INSIDE: Enter the head of a Music judge • YouTube and you • Overhaul chapter guest nights
July/August 2008 Order YOur 2008 cOnventiOn cds and dvd!
2008 International Convention Dual-Layer DVD $40 2008 International Chorus Competitors CD $15 Order online at 2008 International Quartet Competitors CD $15 www.harmonymarketplace.com Buy any two items, save $5 Phone orders toll free: Buy all three items, save $10 1-800-876-7464 Or fax orders to 615-313-7615 July/August 2008 VOLUME LXVIII NUMBER 4
20 Features
Where’s my favorite video? 12 Why contest videos have disappeared from YouTube, and why we want to keep songwriters happy.. Staff A fresh slice of the Bills 14 In 1957, the best quartet of their era siezed a chance for immortality.—an offer Dick Grapes had to refuse. Jim Bagby Point deductions in Music 23 If you dance around the edges of the barbershop umbrella, what kind of penalties can you expect? Music judges HOW BIG IS THAT UMBRELLA? You like more complex arrangements? Newer songs? A wider Welcome new members! vocal range? You can get all of the above and still 25 Introducing hundreds of first-time Society members, and be singing solid barbershop ... within reason. But congratulations to the men who spread the word. hear this from the head Music judge, Kevin Keller: Groups that sing more traditional barbershop have a much easier time impressing both audiences and Music category judges. And then there are those On the Cover: penalties ... Dick Grapes Photo by Gary McBride Departments
2 10 THE PRESIDENT’S PAGE HARMONY HOW-TO Singing for Life requires physical conditioning How to overhaul your chapter guest night 3 43 LETTERS STAY TUNED An alternate take on separate youth choruses Double slam dunk for Great Northern Union 4 Sri Lanka gets a dose of barbershop harmony STRAIGHT TALK 46 The energy to make big things happen MEMBER SERVICE DIRECTORY 7 Where to find answers TEMPO 48 Final farewell to Freddie? THE TAG Singing for Life recap “I Love to Sing ’Em” by Mac Huff
July/August 2008 • The HARMONIZER 1 THE PRESIDENT’S PAGE Noah Funderburg, Society President • [email protected] Singing for Life requires good condition- y motto for each of my two years as your President edge William Storey from the Smith Mountain has emphasized doing something for life. My 2007 Lake, Va. chapter for mentioning this idea. Now motto “Harmony for Life!” emphasized the promo- to keep this in context, anyone who knows me, or M tion of a lifetime of harmony both in our interac- has seen me, would remark that Funderburg needs tions with each other and musically. My 2008 to lose a few pounds. OK, maybe more than just a motto, “Harmony 4 Life!” emphasized the value of few. quartet singing for our Society and society at large. I recognized that need last fall and began an ef- In this article, I would like to share thoughts about fort to work down my weight. For Christmas, I in- barbershopping for our lifetime. formed my wife that I was going to buy a Nintendo Thanks to our Marketing and PR Committee, Wii game console. This ostensibly was for our now chaired by Phil Maxfield of the Southwestern grandchildren who visit us frequently and enjoy District, we ran a successful inaugural campaign video games. Of course, since one of the first games for blood donations in a program called Singing I purchased was Call of Duty (a World War II simu- for Life! The total amount of blood lated battle game) Mary looked at me a bit doubt- collected was more than 3,000 fully about my motivations. There are also some units. That is awesome for our first good sports games like bowling (I bowled over 200 effort. Plans are already underway for the first time in my life using the game), tennis, to improve the program in 2009 to and boxing. So I argued that my need for gaming involve more chapters and increase was to get healthy, and believe me, boxing three our success in donated units of rounds with my animated opponents can really blood. The efforts by more than 100 wear me out. chapters participating in Singing Then Nintendo announced a new product for Life! has given the promise of called Wii Fit, which is a series of exercises and When we say life to many people in the United games all aimed at helping you become more fit. I we are pre- States and Canada. We should be have started a regimen using this game and have proud of that, and should endeav- already lost a few pounds. The international con- serving our or to do much more next year. vention interrupted my schedule, but I am back to At our International conven- daily workouts. hobby for tion in Nashville, Gary Parker, This leads to the conclusion that we should all our grand- bass of 1973 gold medalist quartet pay more attention to our individual health and The Dealer’s Choice, was a fitness. When we say we are preserving our hobby children, we successful candidate for a seat on for our grandchildren, we can do that more ef- can do that the Society Board. In his remarks fectively if we live longer so we can sing longer. to the Board, he commented on So while singing itself seems to promote longevity, more effec- actuarial information about fac- being out of shape may bring down that effect. I tively if we tors that help extend a person’s encourage all members to seriously consider a plan life. While activities such as for healthy eating and exercise. It will make us live longer so gardening, meditating, or having better singers, with greater breathing capacity, and a pet might increase your life by surely that will enhance the weekly chapter meet- we can sing a few years, singing was found to ing experience for ourselves and our chapters. longer. increase your life by as much as 15 I will let you know in my next article how my years. We all know that singing weight loss is going. Perhaps your chapter might has enriched our lives, but we should find ways to like to start a healthy chapter plan. We even could promote this information to potential members. start a contest to see which chapter loses the most We might even find this useful information for our weight. Let’s keep barbershopping ... for Life! shorter-term members to consider when they con- template renewing their dues. “Sing barbershop, live longer.” I like that connection.
Toward a longer barbershop life A final thought, which some may say has taken me into the realm of meddling, starts with my own state of physical fitness. I would like to acknowl- [email protected]
2 The HARMONIZER • July/August 2008 LETTERS [email protected] An alternate take on youth choruses
ike so many others who have commented, I was able to the thousands of “old guys” who don’t attend thrilled with the youth choruses at the Midwinter conventions but want to, or should, keep singing in in San Antonio. Their performances were certainly senior quartets, octets and choruses. one of the highlights of the convention. Another On a slightly different vein, if we are to believe L highlight, for me, was the number and quality of everything we read in The Harmonizer, “kids” don’t seniors’ quartets that also performed. I sometimes want to sing with “old guys.” A casual observation think that, with all the emphasis on youth in the of the activities in the hotel lobby in San Antonio last few years in The Harmonizer would suggest otherwise. When I and elsewhere, we tend to over- joined the Society as a youth (and look the equally important need my wife joined Sweet Adelines short- to encourage the “old guys” to ly after), there were maybe a dozen keep singing and performing, not guys in my age group. Yes, we wanted only for their own happiness and to sing together, but in quartets. The welfare, but for the betterment of vast majority of chorus members were society as a whole. The benefits some 20, 30, 40 or more years older. for physical and mental health But we sang with them, made lasting are well known and understood. friendships, socialized, learned from However, senior competitors them, and our kids called them “aunts” represent only a tiny fraction of and “uncles.” That was 50 years ago the members in this age group. and they are gone now. But I wouldn’t I believe the Society could do trade the memories of those good times more to support and inspire the rest—the for a bucketful of gold medals. men who have built the Society for the past 50 If it takes youth choruses to get the “kids” years or so, but who are now, at least to some de- singing, I’m all for them. But maybe, just maybe, gree, overlooked. For instance, they (we) need to they’re missing something very special. n be shown that they don’t need boy sopranos singing Al Davis tenor and screaming tags to sing good barbershop. Cambridge, Ont. Joe Liles with Antique Gold ably demonstrat- ing, and Jim DeBusman HEY, WHY ISN’T THIS THE CONVENTION ISSUE? After have made excellent producing the May/June issue, the editor of The July/August 2008 Harmonizer moved office and family in an adventurous Volume LXVIII Number 4 presentations on tech- Complete contact info: page 34. niques for preserving cross-country move to Nashville and prepared for and The Harmonizer (USPS No. 577700)(ISSN 0017-7849) covered an international convention. Unfortunately, is the official publication of the Society for the Preserva- the senior voice. These tion and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing should be captured on the additional responsibilities added up to a three- in America, Inc., dba Barbershop Harmony Society. It is DVDs and made avail- week slippage in schedule. We apologize for the delay! published in January, March, May, July, September and November at 110 7th Ave N, Nashville TN 37203-3704. Periodicals postage paid at Kenosha, Wisconsin, and at additional mailing offices. Editorial and advertising offices · Pasadena Midwinter Convention · are at the Society headquarters. Advertising rates available upon request or at www. Become the Best barbershop.org/rate card. Barbershopper Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unso- You Can Be licited manuscripts or artwork. Postmaster: send address changes to editorial offices of The Harmonizer, 110 7th Ave N, Nashville TN 37203- 3704 at least 30 days before the next publication date. (Publications Agreement No. 40886012. Return Unde- liverable Canadian Addresses to: Station A, PO Box 54, the seminars and Windsor ON N9A 6J5. E-mail: [email protected]) master classes A portion of each member’s dues is allocated to cover Don’t Miss the magazine’s subscription price. Subscription price to non-members is $21 yearly or $3.50 per issue; foreign sub- scriptions are $31 yearly or $5 per issue (U.S. funds only). © 2008 The Society for the Preservation and Encour- January 25 – February 1, 2009 agement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. www.barbershop.org/midwinter dba The Barbershop Harmony Society. [email protected] (800) 876-SING Printed in the USA
July/August 2008 • The HARMONIZER 3 STRAIGHT TALK Ed Watson, Executive Director • [email protected] The energy to make big things happen hen folks talk energy these days, it’s usually about the hugging and laughing and carrying on like we did and price of oil. I want to discuss the benefits of human do. At a Navy party, everybody stands around drink- energy, or intellectual energy—the energy that comes ing and talking. At a barbershop party, everyone is from great vision, of shared purpose, of a mission for singing. Which do you think is more fun? Wthe greater good that’s greater than just one person. A terrific pulse of energy came to Nashville last Maybe you’re like me and you have already solved week. All the good will, all the love of good harmony, all the world’s problems in your head. Then someone all the cheering, yelling, clapping, singing (even some else comes along and “steals” your ideas. I can’t tell booing, but that’s my bad!), running, dancing, eating, you how many things I have invented over the years, drinking, afterglowing ... you’d have thought we were including Maglev trains, the water bed, and my lat- all 25 years old again. I guess that’s the point. For a few est biggie: energy independence. In each of these days, we were 25 again, and we celebrate that by sing- cases, I’ve had the idea, I just never had the energy ing and ringing in our unique style. Add to that the to bring the idea to fruition. Turning ideas into real- unbelievable welcome from Nashville, the beautiful ity involves so many steps, so much development, headquarters building, the MegaSing attended by the and I just didn’t have the time—no, make that the mayor and official from the governor’s office, and … energy—to see them through. Thank heavens oth- well, more on that in the next issue. The weather was ers did, and the world is better for them. The latter, also special-ordered. Wish you had been here. energy independence, is still a work in progress, but I have heard that others more powerful than me are Peanuts, popcorn here! advancing my agenda, so we’ll see how that goes. No In so many ways we’re like Major League Baseball or patents or copyrights for me, just personal satisfaction any other major sport. A few play our “sport” at the if it comes to fruition. highest level, and many of us love to watch them do it. If you made it to Nashville for the convention, you Others would much rather do. But the wise watch the know the energy is palpable when barbershoppers best and then learn and create their own art. Baseball gather. Younger people invigorate the gathering, (barbershop) has millions (okay, thousands) of people but they take their cues from older, established watching the best perform. Most fans couldn’t perform members about what to sing and how to sing anywhere near the caliber of the pros, but they still it—and how to succeed in a barbershop setting get out to their local club (chapter) and enjoy softball and far beyond. There are plenty of older, wiser (singing) in a great watch/do loop. Now if we only members available to show the youngsters how to made baseball’s money! enjoy four part harmony and the satisfaction of lock Our barbershop “World Series” is over for this year. and ring singing. In fact, we’re seeing more and more Congratulations to the Masters of Harmony, OC collaborations between youth and maturity. Times, and the Ringmasters from SNOBS. Sweden I know there are barbershoppers out there who is very proud of our new collegiate champs, and so have great ideas about how to boost the fun that we are we. I’m proud of every competitor. They gave us a experience and how to bring it to more people, young great show and their performances were stunning. and old. The youth chorus movement is a great ex- Speaking of energy, I have one final observation. ample of what happens when someone’s great idea is About an hour before the quartet finals, when OC given the right dose of energy. We need more such Times should have been sequestered somewhere do- great ideas from barbershoppers who have the energy ing what quartets do to get ready, I watched Sean to bring them through to fruition, locally or on a Devine, Shawn York, Patrick Claypool and Cory greater scale. What’s your great idea? What can you Hunt all dancing, singing, and rolling around on the do to make it happen? contest stage doing the victory performance with the Masters of Harmony. They are ridiculously talented, No one else has what we’ve got dedicated, and chorus-loyal, and I appreciate their I just wandered through the convention center today, giving spirits very much. Way to go, champs. That’s four days after our convention has ended. Our ban- energy for you. ners are down, the Harmony Marketplace merchan- How am I doing? dise is back at headquarters, and all 8000+ attendees have returned to their homes or gone off on more summer fun. The Auctioneers Association has taken over the convention center for their week, but it’s not the same level of energy. No singing, no impromptu [email protected]
4 The HARMONIZER • July/August 2008 TEMPO Timely news New champions raise the bar in Nashville ashville is still ringing with the harmonious sound of got an actual “wave” going in the Sommet Center barbershop, thanks to the Convention and Visitors – Nashville Predators’ hockey has nothing on us! Bureau and their permanent speaker installation on The Masters of Harmony (which includes OC Nthe corner of 7th and Broadway, playing barbershop Times’ members) took gold over the Ambassadors harmony at of Harmony by a mere seven all hours. points to capture their seventh As you now straight title. (The Ambassadors know, we tied for first place last year, earn- have three ing silver in a tie-breaker.) OC new inter- Times joins Bluegrass Student national Union (1978, Louisville Thor- champions: oughbreds) and Nightlife OC Times, (1996, Masters of Harmony) the Masters OC Times as only the of Har- Masters of Harmony third quartet mony, and champion Ringmasters. After winning silver in to win while 2007, third in 2006 and fifth in 2005, singing in OC Times wowed the judges with their the same inspired inter- PHOTOS BY LORIN MAY year’s cham- pretations of pion chorus. “You Belong Ringmas- to Me” and ters from “Drivin’ Me Sweden Crazy,” which (SNOBS) took the 2008 Bank of America Col- literally drove legiate Quartet Contest by storm and was also a the audience Ringmasters quartet semifinalist in the regular contest. They join crazy. At one 2006 collegiate champion Music Island Boys of point during the semi-finals, four young, shirtless men New Zealand (NZABS) as the only affiliate champi- (we hear they are members of Westminster Chorus) ons in the Society’s 70-year history.
Final farewells for Fred King Forgive us if this announcement turns out to be a “Dewey Defeats Truman” episode—we’d love nothing more. Unfortunately, by the time you read this, Hall-of-Fame barbershopper Fred King will have almost certainly passed away. An international champion baritone (Oriole Four, 1970) and director (Cho- rus of the Chesapeake, 1971), he appeared with quartets on the international stage in six different decades. He is also a famed Sweet Adelines director, multi- decade Harmony University faculty member, a prolific coach arranger and song-writer, and a long-time Balti- more-area vocal music teacher. More than all of the above, he will be remem- bered as one of the wealthiest men in the world as measured by friends. A notorious prankster and joke- teller, he was as immediately endearing as he was entertaining—and as gentle and gracious as he was Old School’s recent visit outrageous. Freddie, we’ll never see emceeing or den- tistry the same way again. Barbershoppers from all over have been been flying to Baltimore to say goodbye in person to an original, the likes of which we’ll likely never see again.
July/August 2008 • The HARMONIZER 5 TEMPO
Singing for Life international blood drive forges new relationships, saves lives Singing for Life, our Society-wide blood drive, was overall a resounding success in its first year, with 176 chapters participating, representing close to 16,000 performers across North America, according to Bob Ebers, former chairman of the Marketing and Public Relations Committee. Though we had our share of communication challenges with some local agen- cies, more than 3,000 units of blood were collected with our American and Canadian blood partners. Héma-Québec reported that 95 donors gave blood at the DDO Community Centre in Montreal, and The Langley (Vancouver, B.C.) chap- 23 percent were giving ter recruited 200 singers from area blood for the first time chapters, Sweet Adelines, and other a (their average is about cappella groups. Here, the Gentlemen 10 percent). At the La Crosse (Wis.) Coulee Chords- of Fortune take their turn on the risers. other end of Montreal men hosted theirs in an area mall kets get during the Singing Valentines (Broussard) they col- campaign. In addition, many chapters CONVENTIONS lected another 87 units of blood for a total of 182 experienced their first cross-promotional opportunity Anaheim donors being serenaded by five choruses (160 with other performing arts organizations, and some June 28–July 5 2010 singers). At the Surrey Blood Donation Clinic in reported new member prospects as a result. Philadelphia Surrey, British Columbia, 130 singers from 14 a The 2009 SFL Project encompasses the entire June 28–July 5 cappella groups performed for five hours – what month of May this year so that chapters have more 2011 a treat for donors! The Michigan Community flexibility in planning their events. It will be en- Kansas City July 3–10 Blood Centers collected 120 units of blood from hanced with more direct communication from Society 2012 donors with help from the Great Lakes Chorus, Marketing &PR committee members. A new FAQ is Portland who sponsored a blood drive and car show (how’s on our website outlining the positive changes to make July 1–8 2013 that for creativity?!) Chapters in Traverse City this event better, and the registration website will be Toronto and the St. Joseph areas were also key contribu- active in the first half of September. Please talk about June 30–July 7 tors. United Blood Services of Las Vegas col- this project with your chapter leadership now and let 2014 lected 84 units. SFL bring joy to your community and new potential Minneapolis June 29–July 6 The media coverage was equal to, or in some growth to your chapter. For the 2009 FAQ sheet, go 2015 cases better than, the coverage these same mar- to www.barbershop.org/blood. Pittsburgh June 29–July 6 2016 AP PHOTO / KEVORK DJANSEZIAN JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE GOES Nashville BARBERSHOP ON ESPY July 3–10 AWARDS. Justin heeded MIDWINTER some great advice: if you www.barbershop.org/ midwinter want to be popular with the 2009 a ladies, sing with a barber- Pasadena shop quartet. The Perfect Jan. 25-Feb. 1 Gentlemen spent two days HARMONY UNIVERSITY 2008 rehearsing with Timberlake St. Joseph, Mo. for the July 20 broadcast July 27-Aug. 3 of ESPN’s premiere awards show. The 20-second barbershop segment came in the middle of a 7-minute musical production that poked fun at just about every big name in sports.
6 The HARMONIZER • July/August 2008 Saturday Evening Post features Barber- shop Harmony Society. The September/ You asked. We listened! October edition of The Saturday Eve- ning Post (the magazine, not the quar- The Bank of America Collegiate tet) has a substantial feature about the Quartet Contest is included in Barbershop Harmony Society. Alanna the registration price in 2009! Nash, a well-known music journalist and author who has writ- ten a number of biographies June 28 – July 5, 2009 Visit or call about Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton, www.barbershop.org/anaheim 800.876.7464 among others, spent an afternoon at headquarters interviewing Ed Watson, Todd Wilson and Rick Spencer and also did a number of phone interviews with Society members. Unconfirmed rumor is that this issue can be pur- chased at some Barnes & Noble book- stores. The SEP is descended from The Pennsylvania Gazette, a four-page news- paper founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1729, and launched the career of artist Norman Rockwell, whose “Bar- bershop Quartet” cover illustration graces many a member’s wall. Discov- ered at age 22 in 1916, Rockwell pro- duced 324 covers and numerous inside illustrations until 1963. Society organizational theme for 2009 focuses on the individual chapter Can you imagine “It’s Your Chapter: Imagine. Inspire. Influence.” is the Society’s organiza- tional theme for 2009. The designer your life without of the logo took the common icon, the barber’s pole, and gave it a more active look to symbolize the barbershop? purpose of the program. The stripes have been converted to ribbons to What activities do you have planned in 2009 to symbolize chapters and how they inspire, influence, and enrich your life and the are the driving force of the Society. lives of others? Without them, there The future of our Society depends on healthy is noth- chapters that can identify who they are, what ing but they want to accomplish, and are willing to a blank work to turn those dreams into reality. pole. The rib- It’s time to take that responsibility. The future bon is flowing to symbolize Ed Watson of the Society depends on you! CEO / Executive Director work that needs to be done on the chapter level, and our future, which If you need help formulating your 2009 plans, send an e-mail to is decided by the activities of our [email protected] or call 800.876.SING. chapters. Look for more informa- tion in future issues on this theme.
July/August 2008 • The HARMONIZER 7 TEMPO
International Convention garners Society briefs Nominations open for 2009 committee positions. President national media coverage Elect Bill Biffle is looking for several good men to serve on They don’t call Nashville “Music City” for nothing! Society committees. There are two vacancies in the Gover- The music media (and some of the non-music me- nance and Bylaws Committee, one vacancy on the Hall of dia) came out in full force during our 70th Interna- Fame Committee, one vacancy on the Audit Committee, and tional Convention, and as a result a couple of news one vacancy on the Board Nominating Committee. For posi- stories ran nationally and appeared in a great deal of tion descriptions and information on the nomination process, other media. Multiple stories were done by the local go to: www.barbershop.org/id_114297. TV stations for various interest programs and the evening news. Westminster Chorus “Road to Gold ’07” A front page story from Wed., July 2 in The documentary now available. Harmony Mar- Tennessean got picked up by the Associated Press ketplace is now selling Road to Gold ‘07, wire service and then appeared in print and on a an up-close view of this amazing group of number of websites, including washingpost.com, young men on their unforgettable journey, msnbc.com and cbs.com. Also, Nashville Public Ra- from their founding through all their hard dio, WPLN, broadcast a feature by reporter Blake work and dedication to capture the Soci- Farmer that their network picked up nationally ety’s highest honor. Called “jaw dropping” for the popular show “All Things Considered.” by one viewer, the 85-minute production Many thanks to Monkey Magic (BABS), Re- “reminds us why we take part in this art altime, Eureka!, Lunch Break, State Line Gro- form, where it’s headed, and just what’s cery, Max Q, Hot Air Buffoons, CounterPoint, possible when committed to excellence Motivation, and The Kentucky Vocal Union and artistry.” The DVD retails for $24.99, and contains bonus for being available for media appearances and perfor- footage, concerts, and interviews. www.harmonymarketplace. mances in Nashville. To see a roundup of media cov- com erage, go to: www.barbershop.org/id_065025. Renew online for faster service with eBiz. If you are due to renew your membership, you can now log in and renew your VM invited to perform at ACDA online invoice. Go to https://ebiz.barbershop.org/ebusiness national convention and follow the easy step-by-step instructions. The Vocal Majority has been accepted to Download the new member electronic press kit. The Society perform in two concert spots on March 6, 2009 member Electronic Press Kit is now available at www.barber- during the national convention for the Ameri- shop.org/id_114410. This is a wonderful tool to help chapters can Choral Directors Association (ACDA) in and members recruit new members or to explain what barber- Oklahoma shop is all about to a potential client, grant funder, corporate MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY City. Only the sponsor or media outlet. highest qual- ity university Pay the piper: New show clearance or professional procedure adopted. ASCAP ensures choirs are nor- that songwriters and publishers are mally consid- paid when you sing their music in a ered for these chapter show. Because there has been prestigious per- no update from ASCAP on the an- formance slots; nual minimum fee for 2008, please
for example, past performers include such high- do the following if you had, or will Photograph: Jim Spitler Painting: © SEP 1936 Electronic Press Kit profile harmonizers as Chanticleer, The Mormon have, a chapter show in 2008: Send a for Members Mission: The Barbershop Harmony Society brings men together in harmony and fellowship to enrich lives through singing. Vision: To be the premier membership organization Tabernacle Choir, and King’s Singers. The VM’s check to the Society (written to the for men who love to sing. 110 7th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37203 800.876.SING (7464) | 615.313.7620 (fax) invitation is especially prestigious considering Society) for a minimum fee of $210 www.barbershop.org | [email protected] that this convention will also mark the 50th an- per show, made payable to the Barbershop Harmony Society, niversary of ACDA. The last time any barbershop along with the BMI/SESAC show clearance application. Society ensemble was featured at an ACDA national staff will take care of the rest. (A small minority of chapters will convention was in 1988 in San Antonio. The owe more than the minimum. Multiply .005 against your gross VM’s recordings will soon be available at iTunes. revenues and pay the higher amount.) Please address questions com through an arrangement with Naked Voice to John Schneider, [email protected]. n Records. www.vocalmajority.com
8 The HARMONIZER • July/August 2008 Download What I love most about thousands of your favorite contest the International Convention: performances from www.iTunes.com Seeing old friends Search the online library with the keywords and singing “barbershop contest” with them June 28 – July 5, 2009 Visit www.barbershop.org/anaheim or call 800.876.7464
· Pasadena Midwinter Convention ·
andand newnew friendsfriends OldOr was that old friendsTags and new tags?
January 25 – February 1, 2009 www.barbershop.org/midwinter [email protected] (800) 876-SING THE SECRET’S OUT British Barbershop Conventions are Brilliant! Come and experience one for yourself Wales, the land of song and historic castles The venue, shown below, is located right is the venue for our 35th Convention. on the promenade overlooking the Irish Sea. Hotels and shops are within walking The British Association of Barbershop Singers distance, which means you don’t even have invites you to come and experience the to worry about transport. unique style and format of our convention. Ask anyone who has been to a British All the contests, shows, afterglows and convention, we’re sure that they will say other singing events are held in the one they had a brilliant time! Visit our web site 22nd to 24th May 2009 convention centre, you can even eat and for full details and on-line booking. have a drink there! www.singbarbershop.com
July/August 2008 • The HARMONIZER 9 HARMONY HOW-TO Drew Ellis, Manager of Membership Services How to overhaul your chapter guest night y favorite show is a Discovery Channel series called rie, fellowship, fun, and music need to be at the core “Overhaulin’.” The premise is that some guy’s wife, of what you do on guest nights. brother, mother, calls the show, and the “Overhau- This is by far the hardest of the steps, and that’s M lin’” folks come steal the guy’s classic car. In one why I have it listed first. It means having established week, his once-great bucket-o’ bolts receives thou- goals, a direction for the chapter to move and to sands of dollars in upgrades—custom paint, new show its best face. You will have to analyze and plan wheels, new or refurbished engine, how to create the electric environ- upholstery, stereo—until it’s a It means having ment of enthusiasm that is paramount masterpiece. to having effective guest nights. Oth- Many of our chapters need to established goals, erwise, you might as well invite guys be overhauled—they are like a a direction for the to join you to play cards. once-great vehicle that can and should be restored to its original chapter to move 2. Pull out all the stops. Make guest luster. Preparing some second-to- nights a party for everyone. Show none guest nights is not only fun and to show its best young, cool barbershop as well as and a great recruiting tool, but face. Otherwise, smooth, classic barbershop—blow your preparations can help bring away any preconceptions they may some “overhaul” benefits that last you might as well have brought with them. If you have long after such a night is over. invite guys to join access to an exciting live quartet In many trips to districts and (inside or outside the chapter), many hours of round-tables, I you to play cards. invite them to perform a short set. have come up with what I call If no such quartet is available and the hook factor, a way of making sure the guest ex- your chapter quartets are more average, show a periences a dynamite, fun time and gets his “singing Top 20 Chorus and/or Quartet contest video. At jones” on. some point in the evening, show the great Society- published DVD, Singing is Life. (The way you in- 1. Set your house in order, figuratively and literally. troduce this video is key. Be sure they know there Get the place taken care of physically. You wouldn’t is plenty of room in your chapter for men of lesser have guests over to your house and expect them to talent and more time constraints than the men “understand” your stuff piled in the corner. Clean featured on the video!) the place up; work hard to make your meeting hall Some more activities for a party environment: the most appealing and warm place for the guest to • Tag-time. Teach simple but ringer tags so that feel welcome. Is the rehearsal spot easy to find? Is it every man will enjoy these great instant success appropriately signed for visitors? Do you have guest opportunities. books? Are all the songs in the book? Are they legal • Get guests in quartets. Not simply push-out copies? Does the book look good and is it easy to quartets, or put a guest book of music in his hands. navigate? Are the chairs comfortable? Are your mem- Take the guy by the arm (figuratively!) and put bers’ attitudes accommodating? him in a quartet, unless he objects! Show your You also need to get your house in order figura- support and the fact that you’ll be there for any tively. What do we offer our guests when they walk notes he doesn’t know or if he needs help in any in the door? What environment, way. His personal experience of barbershop is what culture does the guest what will hook him. experience within three • Food. We all love snack time. It minutes of his arrival? has to be social time as well! When the guest walks • A music plan. through the door late, Set up by the music is the director’s back team and/or director. to him? If so, is there a Easy, fun-to-sing things welcoming committee that that the guest will makes him feel welcome with a enjoy singing with the Drew Ellis Manager of handshake and a smile? I suggest that chapter. Provide an Membership the environment needs to be full of all the experience that is musically Services things you’re trying to attract. Camarade- satisfying to guests who have more of
10 The HARMONIZER • July/August 2008 Low-hanging fruit If you plan to send a mailing that invites people to your guest night, Society HQ can pro- vide addresses of former members. I asked for a musical background, without be- can have his barbershop toast former members within a 75-mile radius of our ing too daunting to those with less buttered. home base and got a listing of 697 names and experience. addresses! (Of course, not all addresses were • Err on the side of fun, not mili- 4. Follow-up. This is the most current. The more years that had passed since a taristic scheduling. Unfortunately, neglected step in attract- man was active, the more likely his address had most chapters do the opposite. The ing guests because we know changed or he had passed away.) Several of our key is atmosphere. You can move when the guest night is done, veteran members whittled that list down to 420. forward without feeling rushed. You it’s done. Not so! When the A 5 percent response to a mailing is considered can add variety without making it guest night is done, then the excellent, and that’s about what we got. Some seem like the objective is to com- heat gets turned up! We call have already returned as members. Others we’re plete a checklist. (This should be the guy, e-mail him, send him still working on. true of every chapter meeting!) a letter or contact him how- Another source for potential members is ebiz. ever possible, and ask him barbershop.org. The roster for the Frank Thorne 3. Create a hook factor: Get ‘em in what he enjoyed the most at-large chapter is a list, by district, of barber- quartets. Quartetting exponentially about the evening. Make sure shoppers not currently involved with an active improves the chances you’ll hook a he knows that we had a blast chapter. These people have chosen to continue guest. Taking the initiative to get the with him there, and want their membership in the Society and just might guy a quartet shows that you care, and him to come back. Doing be ready to enjoy the many benefits of being in an it shows that you want him to have this isn’t pestering him—it’s active chapter. We’ve recently “resurrected” two fun. In addition, if they are three sing- making sure he understands outstanding barbershoppers and we’re working ers who really know their stuff, then that he’s wanted and needed. on a few more. It’s certainly worth a try. the chance is more likely that he will After all, in addition to want- – Sam Tweedy, Central Texas Corridor (Heart have a ball right from the start. Teach ing an outlet for his music, he of Texas Chorus) him a simple but ear-bending tag that wants a place where every- will give him the unforgettable experi- body knows his name. ence of “lock and ring” with his own Have you noticed that most of the voice contributing to the overtones. elements of a good guest night are If he’s not entirely confident at first, the needed elements of every chapter have another member fifth-wheel on meeting? What your guests need to see Your Society his part. is the same thing your chapter mem- We want our men hooked—they bers want! Use everything you learned membership need to finish the evening wanting at your guest night and apply it every more. If you can’t create a hook fac- week! tor with tagging, find another way! There are many tools on the Soci- offers you Perhaps his hook is camaraderie. Show ety’s website under www.barbershop. the fellowship he can experience! Per- org/ Tools > Membership > Show All special haps the hook is directing, or teaching, that can help you take your chapter to or coaching; but show the guy how he the next level. n pricing · Pasadena Midwinter Convention · Where else can with Hertz! you see the
medalistsmedalists performperform Topinin aa Five showshow setting?setting? For details, visit January 25 – February 1, 2009 www.barbershop.org/hertz www.barbershop.org/midwinter [email protected] (800) 876-SING
July/August 2008 • The HARMONIZER 11 Contest videos and YouTube There’s less conflict than you’d think between the law and member needs
Q: What happened to many of the barbershop videos enforce a zero tolerance policy against posting others’ of some of my favorite groups that seem to have been copyrighted material. removed from YouTube.com? A: The following disclaimer was read during each Q: Wasn’t it a bit harsh to contact YouTube directly? Why webcast session at this year’s international convention: didn’t you just contact the posters directly and ask them This webcast is copyrighted by the Barbershop Harmony to remove the copyrighted content? Society for the private use of our audience. Any other use A: We don’t always know who is posting these perfor- of this webcast—audio, video or still pictures—without the mances, and there are hundreds of different posters for express written consent of the Barbershop thousands of performances. In any event, Harmony Society, is strictly pro- this is an illegal activity and hibited. Despite this warning, the posters had been warned dozens of performances from before the event. Qthe 2008 International Con- test were posted on YouTube Q: But having these videos on- even while the contests were line was great public relations still in session, and many oth- for the Society. Shouldn’t that ers were posted shortly after. be the first consideration? These were bootleg copies of A: This is one of those frustrat- copyrighted material that is ing situations where there are owned by dozens of songwrit- no satisfying options. There is ers and publishers, as well as no question that barbershop the Barbershop Harmony music enjoys greater aware- Society. The Society cannot ness when some of our peak afford to lose the support of performers are showcased on the talented people who write one of the world’s most visited or own the songs we perform. Plus, the posting of these sites. We’re glad that there are Society members (at YouTube clips wasn’t exactly fair to all the people who least we assume they are) trying to promote our style had just paid good money to watch the legitimate live in whatever ways they can. But turning a blind eye to and Webcast versions of the contests. Members of the illegal content opens us up to serious consequences Events committee contacted YouTube and asked them down the road. Promoting barbershop harmony is to remove the copyrighted content. great as long as we’re not using someone else’s content without permission. Q: But I understand that YouTube not only removed the copyrighted performances, they completely shut down Q: Why does the Society always seem to take the side of the accounts of those who posted them. Some barber- the songwriters and publishers? Shouldn’t the needs of shoppers lost a lot of non-copyrighted personal content current and potential Society members come first? as a result. A: We are putting members first when we act to main- A: YouTube makes it vividly clear that if copyrighted tain good relationships with songwriters and publishers. material has been uploaded, the poster’s user account Unlike other musical forms, virtually all the music we is subject to cancellation. sing was written by someone other than the group per- forming it. Non-Society artists are essential contributors Q: YouTube has been around for some time. Why is this to our art form, and they and their publishers expect to suddenly a big deal? be paid. We are in almost daily contact with our friends A: Barbershoppers aren’t the only ones seeing content down the road at ASCAP, BMI and others. They help removed. Viacom and other big media are engaged us get clearance for your sheet music, for all Society in major litigation against YouTube. These litigants contests and your chapter shows, and they help us clear may have the ability to shut down YouTube just as the performances for CDs and DVDs. Our members can’t record companies shut down Napster a few years ago. do without these products and services, and we can’t YouTube obviously believes it is in their best interest to provide them without the cooperation of these partners.
12 The HARMONIZER • July/August 2008 We wanted and we got a higher profile in the music songs can often be divided among many different par- world with our move to Nashville. Now more than ever, ties or publishers. we need to be good citizens in this community. Q: Shouldn’t the Society be working to get legal barber- Q: Why did the removal notice indicate the request comes shop content online? from SPEBSQSA? A: As far as audio is concerned, we’ve got a lot of legal A: SPEBSQSA continues to be the legal name of our content online through a partnership with Naked Voice organization. Records. We now have more than 2,000 audio tracks of Society contest performances available on iTunes.com Q: Doesn’t the headquarters staff have more important and about 50 other download sites serving customers in things to be worried about right now than illegal vid- 21 countries around the world. All proceeds from these eos? downloads are being reinvested into preserving/restor- A: Protecting the interests of Society members is our ing the older content sitting on our shelves. job, and this was done to ensure the continued flow of legal music to our membership. To clarify: The notices Q: What is the Society doing to get more legal barbershop of infringement reported to YouTube were initiated by video content online? the Society’s (volunteer) Events Committee, although A: We’re planning an official and legal barbershop they did so with the cooperation of the headquarters channel that showcases a wide variety of performances staff. by our top quartets and choruses, as well as educational and informative videos about barbershop harmony. To Q: Shouldn’t I be able to post audio or video performances that end, for several months we have been indexing a of my own group online? library of public domain (pre-1923) content that will A: Yes, you can … if you wrote the song and arrange- help us find top performances that present no financial ment, or it is in the public domain (written and arranged or legal hurdles. However, even with public domain before 1923) or you have received permission from all content we still need to secure permission from each the owners of the song or arrangement in question. Bear song’s arranger before any kind of distribution can take in mind, the ownership of songs and performances of place. n
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July/August 2008 • The HARMONIZER 13 No Broadway, no regrets A simple decision: “We all go or we all turn it down.” You know how that turned out. Now hear the rest of the story ... On Easter weekend in 1958, a tall, distinguished- chance to play in the musical that swept to the top looking baritone was introduced to Robert Preston of American consciousness after its Dec. 19, 1957 backstage at New York’s Majestic Theater. The Tony opening on Broadway. As a stage play and then the Award-winning actor who brought Professor Harold 1962 movie, playwright Meredith Willson’s creation Hill gloriously to life in The Music Man chuckled, made the Bills the most-recognized barbershop quar- “Dick Grapes—the dummy who didn’t want to come tet in Society history. to Broadway?” But for Grapes, his parting with the 1950 Society “He said it in a very friendly way,” Grapes recalls quartet champions was no laughing matter. In fact, now from his North Towanda home in suburban it was so traumatic he withdrew from barbershopping Buffalo. And Grapes always will be remembered as for more than 40 years. His last show with the quartet the member of the Buffalo Bills who declined a was in the fall of 1956—ironically, just after the four-
14 O The HARMONIZER • July/August 2008 some had agreed they would be retiring. He York record store when he first heard the Bills being did not go near a barbershopping event until played in an adjoining booth, opened the door and sometime around 1997. (For a man who inquired who it was. Willson bought the album and just turned 83 in February, his recall is ex- began playing it on his daily 15-minute radio show, traordinary, but some exact dates elude him.) His health is gener- ally good, despite a mild heart attack last July. Society members will remember that he emceed a session at the last Kansas City international convention in 2000 and also had a featured role on the AIC show there. He remains much in demand as an emcee in his Seneca Land District. After the Bills went to Broad- way, Grapes put on his barber- shopping hat only twice in the next four decades. He agreed to sing in a pickup quartet with an old friend for one special event. And he served as emcee of one Buffalo Chapter show early on—but that created unhappy No bitterness: The Music Man finally features original bari recriminations he says he’d rather If you can’t bring Dick Grapes to The Music Man, how about bringing The not discuss, and he stiffened his Music Man to Dick Grapes? Joining the barbershop veterans who have resolved to stay away from his appeared in Meredith Willson’s masterpiece on countless stages, Dick SPEBSQSA ties. appeared in a Lancaster Opera House (greater Buffalo) production as the So through the remainder of governor of Iowa, a part created exclusively for him. “School Board” the 1950s, the ’60s, the ’70s and members appearing with Dick in the 50th anniversary celebratory musical the ’80s, the soft-spoken sales were Society barbershoppers Dr. James McDonnell, Jimmy McDonnell, Gary manager with the rich baritone McBride and Paul Ellingson. voice who won a gold medal at age 25 in his first international contest—and where Grapes happened to hear it one day as he drove only his first serious quartet—devoted around Buffalo. “From that point on, I had to be in himself to his family, church, his beloved my car at 2:15 each afternoon to hear Meredith’s Kiwanis Chapter of the Towandas and to civic affairs show,” Grapes says. “Sure enough, most days he’d in the Buffalo area. Grapes has perfect attendance play another song from our album.” at Kiwanis meetings all the way back to 1954. He At the same time, the Bills had their own show delivers inspirational talks and serves as toastmaster on WBEN in Buffalo. A lunch club program on the for events too numerous too count. He received same station invited Willson and his wife, Rene, to the “2007 Lifetime Achievement Award” from the be guests when they were coming to Niagara Falls for Chamber of Commerce of the Towandas. a performance. Willson said he would appear if the To understand a little of how his estrangement Bills would. The problem was everyone was working from the Bills and from barbershopping came about, and wouldn’t have time to get into costume; the Bills we have to get a feel for the personality of the quartet, were told to “come as you are.” individually and collectively. It’s important to hear So lead Al Shea came in his police uniform, bass Grapes detail the intense negotiation process after Bill Spangenberg in his truck driver outfit, Grapes Willson and Music Man producer Kermit Bloomgar- in his sales manager suit and tie and tenor Vern den contacted the international champs in the spring Reed in similar dress in his job as manager of the Jim Bagby of 1956. That’s a story in itself. Buffalo Boys Club. It might as well have been Ewart Director Dunlop, Oliver Hix, Jacey Squires, and Olin Britt. Emeritus, Meredith Willson discovers the Bills They had an animated conversation with Willson, Kansas City It’s fairly well known that Willson was in a New who left them with this tantalizing tidbit as they rode Chapter
July/August 2008 • The HARMONIZER 15 “We were trying to look anywhere but at him, while the women in the down the elevator: “Gentlemen, I’m cast were laugh- best friend in the quartet) in their writing a show for Broadway, and in 30s and Spangenberg, affectionately it is a barbershop quartet. Would you ing and carrying known as “Dad,” in his 50s. All are fellows be interested?” Grapes said all on, and I was gone now, as is the bari who replaced four responded “Sure,” but didn’t put Grapes, Wayne “Scotty” Ward. that much stock in the comment. thinking, ‘What “Al was kind of a very domineering And they heard nothing for two or person,” Grapes says slowly. “He was three months. In the meantime, they kind of people a policeman through and through. had agreed they would fulfill their would I have There’s nothing to be gained by my show dates through the end of 1956 badmouthing anyone. Al was a great and “go our separate ways,” Grapes been working lead. He was a dedicated man, but he says. They were doing about 40 with?’ It wasn’t had some idiosyncrasies, the least of weekends a year, had made successful which was alcohol. I think anybody Decca recordings, and were then one all that it cracked who knew him knew he had that of the most popular quartets in Soci- up to be.” problem. ety history. The schedule was wearing “Vern was a guy who took a beat- on some members of the quartet, and they already had ing a lot. Of course, a lot of our stuff was full-voice taken on some of The Music Man’s bickering school tenor. When he was suffering from any kind of ail- board qualities, without even knowing about that ment he kind of would baby himself a little bit. Al script. There was an age difference: Grapes was in his was not that type of guy and he would say, ‘C’mon, 20s when the quartet won, Shea and Reed (Grape’s here, we gotta do it.’ “Bill Spangenberg just tagged along; he had a tremendous instrument in his voice ... We called him ‘Mr. Flubadub.’” Mr. What? Grapes chuckles. “Some gal in the audience would make googly eyes at him and he’d forget his lines. He was a great guy.”
An offer he could refuse Reed was the one who got the call from Bloomgarden, asking the quartet to come to New York to audition. The Bills had a show in New Jersey on a Saturday night a few weeks later, so they agreed to come in on a Saturday afternoon. “It was typical of what
Dick (above, second from right) won gold singing baritone in his first international contest with the Bills. L-R in the above photo are also Vern Reed (T), Al Shea (L) and Bill Spangenberg (Bs). During the next seven busy years, they were the biggest celebrities in barbershop harmony. The Bills were on the verge of retirement in 1956 when Meredith Willson contacted them. In 1957, veteran barbershopper Scotty Ward (right photo, top of circle) became the Bills bari of Broadway, television and movie fame.
16 The HARMONIZER • July/August 2008 eArly Bird PriCing is AvAilABle you see in the movies,” Grapes recalls. “One standard with a light bulb on until January 5, 2009 stage, the only light in the place. There was Meredith and his wife, producer Kermit Bloomgarden, and musical June 28 – July 5, 2009 director Herbie Greene and they said Visit www.barbershop.org/anaheim or call 800.876.7464 to sing a song. We blasted them with ‘Alexander’s Ragtime Band.’ With that, we noticed doors opening and chore ladies and janitors and people coming in sitting down ... it was kind of an exciting situation.” The quartet was given some lines to read and then asked to sing a ballad. The choice was “Love Me and the Word is Mine,” to give them, Grapes says, “an idea of our ability to go from the raucous to the sublime.” Then came the first of the negotiations, which went the other way. The quartet had agreed before ar- rival (1) they would require at least $500 per week per man to consider doing the play, and (2) that if any of the four decided not to accept, all four would pass. The first offer was $250 a week. No way, the Bills said. Okay, we’ll pay your $100 union dues. Big deal, they said, and left to do their barbershop show. Bloomgarden shortly after sent four airline tickets to get the quartet back to New York on a Monday, for more talks that had to end for a 5 p.m. return flight to Buffalo. By the end of that day, everyone was getting excited—except Grapes. “I was a straight commission sales- man. If I left even for a week, they had to replace me in order to service · Pasadena Midwinter Convention · the customer.” Shea was able to get a year’s leave of absence from the police department because of his seniority. Spangenberg could pay $400 to keep his seniority in the Teamster’s Union. Reed, who by that time was also in sales, “would probably have given ev- of last year’s midwinter… erything in the world to get into show TheThe International YouthTalk Chorus Festival business,” Grapes said. “I had a family to take care of. I was one of nine kids and we all lived in the January 25 – February 1, 2009 area. I had a home that wasn’t paid for, www.barbershop.org/midwinter plus my job had to be considered. So in [email protected] (800) 876-SING the last hour of that Monday meeting,
July/August 2008 • The HARMONIZER 17 “I don’t know how I got home because I was fighting tears. It they kind of concentrated on me ... became sort of Grapes recalls, although he was trying Finally they came up with a guarantee: to remain calm. “They said, ‘He’s $250 per week for 10 weeks even if a sentimental, about your size, would you be willing the show folds on the first day.” That nostalgic thing for to get him your uniforms?” I agreed. amounted to almost a year’s salary back And we agreed at the time I’d make then for three of the quartet members, me because hey, wire (voice-predominant) recordings and about half of what Grapes could this is going to of most of our stuff for Scotty. make as a salesman during those same “But it was kind of a rough situa- 10 weeks. “I’m not trying to belittle be the end of a tion, that night at the country club them,” Grapes says quietly, “but I was great, wonderful when they told me they’d gotten doing pretty well in sales.” That offer Scotty. I drove home, I don’t know would be put in writing. The quartet singing career.” how I got home because I was headed home to ponder all that. fighting tears. It became sort of a After numerous discussions over the next few days, sentimental, nostalgic thing for me because hey, this the quartet was on a late-night conference call with is going to be the end of a great, wonderful singing Bloomgarden when Grapes finally told the quartet, career.” “I won’t sign this contract.” And he added, “In the The Bills with Grapes sang the rest of their shows presence of you and my attorney, I release you from into the fall of ‘56; after each one, the other three the promise we made. If you want to go and get would head for New York to meet Ward for Music someone to take my place, that’s acceptable to me. Man rehearsals. Grapes would return home alone. It was kind of left up in the air, but they said ‘Oh, “Scotty was an exceptional soloist, a tremendous no, we won’t do that, we won’t do that.’” voice ... we’d met a couple of occasions at shows.” Did About a month later, the Bills were doing a local you sell him your uniforms? “Yes, for $100.” Pause. performance at a country club and the quartet uttered “That was pretty good money back then.” that infamous line: “We need to talk.” And they gath- ered after the gig to tell Grapes they had contacted Long road back Ward of East Liverpool, Ohio, he of the kilted Great The first time Dick and Doris Grapes went to see Scots quartet, international level competitors. Ward “The Music Man,” Reed got them Willson’s own seats said he’d love to join them on Broadway. down front. The couple went backstage before the Grapes was asked by the other three, are you still will- show and chatted with the quartet in a 6-by-6 foot ing to release us from our agreement? “I said ‘absolutely,’” dressing room, while the fellow who played Mayor
O Herschel, Where Art Thou? The other Bill who never reached Broadway The original baritone of the Buffalo Bills a record-setting gold medal was Herschel Smith. “Hersch” placed victory the following summer 16th with the Bills in their first Society in Omaha with young Dick competition at Oklahoma City in 1948, and Grapes as Smith’s replace- then 6th the following year at the conven- ment. Any regrets for Smith? tion—in their hometown of Buffalo. Then “I think I made the right his boss with National Gypsum Company choice. Madison is where I met presented him with a classic “my way or my lovely bride and coached the highway” ultimatum. their quartet and married her “He told me ‘Hersch, you gotta decide and started life anew.” In fact, Hershel Smith (right) with a prior quartet, The if you want to sing for a living or sell for Hersch and Arlene Smith have Capitalizers, with Bob Kennedy (Bs), Cal Callaway a living,’” says Smith, a pretty lively 84 not only celebrated 56 years of (Br), and Mike Liscum (T). Mike currently sings years. marriage, they have been a duet lead with the Capitol Chordsmen. So Smith accepted a transfer to Madi- for 46 years, entertaining liter- ing division where Smith worked and sent son, Wis., where the company needed a ally all over the world. IBM bought National Smith to sales meetings and conventions sales representative. The Bills went on to Gypsum, and then Simplex bought the tim- around the globe. Entertainment was part of
18 The HARMONIZER • July/August 2008 GARY MCBRIDE
Shinn (prior to Paul at the chapter, district Ford) pranced in and and Society level. out naked except for a t-shirt and a tin pie pan “I’ve had a great life” tied to his head. “He’d He bemoans the em- been out for Chinese phasis on choruses over food that night and was In 1957, Dick’s home and community held more attrac- quartetting, but when making himself up like tion than a gamble for fame via a first-timer’s Broadway his Friends of Harmo- a Chinaman. We were show, especially considering the low pay. Dick and ny Chorus did their trib- trying to look anywhere bride Doris have never regretted staying in Buffalo. ute to the Bills, Grapes but at him, while the directed the finale, “May women in the cast were laughing and carrying on, the Good Lord Bless and Keep You.” The spots say and I was thinking, ‘What kind of people would I it was arranged by Willson, but everyone, including have been working with?’ It wasn’t all that it cracked Willson, knew that Society great Phil Embry had a up to be.” big hand in it. The second time the Grapes went to the show, As for Grapes, any regrets about passing up more the Bills had a gig afterward, so Reed asked Ford, dinners at Sardi’s and time on the Great White Way? then playing the mayor, to take them out afterward. “I’m not sorry. Nostalgia, that’s what I’ve had. He escorted them to Sardi’s, the famed after-theater I’ve had a great life and am very proud of my as- restaurant. As they were passing through the bar, they sociation with the Buffalo Bills.” His e-mail name were stopped by a loud whisper: “Dick Grapes!” It was is “bflobillbari.” Preston, who not only remembered the recalcitrant, The quartet retired in 1967, owning some records he joined their group for what Grapes says was a that may never be challenged: 1,510 Broadway shows, delightful evening of dinner and conversation. 675 radio shows, 137 state fair appearances, 728 Sometime around 1997, a barbershopper member concerts and other head-shaking figures. One night of the Buffalo Executive Association approached after that Reed went to Grapes’ house and the two Grapes and scolded him, “It’s time for you to get back talked in his living room until 4 a.m. into barbershopping!” “You’re right,” Grapes says he “I asked him if he was ever sorry he went (to replied, “I’m too old to hold grudges.” He renewed old Broadway),” Grapes asked. “He said ‘no, there were friendships, got active with his East Aurora Chapter bad times as well as good times, but I would never and has been the focus of tributes to the Buffalo Bills have been satisfied if I hadn’t gone.’” n
those trips and soon the Smiths were sing- ing his 3½ years in the Marines before he earlier. In Buffalo, he says the Bills were the ing for Travelcade programs, cruise lines joined the Bills, Smith says, “I’ve lived in victims of “Midwest bias,” after topping the and friends. about every damn place in the world.” He score sheets in four of the five categories “Barbershop songs, Gay ‘90s, Broad- quit paying SPEBSQSA dues not because of including Voice Expression, Balance and way, different kinds of music—you can’t any disenchantment, but because they got Blend, Harmony Accuracy and Arrangement. think of a song we don’t sing,” Smith says to be more than he thought he could afford But they took a beating in Stage Presence to proudly. “We’re so much better than most when the nearest chapter was beyond driv- finish out of the medals. And they were not of the stuff on TV.” England, Scotland, ing distance. bashful in pointing out the difference. Switzerland, Spain, and Mexico City have The Smiths now make their home in “It was very unkind of the organization to all hosted the 84-year-old couple who met Summit Lake, Wis., and have their Hudson, allow what the judges did to us. We knocked while Smith was coaching Arlene’s regional Fla., property on the market while they are ‘em silly in Buffalo. champion Sweet Adeline quartet, The Mi- “looking for the next adventure.” They still “I was thoroughly disgusted with the So- norettes. She maintains her Sweet Adeline keep up with many barbershopping friends, ciety for allowing that much adjusting, and membership. Smith dropped his Society including Mary Reed, widow of Bills tenor I knew damn well we weren’t going to be membership somewhere along the way as Vern Reed. They say they send about 300 treated that way for very long. The next year the couple moved a half-dozen times from handmade Christmas cards each year. they knocked everybody on their can—the Madison to Davenport, Iowa, back across Smith does have one complaint: He’s highest aggregate score anybody ever had.” the Midwest to winters in Florida. Includ- convinced the Bills should have won a year – Jim Bagby
July/August 2008 • The HARMONIZER 19 LORIN MAY One of several huddles among the judges during this year’s contests in Nashville. Generally, when one judge is considering a deduction, all the judges in his category discuss the issue before any writes his final score.
In the judges’ huddle with new Music specialist Kevin Keller
Each year, the three judging categories take turns my chorus participation has been low the last few appointing a new category specialist for a three-year years due to work and other obligations. term. This year, Kevin Keller took over as Music category specialist. Because the Music category seems What educational background in music theory do you to always get the most attention, we thought we’d have? ask a few questions of the new guy! Actually, I’ve never taken an academic class in music theory. I learned some general theory when When and where did you start your barbershop ca- I performed in orchestras and choral groups during reer? school. Most of my theory knowledge comes from I started in 1978 in a small chapter in Florissant, my barbershop schooling and experiences. I think it Mo., just outside St. Louis. I was a junior in high speaks volumes for how good our educational system Eschool and I absolutely fell in love with barbershop is in the Society. harmony. We were 30-35 guys on a good night and it was a typical Joe Barbershopper chapter. We put on a Who has had the most influence on you with respect good annual chapter show, did sing-outs, had social to the style? events like camp outs and picnics, and sang tags and My first formal explanation of the style was at the feet woodshedded. After college, I moved to Dallas and of Dave Stevens at Harmony College in 1980, where sang with the Vocal Majority for four years. After in one of my classes he gave his patented speech on taking off a year to go to graduate school, I moved “What are We Trying to Preserve?” back to the St. Louis area. I’ve been with the Ambas- Although many people had (and still have) a hand in sadors of Harmony for almost 20 years, although influencing my views, it was Val Hicks who consolidated
20 The HARMONIZER • July/August 2008 it and made the light bulb go on for me. The power of for wonderful barbershop music. Songs that don’t the barbershop style is the frequent use of circle of fifths feature this require a lot more energy to make them motion, creating “tritonal energy.” Someone before Val work, and they often don’t have the same “poten- may have coined the term, but it was Val who impressed tial” as those that do. Yet, it doesn’t mean it isn’t the words and concepts upon me. barbershop. It can still have barbershop texture and work stylistically. What exactly is “tritonal energy”? It is the power created by the tritone interval mov- Who do you think are the most influential arrangers ing. You get this energy by singing lots of barbershop and why? sevenths that move in circle of fifths motion. There are so many great arrangers who have provided Technically, the tritone interval is an augmented wonderful barbershop music and fun, innovative fourth and is 50% of an octave. Back in medieval times, ideas. For influence, I would pick Lou Perry, Ed it was outlawed and called the “devil’s chord.” (All Waesche, and David Wright. barbershoppers would likely have been burned at the Lou Perry was the absolute finest when it came to stake!) You hear it come back in the Romantic era of putting down the right chord at the right time and music, and by the turn of the 20th century, barbershop- creating an elegant arrangement of a simple song that pers started singing it and it became part of the style. rings and is genuinely appealing. Every barbershopper Dave Stevens pointed this out in his inimitable way in can enjoy singing a Lou Perry chart. I learned how to the What are We Trying to Preserve? video. arrange by playing Lou Perry arrangements until my In a barbershop chord of G-B-D-F, the interval of fingers just knew what to do, and I always recommend B-F is the tritone. to every fledgling arranger to do just that. Ed Waesche was not only prolific, but his arrange- ments transcended time. Many arrangers come into favor and then disappear as time moves on. Ed had a creative genius that enabled him to put in a lot of artistic moments into his charts and yet keep the song singable for almost anyone. My guess is his music It represents the relationship of the 3rd and the will not only remain with us forever, 7th (flatted) in the barbershop chord. This interval but continue to be some of the most “hurts.” It wants to resolve itself to the tonic popular songs we sing. chord. An example of tri-tonal movement: Finally, David Wright cap- tures the essence of a song better “If I Had My Way” (key of C) than anyone. Each arrangement I C-G-C-E (home) – I chord becomes a definitive treatment Way A-E-C#-G (the tritone is C#-G) – VI7 chord of that song and is a master- Ev- D-A-C-F# (the tritone is C-F#) – II7 chord piece unto itself. All one has Be G-B-D-F (the tritone is B-F) – V7 chord to do is look at the quartet and garden C-G-C-E (back home) – I chorus champions for the past 15 years and you’ll find more David Notice how the tritone moves down a half Wright arrangements than any- step as the measure moves. Play these one else’s. intervals slowly on a keyboard. You hear the pull in that Kevin has long been respected chord. It leads you from one for the depth and breadth of chord to the next. Your ear his musical knowledge, “hears” barbershop with- keeping him in high out playing the root and demand as an arranger, fifth of the chord. This judge, coach and is the heart and soul performer. He has very of barbershop—the little training outside power of the barber- Society auspices—a shop style. Songs that testament to the qual- feature this sort of ity of Society schools movement make and programs.
July/August 2008 • The HARMONIZER 21 In general, the more songs fit the hard- core barbershop style, the better we Now the big question: How do of the barbershop umbrella are you respond to the never-ending sing them and the better than songs at the fringes, debate between proponents of the more the audience or even than those songs outside more liberal and more conserva- getting drenched. It means that tive definitions of the barbershop reacts favorably to it takes a lot more energy by the style? them. It takes a lot singers to make those songs work I think it’s important to recognize that aren’t solidly and undeniably there are at least three camps more energy to make barbershop. among those who are called “KIB- those songs work that bers” (KIB=Keep it Barbershop), Please say a little more about the and I’m including many barber- aren’t solidly and un- conflict that KIBbers have with shoppers who may not choose to today’s contest music. call themselves KIBbers. There deniably barbershop. Those who are called KIBbers have are those who would like the different definitions of barbershop Society to return to the judging systems of 1971-93, harmony. Ultimately, I think these different groups with Arrangement judges who reward and penalize would like everyone to sing relatively simple songs. arrangements based on the category’s definition of the They may word it differently, but that is generally at barbershop style. There are those who would like the the core of their concerns. To some extent, all of them Society to return to the way barbershop harmony was voice a concern that the style will disappear unless a sung during the ’50s and ’60s. And finally, there are punitive approach is taken to anything that appears those who feel disenfranchised from their chapter and to them to be unstylistic on the contest stage. the barbershop experience, and they are looking for The conflict arises when you look at the hallmarks a definitive reason why they are no longer involved of the barbershop style. Many recent songs and ar- or enjoying their experience. Each of these three rangements sufficiently showcase the hallmarks of groups looks at style evolution as the downfall of the barbershop style and are therefore acceptable, their enjoyment of the hobby. although they were (or would have been) rejected The barbershop style is broad. Its roots are based in a previous era. We should take pride that our style in harmonic exploration as well as in the frequent can be applied to many songs of many eras. Instead, and successful use of embellishments. The chord some outright reject the notion that songs written voicings are strong, robust and masculine. The ring past a given date can be barbershopped unless a that is created when barbershop is sung is undeniable, barbershopper wrote the song. infectious and appealing. I will definitely concede that as time has gone on, Bob Johnson used to implore people to only sing there are fewer and fewer popular songs every year “barbershop,” and his definition of barbershop was that lend themselves to the barbershop style. How- relatively narrow. It took me a long time to figure out ever, copyright date should never determine whether why he crusaded like he did for that narrow view. something can be arranged in barbershop or even be Historically, barbershoppers sing songs that they contestable. Does the song allow the arranger to fea- enjoy, whether or not they are hard-core barbershop. ture the hallmarks of the style? If it does, then likely In general the more the songs fit the hard-core someone can create a contestable arrangement. barbershop style, the better they sing them and the Another concern that is raised is the degree of more the audience reacts favorably to them. That is the inherent strength of the barbershop style. This doesn’t mean that barber- shop songs at the middle
Whether you’re singing the more modern arrangements of a 3 Men & A Melody or
Old School’s traditional “power chords,” PHOTOS BY LORIN MAY remember that tougher arrangements won’t yield higher scores. Learn for your- self whether more singable songs may be stronger musical vehicles for your group.
22 The HARMONIZER • July/August 2008 Reductions – Scoring – Philosophy about reducing the score. What sort of reductions do we see? In looking at the An official Music category sidebar recent data this Spring, we found that 1 in 20 song per- In the Arrangement category era, specific infractions were formances received some sort of reduction in the Music assigned an objective reduction. In the Music category category. Competitors now receive feedback on their (1993-present), many of the stylistic infractions have scoring analysis for all reductions they incur. been carried over; however, no specific quantities were In order to better communicate major stylistic or rules assigned to a given infraction. The general approach is violations, a flag will appear by the score of a song where that any stylistic infractions should be evaluated in context five or more points were taken off by at least one judge in of the performance. This means that a technical infraction any category. It will be important to realize that the reduc- in one setting might receive a different reduction than the tion may not reflect on that particular song or arrangement, same technical infraction in a different setting. but instead on that specific performance of the song and/or How could that be? The Music judge evaluates the stylis- arrangement. tic issue in terms of duration, prominence, and significance. As an example, a non-vocabulary chord that is found in a 0 Yes, it goes against something in the Category Description, but passing chord that ends up being excellent voice leading there are other wonderful musical things that make up for it. Or might not receive any attention, while a non-vocabulary yes, there was a blemish or two, but it was unobtrusive. chord used at the end of the phrase and held for some 1 A small but obtrusive blemish on an otherwise fine arrange- duration would receive a reduction. A song may have a ment weakness in that it has 31 percent barbershop seventh chords (the minimum requirement is 33 percent by dura- 1-3 Several obtrusive blemishes on an otherwise fine arrangement tion), but it has wonderful barbershop texture, a great lyric, 1-4 An arrangement that doesn’t meet enough minimum expecta- and sounds to every human alive like a barbershop song. tions, but the audience thinks it is barbershop The judge can use discretion as to how much to reduce 3-7 Enough that a barbershop audience member may question parts his score, including not reducing his score. of it, but the piece has barbershop character. This is not to imply that “anything goes,” or “the judge can judge whatever he feels”—merely that the judge can 5-9 It makes a barbershop audience and a Music judge uncomfort- exercise discretion in the context of that performance. able. Either 1-2 overriding issues, or a lot of minutia. Furthermore, if there is a stylistic issue that is a distrac- 10+ This has significant barbershop deficiencies according the rules tion, the musicality of the performance has been affected; and Category Description, but there is still barbershop texture a reduction has likely already taken place in the form of to the arrangement. a lower Music score. Forfeiture There was nothing redeeming about this performance as it To that end, it would be expected that there could be relates to contestable music and/or the hallmarks of the bar- some disagreement about the quantity to reduce one’s bershop style. score. Recently, the Music category published the guide- lines in the accompanying chart when making a decision
difficulty of some of our music today, tion that quartets and choruses must matter what direction the style takes, and that if it is difficult it can’t be bar- sing difficult music in order to win. we expect that these remain relatively bershop. I will also concede the point That simply isn’t so—Society judges constant over time: that some of our contest music today do not award extra points to more dif- • four vocal parts is more challenging. There are some ficult arrangements! Witness the 2004 • a cappella things that some quartets and choruses championship performance of “Nellie” • second tenor melody do that the rest of us can’t do. But level by Gotcha! or the 2007 championship • homophonic texture of difficulty does not itself determine performance of “Little Pal” by Max Q. • frequent use of embellishments what can and cannot be barbershop. Quartets like Power Play (2003) and • predominantly solid voicings There is no historical precedent that Yesteryear (1997) performed charts • high frequency of dominant sev- the style was ever restricted by ranges, that are easily singable by most groups, enth chords and use of the circle of rhythms, or other impositions pertain- but they won for performing them at a fifths ing to talents and skills. The first piece very high level. of documented evidence about style Do you see the barbershop style being definition only suggested avoiding You’ve mentioned “hallmarks” of the threatened? Is it evolving too fast? “church bass” (Stern, 1941) and that style. What would those be? No. If anything, I think we hear more close harmony was preferred. These are the basic core elements that barbershop in a typical quartet/chorus A different concern is the percep- comprise the barbershop style. No repertoire today than ever before.
July/August 2008 • The HARMONIZER 23 I think the audience underestimates its collective power in determining what Within the contest scene, the evo- they find as ac- else it will never work. Beyond that, lution has slowed down quite a bit there are a few important consider- from a decade ago. Most songs we ceptable within the ations. I think one that is not talked hear at International the audience style. If an experi- about enough is, “How easy is the accepts and appreciates as “contest- melody?” The easier the melody, able” barbershop without need for ment doesn’t work, the easier the piece will be to sing any reduction. However, reductions the audience very and ring and vice versa. This doesn’t do happen at all contest levels. For- mean you can’t sing something with tunately, there aren’t many. clearly tells the a more difficult melody. It just means There are those who don’t agree group “don’t do you’ll spend more time working that that particular songs fit the style, piece in order to get it at the same and each year we always witness that again.” And level as your other music. some songs that stretch the bound- they don’t. Another piece of advice is to aries at our international contests. find music that fits your personality. I believe the audience underestimates its collective Also, a common myth is that you must sing different power in determining what they find as acceptable types of music in contest (e.g. a ballad and an up- within the style. Our competitors are definitely look- tune). Sing songs you sing well and that you enjoy. ing for new and innovative ways to bring their groups’ style to life within the barbershop realm; however, So, if there is nothing stylistically wrong with an ar- they do not wish to offend their audiences. If an ex- rangement, what exactly does the Music judge do? periment doesn’t work, the audience very clearly tells The Music judge adjudicates the song and ar- them “don’t do that again.” And they don’t. We have rangement as performed. It is a performance-based several examples over the past few years where a song category, where the Music judge celebrates the pushes past the boundary, and the audience reaction musicality of the performer in their delivery of the ensures we never hear that particular “experiment” song and arrangement through the filter of the bar- again. The audience really does a great job of style bershop style. guardianship, and the competitors wisely listen. We listen to how the performer uses common musical tools, such as tempo, dynamics, etc., with Do you think the opening of the style is connected with the song and arrangement they’ve chosen to sing. a loss of membership? The composer and arranger both provide opportu- I’m confident that a few members have left because nities to develop the song to a musical climax and they are dissatisfied with the songs that are being conclusion. How does the performer use these op- sung in contest. But that really has nothing to do portunities? How well do they exploit the shape of with what happens at the chapter level. We leave the melody in the development of the song? How do organizations because our itch isn’t scratched. If we they recognize the purpose of the swipes and echoes are having fun at the chapter level or in a quartet, and realize those in their performance? How do all it doesn’t matter what is going on in the rest of the of these culminate to develop their chosen theme, barbershop world. If the guys aren’t enjoying singing and how successful were they? the music their choruses are singing, they’ll let the I like to think the three categories work in the director know. And if they are letting their leaders following way. The Singing judge listens much as know and the chapter music team disagrees, they a private voice teacher sitting off to the side. He have options other than leaving. listens for singing issues both from the individual It is true that we hear songs at International and singer as well as the ensemble. The Music judge they find their way into District and Division level stands behind the quartet or chorus, watching the contests. However, most of the songs we hear in music go by on an imaginary music stand. He listens contest today at the District and Division levels to how the performer uses common musical tools and would have been contestable during the Arrange- the unique opportunities contained within the song ment category era and before. and arrangement. Finally, the Presentation judge sits in the audience and observes the total impact of What advice do you have for quartets and choruses in the singing, music and visual. How well did it come choosing music? together? All three categories want exactly the same This is a great question and a popular question. thing: An artistic rendering of a song sung in the Obviously, you have to enjoy singing the song or barbershop style. n
24 The HARMONIZER • July/August 2008 Welcome new members! Thank you recruiters! New members who joined between March 1 and August 1, 2008. Each recruiter’s name follows in italics.
Cardinal John Delzell Donald Knight Clarke Stanford David Soyer Kenneth Johnson Benton Zack Berrens Harvey Shapiro Buddy Kell Robert Kaltenbach Michael Bolek Ronald Edwards William Steinhauer Robert Altenau Jonathan Dolan Frank Johnston Kevin Stehlik Joe Lykins James Jones Jean Paul Pouliot Jordan Booker Jayson Ryner Dave McDermitt Michael Stehlik Darrell Booth Michael Kelly Matthew Patrick Thomas Walters David Eastman James Cox Tom Sumerel Dudley Bothel Nissanka Guy Price Larry Clark Chad Eastman Lee McElhannon Ralph Hanahan DeVere Burton Kanaganayagem Mark Harris Walter Anderson Tom Fleckten Joseph McDonald William Tingerthol Kraig Dahl Joel Mallo Garland Richmond Larry Cunningham Patrick Jones Phi Nguyen Loren Tjoland Caleb Clapp Rod LaCour Ed White Walter Anderson Kevin Griess Jeremy Conover Erik Tjoland Drew Osterhout Drew Osterhout James Robertson Shelby Damron Marvin Ehly Bob Northrup Loren Tjoland Lloyd Colling Rich Levengood Kevin Robertson Dustin Leinenbach Michael Harrer Lee Grant Dave Treacy David Coleman Dan Pierce David Ross Jordan Dant Gerald Varker Simon Norton Francis Sullivan Richard Curry Joel Mallo Victor Froese Dustin Leinenbach Arthur Hawthorne Toney Norton Jerry Tuite Steven Morin Paul Melhus Richard Russell John Eddy Wayne Philipp Robert Paciocco Emery Cushing Lynn Ertsgaard Daniel McCafferty Harry Chapin David Snyder Tyler Heckman Bartow Houston Bill Van O’Linda William Bush Daniel Frerichs Ian Sansburn Jacob Ellis Ken Heckman David Pfefferkorn David Yoder Bill Forrest Barry McMurren Michael Kelly Drew Ellis Larry Hicok Donald Knight Derek Walter Eugene Coggins David Pinhey Cody Sheets Joseph Ford John Ryner Jared Pye Warren Fuson David Francis Christopher Evan Miles David Landes Mike Johnson Jeremy Conover Keith Williams Andrew DeMulling Mueller Joshua Springer Randy Fowler Gary Lindsay Bob Reitz Keith Phemister Dominic Garguile Sean Mueller Michael Kelly Walter Anderson Ronald Johnson Brian Giersch Lynn Wyatt Jerry Potter Albert Mui Cory Sweers Dwight Gabhart Phil Hunget Jerry Richardson Robert Cluett Don Gillett Dave Vincent Ian Kelly Walter Anderson Graham Kent Everett Nau Paul Hallum Jerry Murphy Blake Thomson Erek Gillespie Robert Kent Jimmy Robertson Evergreen Harry Haney Kenneth Leonard Marshall Aaron Dale Kevin Kirlin Niles Fowler Evan Ackley Randy Peters Isaac Nelson Thompson Steve Gird Lyle Schwery Landon Sawyer Duane Ackley Kory Hasch David Schrupp Paul Tracey Walter Anderson Albert Liebetrau William Slack Matt Bell Robert Herzog Richard Newton Glenn Hayes Kenneth Grohman Bill Sansom Dave Shannon Ian Kelly David Honrud Brian McCormack Gary Tschache Ray Briggs Scott McKeen Robert Cluett Philip Bergh Josh Honrud Richard Ogren Sig Dehn Charles Hagan Thomas Tipton Joseph Simmons Lawrence Carney Larry Hsu Lawrence Carney Vern Wheeler Walter Anderson John Paul McVey John Schlueter Dale Boespflug Raymond Hsu Casey Patrick- Gene Woody Anthony Hartke Stacy Williams Robert Altenau Timothy Myers Bruce Hatcher Hal Maples Charlie Nicholson Daniel Myers Richard Jakubiak Hal Maples David Snyder Tom Phillips Andrew Keller William Bunyan Robert Altenau Richard Reinwald Thomas Koopman Dick Kimball Coyote Chorus Daniel Altenau Joel Stockard Harold Lehman David Stockard Philip Randall Floyd Temeyer Joseph McClimon Gary Van Cleave Paul Sturgell David Traster James McFarland Roger Lusk Willard Adkins Aaron Walker Gordon Morrow Jacob Siegrist Paul Hammond DuWayne Northey Dixie Stephen Poindexter John Alden Trevor Peden Thomas Head Wesley Peden Jonathan Beazell Douglas Powers William Trice Joseph Uveges Jay Beery Carl Richards William Rust Robert Altenau Andrew Canino Eric Risser Barry Hearn Scott Kitzmiller Leron Culbreath Zachary Shelton John Phillips Stephen Poindexter Karl Dommert Brent Vaught F Thomas Keegan Richard Harben Dustin Dotzler Paul Blazek Central States Doug Gilbert casualuniforms.com Jeremy Benton David Miller Justin Riffey Edwin Gorsuch M y Matthew Bittner James Estes Paul Kelly Jerry Huie 800-591-7063 Larry Colburn John Sweitzer www.casualuniforms.com Jon Gathright Dennis Hunsucker Brad Davidson Arden Hintzmann COLORFUL SINGER’S SHIRTS•PERFORMANCE VESTS & TUXES•EMBROIDERED Brandon Brown Bill Jarvis CASUAL WEAR•CASUAL SLACKS•ACCESSORIES
July/August 2008 • The HARMONIZER 25 Bob Winkel Rich Johnson Kenneth Woerman Jeffrey Picerno Beryl Lockhart Richard Smoot Dan Claussen Joshua Matiaco Lamar Parrish Eugene Kai Andrew Caliguiri Emerson Shimp Richard Smoot Roger Christians Allen Wood Jason Jones Jeffrey Wolff Kenneth Williams James McKissock Brent Suver Randall Conklin Gordon Harris James Warner Donald Charles Deem James Sams Russell Watterson James Lewis Steve Zugschwerdt Keith Jones Riemenschnitter James McCrady Edward Merola Sr Donald Tomlinson Alex Donaldson Randall Calm Orval Wetzel Philip Wortman William Diakiw Jeffrey Picerno Edward Dietz Peter Benson Harris Kehrmann Orval Wetzel Edward Leech James Merrill Tomm Triplett Lee Fahrenkrug Frank Thorne Richard Le Beau Joe Donaldson John Levin John Fritz John Dorgan Ryan Caron Lawrence Leek Illinois Larry Curl Jimmy Merriner Robert Udeck Ron Flower Dwayne Cooper Albert Paolini Ed Bertram Lester Dornon James Estes Karl Bauer Frank Hudd Paul Langgard Chin-Ho Liao Nicholas Grib Fred Pummill Charles Meyette Larry Weiss Darrell Foss Ed Watson E. Phil Aydon Dean Horsley Justin Earley James Knapick Gene McLaughlin Thomas Heinke Jake Linstrom Gary Hawker Larry Daugherty Douglas Morgan Robert Westfall Brad Gerdes Far Western Orval Wetzel Shaun McKeal Jared Earley David Blaine David Ebbers Charles George Gary Arroy Cody Littlefield Nick Huniak Eugene Eckstein Paul Mosko James III Wright Timothy Gies Jeff Harris Brett Littlefield John Ptak Billy Edwards Fred Pummill Milt Deffenbaugh Kent McDonald Andre Banares Ed Martinez John Morrison Michael Morris Michael Mt Castle Lewis Yeager Isaac Goedtke Gerry Jones Jerry Orloff Lucas Snow Lou Engler Earl Sharp James McCrady Donald Goedtke Joe Belardino Ron Maynard Matt Carlen Leonard Evans Earl Ogle Cory Greenwell Luther Hintz Dennis Gliebe Troy West Matthew Hopper Greg Cole Land O’Lakes David Mahlum Nathen Berger Michael McCaffrey John Gayden David Strasser Mark Parsons Jack Armstrong Frank Haataja Vaughn Peak David Lombardi Aaron Woodstein Cory Hornish Richard Stan Andrist Don Davenport Roger Biel Kevin McCready Raymond D’Artanyon Blankinship Dave Barta Don Iliff Sam Warfel Peter Bennett Schwarzkopf Stanard Michael Porter Matt Pfeiffer Larry Vongroven Matthew Blum Victor Metzgar Mike Humphrey H. Robert Abe Bergen Ronald Ketterling John Hazen Walter Nicholas Johnny Lowell Thomas Highstone Adelard Ouimet Lloyd Collins Stephen Bohnet George Monteverdi Appleseed Nathan Johnson Mason Riffe Derek Boan Daniel Lundin Ray Spinosa Roger Sward Tim Allion Richard Mathey Kenny Duthie Jack Boan Paul Wigley Rodney Brandt Arthur Overman Robert Oberlin Del Johnson Mark Roberts Roger Boschee Gerry Niedermaier Gerald McElfresh Warren Willard Dennis Ausbury Bobby Knisley Richard Sullins Stan Andrist Doniver Bjorklund Eugene Brandwein Russee Parvin William Jerry Kandel Joseph Rosenbeck Allan Bradley Luke Norell George Hoffman S. Richard Snodey Weddington Don Sprankle John Foster Frank Hudd Byron Norell Harvey Bryan Lee Perrault Jason Barton- Joseph Kardamis Dwayne Russell Ryan Brehmer John Ouellette Larry Oberlander Johnny Miller Kashmer Walter Beyer Maurice Mayes Jerod Guida Harold Adams Emzy Burroughs Lee Phillips Lou Engler Larry Lansaw Don Seager Stan Bruss Neil Pickard Orval Wetzel John Vincent Jim Bishop Fred Pummill Robert Mange Delwyn Brooks Steven Osero Bill Cauley Richard Porter Daniel Nichols Brent Lenahan Bob Skiver Bob Campbell Jim Probst Pierre Debbaudt Zig Palagyi Mark Boyce James Slagle Theodore Stevens Scott Haag Dennis Helgeson Evert Christoffels James Potter Burke Mulligan Jose Ochoa Robert Coberly Bill Raney Brian Hoerning Jerry Orloff Steve Cole Kelly Reid Bill Joor Robert Engan Billy Cross Dennis Robbins Wilford King Daniel Wilson Alexander Crounk J. Robert Rossman Orval Wetzel Leland Shoptaugh Shepherd Darquea Tom Sauer Richard Brownell John Mackey Robert Doughty Thomas Scott James McClelland Randy Stringfellow Gene Duchene James Sellers Albert Paolini James Spurling Brandon Dyer Jan Erik Skugstad Ronald Murray John Thompson Jason Dyer Joe Smith Richard Lund William Butala Dallin Elmer Bill Spurbeck Herbert Craig William Redmon Michael Gennet Gerald Taylor Albert Paolini Dave Knight Paul Goldstein Gene Thomsen Allan Ward David Queen Tony Gonzalez Larry Turpen Jerry Orloff Bill Weiser Steve Greene Frans Joseph Samora Vandercapellen Charles Haletky William Borah Shel Rosenthal Bill Wagner Dallas Halvorson Ross Stover Larry Halvorson Fredric Weissich Chuck Harris Roger Simpson Paul Muller Bob Wilcox John Hinkle Robert Lappin Charles Mollett Steven Williams Brian Hoerning Walter Nicholas Harry Irwin Tommy Withnell Jay Hoffman Sherman Paul Ludwig Baughman
26 The HARMONIZER • July/August 2008 · Pasadena Midwinter Convention · The The ofof thethe
Creamofof seniorsenior quartets quartets Crop
January 25 – February 1, 2009 www.barbershop.org/midwinter [email protected] (800) 876-SING
What I love most about the International Convention: Being totally immersed in my hobby June 28 – July 5, 2009 Visit www.barbershop.org/anaheim or call 800.876.7464
July/August 2008 • The HARMONIZER 27 James Riederer Kevin Gottschall Noah Van Gilder Johnson Smith Robert Diodati Eric Stover Scott Perritt Patrick Hein John Weber Gary Plaag Leo Brousseau Michael Klein Jefferson Lett Thomas Simmons Thor Riedesel David Greenham William Walter Robert Bernard Roger Favreau Don Hewey Mark Pound Roger Christians Howard Burke Matthew Odell Gerard Brousseau Ambrose Palmieri Patrick MacIntosh Doug MacInnis Adam Schmitt Paul Hamilton Ronald Eugene Simone Lou Fisher William Smith Shawn Pryor Paul Wigley Charles Sullivan Wildermuth Mike Caissie Robert Whitney William Maine Ronald Robertson Bill Schuerman Thomas Hankin William Byrd Robert Kelley Michael Fletcher Dwight Perkins James Richmond Richard Van Thomas Hankin Adam Wolfsdorf Jean-Alfred Chavier Asger Bagge Dave Mathis Leslie Richmond Gomple Gary Highley Jordan Cooper Robert Cincotta Mike Gorman Jim Breton Tom Ricks Jeff Seelig Leo Mallek Northeastern John Cogan Bruce Johnson Dick McCarthy James Flanders Mike Becker Stephen Hiller Chuck Atkinson Leicester Sherrill David SR Grout Brian Eastman Arnold Rosenberg Jason Seiberlich Richard Fuchs Richard Kromer George Constantine James Flanders Robert McCrohon Charles Kreiger Corey Meverden Hutz Hutsell Tim Barrows Stanley Boynton Dieter Hallmich Robert Chisholm James Ryan Kim Swan Ross Wilkins Douglass Lee Larry Dietz Guy Filion Ronald Million Charles Nelson Richard Dave Jangraw Joseph Beardsley Richard Moriarty John Hayes Richard Ferraro Lawrence Singer Kirkpatrick Brian Lindvall William Robinson Tim Dillon Leland Daum Edwin Morris Nick Greenwood Eugene Traut Carl Johanntges Jerome Beaumont Bob Lazure Michael Lerch G. Ian Ferguson Mike Snyder Alan Traut Joseph Koesterer W Jeffery Tweten Daniel Krueger Stan Andrist Jordan Cooper THE Tom Veitch Will Kushto Come Join Us For SOUNDS OF ALOHA Jeff Goenner Bob Meenan CHORUS Barbershop PRESENTS Charles John Lambert th Williamson Andrew Gensey, Jr The Jon Buss George Laufert in Paradise! John Crovo Mid-Atlantic Sean Lazarchick Rodrigo Alva Joe Stangl George Hobart Anthony Lequerica Tom Alvary Charles May Honolulu, Hawaii Joseph Pandolfo James Lester October 30 Mauro Aminto Donald Reckenbeil Robert Rullo David Liang to November 2, 2008 Nick Andrus Jordan Cooper For more information: Paul Greiner Paul Lincoln Robert Arndts Jordan Cooper PanPacificHarmony.org Gary Wilson Matt Matthew [email protected] Hector Arvelo William Sabor Edward Wlazlowski Ward Maynard Marlin Bender John Myers Stanley Witt Gavin McGraw Michael Bereson Will McCain SOA-6thPG_Harmonizer.indd 1 10/10/07 3:00:05 PM Jonathan Brune Jonathan Menard Edward Borneman Matthew Menard Robert Rullo Thomas Moyer Timothy Braun Matthew Moyer David Braun Matthew Moyer Albert Brearey Richard Stuart Richard Safford Ben Nelson James Brownson Ron Nelson David Gemmell Ron Nelson Stan Buoninfante Chris Buechler John Manning Charles Novak Mark Ciletti Robert Volpe Bill Drosnes Armando Orsini Jordan Cooper Rick Harrigan Douglas Bob Papp Goodenough Edward Wlazlowski Theodore Cromer Alfred Pasquale Vernon Edwards George Kocher Charles Curtis Corbin Payne Larry Bomback Walter Payne Evan Davis Matthew Perry Richard Taylor Paul Murrell David Drake George Pittinger Jonathan Brune Jeffrey Liebknecht Paul Elder Ricardo Ramoss Mario Sengco Eugene Kelleher Dalton Fidik Thomas Riordan Corbin Payne Charlie Davenport Raymond Frazier Erik Salomon Jules Blazej Benjamin Esposito David Gale Steve Sawin Donald Detweiler Donald Reckenbeil Fred Geldon Scott Stevenson Roger Lemieux Kevin Moriarty Jerry Giem John Testement Carl Costanzo Victor Owen Visit your district website for details on a Leadership Academy Frank Glaz Kevin Urso (formerly known as COTS) weekend being held near you. Edward Wlazlowski Benjamin Esposito
28 The HARMONIZER • July/August 2008 Gregory Burdwood Gordon Middleton David Moon Christopher Parrish Warren Capenos Justin Slack Christian De La Cruz Peter Stevens James Murdoch Samuel Cornett Jesse Summers Mitch O’Dell John Cook Brent Dunavant Jay Wiley Gregory Mitchell Patrick Muehleise Christopher Shaughn Bryant Richard Shaw Luis DeLaCruz Bob Sullivan Gregory Shields Gary Monroe Pelczarski Tom Przepiora Reuben Cooley Manny Lopez Timothy Giroux Chris Parchment Jeffrey Olson Jeff Elving George Jarrell Bernard Bren Connor Denton Wendell Verrill Lloyd Parchment Justin Faught Bradley Salmond Greg Rabalais Richard Correa Chuck Denton William Fitzgerald Hal Richardson Charles Palmer Spencer Peck Barney Johnson Charles Blair Buddy Dooley Wayne Vieira Digger MacDougall John Brainard Lawrence Schneider John Shear Christopher Buddy Brock Arsenno Benevides Ron Robinson Fred Pioch Thomas Crawford Richard Wagner Ditchfield William Ewin III George Walker Wallace Ferguson John Northey Mark Shoberg Matt Slocum Nathanael Ditchfield Richard Ebsen Charlie Church Mark Stothart Robert Ryan Jack Cronkhite Brian Dice Bob Dombrosky Robert Fleischman Arnie Wyse Ron Treadgold William Robbins Cortney Siler Thomas Smith Tim Knoll Lon Badgett Robert Wright Mike Szalay Patrick Ryan Gene Miner Wayne Shirey Nicholas Elefante David Gibson James Doyle Robert Ryan Robert Smith Jay Gettig Dale Rideout Ontario Garnet Wray Floyd Stevens Senecaland Gerald Ackley James Fitzpatrick Joel Graves Dale Bannerman Herbert Franklin Robert Winters Chris Bucher Joseph Szoszorek Art Maynard Manny Lopez Tom Boyer Jacob Welty Brian Dice Timothy Gunter Sherman Flad Gary Greene Seymour Bellman Pioneer David Lonsbury Timothy Casler Jack Weiss Matthew Flad Frank Mignoli Gary Berezin Tom Calkins Rocky Chris Bucher Barry Shaw Frank Gabrus Elliott Guerra Yvon Blais Jeff Cobb Mountain John Dilts Robert Spence Manny Lopez Denis Laflamme Alejandro Cervantes Daniel Chaikin Robert King Sunshine John Knight Mark Hagge Aaron Brink Frank Bateson Robert Plass Paul Eckert Paul Adams Art Maynard Kenneth De Young Richard Steenkist Jerry Coplen Thomas Creech Fred Burne Jerry McPhail Jim Messer Christopher Hanson Hugh Burdon Duane Janka Gary Creech Charles Erickson Brian Bailey George Wilson Manny Lopez Ralph Tersigni Lawrence Findley Matthew Curnutt George Jarrell Sean Stork Dave Morgan Damon Heinrich Larry Capp C. Laurence Allen Gene Miner Ryan Filipski Robert Betz Leon Reser Karl Davis Douglas Doull Robert Greenwood Vincil Dean Mike Filipski John Felten Joe Murrell Ivan Hughes Luc Chau Roger Holm John Dings Mike Filipski Joe Blair Edward Dennis Grayson Zeagler B. Cameron Kenny Kyle Herring Roger Hasselquist Bernard Micklos Bud Casey William Jim Keenan Gene Cummings Dan Winer Chad Boltz David Isserman Thomas Boll Quesenberry Chuck Poole Patrick O’Boyle George Knight Randall Heaps Daniel Hopkins Robert Spence Richard Michael Tom Loden Kelly Jeff Cobb Nicholas Pond Bob Lalli James Boyer Matthew Reynolds Duane Lunday Russ Doucet Bob Lane Dale Long David Siegenthaler Vern Roop Robert Reidenbach Randall Martin David Kemp Ivor Johnstone James Green Kedon Lamphere Patrick Campbell Jonathan Rhodes Robert Fleischman Bob Fellows Warwick Mercer Alan Mackey John Nikonchik Michael Sobolewski Chris Rhodes Ray Miller Robert Goodall Ronald McDermott Juha Makikalli Eric Little James Caskey Neil Riggs Bill Ragan Chris Holmgren Kenneth Modi David McMullan Daniel McLaughlin Robert Spence Art Maynard Kevin Morrissey George Biggar Dale Cousino Adam Haggart Todd Miller Richard Condit Howdy III Russell Ivan Miller Howdy Russell James Munoz Joseph Shearer Thomas Jackson Sterling Warner Adrian Ramirez The The James Taylor Manny Lopez Ernie Bourdeau Barry Rathbun Jim Taylor Roy Prichard Happiness GOOD Larry Sumerix Todd Read George Thayer Douglas Campbell Emporium News! Ford Cooper Frank Rosamond & Nick Alexander Southwestern Jack Savage Brian Armstrong Chuck Cowgill Wes Dean Marcus Schiwart Jim Barnett Robert Compton Jerald McSchooler John Sifuentes Darrell Bason Manny Lopez Robert Bailey Steven Sifuentes Justin Bell Manny Lopez Brooks Harkey Kale Sisson Chris Bennett Shawn Jeffries Jeff Fleming Kyle Smith Brian Boman Brent Dunavant Brent Dunavant Don Smith Thomas Bullock Brooks Harkey Seth Lafler Wallace Stanley Garry Carter Manny Lopez Gary Bergmann Micheal Thelen Les Carter George Westover Andy Lubrano Hank Williams Christopher Dale Deiser Chandler Grant Williams Brooks Harkey Martin Gay Marshall Chase Jeffrey Woods Manny Lopez James Ruder Orville Cleverley Jake Ybanez WHAT’S NEW: Bernie Sachs Manny Lopez Jereme Cobb Phillip Zeagler Order CDs online and listen to sound clips – visit our web site! John Horn Daniel Zeagler Chuck Cowgill Coy Zumwal Chris Bennett Carroll Allison Colin Crawford www.HappinessEmporium.com Roy Prichard
July/August 2008 • The HARMONIZER 29 STAY TUNED Success! Readers report what works Younger Schmittq finds his own brothers always knew that I was a Schmitt, and I cannot school, I was connected to the barbershop com- remember a time when I didn’t know that I was munity through my choir director, Paul Wigley, related to The Schmitt Brothers, but it wasn’t who is now my chorus director. It is because of him until I became a barbershopper myself that I truly that I sing with the Minneapolis Commodores. I understood what that meant. Mr. Wigley wouldn’t let me say no to Barbershop. My grandfather, Ben Schmitt, was one of 17 children. That’s right—17. There were 12 boys and five girls. Of the boys, four barbershoppers emerged: Jim, Joe, Fran, and Paul Schmitt—the Schmitt Brothers. Within a short time after the quartet was organized, The Schmitt Broth- ers were crowned 1951 international champions in Toledo, Ohio. In any family, short anecdotes about relatives can easily become tall, elaborate family lore. When your family is the size of a small town, however, such anecdotes become the mate- rial of legends. My grandfather was among those Adam Schmitt’s extended family is a small who auditioned town unto itself, and he grew up knowing all for the quartet, the stories about his champion great-uncles, but his brother, shown singing at his parents’ wedding recep- Fran, could sing tion. It took director Paul Wigley to bring Adam both lower and into the barbershop fold. louder, both valu- able qualities in a Maybe I was afraid of the shadow cast bass, and he was by the Schmitt Brothers and that I selected to sing with the quartet. They hailed from wouldn’t live up to the name. But Barbershop isn’t the Midwest (Two Rivers, Wisconsin), the land of about proving one’s self. It’s about a shared love cheese, bratwurst, beer and cold air. of that special music and the camaraderie that Nearly all of my memories of the Schmitt Broth- only a barbershop group can provide. The Com- ers come through my parents. Both hail from very modores are an incredibly welcoming group, and I musical families. In fact, my mother also grew up in feel as though I was embraced in their community a barbershop household and was already a Schmitt instantly. Brothers fan before she met my father. He was As I prepare for graduate school, and to leave pleasantly surprised to discover that she knew about the protective arms of the Midwest, I will carry SPEBSQSA. She, in turn, was happy to learn that with me years of tradition and pride, from both he was related to the Schmitt Brothers. A few years my heritage and the newest members of my fam- after my parents met, the quartet performed at their ily—the Minneapolis Commodores. wedding and reception. Fortunately, we received – By Adam Schmitt, great nephew of the Schmitt Brothers a few visits from the quartet throughout the years. When I was in high school, Jim came to visit us in ** Jim Schmitt, 76, passed away May 22, 2008 in the Minnesota. Finally, here was my chance to spend company of his family at home after a short battle some time with a family legend, drink tea out on the with cancer, and was the last surviving member of porch and talk about his years of experiences. the Schmitt Brothers. Jim is survived by his wife of 54 I guess it was inevitable that I would end up years, Mary Ann, their 11 children, 9 in-laws and 29 in a barbershop quartet or chorus. Even in high grandchildren.
30 The HARMONIZER • July/August 2008 Great gesture for a stranger February 18, 2008 went from cheerless to some- what uplifting in the small town of Greenville, Penn. Barbershopper Colin Craig was attending a funeral for his 99-year-old aunt in Northwestern Pennsylvania. He wanted to contribute to the memorial service with a song from his quartet, but seeing as how he traveled from Central Indiana, that was not a possibility. Fortunately, he mustered up the courage to contact a barbershop chapter near this small town in Pennsylvania. Colin The 2007 version of Five Towns College chapter called Jim Legters of the Shenago Valley Chapter, explained his situation, and within 24 hours, had three other men ready to sing two songs for dear A chorus and quartet chapter at the same time Aunt Louise. Here is a quick note from Colin: The Five Towns College chapter from Dix Hills, N.Y. wishes to “I would like to be able to capture this blind “shout it from the rooftops” that on April 5, every member of their trust in our Barbershop Brotherhood, and thank performing chorus sang in a quartet on their chapter how—nine the men of the Penn-Ohio Singers of the Shenan- quartets in all, with several members participating in multiple quar- go Valley Chapter at the same time. I have never tets. For about half of them, it was their first quartetting experience met these men before in my life. I am so amazed at a chapter show, including for three new members in their mid-20s at this! The addition of the quartet was simply the who came from local rock bands. perfect touch, and my family was so appreciative. This turned out to be much more than a bragging point for the The service was truly made complete with the chapter. Attendance at chapter meetings shot up to 95 percent and addition of our two songs. Fortunately, I was able the excitement was palpable as they prepared for the feat. Following to attend their chapter meeting on Tuesday night the show, the chapter added two new members (students from the and addressed the chapter with my sincere admira- college) and went to Scranton, Pa. for the spring convention. They tion. My deepest thanks and well-wishes go out to won for the first time in six years—and attribute quartetting as giv- these three gentlemen.” ing the chapter an edge in preparation and learning.
A month before taking gold in Nashville, the Masters of Harmony tried out their contest set and other songs at the spectacular Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles in a joint concert with the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club. Presidential widows and other local dignitaries were rumored to be in attendance. The show was more than a year and a half in the planning and publicity. Plaudits were heaped upon the performers, but Peggy Hamilton paid one of the most surprising com- pliments: “I just want to say ... even for a deaf lady ... your show was fantastic! My [hearing] husband, of course, loved the beautiful harmony of your group and I, actually, loved the movements and way that you expressed the meaning of the songs ... most of which I had heard in the past. I think I even ‘felt’ the vibes many times from your fantastic harmony.”
July/August 2008 • The HARMONIZER 31 STAY TUNED
Honorary Life Member Dickq Van Dyke is still dedicated to singing four-part harmony It ain’t exactly a barbershop album, but it features the most well- known Society member singing today. Dick Van Dyke and The Van- tastix have released an eclectic new a cappella album, Put on a Happy Face. Van Dyke was inducted into the Society as an honorary member in 1999 and actively supports barbershop music and youth music education. The Van- tastix quartet formed in 2000 in Malibu, after barbershopper Mike Mendyke ran into Dick in a Starbucks and struck up a BETTER LATE THAN NEVER! 1987 conversation about music, which led to many impromptu writing sessions around Senior Southwestern District Quartet Van Dyke’s piano. Members Bryan Chad- Champions, Contemporary Sound ima and Eric Bradley are West Coast mu- performed during “Celebration in the sicians with impressive musical pedigrees Oaks,” a festival that takes place in as well. New Orleans City Park every night Mendyke, a former NASA engineer beginning the evening following who also has a degree in music, founded Thanksgiving, lasting until Christmas. a barbershop quartet called Extra In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed Cheese that won the 1991 Northeastern Division 6 champion- City Park, and the city has since been ship. At the time, they were one of the youngest quartets compet- taking donations during this cel- ing, and they performed throughout New England. ebration to restore the 11 acres. An The album contains 12 songs recorded in Chadima’s Venice impressive 4,000 people attended the studio, including such well-known children’s favorites as “Chitty performance. In the background is the Chitty Bang Bang,” “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from the movie 100+ year-old carousel that was badly Toy Story and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” as well as stan- damaged in the hurricane, but has dards such as “Put on a Happy Face” and “High Hopes.” Thrown since been restored. Ron Redmann in are a couple of bonus Christmas songs. Chadima arranges most (Ba), Sol Heiman (Bs), Don Grush (L), of the The Vantastix material. www.vantastix.com and David Smith (T). CHAPTER ETERNAL Society members reported as deceased between May 1 and August 1, 2008. Do you know of men who should have been on this list? E-mail updates to [email protected]. Central States Anacortes John Gayden Donald Brechbiel Detroit-Oakland Richmond El Paso Verlynn Beal Robert Zat Kishwaukee Valley North Olmsted Jeffrey Cavinder Gabriel Ricci Harold Lynum Des Moines Anacortes Walter Maurer Battle Creek Delco Austin Harvey Snapp Cardinal Loganairre Paul Hanson Philip Ayer Hutchinson Far Western Richard Morrow Bill Gordon Huron Valley Dundalk Sunshine Neill Lund John Pearson Greater Huntington Tri- Bradford Laughlin Joseph Simonetta Richard Eliot Aberdeen Frank Thorne Indianapolis State Michiana Metro Abington-Levittown Frank Thorne Jerold Wanek Michael Quince Eugene Bazaar Bill Gordon Philip Ayer Arend Behrens Hastings Frank Thorne Louisville Ashland Mid-Atlantic La Plata Charlotte County William Cleveland Philip Haag Jerome Fry Peter Danielsen John Reisinger Bill Austin Overland Park Walnut Creek Columbia City Land O’Lakes Frank Thorne Mt. Vernon Orlando Robert Nash Leo Raiche Ron McKelvy Eric Wickman Bob Boemler Overland Park Nevada-Placer Johnny Frank Thorne Teaneck Ontario Orlando Stanley Johnson Appleseed Gerry Sansom Edward Stansfield Ray Williams Erd Dahl Dixie Nevada-Placer Richard Stuart Saskatoon Harrisburg Quinte Regional Sarasota Bob Royce Michael Quince Cincinnati Harold Walker Jack Muchler Russell Springstubb Marietta Central Arizona Wynn Reese Saskatoon Wilkes Barre Senecaland Sarasota Richard Miller Quartet Lima Beane Robert Kirsling James Hepburn Harold Fish Richard Morrow Greensboro Dixie Gose Stevens Point Scranton Rochester Sarasota Sid Valadie Illinois Middletown Larry LeFevre Joseph Morgan Harold Fish Sylvester Adams Memphis Alan Draper James Thomas Greendale York Oswego Valley Melbourne Bloomington Middletown Shelby Molter George Murphy Evergreen Mark Perry Arthur Bunce Pioneer Richmond Southwestern Central Florida Jerry Stewart DuPage Valley North Olmsted Paul Millis Ernest Kronimus David Meier
32 The HARMONIZER • July/August 2008 What I love most about Harmony the International Convention:
Photo courtesy of “Wild Card” Everything! Let a Barbershopper plan a tour for you Our expertise guarantees careful June 28 – July 5, 2009 attention to travel and performance Visit www.barbershop.org/anaheim or call 800.876.7464 details, customized itineraries, well- received concerts, and a memorable tour for the entire group. · Pasadena Midwinter Convention · AA Woodshedder’sWoodshedder’s Paradise CONTACT: Doug Weaver, Group Tour Account Executive Baritone in the “Great Lakes Chorus” and “Barbershop Style” Quartet January 25 – February 1, 2009 877.954.9682 ~ [email protected] WWW.WITTETRAVEL.COM www.barbershop.org/midwinter Witte Travel & Tours ~ Grand Rapids, Michigan [email protected] (800) 876-SING
July/August 2008 • The HARMONIZER 33 MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTORY How can we help you barbershop today? Get answers from your staff
Society Headquarters 110 7th Ave N • Nashville, TN 37203-3704 • 800-876-7464 (SING) 615-823-3993 • fax: 615-313-7615 • [email protected] Office hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Central or anytime at www.barbershop.org Executive Offices Membership Services Ed Watson Charters, licensing, dues, fees, renewals, Executive Director/CEO address corrections, officers and rosters Board of Directors [email protected] Charlie Davenport President Patty Leveille Director of Membership Noah Funderburg Office Manager/Executive Assistant 4130 • [email protected] 205-348-4509 2630 • [email protected] Drew Ellis [email protected]
Seba Hazelitt Manager of Membership Services Executive Vice President Receptionist/Administrative Assistant 4120 • [email protected] Bill Biffle 4118 • [email protected] Sara Lampkins 505-246-9090 Sherry Lewis Membership Services Administrative Asst. [email protected]
Administrative Pool/Receptionist 4129 • [email protected] Treasurer 4114 • [email protected] Jerry Richardson James Lee Dorene Santarelli Membership Specialist/Processing 651-484-8030 Receptionist 4113 • [email protected] [email protected] 4114 • [email protected] Marketing & Public Relations Immediate Past President Music Education and Services Media relations, PR, The Harmonizer Drayton Justus Rick Spencer 770-364-8136 Todd Wilson [email protected] Director of Music and Education Director of Marketing 4123 • [email protected] 4136 • [email protected] Executive Director/ Jim DeBusman Board Secretary Michelle Nikolai Ed Watson Music Specialist/Quartet Development Public Relations Manager 4125 • [email protected] 800-876-7464 4119 • [email protected] [email protected] Mike O’Neill Danielle Cole Board members Music Specialist/Chorus Director Development Marketing Administrative Assistant 4126 • [email protected] Lou Benedict 4137 • [email protected] 760-747-3736 James Estes Lorin May [email protected] Music Specialist/Student Activities Development Harmonizer Editor 4124 • Dan Brinkmann [email protected] 4132 • [email protected] 321-259-7953 Julie Grower 4137 • Convention & Harmonizer ad sales [email protected] Library and Licensing Coordinator Greg Caetano 4127 • [email protected] Finance and Administration Frank Santarelli 773-353-3732 Joe Liles Director of Finance [email protected] Music Publications Editor 4133 • [email protected] Peter Feeney 4121 • [email protected] 702-655-9064 Julie Cervantez Becca Box Accountant [email protected] Quartet Registry/C&J/Harmony University 4134 • [email protected] Connie Keil 4122 • [email protected] 520-219-8575 Amanda McCowan [email protected] Harmony Marketplace Accounting Specialist Skipp Kropp Jerilyn Evans 4135 • [email protected] Merchandising Manager 304-344-2408 Nick Fotopoulos 4145 • [email protected] [email protected] IT Specialist Alan Lamson Jenna Waters 4141 • [email protected] 860-647-9523 Retail Associate Sam Hoover [email protected] 4144 • [email protected] IT Specialist Judd Orff Nancy Carver 4142 • [email protected] 651-439-3108 Customer Service Specialist Vagdevi Sreedharan [email protected] 4117 • [email protected] IT Developer/Programmer Rod Sgrignoli Ebony Davis 4140 • [email protected] 720-981-1246 Shipping & Receiving Associate [email protected] 4143 • [email protected] Conventions and Meetings Barry Towner John T. Schneider, Jr. Pam Cervantez 905-473-2424 Director of Events, Staff Counsel [email protected] Shipping & Receiving Associate 4115 • [email protected] 4143 • [email protected] Alan Wile Dusty Schleier 703-538-6526 Meetings Manager [email protected] 4116 • [email protected]
34 The HARMONIZER • July/August 2008 Official Affiliates 110 Seventh Avenue North, Suite 200 • Nashville, TN 37203 AAMBS (Australian Association of Men’s 866-706-8021 (toll free), 615-823-5611 Barbershop Singers) Fax: 615-823-5612 [email protected] www.aambs.org.au Contact Michael Donnelly: [email protected] Clarke Caldwell Carolyn Faulkenberry President/CEO Chief Financial Officer BABS (British Association of Barbershop Singers) [email protected] [email protected] www.singbarbershop.com Ev Nau Dixie Semich Contact Bill Harvey: [email protected] Director of Major Gifts Annual Giving Manager BinG! (Barbershop in Germany) [email protected] [email protected] www.barbershop-in-germany.de Sean Devine Terri Pregel Contact Roberta Damm: [email protected] Major Gifts Officer Development Associate [email protected] [email protected] DABS (Dutch Association of Barbershop Singers) www.dabs.nl Harmony Foundation Board of Trustees Contact Lenhard van Ballegooijen: [email protected] Al Bonney – Chairman Roger Lewis FABS (Finnish Association of Barbershop Singers) 231-223-4064 269-965-5714 www.fabs.fi [email protected] [email protected] Contact Juha Aunola: [email protected] Hank Hammer – Secretary Susan Sauls IABS (Irish Association of Barbershop Singers) 210-256-0833 270-826-5027 www.irishbarbershop.org [email protected] [email protected] Contact Gunnar Karlsson: [email protected] Don Laursen – Treasurer Mike Deputy NZABS (New Zealand Association of 559-733-1496 801-733-0562 Barbershop Singers) www.nzabs.org.nz [email protected] [email protected] Contact Andy Hutson: [email protected] Bob Brutsman James C. Warner, General 612-865-7371 Counsel SNOBS (Society of Nordic Barbershop Singers) [email protected] 901-522-9000 www.snobs.org [email protected] Contact Henrick Rosenberg: [email protected] SPATS (Southern Part of Africa Tonsorial Singers) Contact Tony Abbott: [email protected] Society subsidiaries Public Relations Officers and Sing Canada Harmony Bulletin Editors (PROBE) Association of www.harmonize.com/probe Board of Directors International Champions J.R. Digger MacDougall – Chairman www.AICGold.com Allied organizations 613-836-2088 Sweet Adelines International [email protected] Association of International www.sweetadelinesintl.org Larry Martens – Vice Chairman Seniors Quartet Champions 613-825-6420 www.seniorsgold.com Harmony, Incorporated [email protected] Ancient and Harmonious www.harmonyinc.org Edward G Manthorp – Secretary Society of Woodshedders MENC: The National Associa- 613-733-7317 www.ahsow.org tion for Music Education [email protected] Barbershop Quartet www.menc.org Trinda Ernst Preservation Association American Choral (902) 679-1367 www.bqpa.com Directors Association [email protected] www.acdaonline.org Doran McTaggart Harmony Brigade 519-948-0637 www.harmonybrigade.com [email protected] Charles Metzger Editorial Board: Todd Wilson, Mi- 604-581-1423 chelle Nikolai, Danielle Cole, Rick [email protected] Spencer, Charlie Davenport, Ev Nau, I. Murray Phillips Lorin May 902-542-1342 General correspondence/ See The Harmonizer Editorial Policy [email protected] editorial at www.barbershop.org/ID_040210 Sharon Towner www.barbershop.org/harmonizer 905-473-2424 Lorin May, Editor [email protected] [email protected] Copy editing: Doug Yonson (Capital James Thexton Advertising 403-238-1008 Advertising ratecard: City Chorus, Ottawa, Ont., [email protected] www.barbershop.org/ratecard [email protected])
July/August 2008 • The HARMONIZER 35 THE TAG Joe Liles, Tagmaster!!
Joe barbershops a pioneer’s modern tag
ani Lindroos is a member of late Jeff Kelly gave him some FABS (Finnish Association cassette recordings of barbershop of Barbershop Singers), the harmony and some Harmonizer latest affiliate of the Bar- magazines. By this time Dani D bershop Harmony Society. was really hooked. During his early childhood, Dani is a fine guitarist, has his father introduced him to made some recordings and has a recording of The Johnny been studying the barbershop Mann Singers. As he grew style mostly through writing up, he learned the beauty of tags. His wife, Beni, has always harmony by listening to the encouraged him to be actively likes of Four Freshman, involved in vocal music. Hi-Los, Anita Kerr Sing- A while back, Dani sent ers, Norman Luboff Choir a tag to me that has a lovely and the Beach Boys. lyric. The tag was beautiful but During a trip to very modern and more akin to jazz. I borrowed his Sweden, he was was in- lyric, and with his permission wrote a tag for him troduced to barbershop to demonstrate the barbershop style. He agreed to harmony by a SNOBS quartet. When he returned allow me to use it in The Harmonizer. Watching home to Finland, he soon organized a quartet for Dani grow in his love and understanding of barber- himself. Then, during a business trip to Seattle, he shop harmony has been another one of the many sought out the Seattle Seachordsmen where the joys this hobby brings. n
FOREVER YOU'LL STAY Words by DANI LINDROOS Music by JOE LILES
1 2 3 Tenor œ œ Lead # nœ œœ œ œ b˙ bœ œ #œ œ V 43 œ œ œ ˙ œ œ For --ev er you'll stay so deep in my
Bari œ œ Bass ? # 3 œ œ œ ˙ œ œ œ 4 œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ œ
4 5 6 7 8 # ˙ œ œ ˙. ˙. V ˙ œ #œœ œ œ œ˙ œ ˙. ˙. heart, so deep in my heart, my love.!
˙ œ ? # ˙ œ œ œ œ œ œ bœ ˙. ˙. œ ˙ b œ ˙. ˙.
36 The HARMONIZER • July/August 2008
© XXXX Do You Love To Sing?
Sweet Adelines International is a highly respected worldwide organization of women singers. If you want to improve your singing abilities and learn a cappella harmony barbershop style, Sweet Adelines International offers comprehensive, quality education. We are looking for singers to join the ranks of other Sweet Adelines International members. Call the membership department at International Headquarters and ask for a free mini-CD.
Tag…you’re it! Sing a tag with us at one of our upcoming events!
International Education Symposium International Convention and Competition
Kickin’ it up a Notch October 9-13, 2007 November 4-8, 2008 July 16-19, 2008
www.sweetadelineintl.org or call 800.992.SING (7464) or 918.622.1444. • Competitive and educational! and • Different age brackets for high school • collegiate groups! • Financial assistance available! your men • Bring your men’s choir or combine into one choir! from judges! • Receive written and live feedback
The mission of The International Youth Barbershop Chorus Festival is to:
Enrich young lives through a cappella vocal music while perpetuating the barbershop harmony style.
Promote excellence in young male choruses by providing the best overall musical experience in an educational environment where students can learn from top adjudicators and performers, as well as from each other.
Provide a deeper understanding of an authentically American art-form, and to send students home with a new-found passion for singing, making music a part of the rest of their lives.
www.barbershop.org/youthchorus Contact Festival Coordinator James Estes at [email protected] for more info!