CHORD-INATOR APRIL 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 APRIL 2017- VOL.73- NO. 4 Commodores Rock!

Wayne Rasmussen Photo

The Minneapolis Commodores 2017 annual show was a fine Commodore quartets. JUST ONE MORE gave an wonderful showcase of talent throughout the chorus! The excellent performance of Stand By Me and THE SHOES 800 or so attendees at Benson Great Hall at Bethel Uni- earned enthusiastic applause for Happy Together. versity on Saturday, April 1, marveled at the range of ar- Two Very Large Quartets were also featured in the show tistic ability throughout the chorus, especially Dave Cas- to the delight of the crowd. SOUNDS of RENOWN and person opening the show with a bang as Elvis, and UNDER the HILL garnered ample praise for Blue Paul Swanson electrifying the room with his thrilling Moon and Signed, Sealed, Delivered respectively. All in keyboard rendition of Jerry Lee Lewis’ Great Balls of all, 28 chapter members performed in quartets or VLQs. Fire. The first half of the show was emceed by Dick Clark (aka Dan True) and Kasey Kasem (aka Blake Wanger). Audiences also raved about the performance of the cho- rus. Under the leadership of director Paul Wigley, assis- Other Commodore talents were on display in the chapter tant director Dave Speidel, and new assistant director, quartets. BOMP! delighted the audience with Come Go Dave Bechard, the Commodore chorus rocked the ex- With Me and Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, while EASY citing up-tunes, Bandstand Boogie (a chart exhibiting LISTENIN’ soothed them with Goodnight Sweetheart, Paul Wigley’s talents as an arranger), My Girl, Day- Goodnight. SWYPE filled the auditorium with jungle dream, I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends, and sounds during The Lion Sleeps Tonight, and HOT COM- Crazy Little Thing Called Love. The chorus also dis- MODITY had the audience feeling the music and tapping played its range and versatility as the members sang two their feet during their performances of Up On the Roof beautiful ballads, When I Fall in Love and The Way Y ou and Down On The Corner. Look Tonight. This show also marked the debut performances of two Go to Rock, Page 2, Column 1

CHORD-INATOR 2 APRIL 2017 Rock from Page 1 Shine, finishing the show with the the Mermaid for the well-earned Af- All stops were pulled out as the Com- traditional closer, Keep the Whole terglow. This year the revelers en- modore Chorus closed the first half of World Singing. The applause and tered the room to find all the linen- the show with a roof-raising rendition accolades from the audience at the covered tables laden with huge bowls of Y MCA complete with the cos- conclusion left no doubt that Barber- of the freshest salad greens and dress- tumed Village People (Mark shop Rocks was a smash hit! ings, tortilla chips and salsa, only to be followed by a near-endless supply Bloomquist, Ray Ensrud, Gary From Benson Hall, then, it was on to Cooper, Steve Mangan, Dan of hot-out-of-the-oven piz- zas delivered posthaste to Williams, and show chair- man, Dan Cole) who had the each table. entire audience on their feet, A sound-glitch delayed the gesticulating, singing and, start of the entertainment, dancing with the music. The but all in all, the ambiance energy and excitement in the and good food provided a auditorium at the end of most welcome start to a fine YMCA was incomparable—a evening with good friends standing ovation, no less! and good music. There were After the intermission and a some especially fine Barber- stirring performance by our shop offerings by Main guest quartet, Main Street, the Street. (Who can ever forget Commodores returned to the their closing masterpiece, stage to sing Down By the Old Mill- Photos this page by Our GUEST quartet, MAIN STREET (left to rt.): Bari Mike McGee, stream.) Wayne Rasmussen Smile and Bass Myron Whittlesy, Lead Tony DeRosa, and Tenor Roger Ross

The all-Commodore Rockin’Dores performing from left to rt. are: Keyboard-Paul Swanson, Drums - Matt Richards, Guitar-Andy Rich- ards, and Bass Guitar-Dan Cole. The group entertained for a time before the opening of the show and then backed up Dave Casperson’s terrific rendition of Blue Suede Shoes that would have made Elvis proud. Following was a magnifi- cent, frenetic Jerry Lee Lewis-like arrangement of Great Balls of Fire with Swanson singing and rocking on the keyboard.

Under the Hill from left to rt.: Nate Weimer, Blake Wanger (partially hidden), Ben Wanggaard, Tony Lapakko, Matt Richards, David Bechard, and Paul Paddock. When formed a year or two ago, rather on the spur of the moment, they selected 35 and Under as their name. On re- thinking, Under the Hill offers an air of subtle mystery that seems fitting.

Sounds of Renown from left to rt.: Dick Riemenschneider, Dan Wil- liams, Andy Tate, Dan Cole, Rob Hartert, Mark Ortenburger and Jim Erickson. The group got its start early this century as an octet, an idea first proposed by the late and loquacious prime mover and Happy Wanderer, Joe Houser (“Valderee, valdera … ” in one key or another). Riemenschneider and Erickson may be the only original members currently singing with the group.

CHORD-INATOR 3 APRIL 2017

BOMP! (left to rt.): Dan Cole, Jim Johannsen, Andy Cook, SWYPE (left to rt.): Mark Bloomquist, Andy Richards, Conrad Ward, and Ken Wentworth and Harvey Weiss

Dave Casperson rocking with Blue Suede Shoes YMCA

EASY LISTENIN’ (left to rt.): Dick Riemenschneider, Rod Vink, Dan Slattery, UNFOURGETTABLE (left to rt.): Payton Camilli, Anna Larson, and John Carlotto Kate Fox, and Kalli Sander Benson Great Hall Rocks to the sounds of a bygone era. April 1, 2017 Paul Swanson groovin’ with Emcee Dan True Front page piece by Blake Wanger Photos this page by Kirk Douglas Video Great Balls of Fire.

HOT COMMODITY (left to rt.): Paul Swanson, Tony Mason, THE SHOES (left to rt.): Steve Grady, Tony Lapakko, Andy Richards, and Matt Ben Wanggaard, and Dave Speidel Richards

CHORD-INATOR 4 APRIL 2017 Minneapolis, Minn. Chapter Musing about Y MCA Land O’Lakes District, BHS A brief glimpse back … Meetings every Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. By Denny Maas, President A longer look forward House of Prayer Lutheran Church 7625 Chicago Avenue South I have been reflecting on part of the By Paul Wigley, Director Richfield, MN 55423 lyrics from Y MCA, I don’t even have the words to ex- Chapter Officers this morning’s ear press how great I President………… ……Denny Maas 952/447-8012 Past Pres. ………...... Gordy Aumann 952/935-8869 worm. To para- felt after the annual Marketing/PR VP…...Steve Grady….952/334-7500 phrase, “Young man show, Barbershop VP Music /Perform… Carl Pinard 612/927-9363 what do you want to Rocks—it sure does! VP Membership...…....Harvey Weiss 763/439-4447 Program VP..………...Blake Wanger 414/699-4950 be; Young man you How much fun it is Secretary……...... …...... Bill Warp 763/531-2290 can make real your to talk with people Treasurer …….. ……...John Carlotto 952/925-0886 dreams.” I was won- after a show and not Board Members Denny Maas dering how our Through 2017 have to think about, Dean Lambert……………………. ....612/727-3909 members would respond in regard to “Gosh, I wish we Matt Richards …………………..…...651/983-8021 their Barbershop singing. Paul Wigley could have another Andy Tate……………………….. ….612/825-1942 chance to sing Song Through 2017-18 So I am asking each member, “What Andy Cook…………………………..651/688-6459 is your dream? Would your dream be # (FILL IN THE BLANK) again.” Andy Richards…………………..…...651/639-9312 Arne Stefferud…………………...…..651/772-4367 to be a gold medal singer?” My dream At this year’s show, every song had Directors for the chorus would be that we the intention that it was supposed to Director…………...…...…………..…..Paul Wigley would all sing at the level where we have. The fun stuff felt so good, and Assistant Directors: Gary Jacobson (on leave), Davie Speidel, Dave Bechard are maximizing the gifts God has giv- the sincere numbers (When I Fall In Section Leaders en us. If we did this, our music would Love and The Way You Look Tonight) Tenor Section Leader ……..…...…....…Rollie Neve have an even greater impact on the were genuine and heartfelt. You can’t Lead Section Leader. ……..…………….…..Vacant Assistant - Dan Smith hearts of our audiences and even fool an audience, or fool yourselves. Bari Section Leaders ……....…..….….Dave Speidel greater numbers would come to our When a selection is sung from the Assistant - Matt Richards performances. This would allow us to heart, it is oh so special. I really felt Bass Section Leaders……………...Dave Casperson have an even greater community out- Committee Chairmen the Commodores sang with confi- Altruistic Programs Chairman…… …..Denny Maas reach. dence, and with the definite purpose Audio/Visual Mgr……………….. ….Kirk Douglas Go to Wigley, Page 5, Column 1 2016 Show Chairman………..….…....Dave Speidel I was reminded of how important our 2017 Show Chairman………………….....Dan Cole work is when I read the message in a Mark contacted these wonderful sing- 2018 Show Chairman…………….….Matt Richards note of appreciation from Barbara Afterglow Chairman……………. .... Travis Wuttke ers to perform at my dad’s service English, for whom a small group of Attendance/Sgt.-at-Arms…….….……… .....Vacant (Beautiful, Beautiful Music). We are BOTY Party Chairman...... Dick Riemenschneider Commodores sang at the funeral of forever grateful. The congregation Chord-Inator Staff . her father, Irving English. Included loved their presence, songs, and the Editor ……………….….….…..…Dr. Hardin Olson with the note was a generous check Senior Columnist….……..….…..….Jim Erickson spirit they brought to this life- given in memory of Bill Ward who, Artist…………….…….…...…...…..Glenn Retter memorializing event. Chorus Performance Managers…….....John Lloyd along with his son, Conrad, sang at Bob Ostergaard the service. Some of our members We are so sad to hear about Bill Grants Research…………..………….…...Vacant Groupanizer Administrator………..Matt Richards have told me they are hesitant about Ward. And so, this donation is in Harmony Foundation…...…...... ……...... Vacant asking their friends to buy tickets to memory of him and his generous Historian ……………….…… ...Mark Bloomquist our shows. This note confirms what I heart, so close to his own passing. Learning Tracks…….………...…… ….Dan Smith Librarian………………..…..… …. ….Carl Pinard have learned—people appreciate our Your members are the greatest group Name Tags ……………….………….Dan Slattery music and being invited. Our music of guys. Nut Sales Chairman………Dick Riemenschneider is important to them and they look Northern Pines Brigade President…..Dave Speidel With heartfelt thanks. Performance Mgr………….…..…...Paul Swanson forward to coming to our shows. The Presentation Chairman…...……..……....Dan True note is included below: Barbara English Quartet Promotion…………...…….Gary Jacobson Riser Boss(temp.)……….….…………...Dan Cole Please accept this check in memory So now it is time for me to stop Roster (pending) ………………….Andy Richards and honor of Bill Ward and in appre- dreaming and get back to the work of Singing Valentines……..…….…..Neal Mortenson Barbershop singing. This means fine Sunshine ………………………..……Rich Ongna ciation of all the wonderful Minneap- Swipe Editor ………..……………..…...... Bill Warp olis Commodore members who sang tuning my singing for each of our Tickets/A-Commodears President…..Diana Pinard for my dad’s celebration of life. My newest numbers. While learning new Transportation Mgr.……………....Dick Hartmann dad loved the Commodores. Mark songs is a lot of hard work, it is nec- Uniform Committee Chairman………..…...Vacant essary since our patrons are looking Uniforms (Dress & Casual)………...Dan Williams Bloomquist made a special effort to let us know about your performances forward to hearing the new tunes in so we could attend. the Commodore repertoire.

CHORD-INATOR 5 APRIL 2017

Wigley from Page 4 the reasons we’ve had solid singers It’s virtually impossible for me to do of sharing music and expression with and musical leaders backing away that type of work when faced with a the audience. Those were truly uplift- from their Commodore commit- crush of contest preparation, Christ- ing moments for me and I thank you ments. Replacing great singers, great mas show preparation, fundraiser all! leaders, and great people, is a con- shows, and the Annual Show prepara- stant challenge, and we all need to tion. My goal is for every one of you You probably have heard the old say- work to bring in new singers to keep to feel that you have gotten something ing, “Strike while the iron is hot!” It the Commodores vibrant and excit- at every rehearsal that will make couldn’t be more true than right now ing. Each of us should be an Assis- YOU a better individual singer. in this year of the Commodores. We tant Membership VP! The only difference between ex- just completed a fantastic show. With I am so excited about our immediate, many summer performances coming tremely good choruses, very good and yes, our long-term future! This choruses, average choruses, and me- up, there will be old and new, super- time of year allows us to re-check fun songs to sing. So! Bring a new diocre choruses … is the amount of voices, change the riser order to fit desire within every individual singer singer to a Minneapolis chapter meet- complementary voices more effi- ing. The next Guest Night will be on the risers. Where do you view ciently, introduce new repertoire, yourself when we talk about this level wonderful, I’m sure, but why wait? and sing lots and lots of songs to If you know somebody who might of excellence? I clearly know what I keep ourselves ready for upcoming want for every one of you, and I in- enjoy singing with us, don’t hesitate summer shows. It is fun, perfor- to get them singing with us right vite you to all join me in this quest for mance-wise, to be able to work hard, even greater excellence! Thanks to now! without such a hectic schedule. We There is always natural attrition in all of you for your extra work. You will continue to work on voice make me proud to be a Commodore. volunteer/community choral groups. placement, and also to work on vo- Job changes, retirement, and reloca- cal quality and the basics of proper tion after retirement, are just a few of tone production. BOARD HIGHLIGHTS There may be mandatory Saturday rehearsals for members who wish to compete in the District contest, sched- ule to be determined. March reenlistments  Old Business: Problems with the truck have engendered a consensus Walter Dawson………………3 yrs. Chapter members are always wel- that it be scrapped. come to attend the Board meetings. James Norman……………….9 yrs. The Ostergaard/Elephant equitable- Dave Bechard………………11 yrs. From the meeting of March 16 chorus-contest proposal is now a dead Dave Casperson…………….14 yrs. issue. Bob Ostergaard……………..14 yrs. By Andy Richards, Acting Secretary Gordy Aumann reported interim James Erickson……………..15 yrs.  Treasurer’s Report: The chapter Food Shelf receipts, $1023 in cash John Carlotto…………….....16 yrs. is solvent. Show ticket receipts are Mark Ortenburger…………..16 yrs. accumulating. and 107 pounds of food. Peter Jarnberg…………...….18 yrs.  Marketing: Motion approved to  Next meeting rescheduled for April Harvey Weiss……………….18 yrs. fund color printing in color of front 20 at Wooddale Lutheran Church. Terry McClellan…………….21 yrs. and back covers of the Annual Show Rodney Vink…………..……23 yrs. program and to use unused and recy- Guy St Martin…………..…..26 yrs. cled programs as a “Season Year- 04/12 Janet Johnson Jim Windey……………..…28 yrs. book” at future 2017 performances. Chuck McKown………….....31 yrs. 04/14 Char Carlotto  Membership: Formal Guest Dan Smith………………..…31 yrs. 04/15 Janet Huyck Night is set for June 6. VP Harvey Dan True………………..…..32 yrs. 04/16 Dan Slattery Weiss has resigned his post and David Speidel…………….....42 yrs. 04/18 Kathy Nelson must be replaced. LeRoy Zimmerman…..……..45 yrs. 04/19 Sarah Hartmann Gary Jacobson……………....53 yrs.  Music and Performance: Flow- 04/20 Chuck Gribble Robert Griffith………….…..54 yrs. ers will be sent to the significant 04/24 Bob Dillon Robert Dykstra……………..65 yrs. others of Main Street quartet mem- 04/26 Walter Macwicz bers as has been the case since the 04/29 Dan Smith Capital “B” in Barbershop - Why not? earliest annual shows. Go to Birthdays, Page 6, Column 1

CHORD-INATOR 6 APRIL 2017 cuperating at home. up for several seconds. He has yet to speak but he can smile and “directs SUNSHINE Judy Johannsen, Jim’s wife, had his gaze” to those speaking to him. back surgery on March 20th to re- Bill has been trying to stick out his HOTLINE lieve the pain she was experiencing tongue on command, but although he from spinal stenosis. The surgery is obviously trying hard, he has yet to By Rich Ongna, Sunshine Chairman was successful and she is now re- succeed. Connie (his wife) is doing a covering at home. Phone: 952-829-7009 wonderful job through Caring Bridge Email: [email protected] Glenn Retter’s radiation treat- with frequent detailed updates on ments for the laryngeal cancer are Bill’s condition. She has been a rock WOW! Great annual show guys! nearing an end. However, they have for Bill and is so appreciative of all Great tempo and made his throat so sore that he’s un- your thoughts and prayers. Cards wonderfully enter- able to talk or eat. He is in the Veter- may be sent to Bill Ashley c/o St. taining but my terri- an’s Hospital now for intravenous Mary’s Hospital, 1216 Second Street. ble cold and laryngitis feeding as well as a feeding tube SW, Rochester, MN 55902. All will prevented my partici- until sufficient healing takes place. be most welcome. pation but allowed me Shirley says he can have a few visi- the great pleasure of The Commodores extend their sym- tors but please don’t overdo it. Rich Ongna sitting out front and pathies to Doris Belsaas and family, enjoying all that en- Doug Klemz had successful cata- for the passing of her husband and ergy, talent, and entertainment. As ract surgery on his second eye on Commodore alumnus, Gerald (Jerry), you know I won’t be living here next March 28th and hopes to be back at on March 6. chapter meetings with us soon. year but I hope to be back in the audi- Remember: Please keep me in- ence again. Bill Ashley remains in St. Mary’s formed about who is ill and don’t Bev Slattery, Dan’s wife had open Hospital in Rochester after emergen- assume that I know. Help me bright- heart surgery on March 10. The sur- cy surgery for a massive brain bleed en the days of our ailing members. geons did a double bypass as well as occurring on March 7. As of April 7, Just a short note of encouragement or repairing an aortic valve. The surgery he has been able to sit, with help, on a brief phone call can make the day went well and she has since been re- the side of the bed and hold his head of a person who’s not feeling well. Birthdays from Page 5 Welcome aboard! the city/county managerial level. 05/04 Dale Lynch Jim Norman lives in Richfield and Marathon-running became his passion 05/05 Roger Meyer works now as a with 76 marathons on four continents 05/06 Rich Ongna semi-retired sub- entered into his personal logbook. 05/09 Jim Windey stitute teacher. 05/11 Gordy Aumann Although experienced in church choir Born in Mankato, 05/11 Lance Johnson and a host of school and community Jim graduated 05/13 Ardis Von Fischer theater productions, he was a late- from Lake Crystal 05/14 Doris Hall comer to Barbershop, joining the High School with 05/16 John Carlotto West Central Connection Chorus in Paul Wigley who 05/21 Steve Mangan Willmar, Minnesota, from 1993-98 had been his class- 05/24 Pat Griffith and later with GNU in 1998-9. Dur- mate from grade school on. 05/27 Pete Mitchelson ing his tenure with Willmar, Jim sang 05/28 James Erickson After high school, Jim moved on to in the Black Oak Boys Quartet with 05/28 Marge Riemenschneider the University of Minnesota- members from the Montevideo chap- Mankato, earning bachelor and ter. graduate degrees preparing for a Jim will add his mellifluous tones to career in Public Administration at the vaunted Lead Section. 04/11 Chuck & Kelly McKown 05/24 Mike & Candice Hojan 06/06 Andy & Karen Richards 04/12 Gene & Karene Heupel 05/27 Rod & Bonnie Vink 04/22 Jim & Judy Johannsen 06/02 Jim & Kay Foy PLEASE NOTE: If your birthday or 04/27 Dick & Sarah Hartmann 06/02 Mark & Cathy Ortenburger anniversary dates are missing from 04/30 Matt & Allison Richards 06/02 Dan & Kathy Williams this list, please notify the Editor to 05/11 Lou & Nan DeMars 06/06 John & Caryl Hansen update your records so you won’t be 05/18 Gordy & Barbara Aumann 06/02 Dan & Kathy Williams missed next time. 05/21 Mark & Jeanne Bloomquist 06/06 John & Caryl Hansen

CHORD-INATOR 7 APRIL 2017 Good day, ladies, because of the support we have from This can occur in a number of differ- You are invited … our spouse or significant other. ent ways such as: serving as a chapter to the 2017 Ladies Appreciation Without that support, the opportuni- officer or Board member; providing Night & BOTY Celebration. ty we have to make and share music musical leadership as a director or with a bunch of our very good section leader; writing grants and We are well into the planning process friends, would be significantly di- fund raising; participating in and pro- for our special evening. We wanted to minished. This is our chance to say moting organized quartets, or chairing give you as much advance notice as thanks to our ladies for all their con- an annual show. There are so many possible so you can get this not-to-be- tributions. other unheralded jobs vital to a well- missed event on your calendar. The run, successful chapter. Details: The second, and no less important, part of the evening, is the Barber- The upcoming celebration will consist Date: Sunday, June 4 shopper of the Year (BOTY) of dinner and entertainment along Time: 5 - 8:00 p.m. presentation. Each year the Com- with recognition activities for both Location: Mancini’s in St. Paul modores select one individual, never the Ladies and our new BOTY. an easy task given all the contribu- For those of you who are new to the We’re currently working on some tions that come from so many of our Commodores or have not had a very exciting entertainment as a part members, to receive the Barbershop- chance to attend in the past, this annu- of what should be a great evening. al event is an important opportunity per of the Year honor. Please put the date on your calendar for us to celebrate two special things To be eligible for the award an indi- and plan to join the rest of your that make our world go ‘round. The vidual must have been a member of friends as we honor the special people first is the Ladies Appreciation por- the Minneapolis Chapter for at least in our lives. tion of the evening. Most of us are five years and must have contributed Cathy and I will see you there! privileged to enjoy the wonderful ex- his time and expertise in furthering perience we have as Commodores the goals and welfare of the chapter. Mark Ortenburger Jim Richards Memorial Chord Candy # 11

Just the Way You Are tag arranged by Paul Paddock from Billy Joel

I love You Just the Way You Are I wrote this in five-voice, but there was too much doubling up, so I “trimmed” it. The two notes I had a hard time deciding were for the first “you” to be G for baritones in- stead of A, and B for basses instead of C on the second “you”. I felt unifying As on the first “you” resembled the constant feeling of two souls saying “I love you,” versus the latter choice that might suggest uncertain “fluttery” feelings. And the second “you” sug- Dr. Jim Richards gestion could be just cool! Paul Paddock

CHORD-INATOR 8 APRIL 2017 sumed singing with the church all during his 43 years as a resident. Doc’s choir, found employment, rode a At the Home, Omar joined the choir bus to work, played a little golf, and and even had a part-time job in the Bag not too long after, became a member pharmacy. When walking became of the Minneapolis Commodores too difficult, he was provided with a By Dr. Hardin Olson, Editor where he sang BARITONE. In other sort of scooter with which, according words living a fairly normal life If you had been perusing the Obituary to Barb, he propelled himself around (except for the baritone part). Page of the Sunday, the grounds “at times much too fast March 19, issue of In retrospect, Barbershop had to … to the chagrin of the staff and resi- the Minneapolis Star have been wonderful therapy for dents.” Omar. He was immediately accept- -Tribune you might Omar refused to burden his friends, ed and carrying his part, he traveled have come across the always wanting to prove his inde- and performed with the Commo- announcement of the pendence whenever possible. A dores and according to his niece, passing of Omar prime example was at mealtimes. was on stage when the Commodores Branstad Anderson Apparently one of the newer build- Hardin Olson earned a 5th-place medal at the … World War II vet- ings had a long but gentle ramp lead- 1962 competition in Kansas City. eran … 43-year resident of the Min- ing to the dining area. Omar, refusing nesota Veterans Home, and … assistance, insisted on pulling him- “member of the Minneapolis Barber- self, in his wheel chair, hand over shop Male Chorus … ” hand using the adjacent railing. There are only a few of our currently On all-too-rare occasions during the active Commodores (Dan Slattery later 70s and early 80s, the Commo- and Your Editor for sure, and perhaps dores would gather for a concert at Neal Mortenson) who really knew the Home for Omar and his friends. and remember Omar and who are still He would often introduce us and if climbing (some not as high) up on the not joining the chorus would offer Commodore risers today. his practiced baritone in a pickup At his funeral service on Friday, quartet much to the delight of the March 24, at the Veterans Home, a attending vets. niece, Barb Starr, gave a moving eu- The funeral at the Home was really a logy full of so many heretofore un- joyously-moving occasion conducted known (to me and virtually to all beautifully by Vets Home Pastor, Jim Commodores) snippets of Omar’s Omar B. Anderson Leith. There were 50 or more in life. attendance, many relatives and many Born in 1924, Omar was one of four 1924 - 2017 staff, including a men's quartet from siblings, two older and one younger Bethlehem Lutheran who actually sister. The family were active mem- However as time passed, Omar’s did sing a little bit of Barbershop. bers of the Bethlehem Lutheran condition deteriorated requiring more assistance from his chorus The foursome calling themselves Church on Lyndale Avenue where Forgivin’, opened the service with Omar sang in the choir. mates. Loren Berthilson, early on, had started chauffeuring Omar to the National Anthem, following it Sometime after graduation from Cen- and from chapter meetings while with a moving parody of Loch Lo- tral High School in 1942, he enlisted other Commodores like Dan Lun- mond. Ironically, the father of one of in the Army and was serving in Ger- deen would squire him at our sing the men was Jim Anderson, a Com- many (after the surrender?) when he -outs. Dan was always kidding modore of Omar's vintage whom I developed disturbing signs of Frie- Omar in a good-natured way, even vaguely remember, as it wasn’t until dreich’s Ataxia, a hereditary condi- at times about his infirmity, but al- 1971 that I joined the chapter. tion manifested by the progressive ways keeping Omar laughing. To fill out the day, enough stories loss of coordinated motion of the ex- By 1974, Omar’s worsening condi- were related and recollections re- tremities and also speech problems, tion precluded his attendance at vived to fill a book, all to memorial- often, however, sparing the ability to chapter meetings and his family ize a remarkable human being and sing. (A younger sister was afflicted found it regretfully necessary to ar- undaunted Minneapolis Commodore. with the same disease.) range admission for Omar to the However, as I was leaving the well- Granted an honorable medical dis- Minnesota Veterans Home where he kept grounds I was overcome by charge, Omar returned home, re- thrived and was loved by virtually Go to Omar, Page 9, Column 1

CHORD-INATOR 9 APRIL 2017

Omar from Page 8 A contingent of Commodores under the direction of Dave Bechard (far right), sang for the ICA Food Shelf a wave of sadness and remorse about at Faith Church in Minnetonka on March 4. At right the many times in the recent past I are attendees Cassie and Jackson Bechard. Interim food had thought that the Commodores donations have totaled 107 lbs. with $1027 in cash. ought to trek over to the Vets Home and sing for Omar. I never pursued wouldn’t have needed our visits but he the thoughts and will always regret surely would have been proud to have not doing so. Considering his throngs been so recognized. (I think there is a mor- of good friends, Omar probably al in there somewhere.)

CHORD-INATOR 10 APRIL APRIL 2017 peared hesitant to attempt this style. yway, he crossed paths with some flu Georgia Grind Ahh … what they are missing! bug to his loss, and couldn’t boost a note. So he bought a ticket as the least By Jim Erickson, Befuddled Baritone Another time at a party, we cut a he could do. You wonder where this similar rug and were later told, by a is going, don’t you! To quote our esteemed director, Paul young woman, that we were Wigley, “WOW!” “cute” (our dancing, at least). Can Well, because he was out, the right And I will add, you remember some of those feel- side of the chorus was missing some “What a concert.” ings and that exhilaration? They do baritone balance. So, being a certified Now I have per- bring up other memories. judge and master of all things bal- formed in a dozen anced, Paul Wigley asked if I would In high school, our basketball “pep” or so annual Com- move from the left side. To the right band (which actually was practically modore concerts side. Oh, big deal! Well it was sort of. everyone in the band) played by and we have had I had a new position next to our lead- memory, Mr. Sandman and Lolli- some great ones, er, Denny Maas. That worked fine for pop, Lollipop. It just seemed like the Jim Erickson but this one takes the first half of the concert. But for thing to do. And when those four the prize for the fastest moving, di- the second half, Denny had some mi- young ladies took the stage at Bar- rect connection with the audience. I crophone responsibilities at the time bershop Rocks, stood right in front don’t think we left them reeling, so we were to take the stage. And being much as “reeling them in.” The songs new to my position, I had neglected to were from eras everyone, I believe, see whom Denny was standing next recognized [Some didn’t pay any at- to so I could join the line in a proper, tention.]. Even the younger listeners Denny-missing position. No one else responded, as this kind of music has seemed to know where I should go, continued to grab hearts for decades either. beyond their origins. Are the songs “warmer?” Or do they appeal more A baritone does not know the mean- simply to a romantic and more fun ing of the word, panic. Or a lot of oth- er words for that matter. But a Mac- time? Gyver solution was called for. Sur- I know when I hear these songs, I am veying the situation for solutions, I taken right back to what I experi- decided upon waiting behind the cur- enced in high school, college, early tains on the Denny side and just when married years, and the like. A time the moment screamed for solution, I when some songs really rocked and would enter the stage and sneak up others, just like looking through a into the Denny place. As it played misty, cheesecloth, romantic dance of me facing the audience and sang out, no one even noticed, or so I setting with a young girl and boy those two songs so very well as the thought. Who did? Well, my wife, of dancing closely to quiet lyrics on a “Chordettes,” some pretty great course, who wondered if I had taken a smoothly-polished gymnasium floor. memories came flooding back. not-well-planned timing-wise bath- Only to break out to the next tune to room break. Not outside the realm of “Shake, Rattle and Roll.” Probably the same as for the rest of possibilities, my friend. But not this the audience. And hearing their time. Recently, my wife, Mary, and I were comments afterwards, I would ven- Anything else that was Rich’s fault? at my daughter’s home for a fun par- ture that this concert was the most Yes. At the very end of the wildly ty. Of course there was music playing fun for listeners and performers that popular, crowd-involved singing of some the old tunes, but no one was we have had for some years. There YMCA, four sections of the chorus dancing. These later generations was, however, a little confusion be- were to form the letters, left to right. somehow got cool by dancing well hind the scenes. apart and flinging their arms and bod- “Y” Then, “M” and awww, you can ies wildly about if at all. But the mu- It was to be Rich Ongna’s last con- figure it out. Well, before Rich’s ab- sic this party night was too good to cert with the Commodores before sence, I had been on the “Y” side. I pass up, and finally my wife and I got heading to Oostburg, Wisconsin had that down! Now I had to learn, on out in the middle of things and start- where he will soon live. Oh, he lives a moment’s notice, the choreography ed to do the Lindy and whatever else now, but will soon really “live” in for the “A” on the right side of the we used to call those animated danc- that rockin’ town of the Oosts. I chorus. With no help from others, I es. It somehow seemed brand new to think their croquet team’s slogan is nailed it making a sort of teepee of the younger partygoers and they ap- “Boost the Oosts.” I’m not sure. An- Go to Grind, Page 11, Column 1

CHORD-INATOR 11 APRIL APRIL 2017 Letters Although the RIVER CITY QUARTET is only a couple Hi Hardin, years old, its individual mem- bers are far from newcomers I enjoyed the article discussing the to the entertainment scene. Heyde Center in Chippewa Falls by Bob, John, Jim and Rick have Jim Erickson.[Chord-Inator, Vol. 73, sung in quartets and choruses # 3 March 2017] It is an excellent on local stages plus many oth- addition to the community and is er shows beyond our state's used extensively by many arts organi- River City Quartet boundaries. zations. I've played with the North- R C Photo Aside from the typical enter- winds Brass Band from Rice Lake, tainment venues, they have been busy Wisconsin, for the past 15 years, and [Paddock] was the only one who had a problem with the March issue. Isn't providing gospel quartet music for every year we put on one or two con- worship and praise at many metro dealing with technology fun? By the certs at the center at Christmas and in churches. way another great issue. I only hope the spring. They are always well ap- Participating in local theater produc- preciated and the hall has excellent that people read everything you pro- tions of THE MUSIC MAN by Mere- acoustics. There are several arts cen- duce since there's always a lot of dith Willson has been one of the quar- ters in the Western Wisconsin area great information and stories. Glad tet’s most enjoyable endeavors over that have been rebuilt by local resi- to see Dr. [Bob] Dykstra is back on the years. dents interested in keeping the arts his horse and pulling dispatches We look forward to entertaining your alive in communities outside of the from his saddle bags to share around group soon: From left to right: Bob metro area. the campfire. Wonderful stuff! Dowma—tenor, John Chouinard— lead, Jim Foy—bass, and Rick Ander- I always enjoy the Chord-Inator with Mark [Ortenburger] son—baritone. its mix of BBS Harmony history and current events. Thanks go to you for As of this date the $50,000 Jim doing the work to make it happen. TFLBTMOT Richards Challenge has nearly been Jim McCarville met by the generosity of the LOL ************** continues District’s members and friends and Les Gurr said he got his Chord- The Jim Richards we are about to embark on a simi- Inator so I'm not sure if Paul lar second challenge. Matching Funds August 7 will be a most special day Grind from Page 10 of golf and 19th hole entertainment my hands. Baritones are resilient, Challenge thanks to Jim Clark and his Storm among their many other admirable Front mates. The early registration traits. at the has been good but expect it to speed up as the day draws near so don’t All’s well that ends well so they say. 10th Annual hesitate to sign up and pick a start- And this concert, that tickled so BHS Open ing hole although you may have yet many, was truly one for the books. to fill out your foursome. Monday Just a note to wish the Ongna’s the , Be aware that the Lunch Bunch is very best in Oostburg and that we August 7, 2017 soliciting individual and corporate will really miss them. Until you come sponsorships; a hole may be spon- to visit us then,…… Elk River Country Club sored for as little as $100.The Com- Spring is here and that means it is Scramble Format modores are a tax-exempt organi- almost time to start learning new mu- zation under IRC section 501(c)(3) sic for next year. And polish some of to benefit so all sponsorships and other dona- the others for summer fare. In the Harmony Foundation’s tions are tax-free for the donors. meantime, hold fast to that which is Youth Festival So please pick up your pens and good as you dig out your Speedo for mark your calendars for August 7, the ice out. And I can’t wait to begin For further information polish up your clubs, lay in a supply the warm weather explorations into of sunscreen (fair weather is guar- origins of the Georgia Grind. Pay log on to anteed), and prepare yourself for a attention to what is happening around bhsopen.com wonderful day! you … until next month.

CHORD-INATOR 12 APRIL APRIL 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  April 20, Thursday, Board Meeting Bill Ward Andy Richards……………….… ..651/639-9312  May 9, Tuesday, Comedy Quartet Commodores and others * RIVER CITY QUARTET Night, 7:00 p.m., Richfield Ameri- contributing to this issue. John Chouinard………..………….651/343-4145 can Legion MINNESOTA GO-4’s  June 4, Sunday, Recognition/BOTY Jim Erickson Harvey Weiss………………….….763/439-4447 Night, Mancini’s Char House, St. Denny Maas RANDOM SAMPLE Paul Jim McCarville Darrell Egertson…………………..952/943-8737 Hardin Olson SWYPE  June 6, Tuesday, Annual Visitors Rich Ongna Mark Bloomquist………………....952/541-0232 Night Mark Ortenburger SOUNDS of RENOWN (VLQ)  June 25, Sunday, Landscape Arbore- Paul Paddock Mark Ortenburger…………….…..952/942-8382 tum, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Andy Richards THE SHOES  July 18, Tuesday, Como Park Area River City Quartet Blake Wanger Andy Richards……………………651/639-9312 Singout, Noon (Call Time) Paul Wigley  July 27, Thursday, Hopkins, 6:00 p.m. CHORD-INATOR  August 2, Wednesday, St. Louis Park, 6:00 p.m. 1st Place 2013 PROBE HARD-COPY  August 20, Sunday, Twins Singout, noon INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN CONTEST  August 22, Tuesday, Minnetonka, 5:30 p.m. PROBE Hall of Honor Dr. Hardin Olson District Level  May 5-6, 2017 Spring Convention & CHORD-INATOR 2016 Int’l Prelims, Stevens Point, Wiscon- MINNEAPOLIS COMMODORES sin. Minneapolis Chapter of SPEBSQSA The Chord-Inator is available on MEETING EVERY TUES –7:00 p.m. the Minneapolis Chapter’s website International Level House of Prayer Lutheran Church minneapoliscommodores.org  July 2-8, International Convention, 7625 Chicago Ave. S. starting with the January 2006 is- Las Vegas, Nevada Richfield, MN 55423 sue. GUESTS ALWAYS WELCOME