Gary L. Drown March 4, 1940

Home , Doris Sams, Gas House Gang (quartet), Rural Route 4

COLORADO IDAHO KANSAS MONTANA NEBRASKA NEW MEXICO SOUTH DAKOTA UTAH WYOMING

PROUD MEMBERS OF PROBE BARBERSHOP HARMONY SOCIETY

PUBLISHED BY THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICTISTRICT ASSOCIATION OF CHAPTERS Classic Collection, 1982 — International Quartet Champions — Storm Front, 2010

Vol. 33, No. 2 www.RMDsing.org March,/April 2011

In loving memory Gary L. Drown March 4, 1940 — Feb. 18, 2011

As I sit here with Dad, I felt inspired to write this when I saw Mike's note.

Lessons from Dad

Dad has never been afraid to ask anyone to help. It is one of the traits that has made him a very successful salesman all these years. Additionally, it has also made him a great barbershopper. I remember when I was 11 years old and just joined the Sugar Valley Singers in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. It was time for our annual show program to come out, and my Dad told me that I would need to ask a few businesses in town to help with our show program ads. At the time I didn't know it, but Dad was teaching me something…."you never know unless you ask. The worst thing they can say is 'no'." Well I sold about five ads that year, and it was a heck of a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. And I did have a couple of guys tell me 'no,' and just like Dad said, it didn't really hurt at all. You see, the thing I learned from Dad that day was that with groups like our barbershop chorus, which are not-for-profit organizations (and like most charitable organizations) you need to have some brave individuals to help them run. Thank you guys. Darin Drown

Gary and Darin Drown Chordial Celebration

RMD Vision Statement — Enriching lives in the Rocky Mountain District through singing in harmony

RMD Vocal Expressions magazine published five times yearly

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS and OPERATIONS TEAM (VP‟S)

President Imm. Past President Executive Vice President Secretary Treasurer Lee Taylor Woody Woods Kevin Pape Dick Stark Dave Myers 801 576-9384 719 528-8702 303 775-1054 303 986-3026 160 S. 42nd Street [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Boulder, CO 80303-3357 303 448-9422 [email protected]

Chapter Support Chorus Director Contest & Judging VP Events VP Leadership Training Development VP John Coffin Duane Bosveld CARA Coordinator Bob Fox 303 922-3804 303 469-9437 Financial Services Brett Foster 303 980-1870 [email protected] [email protected] Member Services 406 661-1538 [email protected] Dr. Tony Pranaitis [email protected] 303 233-6234 [email protected]

Marketing & PR VP Music & Performance VP Youth In Harmony Society Rep. 2011-12 John Elving Dr. Dan Clark Paul Dover Bill Biffle 605 381-9680 308 436-5548 303 520-7466 505 246-9090 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 3 MARCH/APRIL 2011

District President Index

Lee Taylor This issue is dedicated to the [email protected] memory of Gary Drown

Lee Taylor 3 Midwinter Performances John Elving, Steve Jackson 4 Dr. Dan Clark, John Coffin 5

Parker Fowler passes When winter's blast makes us question why we live in the Rocky Moun- Denver MountainAires Show Ad tains, the Midwinter convention provides a welcome respite. This year we Saltaires Show Ad escaped to sunny Nevada for a week of great harmony and fellow- Harmony Happenings in the Hills Ad ship. Rocky Mountain District was well represented at the contests in Las Tribute to Gary Drown Vegas. Chordial Celebration 12-13 Our Senior Quartet representatives, After School (with our own Bill Biffle 13th Annual High School Quartet Contest 14-15 from Albuquerque), entertained the audience with well-performed, tradition- Woody Woods 15 al barbershop melodies. They were very well received, and they reminded Dick Stark 16-18 us why we love this hobby. Silverton Festival 19

The Youth Chorus contest featured 19 competitors this year, and RMD RMD BOTY‟s 21 fielded three fine choruses and some excellent performances. Mid Winter coverage 30-31 PROBE 36 Mountain West Voices, representing Brigham Young University, delivered Calendar 37 a great show package and really put Utah on the map. This chorus is ably directed by Joel Gillespie (Reprise and The Ele- ments)

52eighty, directed by Darin Drown, chose to sing without evaluation. Their excellent performance would have been way up in the competition for sure.

The 505, from Albuquerque, had the onerous chore of singing first. This would be risky for some groups, but under the direction of Farris Collins, The 505 blew the doors off the auditorium and placed third overall. One of their songs posted the highest single presentation score in the entire contest. They can also claim the most raucus cheering section in the Society!

Of course the Saturday night show always features the top five quartets from the previous International contest. That means, if anyone on the plan- et had yet to see and hear our own Storm Front, they got their chance in Vegas. This fine quartet has lost none of their edge from Philadelphia, and they also conducted a Q&A master class to share their thoughts on winning the gold and on quartetting in general. Page index of chapter digest

Estes a success Grand Chorale 20 The air was thin, but the harmony was abundant at this year's Rocky Montrose 22-23 Mountain Harmony College. Students chose from a full curriculum of clas- Rexburg/Colby 24 ses and participated in the Everyman Chorus under the able direction of Mt. Rushmore 25-26 Jim Bagby. Though they were stuck in Chicago for most Saturday, Vocal Russ Halvorson Spectrum arrived for the show and afterglow and made up for Albuquerque 27 lost time! McPhly graciously assumed Vocal Spectrum's coaching duties Denver Mile High/Sterling 28 and came through with flying colors. If you're one the holdouts who has yet Pikes Peak/Pocatello/Bernalillo County 29 to attend RMHC, why not round up your quartet for next year's Grand County 31 school. Block out the first weekend of February for this special harmony Longmont 32-33 retreat. Pueblo 33

Losing old friends Cheyenne 34 Grand Junction 35 One of the bittersweet tasks of being a barbershopper, as it is in any family, is saying goodbye to our brothers who pass on. My chorus sings the Joe Liles arrangement of The Lord's Prayer only at funerals, and I'm sad to report that we are a little too familiar with this beautiful hymn. Salt Lake City said farewell to Charlie Wilson, a 43 year barbershopper and true stalwart in our chapter and in our hearts. Charlie's music lives on with his daughter, a Sweet Adeline with the Mountain Jubilee chorus.

RMD recently lost Gary Drown (currently a Central States guy, but original- When was the last time ly one of us as well, hailing from Scottsbluff, Nebraska). A consummate quartet man and MC, Gary brought excellence and fun wherever he you invited a friend to join went. His talented progeny will carry his banner forward. you at a chapter meeting? RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 4 MARCH/APRIL 2011

PROBE RMD Marketing & PR VP District Liason

John Elving Steve Jackson

As a communicator, I feel for- Could YOUR Marketing VP tunate to be part of a vital, dynam- ic group like PROBE. I would like Use Some Help? to invite all Rocky Mountain Dis- trict chapter editors, all chapter webmasters, and all Marketing There are times when, as marketing and public relations peo- & Public Relations VPs to join a growing BHS organization. ple, we look at how best to let people know what is happen- There is method to my madness. It‟s NOT all about the con- ing in our chapter and/or with our chorus. Is it better to look tests, it‟s NOT all about growing our membership coffers. You to the tried and true, or try the new and unknown? In today‘s need PROBE! We have an experienced staff of editors, web- world there are so many choices that it‘s hard to decide what masters, and PR and marketing guys ready to share with you the to do. I‘d like to suggest that maybe it‘s both tried and true tips and techniques needed to help perpetuate this obsession we and new and unknown. call barbershopping.

What method you use depends on who you are trying to im- Our yearly contests are designed to help you improve your pact. For instance, we all know how the barbershop commu- product, whether you are an editor publishing either hardcopy or nity likes to debate old versus new in the music we sing. The on-line. We offer mentoring for any interested. For the first time in same holds true with how we market ourselves to the world. a long time, the RMD was not represented this year in the BETY If we are going after, for instance, those people who have contest. As the district editor, I am well aware of who publishes supported our choruses for years to sell tickets to our shows regularly and who does not boast of a bulletin.

(just one example), then we are more likely to go with the I am wondering why no one stepped forth to have their bulle- tried and true. We‘ll take out ads in the newspapers, put up tins analyzed and scored. Did you know you can enter for critique posters, snail-mail flyers and notices—all the methods we‘ve only? Your bulletins are an important link to the rest of your chap- used for years. ter, the District, and the Society. Contests are not scary; what‟s Now if we are looking to bring in new, young audiences, we scary is when no one comes out to play….seriously, I‟m confident may try many of the new methods that may seem foreign and we can do better. How about an editor seminar at the Leadership Forums this year? We have the technology; we can rebuild…… silly to many of us who‘ve been around the block a few times. We‘ll look at using websites, social networking Ask the Duke City Sound from Albuquerque how they feel (Facebook for example), E-mail blasts, text messaging, about having the top PR guy, Arnie Routson, for 2010, in their YouTube videos—any of the new methods of communi- chapter? How about the Colby, Kansas chapter who can boast about Owen Herndon, who won the International Bulletin Con- cating. test twice in the last five years! So, I‟m inviting all RMD communi- That being said, sometimes the old methods become the new cators to join in on the fun and become part of the “largest frater- methods. Let me explain. The chapter I am a member of had nal, communicative, and influential organization in the Society!” many years ago put up a large banner across one of the main For $10 a year, it is one of the best investments your chapter can streets of our city. It didn‘t do much in the way of bringing in make. Ready for the disclaimer? You must be a paid up member orders for Singing Valentines. This year we decided to try it of PROBE to enter any contests. Send your checks to again. Much to our surprise it was very effective this year. PROBE Secretary/Treasurer David Wagner Many orders came in because that banner was up. It was as if 816 Springdale Road Bedford, TX 76021 it were some new-fangled method of communicating our (469) 964-6414 [email protected] message to the people of the city.

My point in all of this? Try everything available to publicize your chapter or chorus. Marketing and Public Relations is a “Webmaster of the Year” Contest is here! multi-faceted beast, if you will. We can‘t just rely on the old PROBE Web VP Lyle Southham ways and expect results the same as happened 30 years ago.

For booking information, contact George Davidson manager@stormfrontquartet.com For more information visit www.stormfrontquartet.com Contact Curtis Terry 720 364-5800 2010 International Quartet Champions RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 5 MARCH/APRIL 2011

RMHC Prevails Over Old Man Winter!

Dan Clark, Music & Performance VP

That was the story for the 2011 ver- My good friend, Kevin Pape, sat up sion of RMHC, snow, wind, ice—but not with me until the wee hours on Friday in the Colorado mountains! Adverse night helping rearrange our quartet RMD Contest weather conditions in faraway places like coaching schedule, since we had four St. Louis, Chicago and Dallas, interfered coaches marooned in Chicago. Luckily, Entry Deadlines with travel plans for some of our staff, but we have talented and helpful people here with rugged perseverance Vocal Spec- in our District, such as John Coffin, trum, our headliner quartet, did indeed McPhly, and Kevin Pape who stepped in John Coffin find its way to the YMCA of the Rockies, so that all quartets received the number Contest & Judging VP about 24 hours late. And they sang even of coaching sessions requested. better than usual, if that‟s possible. To all Rocky Mountain District barber- Vocal Spectrum, as always, thrilled Unfortunately, Bob Calderon, re- the Saturday night audience with their shoppers who compete. By district nowned presentation coach and teacher, performance. I think my favorite memory policy, the contest entry deadline for was not able to get out of Dallas at all, so of the school this year was at the after- a competition is four weeks. This I had to erase him from our sched- glow Saturday night; our youngest regis- means a quartet or chorus competi- ule. Fortunately, RMD‟s own Shawn trant, Keith Waldheim, celebrated his tor's CJ-20 entry form must be re- Mondragon courageously volunteered to 13th birthday while at RMHC, and he got ceived by the RMD VP C&J on or take on the presentation classes and to celebrate the occasion by singing tenor before the Friday four weeks prior to coaching we had lined up for Bob, and with Vocal Spectrum on Bright Was The Shawn was OUTSTANDING. A big thank- Night. It was the perfect ending to a great a published contest start date. This you to both of these gentlemen, Bob for weekend. policy can be found in the RMD Oper- giving a many hours effort to get here, ations Manual in sections 20 Mark your calendars for that first and Shawn for so capably filling in. (Competions) & 21 (Conventions). weekend in February 2012. I think RMHC The rest of our staff arrived in good will have a comedy quartet called Storm shape and did an excellent job, with very Front as our headliners. favorable comments from numerous “campers.” With 120 registrants, we had over 100 men in the everyman chorus singing on stage Saturday night. After three rehearsals with our clinician, Jim Bagby, Rural Route 4 gold medalist and long-time director of the Heart of Ameri- ca chorus in Kansas City, they sounded great. Rich Knight, Gas House Gang gold medalist, was at his best, coaching quartets all day long, and spreading his cheer all weekend. Mike O‟Neill, music specialist from our International Staff, skillfully taught vocal production, with rave reviews from his students. Jack Hale, from Dixie District, delighted his classes with his presentation of Fundamentals of Barbershop. And many good people from right here in RMD served very capably in Music Theory, History of Barbershop, Chapter Function, and Choral Directing.

RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 6 MARCH/APRIL 2011

Parker loved music and singing. He directed the Longs Peak Chorus for years and led the barbershoppers to their first cham- pionship. He was also a multi-term chapter president and he and In Loving Memory Charly would host a barbershoppers picnic at their home each year. He sang in his church choirs and also with the Longmont Parker Fowler Chorale over many years. He was a founding member of Jubilaté 1926-2011 Sacred Singers in Boulder.

He was an aficionado of antique farm machinery and owned Longtime barbershopping bass F. Parker Fowler Jr. died at a 1924 Minneapolis steam traction engine, which made many his home in Longmont on February 9, 2011. Parker was born in appearances along the Front Range. He was a director of the Chicago on May 21, 1926, to Frank P. Fowler Sr. and Dorothy Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and was mem- Hinckley Fowler. He attended public schools in Evanston, Ill. ber No. 46 of the Front Range Antique Power Association. As He and his twin brother, Hugh, joined the Navy in 1943; they chairman of the Longmont Bicentennial Committee in 1976, came to Boulder in 1944 in the NROTC. In Guam, Parker was Parker helped save Old St. Stephens Church on Main Street in officer in charge of yard-craft, and skipper of yard tug Chicomi- Longmont. co, retiring as a lieutenant. MARCH HIGH NOTES

He earned his bachelor‘s and master‘s degrees from the Uni- LONGMONT GIL NORRIS, EDITOR versity of Colorado (Phi Kappa Tau). He earned his Ph.D. in mathematics, statistics and operations research from California/ Berkeley. He first taught at the University of New Mexico, where he was the department head of its first data processing PROBE department. He returned to Colorado and taught at CSU and then at CU-Boulder and Denver for many years. 2009 IBC 2009 PROTY International Bulletin He moved his family to the Fowler family farm in northwest Public Relations Editor of The Year Officer of The Year Longmont in 1968 and retired from teaching in 1996. On April

27, 1976, he married Charlene ‗Charly‘ Faimon in Boulder. He described himself as a ―prenatal‖ Presbyterian; he was a member Owen Herndon Arnold Routson of First Presbyterian Church in Boulder and was an elder in both Colby, Kansas Bernalillo County, NM Albuquerque and at Westview Presbyterian Church in Long- mont.

Contact Lauren Rants 801 572 1086 [email protected]

"Life is not made up of the have and the have nots, it's made up of the Denver MountainAires will and the will nots." Courtyard Marriott Larry Winget 1475 S. Colorado Blvd.

Denver, Colo. 80222 What a great reminder of what it means to be philanthropic. Philanthropy etymologically means "the love of humanity." In modern practical terms, it is AFTERGLOW 5:00 PM $25.00 "private initiatives for public good, focusing on quality of life." The Greeks adopted the “love of humanity” as an educational ideal, whose goal was excel- An informal presentation of barber- lence—the fullest development of body, mind and spirit. shop singing with a buffet included.

The Denver MountainAires is not a The Denver MountainAires felt so So, as you're contemplating whether large chorus or a contender for a medal. strongly about this that we are donating YOU should also be a one time or contin- Our name is not recognized world wide 100% of the profits from our upcoming uous contributor to Harmony Foundation and we don't have a big budget. BUT, show directly to the Harmony Founda- I'd like to take you back to a Sunday what we DO have are big hearts. Hearts tion. This is more than just our spring school song we all know, "This little light that understand how singing improves show; this is a golden opportunity to pay of mine, I'm gonna let it shine!" Don't lives. As barbershoppers we know that it forward. We‟d like to cordially invite hide your light under a bushel. Think of singing makes life more enjoyable and you to join us at our April 2nd show. If you what you or your chapter can do to give meaningful. What better way to ensure can't make the show and would still like to to the Harmony Foundation. Together we that directors, public school teachers and make a donation we encourage you to do can keep the whole world singing! For children all across America receive the so! more information on Harmony Foundation support they need to experience what the please visit www.harmonyfoundation.org

BHS has to offer than through having a benefit concert for the Harmony Founda- Priscilla Shaw, Director tion. Denver MountainAires Chorus

Afterglow promo for all barbershop-

pers: show and afterglow just $30.00!

HARMONY FOUNDATION BENEFIT SHOW

Saturday CHORUS AND QUARTETS proudly present our 36th Annual Show April 2, 2011 Chorus Director Priscilla Shaw

George Washington High 655 S. Monaco Pkwy 2:00 pm Matinee Only Denver, Colo. 80224 Ticket prices

Show Information $20.00 Reserved Seating Tony Pranaitis 303-233-6234 $15.00 General Admission $12.00 Advance Sales Make checks payable to $10.00 Seniors/Group Sales Denver MountainAires and mail to For tickets, please contact 12713 W. 8th Ave., Golden, CO 80401 Dick Cable: 303 973-9217

OC TIMES Westminster, California ALL SHOW PROFITS G0 TO THE HARMONY FOUNDATION!

RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 9 MARCH/APRIL 2011 RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 10 MARCH/APRIL 2011

Gary Drown, son-in-law Mitch Johnson, Judy Drown Mitch and Dana Johnson

Lee Taylor: Though Gary Drown was a member of the Central From the Drown Family States District, he was always willing to contact chapters on the

Thanks for your many, many prayers & thoughts. eastern fringe of Rocky Mountain District if we needed a helping Although they may not have removed the awful dis- hand in the Chapter Counselor department. His reputation and his ease, they definitely wrapped around us all & helped style made him very effective in this regard. Gary's opinions and advice were truly assets to be treasured. our dad to make his journey out of this life yesterday morning, Feb 18. We can't possibly explain how Mike Deputy: I remember when I first met Gary Drown many years much difference every one of you made in these last ago at a Society convention. In the hotel lobby, I agreed to “teach” few months. a tag to three guys, one of whom was Gary. He and the others lis-

Gary L. Drown, 70, of Kearney NE died Friday, Feb- tened while I fumbled for the right notes to all the parts. I eventually ruary 18, 2011 at his residence. A memorial mass was got there and we rang up some beautiful harmony (as I remember held at 10:30 am, Monday February 28, 2011 at St. it, anyway). Then the others suggested Gary teach one. It took James Catholic Church in Kearney with the Rev. Joe about three seconds for me to realize what a talented musician Hannappel officiating. and teacher he was. I‟m pretty sure he already knew all the parts to the tag I had been teaching just a moment before. But, he didn‟t A vigil was held Sunday Feb. 27th at the church show it; he made me feel like I was the best teacher in the world with plenty of storytelling & music, including the and he was the student. That respect for others permeated his impromptu kind. Fran Wilson directed the Kearney life. I‟m confident he has been well received to sing harmony in barbershoppers in Jim Clancy's arrangement of The that chorus eternal. Lord's Prayer. Sally McHale Davidson: Rest in Loving Eternal Peace, Gary, my Memorials are suggested to dear friend. May the entire Drown, Strom Front and Chordial Cele- Harmony Foundation International bration family find peace, comfort and (eventually) some under- www.harmonyfoundation.org standing. Fortunately, he leaves us all with a wealth of beautiful, happy and many hilarious memories of our times together. Their website includes the ability to donate "in memory of" someone & gives you a place to type in Danette Kientz: Just returned from Nebraska and a wonderful trib- the name. On-line condolences may be submitted to ute to Gary Drown. Hundreds were there from all over the country www.osafh.com/obituaries.htm. to honor this wonderful man who loved music and people so much. It was enlightening to hear so many great stories of how he Cards would be welcome at their home: touched their lives. He inspired many, including me, to be a better Judy Drown (Gary's wife) person. 114 Huron Dr Monica Lyon Kastman: So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to Kearney, NE 68847 your wonderful family. Rest in loving eternal peace Gary. Darin and Jenny Drown Steven Jackson: It‟s a very sad day for barbershopping; Gary will 19585 E Bates Ave be missed. Truly one of the funniest men I‟ve ever known, whether Aurora, CO 80013-4731 he was working an audience, singing a song with the Chordial Mitch and Dana Johnson Celebration or Patent Pending or holding court at 3:00 am at a 19095 E Maplewood Ave District convention. Saw the CC for the first time in 1976 in Estes Aurora CO 80015-3846 Park at the Mountain Glow. The quartet did their “show package” to wrap up the Saturday evening show. When I heard Gary starting A great man, and a great family. to gurgle like a frog, I lost it. I was sitting next to my Dad, gasping George Davidson for air cuz I was laughing so hard, the tears just streaming. Now I‟m crying for a different reason. Rest in peace, my brother! RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 11 MARCH/APRIL 2011

Gary Drown was born March 4, 1940, in Ravenna to Gerald and Florence (Wieczorek) Drown. He graduated from Ravenna High School in 1958, and then attended the University of Nebraska, Kearney State College, and Colorado State University. On June 26, 1965, he married Judith K. Graham in Fort Collins, Colo. He worked in Plattsmouth as a game biologist for the Gary Drown Game Commission.

Chordial Celebration Then he moved his young 1940- 2011 family to Scottsbluff where he worked as a sports broadcaster in

Gary L. Drown, 70, of Kearney, Nebraska radio and building sales for 19 years. Moving to Kearney in died Friday, Feb. 18, 2011, at his home. A life- 1990, he worked in cable TV sales and most recently as the long music lover, he was a member of the Sug- head of his own independent advertising business, AdCo. He ar Valley Singers and many barbershop quar- was a member of St. James Catholic Church and served as a song leader. tets through the years, particularly the Chordial Celebration. This quartet has been one of the A lifelong music lover, he was also a member of the 1733 success stories of the RMD, singing in barber- Barbershop Chorus, the Sugar Valley Singers and many bar- shop shows all over the region. They have bershop quartets through the years, particularly the Chordial been the chief attraction in far more Longmont Celebration and Patent Pending. In addition, he was a past shows than any other foursome. Quartets by member of Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce. And never the hundreds would come and go, but the losing his love of the outdoors and being active, he was a mem- Chordial Celebration seemed to be forever. ber of Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever, and he enjoyed racquetball, hunting, fishing, golfing, and bird watching as well. They were invited back to Longmont time after time not because of their unique voices, Survivors include his wife of 45 years; son, Darin and his wife but because they were masters of the visual Jenny, of Aurora, Colo.; daughter, Dana Dee Johnson and her gag which ”snuck up” on the audience and had husband Mitch, of Aurora, Colo.; and grandchildren, Colin and them laughing uncontrollably. Their act never Mary Drown and Jadyn, Jennica, and Jeron Johnson, all of Au- changed, yet even though you had seen it sev- rora, Colo. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sis- eral times before, it was always as funny as the ter, Shirley. first time.

Their home chapter in Nebraska invited the Longmont choristers to sing on one of their shows in the 1980s during one of those rare moments of fleeting fame when we were RMD small chorus champions. It was a trip we won‟t forget. Gary always introduced a change of A video was made by the Sound of the Rockies for the vigil ser- pace halfway through the performance when he vice Sunday evening. I saw it on Facebook, posted by Danette brought a small child from the audience up on Kientz — very impressive and moving. Here is Darin‘s response stage, sat him on a high stool, and sang the to that video: “Frog Song” to him. It‟s sad that the “Frog Song” will never again be heard on the Long- Gentlemen, mont stage. I wanted to send a very public thank you to the guys who

March “High Notes” sang It is Well with My Soul for the vigil service recording. It Longmont, Colorado turned out to be a smashing success, and really capped a Gil Norris, editor beautiful evening. A special thank you to Travis Tabares for coming up with the idea, and directing. And also to Doyle Cline, who put the fabulous video together. Thank you guys. RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 12 MARCH/APRIL 2011

Gary started his barbershop career in Scottsbluff as a charter member here, and Rocky Mountain District was formed very shortly thereafter. Gary moved to Kearney, Nebraska 15 years ago, has been very active in Central States District stuff, MC‟d many of their District functions. He formed a quartet there called Pa- tent Pending, and they‟ve done lots of CSD chapter shows. As you know, he has MC‟d some of our District contests, and also served as an MC on one of the SOR shows. He has sung in the International contest with SOR for the past couple of years. Dr. Dan Clark

A LAUGH AND A SONG The Story of the Chordial Celebration

In 1976 I met Gary Drown at a men‟s Within a few months Gary and I began chorus get-together in Scottsbluff, Ne- talking about forming a new quartet, and braska. The Scottsbluff chapter of the after circulating around the chorus a bit, Society for the Preservation and Encour- we asked two young men to hang around agement of Barbershop Quartet Singing and sing a few songs together. Rod Bus- Then in 1983, Gary and Judy, and in America was brand new, having had inga was just out of college, and had Jamalee and I took our families to our their charter show less than a year previ- come to Scottsbluff to teach school; Ste- Society‟s International Convention in Se- ously, and I was interested in seeing what ve Libsack was a native of Scotts Bluff attle. It was the first of many happy bar- this was all about. I had sung harmony County, and a working partner with his bershop trips we were to enjoy together. since longer than I could remember, but I Dad in a large farming and cattle busi- At that convention we had the pleasure of had no knowledge at all about the Barber- ness. Rod brought with him the unique seeing a quartet at one of the afterglows, shop Society. The chapter‟s chorus was gift of perfect pitch, always a nice asset in a quartet which was not in the top 20— named for the agricultural product so vital a barbershop quartet. Steve sang a good they were called The Aliens. Gary and I to our community, sugar. At that time five bass, and he knew nearly everybody in confirmed that we wanted to do comedy. sugar factories were producing sugar in the county, giving us a good contact if we our little valley, utilizing the huge crop of needed a group to sing for. These two Two years later, Steve and Shauna, sugar beets grown in the area; thus our guys were about 15 years younger than along with Rod and Penny, and their fam- chorus was called the Sugar Valley Gary and I, and it was a perfect match. ilies joined in the fun when we converged

Singers. The Chordial Celebration was born. in Minneapolis for the 1985 convention. Fortunately, Shauna and Penny were As Gary and I got to know each other Like most new quartets, we felt our also willing to put up with having their we found that we had both moved to the way along, trying a variety of songs, tell- spouses spending lots of time off singing Scottsbluff area in 1970, with Gary ac- ing jokes between songs, the usual fare. their crazy songs. Little did we know how cepting a job as a radio sports-caster, Sometimes the singing was OK, and these events would come to influence our and I joining a medical practice since I sometimes the jokes were a bit funny. Of lives and the lives of most of our children. was fresh from med-school and post-grad course, sometimes neither the jokes nor training. We each had two kids, with the the singing was very good. In the mid 80‟s the Chordial Celebra- older ones being six and seven, and the tion decided to compete in the Rocky Then we were impressed by two quar- younger two being toddlers. And we both Mountain District contest in Rapid City, tets who made us decide we wanted to had wonderful wives who would prove to South Dakota. We had worked up some be a true comedy quartet. In the late be tolerant of their husbands spending comedy songs, but we still had thoughts 1970‟s our guest quartet for the Sugar lots of time off singing together; fortunate- of competing in “real” barbershop con- Valley Singers show was the delightful th ly these gals both genuinely liked the tests. In the prelims we finished 11 , OK 4, from Tulsa, Oklahoma. They sang Barbershop style. meaning that we would be mic testers for great and they totally captivated the audi- the finals the next night. Since we obvi- I joined the Scottsbluff chapter and ence with their wonderful zany humor ously weren‟t going to win the contest, we sang with the chorus in its second show. which they put right into their songs. decided to do two of our comedy num- Like many new choruses, the singing When I saw my mother-in-law with her bers as mic testers; it was remarkably wasn‟t of the highest quality, and after mascara running down her face, due to successful. several months I was giving serious uncontrolled laughter leading to tears, I thought to dropping out of the group after knew what I wanted my quartet to do. I have an indelible image in my mind that show was completed. Then two of the late Ron Phillips, who was judg- things happened: my new friend, Gary, ing, extending his arms high above his asked me if I‟d sing tenor with his quartet head and breaking his pencil in response on the show, since his tenor was moving to one of our quartet gags. At the after- away; secondly, the chapter show had a glow Carl Hancuff, our MC, had an- guest quartet from Hastings, Nebraska, nounced that each participating quartet called the Classic Collection. That was would sing one song until he advised us the first time I had heard an a cappella otherwise. group produce overtones, and I liked it. I decided to stay with the chorus. RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 13 MARCH/APRIL 2011

We chose to do our Pitch Pipe Song, In the meantime, Darin and my was 3, and Syd was born in the wee and the crowd came to its feet. We start- daughter, Jenny, who had been thrown hours of the morning after I dropped his ed off the stage, only to be stopped and together with this barbershop magic, had Dad off at home around midnight, as we sent back up by Carl, saying, ”I know an decided they were meant for each other, returned from a quartet gig. encore when I hear it.” Our second num- and they were married just after Jenny Barbershoppers around the world now ber was our Frog Song…...that night we graduated from college. So Jenny, Darin, know the three lads I used to yell at as I had six chapter show requests. Jim and Freefall were sort of an offshoot directed the Sugar Valley Singers cho- of the Chordial Celebration. Following that night in Rapid City we rus in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. They found were gratified to sing barbershop chapter Then, to add to the fun, Steve‟s son, just the right guy to sing tenor, in the per- shows for more than thirty years, always Sydney, decided to go to college at son of Jeff Selano, and in 2010 became with the same original four parts, except Northwest Missouri State, and my son, the International gold medal winners, for a few times when a sudden illness Jim chimed in and entered grad school at Storm Front. In the past few years the came up. We sang for virtually every that same university. So now three of the Chordial Celebration has had the great chapter in the Rocky Mountain District, Chordial Celebration had sons hanging pleasure to sing several shows with our some of them several times. I recall a around together in northwest Missouri. sons, the last one being in October of young mom in Longmont asking us to To help fill in the space, Syd organized a 2010. sing the frog song again at the afterglow college quartet called Millenium, and in In those 30 years my quartet has had for her four-year-old daughter. We always Jim‟s last year of eligibility (due to age) more fun than I can possibly describe. did that song directly to a young child, Millenium finished 3rd in the International We‟ve spent almost as much time laugh- and Gary would interact with him or her College Quartet contest. A year later, with ing as we have singing—especially when very successfully……usually. In this in- a different tenor, Millenium was to be- surprises happened on stage; surprises stance, it turned out that the young mom come the College Champs. A few years like Rod falling off the stage apron in had been “our frog girl” on stage in Long- earlier, Darin had been in the first ever Billings, Montana, and tearing the crotch mont some 25 years earlier. college quartet contest, and his quartet out of his pants as he vaulted back into finished second by a hair. So three of In addition to Rocky Mountain, we his position; or like the struggle for my these Chordial Celebration children now sang chapter shows in Central States and three compatriots to maintain their com- had international college medals—gold, Evergreen districts, always such a pleas- posure when my big ugly wig got jolted silver, and bronze. ure to be with some of the world‟s nicest out of position during a song; or like our people, barbershoppers. Three of us, Ah but the plot thickens: Darin, Jenny total collapse in my living room when we Steve, Gary, and I, had the indescribable and their new son, Colin, moved to Den- were trying to work out a gag in which pleasure of seeing each of our three sons ver where Darin had accepted a vocal Steve and Gary would hoist me in the air become interested, and eventually music position. Jim and his new wife, by a belt loop on each side of my waist— hooked, by our hobby. First my son, Jim, Rhonda, decided they‟d follow suit, and alas, I was top-heavy, and immediately joined Gary‟s son, Darin, in a quartet in they moved to Denver. Darin became the went forward onto my nose. Central States, called Freefall. Jim was a director of the newly merged barbershop All good things must end, and such college student in Lincoln, Nebraska, and chorus, Sound of the Rockies, a blend was the case in February, 2011. Gary Darin was teaching high school music in of the previous Mile High Chorus and was taken from us just three months after St. Joseph, Missouri; with an old friend the Denver Tech Chorus, and Jim be- his rapidly spreading cancer was discov- from Nebraska, Scott Spilker, and a new came his assistant. And they started a ered. We weren‟t ready to let him go, but friend from Missouri, Bemo Myers, Free- gentle(?) recruitment program on their sometimes life is like that. Our time to- fall began to win CSD contests, and lifelong friend, Syd Libsack, to consider gether has been so rich, so good, I can‟t broke into the top 20 in the International Denver as a target point when he begins imagine anything being more satisfying— contest. Rod‟s son, Mark, had other inter- to look for work. well, maybe winning the gold ourselves; ests, and never got into the barbershop Recall that all three of these lads had or maybe winning a District Champion- habit. the good fortune/misfortune/curse to be ship (we did do that in the Seniors Divi-

exposed to the Chordial Celebration sion in 2008); or……… no, I don‟t think I

through their entire lives. When CC be- can imagine a better deal.

gan singing together, Darin was 8, Jim

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Chordial Celebration Gary Drown, Baritone Steve Libsack, Bass

Rod Businga, Lead Dan Clark, Tenor

Supporting Cast Jamalee Clark Judy Drown Shauna Libsack Penny Businga

Storm Front Darin Drown, Baritone Sydney Libsack, Bass

Jim Clark, Lead Jeff Selano, Tenor

Writer Dan Clark 13th13th AnnualAnnual HighHigh SchoolSchool QuartetQuartet ContestContest

BOYS CHAMPION GIRLS CHAMPION Mantastic 4 Speechless Brendan Schuster, baritone Danika Kientz, baritone Griffen Tracy, bass: Heritage High Tony Klava, lead Jaydn Johnson, lead Nathan Crowder. tenor Grandview High Arvada West Courtney Dover, bass ThunderRidge High Amanda Dover, tenor The 13th Annual High School Mountain Ridge Jr High Quartet Contest was hosted at Kent Judging was Ruby Blue Denver High School, a glorious thea- tainAires) and is a freshman at Heritage Sweet Adelines, Skyline chapter ter on a beautiful campus among the High. The lead, Jaydn Johnson, is the Heather Taval, lead, Jocelyn Nguyen, bass daughter of Darin Drown's sister (proud multi million-dollar mansions located Kaly Warner, tenor, Rebeca Richards, bari east of University Blvd. south of papa Mitch Johnson is a member of Den- THANKS LADIES! ver Mile High), and she is a freshman at Hampden. This was the first year that Grandview High (where Darin teaches a quartet champion has repeated (the vocal music). Mantastic 4, Arvada West). There Trappers: was one new member in the quartet They did a terrific job and will likely replacing one boy who graduated; 3 (mixed quartet from Grandview) appear on our show. As young as they of them will graduate this year. NO PHOTO are and as good as they are, they stand a Madi Thaler Kirsten Schwulst good chance of equalling or breaking the Sadly they were unopposed in the David Selby Jeff Parizotto record set by the Mantastic 4 of back-to- boys quartet division this year. Last back championships. Look for them to year they had to earn the champion- SECOND make some waves in the Rising Star ship against some tough competition, Out Of The Box competition hosted by Sweet Adelines. and this year, being even more pol- Lauren Morris Jen Scheideler ished, they were "loaded for bear." Tony Pranaitis Elyssa Margolin Han Elkaissi [email protected] They are still working out schedules St. Mary‟s Academy to see if they can sing on our April 2 Bob Fox worked backstage and an- show. nounced the winners. Denver Mountai- THIRD The winners of the girls division, Eska-Moes nAires present were Al Klinger (AV), called Speechless, had four girls Jerry Hooper, Paul Dover and Tony Aubrey Simcox Kristalina O'Bannon Pranaitis. Good representation from the from four different schools. Two of Sarah-Rose DiGiovanni Emma Gennel them were from one family, that of Denver Mile High chapter. Jerry Hooper Dakota Ridge got there just a few minutes before the Paul and Deana Dover (daughters contest started, and I had already as- Courtney and Amanda). Courtney FOURTH signed jobs, so he did the draw (contest (bass) is a sophomore at Thunder- FOURTH Rever en chanson order) and was a spectator otherwise. He Ridge High and Amanda (tenor) is in did the random draw. Speechless fin- Sarah Kirksen Sabrina Hallberg 8th grade at Mountain Ridge Middle ished up the girls contest, and the contest Kyra Henerson Abby Mutamba ended with Mantastic 4 since they were School. The baritone, Danika Kientz, Dakota Ridge is the granddaughter of Ron Kientz unopposed. (former director of the Denver Moun-

Mountain Talk Page 12 March 2011 RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 15 MARCH/APRIL 2011

Imm. Past President We are here for you!

Woody Woods As alcoholics need to be in an alcoholic- [email protected] anonymous support group, gamblers need to be in a gamblers-anonymous group, and food-aholics need to be in an overeater‟s anonymous group, so, barber- Spring is Where It’s At! shop-aholics need to be at Chorus practice every Monday night, where they can be appreciated and accepted for whom Are you going to be at the RMD Spring Convention? You know that this is one time they are. It is unconditional acceptance when you‘ll be able to hear the two gold medal quartets from our district on the same and good music that are great healing show! I would love to see a quartet from each chapter in the competition – shall we try? agents to deliver one from his pressing Duane Bosveld has put together an outstanding convention and it would do each of us a problems. When people feel genuinely world of good to come to it. What are the reasons to come? appreciated and accepted and in harmony with others, other self-destructive, ad- You can compete as a quartet and be coached by the Society‘s best – the judging dictive behaviors are greatly lessened. At panel. the Indianhead Chorus we understand

If you don’t want your score shown to everybody, compete for evaluation only! your addiction and we are here to help you! Where else can you get an hour of coaching FREE? A support group also helps the addict to You can compete as a small chorus keep accountable for his behavior; for it is

If you don’t want your score shown to everybody, compete for evaluation only! only as he deals with his addiction cor- rectly that he can be helped. For the bar- Where else can you get an hour of coaching FREE? bershop-aholic, it means you need to do Don’t have 12 barbershoppers in your chorus? Compete for evaluation only! The lots of four-part singing. Not so for alco- chorus will be disqualified due to number of men on stage, but you‘ll still get the hol, gambling and food addictions. Sing- ing may help these addictions, but we same coaching. don‟t have time for more that that on Mon- You will get a chance to sing tags or polecats or ??? with other members of the dis- days. As most support groups have effec- trict. There‘s a lot of fun to be had when it comes to the tag on most of these songs tive twelve-step programs, so we have because most of us know at least two versions. You can take back a new version to skilled musicians (therapists) who will your chorus to add to the repertoire. help you through each step in your musical progress. Did I mention the Saturday night show? Storm Front and Classic Collection are From “Smoke Signals” Ken Mettler, editor headlining the show with an appearance by Sound of the Rockies chorus! A large Polk-Burnett County Chapter, St Croix chorus in spring? Only for the show, but that‘s going to be another real treat. Falls, Wisconsin I can‘t think of a good reason not to come to the Spring Convention. If you think of one, please e-mail me at and I‘ll see what can be done to mitigate that.

RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 16 MARCH/APRIL 2011

Insurance Coverage Through the Barbershop Society

District Secretary as an additionally insured under the liabil- The form offers a selection of cover- ity policy, and that they be provided a ages, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000; Dick Stark certificate issued by the insurance com- annual premiums for these coverages

pany to document that coverage. That range from $151 to $245. There is a $500 I‟ve been updating the coverage is included in the Society‟s lia- deductible per claim. The form must be information on insurance bility insurance. Audience members are completed and signed by the Chapter availability every spring, also covered. Secretary. Once your chapter chooses a level of coverage, it will be renewed auto- both because it changes I‟ve attached two forms: first is the matically for subsequent years, unless somewhat from year to year, and be- Certificate of Liability Request form you send in an order to change or cancel cause there‟s a new set of chapter offic- that the chapter fills out and sends to the the coverage. Send the completed form ers each spring who might benefit from insurer. The second is the Certificate of to: seeing it. There are three basic types of Liability Insurance that the insurer will coverage available through the Barber- issue for the event. Both can be found on Barbershop Harmony Society shop Harmony Society (BHS). the BHS website (www.barbershop.org): Attn: Heather Verble

General Liability Insurance select Documents; under Business and 110 Seventh Ave N. Finance, select Medical & Insurance Doc- Nashville TN 37229 The Society provides its chapters with uments; then select and print these indi- Heather can be reached via phone or general liability insurance, which provides vidual documents. coverage for bodily injury and property email as described above. The certificate shows in excruciating damage. The Society liability insurance is With the amount of property that some detail the types and amounts of coverage required and automatic on an annual ba- chapters have accumulated, property that will be applied. I recommend adding sis, and protects the chapter or district for insurance is something that should be a day to each end of the event dates to all functions during the calendar year. considered by your board of directors. If allow time for loading equipment (risers, The Society prepays the annual premium nothing else, it may help you sleep better, audio speakers, etc.) in and out of the for all chapters and districts, and in turn knowing that you have protection against venue; for example, if your show is on bills each chapter and district on a De- theft, loss, or damage to your chapter‟s Saturday, include Friday and Sunday on cember invoice that reaches the respec- property. tive treasurers in early January. The cost the application for insurance. Accidental Medical Expenses Plus is determined and announced annually. The chapter secretary should com- AD&D Coverage: Chapter Coverage The primary purpose of this insurance plete the request form at least a couple The required liability insurance de- is to protect the Society, districts, and weeks prior to the show date. Information scribed in Part A, above, does not cover chapters from third-party claims arising typed into this form cannot be saved. If society members; the members‟ personal from negligence; it does not provide per- you complete the form electronically, a health insurance would normally apply. sonal coverage for any individual chapter copy will have to be printed and either However, the Society offers a voluntary member or officer arising from his own mailed or faxed; alternatively, you may insurance program to cover its members negligence, nor does it cover chapter- send the information requested on the against accidental medical expenses, owned property (see below for optional form in an email. Send it to the insurer: including accidental death and dismem- property coverage). The limit of liability is The Chrichton Group berment (AD&D). $10 million for each occurrence and in the Attn: Amy Comer aggregate. 3011 Armory Drive, Suite 250 Information about this coverage can be found on the BHS website, under Doc- It cannot be overemphasized that Nashville TN 37204 uments/Business and Finance/Medical chapters and districts are not fully cov- Amy can be reached via email at and Insurance Documents/ Accidental ered unless they are registered with [email protected] or by phone at (615) Medical Expense Coverage. This cover- the Secretary of State as non-profit 383 9761. age is optional, but to initiate it for your entities. Coverage of Chapter Property: Ongo- chapter, all members must be included in The society liability insurance covers ing Coverage Against Loss or Theft the coverage, at an annual cost of $2.06 functions such as shows and conven- per member plus a $5 administrative tions, including afterglows. It includes The Society also offers insurance charge per chapter. The coverage pro- product liability for food and beverage. If coverage for chapter-owned property, vides accidental medical expense cover- your chapter is serving liquor, contact the such as risers, uniforms, audio-visual age for injuries incurred during society or Society office (attn: Director of Finance equipment, and non-motorized vehicles chapter activities, and accidental death Heather Verble; (615) 823-3993; hver- such as trailers. A form is available on the and dismemberment coverage. [email protected]) regarding legal BHS website (www.barbershop.org); click For more information, including the liability requirements. on Documents; under Business and Fi- nance, click on Medical & Insurance Doc- form necessary for enrollment, refer to Most owners of premises used for uments, then Chapter-Owned Property the Barbershop Harmony Society website chapter meetings or performances re- Insurance Summary. The last page of the or contact Heather Verble (both as de- quire that they be held harmless in case document is a form you can fill out and scribed above). of any claims arising from use of the facil- return to the Society Headquarters to ity, regardless of negligence. Additionally, initiate the coverage. venues often require that they be named RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 17 MARCH/APRIL 2011

IMPORTANT

If the certificate holder is an ADDITIONAL INSURED, the policy(ies) must be endorsed. A statement on this certificate does not confer rights to the certificate holder in lieu of such endorse- As always, if you have ques- ments(s). tions or comments on insurance coverage, shoot me an email at If SUBROGATION IS WAIVED, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy, certain policies [email protected]. I may well need may require an endorsement. A statement on this certificate does not confer rights to the certifi- to contact the BHS office to get an cate holder in lieu of such endorsement(s). answer, but we‟ll find one. DISCLAIMER

The Certificate of Insurance on the reverse side of this form do0es not constitute a contract between the issuing insurer(s), authorized representative or producer, and the certificate holder, nor does it affirmatively or negatively amend, extend or alter the coverage afforded by the policies listed thereon. Tip on Society-Wide Recruiting

Pay It Forward!

Consider this idea from Mike Lietke Greendale Chapter (LOL)

You probably come into contact all the time with potential barber-shoppers who don't live in your area through work, mutual friends or other groups. Have you ever thought about asking them if they'd like to try singing with their local chapter? Get their permission and make a referral! The receiving chapter would love to talk to them - and it might even spur one of their members to reciprocate with a referral to you! If we give each other the sense that we are all in this together, it could become a regular practice, and result in long -term benefits to the whole Society.

And, you'll get "Man of Note" pins for any joining member you refer, just like you would at home! You can research chapters by city and state on our website. From the Society home page, click on "Find a Chorus or Chapter" on the white bar at the top, then "Click here to search for choruses in your area by proximity."

ATTN: Chapter Secretaries! ASCAP Changes for 2011

Several ASCAP instructions, guidelines and forms have been changed for 2011. They can be found on the Society's website in the Document Center under Business & Finance, Chapter Secretary Documents. Please contact Library and Licensing Coordinator Erin Elkins [email protected] if you have additional questions. RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 18 MARCH/APRIL 2011 RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 19 MARCH/APRIL 2011

Kansas City International

Check out the Sprint Center Arena 2011 Silverton 2011 Silverton Jason Ward State-of-the-art venue rated 5th most Barbershop Music Festival Festival attended arena in the US! thth Coordinator 25 Anniversary Event 970-240-1827 Make your reservations now to get the Montrose, CO best selection of hotels within walking July 15 & 16, 2011 distance of the venue!

Father/Son/Grandson chorus back by That‟s right! 2011 marks the ship praise team. The other news popular demand! 25th anniversary of the Silverton this year is that the Silverton High Sing with the Champs! AIC Show! Barbershop Festival. The event will School is still undergoing construc- Hot competition in every category! take place Friday July 15th and Sat- tion and will not be available. We Stage area below at the all new $5 urday July 16th, 2010 in beautiful will again use the lodge and festival billion Power and Light District next Silverton, Colorado. In honor of his tent at the Kendall Mountain Com- to the arena will provide opportunity long association with the festival, munity Center. While it seemed iffy for public appearances by many of including participation in the July there for a while (let‟s see, hot, dry, our top quartets, plus over 50 unique 1987 inaugural event and guest windy, rainy, cold, uncomfortable, restaurants - no cabs or long walks! director and attendee several times beautiful and pleasant…typical Sil- in the last 25-years, our guest direc- verton in July), last year‟s event Scholarships Available for tor for the 25th annual festival will was really enjoyable in the fresh air Harmony University be John Coffin. and beauty of Silverton. If you missed last year, you are in for a We're really pleased to have Through the generous donations of the real treat this summer. Harmony Foundation, the Society will John again this year, especially again be offering full-tuition scholar- since his 40 years of More information can be found ships to Harmony University in St. Jo- barbershopping and at http://silvertonspecialevents.com/ seph, Missouri from July 31 - August 7, 20 years of judging and additional details will be sent 2011. If you know of a music educator earned him another out as they become available and who is ready and willing to take the opportunity to judge the festival approaches. Also, we plunge, nominate them by contacting the International will send out the song list very soon Barbershop Quartet for choruses to begin practicing. your District Youth in Harmony Vice President/Director. In addition to tuition, & Chorus Contest The email distribution list contin- the scholarships cover room and board. this coming July in ues to shrink due to changed email Scholarships are available in the follow- Kansas City, Missouri. John has addresses. Please let me know of ing categories: sung in many choruses and quar- any names and addresses to add to tets, directed several choruses in Earl Moon - for those who have never the email list. Thanks! Mark your the Rocky Mountain District, and experienced Harmony University calendars NOW for this special has judged many contests all over Larry Ajer - for top 10 district quartet event and we look forward to see- the US, Canada and New Zealand. applicants ing all of you back again for another He has coached and taught classes Lou Perry - for arrangers great time ringing chords in Silver- at the Rocky Mountain District Har- Bring Your Baritone Free - the first 20 ton! This will not be one to miss! mony College in Estes Park, di- quartets bring their bari FREE rected both the Chautauqua & Sil- Directors College - for front line, assis- verton Barbershop Festivals, and tant directors, section leaders and others currently serves on the Rocky who stand in front of a chorus, affiliates Mountain District Operations Team and up and coming directors. as the VP Contest & Judging.

He currently sings bass in the Sound of the Rockies, sings baritone in the Gold Rush and Satis- faction quartets, sings bass in the Easy Lisnin mixed barbershop quartet, and directs a small group of ladies called Ringtones who's fo- cus is performing in public, primarily at senior retirement & nursing homes. In addition, he also sings bass in his church choir and wor- RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 20 MARCH/APRIL 2011

Sounds from the Grand Chorale Granby, Colorado

To The Rescue By Joan Shaw

Everyone reading this article is already aware of the power of music but I recently experienced that plus even more in a ―foreign‖ hospital. There I was in the cardiac unit in Savannah where I knew no one. This was my first trip to the southland and all I ever saw was the interior of this building. My diagnosis took several days with no music. Even the machines that were testing everything were non-musical. I was too weak to sing and yet starved for music. My husband Roger Shaw made one phone call to Bob Kearns who cheerfully answered with ―We will be right over.‖ Scott Beard, T, Brian Wrightsman, L, Tom Anderson, Bs, Andrew Miller, br Roger belongs to the Grand Chorale, Rocky Mountain Dis- trict, BHS. He knew song would be the answer for my healing. Soon the room was filled with two barbershop quartets and their Until further notice conductor of the 13th Colony Sound, Jeremy Conover. The Terre Haute, Indiana, Cardinal District Indiana quartet “until further notice” were the guest singers for the annual concert that evening and perfectly serenaded me My wife, Joan, is a great fan of barbershopping. She recent- along with the smooth sounds of the local quartet. My spirits ly was hospitalized in Savannah, Georgia. Being an enthu- soared so I sang along with them. The door was open allowing siastic author, she was motivated to write up part of the the music to enter the hallway and reach others. The man in the experience; please consider it for publication in the next next room came out of his coma and clearly told the nurse ―I Vocal Expressions. She is a Music Therapist by profession hear music and it is beautiful.‖ and has written a couple of books in wide use in her field.

When these harmonious men left the room, the music contin- Thanks, Roger Shaw for Joan Shaw, author ued to resound well into the night. Whenever I woke up, I was still smiling over the friendship and musicality of these fine gentlemen. The music was healing but so was their sincerity as each man held my hand and expressed his deep concern along with well wishes. Now that‘s what Barbershop singing is all about!

The other quartet was The Natty NaBobs but with Jeremy Conover (the chorus director) as substitute bass. The rest of the members were Bob Proctor, tenor, Robert Hodges, lead and Robert Kearns, bari, hence the name with Bobs in it. I have the program from the show with a picture of the group with their regular bass, Nathan Daniel

No. Chapter Yrs. Website Ann. date

S002 Colorado Springs/Pikes Peak 65 www.ATBchorus.com 07/01/1946 S003 Denver Mile High 65 www.soundoftherockies.com 05/15/1946 S030 Sterling 40 12/29/1971 S033 Billings 55 www.bigskychorus.org 02/03/1956 S037 Montrose 35 www.blackcanyonchorus.org 03/01/1976 S082 Garfield County 15 12/10/1996 S089 Grand County 10 www.grandchorale.com 04/25/2001 RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 21 MARCH/APRIL 2011

RMD CHAPTER BARBERSHOPPERS OF THE YEAR

Carl Pennington Bill Sutton Frank Greenwood Olyn Carlson Tim Sanders Don Rommel Albuquerque Montrose Denver Mile High Grand Junction Billings Pocatello

Don Reimer Bill Chambers Wayne Anderson Dave Waddell Jim Campbell Jerry Hooper Boulder Bernallilo County Mt. Rushmore Longmont Pikes Peak D. MountainAires

WHO HAS YOUR CHAPTER HONORED AS BOTY?

Tom Roberts Bart Buell Ben Ramos Ed Belliston Ron Long Wasatch Front Utah Valley Pueblo Salt Lake City Boulder

Albuquerque Colby Longmont Rexburg CS Metro Salt Lake City Carl Pennington David Waddell CS Pikes Peak Bernalillo County Los Alamos Ed Belliston Bill Chambers Jim Campbell Loveland San Juan County Billings Denver Mile High Montrose Santa Fe Tim Sanders Frank Greenwood Bill Sutton Scottsbluff NONE Boulder D. MountainAires Mt. Rushmore Spearfish Ron Long Jerry Hooper Wayne Anderson RMD Burley Durango Sterling Ogallala Utah Valley Barbershopper Cache County NONE Pocatello of the Year Garfield County Barton Buell of the Year Casper Don Rommel Grand County Wasatch Front Cheyenne Pueblo Mike Deputy Grand Junction Tom Roberts NONE Ben Ramos Wasatch Front Olyn Carlson RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 22 MARCH/APRIL 2011

Montrose, Colorado: Yes, the annual installation banquet is once again history. It has become a tradition to meet, get a drink at the bar, visit and eye the potluck line in anticipation, visit some more and maybe sneak into the line acting like we are curious and cop a piece of fudge when we think no one is looking. Then the new President calls for some singing, like The Old Songs followed by a blessing and a mad rush to be first in the chow line.

Thanks to Dr. Sam‟s busy ER schedule in Rifle, incoming President Larry Wilkinson asked Fourmata to do a Olyn Carlson, lead in Close Harmony (and a regis- couple of songs so Sam could eat and drive the 100 miles tered nurse in case you over-ate) did the honors as at or so to his 9:00 pm shift at the Rifle hospital. I talked to least half of the audience gathered in front of the other Sam on his cell phone about 8:45 and he was passing half for the vaunted installation and vows of competence through Parachute. Hope nobody was waiting for him in and dedication. Olyn does such a fine job we hope he the ER since he was running a tad late. accepts a standing invitation to bring his three compadres and do this every year. We really appreciate their making New President Larry Wilkinson introduced Dennis the trip from Grand Junction to Montrose and always en- Olmstead, who presented the 2010 BOTY to editor Bill joy their songs. Sutton: “And no one could have been more surprised than the recipient. He was, thankfully, speechless.” Then guest New President Larry Wilkinson hosted the board quartet Close Harmony sang us several very good songs meeting in grand style. Dennis Olmstead will be the in preparation of the official ceremony and prestigious in- “poster guy” for Singing Valentines. Rex Pierson will print stallation. both the Singing Valentine and the show posters at the bank (also the show programs). Vern Dockter was ap- pointed Chairman of that very important committee dedi- Our incoming officers ready for another cated to keep us above the surface of financial water. In a big and busy year weak moment, Dr. Bob volunteered to be the chairman

25th Anniversary

Silverton Harmony Festival

will happen

July 16th with Here are the guys and two gals that swore to do their John Coffin part to keep us all singing and playing and doing all the things we should do when we have such a Festival wonderful hobby Director July 16-19, 2011 RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 23 MARCH/APRIL 2011

BLUE DENIM

Pre-Valentine singouts Blue Denim had a sick bass so tenor Vern Dockter co -opted two chapter basses to sing with the fragmented Feb. 11th fun and worthwhile quartet. Each sang one song at each place. After the singing, many of the songsters went to the Red Barn for food Spring Creek Chalet is not easy to find. One of our stel- and suds. Editor Bill Sutton took a tour of the restaurant lar tenors (one of three) proved it; after dozens of cell side with the owner to check it out as a possibility for the phone calls and text messages dragging well into the cho- After Glow. rus performance presented to a most attentive audience, a rather disheveled tenor snuck through the kitchen (how he Fourmata, one of three quartets singing, did over 20 most- did that we‟ll never know) right smack dab into the singing ly paid gigs to mostly gorgeous women (and a guy or two). chorus. Every barbershopper should have this experience This was our largest and most successful Valentine singing ever. Complete amazement caused the chorus to stop singing and break into spontaneous applause about the en- Thanks to the hard work from Vern Dockter, Larry Wil- trance. The audience, being so sensitive, joined right in, ikson, Dennis Olmstead, the roses from Carol, and from the not having a clue why they were clapping. Tenors are im- long days of singing from all three quartets, we enjoyed the portant, so it seems. most reservations, and the most revenue income in history. Then we ventured forth to the Montrose United Meth- Big thanks to all of them. odist Church where the gathered Valentine dinner bunch was still eating. For some reason, our Director Tom Chamberlain decided we should use the time waiting for a warm-up, right after we sang for 30 minutes. Much later we were waved on to sing to the gently burping sweet- hearts holding hands. We sang well and they liked us.

Father/Son/Grandson Chorus Slated for Kansas City

Share the big stage with your family! The Father/Son/Grandson chorus will perform on the main stage in the Sprint Center Arena on Saturday before the Quartet Finals.

Jack and Mike Slamka, bass and lead of Power Play, one of the most beloved quartet champions in our history, will co-direct Love at Home and I Love to Hear That Old Barbershop Style. There will be two rehearsals...the first on Friday, July 8th, 2:30 - 3:30 pm, and the second on Saturday, July 9th, 9:30 - 10:30 am. Both rehearsals will be at the Convention Center.

A $20 fee for each singer will cover shipping of sheet music, part-predominant learning media, and a performance shirt to be distributed in Kansas City. The deadline for sign-up is May 15th. Space will be limited to the first 200 people (due to riser/stage limitations), so don't delay! To register or get more information, please email Mike O'Neill [email protected]. RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 24 MARCH/APRIL 2011

I see Rob Doolittle in the red Growls and vowels?

Sent our way by Rob Doolittle via Facebook, here‟s five shots of the guys in Rexburg „tuning it up and singing „em sharp” on a regular practice night in March

Colby Chatter He suggested we might run a music theo- Steven Ottem ry class at 7 pm on Thursdays, preceding [email protected] chapter meetings for those interested in knowing more, and for review for those Learning CD‘s are now available; who might have forgotten a little. See thanks to Phil Shuman for editing and Sam if you think you would like to attend copying them. If you didn‘t get one last such a session. week, be sure to get yours this week. Bob Renner and Bruce Bandy were at the Peggy and Steve both attended the Midwinter Convention in Las Vegas last director sessions. Both refuse to reveal week. Director Peggy Cabrinha, Sam the most important thing they learned to see everybody else, too. Twenty-five Chestnut and Steve Ottum attended about directors and directing, but they guys make a big sound. Our board decid- Harmony College at Estes Park. Uniform promise to share (and ask for your help in ed the chorus should meet twice on the man Bob Hanzlick is busy delivering developing) some basic directing tech- third week of January, February, and tuxedos, and Larry Brenn got the bills! niques they were exposed to. Anyone March. We will meet with the Prairie have a video camera with a tripod? Rose Harmony ladies on the third Tues- Not singing in sections on the risers really improves our sound. The Saturday evening show was the day as well as our regular meeting on

highlight, of course. There were many Thursdays. Estes Park quartets who promise to make future The board regretfully accepted Tom The first of three general sessions RMD competitions exciting. The show McNutt’s resignation as coffee man. happened Friday night. General sessions ended with McPhly who brought Peggy Floyd Trail will stand in until someone were devoted to learning That’s Life (as to tears with the Jim Clancy arrange- else takes over. Bob Hanzlick reports in Frank Sinatra) and Coney Island Baby/ ment of Home on the Range, and Vocal that he is nearing a deal on tuxes for We All Fall Down, which the Everyman Spectrum who had been pent up in Chi- those who ordered. The board encourages Chorus performed first thing on Satur- cago during the weather and couldn‘t you to form a quartet and do a few sing- day night‘s show. make their scheduled coaching sessions ing Valentines. For more info on how to On Saturday, Sam attended the music Saturday. But they let it all hang out Sat- handle arrangements, contact Rod Ei- theory sessions. He learned a lot about urday night. It‘s great to have our college senbise. clefs, key signatures, flats and sharps, boys and Tony Schroer back after etc., but he feels he still has a ways to go. Christmas break. Of course it was good RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 25 MARCH/APRIL 2011

Rapid City, South Dakota The Voice of Rushmore Mt. Rushmore Chapter John Elving, editor, [email protected]

Jim Olson, President: Two new members to our fold. Thanks to retiring president Wayne Anderson for all his leadership and persistence. He has encouraged, cheered, and cajoled when necessary. A retreat meeting for the Board will be held February 12 in order to do some self evaluation, goal setting and planning for the year and beyond. Treasurer Ron Evenson and Jim Gogolin are completing the turnover of the books. Pete Stach will audit the 2010 books.

Marketing and Public Relations VP Del Beck was pleased with the Christmas Community Chorus endeavor, and wants to expand What an honor it was to be asked to sing for Christmas At it next year. He has been working closely with Singing Valentines the Capitol. Although the normally very live rotunda was Chair Jim Gogolin for ideas for getting the word out. Jim an- somewhat subdued due to the 100-some Christmas trees eve- nounced the headquarters will again be at the Pennington County rywhere you looked, we gave a stellar performance to the en- Search and Rescue building. The Anchorage B&B will again take joyment of the people viewing the trees. There were even the reservations through the 13th. The package will consist of a Christmas decorations in the press room where we dressed and rose, small box of chocolates, a special card and a song for $50. warmed up. True, they were still in boxes, but they were there nonetheless. Hours for the day will be 9 am to 9 pm, if orders warrant. Chapter annual show will be held May 7th at the Elks Theater in Rapid Many people talked with us after the performance saying City. how much they enjoyed what we did. I personally talked with one man who is a member of the Pierre Capitolaires barbershop chorus, who had performed there last week. He said that many of the songs we sang were the same ones they sang. The Society-Wide Recruiting big difference in his mind was that we did them so much bet- Pay It Forward! ter. He especially liked that great barbershop classic Betele-

Consider this idea from Mike Lietke, Greendale Chapter (LOL). hemu. In his eyes (and to his ears), that was the highlight of our performance. We do that song very well and it really You probably come into contact all the time with potential bar- shows off our versatility and musicianship. We still have some ber-shoppers who don't live in your area through work, mutual work to do with the movement, however. friends or other groups. Have you ever thought about asking them if they'd like to try singing with their local chapter? Get their permis- All in all it was a great day to be a proud member of the sion and make a referral! The receiving chapter would love to talk Shrine of Democracy Chorus and represent the BHS in a most to them - and it might even spur one of their members to recipro- positive light to the hundreds of people attending the perfor- cate with a referral to you! If we give each other the sense that we mance and viewing the magnificent Christmas trees. What say are all in this together, it could become a regular practice, and re- we do it again sometime! sult in long-term benefits to the whole Society.

RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 26 MARCH/APRIL 2011

Jim Gogolin, Singing Valentine Chairman: thanks to Goodbye Old Friend Ron, Keith, Denny, Steve, John, and all others that helped Al Pitts, Baritone, The Senior Discounts out at HQ. Thanks to Pete Stach and the quartet reps who did the scheduling on Sunday night before Valentine's The Mt. Rushmore Chapter mourns the loss of a valua- Day. Thanks to all of the members who helped by distrib- ble former member, Russ Halvorson. Russ joined the uting posters around town. Your efforts generated several chapter in 1972 and sang on the chapter show for his first orders. One customer mentioned seeing the notice on a time in 1973. He later got together with three other chapter soda machine in the mall! members and formed a quartet called THE CHOIR BOYS.

We had four quartets out beginning at noon Saturday That quartet entertained audiences in and around Rapid and ending Sunday, Feb. 20. The noon Saturday valentine City for many years as well as our annual show every was really fun, singing for a former Sweet Adeline birthday year. The quartet had several changes of personnel over the years, but Russ was always the lead singer. celebration. Quartets Black Hills Blend, High Mileage, Convergence, and the newest quartet Nuts and Bolts, That foursome disbanded sometime in the late 90s, so presented 65 paid valentines, earning a cool $3113.00! Russ, Jim Gogolin, Frank Whitney, and I formed a quar- Thanks to all you guys. A huge thank you to Jason Dan- tet called THE SENIOR DISCOUNTS. We sang on the nenbring for providing us with a wonderful facility for HQ! chapter show in 2000 and one of our songs was "I'LL He went to great effort to ensure that we would be com- GIVE YOU A DAISY A DAY DEAR." I'll always remember fortable and well provided there. how Russ really got into that song. He loved it, though to

David L'Esperance, Secretary: Treasurer Ron Even- be honest, I think his favorite song was "YUST A LITTLE LEFSE." son noted the chapter remains in good financial condition. The chapter received $200 from the funeral service for Russ had a beautiful voice and a really good ear, so Russell Halvorson, which the Board voted to donate in staying on pitch was never a problem. He was an excep- Russ‟ name to Harmony Foundation. tionally good member and over the years he held every

Marketing and PR VP Del Beck reports the advertising office on the board of directors, including Secretary, Treas- and posters are in circulation for Singing Valentines. Show urer, President, Chairman of ticket sales for many years and was always available to handle any job. Chairman David L‟Esperance noted the change in date for the show to May 7 from April 16, necessitated by the Russ will also be remembered in this community as an Elks Theater being unavailable. IPP Wayne Anderson will honest, very respected banker and choir member of the contact The Potter Family regarding their possible partici- First Congregational Church for over 50 years. He always pation. Rocky Mountain Harmony College at Estes Park: had a big smile and warm greeting wherever you met him twelve members attended last weekend‟s sessions, and which made me believe that he enjoyed every day of his everyone thoroughly enjoyed the classes and camarade- life and made everyone he met feel the same way. rie. Board Planning Retreat was held at the Anchorage This chapter and the entire community will surely miss B&B from 9-4 pm Saturday Feb. 12—called by President such a valuable person as Russ and this old world would Jim Olson. The Anchorage provided meals and refresh- be a better place if we only had many more people of such ments. Many thanks to Lin and Jim Gogolin for hosting. character. Al Pitts

The Number One Key to growth is…RETENTION of guests and current members. Personal contact is one of the better ways to accomplish this. In today‟s world we depend on communication via e-mail and tel- ephone. But, if we are to attract, recruit and retain new and current members, nothing works as well as good old fashioned personal contact. Perhaps even a handwritten letter. Let‟s continue to seek out and bring those guest singers. Let‟s continue to sell ourselves to those guest singers. Let‟s continue our sense of “brotherhood.” Then let‟s continue to remind ourselves that what we say to them, how we act around them, what we do for them will determine in large part our retention factor. Positive comments, actions and behavior are a sure way to capture and retain guests and members.

Take a look at the three words at the bottom of the logo: imagine, inspire, influence. Memorize them. Think about them. Then, help me. I have no magical answer. I‟m just an old guy that agreed to try along side of you. With your help we‟ll develop a Membership Plan for today and the future, and with your help we‟ll implement it. I‟m happy to say that the entire Chapter Board has already committed to this. Now who sounds like a politician? You do! Courtesy of the Harmonizer RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 27 MARCH/APRIL 2011

was an avid Sweet Adeline from 1956 through the

his mom now has dementia, but he brought her to the

tin. With Bill Biffle in the lobby after the show, the rest was obvious.

Albuquerque, New Mexico Serenader Meet me at the Fair Two of our quartets wandered main street Arnold Cohen, editor [email protected] at the ABQ Fair in September, 2010, singing as they went.

Director Doug Arrington: outstand- ―After School‖, with an adoring audi- ing outings at local churches; this year‘s ence -typical of their jaunt through the singing was some of the best we've done ABQ Fair. lately and your good participation was a big factor. We also were part of the first And as they wandered up and down New Mexico Men's Chorus Showcase Main Street of the Fair, they attracted which allowed us to sing with a very big the attention of the audiences they came group of men and to sing some different upon. And lo and behold, The Delivery music. After a shaky beginning, this pro- Kats came to the rescue as well! ject was a very positive experience for all. We concluded the summer with a weekend retreat in Socorro with Gary Bolles as our coach. Once again, he proved to be an excellent choice. I thought everyone came away from the weekend as a better singer (director, included). Please reserve the same weekend on your calendar for next year so you don't miss another opportunity to improve your singing.

While we all thought we were singing better this year, our contest scores didn't show it. However, I was very encouraged Welcome new member Brad Clem- by the comments at our evaluation and ent. We had a visit from Dick White look forward to next year when we will and his lovely wife, Pat. one of our Frank most likely sing the same two songs. Thorne members. One of our basses, Hopefully, we will have most of the 15 John Taylor belongs to the New Mexico members who were unable to attend this Steam Locomotive and Railroad Histori- year with us. With everything else being cal Society. This group is restoring the equal, a chorus of 45 will score a lot locomotive that sat in Coronado Park for higher than one of 30. This is another nearly fifty years and is now mostly dis- weekend to put on your calendar. assembled at the organization's World Headquarters at 8th and Haines in Albu- The contest in 2011 will be in Colora- querque. do Springs, a much more convenient location. The chapter had two quartets in PAT & DICK WHITE competition, too. Rio Bravo: George Franklin, Jerry Qunitana, Rol Blau- wkamp, Les Elmer; and After School: Bill Biffle, Hal Ratcliff, Steve Cooper, Stew Bush.

RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 28 MARCH/APRIL 2011

And from director Darin Drown comes this thank you: Tickets Now Available for Highly Anticipated, Thank you to PETER WALDHEIM for taking what had been a slowly diminishing Extra-Spectacular activity, and infusing such life and enthu- "Harmony Foundation siasm into it, keeping the idea fresh in all our minds and really helping boost the Presents" Singing Valentines The Outcome chapter financially and socially! See Ambassadors of Harmony, Peter Waldheim Storm Front and (back by popular Barbershopper of the Month demand) Rockapella at Internation- for January is Dan George al, all on the same stage, Saturday February 14th turned out to be quite July 9 at 1:30 pm in Kansas a day. 102 Singing Valentines deliv- City! Tickets are now available, so ered with $6,185 in revenue! A huge get yours ASAP You won't be able thank you to all those who contribut- to stand it if you miss this! See you ed to the success of this year's program: there!

SOR members who made up the eleven quartets delivering Singing Valentines put in a tremendously successful effort yesterday; quartets who performed were Baseline,

Breaking News, Cross Wise, Fastlane, Homogeneity, Quartus, Razzle-Dazzle, RESOUND, Whatev- er Four, Unnamed Four (George Davidson, Pete Hyland, Bob Hart- 2011 Sterling Spring Show

wig, Mark Jennings) and Paige Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 3:00 pm and Sprignoli, Fred Mason, Bob 7:00 pm, Sound of the Rockies returns Cauley, Richard Elliott; Colin Drown putting Doc, Dad & Jim, to Sterling, Colorado. They will headline Genetic Harmony, in their places James Harper and his new online the local chapter‘s spring show. The program worked like a charm. James show will be held at the Dorothy Cours- spent countless hours working on burg Theater, located at the NE Junior development and responding to an College. Between shows, starting at 5:30 HELP WANTED almost interminable number of requests; pm, there will be a catered BBQ and Society Board Members ―dinnerglow!‖ George Davidson and Doyle Cline The Society is seeking candidates to lending their experience and fill two three-year-term positions on knowledge throughout the process; your Society Board beginning in Jan-

Mike Davidson with a tireless mar- uary 2012. Candidates applying or keting campaign; being nominated by their districts should possess both the ability to Fastlane and George Davidson's view issues on a Society-wide basis pick up quartet for making appear- and an understanding of the board's ances on TV and radio to help publicize SOR Singing Valentines; governance process. Selection is not limited by age, geographic location or Doyle Cline for all his work to pro- the possession of certain skill sets. duce printed materials and contrib- Please forward any resumes to Joe uting the flowers; Berger, Chairman of the 2011 Society Ralph Nafziger for contributing the Nominating Committee by April 1, chocolates; 2011. Thank you!

Greg Thiel, Frank and Gail Green- wood and James Harper for helping out in crunch time; How Did Your Singing Valentines Program Go This Year?

Paul Dover for our Singing Valen- We'd love to hear from your chapter regarding your Singing Valentines program this tines Hot Line phone. year. Please share what worked, and why? What didn't work? Why not? Any lessons learned? Or, maybe you have some particularly touching or otherwise newsworthy sto- And to all of you who helped get the word ries to tell? We'll gather this information and use it next year in LiveWire and The Har- out and helped sell Singing Valentines. It monizer. Pictures (high resolution) would be particularly useful, if you have them! was truly a TEAM effort. Please email to LiveWire [email protected]]. Thanks! RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 29 MARCH/APRIL 2011

New Mexico Youth Harmony Camp Colorado Springs, Colorado PIKESPEAKER Elda Ridenour, Editor 2011 Staff Pocatello, Idaho CHORDIAL CHRONICLE Music Director Farris Collins www.atbchorus.com Harold Catmull, Editor Co-ordinator Matt Vaive [email protected] [email protected] The Pikespeaker is back and is being put out every other week by Elda Ridenour Congratulations to Don Rommel Boys Clinician Farris Collins with help from hubby Neil. Welcome 2010 Barbershopper of the Year Girls Clinician Beth Bruce back, Ridenours. President Tony Christensen: As our Section Leaders February 24th – ATB chorus sings at show gets closer, get excited about the Lead (Girls) Tony Sparks Crowe Plaza Hotel, 6:15 pm show up performance we can give this year under Lead (Boys) Farris Collins new director Adri Peterson's direction. time for the Penrose Blood Bank Ban- Tenor (Boys) Tony Sparks This could be the best show we've done Tenor (girls) Beth Bruce quet, perform at 7:15 pm for a long time and I think we will impress Bari (both) Matt Vaive February 26th – Star-Spangled Banner, a lot of people if we will make a commit- Bass (Both) Ivan Miller ment to rehearse our music and sing eve- AFA Basketball, show up 3:30 pm Choreographer ry day, even if it's just scales! I appreciate March 5th – Star-Spangled Banner, those who give of their time and talent to Klysta Foster RMAC Tourney, Pueblo, be there 2:00 the chorus. Rich Koch has already ac- Quartet Coach (Both) pm quired $500 in show sponsorships. I ask Matt Vaive every member to bring in at least one Harmony Marketplace Welcome to the following guests: Kelly sponsorship. Tony Sparks Holdridge, Brent Price, Mark Bittle, Camptime Liaison Freeman Swanson, Brian Holdridge, Marketing VP Craige Baker:: Help is needed with the advertising. Get the word Noah Langenwalter Darold Jones, Bob Turner, Frank out about the show; any effort will help. I Wright, and Jim Lucey. Congratulations can print out more post cards but you all Organized and operated by to Jim who passed the vocal audition to have to pitch in and get the word out. the Duke City Sound become our newest member! Dennis Buschaw: Our director asked Spring Show is scheduled for June 4, for help at the last rehearsal to review and 2011, afternoon and evening, at Rampart study our music. The new music is out director and sings in Vocal Mischief). His High with Storm Front. We‘ll have a and the CD has been made. We want to article urged everyone to be ready for the tech rehearsal on the Rampart stage on sound good and Ardi is doing all she can. show and to keep selling tickets so that So let‟s get on it. Friday night, June 3rd. Director Jim debut director Adri Peterson’s efforts will Clark has lined up some fun music to be amply rewarded. support our theme of Oceans and Seas. A new website is coming: pocatello- The Pirate Song is a great vehicle to barbershop.info, courtesy of webmaster channel your inner ―Arrrrgh!‖ Jim Ken Tennant, [email protected]. Campbell, Show Chairman. Pocatello also uses Facebook: Idaho Gateway chorus. Also caught a quartet from Pocatello with Brad Gower, tenor, Ken Tennant, lead, Shane Fredrickson, bass, and Don Rommel, baritone singing Let Me Call You Sweetheart, captured Feb. 14th while Vocal Point, an award-winning a ca- they were out and about pella men's group from BYU, will be show spreading the love headliners along with local favorites Vo- around. They sounded cal Mischief. Whatever happened to pretty good, too. SoundScape? Time to don our reporters cap and find out; show is March 12 ISU Frazier Hall. President Tony Christen- son is another of the tireless workers in the chapter (he also serves as assistant RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 30 MARCH/APRIL 2011

Kay Sachs, Longmont 52eighty has changed its configu- ration, and seems to be a high school- We attended Mid-Winter Conven- tion in Las Vegas, and had a great age (Grandview High, Darin Drown, time. The Senior Quartet Contest was director) chorus now. There were a wonderful. Although we‘d hoped to couple of great shows: Friday night hear Four Keeps competing, we‘ll we saw Swedish Match, the 2010 have to wait until another year. There College Quartet Gold Medal winner, were 27 quartets and the competition from Sweden; The Musical Island has become really good. A lot of the- Boys from New Zealand (they were se singers have past medals, and the college champs a few years ago, and AFTER HOURS quality of singing is excellent. now compete internationally); and Albuquerque, New Mexico Ringmasters, also from Sweden, The winning quartet (the one that who were College Champions three Bill picked) was Over Easy from the years ago, and came in third at Inter- Johnny Appleseed District. We really national last year. look forward to the Youth Chorus Competition each time we are at Mid- These young men are all SO winter, and they did not disappoint good! The Society is looking young- us! Someone mentioned that there er! Saturday night‘s show featured were some 600 young men singing. Old School, featuring four gold- Isn‘t that great! There were 19 indi- medal winners from other quartets. vidual choruses, from all over the What a sound! Then came Storm United States, and one from New Front. They brought down the house, Zealand. Northwest Vocal Project as usual, and people laughed ‗til they cried. A wonderful time was had by The 505 was the winner (from western Wash- Albuquerque, New Mexico ington State), and The 505 (from Al- all. We urge you to take in Midwinter Farris Collins, director buquerque) came in third. next year. It‘s in Tucson (a nice place to be in January).

Youth Chorus Results Quartet Finals

1 Over Easy 887 73.9 1 Northwest Vocal Project 2226 82.4 AAA 2 Hit Parade 865 72.1 2 HD Chorus 2217 82.1 AA 3 Legacy 856 71.3 3 The 505 2109 78.1 AAA 4 BLacKJack 846 70.5 4 Tri-Star 1965 72.8 A 5 Great Western Timbre Co. 839 69.9 5 The Really Big Quartet 1961 72.6 AA 6 Foreign Agreement 837 69.8 6 SLAM 1932 71.6 A 7 Youth Reclamation Project 833 69.4 7 Savannah Storm 1924 71.3 A 8 Silver Knights 821 68.4 8 Cleveland Heights Barbershoppers 1863 69.0 A 9 Social Insecurity 820 68.3 9 Arizona Spirit 1850 68.5 AA 10 Take Note 816 68.0 11 Missouri Valley Music Company 815 67.9 10 The Saints 1823 67.5 A 12 Sagacity 812 67.7 11 Mountain West Voices 1809 67.0 AA 13 Test Of Time 810 67.5 12 Northern Rhapsody 1773 65.7 AA 14 X-Men 805 67.1 13 The Silver Statesmen 1700 63.0 AA 15 Benchmark - Aff 801 66.8 14 Thoroughbred Youth Chorus 1566 58.0 A 15 CHECKMATE 801 66.8 15 Riverblend 801 66.8 Youth Chorus Festival Champion 18 Perfect Timing 800 66.7 Northwest Vocal Project 19 SrQ 793 66.1 Plateau A (average age less than 19) 20 Silver Chords 790 65.8 21 Village Green 788 65.7 Tri-Star 22 Three Longs and A Short 773 64.4 Plateau AA (average age 19-21) 23 After School 772 64.3 HD Chorus 24 Easy Does It 764 63.7 Plateau AAA (average age 22-24) 24 Carte Blanche 764 63.7 Northwest Vocal Project 26 DOUBLE PLAY 760 63.3 27 Final Countdown 751 62.6 52eighty sang for evaluation only; their score would have placed them 10th. Over Easy is the International Seniors Champion. RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 31 MARCH/APRIL 2011

What Happened in Vegas Won't Stay in Vegas! We're Proud to Tell Everybody!

Even though the venue was Las Vegas, Over Easy, an Ohio quartet from the Johnny Appleseed District, said they were taking no chances when they decided on their contest repertoire. Serving up a set of good old Irish songs, they captured the gold at the end of the rainbow! Left to right: Alan Reese (T) from Middlesburg Heights, Mark Hannum (Bs) from Groveport, Carl Ondrus (L) from Avon, and Glenn Siebert (Br) from Strongsville (all in the Cleveland/ Columbus area). Over Easy formed in 2007, and placed 6th in 2009 and 12th in 2010.

2nd Place Silver was won by Hit Parade (MAD) with Mark Sanders, Hal Kraft, Brad Brooks and Tom Felgen.

Coming in with 3rd Place Bronze was Legacy, (MAD) with Gary Rogness, Dane Marble, Rick King and Steve Peterson.

The 4th Place Bronze winner was BLacKJack (NSC) with Larry Reinhart, Kirk Binning, Duane Henry and Bryson Ley.

Winning 5th Place Bronze was Great Western Timbre Company (SUN) with Ron Black, Roger Smeds, Dwight Holmquist, and Jack Liddell

There was singing today at the Riviera Hotel and Casi- The Youth Chorus Festival included performances by no on the Las Vegas Strip, the location hosting the 2011 52Eighty from Denver, CO; Arizona Spirit from Phoenix, MidWinter Convention 27 of the top-ranked senior barber- AZ; Capital Force from Alexandria, VA; Cleveland Heights shop quartet groups in the world competed for the gold: Barbershop from Ohio; Cleveland Youth Chorus from Checkmates, X-Men, Take Note, Hit Parade, Legacy, Cleveland, TN; Cross Canada Chorus; HD Chorus; Moun- Carte Blanche, Double Play, Foreign Agreement, Bench- tain West Voices, BYU; Northern Rhapsody; Northwest mark, Test of Time, Riverblend, Great Western Timbre Vocal Project, WA; Pacific Suns; Savannah Storm; SLAM; Co., Village Green, Silver Chords, SRQ, Easy Does It, The 505 Chorus, Albuquerque, NM; The Really Big Quar- Three Longs and a Short, After School, Youth Reclama- tet; The Saints Chorus from New Zealand; The Silver- tion Project, Perfect Timing, Over Easy, Missouri Valley Statesmen representing Las Vegas directed by Jim Hal- Music, Sagacity, Final Countdown, Black Jack, and Silver verson and Jay Doughtery; Thoroughbred Youth Chorus; Knights. and Tri-Star.

The 4th Annual International Youth Barbershop Chorus Festival in Las Vegas was truly an incredible event! Over 600 young men gathered in what can only be described as a complete celebration of youth and the art of barbershop singing. Nineteen choruses participated, and Northwest Vocal Project from the Western Washington chapter won First Place under the direction of Neal Booth.

Thanks To Our Sponsors for Making This Happen:

Thoroughbred Chorus, Mary Jane Bobier, Warren Capenos, Mike & Sheila Deputy, Don Gray, Roy Hayward & Rose, Skipp & Nancy Kropp, John & Sharon Miller, Jim & Doris Sams, Burt Szabo, Doug & Lynn Weaver and Rudy Zarling, as well as three Anonymous Donors. RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 32 MARCH/APRIL 2011

Longmont,Colorado HIGH NOTES Gil Norris, editor, [email protected]

Dave Waddell named BOTY

Longmont barbershoppers and their wives started off 2011 with a bang, with a dozen varieties of chili, tables full of sal- one of the strangest auctions new mem- ads, side dishes and desserts at the in- bers have ever had the privilege of stallation of the new officers, the crowning spending their bonus bux at. Going price of the new BOTY and the Bonus Bux for many of the classier items on the Thanks to Duane Bosveld and Jim Auction, all at St. Stephen‟s meeting hall block was well over one million bux. Cole for stepping up to direct for the first on January 8. two concerts so that Chris could spend No Vacancy (OJ Pratt, Paul West, Dan Chaikin, BOTY for the past year, Luke Lorenz and JR Homan) sang for precious time with his children, whom he lost no time in conferring the latest BOTY 100 guests of the Carbon Valley Chamber hadn‟t seen in over a year. Thanks Chris honors on an old time barbershopper who of Commerce Christmas party on Dec. for taking the time to direct us on Satur- has been an pivotal part of Longmont 2nd. On Dec. 7th they reported singing for day. Our ladies again came through and barbershopping for way more than forty a gardening club meeting of about 50 did a wonderful job of selling and taking years, Dave Waddell. “He makes sure women. tickets and passing out the programs. Gentlemen, please tell your spouses that things get done and the word gets spread,” said Dan. “He’s tireless. No one thank you. else even comes close.”

Dave has handled most of the chapter jobs, including being chapter president the first year he joined. He has also coun- seled other nearby chapters and has served as RMD president. “These things still bring tears to my eyes,” said Dave. “But watch out. I’m going to do less in 2011.”

500 at LPC Christmas concerts by Dave Waddell

Attendance was good at all three Christmas concerts this year. Attendance on Friday and Saturday was very good considering all of the other concerts going on the same weekend. On Friday night we had 177 attendees and Saturday we had 225, making the total attendees in Longmont 402, our best yet!

With the 98 at the Arvada concert,

that makes a grand total of 500. We had a Donna Bustamante was honored by surprising number of children in attend- all her fellow supporters of Longmont ance this year. Friday night had six and barbershopping as she retires from six Saturday there were 21. Our public rela- years at the helm on the Women‟s Auxil- tions coverage was very good and the iary. During that time the wives brought in weather cooperated. Many attending told 13,000 dollars to the chapter. me that the sound was very good.

Bob Fox from Denver Mile High and district VP for Chorus Director Develop- ment (CDD) ran the installation of officers and made each man swear to do all he could to improve the chapter operations during the new year.

When the votes of the members and guests were tallied, the co-chili champions were Keith Watson and Glenn Hayhurst, who got to bask in the adula- tion of their chili pot peers. When everyone was comfortably full, our favorite auc- tioneer, Shawn Miller, arrived to conduct RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 33 MARCH/APRIL 2011

Ben Ramos receiving BOTY award Eugene Peterson and installing from last years recipient Roger Bray officer John Coffin

Rick Rhodes, T, Roger Bray, L, Eugene Peterson, B, Bob Adamson, br

Unexpected Pleasure entertaining at Unexpected Pleasure delivering Sing- the Installation/Awards Dinner ing Valentine

Director Betty Bray We understand that Pueblo’s new website is close to being rolled out. The old site went away when long-time webmaster Howard Lukenbill passed away. Webmaster Bob Adamson enlisted the aid of RMD VP John Elving to work out some of the Sunsational Chorus technical details. John serves as webmaster for Mt. Rushmore chapter and serves as Marketing & PR VP. Which brings up a very good point: if you need help, just ask! FACEBOOK We‘re ready to help, be it a bulletin, website, cou8nseling, or just supplying a friendly ear to hear your issues

Jim Hopper, president, called for annual planning Aspen Meadows Retirement Home. On Feb. 16, we sang meeting January 15th. a half hour show for the Rotary Club's Valentine celebra- Bob Plass and Jim Schoemer volunteered to audit tion with the residents of Hover Manor Assisted Living the treasurer‟s books. Center.

Dean Farrier and Jack Gibbs volunteered to work Dave Waddell reported that 17members, with spouses with Bob Plass on membership and guest proce- and friends, 34 strong, attended the sweetheart dinner at dures. Pinocchio's Restaurant Friday night. We had a fun evening Jack Gibbs suggested that the music team create a of dining and singing. “Less Than Perfect” with Jim Hop- separate performance group of 8-12 men for additional per, Norm Jouett, Jim Schoemer and Mac McWilliams sing-outs through the year. sang for their spouses and were “nearly perfect”! My wife Jim Schoemer suggested that we extend our weekly Maryann and I, and others that I spoke to, were pleased meetings to 9:45 pm in order to have more time for with the food and we were happy that Larry Jones, our PoleCat and repertoire songs. PVP, got us a good price too.

There will be one spring show at 7:00 pm May 7th. Dave Waddell reported that Longmont quartets deliv- Singing Valentines package will be $40. ered 43 Valentines over the Valentines Day weekend. No Vacancy (O.J. Pratt, Paul West, Luke Lorenz, Dave mused…”it must have been the picture and notice and JR Homan) sang Feb. 12th; „twas a half hour show that finally came out in the paper on Monday that brought for a fund raiser with the Longmont Moose Lodge. They in a flurry of sales. The picture was taken, I think, about provide assistance to single working parents, shut-ins, in- three years ago when Norm Jouett, Steve Zimmermann, valids and etc. etc., so the quartet donated their fee to the Jim Schoemer and I were singing to one of Steve’s neigh- cause. (We had a vacancy and filled in with Jack Kinney!) bors who was sitting in her car. “ On Feb. 14, we sang a half hour show for the residents of RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 34 MARCH/APRIL 2011

De Anna Greene Cheyenne Wyomingaires chapter [email protected] [email protected]

My primary instrument is flute and sec- I knew they‟d ondary is voice. I've received several been looking for a competitive music awards, been a director for a while. member of several ensembles both vo- I‟d watched these cal and instrumental, taught private fellows for four or flute, piano and vocal lessons for 15 five years. They plus years and have conducted the were a musical fam- Cheyenne Wyomingaires for the last ily with deep roots and really strong two years. During my music career, bonds with each when I wasn't perfuming the bulk of my other, but they‟d become lax, unchal- time was spent working with individu- lenged and complacent with singing only als with special needs (stroke, develop- a few songs in their repertoire. They had I needed a break but no one could put mentally disabled, traumatic brain inju- a routine, it was comfortable, safe and music away forever. I told them music ries, mental health, etc.) using musical their performances were limited. I won- was a part of every individual‟s daily men- interventions to restoring, maintain and dered if they would let someone new, tal and physical fitness routine, music improving emotional, physical, physio- especially a woman into this tight inner heals the soul and although I was trained logical and spiritual health and well- circle. I couldn‟t help asking myself over in classic and jazz styles, I was pretty and over are they ready for a change? sure, given the opportunity, I could be being. Music heals the heart and soul. Are they really ready for an assertive di- successful with barbershop. rector like me? They were ready for new blood. They The gentlemen thanked me for my had balance, they fed off each other and As I walked in the building door I time and in their own little way said “yea although I was something different than couldn‟t stop these thoughts from running sure but later.” They didn‟t have time to they had ever encountered, they listened, through my head. As I walked into the adjust to someone new that day. They worked hard and musically, remade practice room, things didn‟t get much had one week to prepare for a perfor- themselves. better. The group had said their final fare- mance to open the 2009 state legislature, well to one of their brothers earlier in the a performance in memory of their lost It‟s been two years and each week the day. It was apparent he was not only the brother and they weren‟t about to have group amazes me. They have moved “fun guy” but was also the patriarch. The anyone change their style until that per- from simple pieces to very difficult com- gentlemen were polite but I was clearly formance was complete. plex pieces, they woodshed and have an outsider. Some of the gentlemen had even engaged in a street concert. They A week later I took the reins. There nearly fifty years experience with barber- love to blend the old with the new and were definitely bumps. Some of these shop, some had only a few. It didn‟t mat- they‟re eager see how their director will men had been very competitive in the ter they all had more than me. challenge them. You can see the confi- past, some didn‟t read music and some dence build with every practice and how They asked me to tell my story. I would be there to challenge me and en- the community engages with the group stumbled around, told them I‟d had a very sure the group didn‟t deviate from the true more with each performance. Neither I, successful musical career, several of my barbershop style. But every one of them nor those they‟ve lost could be more students are professionals in the music had natural skills, skills a conductor could proud. The family structure has been industry, how I‟d used my skills and tal- only hope for in a group. modified a bit but the barbershop founda- ents to help others master life skills with tion for this group has only gotten strong- music in a way other therapeutic medi- er. Well done gentlemen. ums could only hope for. I told them ten years ago I‟d put my music and skills away.

I was exhausted with reading medical files, determining what type of music based intervention would benefit a client, practicing, teaching, performance schedules, lying in bed night after night running phrases, fingering patterns, mouth place- ments and breathing patterns while the rest of the family slept peacefully.

RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 35 MARCH/APRIL 2011

PERFORMING AT THE 2011 EAST MIDDLE SCHOOL ROCK-A-THON

Two chorus member from East Middle From Valentines Chairman Jack School (Cameron Thomas, Matt Peter- Cronkhite: I appreciate the Valentine son and Matt‘s Dad) Committee for their hard work which We have formally accepted the Pictures by Raisha made my job easier. Thanks to the Kief- Groupanizer software for a year. Wel- come new member Kevin Gunther! The ers for providing lunch and Joyce Labig Grand Junction, Colorado for answering phones and helping input chapter has contributed over $12,000 to data into the computer for the our local vocal Music programs over the BOOKCLEF past five years. Carroll Owen, editor Groupanizer program. Once all the info [email protected] is in, we will send out an email thanking “Cruisin’ The Night Away” Show www.bookcliffchorus.net all who bought a Singing Valentine and Chairman Dennis Kiefer: current RMD let them know what we do with the mon- champions, The Elements, have agreed From Jim Eicher, one of our inactive ey we raise. to headline our show for this cruise. members: It was a great day for Valen- Junction Jazz, our local Sweet Adeline tines at East Middle School! I saw and quartet, has agreed to take the cruise with heard three different quartets today and us, and MC (our Captain) Dave Wood- the kids loved it! They just talked and ward, will also sing with us! We have talked about the guys in red and white! two middle school choirs on board to The 6th graders LOVED the valentine take the cruise with us, and now we can that was sung to one of our science teach- welcome aboard yet another choir from ers! They thought it was so ―cool‖ how Grand Mesa Middle School! Very excit- he turned all red. This was a very suc- ing! cessful day for our chapter! Getting some quartet coaching from Rod

Scholarships Available for Lou Perry: for arrangers on or before the Friday four weeks prior to a published contest start date. Harmony University Bring Your Baritone Free: the This policy can be found in the RMD first 20 quartets bring their bari FREE Through the generous donations Operations Manual in sections 20 of the Harmony Foundation, the Soci- Directors College: for front (Competitions) & 21 (Conventions). ety will again be offering full-tuition line, assistant directors, section lead- Please REPLY with your intentions; scholarships to Harmony University in ers and others who stand in front of a are you entering the Quartet contest? St. Joseph, Missouri from July 31 to chorus, affiliates and up and coming Please include your quartet name

August 7, 2011. If you know of a mu- directors with your response. sic educator who is ready and willing Click SCHOLARSHIPS for more If you‟re planning to compete/ to take the plunge, nominate them by information. On-line registration will participate in this event, please enter contacting your District Youth in Har- be available soon. the contest using the on-line entry mony Vice President/Director. In ad- form on the www.barbershop.org dition to tuition, the scholarships cov- 2011 RMD Spring Convention members-only site (click the Contest er room and board and are available Entry pull-down menu on the ebiz in the following categories: The quartet draw is April 1st. By menu bar and select Contest Entry). district policy, the contest entry dead- Earl Moon: for those who have line for a competition is four weeks. If you have questions, just let me never experienced Harmony Univer- This means a quartet or chorus com- know at 303-921-3575. Thanks for sity petitor's CJ-20 entry form must be your immediate response to this re- Larry Ajer: for top 10 district received by the RMD VP C&J, John quest. I'm looking forward to seeing quartet applicants Coffin, you all there.

RMD VOCAL EXPRESSIONS PAGE 36 MARCH/APRIL 2011

It‟s all about communicating! PAPER OR PLASTIC? Steven Jackson, PROBE President Steve Jackson

PROBE (Public Relations Officers and Bulletin Editors) has I‟m sure you‟ve heard that made the transition from a bulletin/public relations organization phrase before. I submit it into a group to include all forms of communications that barber- to you in another context. shoppers enjoy. On-line bulletins have become the norm, websites abound at the chapter level, and blogs and Facebook pag- To produce a chapter bul- es (in lieu of websites) are being utilized by a lot of our smaller letin just on-line is more chapters. Groupanizer is being implemented at the District and economical, but is it bet- Society level. There are several chapters within the RMD now ter? Can you hang the using it. The new NSC district (Carolinas) is totally signed up! calendar page on the re-

Many of our chapters are using Facebook to advertise their frigerator to remind you about that upcoming sing- shows and other worthwhile events. Our members are sharing out? Can you leave it at the doctors officer for oth- their photos via Flickr, too. Sound a little intimidating? It doesn‟t ers to read? Does your wife know about your next have to be. PROBE is keeping pace. We‟ve modified our mission show (you do tell her, don‟t you?). You do print out to include these tools. Members are stepping forth to assist and copies for guests and new members, right? And for train others. We have established an on-line bulletin contest and that member without a pc? We‟ve got just three in we are holding our first Webmaster of the Year contest. We our chapter, but I suspect we‟re above that curve! have mentors in place to help with bulletins, websites, public relations, marketing, blogging, etc. I‟ve learned one thing: don‟t assume that anyone who has email monitors it hourly (or even daily) — “PROBE needs more capable men to help us it begs the question WHY maintain our mentoring, teaching, and motivating BOTHER? Not everyone of all communicating barbershoppers.” has the luxury of diligent

But here‟s the kicker. We are only as effective as you make monitoring — hey, I know. us. In the 60‟s through the 80‟s, PROBE membership was near a Where‟s my copy of the thousand. Now we‟re struggling along at 100 plus. What hap- latest BLABBER? That pened? Did everyone quit communicating? I don‟t think so. May- should have the info I‟m be a little complacent? Ah, I’ve been there, done that—why looking for — food for should I join PROBE — what’s in it for me? thought? What do you

You CAN benefit from PROBE membership. First, on the think? chapter level, how about your editor, webmaster, Marketing & PR VP, and your president (and that‟s just for starters)? Let‟s bounce up to the District level. This is where PROBE (in my humble opin- ion) can be very effective. District editors, webmasters, and Mar- keting & PR VP‟s should automatically be members of PROBE, as should ALL bulletin contest coordinators. We can assist you to run an effective contest in all our Districts. Participation has di- minished in our bulletin contests. I am convinced that to fix it, that we must revitalize them at the district level. We can do it together!

We‟re not trying to badger you to join PROBE just to build our membership back to where it should be. Instead of adopting that “what‟s in it for me” attitude, how about — what can YOU do for PROBE? With a wider base of volunteers, we can build a new level of leadership. PROBE needs more capable men to help us maintain our mentoring, teaching, and motivating of all communicating barbershoppers. We have experienced men, but they‟re getting burnt out by taking on multiple tasks. We need to spread it out.

We need new men to help govern us, we need judges for our bulletin, webmaster, and public relations contests. PROBE is much more than just an organization that holds annual contests to recognize the top achievers yearly. Seen a PROBEmoter lately? It‟s full of good ideas and tips plus craft and motivational and informative articles from your peers Society-wide!

Let us teach at your Leadership Forums — editor classes, webmaster classes, learning sessions for your Marketing & PR officers, etc. Need help getting a bulletin or website going? Who you gonna call? PROBE, that‟s who! RMD Calendar of Events

RMD Secretary Dick Stark, 303 986-3026, [email protected]

*Preliminary Clearance Dates reserved without BMI license until 6 months before the event ** Dates not reserved until BMI license is issued

March 5 May 7 Oct 7-8 Utah Youth in Harmony Festival Longmont Show RMD Fall Convention March 5 Vance Brand Auditorium Colorado Springs, Colo. Denver Mile High show May 7 Nov 19 Gates Concert Hall, DU, MaxQ Mt. Rushmore show, Elks Theater RMD Leadership Forum, Eden, Utah March 12 May 14 Dec 2-3 Loveland Show Utah Valley show Bernallilo County Christmas Show Rialto Theater, Loveland American Fork Junior High Desert Springs Church/Highland High PAC March 19 May 13-14 Dec 3 Burley Chapter Show, Burley KFAC Albuquerque Show, Desert Springs Church Salt Lake City Christmas show March 19 May 21 Dec 12, 17-18 Sterling Show Wasatch Front show, Crossroads Longmont Christmas Show Northeastern JC, Sound of the Rockies June 11 First Methodist Church March 26 Durango show Ogallala Show, High School Ft. Lewis College Concert Hall 2012 April 2 June 15-18 Denver MountainAires show New Mexico Youth Harmony Camp April 14 Benefit for HF, OC Times Socorro, New Mexico Grand Junction Show, Avalon April 9 July 3-10 Montrose show, Montrose Pavilion International Convention RMD Spring: Apr 27 - 29 TBD April 9 July RMD Fall: Sep 28 - 30 TBD Colby Show, Frahm Theater Chautauqua Picnic/Show, Boulder April 9 July 16-18 2013 Grand Junction show, Avalon Theater Silverton Festival, Silverton April 16 August 2-9 RMD Spring: Apr 26 - 28 TBD Loveland Show Harmony University RMD Fall: Sep 27 - 29 TBD Griffin Hall, UCA, Ft. Collins St. Joseph, Missouri April 29-May 1 August 19-20 Spring Convention, Thornton, Colo. Harmony Happenings In the Hills May 6-7 Guest clinician: Jim Henry Salt Lake City Show August 27 Highland HS, Sugarhouse Grand County Show Middle Park HS

Thornton, Colorado

April 29 & May 1, 2011

RMD SPRING CONVENTION & QUARTET PRELIMS