CHORD-INATOR MARCH 2017

OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF THE MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, CHAPTER **** A CHAPTER WITH AN ENVIABLE PAST - AN UNBOUNDED FUTURE **** 10,000 LAKES DIVISION - LAND O’LAKES DISTRICT MARCH 2017- VOL.73- NO. 3 COMMODORES SHINE in the NORTHERN PINES HARMONY BRIGADE “Ya gotta love all 13 of ‘em!”

The fifth-annual Northern Pines Harmony Brigade rally involved with the Barbershop Harmony Society. The convened uneventfully over the weekend of February 24- young ladies present were made aware of Sweet Adelines 26 at Plymouth, Minnesota’s, Crown Plaza Hotel without International Chapters in the Metropolitan Area. the encumbrance of snow, ice or other natural elemental Also in our entourage were the father and four sons of the problems. Reen Family. The Reen Eighty-four men from the boys quartet performed U.S. and Canada gathered for all four schools and to exhibit their dedication clearly was a hit with their to and their skill at the audiences. All students challenge of eXtreme were invited to come to Quartetting. Thirteen of our Saturday Evening the attendees were proud Show, free of charge, and members of the Minneap- at least four of them ac- olis Chapter and all acquit- cepted the offer, joining us ted themselves quite well at the show and the Pizza during the rally. Afterglow at the Crowne Plaza on Saturday night. Friday morning and after- noon were special for the The Brigade quartet com- group as reported by Commodore Brigaders (from left to rt.) Front row: Mark Bloomquist, Mark petition occupied the Fri- NPHB Board member, Ortenburger, Andy Richards, Matt Richards. Second row: Dave Casperson, Kevin day-evening time slot Mark Bloomquist: Forty Huyck, Dick Riemenschneider. Third row: Andy Lapakko, Paul Paddock, Dave during which quartets Brigaders, riding together Speidel (NPHB President). Fourth row: Ben Wanggaard, Nate Weimer. Not pic- formed by lot, selected on a bus chartered by Ken tured: Ken Wentworth. one of the ten Brigade Wentworth, visited four schools: Armstrong High School numbers, again by lot, to perform in the contest. After in Plymouth; Park Center High School in Brooklyn Park; practicing together for the first time, for a few minutes, South High in Minneapolis; and Calvin Christian School each foursome took the contest stage. in Edina. Stopping for lunch along the way, the forty-man The Commodores did quite well that evening, Dave chorus performed several numbers for the enthusiastic Speidel and Dick Riemenschneider earning third plac- audiences that consisted of choral and instrumental-music es while Ben Wanggaard and Matt Richards garnered first classes at the schools. Several of us, including Storm -place laurels. A great time was had by all. Front's Jim Clark, spoke to the students about the histo- ry of Barbershop and about how the young men could get Go to Brigade, Page 2, Column 1

CHORD-INATOR 2 MARCH 2017

The 2017 Northern Pines Harmony Brigade Chorus 20 17

KORDAL KOMBAT THE REEN FAMILY

JUST ONE MORE MC DAN TRUE CLARK*FOY*DOWMA

Brigade from Page 1 cer ended just a few weeks ago. Next, it was time for the Reen Family In a departure from past NPH Bri- Conrad was in the audience and was Singers, Patriarch Steve and his gades, the format of the Saturday so appreciative of all the love and four Brigade sons ( above photo L to Evening Show was revamped. Since support his fellow Brigaders provid- R), Stephen II (18), Steve, Bernie the quartet competition had taken ed the entire weekend. (15), Johnny (12), and Dominic (15) to cap the evening’s scheduled festivi- place on Friday, Saturday evening Following the chorus performance ties. They performed masterfully, first opened with a stirring concert by the and before the guests appeared there as a quintet, and later as a quartet with 84-man Brigade chorus, each of this was time for an “in-Brigade” all- Steve sitting out. It was a fine event year’s repertoire being directed by a Commodore foursome to perform, accentuated by Bernie’s remarkable chorus member or guest conductor. none other than Just One More with lead voice. (Although he was up- (What a swath this chorus could cut at Matt Richards, Ben Wanggaard, staged a bit when Johnny appeared on the LOL District International Pre- Tony Lapakko, and Nate Weimer, stage with Jim Foy’s gold medal lims and Convention.) appropriately setting the stage for adorning his chest.) As an aside, it should be noted that guests, Kordal Kombat. To conclude a wonderful Saturday, the selection When I Lift Up My In 2013, Kordal Kombat won the Brigaders and guests gathered for the Head, directed by Dave Speidel, was LOL District Gold as well as the traditional Pizza Afterglow. However, sung in memory of Commodore, Bill Novice Championship and, in 2014, as it was past this reporter’s bedtime, Ward, attendee of all past NPH went on to win the LOL Collegiate his Sweet Adeline wife led him to her Brigade Rallies. He had hoped to be Gold Medal. The group continues to car and drove him home to his snug singing again with his son, Conrad, in improve with each outing and little bed. the Brigade this year but his vicious should be a force at International 22-month battle with pancreatic can- Prelims in May. All Photos by Staff

CHORD-INATOR 3 MARCH 2017

Johnny Reen on the risers. Never Dominic, Steven II, Bernie, and Johnny did a set without their dad. The With a gold medal on temporary loan missing a beat, he participated highlight was a tongue-in-cheek, boys-will-be-boys rendition of When from ’s Jim fully in the chorus and in the There’s Love at Home, complete with restrained shoving, pushing, mugging, Foy, it could be said of Johnny some- Friday evening quartet competi- and hitting. There are nine siblings in the Reen family (including three girls). time in the not too distant future, tion. He may well have his own Home schooled, all sing, play piano, cello, violin and viola. Mom (Sophie) and “Ah, yes, I knew Johnny Reen gold medal in ten or twelve years. Dad are classically-trained pianists and cellists. when ...”

Minneapolis, Minn. Chapter super pacing, and lighthearted humor Land O’Lakes District, BHS April Rock — and let’s roll! for any and every age. Meetings every Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. By Paul Wigley, Director House of Prayer Lutheran Church And then we add the biggest number 7625 Chicago Avenue South It’s the most wonderful time of the of quartets and small ensembles…and Richfield, MN 55423 year. This is hon- Chapter Officers rock band…that have ever been in President………… ……Denny Maas 952/447-8012 estly the most ex- any show since I have been with the Past Pres. ………...Gordy Aumann 952/935-8869 citing time of the Commodores! The variety of sounds Marketing/PR VP…...Steve Grady….952/334-7500 Commodores’ mu- and styles among these small groups VP Music /Perform… Carl Pinard 612/927-9363 sical year! This VP Membership...…....Harvey Weiss 763/439-4447 is almost impossible to comprehend; Program VP..………...Blake Wanger 414/699-4950 year’s show is go- people will truly have to see it to be- Secretary……...... …...... Bill Warp 763/531-2290 ing to be unforget- lieve it! Treasurer …….. ……...John Carlotto 952/925-0886 table. Starting Board Members Then the main event, the Minneapolis with , Through 2017 Commodores! The music that Dan Dean Lambert……………………. ....612/727-3909 the most entertain- Cole has labored on for over a year Matt Richards …………………..…...651/983-8021 Paul Wigley ing Barbershop Andy Tate……………………….. ….612/825-1942 and a half is finally coming to frui- quartet currently active in the world; Through 2017-18 tion. I don’t think many of you real- Andy Cook…………………………..651/688-6459 they will provide incredible singing, Andy Richards…………………..…...651/639-9312 ize the countless hours Dan has spent Arne Stefferud…………………...…..651/772-4367 Chorus Performance Managers…….....John Lloyd researching (and spending lots and Directors Bob Ostergaard lots of his own money!) on looking at Director…………...…...…………..…..Paul Wigley Grants Research…………..………….…...Vacant Assistant Directors: Gary Jacobson, David Speidel Groupanizer Administrator………..Matt Richards arrangements, listening to learning Section Leaders Harmony Foundation…...…...... ……...... Vacant tracks, etc. The result of Dan’s work Tenor Section Leader ……..…...…....…Rollie Neve Historian ……………….…… ...Mark Bloomquist is now in our hands, and we all have a Lead Section Leader. ……..…………….…..Vacant Learning Tracks…….………...…… ….Dan Smith Assistant - Dan Smith Librarian………………..…..… …. ….Carl Pinard big responsibility to sing our very Bari Section Leaders ……....…..….….Dave Speidel Name Tags ……………….………….Dan Slattery best on every song. This music has Assistant - Matt Richards Nut Sales Chairman………Dick Riemenschneider been a joy to rehearse, and every Bass Section Leaders……………...Dave Casperson Northern Pines Brigade President…..Dave Speidel Committee Chairmen Performance Mgr………….…..…...Paul Swanson Tuesday night I’m disappointed to see Altruistic Programs Chairman…… …..Denny Maas Presentation Chairman…...……..……....Dan True the evening end. I want to just keep Audio/Visual Mgr……………….. ….Kirk Douglas Quartet Promotion…………...…….Gary Jacobson singing! 2016 Show Chairman………..….…....Dave Speidel Riser Boss……………….….…………...Dan Cole 2017 Show Chairman………………….....Dan Cole (Temp.) Also, a shout out to our newest assis- 2018 Show Chairman…………….….Matt Richards Roster (pending) ………………….Andy Richards tant director, David Bechard, for his Afterglow Chairman……………. .... Travis Wuttke Singing Valentines……..…….…..Neal Mortenson Attendance/Sgt.-at-Arms…….….……… .....Vacant Sunshine ………………………..……Rich Ongna energy, super attitude, great musician- BOTY Party Chairman...... Dick Riemenschneider Swipe Editor ………..……………..…...... Bill Warp ship, and willingness to jump into Chord-Inator Staff . Tickets/A-Commodears President…..Diana Pinard rehearsal situations on very short no- Editor ……………….….….…..…Dr. Hardin Olson Transportation Mgr.……………....Dick Hartmann Senior Columnist….……..….…..….Jim Erickson Uniform Committee Chairman………..…...Vacant tice and to lead like a champion! Artist…………….…….…...…...…..Glenn Retter Uniforms (Dress & Casual)………...Dan Williams Go to Rock, Page 4, Column 1

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says he’s doing well under the cir- BOARD HIGHLIGHTS SUNSHINE cumstances but, of course, it tears him up not being able to sing. HOTLINE Neal Mortensen returned to the risers with us on February 7 after By Rich Ongna, Sunshine Chairman recovering from his prostate surgery. Chapter members are always wel- Phone: 952-829-7009 Dave Wall reported that Commo- come to attend the Board meetings. dore Glenn Aronson, having spent a From the meeting of February 9 Email: [email protected] short time in the hospital in Cannon Reports are that long-time Commo- Falls as a result of having a difficult By Bill Warp, Secretary dore, Bob Spong, spent four days in time with recent chemotherapy for Membership the hospital with flu and a secondary his colon cancer, was discharged and  Plans are being made for the June 6 pneumonia. He is now continuing his sent home to hospice care where he Guest Night. recovery at home. died on March 3. His wife, Barb,  Andy Cook, had earlier resigned from her work Don Bartels had shoulder surgery Dean Lambert, in order to take care of Glenn full on February 8th to repair a rotator and Dan Williams time. cuff. Surgery went well and Don sang will create a with us on the 10th at Bill Ward’s Harvey Weiss tells me that his schedule for con- memorial service. He’s now faithfully partner, Cheryl, underwent care at tacting members doing the necessary therapy. Mayo. She has since returned home missing consecu- to continue her recovery. Bill Warp tive rehearsals. Glenn Retter has been diagnosed with laryngeal cancer and is begin- Shawn Hunter reports that he tore Music & Performance ning radiation treatments. Shirley both an ACL and a meniscus danc-  Discussion was initiated regarding ing on a wet deck while on vacation sending David Bechard to the Harmo- Rock from Page 3 in the Caribbean (I won’t mention ny University Directors School. that he said something about rum David is simply one of the nicest being involved). He’s scheduled for  The River City Chorus (Mason City) young men I’ve met (The Lakeville surgery on April 13th. He also used may be singing with us at the District School District is excited to have him the vacation to memorize his music Contest in Rochester. as the new fifth-grade band director!), (while driving Laura nuts) and is off  The 2018 Annual Show is sched- and he also has the skills that we’ve paper on everything including Band- uled for April 14, 3018 with Matt all been looking for as another person stand Boogie. Wow, way to go, Richards serving as chairman. to help Dave Speidel and me. I am Shawn. personally overjoyed to have (yet an- Marketing other!) Dave on our team. John Hansen was back on the ris- th  Senior Living and Standard mailers ers with us on February 14 after a were completed for our patron list. The next weeks will be a whirlwind! lengthy absence. Divisional contest on March 25 (It’s  A proposal for our annual-show an easy and fun day… out to Grove Remember: Please keep me in- promotion for Sweet Adeline and oth- City and right back home.), tech re- formed about who is ailing and don’t er Barbershop groups, as well as area hearsal, and the BIG show on April 1. assume that I already know because art groups, is near completion. Throw in a few local performances generally I’m in the dark. Help me  Arne Stefferud’s grant proposal that happened in early March, and brighten the days of our ailing mem- for live simulcast of our annual show we’ve got a full plate. bers. Just a short note of encour- agement or a brief phone call can is stymied by legal problems and will Remember, it is MUCH more fun to make the day of a person who’s not be limited therefore to producing a perform when you are confident. feeling well. DVD that may be used along with a Confidence comes from preparation. quartet or small ensemble at senior Please keep spending time at home centers. solidifying your part and raising your New Business own personal bar. The Minneapolis Commodores continue to sing better  A resolution was passed to support every week, every performance. the NP Harmony Brigade with a Thanks to all of you for making this February reenlistments. check for $500. Next meeting March 16, 2017, at happen. It is wonderful to be a Com- Kaleb Smith………………….7 yrs. modore! Wooddale Lutheran.

CHORD-INATOR 5 MARCH 2017 A Nostalgic Look Back at the The photo that caught my attention quartets to tour military bases. pictured the Hut Four (Herb Fane, While I was in the army during 1953- Armed Forces/Barbershop tenor; yours truly [Bob Dykstra], Society 54, for example, the Adjutant General lead; Bob Moksnes, bari; and John Department of the Army issued Collaboration Program Hansen, bass) along with Dr. Har- monthly to Departments of the Army, by old (Bud) Arberg, noted Barber- Navy and Air Force, copies of the Bob Dykstra, Curmudgeon-at-Large shop arranger, celebrated chorus Armed Forces Song Folio, which reg- I was reviewing a boxful of old photo- director, judge, and first chairman of ularly included a number of song ar- graphs recently the International Committee on Bar- rangements (including one or more when I encoun- bershop Craft. At the time, Arberg Barbershop arrangements by Dr. Ar- tered one that held the position of Chief of the berg) as well as production notes and especially grab- Music Unit in the Adjutant Gen- suggestions for bases wanting to put eral’s Office. As such he and his bed my atten- together their own Servicemen’s office were responsible for issuing tion. The photo Shows. Not surprisingly, a large part the Armed Forces Song Folio, a sol- of the Hut Four’s repertoire consisted was taken at the dier-singing publication in which he Int’l Barbershop of arrangements Arberg provided for was to publish more than 150 Bar- monthly issues of the Song Folio. Convention in bershop arrangements oven an elev- the Nation’s en-year period. I must admit I knew little about the Bob Dykstra Capitol, in June Collaboration Program then so I of 1954, the first of 52 such conven- It should be noted that a major part thought I’d do a little research on it tions I’ve attended during my 64 of the Hut Four’s Barbershop har- now, given that it likely very much years as a dedicated Barbershopper. mony repertoire consisted of Bud influenced how I spent my two years Arberg arrangements. In fact, six I was in Washington as a member of of military service some sixty-four months prior to our June 1954 at- the Hut Four Quartet, which if years ago. The program appears to tendance at the International Barber- memory serves me correctly, was have been spawned in response to a shop Convention in Washington, we there as the official Army quartet rep- report from a Distinguished Citizens had sung Arberg’s arrangement of resentative to the convention. Sta- Committee which was appointed by Wait ‘Til the Sun Shines, Nellie to tioned at Fort Riley, Kansas, where President Harry S. Truman to explore win first place on Arthur Godfrey’s we had organized in early 1953 and community responsibilities to the men Talent Scout Show on CBS televi- sang, basically as recruiters, until our of the armed forces. The report urged sion, which, that particular evening, separation from the Army in late widespread action by local communi- featured only the performers who 1954, we had not qualified to compete ties on behalf of young, impressiona- were then on active duty with the at the Washington Convention, but ble servicemen (half of whom were military. were active during the convention under 21 years of age) who would “in the next ten years be returning to ci- singing in hospitality rooms and the The Hut Four’s appearances on Ar- vilian life by the millions.” International Woodshed (similar to thur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts Show today’s Barbershop afterglow) and other national TV shows (Talent Apparently, some forward-thinking men in SPEBSQSA and in the Army We also were privileged to perform Patrol and Soldier Parade both host- (the Navy and Air Force were not on on the Quartet Jamboree, a show fea- ed by Arlene Francis and the Ed Sul- board initially) realized the potential turing quartets which had been elimi- livan Show), as well as our attend- for some sort of collaboration which nated in the first round of competi- ance at the Washington, D.C. Inter- would introduce Barbershop singing tion. I recall that the Air Force also national Convention of the (then) as a morale-building hobby to those sent an official quartet representative Society for the Preservation and En- in the military with the probable pay- and that the Air Force quartet and we couragement of back that soldiers, once they were participated in creating a training film Singing in America doubtless result- released from the Army, would return that explained and demonstrated Bar- ed from the Armed Forces Collabo- home to join a chapter of bershop Quartet singing that was ration Program adopted in 1949. SPEBSQSA, or help organize one if aimed at introducing our form of mu- The program, first negotiated be- none existed. sic to American service men through- tween the Army and SPEBSQSA, out the world and encouraging their involved active cooperation includ- The plan called for chapters in com- participation in our wonderful hobby. ing publication and distribution of munities with army bases nearby to (I don’t recall any quartets in attend- quartet learning materials and song advise Army Special Services Offic- ance representing other branches of arrangements by the military and an ers in the development of recreational service, but that certainly doesn’t rule agreement that the Barbershop Soci- music, specifically Barbershop sing- out their being there.) ety provide top quality Barbershop Go to Nostalgia, Page 6, Column 1

CHORD-INATOR 6 MARCH 2017 Nostalgia from Page 5 the Collaboration Program and per- later the Air Force and Navy) picked haps as well from Sam Cohen and up expenses for quartets traveling ing. Dean Snyder, from the Washing- his cohorts from the Barbershop abroad after they left the country. ton, D.C. chapter, in an early report chapter at Junction City, Kansas, However, quartets themselves were on the Collaboration Program be- which was right next door to Fort responsible for expenses involved in tween the Society and the Army Riley. getting to the point of embarkation. (December 1949 Harmonizer), cau- Moreover, the program provided no tioned, “our primary emphasis will I had the good sense to attend this reimbursement for loss of income by not be on providing entertainment to preliminary meeting at which time quartet members who had to leave an audience, but rather on demon- we sang Barbershop and learned a their jobs in order to participate in the strating what fun it is to sing Barber- bit about the Society. As I recall, the entertainment tours. shop music and how to go about do- chorus never got off the ground but ing so … thus encouraging Army John took the opportunity to organ- The Society tried to solicit funds to groups to get started on their own. A ize a quartet which he named the make up for such loss of income but whole new generation of practitioners Hut Four (in deference to the march- with little success. So by 1953 this of the Barbershop art can be trained ing cadence—hut two, three, four) aspect of the Collaboration Program in this manner.” was suspended, at least as far as over- It’s clear that seas tours were con- SPEBSQSA’s rea- cerned, “unless son for getting in- quartets of high cali- volved in the collab- bre (sic) could be orative program found who would went far beyond that not require compen- of raising morale in sation during their the military; many absence from their leaders saw this as a regular civilian oc- way to significantly cupations.” increase member- ship in the Society. Another reason for This aspect of the the decline (if not program became The Hut Four Quartet in Washington D.C. at the Society’s 1954 International Convention pic- elimination) of over- even more important tured here with Dr. Harold Arberg, celebrated arranger, director, and Society judge. From right seas tours was given almost immediately. to left: John Hansen, Bob Moksnes, Arberg, Bob Dykstra, and Herb Fane. by Will Cook in For some reason the upward trend in and I was fortunate to be selected as Melodies for Millions: A Twenty-Five Society membership took a sudden the lead of that foursome. Sixty-four Year History. Cook states that “it downturn in the early 1950s. For years later I look back to see how appeared the program for overseas example, the number of Barbershop- the Collaboration Program and my tours would have to be discontinued pers grew from 1802 (in 55 chapters) decision to attend that get-together at as a fundamental difference existed in 1942-43 to 26,901 (in 661 chap- Fort Riley changed my life. between the Society’s thinking and ters) in 1949-50. Membership then that of the armed forces.” He goes on started dropping and by 1953-54 had As mentioned earlier another im- to say “that the Society felt it was not fallen to 22,609 (in 592 chapters). portant part of the Collaboration only doing a morale-building job for Program was the Society’s making the armed forces but that a secondary So, let’s return briefly to my involve- available quartets who entertained function was of a missionary nature.” ment in all this. I arrived at Fort Ri- servicemen all around the world. That is, servicemen should not only ley, Kansas in December, 1952. Among quartets who volunteered be entertained but should be intro- Sometime in early 1953 (my best and consequently made morale- duced to the Society and the merits of guess is March) John Hansen, who boosting appearances at military ba- self-entertainment with Barbershop had been assigned to Special Ser- ses in Europe, Alaska, Japan, Korea, harmony. vices, let it be known around the base and doubtless other places in the that he was organizing a Barbershop early 50s were the Harmony Halls, Cook argues that the armed forces chorus and that anybody interested the [1950 Interna- were not interested in the should come to an initial meeting that tional Champions from LOL], the “missionary” aspects of the program would involve singing and additional , the Cardinals, and the and perceived little difference be- information. I can only assume that Midstates Four. tween Barbershop quartet singing and USO performances. They could not this invitation was in response to ma- A major sticking point arose rather terials and guidance associated with quickly, however. The Army (and Go to Nostalgia, Page7, Column 1

CHORD-INATOR 7 MARCH 2017 Jim Richards Memorial Chord Candy # 10

The Lifetime tag arranged by Paul Paddock from Michael Smith

Lifetime’s Not Too Long I e-mailed David Wright asking for permission to use the tag and he said I have as much right as he does for publishing or taking the tag other places, so the “go ahead” is Y es. But it's not his original piece; a Christian rock star Michael Smith from the '80s wrote the original tune. David said it won't be a problem if it's in the Chord-Inator! So I deleted the one copy I sent and replaced it with the one Dr. Jim Richards attached. Enjoy! Paul Paddock

Nostalgia from Page 6 sored by none other than the USO. I probably should add that we did not understand why the Society refused to share any stages with dancing girls have its quartets sponsored by the USO. In Cook’s words, top Society and uninhibited comedians. 03/14 Nancy Cook officials felt it wouldn’t help our or- As wise men have said over and 03/17 Ken Jones ganization to be identified with danc- over again, timing is everything. 03/17 Dan Krekelberg ing girls and uninhibited comedians. Without question, I could not have 03/17 Tony Mason asked for a better time for me to be So, for whatever reasons, the practice 03/17 Carol Smith drafted into the armed services than of quartets touring military bases as 03/18 Judy Johannsen part of the Collaboration Program November 1952, which coincided basically disappeared. I believe other with the implementation of the 03/22 Bob Griffith aspects of the program continued for Armed Forces/Barbershop Society 03/23 Dean Lambert a number of years. Collaboration Program. Who 03/24 Bill Shaw knows? Without the confluence of 03/26 Tony Lapakko On a personal note, the Hut Four events described above I may never (Bob Spong, tenor; still yours truly, have become a Barbershopper. And 03/27 Matt Richards (30) lead; Dan Howard, bari; still John I can’t imagine life without Barber- 03/29 Joel Rumsch Hansen, bass) and a number of other shopping … especially Barbershop 03/30 Rod Vink quartets toured military hospitals in QUARTETTING. 04/04 Judy Olson the late 1960s and early 1970s enter- taining servicemen wounded in Viet Editor’s Note: It is particularly diffi- 04/04 Jean Spong Nam. We took two tours … in the cult to imagine how different Com- summers of 1968 and 1970 and sang modore life would have been with- in hospitals in Japan, Okinawa, and out the Hut Four and the likes of the Philippines. And we were spon- Dykstra, Hansen, Spong, et al. 04/09 Hardin & Judy Olson

CHORD-INATOR 8 MARCH 2017 Commodore lived in Ascension Church-area of van and other musical productions. North Minneapolis at 17 Bryant Some of the choir members, my Dad, Spotlight North. Dad was the baritone soloist Jim Cassidy, and seven other men in the very good Ascension choir. from the choir, formed a nonet called The Cassidy Brothers father, Jim, the Upperclassmen. This group sang was the tenor soloist. There were for about five or six years at wed- many good singers in that choir. dings funerals, parties, the St. Pat- Lou Once a year choir members and oth- rick’s Shows, and for about six ers would put together what we months at the Jimmy Heggs Starlight DeMars called St. Patrick’s Day Shows Club (we even got paid) in downtown which were presented in the school Minneapolis. Of course as the eldest gym usually on three nights. (The DeMars son I sang with the group and Ascension parish had a community also did some of the arrangements. Hey, Hardin! Lou DeMars has been building with pool, gymnasium, At the time I was studying music at sending me e-mails regarding differ- dance studio, teen club and dining the U of M and at the old Minneapolis ent vocal groups and I asked him room.) College of Music, not in voice, but in about telling me more of his back- The pianist for the shows and the clarinet and music theory. Years in- ground. I think this is pret- rehearsals was Jeanne Arland Peter- volved about 1954 to 1960. Interest- ty interesting and could even be fun son, mother of Ricky, Billy, Patty, ingly, while we were singing at the information to put in the Chord- Linda, and Paul Peterson. Because Starlight Club, John Hansen’s Hut Inator. (I certainly was not aware of of Dad’s singing and interest in mu- Four quartet was singing at a differ- any of this!) sic the Peterson family and our fami- ent club about one block away. I wish I had known about the Barbershop Paul [Wigley] ly enjoyed a lot of music together, along with the Cassidy family. Harmony Society back then. Editors note: Right you are, Paul. and Wow! Those were great days. There is a lot more to the story but thanks. The director of our shows was Joan thought you would enjoy the back- Paul, a little history. My dad was a Steinberg, Jeanne Peterson’s sis- ground. classically trained baritone who was ter. We would do scenes from Thanks for all your dedication and the father of ten kids (so he was very Broadway shows like Music Man inspired leadership to the Commo- busy). In the early years, the family and one year a little Gilbert & Sulli- dores. We are singing better! tened the “Happiness Emporium” just finished their smashing Right Doc’s shortly thereafter (as the result of the From the Start intro when a woman fortuitous inspiration of good shouted from the audience, “There friends, Dick and Sadie Plaisted), they are, the new champions!” With Bag the quartet made their first semi- that they burst into My Lady Loves to By Dr. Hardin Olson, Editor public appearance at the afterglow Dance, the first of a magnificent six- following our 1973 annual show. chart performance that ended with One of the most memorable moments four gold medals gracing the necks of for this Editor during the Northern That spring the Happiness qualified St. Paul’s Bob Dowma, and Commo- Pines Harmony Brigade Saturday- for the 1973 International contest dores Rod Johnson, Bob Spong, and evening show was the performance finishing 23rd (never having com- of My Lady Loves To Dance by the peted at District). That fall they en- Jim Foy. Brigade Chorus. tered and won the LOL District Now, harken back to the Crown Plaza Championship and in February 1974 Hotel West on Saturday evening, Feb- To those of you who were unac- made their first appearance on a ruary 25, 2017. The Brigade Chorus quainted with Twin Cities Barber- Minneapolis Chapter show, River- awaits the downbeat. Jim Foy joins shopping in the summer of 1975, you land Harmony (Show Chairman? the chorus on stage left. The guest would find it quite difficult to com- Yours truly!). director (and My Lady-arranger), Bob prehend the level of excitement and Then it was on to the 1974 Interna- Dowma, fronts the chorus, gives the Commodore (and North Star Chorus) tional where they finished 9th and signal and the strains of My Lady -pride when the news that the Happi- the vision of a medal didn’t seem so Loves To Dance fill the auditorium.. ness Emporium quartet had cap- unattainable. tured the gold medal at the Interna- Two gold-medalists and some long- tional contest in Indianapolis. Fast forward to Indianapolis, Indi- time Barbershoppers relive again the ana, in July of 1975. In their first set rush of those wonderful indelible Formed in the fall of 1972 and chris- on the contest stage, the boys had memories. Could anything be better?

CHORD-INATOR 9 MARCH 2017

habilitate into a beautifully restored what we baritones are. Except they structure. Daunting tasks faced the left out that baritones are widely Georgia Grind many volunteers, some of whom had known to be the most intelligent, By Jim Erickson, Bookworn Baritone attended school there in earlier handsome, manly singers in a quartet Did you get a Valentine this past St. years, truly a labor of love with and have the most difficult, challeng- Valentines Day? I hours upon hours of downright-hard ing, and outlandishly-scripted quartet got the usual doz- dirty work. responsibility. (But we baritones qui- etly hold our heads high without ens from my The inside was completely remod- whining.) friends, family, eled into many rooms for communi- and the untold ty art shows and other events. But Anyway, the show was great enter- number of fans of the best was the auditorium on the tainment. Two quartets appearing the Georgia Grind. second floor, large, yet a feeling of were the Clearwater Connection and So gratifying! But, aged intimacy, with great attention After Dark. Another long-time fa- on top of all that, I to detail in creating black balcony vorite quartet of the Chippewa Valley Jim Erickson received an unex- and other railings artistically de- since 1995 was the CHIPS quartet pected Valentine treat. We were signed to match the high, arched with Jerry O’Brien, Randy Knaak, about to leave for Lake Wissota in auditorium windows. The rest of the Steve Hein and Tom Arneberg, Wisconsin when I happened to pe- interior was lovingly restored too, members I’m sure many of you know. ruse an events calendar for the Heyde And a special guest quartet all of you Center for the Arts in Chippewa know (or should!) was St. Croix Falls. Crossing, five-time medalists in the Catching my eye was one I just International Seniors Quartet Con- couldn’t miss. For the last few years, test. As we have come to expect, there has been a quartet show featur- their performance was tops and mem- ing several local quartets at the Cen- bers Steve Hardy, Dan Heike, Jared ter. Always very well attended, I un- Hoke, and Randy Lieble, had eve- derstand, as the local support is genu- ryone on the edge of their seats to ine and enthusiastic. This year the take in this excellent presentation of show was titled “Hearts in Harmony Barbershop Harmony. 8 (2017)” and was a benefit for the One other nice touch was that after all Bolton Refuge House in Eau adult quartets had performed, the Claire. Named after a fallen police “quarteters (sic)” joined to form a officer, it advocates for social chang- small chorus. Interesting to hear their es and creates as safe space through songs as a larger Barbershop group programs and services for all impact- including the windows, stage, light- while taking in the eclectic variety of ed by domestic violence and sexual ing fixtures and all the many things the performer’s duds. (Their cos- assault. A valuable community re- necessary to retransform it into an tumes, that is.) source. outstanding entertainment facility. (www.cvca.net) And that is where OK, I really want to tell you about, The Heyde Center for the Arts is the the Hearts in Harmony 8 show was the remainder of the program. So en- crown jewel of the Chippewa Valley to be performed. couraging! It’s all about our hobby Cultural Association - an old Catho- and how young people are enjoying lic high school built in 1907 perched I was pleased that the show’s pro- it. FOUR a cappella groups from the on top of a high bluff overlooking motional materials pointedly men- “amazing” music department at Chi- Chippewa Falls. Quite majestic being tioned the Barbershop Harmony So- Hi, (Chippewa High School, Chip- built of cream-colored stone. It just ciety with a brief description. Also, pewa Falls, Wisconsin) stood right up commands your eyes to lift up to the I enjoyed the cryptic (and I have there in front of a packed auditorium bluff-top to view the two-story, at shortened it a bit) description of and boldly showed us what singing least, Roman columns (I assume, or what the audience was to hear. A fun they were having. And they didn’t Greek or ? Hey, I’m a columnist, not cappella (without instruments) with let us forget the enthusiasm we should a “columnist” expert.) [Probably the tenor part above the lead have when we Commodores sing. Greek, either Ionic, Doric or Corin- (melody). The bass is always the Twenty kids in the quartets of Double thian or combination thereof]. The lowest part, while the baritone part BAIT, Hunting for Hope, and Daw- abandoned school that had fallen into wanders above and below the lead son and the Dubberkes, and the substantial disrepair was made avail- part to fill in the chord. members of able to the community in 2000 to re- The Happy Wanderer(s), I guess, is Go to Grind, Page 10, Column 1

CHORD-INATOR 10 MARCH

Weiss Photo 2 O 1 7 Dick R. Photo Dick R. Photo Saint Valentines Day

Grind from Page 9 Two Commodore quartets, Easy Listenin’ (in spent so many words on Hearts in green blazers), and Minnesota Go-4s (in vests) Harmony 8, that I have room to in the upper photo, met serendipitously at the write only a tiny-few more. Be Crystal Café in Crystal, much to the surprise of heartened that I had time after the two delighted patrons. concert to visit the Chippewa Coun- Easy Listenin’ members in the upper and lower right photos are, left to right, Dick Rie- ty History Museum next door to menschneider, Rod Vink, Dan Slattery, and John the Heyde Center. Carlotto. The boys made their annual appearance at the There, paging through some dusty, Wellington Management Company in St. Paul fragile pages of tomes from the dis- (lower right) for Judy Olson and about 16 or 18 tant past, I came across some tanta- other anxiously-awaiting ladies. Rea Ash in the lower left was obviously surprised when the lizing anecdotes about the origins of foursome popped in to serenade her at The Little the Georgia Grind. My apologies to Red Wagon Day Care Center in Blaine.. those who are not my regular read- The Go-4s are, left to right, Harvey Weiss, Don ers, but I am just too lazy to bring Bartles, Ken Glover and John Lloyd. you up to date about such origins. If Three other Commodore quartets participated in you happen to see me, tell me what this year’s Singing Valentines. a gifted writer I am and then ask for  Foreign Legion with Ken Johnson, Denny my autograph. Then I’ll tell you all Rolloff, Jim Johannsen, and Lance Johnson. about them.  Random Sample with Harlan Mellem, Jerry Erickson Photo Larson, Darrell Egertson, and Jim Hedding. Remember to move ahead on your  River City Quartet with Bob Dowma, John The restored Heyde Center 2017 Barbershopper Bucket List and Chouinard, , Rick Anderson, and Jim Foy The Octetts, had the audience wishing hold fast to that which is good. Too, A TC Show Chorus quartet, 4 Your Valentine, for more. Nicely done, young singers! in this day and age, keep your wit with Ruby Ericson, Wendy Hamilton, Barb Har- vey, and Kathy Gray also participated with the Well, I have done, done it again. I and wits about you… Commodores on February 12.

CHORD-INATOR 11 MARCH Letters I wanted to let Rich Ongna know how important the Sunshine missives are each month. My husband, Pat, passed away on February 21, 2004. Recently I was cleaning closets and organizing photos and scrapbooks and came across the scrapbook of Get Well and then final- ly, Condolence Cards sent to Patrick by his Commodore and other Barber- shop friends. The book is so full that it does not close properly. Many of the singers wrote personal notes tell- ing of their friendship with Pat. I will never again believe that men are Glenn R. Aronson undemonstrative in expressing their feelings. I read many of the cards 1934 - 2017 with tears streaming down my cheeks but finally, there was a smile on my Rest in peace, face as I closed the back cover of the scrapbook. Dear Friend So this is just a small thank you to the Barbershop men and their families Special Edition, the 1984 LOL Dis- The entire LOL District is saddened trict Quartet Champions clockwise by the death of Glenn Aronson, long- who take the time to send an encour- from the top: Tenor Craig Hall, aging message to those in need of Lead Glenn Aronson, Bari Larry time member of the Rochester and, them. It's great to be a Commodore! Daby, and Bass Jim Barloon, loving later of, the Minneapolis chapters, Jeanie Collins ;-) friends and worthy champions all. who passed away peacefully in home hospice on March 3. ************** hard and I realized that Honey was Glenn was LOL District President in When I think of Glenn Aronson, I not in her usual spot. Out of the cor- 1988 and LOL Barbershopper of the remember his laugh and his amaz- ner of my eye, I saw her approaching Year in 1991. He and his 1984 LOL ing voice. Whether singing Gospel the boom box and realized that Craig District Quartet Champion (Special or Barbershop, he was someone had put his gum on it. Honey was Edition) pals were very close to Judy very special. almost there when we all shouted, especially, and to me as well. “Honey No!” several times. I was privileged to be one of the More recently as a Commodore, On their way back to Rochester that coaches who worked with Special Glenn, always with a smile, hauled night, they were listening to the re- Edition, the 1984 LOL District his grill-trailer to wherever it was Champions. We spent many hours cording. Bass, Jim Barloon, was the needed to roast corn for our Chapter in my living room working on their driver. Later he told me that the other picnics. We will remember! contest and show packages. Our three had fallen asleep and that he Sheltie, Honey, was always present was the only one awake and listen- Del Ryberg advises that a memori- at every rehearsal. She would sit in ing. All of a sudden Jim heard us al service for Glenn will be held on front of the quartet listening and if shouting, “Honey! No!” Jim realized Saturday, March 11, at the First Eng- we worked a phrase too many times that he had almost fallen asleep and lish Lutheran Church, 511 West Belle she’d turn her back to them and her was headed for the ditch. Honey St., Cannon Falls, Minnesota, at 11 ears would go back. On many occa- saved them all that night from what a.m. with visitation starting at 9 a.m. sions, Craig Hall, the baritone, could have been serious accident. All Barbershoppers are invited to sing would bring his big boom box to Whether singing contest Barbershop, Precious Lord and Nearer My God record the session on “cassette doing shows, or singing Gospel, To Thee at the service. tape” so that they could listen to it Glenn and the Special Edition real- Rehearsal beforehand will start at 10 on the way home. ly were “Somthin’ Special.” a.m. at the church. Music will be One night we were working really Judy Olson available.

CHORD-INATOR 12 MARCH MARCH 2017 Dr. Hardin Olson, Bulletin Editor 3020 St. Albans Mill Road #109 1st CLASS Minnetonka, MN 55305 952/229-4525 POSTAGE [email protected] HERE All copy and photos herein without a byline, as well as those opinions Neither shared with the Girl and commentaries under his by- Scouts nor dumped by the line, are the sole responsibility of Sweet Adelines. the Chord-Inator Editor and do not Logo courtesy of Bob Clark necessarily reflect the views of the Minneapolis Chapter Board or its RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED officers. Chapter Quartets To: BOMP Dan Cole………………………….612/940-4554 CHORD SMASH James Estes……………………….612/237-3234 EASY LISTENIN' Dan Slattery……………………... 651/747-6384 HOT COMMODITY Dave Speidel…………………..….612/437-4325 JUST ONE MORE LOOKING AHEAD 2016 Barbershopper Of The Year Nate Weimer……………………...316/204-8756 RING IT ON  March 9, Thursday, Coon Rapids Des- Bill Ward Andy Richards……………….… ..651/639-9312 sert/Coffee performance, 7:00 p.m. Commodores and others * RIVER CITY QUARTET  March 25, Saturday, Spring Division contributing to this issue. John Chouinard………..………….651/343-4145 Contest, Grove City MINNESOTA GO-4’s  March 30, Thursday, Tech Rehearsal Jeanie Collins* Harvey Weiss………………….….763/439-4447  April 1, Saturday, Annual Show with Lou DeMars RANDOM SAMPLE Bob Dykstra Darrell Egertson…………………..952/943-8737 special guests, Main Street Jim Erickson SWYPE  June 25, Sunday, Landscape Arbore- Hardin Olson Mark Bloomquist………………....952/541-0232 tum, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Judy Olson* SOUNDS of RENOWN (VLQ)  July 18, Tuesday, Como Park Area Rich Ongna Mark Ortenburger…………….…..952/942-8382 Singout, Noon (Call Time) Paul Paddock THE SHOES Dick Riemenschneider  July 27, Thursday, Hopkins Andy Richards……………………651/639-9312 Andy Richards  August 2, Wednesday, St. Louis Park Dan Slattery  August 20, Sunday, Twins Singout Bill Warp Harvey Weiss CHORD-INATOR  August 22, Tuesday, Minnetonka 1st Place 2013 PROBE HARD-COPY District Level INTERNATIONAL  May 5-6, 2017 Spring Convention & BULLETIN CONTEST Int’l Prelims, Stevens Point, Wiscon- sin. PROBE Hall of Honor International Level Dr. Hardin Olson CHORD-INATOR 2016  January 17-22, 2017, Midwinter Con- MINNEAPOLIS COMMODORES vention, San Antonio, Texas Minneapolis Chapter of SPEBSQSA July 2-8, 2017, International Conven- The Chord-Inator is available on  MEETING EVERY TUES –7:00 p.m. tion, Las Vegas, Nevada the Minneapolis Chapter’s website House of Prayer Lutheran Church minneapoliscommodores.org 7625 Chicago Ave. S. starting with the January 2006 is- Richfield, MN 55423 sue. GUESTS ALWAYS WELCOME