • ... e t:Ii through December ~ ~~ • 1,064 nights in motels " !ii'C' 22nd, hours will be 7:30 am un- -"'---" I • 3,192 meals in restaurants til 6:00 p.m. CST Monday through Friday. The • Too many delayed flights! office will be closed December 25th, 26th, and Pat's departure leaves a huge gap in our Mern ership Develop January 1st. Harmony Marketplace will no longer ment Department. For those of yOlI who've always wanted to work close the first week ofJanuary for inventory. at Harmony Halt here's your chance. Pat's replacement will be expected to do a lot of traveling while building new chapters throughollt the Society. Excellent comm.uni~ cations skills, a good speaking voice, the ability to Helose" sales, computer literacy and Ready ''for .Midwinter? the ability to provide 20 Society choruses basic Inusic direction Our annual Nlidwinter convention in 2601 will are all traits we'll be be held in Jacksonville, Fla. from Jan. 21 to 28. qualify for Nashville looking for. Pat's re What will ,here be to do in Jacksonville? How In order ofqualifying M:ore (douhle placement will also be about I expected to stay cur~ • basking in the sun (if the weather cooperates. pand or equivalent), * = wild card. per~ ILL TIll' New 'fi-mlition l0Il4 rent on all matters At least there's a better chance there than in Kenosha) MAl) All'X,lIll!ri,1 Hanml\lizers 1075 taining to membership ONT liHonto Nonlll'Tl\ Lights 1060 development and be • touring some of the oldest cities in America? LOL (;n';lt Norlhern Union 1048 part ofsome faculties • enjoying two terrific barbershop shows that will across the Society. feature that top five quarters from the intema~ ILL *( ;rt°al Alliericall CIHlHlS 1041 LOL *~·lid\\"e;1 Vocal Expres..'i 1015 If you like a job tional convention in Kansas City? C:SIl Amh,Is....adlll"S O( H,lrI11 NOI'ember/December 2000 • The HAIUvfONIZER 7 Barbershop brats touch hearts The Kansas City convention crowd swal~ lowed in unison when the Father,Son, Grandson Chorus took the stage in July. A note from famed Barbershopper Lloyd Steinkamp, tells of a similar joy that he per sonally experienced last winter at the Mid winter convention in Tucson: t'All dads and moms have a secret wish that their kids might folloll' in their footsteps. Sn, it lI'as a The Brass "ring" pleasant surprise or listening to and watching a whole bunch ofwonderful Ilkids," following in their parcnt's foot, steps on stage! The first public performance ofThe Chil at Harmony Hall dren OfHarmony International (affectionately nicknamed Bringing yet another answer to the The Barbershop Brats) at the l"'fidll'incer COI1\'ention IvaS ["ntastic! Thanks, gang!" eternal question "How many in your We'll have our second annual meeting at this yearls quartet?", the Boston Brass answers: Society Midwinter convention and we'll have ollr own llFive-and we play horns." So why hospitality suite in the Headquarters hotel. Offspring of arc they here in The Harmonizer! members of Sweet Adelines, Harmony Inc., and SPEB Well, in the quintet's extensive tours SQSA arc invited to gather. We look forward to tag-sing throughout Norrh America, they find ing, lVoodshedding and there will be a rehearsal schedule time in evel1' show to sing a little bar' for the two songs we have been asked to perform on the bershop. Passing through Kenosha re show. Invite your own granclkicls, kids, nieces and nephews cently, the five dropped into Harmony to introduce them to barbershop--we know from personal Hall for an impromptu concert and experience that one day they will thcmk you. coaching session. Learning tapes and charts for the two current Brats Q. SO ... barbershop harmony. songs are available by request. Contact Don Clause's brat, How did that start for you all? Jan Clause at [email protected] toll free at 877-816 A. We started singing our individual 9700. Request the quarterly newsletter The Rag TImes. horn parts in rehearsal and it became a -by- natural progression to start singing Ken flKinnyray" Hatton is co~{oLJllder and musical director some music with lyrics too. for Children OfHarmony International Q. Why would five brass musi [email protected] cians sing barbershop in concertI A. Singing is something the audi ence doesn't expect-it's a complete surprise to them. It also makes our en, Radio Toolkit CD released semble even more versatile. A new public rclations iteln is now Q. How do your audiences audi available to all chapters. The Radio Toolkit, which is ence react? available from Harmony Marketplace (Stock no. 4203 / A. They love it ! I believe it con $5), contains the narional anthems of the United States nects us even more with an audience. and Canada, each performed by both chorus and quartet. Q. What do you like about bar There are four barbershop selections by Acoustix, The bershop harmony? Ritz, and the Masters of Harmony. The CD contains sev A. Barbershop hormony is a form of eral radio public service announcements that include show chamber music with voices. You must publicity and recruiring, plus special occasion and holiday always be listening for blend, pitch, greetings, all done in the barbershop style. Many rracks articulation and balance. This is what have national and local tags. There are also music bed re we love about Boston Brass and what cordings so the radio engineers in your community can makes chamber music so much fun.• create a spot for your chapter. The songs L1sed are either in The fuston Brass crisscross the the public domain or the Society has permission from the country making fine music. Ifclassical, artists to lise them. Chapters may want to order more than blues, Americana and yes, the occa, one copy to leave with local broadcast outlets. sional barbershop llwnber are your To order the Raelio Toolkit, call the Harmony Market bag, check them alit at place at 800-876-7464 x841O. \V1V1\~bostonbrass.com 8 The HARMONIZER. NOI'embedDecembel" 2000 DO YOU KNOW THESE KIDS ?• Who'd have thought that they'd get older (not any taller) and become The Gas House Gang? And they are excited to announce the release of their brand new recording- a Christmas celebration entitled "Some Children See Him... ," just in time for the holiday season! They'll make great stocking stuffers, decorations.... or egg nog coasters! "~-A'f.., Mail form to 138 College St Charles, MO 63301 Some (!ltitdttett See ~U1t... THE GAS HOUSE GANG To order on the web - www.gashousegang.com Name _ Address _ City State Zip Code Phone L) _ MASTERCARD __ (ALL CREDIT ACCEPTED WHEN ORDERING ON-LINE) credit card # _ EXp Date check Money Order __ (~~KE CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE GAS HOUSE GANG) CD = SIS.DD Tape = S10.00 Song List- Item Qty CD/Tape price Total Caroling, Caroling! The Little Drummer Boy! Merry Christmas Darling! Mary, Did Some Children See Him You Know? ! Pat-A-Pan ! 0 Come Face The Music Emanuel! Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas! White Christmas! Do You A Little Night Music Hear What I Hear? ! Go Tell It On The Our Rough &Tumble Best _ Mountain! Some Children See Him shipping $3.00 (bonus on CD only- Twas The Night Before Christmas) Total Amount Charged NOI·elllber/DeCt'mher lOOO • The HARMONIZER 9 Jim Emery, Great Northern Union vocal coach lI;lI,I,_" ~ Singing Judge candidate Improve your voice between rehearsals ost of LIS have learned effective singing tech, would burn your skin. Imagine what regu niques for rehearsals, but what can a singer lar exposure to such hot, dry air does over do outside of rehearsals to always be at his time to your vocal cords, which are some of best? The following are my top non-rehearsal the most sensitive tissues in your body. activities for the voice, lxxty and mind that 6. Exercise your whole body. The can help you be a better singer. voice can't do anything that the body can't sustain. Regular physical exercise is just as Your Voice helpful as regular singing. \. Sing every day, even a little. Even five 7. Get plenty of rest. Athletes don't minutes per clay is better than marathon perform well without rest and, for the rehearsals once a week. Ifyou're same reasons, neither do singers. 2. Breathe correctly and with good posture when you speak. Your Mind You'll avoid chronic voice fatigue somewhere 8. Learn how to relax. Ten and be in your best voice when sion has the potential to reduce you come to an evening rehearsal where singing your effectiveness as a singer. It or petformance. And remember, isn't enough to tell yourself to you can't breathe conecdy when isn't appropri relax-yoll have to know how. you're slumped in your chair at ate, rehearse in There are many rela.xation tech~ the office. niques, including yoga, medita~ 3. Speak in the right pitch your head. The tion, and others. If practiced and vary your pitch. Most men regularly, most can be drawn speak too low because we believe voice actually upon to help you relax when yOll a low voice sounds authoritative. are under the stress of an impor~ On the contrary, a well-sup~ flexes in sym tant performance. Find a tech~ ported! free, and resonant voice is nique that works for you and prac~ the most authoritative, regardless pathetic re tice it. of its pitch. Varying pitch is also 9. Rehearse mentally every good for the voice and for keeping sponse. chance you get. The voice responds thc attention of the listencr. sympathetically to silent mental re~ hearsal. If you'd like to rehearse but you're Your BodV somewhere where singing isn't appropriate, 4. Drink a lot of water. Water is the best rehearse in your head. The vocal mecha~ medicine for a sick or healthy voice. To see nism actually flexes in sympathetic re~ why, rub your dry hrl11ds together, then get sponse. Try it! It works. them wet and try it again. The same thing 10. Listen to good singers, both re happens with yOUf vocal cords-body hydra~ corded and live. Most golfers have noriced tion keeps the vocal cords moist and flexible. that they play better when they play with But don't only drink a lot on the day of a big and watch better players. The same is tme pClfonnanccj your body hydration level must for singers. But listen to the best. Your sub be built lip gradually. Incrcase the water yOll consciolls will imitate what it hears. drink every day and you'll be ready to sing II. Take voice lessons. If you can af· any time. Avoid drinking too many ford the time and expense, consider taking caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, as they dehy· voice lessons. Even 30 minutes a week drate your system. with a good instmctor will give you en~ 5. Don't smoke. Smoke inhaled from a couragement and will help improve your cigarettc is around 400 degrees F. which singing more rapidly. Good singing! 10 The HAR.MONIZER • NOl·~lIIbe,.IDecel1lber 2000 COs@SI5 BRnno nEW A l~l~/J.JA Blues In The nlghl -- Cassettes @ $10 COs@$15 fRom / "71""'"f/' Basin Street Blues -- 1996 SPE5SQSn International Quartet Champions • www.nl9htllfeQuarlel.com __Casselles @ $10 Sel yoursell comforlab.'y in front of a good set of speakers· or better yel, pol on lhe headphones· __ COs@$15 and enjoy the rich sound aod engaging style of one of Ioday's most remarkable Songs nt Twillghl vocal ensemb!es. NighUile! -- David Wright --Cassettes @ S10 Shipping 6 Handling Sl.50 TOTnl t S mail your orders to: nightlife, 2802 lU. 145th Street 11/14//11' Gardena, Cn 90249-3118, or call (3101 321-3188 ':... ~._-' ..-:.-.(7.;,.•. o Check 0 Ulsa' 0 masterCard' Basin Street Blues Cardll _ 'Cr~s The Ma~()i).on Line. Rou:e 66, Beavt IU Dreamer, ExpiralionDale _ You"re As WUcme As The P.a...ers In t.'G/. Bas:n Street B:ues Aulhorized Credit Card S~gnalure Name Address City Songs nt Twilight lO-le's Oi:l Sl\'eet Song, SlatelZipIPhone HaN ~.;jllhe Moon, t.lob~. Clo', 1.1y Fum/Va'enfne, sal" Jusl BeealJselSh'ne t/ed'el. Slap ThaI Bass, Steal AWir/, When I lift Up t.ly Head, B!ues in !he N:!ilt, I.~t's II At...ofS8e 60'/ 'Foc~?1 ~ P'NSl~~)WI u«k C( (I'(t"t?/ ttd-:! b''U.s. Flnj;'.;oj ~an »:l:0'1 Ride the Chariol,london til N"ght, Bab'/. Irs Cold Outs.ide, Today, Young and Foo:;sh, aSl.(;o)lx 511~ar"j ~...:r~1 Th~t-.l"')'\, sa'tOt ad ..~(l'sn:ld U'XI"63I reoocdt"0]5is I,!~nl WalchWhal Happens, Who\'1t1 Buy?, One in rwne rIal King Co'e /l.erff1/ r.:A a rtop:eS€o-t.l~(A1 Lllal lila W'l:e03 01 w:Il rero:clr,g; a-'e ",.J'.3lie tf roo:~~ lISe. ISN'T IT TIME YOU HAD ASUNNY VACATION? January 22.28, 2001 Midwinter 2001 Convention - JacliSonville dale membership number (if applicable) chapter name (if applicable) registrant's name nickname for badge second guest name second guest nickname for badge registrant address cHy stale ZIP/poslal code work phone home phone email circle payment method: VISA MasterCard check money order card account # expiration dale (MMIYY) Check here if any physical needs require special accommodation for you to fUlly participate in the convention; convention staff will contact you to make arrangements. Registration package includes a convention badge, reserved seating for Friday and Saturday Night shows, Saturday night Afterglow, and admission to the Seniors Quartet Contest registrations @ $50 $ _ Mail with payment (checks: payable to SPEBSQSA) to: SPEBSQSA, 6315 Harmony Lane, Kenosha, WI 53143-5199. If you register for more than one person, please attach complete information for each person on a separate sheet. A housing applica tion and information regarding events and tours will be mailed to you when you register. All show and tour tickets may be picked up at the convention registration area. When you receive confirmation, please keep it as your receipt. Registrations may be transferred to another person, but they are NOT refundable. No phone orders, please. ( 011 Ice use only ) NOI'C'lIIbl'l'/DI'Cl'lI/bl!l' 2000 • The HARMONIZER 11 ® rr;Qo!.~".Qi~f ·toe 800-414-7564 1000 CDs: • • t Package Includes: 3 Colors on the CDs Full Color 4 Panel Cover Full Color Traycard BIW Liner Notes Graphic Design J Hamil/oil Slr/eet Don't Just Sound Good. All Film Output PO Box 953 Artwork Matchprints Look Good! Feel Good! Digital Mastering Glol'C'rS\'iI!e. NY /2078-0953 Call Dr Write for Free Catalog 1·800-648-8126 CDR Master Proof Assembly and Polywrap Shipping 300 CDs: $1090 Package Includes: 1 Color on the CDs Our Full Cofor 2 Panel Cover Full Color Traycard Long Awaited BIW Liner Notes Graphic Design Broadway All Film Output Artwork Matchprints Recording Digital Convers.ion to CDR CDR Master Proof Is Now Assembly and Polywrap Shipping Available Congratulations to Featuring: PLATINUM AGrand Night For Singing Climb Every Mounlain Bring Him Home Oklahoma and thanks! Do You Hear The People Sing? Memory Triple Disc would also like to thrlnk Mllrquis If I Loved You Tradition/Sunrise Sunset Alexandria Harmonizers Phantom Of The Opera/Music Of The Night West Side Story Medley Blue Gmss Student Union Mariah The Impossible Dream Dealer's Choice Nothing Like A Dame There's No Business like Show Business Happiness Emporium The Phoenicians For Heaven's Sake Riptide Name Bank Sireet Saturday E\'cning Post Jackpot Address _ Dig Chickcn RUlllors Checkmate City .2S.!lta~te!L..__...!:.Z!1iPL_ _ American B 12 The IIAR~IONJZER • NOl·('mber/Decemhe,. 1000 aking of hey draw tens ofthousands ofconcert'goers every ycar. achievements are anything but fictional. This organi, Barbershoppers from around rhe counrry and beyond zation is accomplishing virtually every lofty goal it have moved to Dallas just to be part of them. Their sets-they seem to do everything weIl, and have main, long list of recordings keeps getting bigger and better. tained those high standards for decades. They've won practically every contest they've been As with Camelot's King Richard, the Vocal Major in, and recently garnered an unprecedented ninth gold ity is heavily indebted to a larger-than-life (or, at least, medal in international competition. rather tall) leader who engenders fierce love and loy The Vocal Majority is many things to many alty from his "subjects." The Vlvl wouldn't be what it people-a dynasty, a music machine, a benchmark. is today without its famed director, Jim Clancy. His Perhaps you're one of many BUl'bershoppers who as, musical skills, dynamic personality, and deep love for pires to be in one ofthe Society's llsupcrchomses" like the men he directs have been the foundation of the the VM. Or perhaps you admire them, but don't feel chapter's success from the beginning. yOll have it in yOll to devote so much time orenergy to However, having a great director doesn't tell the your hobby. No matter your outlook, if you've seen whole stOfY. As important as Clancy has been, the and heard the VM-especially in live pe.formance Vlvf's success has been a team effort-the combined there's one point yOll couldn't possibly disagree with: result ofeffective leadership in many areas, united with These guys are good. Really good! the unselfish efforts of every member of the chapter. Sometimes, the folks in Dallas like to call their chap In the following pages, you'll learn more of the in ter IICamclot." Like the fictional medieval kingdom, ner workings of the Vocal Majority. See if there are the VM started with a common vision ofho\\' it's mem, lessons here for your chapter, no matter what its size bers felt things ought to be. But the VM's diverse or composition. NOI'(!lIIbl!dDI!Cl!lIIbl!r lOOO • The HARMONIZER 13 here are many reasons The Vocal Ma.. ministrative side of the VM is like a business, and we constantly jority Chorus has been able to sustain strive to utilize the tools successfully proven by 'for profit' businesses. II its record of nine Intenlational Choms Immediate past president of the board Steve Zogg took a hands Championships during the past 25 years. offposition in letting other people do their jobs. "The problem some It's the combination of at least eight people have in the job as president of the board is micro-manage building blocks that have helped create ment. Let board members do theiT job, oversee them, and guide them the organization that the VM is today. to their projected outcome. Let them grow, and let them develop In this article, several members of the into valued board members." Vhtl's Board of Directors comment on their areas of responsibility and what it 2. Dynamic leadership at the music level rakes to administratively run the cho~ While most of the credit for dynamic musical leadership belongs to rus. director Jim Clancy, he is the first to acknowledge that there is a 1. An administration of leaders "The VM is fortunate to have available If you weren't in Kansas City to see them ... for its administrative leadership men SIGH ... what can I say ... where do I start ... I don't know who arc leaders in their professional what I can possibly say to bring this into your mind. The lives/' states Jerry Andrews, president of chorus, gigantic as usual, packed onto the risers in crisp the VM's board of directors for WOO black tuxes. They opened with a special arrangement of 01. "Board members bring a diversity of "Sweetheart of Sigma Chi," and it was just ... gorgeous. I professional talent to the table. For ex can't describe the beauty and unity of all those voices, so ample, we have a professional market.. precise, their diction exquisite even at the back of the hali ing consultant, computer programmer, here ... I marveled at the tag as they feli so soft it was barely two lawyers, information system VP, perceptible, yet fuliy supported in tone and quality. How sales director, retired psychologist, en~ amazing. The second song simply defies description. This gineer, banker, health care professionat was a medley that captured the feel and thrlli and celebration entrepreneurs, and the list goes on." of Mardi Gras, and the chorus was just incredible. Row after Andrews, an attoll1ey, goes on to say row of dancers, drummers, street performers, and the like that it's the diversity ofexperience that bombarded our senses as the song swelied to a stunning allows the chorus to rely on time-tested conclusion. You just have to see this to believe it. jority business methods and models that work - Steve Tremper, Harmonet Reporter in the business world. "Running the acl~ 14 The HARMONIZER. Nol't'm/)t'I'!DecelJlber lOOD large team of people who have station in December." The sta, worked to continue the legacy. "Over the years, the tion will play VM Christmas III am a member of a perfor~ songs every weekend starting manee team made lip of some of chorus and its sound Thanksgiving weekend, culmi, the most talented individuals I nating with broadcasts every day have ever knowl1,l1 says Clancy. have 11latured. As the during the twelve days leading up "Each individual offers his own to Christmas Day, hence the area of expertise to the continu~ sound evolved, the mu recording's name, "Twelve Days ing improvement of the chorus." sic took on new dimen OfChristmas." CDs will be avail To keep the business ofmaking able at Bames & Noble Booksell music administratively smooth, sions. This 'circle of ers, Borders Books and Music, one of the members of the music and other music retailers through, team, Wes Dean, also serves as VP life'is what has kept the out the Dallas-Fort Worth ofmusic on the board ofdirectors. Metroplex starting in November. llOver the years, the chorus and JIM excelling." 'IThe benefitofsuch extensive its sound have matured/' says and planned marketing is the ex Dean. liAs the choms matured, the sound evolved, and, posure it brings to an art form that only a very small as the sound evolved, the music took on new dimcn, percentage of the population has ever heard," says sions. This 'circle of life' is what has kept the VM ex Andrews. HI can't stress enough the importance ofrnar, celling." keting a chorus, and the VM is truly blessed to have VM board member Steve Haas adds, "Jim Clancy is the talent we do on our board that can tackle the mar an outstanding arranger whose work is always inter, keting challenges we face in our local market ofnearly esting, inspiring, and totally singable. Because ofJim, four million people. 1I the music staff, and our long history we are forntnatc One of the chorus members, Gary Henncrberg, a to have access to otheroutstandingarrangements from professional marketing consultant, serves as VP of both inside and outside the Society. This keeps things marketing. The chorus also has hired an olltside mar, exciting for the members." keting consultant, Tom Stoker of Stoker Resources Group, to meet the growing needs of marketing the 3. Marketing and public relations focus chorus. The Vocal Nlajority constantly seeks ways to expand its audience, while mainraining its audience base. In 4. New member needs never overlooked August, the VM appeared live on "Good Morning Membership cannot be (and is not) taken for granted Texas" televised throughout North Texas. Articles in the Vtvl. In fact, about one quarter ofthe men COIll' have featured the chorus in uThe Dallas Morning peting in Kansas City had never before competed on News." And, in a signiCicant move with a top~rated the international contest stage. Like any other chap' radio station, the Vocal Majority will produce a new ref, members move into and Ollt ofthe area. They also Christmas recording for release in November 2cx)() that drop Ollt for other reasons, so a constant flow of new will be promoted heavily during the Christmas sea~ members is necessary to sustain the organization. son. The radio station manager ofABC~owned~vlemo~ Every week, there are guests who visit YM rehears, ries 96.7, Tyler Cox, has said "the VM will own our also While many are visiting from out of town, there Nun!/IIbe,./D(!cember 2000 • The HAR~ 5. Fiscally solvent organization "In the Vocal Majority, we see money as a means to achieving an end, and that end is excellence in the singing, excellence in the music, and ex, cellence in the performance/J says Brooks HClrkey, Treasurer. UWe use money as a tool in any way we can to make that happen and to ease distractions." Harkey points out a few ways that a balanced arc typically anywhere from IOta 20 or more guests budget has enabled the chapter to focus on the music singing on the risers at a weekly rehearsat and, from product. For example, the chorus buys all the tuxedos, time~to~time, there may be as many as 40 to 50 visi, not requiring the members to put tip any kind of de~ tors at a rehearsal. With that large flow ofguests (some posit. Tuxedos are stored and delivered to every per~ of whom are prospective members) it requires excep, formance on a truck, and the chorus pays to clean the tional follow-through by the membership VP to make tuxes and shirts. To ask a member to clean his shirt sme no guest is lost in the flow. after every performance would be a distraction. III work with each guest one~on,one to gather in~ "When we were prepClring for Kansas City, our per~ formation about him/'says Russell Shaner, VP of mem~ formance team deemed that a drum line was in order bership. "When you're dealing with so many guests, I for the Mardi Gras March," says Harkey. "What did see it as my goal to get to know the rnost I can about a we know about drum lines and drumming? Not a guy, so I can direct information to him." thing-that's why we called the Drum Corps Interna Evel1' guest has a different reason for being at a re~ tional and hired a professional instructor from Hous~ Gold medal motivators and winning motives Twenty-five years ago, a group of rus: "Hard work is fun when improve love for every man in the chorus. It relative newcomers to the Society ment is evident" has also grown by enhancing the took the internationai stage and When asked to "peel away the lay musical abilities of several members brought home their first gold medal. ers" to tell the barbershop world why on the music team who have an ac Since that summer in 1975, The Vo the VM has been a consistent winner, tive voice in the complete music cal Majority Chorus has earned the Clancy reflects on a variety of rea package. title of "Gold Medal Chorus Cham sons. The music team is made up of pion" nine times. "I believe it is possible to experience • Jim Clancy When you peel back the layers of some degree of success over a short • associate director Greg Clancy, this chorus, you find a group of guys period of time with talent, commit Jim Clancy's son like those in any other chapter. They ment, and plain hard work," says • Jeff Oxley, who directed the are driven by a desire to succeed Clancy. "But to remain successful Masters of Harmony to their and a high level of passion to create through the years, I believe these ele 1999 gold medal in Anaheim an emotional musical experience. ments have to be centered around • Steve DeCrow, who grew up Each week, Jim Clancy develops the something far greater, and that is with barbershop and today di chapter's character through his love. While winning gold medals will rects the Town North Men of unique style of coaching and motiva always be one of the VM's main goals, Note chapter tion. As musical director, arranger it was not until we realized our true • Jason January, baritone of and the man with the ability to bring mission was touching lives that we Acoustix out the very best in the people became a loving family and discov • Chuck Mitchell, presentation around him, the passion and drive to ered our 'Camelot'." coach and winner of eight gold succeed may be paramount, but as Over the years the musical ability of medals with the chorus Jim often tells the men of the cho- the VM has grown because of Clancy's • Phil McShan, son of quartet 16 The I-IAR:"·lONIZER • NOI'ember/December 2000 booking of a scheduled season and the sale o( season tickets. Aboutone But, ofcoursc, to bring back patrons over and over again requires fresh music, new quarter ofthe ideas, and an army of volunteers who pro duce each show. men compet "The production staff makes it all look so ing in Kansas ton to work with our front row for weeks. We brought easy," says VP of Shows, John Rasco. "The Cindy Hansen up from San Antonio multiple times effort to put on a VM produced show is be City for the to develop the choreography. You may have noticed yond description. Let me just say that we have our young guys doing stylized chmce steps during Mardi the best and tnost committed people imagin, JIjlfhad never Gras. They did them well because we hired a profes able." sionallocal dance instnlctor, who is also a (onner Oal, The production staff includes five produc, before com las Cowboys cheerleader, to work with them." ers, lighting technicians, a cue master and About 40 percent of the income for the chorus set construction by many volunteers. The petedon the comes from show ticket sales. About another 40 per VM's office is staffed to accept ticket and re centcomes (rom recording salcs, with the balance com, cording orders by phone, mail and from the international ing from ducs, contributions and other miscellaneous chorus' web page (H'W\\~ "oca/l11ajorit}~com). contest stage. revenue sources, The books arc audited anI1Ll3lly, and "The show committee does the leg work the money gcnerated is put to g<:mduse. on everything from ticket sales to the num, iv{oreover, every year the Vocal Majority contrib, bel' ofshows we will doona particular weekend/' Rasco utes thousands of dollars to local charities such as continues. IITheir job is unsung but very integral to Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, as well as national the success of the shows. If we don't sell tickets, it funds, such as Harmony Foundation, through which doesn't matter how good the show is." funds go to SingAmerica and SingCanada and Heartspring. 7. Fan support from around the world The VNl is fortunate to count barbershoppers from 6. A Season of performances around the world among its fans. Three ofthe chapter's Over the years, the number ofchapter,producecl shows current melnbcrs are from the UK, another is origi, has increased to three Spring performances, two Fall nally from New Zealand, the wife ofa member is from perfonnances, and five Christmas perfonnances. One Australia (they met at the SPEBSQSA Convention of the successful hallmarks of the Vocal Majority is a in Anaheim and were married last New Year's EveL consistent flow of performances, which enables the and there are many members who have moved to the gold medalisl Guy McShan The spirit of the chorus much to be done. (Innsiders, 1976), who direcls The camaraderie and brotherhood "With all the great songs we've the Texas Millionaires (Fori between Vocal Majority members is sung, what's exciting is all the great Worth chapter) extraordinarily strong. The members music yet to sing," says Greg. • Dave Prall, who first exposed and their wives enjoy spending time Jim adds, "Sharing this love of the VM to coaching from the together. All of this pulls the members music with our audiences is the late Larry Ajer closer together, resulting in a belief greatest thrill of all; and feeling it • Sonny Lipford, special advisor that fellow members should not be let returned is trUly magic. It's all about and winner of nine gold med down. love." als "There's a strong desire to come But it's also about leadership, moti • Wes Dean, who is VP of music through for each other. You don't want vation, pure musical talent and an on the VM board of directors to let any of your brothers down," ear to hear what the perfect blend of As associate director, Greg Clancy says Greg Clancy. That commitment four-part harmony should sound like. continues to take a more active has been nurtured over the years by Recognizing his father's enormous leadership role in the direction of Jim Clancy, as Greg adds, "Dad brings talent for hearing notes as they are the chorus, Greg has been a mem the best of every guy to the surface. sung, and his father's natural ability ber since the age of 12, and is one He evokes warmth, love, and charac to motivate ami lead, Greg Clancy of only 11 VM and Society mem ter. He reaches in and draws out points out atruism that should be bers who have nine chorus gold qualities the men didn't know they considered by every chapter in the medals. (The other 10 VM mem had. During every performance, he Society: "A chorus will never exceed bers are Bob Arnold, Dave Barrow, connects with every guy. In Dad's the expectation and ability of its di Brian Belcher, Mickey Bonesio, Jim words to the chorus: 'It's just you and rector." Clancy, Dick Couch, Sonny Lipford, me'." Jim, providing loving guidance and Jim Martin, Red McDonald and Jim Both the chorus leadership and personal development to his son, Renfro.) membership learn new skilis at each adds, "It is reassuring to all of us to weekly rehearsal. Even with the record know that with Greg as the heir ap of nine chorus gold medals, time is parent, our 'Camelot' will live on," NOI'l'lJIberlDecelllbel' 1000 • The HARi...IONIZER 17 "There is the in Dallas-Fort Worth Metrople, to family. One of our newlyweds, VP, Chorus lvlanager become members of the YM. Bob Lange says that many wives arc active in the busi, definablefeeling Board member Mike Charles, ness ofthe chorus as wcll, including the production of who also conducts the vocal alldi~ the chorus' shows. that comes when tions (or the chorus, was a mcm~ "\'(Ic have wives tll.at stelff our rccording sales booth ber of BABS living in Bristol, En at every function, and we always have a number of the chorus is 'in gland serving as a chorus director wives listening through rehearsal. In addition, the when his chorus invited Jilll wives gladly attend our social gatherings such as the the zone' with Jim, Clancy to coach them in 1982. In Annual V1vl Banquet, Afterglows, Christmas parries, ternational relationships contin, etc.," says Lange. "lvlany of thc wives have come to and hepaints lied with a performance in Canada enjo)' their night off while wc are rehearsing. If )'ou wonderful sound in 1985, and in 1995, the chorus want to really get a flavor ofwhat aUf wives do for LIS, traveled to England to perform at just stick with us at Internationell competition and pictures with us." the BABS convention in observe how thc)' are there in force, entertaining us, Harrogate. putting Ollr makcup on, encouraging us and in gen Next Niay, the Vocal ~vlajority will perform in eral, being wonderful." Glasgow, Scorlrmd, at the Cirst,ever all,European bar, As many members have said over the years, the V?vl bershop convention as the international brotherhood becomes your extended family. Lange sums it up: continues. Narurally, the trip will require the (und, "There are a number ofgenuine types ofpleasure to raising of a huge amount of money. One of the (und, be achieved when you are a part of the YM. There is raisers involves selling tickets for a raffle with the grand the camaraderie and friendship like a close fraternity, prize of an all-expenses paid trip for two to Scotland a brotherhood. There is the indefinable feeling that and England with the YM (tickets are available from comes when the chorus is lin the zone' with Jim, and members or the YM office). he paints wonderful sound pictures with liS. There is the excitement and joy of a responsivc audience at 8. Support from wives and families our many shows. And Christmas will never be Christ, Finally, none of the success of the YM could be pos mas without VN( Christmas concerts.II • sible without the phcnOinenal support of wives and ON SATURDAY EVENING, The Vocal Majority treated the convention audience to "Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho." As the song builds toward its climax, the front of the chorus forms a small wedge and begins to punctuate every other measure with a loud stomp, symbolic of when "the walls came tumbling down." As the moving wedge grows in size and the music crescendoes, so grows the intensity of each ll flBooml , until one wonders whether the stage itself will be tumbling down. Set to a stunning musical arrangement by David Wright and performed with typical VM flair, it's become the chorus's signature piece. Of course, The Big Chicken Chorus couldn't resist lampooning it in their contest set. 18 The HARMONIZER. No\'ember!Dt!cembel' 1000 Ayounger chams than three years ago hen the curtain opened on The Vocal Majority Cho structor and Southwestern District Youth Outreach rus in Kansas City, there were several young rnen who clinician} has had the opportunity to be in front of were featured in the uptunc, "Mardi Gras hllarch." several high school instructors and students and in They have been referred to as "YM Sync/' a spin on troduce them to barbershop music. Deerew is quick the hip-hop group 'N Sync. This year's contest pack to point out that the purpose of Youth Outreach and age presented an opportunity to showcase youth like Harmony Explosion camps is not as a recruitment tool never before. for chapters. The average age ofthe VM has actually dropped in lOWe do this to support music eclucation/' says the past five years. From 1975-1995, the average age DeCmw. "If the young people want to join a chapter} increased from 37-48 before dropping to its CUlTent great. But this is totally an independent decision on level, estimated to be in the low 40s. While there was their part. Qur goal is to give our young people an not a specific initiative to bring in younger members, appreciation ofa cappella singing-we just happen to a few events have naturally attracted some younger specialize in barbershop} so that's what wc teach them." guys. For manyyears, the Vocal Majority has supported While Youth Outreach participation has helped many Dallas-Fort Worth area high school programs pave the way for interest and acceptancc from educa and has been a financial and faculty conrributor to tors, the real excitement has been building at Har the Harmony Explosion camps sponsored by the mony Explosion Camps. The Vocal Majority has con Sollthwesrcnl District. In recent years. the sons ofscv, tributed. moncy to Harmony Explosion camps for sev eral V~vl members have joined the chorus, and others eral years. have been invited by their young friends. In 1999, the Vocal Majority sponsored a high school Seven \/M members are teenagers. Five of the six quartet at a Harmony Explosion call1p. Two of the "YNI Sync" guys had never appeared on an inrcrna· quartet members, Mike Lane and Chris \Xlilson, who tionaI contest stage. The increase in youth member~ were ooth 18 at the time, later joined the VM. Lane, ship surged during 1999 with a couple of events that now 19, attends Brookhaven College in Dallas and is brought barbershop harmony and the Vocal Majority majoring in broadcasting. Wilson} also now 19, attends in front of high school stuclents. the University ofTexas at Arlington wherc he majors in music education. Youth Outreach/Harmony Explosion UI attended a Harmony Explosion camp, ;:mel that's Steve Deemw, a Vivlmcmbcr who is a music in~ how this love for barbershop started for me," saiel \X/il~ NOl'elllheil/Jl!cl!mbt'1' }OUO • The HARMONIZER 19 An outsider's view of Jim Clancy at Kansas City that abollt their sons? How S<'lys Kellan Hickman, a jllnior at Rowlett I studied that dude (Jim Clancy), watched him at 111(111)' kids can say that about High School. "I love being able to make their afterglow. He honors the youth in his chorus, their fathers? We have a re other people feel happy. Our music has pampers them, encourages them, he honors the lationship that most fathers touched thousands of lives, and that is wives, girlfriends and "significant others," he honors can only wish they had with very pleasing to me." past members and has them all come up on the ris their sons." ers and sing with the current group. This Jim Clancy's uSharing this one cOInmon Big sound requires older singers name ought to be in the dictionary under the defini interest has brought liS closer It would be short-Sighted, however, to tion of "inclusiveness." He doesn't direct with his together as adults than lI'e suggest that the success of the Vocal hands, arms, body-he directs with his heart, and his ever were in the past/' says Majority is built only on yOllng singers. chorus is connected to that heart 100 percent. Bill Lyle, II'hose son Christo lvlany ofthe chorus' mernbers are in their Folks, the Vocal Majority is a family. That was my pher at age 24 is the oldest of 60s and 70s, and it is they who are cred experience anyway. The warm fuzzies that were float the BVM Sync," ited with contributing rich, deep voices ing around that aftergiow were the real deal. Alii The Lyles were both mem ... to brighter sounding youthful voices. know is that the "energy" there with the VM, even bers of The Virginians in VM associate director Greg Clancy be knowing they had just won their 9th goodie, seemed Richmond before moving to lieves firmly that the reason for the VM genuine, healthy and a great environment for a any Dallas a few years ago. Today, full sound is the mix of voices in the one, especially a Barbershopper. they partner in tcaching the chorus. - Steve Ferrick, aka "Bear in Oz" (an ex-Califor VM rookies choreography so "Youthful voices blended with mature nian now directing the Sydney Harmony Chorus) new members can become voices makes for an incredibly full sound riser qualified. of rich vocal harmony," according to son. U\Vhat Ilove about performing with 20 The IlARivlONIZER • Nm'e/llher/Dece/llb('r 2000 THE sings the , HAPPINESS .t NeWs. £MPORIUM GOOU Our first album singing IIle Good News! is now available ill both CD and cassew:. 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To order: Make a copy of this page, ~W.k ·llLU.~l'~~~ Pricing circle the items )'OU wish (0 order. include 52.50 for shipping and handling, $15.00 - Double CD and mail your order and check to: $12.00 - Double Cassette Uisit our NEW website at: $12.00 - Single CD Good News! $ 8.00 - Single Casseue www.singacappella.com 1308 Blue Phlox Court No"hr.eld. MN 55057 Visit liS all dte web at: Ship to: www.HappincssEmporium.com Name _ Address Cil)'. S131e. ZIP Phone number E~mail addrcss _ Total enclosed o Check ifYOli W;lllt lllusic folio and learning cilpe in(ornwion scm with your order. wr,I/"/I;lIg from fIJt GmrTl11 S"rg((w: H If 8rl/MIIJ liN CroSS" dV(iI/t 1l',lrJll Jour I}(,II'I, dNd· with JO/lftlO<"lor. 101l1ll{/) lI((d ,f I!tW all(, NOI'embedDece/l/bl!1" 2000 • The IIARt\,10NIZER 21 The road to success for Millennium ilIennium formed in October 1998 for the purpose of performing on tour as a small ensembie with the Northwest Missouri State University Celebration Show Choir. The members of Millen nillm are Eric Woodward, tenor; Soren Wohlers, lead; Kalin Tapp, baritone, and Sydney Libsack, bass. Sydney and Soren went to high school together where they sang in a bar bershop quartet until their sophomore year when Sydney moved to Minnesota. The two met again at NWMSU and auditioned into Northwest Celebration, where they met Kalin and Eric. With a lot of barbershop experiencc among them, (Kalin sang with The Bungee Chords in the 1997 MBNA America Collegiate Barbershop Quar tet Contest, Sydney is a third;gcncra~ tion Barbershopper and sang with The Great Northern Union, as wcll as sing ing in the high school quartet with Soren), the foursome decidcd to cnter the 1999 collegiate compctition. Eric was unable to compete in the district competition so Jim Clark fillcd in. The IN KANSAS CITY. Millennium won with a score that would have nearly quartet finished third in the itucrnu; qualified them for the international stage. Above, with collegiate gold tional competition in Anaheim, Cali; medals, they got to perform on that stage in Kansas City. They are (ornia. Kalin Tapp ®l. Sydney Libsack @, Soren Wohlers with us. \'(Iith the numerous hours of every person we meet. 11 • coaching from Darin Drown and Chris Droegemueller, the musical experience, -by- entertainment, and knowledge will be Sydncy Libsack sings with us forever. The thrill ofringing bar bass lI'ith JVliIlennium be"hopchords, pClforming for hundreds ofpeople (thousands at the international 22 The HARMONIZER. NOI'£'lIIbeIIDecembe,. 200U Millennium shows collegians "real" barbershop How bas Millennium affected musicians wbo aren't familiar witb "real" barbersbop? On October 20tb, tbe Society belped arrange for Millennium to go to Boston to appear at tbe East Coast Summit, a college a cappella jam featuring some of tbe best college a cappella groups from around New England. TI1e following is a firstband report Tuxedo Wholesaler from Jessika Diamond, an organizer of tbe event and a barbersllOp booster. I confess, as excited as I was (even-tee hee-bul Free 40 pnge Color Cntnlogue lying the other organizers to get Millennium the closing cnll toll free (800) 828-2802. slot) I was also a little nervous. College a cappella is what I do for a living (Varsity NEWBLACK TUXEDO Vocals, the national championship of collegiate a cappella) but in all the many college shows I see there's In Polyester rarely (if any) barbershop, and what little there is usually barbershop $99.00 esque stuff by octets-not "true" barbershop. The other groups that night were large (eight to 16 people) pop groups, from Boston, and 'NEW' NEW' NEW' NEW' the audience was mostly "contemporary" fans or friends and families of the groups. Here we were, bringing in a barbershop quartet from New Willg Collar Silirt $15.75 Missouri no one knew. New LaydowlI Collar Silirt $15.75 Since most of the college audience has had little exposure to Tie & Cllllllllerblllld Set ill Poly/Salill "real" barbershop (and since I keep sitting through discussions here $8.95 where people question whether young people find barbershop cool), Tic & C1f1Jl11lCl'b1l1lC1 Set;1/ Lnme we had no idea how that was going to go down. $12.95 As Don Gooding (president of Bow Tie Poly/Satill $3.00 Mainely A Cappella), sitting Bow Tie ill Lnllle $5,00 across from me, can attest, there "Ihave it on Mell's Ttlxedo Palll (o:./lIlisl, blrlrkJ $24.00 was absolutely nothing to be wor Mel!'s Tllxedo Pnllf kl". Imi::', Nnckl $36.95 good authority 5JlOwllal'e1 filII back Vest' $22.50 ried about. SllOwl Lallll! lal'e1 filII back Vest' $29.50 After they finished their first that thefloor V Neck Lallll! Vest $36.00 song, "Jezebelle," the applause SlIsl'ellders all colors $5.00 was so loud, so heartfelt, so vehe was littered Pric('s slfllj('ct 10 clmuge without "olice ment, I physically 'recoiled' (in a 'Vests cOllie ill Red, Royal good way) from the energy. Their with the other alld Black witll black lapels second song resulted in a stand Call a Sales Represelltative today ing ovation, only the second or groups'jaws," third of the night, though they (800) 828-2802 were the eighth group to go on. They (forgive the pun) struck just the right chord, mixing contestable tunes with covers like "Hooked On A Feeling," and showed an amaz Free Cataloglle ing versatility, talent and creativity. Samples Available I quickly made a mental note to thank Brian Lynch profusely for (Please sew,.c wit" n approaching me and Don in August with the idea of sending Millen credit card.) nium to the Summit. I was sitting on the balcony but I have it on good authority-from the young man running the show-that the floor was littered with the other groups' jaws. I don't know what kind of conversations they had with the other groups, but what some of us heard were things like "That was so Tuxedo Wllolesalel' cool!" and "We didn't know that could be so much fun." 15636 N. 78tll St. So, on behalf of the Summit committee, iet me publicly thank Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Brian for the suggestion, and Crystal Miller and Reed Sampson for making it happen. And on a personal note, I'd like to thank the guys for coming and being accommodating and fabulously easy to deal with, and Sydney in particular for being a good sport about me insist ing on dragging him out onto the dance floor at 2 a.m. so I could say I'd danced with a member of Millennium. Jessika Diamond is vice president of CASA (Contemporary A Cappella Society) and works out of tile nationailleadquarters of Var sity Vocals (tile National CIJampionslJip of Collegiate A cappella). NOI'I!IIIIJeriDeCl'lIIht'" lOaD • The HARlvtONIZER 23 a Versatility and hard work reward The Dapper Dans with "the best job in the world" Above: a Disney World performance. Right: The Dapper Dans of Disneyland. e had agreed for ages now that we should learn this Disney. Between Disneyland in Anaheim and Walt song. Guests requested it often, but we didn't really Disney World in Orlando, twelve lucky Barbershop know it. Our quartet knows more than 120 tunes, but pers sing full-time in The Dapper Dans, and many more not this old chestnut. We had learned the verse, and perform as subs and in other vocal groups in the parks. \ rere warmed by the author's lyrical sentiment and melody: "My darling, I am dreaming ofthe days gone b}~ e Wanna sing at Disney? But still] will remembel; when I first met yotl.... II Ever since Walt Disney said, "I'd As we sang, an elderly couple sitting in front of liS like a barbershop quartet on Main took one another's hands and smiled at LIS. They just Street USA," vocal harmony has been listened, nostalgically watching Main Street slip past a part of the parks. There are numer as we sang "Down By The Old Mill Stream" for the ous opportunities to perform. Learn first time. about auditions: It was another day in the park for the Dapper Dans • disney.go.com/DisneyCareers/ of Disneyland Barbershop Quartet. Far beyond be • Walt Disney World Audition Hotline: ing a job, singing for a career is a rare privilege that 407 -397-3220 very few enjoy. As we ride our fOlll'~man bike clown • Disneyland audition hotline: 714 Main Street USA, passersby who ask "What do you 781-0111 do!" hear "It's a living!" At least once a week, after • www.dapperdans.com for informa singing a tag with a visiting Barbershopper, we're told, tion on the quartet, its hlslory, and "1 wish I had your job!'l links to recordings Unlike virtually every other quartet in the Society, • [email protected], Contact The Dapper Dans exist because they are employees of Shelby Grimm 24 The HARlvlONIZER • NOI'ember/December 2000 Over the years, quartet members own barbershop quartet at 16. By the have been hired as a group or singly, time the Disney opportunity caine Barbershop roll call but it has always been with an eye to' along in 1986. 1was a 15~year vetcran (sound off now!) ward providing a specific entertain of stage performance with Debbie Who's who in Disney vocal music IHent experience to guests at thc parks. Reynolds, and had already done some The success of these groups illustrate gigs with Disney. When Stan Freese of Disneyland • Anaheim well the entertainment values wc Talent Bookings called to tell me they The Dapper Dans learn and practice as barbershop sing~ wcre rc~forming the quartet after a two 11m Reeder ® ers. year layoff, I was ready. uean you tap?" Shelby Grimm CO he asked. USure!" I've been at it ever Bill Lewis ®l "How can I get started at since. jim Campbell@ Disney?" For Chad Bennett, the most recent A singing career starts with the ba~ addition to the Florida Dans, persis~ Walt Disney World· Orlando sics: music theory, structure of har~ tence was the key. Chad had sung with The Dapper Dans many, sight,reading, dance and stage 1993 collegiate champs Heritage Sta- Blue presence all con~ tion before relocat Dan Bullock ® tribute. Versatile ing to Orlando to Neel Tyree ®l Dapper Dans per Atleast once a pursue a career with Aaron Srratton CO form in a number of Disney. ul was hired Paul Hesson @ musical groups, week, after singing by Walt Disney Red from jazz quintets World in january Chad Bennett, ® to musical theatre a tag with a visiting 1998/' he reports. III Steve Culpepper CO to recording Barbershopper, went to the casting joe Hudgins ®l projects and televi, building and asked Keith Hopkins @ sian. The more we're told, "Iwish for whatever was time you invest in available. My first plus ... subs Aaron Ledger, Harold diversifying your I hadyourjob!" job was in Epcot as a Nantz, Mike Pueschel, Roger Ross talents, the better. boat skipper, taking Epcot Getting in the whatever was offered \",ices ofLiberry door-that'ssome combination ofthe so I could get into the parks anytime I Tony De Rosa big three: talent, persistence, and luck. wished. Gary Lewis (ret.) For me, becoming part ofthe Dap, liOn my off days, I visited the Dap, Kevin Miles per Dans was the natural extension per Dans. I listened to the quartet and ofa life as a performer. I had started in learned their music. Each time Ilem-ned Disney/MGM Studios church children's choir at age 4, in a song, I asked to sing it with them ... FOllr For A Doll"r musical theater at age 5, and had my and I gradually learned the Deagan Or- Marshall Webb TO POINT OUT THE OBVIOUS, the Dapper Dans do a lot more than sing-they're all-around entertainers who joke, perform, and interact with the audience to help them linger and have a great time. NO\'(,lIIbeIIDecembel" 2000 • The HARMONIZER 25 gan Chimes, too. "They needed a multi-purpose sub, so I learned tenor, lead and baritone for evel1' Disney provides quality acappella song I could handle. I finally auditioned for Russ Jordan of Talent Casting, and I Reprinted ",ith permission fl"Om such composers as Stephen Foster. was hired as a sub (or the Dans. I subbed The Contemporary A cappella Derrick Johnson, a well,known (or two years, and when Buddy Seeburg re Neil'S, Augusr/September 2000 name in arranging and choral tired in March 2000, I was offered the full For ll'l3ny people, sum, circles, was the group's fmUlder, pri, titne tcnor position." mertime means vaca, mary arranger and music director tions~and for mil, until last year. Versatility means lions every ycar, vaca "Voices ofLiberty's united sound more opportunities tion means a trip to has becomc well known and re, Thatsmne versatility has becn a key part Orlando, Fla., to visit spected for the past two decades," o( the west coast Dapper Dans survival Walt Disney World. said Michael Korkis, Epcot'sgeneral through the years. Where the Orlando park While most people likely make park show director. has a larger budget cOmmcnsurate with its the trip for the rides and other such The newest group at Walt Disney size, the Anaheim staff has experienced ups attractions, they're often enthralled World is American Vybe, featuring and downs through the decades, includ by the high-quality shows presented, four men and four women singing ing a brief hiatus in the 1980s when there as well. This can be particularly true eight,part vocal harmony, with a was no quartet. The rebirth o( the Dapper for a cappella fans, who can find great stand-up bass. "They perform swing, Dans in 1986 came at a timc when Disney vocal music by four different a gospel, hip hop, worksongs and inaugurated a series ofthemed events that cappella groups at three of Walt other styles that represent the transformed the park. The quartet adapted Disney World's four major parks. wealth o( musical contribution in by developing new acts that fit the themes liThe guests really appreciate the Amcrica," said Korkis. and kept the group out in (ront. As "Danny technique ofmusic in these groups," In addition to their regular ven, & the Dappers," wc sang dOO'WOPi we said casting director Russ Jordan. "I'm ues, all four groups perform for vari morphed into the "Toontones" to perform very proud of the talent we have in ous special events, such as holiday a raucous "Welcomc Blast" show in all four ofthese groups." celebrations and private convention Toontowni we've sung sca chanties, west In the Magic Kingdom, the Dap parties, around the Disney proper' ern songs and cartoon jingles. per Dans greet patrons almost im, ties. Jordan attributes part of the ~vfore recently, thc quartet has devel, mediately upon entering the park, as groups' success to this flexibility. oped a new identity. Shedding the striped they perform in various locales along IIThey have the ability to pelfonn a costumes, the quartet now lives its Ii(e as Main Street U.S.A. This four-man lot ofdifferent styles in a lot ofdif four citizens of Main Street USA-<:on group sings traditional barbershop ferent locations, II he said. stable, barber, grocer and banker-who numbers, fitting in well with Nfain Jordan said fans can "absolutely" Street's nostalgic, tum-of-the-20th break out into song as a barbershop QU8r find an a cappella show somewhere tet eight times a day. Again, by adapting, century ambiance. Out at in the Disney parks on any given the Dans havc survived and thrived-to Disneyland in Los Angeles, another day. Although most of the groups day it's a full-time gig, year round. barbershop quartet strolls Main typically perform five days a week, Street, also going by the nmne Dap the Dapper Dans, who arc double Making a career in show biz per Dans~Disney owns the name. cast, can be seen seven days a week. Of those key clements-talent, persis, Moving over to Disney/MOM To assure this constant availability tence, anclluck-you can control the first Studios, the music moves forward of entertainment, they maintain two, and the third often arises from that several decades with Four For A lists of substitutes for all the work. As thc old saying goes, liThe harder Dollar. This quartet, known in the groups-from part,time pClfonners I work, the luckier I get." From the lessons a cappella community as Return To in the Orlando area to peltonners variet~' ofthe Dappcr Dans, you mal' find yourself Zero, sings a ofpop, rock and in other Disney shows. American pursuing a show biz career. Opportunities doo-wop as they provide the pre' Vybc, for example, has as many as abound at Disncy and thcme parks across show entertainment for the flBeauty 20 singers who know the music and the nation for singers with harmony expe, and the Beast" stage show at The show, although only eight perform Stat~. rience. Keep singing, and honing your ater of the at onc time. dancing and acting skills, and you may Trnveling through the many na, ''I'm vel1' proud ofour a cappella develop the stage prcsence and talent to tional exhibits of Epcot Center, a groups. They're a lot of fun for me become a future addition to the Dapper popular stop is Thc American Ad to watch," Jordan said. "I love lis Dan tradition. venture, where two very different tcning to them. groups perform in the rotunda. "They're all quality productions, -by- The more established group, and a sllllJrise-sornething people Shelby Grimm is leader of known as Voices of Liberty, have don't expect to see. They exceed our The Dapper Dans of performed at Epcot for 17 years. Clad guests' expectations." • Disneyland. He can be in colonial pcriod costumes, this -by- reached at nine-voice mixed group sings an Bcth Olliges is editor ofthe Con dapperdallsll'[email protected] flAmericana" repcrtoire of patriotic temporary A cappella Newsletter songs, folk songs and the music of and a lifelong Disne)' fan. 26 The IIAR~IONIZER • NOI'('mht'r/Dec(,lIIb('rlOOO How sweet it is! t is a very simple process, really. A barbershop quartet arrives at a specified location, sings two songs to an often recl~faced, sometimes tearful, recipient, presents a flower, card orcandy to the person, perhaps a Polaroid photo is taken, and the quartet exits, heading out to repeat the process at yet another location. Tota' elapsed time, perhaps 10 minutes. What is it that women (and many men!) find so endearing abollt receiving a Singing Valentine? The emotion ofthe day? The ingenuous lyrics ofthe songs? A little smugness as if to say, USee what rny man did for me? Aren't you just a bit jealoust Whatever it is, Singing Valentines can be big busi~ ness and a big bocst for the chapter coffers. The secret to success is planning.,. make that early planning. No\\' is the time to dust offthat Singing Val entines Manua' (Stock no. 4058/$10). Valentines Day THE PUEBLO COLORADO chapter got a lot 01 attention falls on Wednesday, which means businesses will be with this roadside ad, which is fully weatherized and open and that's good for SV business. includes photo enlargements of the quartet1s faces. The manual can help even novice chapters be suc~ cessful. Be prepared to receive a lot of calls-return job .. , the music team or music director should take an ac~ them all. Plan and plan some more. Scheduling and tive role in helping the groups sllcceed. routing is critical ... donlt have quartets crossing paths. Many chapters have found that assigning quartets to Publicity geographical areas smooths out the deliveries. If you Ofcourse, none ofthis works if no one knows about it, Pub~ schedule a delivery at a specified titHe (most chapters licity and advertising are critical to Sllccess. Naturally, the charge a premium fee for this service), be on time. more creative you can bel the more attention that is drawn Have a non~quartet driver drop off thequartet while to your program. Attend service club meetings (Kiwanis, he or she finds a parking place. The driver or a sixth RotarYI Lions, etc.) early in Janu~ person can serve as photographer. Have a cell phone arYl and give away a Singing Val~ ~ to take late delivery orders (or to phone in the event entine at the meeting. It is a great .. of a breakdown). way to increase the orders. Radio 1. Plan early Quartets need to be well rehearsed and auditioned. station giveaways are also great 2. Register with YOli have an obligation to your customers to provide publicity and will usually get you SingingValcntines.com the best performances possible. Start now, Pick the on the air without any difficulty. Sit . 3. e ec mUSIC music and the quartets. Don't just take four guys who If you sing for a politician or p. k t t 1. 4. LC qual' e s say they want to sing. If your chapter is fortunate to at le,r promment ,persol,n!l aJ,Tange 5. Rehearse & audition have several volunteers, take the time to match the mee ia coverage. t wi le P yOll quartets voices in each group. Pickup quartets can do a great fhe followingt)lear. ~o~ne ch8pters 6. Pick an office crew 1ave surprisee cx::(~ te evisiodn Pfler~ 7. Identify drivers & ve~ An action shot put this St. Cloud, Minn. quartet in the sanalities on air. lent car Sl y~ hides newspaper. This Salt Lake City quartet delivered a ers or posters pl~ced at the tlori~t 8. Advertise & promote Valentine to Utah's first lady on Governor's orders. shop that supplies the chapters 9. Order supplies (carcls, Combine the action of the first shot with the name flowers,..are verI' beneficial. fIowers, cane,)y power 01 the 1\ Fmally, regIster your chapter 10 G t . f·1 b t I" . I . e camclas, I m, a .. ';1-:fA~ ~ second, and on me w\ t 1 tcricsl photo holders you'd have the ' ~ Singing\!alentines.com 1 the ultimate Society's national referral service. publicity photo! Registration is now open. Note: if you were registered for 2000, you need to re~register(or 2001. You can confirm the information hum 2000 and it will then be activated. recipi~ It's difficult to decide who's having more flln l the ent or the quartet. Many foursomes will find it difficult to sing if the emotion of the moment catches them off guard. But thatl too, is part of the joy. -by- Reed Sampson is SPEBSQSA~ public relations manager No\'emberiDecembl'l' 2000 • The HARMONIZER 27 Success times 20 for Ontario food banks Barbershoppers net 20 Element Usual 1999 result times more donations result Corporate None Six than in previous years sponsors (paid all costs of concert) ""'l!l~_ rom ordinary origins, we were blessed to see our dreams ofwhat the event Concert seating 200-300 1000-1200 could be come true. The idea origi nated seven years ago when the St. Grade school None? Finest children's choir in city (70 Thomas, Ontatio chapter hosted the participation children) first Ontario District \'(Iest Division concert, with local artists donating Secondary school None? Finest teenage madrigal choir in their services in a wonderful afternoon participation city concert that raised about $500 for lo cal hunger programs. Church choir Host church Host church My quartet, Grateful Heart, had participation agreed to be the event's organizing Instrumentalists None? Adult and youth hand bell choirs committee for the 1999 concert. (The (for variety) quartet consisted of Don Pyper, Freel Beattie, Doug Ellis and Peter Firth, Female None? 70-voice division silver medalist who were joined on the committee by Barbershoppers chorus Bev Pitch and talented communicator -b)' Dave Aitken.) When we started to Media sources -Church - Church bulletins (19) Doug Ellis plan the 1999 concert, my qu The Pottstown, Pa. chapter was recognized for 15 years of continuous community service for the Geriatric and Rehabilitation Center located in Montgomery County, Pa. Pictured with Charles Lehman and Sylvester Buszta, Pottstown members, are a senior citizens group, The Gospel Four, and County Commissioners Richard Buchman, Mano Mele and James Maza. 28 The HARMONIZER. NOI'embellDeCt'lIIber 2000 Whose life have you changed today? When yotl come to the end camps, which provided more h') of the year and reflect on all than a thousand young men and r thac yOll have accomplished their music educators a weekend , '~ ,1llI!,._.....~. in 2000, will support of the /) of traditional choral music and Barbershop Harmony barbershop harmony education Society's charitable mission and fellowship. be listed as one of your per' Through your contributions to G Who can you sonal accomplishments? Or the General Fund, Hannony will it be another one of the Foundation also has been able to help? things that you just never make 32 grants totaling nearly What can you ac got around to dOing? $200,000 to community and complish through Our 2000 Harmony Foun school music projects. The the General Fund? dation General Fund Cam grants have been awarded to You can help: paign Honorary Chairman, projects in 18 U.S. states, the • Provide sheet mu Dick Van Dyke, has sent each ofyou a letter District of Columbia and two Canadian prov, sic for a school asking yOll to do your part to support the inces (representing 15 of our 16 districts). We chorus charitable mission of the SPEBSQSA. Have estimate that nearly 10,000 people (mostly young • Preserve a barber yOll respondcd~ Please don't miss this chance people) have directly benefitted from the grants shop harmony arti to be a part ofsomething that will ensure that and more than 50,000 (parents, audiences, etc.) fact future generations can experience the joy of have indirectly been touched by the grants. • Send a high school singing that has been a central part of the Our 2000-2001 charitable theme, "Brother, student to a Har lives of our 33,000 members. Can You Spare A Dime,lI challenges us to put the mony Explosion During the past several years, in addition words of "Keep The Whole World Singing" into Camp to supporting the residential students at action. Only when each Barbershopper rises to • Further the re Heartspring with partial scholarships, Barber meet this challenge will we truly be able to sal' search of music as shoppers have made significant progress in thar the Barbershop Society, as one voice, is com, therapy for a leading the cause of encouraging vocal music mitred to make music available for everyone to handicapped child in our schools ancl cornmunities. We have Sing ... for life. • Establish an inner funded more than 15 Harmony Explosion city youth choral program • Provide a positive environment for Stock market growth can help Society thousands of chil Do you have some stocks or bonds that have Harmony Foundation accepts direct trans, dren grown in value during the past few years! If you fers ofcapital assets such as stocks and bonds These are only a few directly transfer some of these appreciated securi, to any of its funds, and can assist with these of the many ways in ties to a charity such as Harmony Foundation, you transfers. If you would like information about which YOU can im mal' be entitled to a charitable tax deduction for making a direct transfer ofsecurities to ben' pact the future of the the full market value of the securities, and avoid efit SPEBSQSA, please call Development next generation. the capital gains tax. This could be an easy way Director Lan)' Gilhousen at 800-876-SING Please help us help for you to provide a generous gift to SPEBSQSA ,8448 others Sing ... for and obtain a nice tax deduction for this year. De, Working, together, we can help fu- ,L life pending upon your individual circumstances, cer, ture generations to ~ - tain restrictions may apply, and we suggest that Sing ... for life.• you obtain professional counsel before Inaking /" / such a transaction. ('.. / ~ Harmony Foundation, Inc., was incorporated /' in 1959 as the charitable ann of the SPEBSQSA, / "- Inc. The Foundation has been the conduit for all / of the SOciety's charitable activity ever since. The Foundation also manages the "Keep A Melody Ringing" (SPEBSQSA) Endowment Program, which provides a pool of funds that can help to 1------keep the Society alive for future generations. '--- NOI'embellDec('mber 2000 • The HARf...IONIZER 29 STAY TUNED ...... '.' Amathematical and musical pair-a-docs Jim Henry becomes the year's second quartet champ to earn amusic doctorate nyone who knows Jim Henry, bass ofThe Gas fended his dissertation, and his work was highly House Gang (1993 International Champion), commended by all the faculty on his defense com knows that he's constantly trying to reach higher mittee. Jim's feat also marks the second time this and farther-and you'd have the same problem if year that a music doctorate has been awarded to a you had his lack of height. But he's been reaching Society champ. Earlier in the year, Ben Ayling, bass for academic heights as weil, as he recently earned a Ph.D. in music from \'(fashington University in St. Louis. There was only one snag along the way: his dis, sertation was beyond the general knowledge of most ofhis music professors: "The Origins of Barbershop Harmony: A Study of Barbershop's Musical Link to Other African American Musics as Evidenced Through Recordings and Arrangements of Early Black and White Quartets." (You know, someone ought to set that catchy title to music!) Enter David Wright, professor of math- ematics at Washington University and famed bar... bershop arranger, director and-most impol'''' tandy-barbershop historian. One ofJim's profes sors knew David was involved with barbershop, and suggested that he act as Jim's academic advisor. For David, it was his first time to supervise a dis~ sertation outside the field of mathematics. However, ofThe Ritz (1991 International Champion) final despire the differences in their fields ofstudy, in no ized his doctorate-and with a barbershop-related time David and Jim were working together like dissertation as well. they'd known each other for years-which makes Next time you see Ben or Jim, be sure to con~ sense, considering that they've been directing each gmtulate them for their accomplishments. And if orher in the Ambassadors of Harmony for years, you're flagging down Jilll, please try to remember not to Inention that Jim's quartet performs scads of that, in spite of his own self~depreciatingwit, "Hey, David's arrangements. Shorty!" is no way to address an esteemed professor This spring, Jim successfully complered and de- ofmusic. lIHey, OJ: Shorty!" will do just fine. A$6,300 chapter show net profit before the first ticket is sold The Fun Center Chordsmen mean busi quarter pages for $30, and have a sponsor ness. When they wanted solid music di ...... ~ listing fOI'just $10.00. \\'fe charge a $5 set up rection, they snagged the championship The f'un C.';;i;'t"Chord,mfn fee ifthe advertiser does not have camem~ lead ofYesteryear (1997), Mark Blake. ready copy. The enfire chorus pitches in to And when they wanted a profitable help, and we award prizes to the top adsales spring show, the chorus members netteda men. One membel; Ray Pryor, sold more $6,300 profit from their show progmm than $1,900. \\'fe're located in Mansfield, alone. (That's on top of ticket sales!) Ohio, a city ofabout 55/)(JO, but sell ads in rn'''''''o...''q....".lI How did they do it? Public Relations Uptown Sound all ofthe surrounding towns where we have l.i>o~('_ Chairman Tom Nixon explains: members. II "Our 42 chapter members sold more The progratn is nicely printed and lInllSU' than $8,600 in ads in the progmm, which ally thick, with 88 pages total and a whop cost $2,300 to print ... thus, the $6,300 profit. \\'fe sell ping 200 advertisers. If they can do it, what can your IiIi/-page ads (5" x 8") for $120, halfpage ads for $60, chapter do' 30 The HARiv!ONIZER • NOl'ember/December lODO What's in a name? Sometimes, some extra $ How often has someone called your quartet and said essentially the fol lowing: ltHi, we don't need your quartet to perform-we just like your name so much we want to send you some money"? If you're a member ofAcappella Fellas, the correct answer to that question would be: "It's happened only once this year, so fm. ll Representatives of the NBC sitcom lIVeronica's Closet" made such a phone call this earlier this year. The writers and producers at Warner Brothers Studios contacted the Acappella Fellas directly from the set to ask for the quartet's per~ mission to use the name, which is a GREAT NAME, GREAT PHOTO: David White (f), registered tradelnark owned by the Rod Reynolds (j), Allen Finley, III @, Dennis Kimbleton @ group. The show's production team found the name during an Internet search and liked it so much that they de were simply getting back some of the bread they've cided to incorporate it in one of the been casting on the waters over the years-the quartet show's episodes. is the Dixie District's number one quartet for charitable For whatever reason, members of the giving, the beneficiaries being Heartspring and quartet consented to the notion of get, Econoforce of Hickory. The quartet members are all ting paid to be given a form of national part of the Carolina Moonlighters Barbershop Sing recognition, However, one could say they ing Chorus. nl ,. Society members reported as deceased jul)' 1 through September 3D, 2000. Cardinal Dixie Bishop, J. Robert Lewis, Jimbo D Columbia Cit}~ IN IVlemphis, TN Evans, Robert J Pennar, David R Evansville, IN W/ilmingtoil, NC Smith, Stuart D Evergreen Columbia Cit}~ IN Jordan, Hal Tucker, Rollie R Greater \!.1t1COllVeI; BC Evansville, IN Kroon, Robert A Central States Oregon A/lid-Coast, OR Beeler, Mace H ~vlarquardt, \'(1illiam A joplin, .140 Havre, MT Daniel, Carl M Putnam, Robert P St Louis Suburb.:1Tl, JHO juan De Fuca, WI,>\ Ellis, Ralph H Rintoul, Larry \'(1 Reggie Mobley, center, tenor of 1999 MBNA America Chanute, KS Gre,1ter \!;ll1COIiVer, Be Collegiate Barbershop Quartet Champion Station 59, Hamel, Robert D Far Western Dubuque, fA Arthur, Robert L appeared in a summer stock production of liThe Music Martin, John P Fronk Thorne Man" at the Lincoln Amphitheater in Evansville, Indiana. \'(Iichita, KS Brooks, Clayton B Mobley sang tenor in the "school board" quartet and Morse Jr, William E Davis- \1.1caville, CA alternated in a role as one of the townspeople. Mobley is a Davenport, IA Chelemedos, George L Shelton, John L Santa Cmz, CA true counter·tenor, and is a performance major at the [);l\'enport, JA Conner, Dennis P University of Florida in Gainesville. Fresno, CA NOI'ember/December 2000 • The HAR;V10NIZER 31 Cumbey. Jack Dahlen, David G E 32 The HARMONIZER. NOI"ember/December 1000 Two huge events. One great place. Find out why they call it Music Citv, USA. Nashville 2001 Festival & Convention Registration U.e this lorm to regi.ter for either or both evenls, Enjoy Early Bird rale. Ihrough 12131/2000, and regular rate. until 6/11200 I. date membership number (if applicable) chapter name (if applicable) registrant's name nickname for badge second guest name second guest nickname for badge registrant address city state ZIP/postal code work phone home phone email circle payment method: VISA MasterCard check money order card account # expiration date (MMIYY) Note here if any physical needs require special accommodation lor you to fully participate in the convention; convention staff will contact you to make arrangements. June 30·July 2: Sing 2001, an ACappella Celebration Ti,kels lor each .how $35, or all three nights for $90, All .eat. reserved. Saturday, June 30: SINGl The Gas House Gang, Malaika, Chanticleer, GLAD tickets @ $35 $-- Sunday, July 1: The Edlos, The House Jacks, Showtime!, m-pact tickets @ $35 $-- Monday, July 2: Big Chicken Chorus, FRED, Riptide, For Heaven's Sake, Swingle Singers tickets @ $35 $- Sing 20011 All Shows Pass - see all three for Just $90! tickets @ $90 $-~ SUBTOTAL of Sing 2001 Festival Evenls $-- July 3·8: 2001: ABarbershop Odyssey - SPEBSQSA'. 63rd Annual Convention Your regi.tration include. a reserved seat for all three round. of the international quarlet ,0nte.l, and the international chorus contest, a name badge and convention program. Order tickets for Adult Early Bird (Save $15 if postmarked by 12/31/00) @ $85 $- Adult Regular (postmarked after 1/1/01) @ $100 $- Junior (under age 12) Early Bird (Save $12 if postmarked by 12/31/00) @$43 $- ~ Junior (under age 12) Regular (postmarked after 1/1/01) $50 $- E E SUBTOTAL of SPEBSQSA Convention Registrations $- .2 Add $3 postage & handling for each eight events ordered. $-- ~'" (Example: 2 Sing! concerts for 2 people + 2 convention registrations = 6 registrations = $3 § TOTAL REMITTED FOR BOTH EVENTS $-- ~ INSTRUCTIONS: Mail with payment (checks: payable to SPEBSQSA) to: SPEBSQSA, 6315 Harmony Lane, Kenosha, WI 53143·5199. ~ If you register for more than one person, please furnish complete information for each person on a separate sheet and attach to this order form. J All registrations received before June 1, 2001 will be mailed during the month of May 2001. Those received afler that dale may be picked up "! at the convention reg/straHan area beginning Friday, June 29, 2001. When you receive confirmalion, please keep it as your receip!. RegiS/fa- >,------,'",io",lI",s-,-m",a=cb",e"-'-C'r",all",s"'"e'",'"ed""",'o"""all",o",'",h,,erC-"'e",r",s"oll"""b",u"'",'h",e=a",r",e-,-N"O",T,-,-,re",f",ll1l",d",a"b",ie""_N,,,,o=h"o"lIe"",o"rd",e""s"",,,,ie,,,a,,,s,,,e,,,,, -' NOl'ell/beilDeCt'lIIbel" 2000 • The HARMONIZER 33 HERE'S TO NEW CHOICES! See it all on www.harmonyonstaQe.com ltNOW STARRING It Red Striped Boaters Authentic, unlined. $39 50 fi~·_S ~ ~)~t(1nSOn"i in~s Tuxedos ~P/".~ur Si~~ $89 00 ~",,,, ~ /' !{IQ Superfine !{ c. .. O~ 100DfoWooi 0111 pet\t\ $149 00 Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri Memorial Day Weekend May 25 - 28, 2001 3 & 4 Button Blazers In 10 SpotUte Colors Join the FUN and FELLOWSHIP Featherlite $8500 Music is the soul of America and there is no better Fully lined place to experience and enjoy memories together like Silver Dollar Cit},. Whether your group wishes ltAND ON THE PROGRAMlt to compete or perform for exhibition onl),. yOll can join man)' others for the delight of a ver}' musical 85 8 weekend. ItTuxShlrts $12 • HI-Band $18 ItVests It Hats ItTrousers ItHons It (&T Sets Itetc. &z(f{{1v O;froIILl/(I/~ SAXON UNIFORM NETWORI SluHTSEEING 1596 La Vista Road 1-800-925-8498 Atlanta, GA 30329 www.bransonfun.com 1·800-7·1UXEDO. fax 801·730-3295 34 The HAR~\'IONrZER • Norell1be,Jf)/!cclllbt'l' 2000 SWIPES 'N' SWAPS Classified ad bargains for Barbershoppers, published as a service to readers-all copy subject to editorial approval. Rate: S25 per column inch. UNIFORMS FOR SALE Sixty-nine beautiful, all-white tuxedo jackels with salin [email protected]. 40 Pair of navy blue pants, some adjustable \'/aist, for SI1.00 each. 410,647-8776. Uniforms for sale: Burgundy Tuxes, includes vests, Jackets and pants. 55 complete sets and extras of jackets and pants, all sizes. Make of fer-ali must go. Contact Harry Huff, 803 Juniatta, Burlington, KS 66B39, 316-364-5679 or [email protected]. Uniforms for sale: 50t light green tuxedo cho rus uniforms with dark green piping, including matching vests and approximately 30 emerald green cumberbunds and bow ties. Agreat slarler uniform package! Picture available upon request. S750 plus shipping lakes the enlire package! Contact Jim Fox. 75 Edgel'later Dr., Liltle Falls, MN 56345. 320-632-9019, [email protected]. MISCELLANEOUS MEMORIES FOR SALE. Have you lost your old barbershop records? Missing your favorite lP or Harmonizer? Selections from my vasl colleclion of barbershop recordings (we have them all) are no\'l available for a simple do nation 10 the Heritage Hall Museum. Please con tacl Grady Kerr, SWD Historian. 8403 Manderville Lane #1094 N. Dallas, Texas 75231: (214) 369 5893: or send email [email protected]. The Ritz has prodllccd 6 recordings. Order onc or more roduy and COnlinliC to enjo)' (heir exciting sound. fJ.JNJ Title T~ fl); Total RarrTimn @$IO @S15 The Most Wonderful Tlml' orille Yrar @$IO @$15 Tht Ritz S\\ingin' on a Slar • @$IO @$IS Old SongsArf Just like OhJ Frlrnds + @SIO @S15 I'm Stglnnlng 10 Set Ihe Light' @SlO @$15 The Rilz on Moonlight Bay' @$IO @$15 The RllzAnlholo&}' (ll1dlJl1fjil~l1ln'llh:lII') @~33 @1.I9 Anthology + I (,lfall l10ndrrful flme or Raft' lImH) @S40 @160 Anthology -t 2 (.I!QlIIIW"IIul nm~ 8: Rail' Timl.'s) @'48 @'72 Shipping & Handling '2,00 Amount Enclosed Karn~ _ t\ddrt1.\ _ City, SI, Zip _ Phon~ _ VISNMC, _ Exp dale: _ S:gnature _ Sendyour check made payable The Ritz ("",i~ 'USrood,') to: Ritz Recordings' Box 126 • Oakwood 08 45873 N01'emher!J)ecC'lIIb(,1' 1000 • The HARi\,IONIZER 35 ~f------' Joe Liles, Tagmaster Yet another classic tag from The Confederates inter time is right around the corner. We sively sentimental situations? Yep, just as have already had a bit of snow here in Wis much as the country and western songsters. consin .. , didn't last long, but we got the mes~ (Whatever sage. Summer and fall are behind us; made happened to me think ofa tag by Bill Busby, that talented my pickup baritone singer and creative arranger of the truck, anyway?) 1956 intemational quartet champ, Confed Sing this erates. one soft and However, this tag really isn't expounding tender-like. on the weather, I think. We have a meta~ Good opportu phorical lament of epic proportions, nity to practice methinks again. We know spring, SUlnmer that light head No, we didn't plan to run three and fall will be returning. But in this lyric, tone stuff. I consecutive Confederates tags, but with the combination of two powerful words, have enjoyed aren't you glad we did? good~byc and forever, it appears that more singing this tag than the honeymoon is over! for many years ... give it your best shot ,.. Don't we just love the maudlin and effll~ with three others, ofcourse, GOODBYE FOREVER Words, i"hlSic and Arrangement by BILL BUSBY Good - bye for ev - er. It's o - vel', know. Love's warm sweet Sari Bass 6 weath - er has turned in - to snow. The love - Ii - est time of the 12 13 14 15 16 year has gone. 36 The HARMONIZER. iVoI'ember/December 2000 IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR, GATHER ROUND GET NEAR... Acoustix is one of the most consistently impressive barbershop groups performing today. "Cool Yule," their first holiday-themed recording, will add to their legend. Greg Volk arranged several songs, including "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch," (sung by bass Joel Rutherford, who also contributed two arrangements). Two .. Beach Boys scores, "Auld Lang Syne" and "Little Saint Nick," and a Mervyn Warren (of Take 6) chart, "The First Noel," show the quartet's burgeoning versatility, and it sounds great. For those listeners who prefer Acoustix to stay close to their barbershop origins, the locked-in chords of "0 Little Town Of Bethlehem" and "Mary Had A Baby" will be a treat. - PRIMARILY A CAPPELLA This terrific holiday aibum shows off the diverse musical talents and tastes of this men's quartet that has expanded beyond its barbershop champion roots. Among the highlights: a definitive performance of "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch;" Mervyn Warren's arrangement of "The First Noel" that has them sounding like, well, Take 6; shades of Singers Unlimited as sibling Wendy DeCrow joins them on a gorgeous performance of "The Christmas Song;" and "Mary Had A Baby," arranged by barbershop legend David Wright, which highlights the Acoustix dynamic range from tender crooning to heaven-opening, swelling swipes. And be prepared for the big band joining them for the tille tune, a Steve Allen original - very cool indeed! - MAINELYA CAPPELLA What can I say? It's Acoustix. Enough said. Acoustix once again has released an amazing album. This one however, if you couldn't tell by the tille, is a collection of some of the most inventive arrangements of Christmas music around. Most songs here make your mouth drop with the amount of talent these guys possess. Absolutely perfect tuning that sends chills down your back. It's also nice how they're able to switch from pure jazz to barbershop quartet and everything in the middle. My personal favorite is "You're a Mean One Mr. Grlnch", arranged by Greg Volk and sung by Joel T. Rutherford. It's an interesting arrangement that avoids the all too common problem of mixing up the words by CUlling out some verses while adding a spoken section that adds a whole new dimension to the song. It's also proof that, in my opinion, Joel T. Rutherford is the best bass in the business. Being a Christmas album it's not something one could play all year long, but as far as Christmas albums go, this is one of the best that I've heard. It's full of a nice variety of music that is fun and pleasing to listen to. There are also many parts that you'll have to stop what you're doing just to enjoy the pure genius that is Acoustix. This one's a keeper. - REBECCA CHRISTIE - RARB (Recorded Acappella Review Board) We also distribute these popular releases from some of your favorite groups... ~ Acoosm ACOUSnx BEST OF SUmo.'1ES OaLER"S YJ,l vu VIJ VLI .,.,., I·!..=-. itJ··S!!ts <10 'Nt. $eWI(:. eAA8ERSHO~ l!!J'ComP:t~ CtlO:CE 'Wl!jll 'Voeilloll;oriTy 1{)./I' S.*, ~ "The UUI!e rIJn-.e S6crtlol VOICES S'.rif!"" 01 SO\Ir,d' COmp:!.~on CO WI)I~", "AIHMog(" CMltmu" 'i' Sltlllgl" SW'>J" r:t'.'tf Endl" et.....-$:II'..l\ Video 0 S2Q Vol,I,2,M,5 SHIPPING CHARGES PRICING & VOLUME DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE Make checks payable to: If order totals: Add: Up to $15.00 $2.50 All single tapes: $10 - All single CDs: $15 $15.01 - $25.00 $3.50 $25.01 . $50.00 $4.50 Any 3 ACOUSTIX tilles on CD ($40) or tape ($25) /1S<2~?1J>< $50.01 - $75.00 $5.25 Over $75.00 $6.00 Any 4 ACOUSTIX tilles on CD ($50) or tape ($30) -=-0·· ~~~sld OVERSEAS ORDERS will be charged at our COsl and Buy any four SUNTONES lilies and get one !ille FREE! will vary according 10 location and order size. Dealers Choice "Anthology" set of 4 CDs 550 or 41apes 535 m PHONE Credit Card orders call 888/448·STIX (7849) • For booking info call 888/449·STIX (7849) ~ FAX FAX Credit Card orders, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 972·424·5000 BJ MAIL PMB 109-128 • 10455 North Central Expressway. Dallas, TX 75231-2211 USA INTERNET Secure online credit card orders can be made at our web site: www.acoustix.com e Please direct any email inquiriesto:[email protected]