CHORD-INATOR 1 MARCH 2015

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 2015 - VOL.71 - NO. 3 3rd Annual NPHB Hits New High By David Speidel, Ass’t Director [Brigade President] The evening show included a fine parade of quartets that Wow! What a great weekend of singing, outright laughs, included our own Swype and Hot Commodity. They and camaraderie! Seventy-six guys from all regions of the helped fill the evening-show program due to the unfortu- US and even Canada helped us successfully complete our nate cancellation of Sound Image, former Commodore 3rd Annual Northern Pines Harmony Brigade Rally. The Todd Mattison’s quartet from Willmar. The Sweet Canadians (All 7 of them!) were pumped up after missing Adelines’ quartet, Medallion, did a wonderful job taking last year’s event due to the Snow the headliner spot, and as always, Storm of the Century. We also had gave us some great music. Judge a record number of Commodores, Judy, in her somewhat inimitable 21 at last count. Many of the 21 way as the guest director for Blue were rookies to the Brigade experi- Skies, shifted the chorus into over- ence and now they all know why drive much to the delight of the we emphasize “over and over” audience and the most- about being Totally Prepared. appreciative performers. And there were many Commodore connec- I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a tions this year! few more quartets forming as a result. One of the highlights of the Early Friday morning Ken Went- weekend was when we sent the worth took a busload of about Rookies off with Gary Jacobson to practice one of the ten 35 Brigaders, with several Commodores, to four area required songs, and then perform it for the veterans.They high schools, Armstrong, Cooper, Park Center, and Wash- literally blew us away! I personally experienced the prover- burn, where they performed before about 350 young men bial hair-raising goose bumps. You all know what I’m talk- and women. One boy was so excited about what he heard ing about. I would have placed an 84 on their score sheet. that he brought his parents, three sisters and a brother to the Saturday-evening show. I had a chance to chat with Our own Bryan Langren was recognized as a Quartet the family and they were absolutely amazed at what they Tramp this year. Contrary to the name, it is a rather pres- saw and heard. I’m hoping to get the dad down to one of tigious award. When you register you get a dance card with our chapter meetings. It just goes to show that we need to the names of all the other attendees and their voice parts. spread our message of harmony out into the community You have to somehow sing with approximately 60 other more often. individuals in quartets by the end of the afternoon on Satur- Ken received this note from a grateful teacher: day. I get exhausted just thinking about it. Commodores making their mark on the Quartet Contest stage were Tony It was an absolute joy to have you perform Lapakko, Jeff Culp, Mark Bloomquist, and Ben for us. It is always exciting to see the stu- Wanggaard. These men finished in one or the other of dents perk up when that first chord is the top-three quartets. Our own “Judge Judy” Olson with sung! They were still talking about it today Judd Orff and Duane Rygg judged the contest. Go to Brigade, Page 2, Column 2

CHORD-INATOR 2 MARCH 2015

Minneapolis, Minn. Chapter Land O’Lakes District, BHS “Tis better to give … “ Oh, to be in England … Robert Browning 1845 Meetings every Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. By Gordy Aumann, President House of Prayer Lutheran Church By Paul Wigley, Director 7625 Chicago Avenue South So, as I was wrapping up my pre- Richfield, MN 55423 benefit concert prep- Becky and I just returned from a won- Chapter Officers aration I got to derful two-week President ………...…Gordy Aumann 952/935-8869 thinking; why are we adventure to the Past Pres…………...…Dan Williams 952/974-0026 Exec. VP………………Denny Maas 952/447-8012 doing this? Just be- UK. My primary Co-Marketing/PR VPs.... Russ Born 406/670-2098 cause we're all good purpose for that trip Pete Jarnberg 651-765-9580 guys? No, it's be- was to assist the V P Music /Perform……Carl Pinard 612-927-9363 cause community British Association V P Membership……..Harvey Weiss 763/439-4447 service is what we're of Barbershop Sing- Program V P .………….....Dan Cole 612/376-0779 about. Community ers, BABS, and Secretary……...... ……...Bill Warp 763/531-2290 Gordy Aumann Treasurer ……..……...John Carlotto 952-925-0886 service includes vol- LABBS, the Ladies Board Members unteering. Since I've retired from full Association of Brit- Through 2015 Paul Wigley Ben Hancock……………………….. -time work, I've been a volunteer for ish Barbershop Jerry Koch………………….…….….952/929-5069 the organization we recently sang for, Singers at a judging seminar held in Andy Richards………………...….. the In-ternational Communication Walsall, England. Through 2016 Andy Cook………………………….651-688-6459 Association. It was so exciting to see the enthusi- Blake Wanger………………….……414-699-4950 I've driven people to doctor's ap- asm that the Brits have for Barber- Nate Weimer………………………..316-204-8756 pointments, sorted and stocked do- Directors shop singing! They also have a very Director…………………………….….Paul Wigley nated food and worked on other short good grasp of the evolution of the Assistant Directors: Gary Jacobson, David Speidel, term projects. You can't believe how Barbershop style, as well as a good and, James Souhan fulfilling it has been! We are all so Section Leaders understanding of the traditions that Tenor Section Leader ……………...…Rollie Neve blessed and giving back to those less must be preserved. It will be exciting Lead Section Leader. ……………....Gary Jacobson fortunate feels really good. to see the future musical growth in Assistant - Dan Smith Bari Section Leaders …...... ….…...….Dave Speidel Find an organization. Find a cause those groups, because they have some Assistant - Pete Villwock you believe in. Talk to your pastor. candidate judges that are all quite Bass Section Leaders……...……….....Jim Richards Every city has a food-shelf and they young, yet very impressive with their Assistant -.Dave Casperson all need help and so do lots of other Committee Chairmen musical skills and coaching abilities. service groups. Try it you’ll like Altruistic Programs Chairman……...... Denny Maas We were treated to wonderful hospi- Audio/Visual Mgr…………...…...…..Kirk Douglas it! It's Great to be a Commodore! 2014 Show Chairman…………...…..Blake Wanger tality, and there was a genuine sense 2015 Show Chairman…...……….....Gary Jacobson Brigade from Page 1 of camaraderie among all of us. One Afterglow Chairman………….….....Travis Wuttke always hopes will be the case! All Attendance/Sgt.-at-Arms……..…..Loren Berthilson and those that went to the con- BOTY Party Chairman....…………...…...Dan Cole cert on Saturday were so excit- were there for one reason, the love of Chord-Inator Staff ed to be able to go! Thank you Barbershop music! It was quite hum- Editor ……………….…………Dr. Hardin Olson bling for me to actually Senior Columnist…….…………….Jim Erickson again for contacting us and Artist…………….…….…………...Glenn Retter please keep us in mind in the Go to UK, Page 3, Col. 1 Chorus Performance Managers…….…..John Lloyd future!” Bob Ostergaard in quartets. Groupanizer Manager…………...…...... Jerry Koch Park Center High School, It gives me personal pleasure know- Harmony Foundation…...…...... …...... Jack Beaver Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Historian ……………….…….....Mark Bloomquist ing that our NPHB team is providing Learning Tracks…….………...……..….Dan Smith Kate Kallevig Librarian………………..……...……….Carl Pinard a fundamental activity that is sup- Name Tags ……………….………..….Dan Slattery As Paul Wigley mentioned to us at posed to be core to our society. Nut Sales Chairman……...... Dick Riemenschneider this past Tuesday’s (February 24) Thanks again to the Commodores for Northern Pines Brigade President…...Dave Speidel your support and encouragement of Performance Mgr………….….….....Paul Swanson Chapter meeting, that you Commo- Presentation Chairman…...…….….……..Dan True dores have to take time to appreciate the eXtreme Quartet Experience! Quartet Promotion…………...…..…Gary Jacobson Hardin Olson took off his Editor’s Riser Boss……………………….Dan Cole (Temp.) belonging to a well-above-average Roster ……………………..……..Dr. Jim Richards chorus and fine group of dedicated cap and volunteered his photographic Singing Valentines……..………....Neal Mortenson men. Many guys coming to the Bri- skills to memorialize the event. View Sunshine ………………….…….…..…Rich Ongna gade really don’t have a chapter a selection of his photos soon to be Swipe Editor ………..……………..…...... Bill Warp Tickets/A-Commodears President…...Diana Pinard like ours but belong to smaller posted to our website www.nphb.org Transportation Mgr.………………..Dick Hartmann chapters where they will never get Uniform Committee Chaiman……………...Vacant this experience. They just don’t Uniforms (Dress & Casual)……….…Dan Williams have available singers that can sing

CHORD-INATOR 3 MARCH 2015

UK from Page 2 in south Wales, at the Acapella Stu- of questions like, “How did it get the realize that I was across the pond dios. This venue is actually a very name Barbershop?” to represent our BHS judging com- old church that has been magnifi- munity. The world seemed incredi- cently re-purposed into a recording We also talked about the differences bly small, especially when we ended studio and performance hall. This between Barbershop and other a cap- the whole weekend with Keep the workshop also had about 50 people, pella singing. Everyone was really interested in something that the Min- Whole World Singing … pretty unfor- but 48 of them were women! neapolis Commodores get gettable! to do every week! I also conducted two Barbershop workshops in I could go into a lot more Wales. The first was in adventures that we expe- north Wales, in Caernar- rienced (Yes, I drove on fon (where Prince Charles the wrong side of the road had his investiture) at the --but had no accidents!) Canolfan Gerdd William We visited lots of my Mathias Music School. Wigley relatives, and it This was a beautiful facil- was great to get back to ity, having mixed chorus our old country (Becky of about 20 students who also has Welsh roots!). had already learned a cou- Interestingly, I will be ple of Barbershop ar- returning this July to rangements I had sent judge the “Choir of the them. We were also World” contest (which joined by a LABBS cho- Westminster won three rus from Mold, and a few years ago!). I received Taking a break with all the news that’s fit to print … in Welch! Rough work but that invitation while I was BABS guys from the is- someone’s got to do it. (Nice tux, Paul. ) Becky photo land of Anglesey. It was over there, so that will be a great night, with about 50 people So, I basically pitched all the music another exciting experience. total--And could they ever sing! up a few steps, had all the men sing Again, the entire time, during these bass (along with the LABBS bass- People indicating in advance that they Barbershop workshops and judging es), and away we went! This was were coming were sent music files seminars, made it clear how we are all also a fun evening, because there via e-mail and thus were prepared. so closely connected when we sing was an entire LABBS chorus from We also sang some tags, and at one together. Truly, the world would be a Cardiff present, and also a girls’ point I picked four volunteers to sing better place if everyone could share choir (That were incredibly good!) a tag as a quartet. It was cool to see what we get to share every Tuesday at from the area. Each group performed four people who had never met be- House of Prayer. a song, and then we sang tags. I fore … singing (And sounding good!) It is great to be a Barbershop singer, talked a bit about the origins of Bar- in four-part harmony. and great to be a member of the Min-

bershop, and what makes Barber-

neapolis Commodores!

The other workshop was near Cardiff shop music unique. There were lots

BOARD HIGHLIGHTS annual Como Park performance will Board. be July 21. Andy Cook requests riser help on Chapter members are always wel- Al Matchinsky’s proposal to im- Friday, March 13. come to attend the Board meetings. plement the Inner Game of Music The searches are on-going for a By Bill Warp, Treasurer program was approved. Groupanizer manager and assistants From the meeting of February 19 A push for show-ticket sales will be for Loren Berthilson. made. Rich Ongna would like help with  Membership: Andy Tate was  Old Business: Dan Cole’s mo- Sunshine Hotline. approved for membership. tion to proceed with the replace- Next meeting March 19 at Wood- Copies of the orientation pamphlet ment of our truck with a suitable dale Lutheran Church. are available for new members in trailer was approved. Berthilson Hall.  Miscellaneous: Andy Richards  Music and Performance: The will replace Vince Trovato on the

CHORD-INATOR 4 MARCH 2015

White Bear Lake, Minn. 55110. Remember: Please keep me in- SUNSHINE formed about who is ailing and don’t Bob Dykstra has returned home assume that I already know because after spending some time in cardiac generally I’m in the dark. Help me HOTLINE rehab at Benedictine Health Center. brighten the days of our ailing mem- He is doing well and is in good spir- bers. Just a short note of encourage- its as the healing process continues. By Rich Ongna, Sunshine Chairman ment or a brief phone call can make Jim Jorgensen has some torn liga- the day of a person who’s not feeling Phone: 952-829-7009 ments in his knee as a result of a fall well. Email: [email protected] on the ice back in mid January. He Paul Martz, who said the doctor also indicated some- sang bass with us thing about a torn meniscus. His until he moved to wife, Romana, also continues to be 03/14 Nancy Cook Georgia, has been in a weakened condition and Jim 03/17 Ken Jones diagnosed with tells me she may have to move into 03/17 Dan Krekelberg kidney cancer. He a nursing home as she requires more 03/17 Tony Mason came back to MN care than he can give. 03/17 Carol Smith to be tested at the 03/18 Judy Johannsen Mayo Clinic but Leo Odden’s family plans to have 03/22 Bob Griffith a celebration of Leo’s life in early 03/23 Dean Lambert Rich Ongna will be receiving his treatments in May. We’ll keep you posted with 03/24 Bill Shaw Atlanta. The pathology reports have details . 03/26 Tony Lopakko revealed it to be a rare and aggressive 03/27 Matt Richards (30) John Odden, Leo’s son, did not 03/29 Joel Rumsch strain. receive his kidney transplant on th 03/30 Rod Vink Pete Villwock has been diagnosed February 19 as planned. Some 04/04 Judy Olson with congestive heart failure. As a health concern with the donor de- 04/04 Jean Spong result he has had to quit his job and layed it. According to Sharon it is has moved in with his mother. Ac- nothing serious and the plan is to do cording to her, his condition is such it in about two weeks. John is of that he may not be able to return to course disappointed but feeling sing with us. Pete’s new address is good and doing well. Sharon 3666 E County Line N, Apt 302, will keep us posted. 04/09 Hardin & Judy Olson Letters ry International Convention to benefit Editor’s Note: Following is an ex- his legacy and Endowment. Steve is cerpt from Kim’s Feb. 9 e-mail re- very involved and has read all of Lar- porting that her dad, Bob Dykstra, ry's writings . (I was lucky to marry another Barbershop enthusiast.!) February Reenlistments was moving to rehab following his successful open-heart surgery. Thanks for the shout out in the last Bob Dillon………………….....4 yrs. … I’m so glad to see that you are all Chord-Inator. I loved that Fibber Kaleb Smith……………..…….5 yrs. going to use my late husband, Larry Magee and Molly show, and have Ajer's, Inner Game of Music. Larry's fond memories of the great time we Editor’s Note: There are members, writing and brilliant ideas for this had singing on that show. It was one veterans, yearlings, several regu- program, were seconded by Barry of the few shows that all three of us lars, who have yet to pay their Green, the original Inner Game strat- were on together. Lou was in that 2015 dues. egist. Larry really worked hard to Championship Quartet with me, Dad Not only is this a concern of our put this together for the Barbershop sang with the Salty Dogs on that roster numbers but any unpaid- Music form. I am excited to know show too. How fun! Thank you for dues member singing in the March that Larry's legacy is continuing. He the great memories.... competition will effect the immedi- was a great guy, and I loved him Love to you all and thank you, from ate disqualification of the Commo- very much. my heart, for all you do! dore chorus thereby eliminating it Kim [Dykstra] DeVoss, CFP from the District contest in Octo- Steve and I continue to keep his leg- ************** ber. PLEASE, PAY YOUR DUES! acy going through the Larry Ajer Endowment. We have a party at eve- Go to Letters, Page 5, Colimn 1

CHORD-INATOR 5 MARCH 2015

Letters from Page 4 pleased that the brigades are starting seek to sing in a chorus only. This Editor’s Note: At a break during the to do this for those who have not had trend has caused us to drift further HPH Brigade’s Saturday-evening this experience within their chapters. and further from our original function show, in passing I remarked to Jim I am pleased that the Society is em- of "preserving quartet singing." We Richards that I noticed a Brigader bracing the brigade concept and used to have chapter meetings. I or two who I thought weren’t really even has brigade sessions at Harmo- wince when I hear a member say, active in their chosen chapters. ny University. Maybe, the Society "I'm going to rehearsal." A few days later by e-mail I asked is sorry that they didn't think of the Jim if he had any thoughts on the Brigade concept! “UNDER THE Since our founding-years we have subject. Following is the cogent re- BIG TOP” ply. become a consumer of popular mu- sic as opposed to a society of pro- April 11, 2015 …Each Barbershopper cannot be ducers of music. This may explain blamed for seeking that type of ac- Two shows 3:OO & 7:30 p.m. why now fewer people are drawn to tivity that feeds his Barbershop appe- Benson Hall quartet singing that requires a higher tite. Each chapter should strive to level of musical responsibility than Bethel University provide interesting and challenging chorus singing. This trend has led to Tickets activity that earns the attention and our Society membership that con- Diana Pinard 612/927-9363 devotion of the Barbershopper. This sists primarily of those men who includes quartetting. I am very [email protected]

Chord Candy #131 by Dr. Jim Richards, Der Tagmeister May I Never Love Again was sung by the 1992 International Champions, Keepsake. This tag has a “lot of dots,” so for the faint of heart, just try the last four measures and you will get a sample of the wonderful arranging skills of Renee Craig, a Sweet Adeline and a quartet champion in her own right. Renee has made tremendous contributions to our Society’s musical literature and without any doubt, if our rules permitted it, she would most certainly be a member of our Society’s Hall Of Fame. So now that you know just how very good this tag must be, try starting at Measure 1. Enjoy!

CHORD-INATOR 7 MARCH 2015

Ken Wentworth Conrad Ward Mark Bloomquist Bill Ward Gary Jacobson COMMODORE BRIGADERS February 20-21, 2015

Bryan Langren Paul Swanson Dave Speidel Ben Wanggaard Jeff Culp

Tony Lopakko Jim Richards Andy Richards Matt Richards Dick Riemen- Nate Weimer schneider (ctr.)

Jeff Sansgaard Dave Casperson Ben Hancock Andy Cook Paul Paddock Chuck McKown

CHORD-INATOR 8 MARCH 2015

Four years ago a fellow wanted a lady saw an opportunity to turn the Quartet Quaffs Singing Valentine for his aging tables on her husband so she hired us mother-in-law so we were dis- to sing at a dinner party for her and Easy Listenin’ patched to complete the gig at the her husband at the home of other The Easy Listenin’ Quartet had a center. He and the residents liked friends. Since we have sung for this busy month. Valentine our singing so much we sang there lady so many times we put on another singing started early the next two years. Unfortunately, mini-concert in the living room; a on Tuesday, February his mother-in-law passed away last very nice way to wrap up another 10, with a Singing December but this fellow is still very Valentines Day. Over 120 people Valentine for a young attached to the place where she spent from Maple Grove to Maplewood lady at a musical-play her last years. To show his apprecia- heard our Valentines Day Saturday practice at East Ridge tion for the nice social atmosphere singing. High School in Wood- where his mother-in-law spent her Easy Listenin’ Quartet also took bury. Her fiancé coor- last years he hired the quartet again over for the Sounds of Renown VLQ Dick to entertain the residents. Riemenschneider dinated from the east to sing at a benefit at Maynard’s coast as the quartet The next gig was in the cafeteria of Restaurant in Excelsior. The VLQ has waited patiently for her to arrive dur- the Colonial Acres of the Covenant had a long-standing relationship with ing the aftermath of the late Tuesday Village in Golden Valley, an assist- Maynard’s and their two benefits eve- snowstorm. When she arrived she ed living facility. We sang for about ry year, however, the VLQ did not took a chair-of- honor on center stage 35 residents and guests as they had have enough members to complete as the quartet serenaded her, and the their Valentines Day noon meal. this gig this year. This benefit was for 50 others in the theater, the Minnetonka Diamond with the typical valentine Club that supports youth songs plus some other num- baseball, softball, and foot- bers in a brief performance. ball. Maynard’s part in this After a ten-minute song is to give their profits from session the amateur thespi- one day of operation to the ans insisted that the show organization. As a result the must go on and the quartet benefited organization crams was taking valuable prac- all the supporters they can tice time so we departed into Maynard’s for a meal to after a round of enthusiastic Judy with Dick, Rod, Dan, and John Riemenschneider photo maximize their return. These applause. We then moved to Anoka to sing a benefit days also feature entertain- The Friday of Valentine’s Day kept regular two-song Valentine for lead ment for the diners. us going from 8:00 a.m. to an early Dan Slattery’s mom at her senior Thus, Easy Listenin’, filling in for finish at 4:00 p.m. We sang six pay- residence. When we arrived we the Sounds of Renown VLQ, arrived ing gigs and also took time out to sing found that, unbeknownst to us, she on the scene on Monday, February 16. for convalescing Commodore Pete had assembled about 50 residents in We filled our allotted hour of enter- Villwock at his new home in the lobby. Not wanting to disappoint tainment strolling Mahtomedi. About 100 heard us sing and having ample time we did an- the tables and on Friday at gigs that spanned from other 20-minute set to the enjoyment providing Barber- Mahtomedi on the east to Minnetonka of all. To assure we got enough shop sounds for the on the west with a finish in Eagan. miles on driver John Carlotto’s car diners. By rough we finished out the day with back-to count we sang for Saturday we had a very tight starting -back gigs in Maple Grove and south schedule with 20-minute, back-to- 200 people during Maplewood. We sang for the wife of our hour and we back gigs at 11:30 a.m. and noon in a family of four in Maple Grove and south Minneapolis and Golden Valley were very well re- than traveled to south Maplewood Rollie Neve ceived. If monetary respectively. With creative scheduling for our final gig. we started the first gig ten-minutes tips for our songs were an indication early, which allowed us to drive to First, some background for the of success we were able to expand the Golden Valley and start the second South Maplewood gig. We have Diamond Club coffers by over gig ten-minutes late. The first gig was sung Valentines for at least eight - $125.00 that was donated to the cause our fourth visit to the Mount Olivet years for a Day Surgery nurse at by diners enjoying our music. Care Center in south Minneapolis. United Hospital in Saint Paul. This Dick for Dan, John, and Rod

CHORD-INATOR 9 MARCH 2015

Four Seasons somehow our effort might register in Gentleman Jim Erickson. You are all her subconscious. The staff were aware of the hours of investigation he “And so they got married and lived most appreciative of our visit. has invested in this saga, and the happily ever after …” That's the On Saturday, the 14th, we sang for many avenues explored in the diligent beautiful story line of love and ro- search for a solution to bring peaceful mance, the joy of which comes to Monie Carlson at the Martin Luther Care Center in Bloomington. Her closure to this affair. There were, in everyone's attention in February on husband and four family friends fact, suspicions that the barons of Valentine’s Day. The Four Seasons Baritonia were involved in devious Quartet, with Mark Ortenburger sub- were there to share in our gift. They were impressed with our ringing diversions. At one time the idea of bing for Tom Dahlen on bass, became hacking into Jim Erickson’s apps file singing ambassadors, delivering Barbershop chords as evidenced by their smiles and happy faces (Jake was even considered. Singing Valentines to surprised recip- would have been happy to see them ients in the Twin Cities area on Fri- Which brings us to the arcane answer and might have even have taken day and Saturday, February 13 and to the chord-ringing-caper; the answer photos to show the chorus). Monie 14. lying within the rhetoric of the Geor- said to us, “You made my day!” For gia Grind itself. Fortuitously one On Friday, our first stop was at the that we made her an honorary Mary evening, while deep in thought, a Maplewood Cancer Center where Lou singing Mary Lou as a bonus. Pamela McCabe was receiving treat- small voice, most probably in the Key ment for Stage-4 brain cancer. Her Rich Ongna's neighbor, Betty, be- of G said to me, “Read the Grind!” I husband was there to did and lo and behold, encourage and to ex- here are the words ver- press his love for her. batim, “ There are We sang to other pa- whole frequencies of tients in the room as Erickson’s hearing- well, helping to lift range that are now their spirits as they dead after listening to face the rigors of their hours of archival re- medical treatments. cordings hoping to The staff and some hear something reveal- students and teachers Marylyn Klos with Rollie, Dan, Mark, and Rich Rich Photo ing about the Grind!” at Sharon Hills Ele- There you have it! mentary School were delightfully came the ultimate recipient of our Our beloved baritone suffers from surprised at our next stop when we valentine venture’s largesse when, frequency failure. No wonder that the broke out in song for Marilyn Klos, a unannounced, we walked into her issue of frequency failure factored Special Ed teacher. We could tell room at the Shriner's hospital in into the rehearsal session that put into from her bearing that she had a genu- Bloomington where she was recov- question the purity of the tenor voice. ine love for her students and we were ering from a knee replacement. She My heart is full of forgiveness and blessed to return in song some of the was overwhelmed and thanked us compassion for our beleaguered bari- love that she so freely offers. You profusely. (That was quite neighbor- tone. Let us embark on an emergency might say that we gave to the elemen- ly of Rich, which is why I always baritone-frequency-restoration program. tary level a taste of higher-level har- call him our Rich baritone (Rare The prayers and supplications of the mony education. Marilyn's smile- praise’ indeed, for a baritone, I do entire Barbershop world will, I'm warmly rewarded us for our music. admit). sure, be with him and will ensure his recovery. Just the thought raises Edina was our next stop as we If you haven’t experienced the fun goose bumps on my skin and the rein- searched out Wendy Anderson in the and excitement of the Singing Val- forcement that results at every Com- Radiology Department at Fairview entines program, I urge you to try it modore chapter meeting brings joy to Southdale Hospital. Once again the next year. It’s a breeze compared to my heart. So rejoice, dear hearts, our sounds of harmony wafting through singing in front of your chapter- solution is secured. His inherent talent the hallways brought approval from mates and the practice will most speaks for complete success. all within earshot. Wendy was im- likely benefit our whole chorus pressed and delighted. While waiting It's great to welcome a restored bari- for an elevator, a lady asked us if we Dear hearts, there are exciting devel- tone. It's great to be a Commodore! would sing for her comatose mother opments in the ongoing saga of the who was on a respirator on another ringing-chord-caper involving yours Rollie for Dan, Rich and Mark (for station. We sang to her hoping that truly and that foundational baritone, Tom).

CHORD-INATOR 10 MARCH

an obvious error or oversight, he just see if it makes a difference. Ice water Georgia Grind says it was a trap he laid to see if I hurts my teeth anyway. Wonder if it was on my proofing toes. Maybe I’ll affects dentures? By Jim Erickson, Bound Baritone keep that in my elder bag’o tricks, so Another subject right turn. My As I write this, I when my mind doesn’t track as well daughter, Sarah, recently gave me a am multitasking. at some far future date, I’ll just pull card. She said it didn’t apply to me, Not my greatest out Doc’s coverer. but thought I would get a kick out of talent, but I need to Having mentioned proofreaders, I it. Did I believe her? I’ll leave that go over my tools should say that an especially talented for you to guess. The card said, list and supplies as one for the Chord-Inator is Bob “Everything happens for a reason. I venture to south- Dykstra. I haven’t medically veri- Sometimes the reason is that you’re ern Florida in a fied that proofing caused him the stupid and make bad decisions.” Per- quest to root out need for some surgical attention. I sonally, I don’t see how that could Jim Erickson whatever more I hope not. But, I wish him a solid possibly apply to me, but to you, can about the ori- recovery and little need to hug that smart reader … ? No. No reader of gins of the Georgia Grind. My fellow heart-shaped pillow the hospital pro- mine. adventurer will be Tom Hallin of for- vides to stabilize a chest when a mer Commodore Bass Section fame. Solidly orient yourselves because cough comes on. Heart-shaped Val- He lives in Naples, Florida, in winter here’s one more change of direction. entines are one thing. Heart-shaped and has offered his shack on the beach Keeps your compass spinning more hugging pillows something else. as a base camp from which to recon- than Jim Richards has Chord Candy noiter. Let’s see, check these off: tags! Unless you have been living in beach umbrellas, water bottle, sun- a rabbit hole for the last couple years, screen, map, snacks, folding chair, a you must have heard about the book few odds, no ends. That should about and movie, Fifty Shades of Grey. do it. Tough trekking, but there are no Haven’t read or seen either, but I un- limits to what I will endure for you, derstand they are almost as sexy as a dear reader. baritone. Hey, maybe I should write a book along similar lines. How about And talking about enduring, in my Fifty Shades of Baritone? No, skep- last article I wrote about trying to an- tics, the premise would not be cate- tagonize Doc Hardin by ever increas- gorized as fiction. ing the font size on my drafts. He still hasn’t acknowledged that I did such a It could tell of a singer encountering thing. By happenstance, I came across his first Barbershop quartet and be- an article draft that probably followed ginning to realize the unfulfilled my font growth drafts and reflected promise of a new, more adventurous my frustration with his silence. For a journey into the world of Baritonia. heading, I had typed a letter “G” for Thoughts go to Bob for a steadily Seeking an experienced baritone and instance and then hit the return button. improving recovery with what has learning all things baritone, he could Then typed an “E” and so on. What I always been a good heart of his in so find all the pleasures, and some of the ended up with was a stack of single many ways. pain, of the baritone personality. letters vertically spelling out Georgia Maybe he could become so enamored Complete change of subject, but it Grind. Strange, isn’t it, what boredom of the baritone life, that he creates bugs me. And I don’t know if it’s and one-way communication frustra- baritone bumper stickers and sells even true. Here goes. Do you keep a tion can lead to. them online. Then, with his most bottle of ice water–maybe even with popular sticker, “Go Baritone or Go I probably tried several other things to ice cubes or other ice forms–at hand Home,” he could become a multi- tweak Doc, but he is perturbably, im- for rehearsals or performances. millionaire. Sorry, but my mind has perturbable. I suppose I could add in Some thinking is that a dash of cold wandered just a bit. Enticing, though, some grammatical errors and mis- ice water before singing causes the isn’t it. spellings, but since I am one of the throat and vocal cords to contract intrepid Chord-Inator proofreaders, I and tighten, resulting in less than Time to depart, but I’ll leave you would only have to correct my own best singing. Better is lukewarm with something with which to im- intentional errors. That’s no fun at all! beverage, they say. Why don’t you press your friends. Which is the cor- Of course, when I catch Doc making give the tepid a try for a change and Go to Grind, Page 11, Column 3

CHORD-INATOR 11 MARCH

Many of us might not have the drive Doc’s or the stamina to learn and have note 8th Annual -perfect and quartet-ready, ten very difficult charts in two or three Bag months but we certainly ought to be BHS Open able to master two or three chorus By Dr. Hardin Olson, Editor numbers in that time. So, Commo- benefiting You should have been at the Crowne dores, let’s all take the bull by the Plaza Hotel-West in horns, put our noses to the grind- Harmony Foundation Plymouth, Minneso- stone, turn off the TVs, polish our ta, on Saturday, Feb- pitch-pipes, (don’t sell your golf Elk River Country Club ruary 21, for Drivin’ clubs) and always learn our music Me Crazy, a stun- ASAP. Monday ning Barbershop ************** show offered by the Anyone who has been around me August 10, 2015 Northern Pines Har- even for a short time knows that I Hardin Olson mony Brigade. am extremely thick-skinned and that 12:00 p.m. start I rarely show emotion even in the In preparation for the Brigade rally, most dire of circumstances. But at Register on line at each man attending must learn the ten this writing I have to admit that fi- prescribed arrangements perfectly bhsopen.com nally something has gotten to me. and be ready to sing any and all of them in 15 or 20 quartets during the Last Sunday, the day after the Bri- Let’s put the two-day get-together. gade, I finished the editing I had be- gun Saturday evening, of the 200 capital The final scheduled event then is the pictures I took at the rally. That done “B” Saturday evening show featuring an I proceeded to put them on the web exceptional chorus made up of the 76 in Barbershop and then e-mailed them to a half- attendees; and following, a parade of dozen Brigade principals. guest quartets. Grind from Page With only about two hours of actual Much to my surprise (not really) to rect version, Gray? Or Grey? The an- chorus practice the sound produced date I have received not one oral, swer, good friends, is … both. Both by the group was phenomenal and written, e-mailed, or otherwise, word spellings are acceptable, but “Gray” is certainly exhibited potential for an of thanks from anyone. Not that I used primarily in the United States. A–level score were they ever to be was expecting any but after 13 years “Grey” is used in Great Britain and judged by a Society panel. of bulletin editing I have learned to areas using UK English. Now, when roll with the punches. (My skin has someone asks if you have read the However, most exciting for your Ed- become a lot thicker over that span. book, or seen the movie, you can dis- itor was the sight of 21 Commodores tract them by smiling knowingly, and Addendum: Last Thursday, February in the group, young ones and older then asking, “Never mind those, do 26, at the regular TFLBTMOT ones, all having a time of their lives. you know the correct spelling of Grey? luncheon, Brigader Steve Zorn They have set the bar several notches (Here project a cunning smirk.) Or, is could not thank me enough for my higher for the Minneapolis chapter it Gray?” Grinders, I have given you a work on the pictures. Even more and I fear that if we of the lesser voic- tool to disarm them. Now, you are on gratifying was his effusive praise es don’t meet their challenge we may your own. lose some of them along the way. for Judy’s [my much-better half] masterful direction of the NPHB And speaking of being on your own, Moral: Commodores do your home- chorus with the Blue Skies number. now is the time to make your own Bar- work and be prepared. A dedicated bershop Bucket List. Too, keep on re- Barbershopper will always try to pay Thanks a bunch, Steve! cruiting and hold fast to that which is it forward by striving with his chap- good. ter compatriots to improve his musi- SUPPORT Please Note: This article was assem- cal abilities and to promote positive HARMONY bled from 90% recycled materials. No interaction with his audiences, earn- trees were spared in the production of ing their praise while demonstrating FOUNDATION the creative or entertaining ideas con- to them that Barbershop is a respecta- tained herein–if any whatsoever. ble art-form.

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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 byline Scouts nor dumped by the Sweet are the sole responsibility of the Adelines. Chord-Inator editor and do not Logo courtesy of Bob Clark necessarily reflect the views of those of the Minneapolis Chapter RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Board or its officers. Chapter Quartets To: EASY LISTENIN' Dan Slattery……………………... 651/747-6384 FOUR SEASONS Rollie Neve…………………….....952/470-2129 HOT COMMODITY Dave Speidel…………………..….612-437-4325 MINNESOTA GO-4’S Harvey Weiss…………………….763/439-4447 NOTESWORTHY Harvey Weiss…………………….763/439-4447 SKYPE 2014 Barbershopper Of The Year Mark Bloomquist………………...952/541-0232 My Most LOOKING Unforgettable AHEAD SOUNDS of RENOWN…………...……….VLQ Rod Vink Mark Ortenburger…………….…..952/942-8382 CommodoreChapter LevelCharacter TRIPLE Q………………………………….VLQ By Bob Dykstra, Historian pro tem. Commodores and others * Dave Speidel……………………...952/941-7153  March 19, Board Meeting, Wooddale contributing to this issue. TURNING POINT ManyLutheran of usChurch remember a regular fea- Judd Orff………………………….651/439-3108 ture of Reader’s Digest entitled “My Most March Unforgettable 28, 10,000Lakes Character” Division Con- in Gordy Aumann whichtests guest contributors would Kim DeVoss* write about some unusual person in Jim Erickson their April lives. 9, Tech I oftenrehearsal remember for “Under think- the Rollie Neve ingBig Top”, that IBenson should Hall, nominate Bethel Univer- a truly Hardin Olson unforgettablesity. fellow member of the Rich Ongna Minneapolis Commodores, Dr. Rob- Jim Richards ert April Browne 11, “Under. I never the Biggot Top”.around Ben- to Dick Riemenschneider CHORD-INATOR son Hall, Bethel University. Dave Speidel 1st Place Bill Warp District Level 2013 PROBE HARD-COPY INTERNATIONAL  October 23-24, Fall Convention, Rochester, Minnesota BULLETIN CONTEST International Level  June 28 - July 5, 2015, International Convention, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania CHORD-INATOR MINNEAPOLIS COMMODORES Minneapolis Chapter of SPEBSQSA The Chord-Inator is available on MEETING EVERY TUES –7:00 p.m. the Minneapolis Chapter’s website House of Prayer Lutheran Church minneapoliscommodores.org 7625 Chicago Ave. S. beginning with the January 2006 Richfield, MN 55423 issue. GUESTS ALWAYS WELCOME