The Orange Spiel Page 1 July 2018

Volume 38 Issue 7 July 2018 We meet at 7:00 most Thursdays at Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran, 7860 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL Guests always welcome Call 355-SING No Experience Necessary

WHAT'S INSIDE SOCIETY BOARD ANNOUNCES

Title Page NEXT STEP TOWARD Society Board Announces Next Step 1,3 EVERYONE IN HARMONY Editorial 2 Barbershop History Questions 52 3 by Skipp Kropp Chapter Eternal 4-5 from barbershop.org Chapter Eternal 6 Stop Singing Rehearsal Sabotage 6-7 he Barbershop Harmony Society believes that Chapter Quartets 7 what we offer – the experience of singing to- Caribbean Gold Cruise 7 gether in harmony – is meaningful to all peo- Free Your Voice 8 T ple, and should therefore be accessible to peo- Free Singing Tips 8 ple in all combinations. Since the announcement of the A Better Way To Teach Complex Skills 9-11 Strategic Vision last June, the Society Board and staff 33 Most Effective Singing Tips 11 leadership have been involved in ongoing discussions Barbershop History Answers 52 11 about the best way to achieve the vision of Everyone Magic Choral Trick #377 And #378 12 in Harmony. Today, we are thrilled to announce our Singing With Good Posture 13-14 next step in the realization of that vision. Quartet Corner 15 Chapter Member Stats 15 Effective immediately, membership in the Barbershop Board Minute Summary 16 Harmony Society is open to EVERYONE. Beginning 2018 Hall Of Fame Inductees 16 today, we welcome women to join the Barbershop Upcoming Schedules 17 Harmony Society as members. Birthdays / Guests / New Members 17 Directing Team / Other Leaders 18 Everyone means EVERYONE – people of every age, Chapter Officers / Music Team 19 of every background, every gender identity, every race, every sexual orientation, every political opinion or spiritual belief. Every person who loves to harmo- nize has a place in our family.

Your barbershop experience will always be yours to choose.

Your participation — as a chorus singer, quartetter, leader, musician, fan — is what you choose to make of it. Ultimately, we want to ensure that every person who loves barbershop will be able to forge a path into the barbershop world in a personal, devoted, continuing way.

While Society membership for everyone becomes im- mediately available, district and chapter membership (Continued on page 3) The Orange Spiel Page 2 July 2018

2018 Board of Directors Committees EDITORIAL President: Show Chairman: Brian Kerr vacant And so, we are about to compete at International, once again. We have come a long way and, of Immediate Past Pres: Webmaster: course, have more to come on our journey. But Terry Ezell Frank Nosalek we are ready to have our progress measured, and expect to do well. As an awesome coach said, Executive VP: Chorus Manager: “Ruin somebody’s weekend.” Jason Dearing Jason Dearing Shortly thereafter, we will be getting a new contest VP Music & Performance: Uniform Manager: set for next year’s International (and honing it at a John Alexander Dave Walker District or two) as well as some new music for the Christmas show. VP Membership: 2018 Music Team Daniel Proctor Good times are to be had. Bring some guests and Music Director: maybe we’ll have more men with which to share VP Marketing & PR: Jay Giallombardo those times. Robert Reeves Associate Director: Each and every man, improving just a little bit, Secretary: George Gipp each and every day, will result in exponential im- Ken Tureski provements for the whole chorus. Music VP: Treasurer: John Alexander Gregg Flowers Section Leaders: Finance Chairman: Terry Ezell Tenor Rick Morin Steve Mullens Lead Brian Kerr Bari Daniel Proctor Bass Big O Bucks Learning Materials: Coordinator: Daniel Proctor Mike Sobolewski Presentation Coord: Bookkeeper: Mike Sobolewski Rick Morin Music Librarian: Eric Grimes

The Orange Spiel is published monthly and is the official publication of the Jacksonville Big O Chapter of the Sunshine District of the Barbershop Harmony Society, the home of the Big Orange Chorus. The chapter and chorus meet most Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm at the Shepherd of the Woods, 7860 South- side Blvd. For more information visit our website, http://www.bigorangechorus.com. Articles, pictures and address corrections may be sent to the editor.

John Alexander, Editor For more detailed, 2429 Southern Links Dr timely information Orange Park FL 32003 see my weekly [email protected] publication: 904-278-3987 Orange Zest The Orange Spiel Page 3 July 2018

SOCIETY BOARD ANNOUNCES NEXT STEP The last decade has seen the emergence of new ways to participate beyond “membership,” from Har- (continued) mony Platoons to online communities of multi- (Continued from page 1) trackers, and that barely scratches the surface of will be available beginning January 2019. In the possibilities. Our aim is to expand opportunities, ex- coming months, we’ll be developing and sharing pand relationships, expand ways to have fun singing materials that will help your BHS chapter choose together that may or may not involve a membership among many options. Your chapter can choose to card. stay exactly the same as you are today. Your chapter might choose to add a mixed chorus, or a In the coming weeks and months, you will start see- new, distinct women’s chorus. New chapters ing updated language in our Society governing might form — male, female, or mixed. This is documents, on our website, and in our regular com- about adding, not subtracting. More people, shar- munications. Specific information about chapter and ing more harmony, and more joy, in more ways. district membership options, women’s and mixed We believe that preserving the experience of men quartet registration, and expanded services is being singing together AND welcoming women as mem- developed, so you can expect a series of updates bers of the Barbershop Harmony Society are com- throughout the remainder of the year via email, in patible ideas. the Harmonizer, and on our website.

Everyone in Harmony suggests that different par- The Board of Directors and the BHS staff leadership ticipation options, much like the different voices of are committed to supporting the many ways that a barbershop quartet, are not in opposition but en- everyone can enjoy a full, enriching barbershop life. tirely necessary. In this way, we remain an organi- Together, we will live our vision of Everyone in Har- zation that supports brotherhood and men singing mony. together while also providing opportunities for eve- ryone to experience harmony, barbershop music, and the benefits of group singing. BARBERSHOP HISTORY For decades, women have been deeply engaged in the Barbershop Harmony Society as directors, QUIZ 52 coaches, and as students and faculty at Harmony by Mark Axelrod University. Women have directed choruses on- from probeweb.org stage in contests since 1994. In 2009, the Society began offering Associate status as a means for 1 - Name all the M-AD quartets that took the top women to become more deeply a part of the Soci- spot in international competition. For extra credit, ety, while maintaining a male-only membership name the year in which the quartet(s) won. model. With our Strategic Vision focused on Eve- ryone in Harmony, we can support many kinds of 2 - Name all the M-AD quartets that took second barbershop activities — men’s, women’s, place in international competition. For extra credit, mixed — in many different ways. name the year(s) in which the quartet(s) won.

The Barbershop Harmony Society will continue to 3 - Name all the M-AD quartets that took third place provide all of the services it has offered up to this in international competition. For extra credit, name point, and will expand those offerings as new re- the year(s) in which the quartet(s) won. sources become available. There will be no imme- diate changes to our current International contests 4 - Name all the M-AD quartets that took fourth for men’s quartets and choruses, or to the current place in international competition. For extra credit, Next Generation Barbershop festivals. We will name the year(s) in which the quartet(s) won. continue to publish music for men’s, women’s, and mixed voices and teach the art and craft of barber- 5 - Name all the M-AD quartets that took fifth place shop harmony at our events and online. in international competition. For extra credit, name

the year(s) in which the quartet(s) won. Everyone in Harmony means living your best bar- bershop life, the way YOU want to live it. Answers on page 11

The Orange Spiel Page 4 July 2018

CHAPTER ETERNAL

of a hat, and he would often bring the hat!

After high school, Michael joined the Air Force in 1957. He absolutely loved playing sports and seeing the world, all while serving his country. Many were the sto- ries that were told of his time in England and in Avi- ano, Italy. Each story revolved around football, base- ball, basketball, and enjoying life to the fullest.

After leaving the Air Force in 1969, Michael worked as a DJ for KHAT radio where his love for music deep- ened. He had a large collection of records and passed the love of the Everly Brothers, Bill Haley, and Frankie Valli on to his daughters. He also sold real estate, a passion that would stay with him for the rest of his life.

Michael joined the Navy after the birth of his first daughter in 1971. He was stationed in Bremerton, WA and was the leading journalist aboard the USS Con- stellation and was involved in many community rela- ichael Frederick "Mike" Ward was born tions efforts in various ports of call. After being trans- on April 30, 1938 in Cincinnati, OH. He ferred to Hawaii, he was the Senior Journalist on the was raised by his loving mother, Doro- staff of the Commander in Chief Pacific. He had the Mthy Louise and his father, Joseph Ward. opportunity to meet or interview notable political fig- Both his parents were in show business, and Mike ures, including Admiral Stockdale and President was born into humor and the love of theater. Jimmy Carter. During this time he received the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He also received his Michael was joined at the age of 2 by his sister AA degree from Chaminade University and became a Rayleen Fair. The two grew up humbly in Detroit member of the Toastmasters while stationed at Bar- and had a bond that remained tight until his pass- ber's Point. Finally he was sent to NAS Jacksonville ing. Those that knew them have heard the count- where he worked for the Public Affairs Officer for the less stories of fun and mischief the two of them Navy Recruiting District - Jacksonville. He fell in love found together. They shared a great love of the with northeast Florida and decided to make it his per- Detroit Tigers, and even recently, Mike and manent home. Rayleen would spend time on the phone watching their beloved Tigers play. After retiring from the Navy in 1985, Michael became a real estate appraiser working for Miller, Hollis Wilson, Michael attended John J. Pershing High School in and Brad Long and Associates, before finally joining Detroit and graduated in 1956. His senior year he Steve Vockell and Associates as a contractor before was voted Class Clown, which came as no sur- becoming an owner. Michael absolutely loved his work prise to those who knew him best. His repeated and loved going to work every day. Although he jokes and antics sometimes saw him kicked out of "retired" last month, he was seen at the office until class. Numerous classmates have shared stories June 1st, and he'd have had it no other way. about how Mike was ready to have fun at the drop The Orange Spiel Page 5 July 2018

CHAPTER ETERNAL theater, on the golf course, attending performances, at the dog track, traveling, cheering on their grandchil- (continued) dren, and just enjoying life together. The two of them made countless loving memories and truly lived to the Throughout his life, Michael had many interests fullest. and talents that brought so much fulfillment and joy to his life. He was an avid sports fan; there Michael died suddenly in his home with his wife by his wasn't a sport he wouldn't watch on TV. Those side on June 4, 2018. He is preceded in death by his who know him well know that golf was at the top of father, Joseph Ward, mother, Dorothy Ward, step his list, although one could argue the Detroit Ti- sons; Ken & Richard Olson. He is survived by his wife gers occasionally took over that top spot! He loved Cynthia Olson-Ward, his sister Rayleen Fair, daugh- watching football, baseball, golf, dancing, bowling, ters; Angela Anderson (Todd), Dortheanne Bone dog racing, and horse racing...just to name a few. (Shawn), and Jeanette Scott (Brian), step-sons; Bill & Throughout his life he played countless sports as Charles Olson, grandchildren; Autumn Anderson, well, and while baseball was his first love, golfing Holly Anderson, Desirae Sanderson (Austin), Kaylin was his last. He excelled at every sport he tried. Roberts, J. Reagan Roberts, Avarie Roberts, Anthony Andrescavage, Michael Andrescavage, Lea Olson, Michael had the theater in his blood and this was and Callen Bone, great-granddaughter Hailey Roberts, evidenced by his involvement in both the Big Or- his wonderful nieces; Chelly, Becky, Bonnie, and ange Barbershop Chorus and the Orange Park Kelly, many grandnieces and nephews, great grand- Community Theater (OPCT). He loved to sing and nieces and nephews, and countless friends and loved act and be in the spotlight. He never learned to ones who will each miss him dearly. read music, but had a deep love for the harmonies of barbershop music. He made countless lifelong The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on friends through the Big O and even after he left the Monday, June 11, 2018 with visitation one hour prior chorus, he never stopped singing. He also per- to service in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Man- formed numerous plays and musicals at OPCT. In darin with John Meeks as Officiant, followed by inter- the 80's it wasn't uncommon to see him in a lead ment in Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie role on stage. When he wasn't acting he was di- Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218 at 2:00 p.m. recting, and when he wasn't directing he was pro- ducing. The theater brought him so much happi- Arrangements are under the care and direction of ness and he thoroughly enjoyed sharing his gift HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME OF MANDA- with so many. RIN, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223 (904) 288-0025www.hgmandarin.com Michael had three daughters: Angela Rae, Dortheanne Joy, and Jeanette Kay. All three of his daughters remember growing up with a Daddy who took them bowling, who introduced them to Jerry Lewis movies, and who demonstrated a deep love for animals. They remember trips to Epcot and seeing the "geodesic dome," summer vacations in Daytona Beach, and road trips to St. Louis where he tried to teach them how to harmo- nize. Angela will carry on his love of language and writing. Dortheanne carries forward his analytical mind and love of math, and Jeanette will continue to share his sharp wit, sarcasm, humor, and ability to make us all laugh until we cry.

For the last 27 years, Michael shared his life with his wife Cindy. Michael and Cindy met as children and even went to prom together. They recon- nected later in life, and were married April 19, 1991. Mike and Cindy loved to do so much to- gether. Cindy could be found at his side in the The Orange Spiel Page 6 July 2018

STOP SINGING REHEARSAL CHAPTER SABOTAGE ETERNAL by Eric Maisel from voicecouncil.com

Jason Thiel Sanders Ridley, 46, Q: If I look realistically at how I actually rehearse, I was born July 24, 1971. He passed spend a lot of time focusing on the terrible things I am away on June 9, 2018 at St. Vin- doing OR just go over stuff I already know really well cent's Medical Center Southside in to feel good. I’m not sure I really get on with prepara- Jacksonville, FL. Jason was born tion. Any ideas how I can turn things around? in Columbus, GA and attended Woodland Christian School in A: You must get a grip on your own mind. Ladonia, AL and graduated from You have announced very clearly in your Science Hill High School in John- question to me that your current thoughts son City, TN. He served in the are not serving you. Navy as a Nuclear Technician on the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. He worked at a nuclear Therefore it is on your shoulders (or in your head :) ) plant in South Haven, MI. In 1998 he returned home to dispute those thoughts and substitute thoughts that to Alabama and started working at AT&T. He later do serve you. Here are seven that will serve you bet- transferred to St. Augustine, FL and worked his way ter than your current thoughts: up to Senior Project Manager. He also volunteered as the Vice President of AT&T Pioneers. He gradu- • I am a practicing a new thing today—no matter ated Summa Cum Laude from Grantham University how it sounds initially. with a Masters of Business Administration in Project • I am building my repertoire—that’s what my ca- Management. reer requires.

• I am not attaching to how I sound—instead, I am Jason enjoyed hunting gators, deer, and ducks. He making myself proud by really showing up. also enjoyed ballroom dancing, Alabama football, camping, skiing, and traveling. Picking on family and • If something needs work, I’ll work on it without friends was another favorite pastime of Jason's. His badmouthing myself in the bargain! greatest passion of all was spending time with his • I am working on the hard parts today. family. • Technique and love, love and technique: it’s not just about the notes! Jason is survived by his parents; David and Peggy • My rehearsal time is precious to me and I will use Ridley of Cataula, GA, brother; Jared Ridley (Robyn) it well. of Cataula, GA, sister; Jessica Hunter (Neil) of Mid- land, GA, his sons; Matthew and Jonathan Ridley Maybe none of these are exactly right for you or ex- and Ryan Henry, his daughter; Hannah Ridley, and actly suit your situation. Then create some “useful girlfriend/roommate Sue Henry, as well as numerous thoughts” that are right for you! You may not actually aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. believe that your thoughts are in your control—but if they aren’t in your control, in whose control are they? Visitation will be held from 6:30-8:30pm on Wednes- day June 13th in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Do you want them to be in the control of some “old” Mandarin. you that you no longer want to be? Just as you regu- larly upgrade your Internet browser or your smart Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm with visitation phone, upgrade your thoughts! one hour prior to service on Saturday, June 16th in Ladonia Baptist Church, 3789 US Hwy 80W, Phenix Imagine a world-class athlete who never practiced or City, AL with Interment to follow in Ladonia Baptist who mismanaged his or her practices in the ways that Church Cemetery. Arrangements are by HARDAGE- you describe. GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME OF MANDARIN, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www. How would that athlete perform in crunch time? hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025. (Continued on page 7) The Orange Spiel Page 7 July 2018

STOP SINGING REHEARSAL SABOTAGE Caribbean Gold Cruise for 2018 (continued) Harmonytravel2007 from the harmonet (Continued from page 6) re you ready for a huge barbershop experience at We know exactly how he or she would perform: sea? We have started booking cabins for the Car- poorly. You owe it to yourself, to your dreams and ibbean Gold Cruise in July of 2018, following your aspirations, to those counting on you, and to A the BHS convention in Orlando. It is a 7-day your musical career to refuse to continue in the fash- cruise on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, out of Port ion you describe. Only you can upgrade your ef- Canaveral. The ports are Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. forts—now is the time! Maarten, with three full days at sea to do all of the singing activities. In addition to several shows featuring our quar- tets, we will do a Sing with the Champs with each quartet,

CHAPTER QUARTETS a mixed quartet Harmony Platoon, and plenty of tag sing- ing.

Our quartets:

Gas House Gang Crossroads Vocal Spectrum Facts Only Interstate Rivals

Brian Kerr, tenor and the Sweet Adeline favorite, Mark Graham, lead The Buzz, Mark Roblez, bari in their retirement year. John Alexander, bass

You can get more information, and register for a cabin, at On Point our web site - CaribbeanGoldCruise.com

Gavin Andrews, tenor If you have questions you are welcome to contact me. Daniel Pesante, lead Timothy Keatley, bari Doug Weaver Alex Burney, bass (616) 706-3287 [email protected] Slice!

Terry Ezell, tenor Eric Grimes, lead Jason Dearing, bari Daniel Proctor, bass

No Name Yet

? tenor ? lead ? bari ? bass The Orange Spiel Page 8 July 2018

FREE YOUR VOICE FREE SINGING TIPS by John Newell, Lead, Realtime by Yvonne DeBandi from “Let It Out” Vocal Performance from a2z-singing-tips.com Coaching Facebook page D = Diaphragmatic Support. Develop the Think you've mastered stance, body strength and coordination of the dia- alignment, and breathing? Think again. phragm and become a pro at controlling This past weekend, I taught vocal the speed of the airflow released, the production classes in Tacoma, Wash- quantity of the airflow released and the consistency ington, at an annual educational gather- of the airflow released. ing called Harmony College Northwest. I was asked to present a Basic class, an Intermediate class, and an Advanced class. As I prepared my materials over the preceding couple of weeks, I FREE SINGING TIPS was reminded of my own experience in improving by Nicole LeGault my vocal production. It seemed contradictory to from a2z-singing-tips.com teach this, but we singers cannot escape the truth... that the more advanced and proficient we D is for Dynamics. Using dynamics is the art become with vocal production, the more we focus of raising and lowering the volume of your on the BASICS. The fundamentals. Almost every voice to add texture and expression to the improvement we make at the higher levels is sound. This is also known as “color”. You rooted in body alignment, eliminating simple ten- will notice that in popular styles, the voice sion, and breathing better. grows louder with higher notes, and softer with Are you looking to change from a very good lower notes, with the exception of when falsetto is singer to an amazing singer? Get better with the used. very basics. Again and again. Advanced means being having advanced fundamental skills.

————— FREE SINGING TIPS by Mick Walsh When do you perform your best: when you try from a2z-singing-tips.com to "explain" your feelings and music to an audi- ence or when you immerse yourself in the truth of D. Diaphragm, diaphragm, diaphragm, dia- those feelings and the music so the audience can phragm. (did I mention diaphragm?). To me make up their own minds? the diaphragm is the most important mus- Don't "try". Don't "perform". Live. Immerse. Re- cle in singing. Find out where it is and how member. Celebrate. Empower yourself. to control your airflow. In a very short space of time Yes, the audience is important. Without them, you can become a much better singer simply by we have no performing arts. But the audience learning to control your diaphragm. wants to see who you are. Let them see. Don't project a version of yourself you think they want to see. Don't restrict yourself. Don't ask for approval. FREE SINGING TIPS Risk revealing your truth. Let go. It is your source of power. by Teri Danz from a2z-singing-tips.com ————— D= Drop Your Jaw -- Relaxing and dropping Choose music that will show who you are, not the jaw in (pop) singing is the key to reach- merely what you can do. Life is short and music is ing notes effortlessly, making range transi- for expressing every aspect of life, so make it tions and supporting the ends of your range. count. The Orange Spiel Page 9 July 2018

as “clicker” training, which is essentially a form of oper- A Better Way to Teach ant conditioning – a learning method that goes all the Complex Skills, Borrowed From… way back to the 1900’s.

Doggy Training? The gist of operant learning is that we are more likely to by Dr Noa Kageyama repeat a behavior if something good happens after we do it. from bulletproofmusician.com

y daughter will often practice So when our dog hears us say “sit pretty,” and then the piano by herself, but jumps up, lays on the ground, barks, runs to grab a lately, I’ve been sitting down toy – and suddenly gets a treat when he accidentally with her and trying to be her sits back on his hind legs with his paws up like a chip- M munk, his little doggy brain starts to learn that there practice buddy. Essentially, to make sure she doesn’t make the same mistakes re- might be a connection between “sit pretty,” sitting with peatedly and develop bad habits. his paws up, and his yummy treat.

Of course, despite my best intentions, this basi- It’d be easier if we could simply explain to him how to cally means that I can’t help but pounce on every sit back, balance his body, and lift his paws up, but missed note or rhythmic detail that seems to be since we can’t, he just explores a range of behaviors, going past her radar unnoticed. I might start with until he finds the one that leads to a treat. And over a gentle “nope” at first, but it quickly escalating to time, he starts to learn that when we say “sit pretty” it a firm “no!”, followed by a “hold it!!”, “stop!!!”, and means we want him to sit up like a chipmunk. eventually a “HEY! LOOK AT THE SCORE!”. This is essentially how clicker training works, except All of which she finds rather upsetting, and makes that you use a clicking sound instead of a treat, so that her want to avoid practicing. And I can’t blame you can more precisely “highlight” the desired behavior her, because who wants to hear “no!” all of the at the exact moment the dog does it. time? So in other words, instead of highlighting all of the mis- Meanwhile, our dog “DJ” seems to looove takes a learner makes with a emotionally-charged “no!”, “practicing.” He can barely contain himself when this method allows the learner to explore a little more my daughter works with him on a new trick (his freely, until you catch the learner in the act of perform- latest one, “sit pretty” is the one you see above). ing the desired behavior.

Why is there such a difference? Interesting…but does this work for humans?

(When I asked, my daughter retorted “treats.”) Med school

And sure, that might be part of it, but when you This was recently tested out in a medical setting, where step back and take a look at the learning process 23 med students and surgical residents were recruited I use with my daughter and that which she uses to see how this learning method might compare with a with our dog, there’s actually quite a big differ- more conventional approach. ence between the two approaches. While I seem to be focused on all the times she gets something Half of the participants1 were assigned to the clicker wrong, she is focused on all the times DJ gets training group, while the other half2 comprised the con- something right. trol group.

So…err…is it possible that she is using a more Each learner was given the same task – learn how to effective learning strategy with our dog, than I am tie a variant of the ''Tennessee Slider'' knot. with her? The control group “Clicker” training Participants in the control group began by watching the Some dog trainers swear by a technique known instructor demonstrate the skill twice, along with some (Continued on page 10) The Orange Spiel Page 10 July 2018

A BETTER WAY TO TEACH COMPLEX SKILLS The results (continued)

(Continued from page 9) All 12 participants in the clicker group passed the verbal instructions. test with flying colors, successfully tying 10 knots with proper technique. Then, they were given a diagram illustrating how to tie the knot, and 15 minutes to learn the new skill. The learners in the control group on the other hand, struggled. Only 4 of the 11 participants managed to After completing the 15-minute learning phase, each tie 10 knots with proper technique. learner was given 15 minutes of practice time (the idea being, to get in ~100 repetitions before the final Different rates of learning test). Although the clicker group seemed to learn and per- The clicker group form the skill with greater precision, there was a downside of sorts – time. The clicker group also watched a demonstration to start with – but then the instructor walked the learner It may not be a hugely significant downside (and through a script, in which the skill was broken down might actually be indicative of a deeper learning into 6 steps. process), but it took participants in the clicker group 1-2 minutes longer on average to progress from For each step, the learner would receive their first instruction to successfully tying their first knot (342 seconds vs. 279 seconds). • instructions (“The goal is to wrap the long end of the rope around your right palm and then hold it One last interesting tidbit with a “fakey” pinch) • a demonstration of that step One of the participants in the control group failed to • and a “tag” point (a phrase, like “fakey pinch”, figure out how to tie the knot in the allotted 15 min- that served as a reminder of the essential part of utes. So after the test, the learner sat with the in- the skill that would be marked by the clicker structor, and using the operant learning method, sound if they succeeded in executing it correctly) successfully tied the knot in 201 seconds. And yes, it’s not fair to compare this time with the others, Then, the learner would try to perform that subskill since this learner already spent 15 minutes trying to until they heard a click (or a short, emotionally-neutral figure this out on their own, but still…makes you “good”), signifying that they just did it correctly. Once think. they achieved a click, they would do 5 more repeti- tions to reinforce the skill before moving on to the Takeaways next step in the sequence. Operant conditioning is not a new concept, but the And when each of the 6 subskills had been success- way in which these principles are applied to learn- ful learned, they were linked together to ensure that ing, is not something I had ever given much thought the learner could successfully perform the knot-tying to. procedure from beginning to end. Specifically, the focus on letting the learner explore All followed by 15 minutes of practice, just like the and feel their way towards the goal, and marking the control group. correct movement when it happens. As opposed to focusing on all of the imperfections and creating a A test learning climate centered around simply avoiding mistakes. Somewhat akin to the difference perhaps, To determine how effectively the skill was learned, between playing a game to win vs. playing the game each learner finished with a test of their knot-tying so as not to lose. skills, where they were asked to tie the knot 10 times, while their instructor observed and evaluated the pre- There’s more study needed of course, but in the cision of their technique. meantime, I’m tempted to experiment with this the (Continued on page 11) The Orange Spiel Page 11 July 2018

A BETTER WAY TO TEACH COMPLEX SKILLS BARBERSHOP HISTORY (continued) ANSWERS 51 (Continued from page 10) by Mark Axelrod next time my daughter runs into a gnarly technical from probeweb.org passage that needs a bit of problem-solving…after all, we do have a few clickers lying around some- Answers to this month's history/knowledge quiz: where (although just to be clear, there’s nothing magic about the clicky sound – a simple verbal cue 1 - The Garden State Quartet in 1946, the Oriole like “good” is just fine too). Four in 1970 (your humble editor and his better half

were in the Atlantic City Convention Center audi- Have you ever tried something like this in your teach- ence on the magical night that the birds won. When ing? the announcement was made, all ten thousand of

us went wild for what seemed like an hour Whadda To learn more… memory!), and the Regents (Teaneck Chapter

friend Ron Knickerbocker was the baritone) in 1974. I first learned of this study on the NPR podcast Hid- den Brain. Check it out below, as the episode ex- 2 - Teaneck's own Playtonics in 1956 and Vaude- plores the concept and nuances in greater depth, and ville in 1985 also paints a more vivid picture of what this kind of training looks like in practice. 3 - The Hometown Quartet (from the Lodi, NJ Chap-

ter which later became the Paramus, NJ Chapter) in When Everything Clicks: The Power Of Judgment- 1958, the Regents in 1973, B&O Connection in Free Learning @Hidden Brain podcast 1979 and Vaudeville in three consecutive years - https://www.npr.org/2018/06/04/616127481/when- 1983, 1984, 1985. everything-clicks-the-power-of-judgment-free-learning

4 - The Easternaires in 1959 and BSQ in 1999. 33 MOST EFFECTIVE 5 - The Easternaires in 1956, the Playtonics in SINGING TIPS 1957, the Easternaires in 1970, the Nova Chords in from how2improvesinging.com 1978, Vaudeville in 1982, BSQ in 1996 and again in 1997. #8 by Sarah Popejoy Daily Practice Is The Key THE QUARTET

excerpted from Down Our Way “The best way for beginners to improve their vocal abilities at a rapid rate is to record read recently that a quartet is like a jewel on a their vocal exercises and then practice them velvet pillow. The lead is the jewel. It's what every single day.” people see; it's what they'll remember. The

Ibass is the velvet pillow. It provides support and #9 by Lis Lewis contrast. The baritone is the jewel's color. You No More Shouting might not notice it, or remember it, but the jewel would be far less interesting without it. The tenor is “Most beginning singers think they have to the jewel's sparkle. Without it, the jewel is beautiful; push a lot of air pressure to sing higher, with it, the jewel is magical. louder or longer. (They often think that’s what it means to ‘sing from the diaphragm’). Too much air pressure leads to straining, limited range, bad pitch and flat tone. It will make you run out of air faster. Great singers make it sound easy be- DISTRICT SCHEDULE cause they have learned how to keep relatively even air pressure across their whole range. No more Sun-Sun 1-8 Jul International Conv (Orlando) shouting!” Fri-Sun 26-28 Oct District Convention (Orlando) The Orange Spiel Page 12 July 2018

MAGIC CHORAL TRICK #378 MAGIC CHORAL TRICK #377 ALIGNMENT WORKING THOSE by Janet Kidd INTERCOSTALS from betterchoirs.wordpress.com by Janet Kidd

his is less of a trick and more of a from betterchoirs.wordpress.com lifestyle shift that involves check- ing in with your body multiple lthough this takes consistent T times a day. reminding and practice, the payoff is a much richer, fuller A and more blended sound. I’ve included the best Youtube video I could find on singers’ alignment – because video really is much more effective than just descriptive words. While placing the hands over the bottom of your ribcage on either side, take in a long, slow, deep However, I have to add a couple of things…. breath and feel the expansion.

A quick and effective posture check is to stand with As you sing a note, press in slightly with the your back flat against a wall, with feet about 1 foot out hands, and resist that pressure by holding the rib- from the wall, for balance. I know that some teachers cage out – using your intercostal muscles to press recommend standing with feet against the wall, but if outward. It’s not necessary to actually know any- singers are carrying any additional abdominal weight, thing about these muscles. The only thought that’s I find that this just makes them feel as if they’re about required is that you’re resisting the pressure from to topple forward. Which creates tension – the one your hands. thing we need to get rid of when we sing. Once you have a sense of this, drop the hands I’ve also found that when people have carried tension and just focus on leaving the ribs expanded out- in their shoulders for many years, there’s no way that ward, as long as possible, as you sing. the back of the head is going to be able to touch the wall and keep the chin in the correct, relaxed, slightly There’s also an additional bonus – and that is that lowered position required for good singing. If this is when you begin a note with the ribcage expanded the case, a small pillow, or a couple of books may be it’s much easier to start a vowel without a glottal needed to bring the chin into alignment. bump.

This will allow us to feel that slightly lifted and length- ened back of neck that is so magical for a fuller, richer sound.

Doing at least some of your singing practice against the wall like this will eventually coax your body into realizing that singing in an aligned position really is more fun!

And here’s the short, very professional video that says the rest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epNEiWCpslo

You did not wake up today to be mediocre! The Orange Spiel Page 13 July 2018

SINGING WITH How to Use The Wall For Good Posture GOOD POSTURE I often suggest to my students during a lesson that by Audrey Hunt they go to the wall, lean against it and sing. from hubpages.com To find the correct alignment of your body: Your Entire Body Is Your Vocal Instrument • Stand with your back to the wall. • Put your buttocks, shoulders and the back of Your singing instrument includes your en- your head against the wall. Your feet will be a tire body, not just the tiny vocal bands few inches away from the wall and not lined up ( cords. ) Your spine, head, neck, shoul- against the wall. ders, knees, feet and everything in be- • To feel the movement of the body and how it tween are involved when you sing. responds, while in this position, practice your breathing. Be sure your inhalation comes from It makes sense then, that your posture plays an im- your breathing muscle ' the diaphragm ' by portant part in singing. In fact your breathing muscle, making sure you 'inflate' your abdominal area. the diaphragm, can't even do it's job unless you're • When you exhale your air, do so slowly on ei- standing up straight. This muscle must have plenty of ther a hiss, hum, or soft 'ee.' room to expand as you inhale. If there is restriction, • Do this several times to ingrain how your body which happens with poor posture, your air will be re- feels to you. stricted as well and air is what your tone rides on. Next, move away from the wall and compare • your posture and breathing. Good posture keeps energy flowing and a rich singing tone requires energy. Free flowing energy also keeps • Feel for the energy flowing throughout your you looking confident as you sing. entire body. There should be no tension at all in the neck and surrounding areas. How to Check Your Posture • When you feel your alignment against the wall, For A Better Singing Sound sing part of a song. • Move away from the wall and compare your Before you sing, especially if you're doing a concert, posture and breathing. check to make sure that your body is in correct align- • Try to feel the energy flowing throughout your ment. Your singing muscles are connected to your entire body and not trapped in your neck. spine, therefore it's important to take time to do this. Sing Better With Proper Chest Position Because breathing is so crucial during singing, you don't want tension in your body. Tension will prevent Finding the proper position for the chest really you from taking a deep breath by using the diaphrag- makes a difference in your vocal sound. Your goal matic muscle. is to keep the chest wide in order to open the rib cage which allows you to breathe fully. I'd have to So let's evaluate your posture. say that 95% of all singers, both professional and • Stand in front of a full length mirror and take a amateur, that book a vocal session with me, have look at your posture. If you are slumping, this problem. straighten up. • Your shoulders should be in a relaxed position, As soon as the chest lesson is learned it's pretty down and back. amazing how much the singer's sound improves. • Your head is centered over the shoulders. But do not lift the chest too high as this will cause tension in the neck. You want to avoid that be- • In this position, you have a confident look and cause it directly affects your singing. Tension in you're singing will improve. the neck equals tension in the tone.

Now get ready for the wall exercise. When your body is out of alignment, your chest will

collapse which prevents you from expanding your Do This! body for breathing fully. https://youtu.be/3GdNoFvim4k (Continued on page 14) The Orange Spiel Page 14 July 2018

SINGING WITH GOOD POSTURE (continued) The more you practice good posture while walk- ing, the better your posture will be for singing. (Continued from page 13) There may be times when you'll be required to walk across the stage. Using good posture brings Here is an exercise to help you learn how to open a look of confidence and your audience wants to your chest for better breathing: see a confident performer. • In a standing position, let your arms hang to your side with your hands dangling and completely re- Walk like you are a king or queen, majestically. laxed. Practice walking with this good posture daily. • Move your shoulders back, but down and re- Teach children and young people early to use leased. good posture. Make it fun. The earlier children • Practice lifting the shoulders up very high and learn, the more automatic proper posture will be- then immediately release them. This will help you come. find the center resting position. • Expand your chest wide and practice deep We would all have less back problems had we breathing. Do not limit your practicing to one or practiced good posture when we were young. two times. Make this a top priority and do it often. Young girls are more prone to bad posture and 'rounded shoulders' than young men are. The chest must be wide and the ribs open which al- lows you to breathe fully and positions your chest Regardless of your age, it's never to late to properly for singing. change and correct your posture. Posture yourself into a leadership mode now. Your body will love How to Release Tension in Your Knees you for it.

You must keep the knees unlocked while singing. With the knees in a locked position you will bring ten- Good Singing Posture Bad Singing Posture sion into your singing voice. This is not a good thing. Tension during singing interrupts the flow. The sound usually is produced in the back of the throat and sounds swallowed.

First of all, in order for your lower back to expand when you breathe, you must keep your knees loose. When your knees are locked this pushes the lower back which also locks up. You don't have to go so far as to 'squat', just keep those knees loose enough to wiggle.

A video that can help release knee tension: https://youtu.be/p50WrrAz_NE

Good Posture Begins With The Feet

To assure good posture while singing, here is how your feet should look: • Place your feet no wider than your shoulders. • Place one foot slightly in front of the other. This Proper posture - shoul- Incorrect posture. No- will distribute your body weight evenly. ders are back, chest is tice how this singer is • Always balance your weight on the balls of your high, neck and spine slouching. The chin is feet and not on the heels. This will help you in are aligned. extended and the neck keeping your knees unlocked. is out of alignment with the spine. Final Thoughts About Good Posture The Orange Spiel Page 15 July 2018

CHAPTER MEMBER STATS

he following are our current membership statistics:

T type active lapsed Lifetime 50-Year 1 0 Lifetime Regular 0 0 Regular 46 4 Senior 50-Year 6 0 Senior Legacy 3 0 QUARTET CORNER Senior 14 0 by John Alexander Youth 1st year 2 0 Youth 7 0 On Point is preparing for International. No other quartet reports. Total Membership 79 4

What is YOUR quartet doing? Don’t have one? PAST DUE MEMBERS Find three other guys and start one! Can’t find a match? Drop me a line and I’ll run a list of guys he following members are listed separately looking to quartet up here in the bulletin. It’s one of on the BHS website as past due or within those really fun things that you don’t fully under- two weeks of due. They will automatically stand until you’ve done it. T be removed from the society roll at 180

days overdue. It’s never too early to be thinking about Singing Val- entines. Quartets are always needed, officially Michael Garand formed or pickup. It’s only a few easy songs. Todd Hastie Learning more than one voice part to these songs Wally Krupka can help make you easier to fit into a pickup quar- C J Shaw tet.

Men who have indicated interest in forming quartets (entertain, compete, or both) include: COMING DUE MEMBERS

Don Hartsfield he following members are coming due in Brian Moore the next 60 days. Ken Moyer T John Banks ...and hopefully more who haven’t contacted me Sean Barry yet. George Gipp Jim Hughes Brian Kerr Ralph Kraegel Larry Nussmeyer Thomas Sanders Keith Starks The Orange Spiel Page 16 July 2018

BOARD MINUTE SUMMARY 2018 HALL OF FAME

The board met at 6:00 at The Loop on 14 June. INDUCTEES Present were John Alexander, Jason Dearing, from LiveWire Terry Ezell, Gregg Flowers, Brian Kerr, Rick Morin, Daniel Proctor, Robert Reeves, and Ken (Editor’s note: I’ve excerpted from this article the Tureski. entry relevant to us. The late Tom Dames was a member of the Big O) Uniforms for International were discussed. A plan to balance white jackets needed with jackets avail- The Easternaires Quartet able from those not competing was discussed. The proposed two-toned shoes were abandoned as be- While there were over 10 members in the Easter- ing poor quality. naires over its life, the Hall of Fame Committee has decided to induct the following six: The treasury was discussed, with attention to direc- tor and coach expenses, other immediately upcom- Eddy Ryan (Tenor) ing expenses, and fundraising needs. Big O Bucks Danny Heyburn (Tenor/Lead) account was discussed, a requested disbursement Tommy Dames (Lead/Tenor) was tabled and later approved. A floor to BO$ ac- Bob Bohn (Baritone/Bass) count disbursements was approved. Bill Annichiarico (Bass) Dave Mittelstadt (Baritone) The next regular meeting is scheduled for 26 July at The Loop. All members are invited to attend. The Easternaires Quartet competed over three dec- ades, earning three medals in the International Quartet Contest, finishing in the top 10 nine times, and placing in the top twenty in every contest in which they competed. They were featured on na- tional TV multiple times, appearing on the Arthur Godfrey show and on "Keefe Brassell's Variety Gar- den" in the 1960's. They were the replacement quartet for the "Buffalo Bills' on Broadway and fea- tured quartet in the road show of "The Music Man" for years. They were Mid Atlantic District Champs in 1956 and, according to nominator Richard Mori, "one of the most entertaining groups of all time."

Our 2018 inductees will be honored at the 79th an- nual convention in Orlando. The Orange Spiel Page 17 July 2018

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE BIRTHDAYS

Wed 04 Jul Orlando Jim Ford 09 July Thu 05 Jul Orlando Seth Elsheimer 17 July Fri 06 Jul Orlando Tim Workman 18 July Thu 12 Jul Shepherd of the Woods Keith Starks 22 July Thu 19 Jul Shepherd of the Woods Jeff Packer 26 July Thu 26 Jul Shepherd of the Woods Bob Stump 29 July Eric Grimes 30 July Thu 02 Aug Shepherd of the Woods Thu 09 Aug Shepherd of the Woods Thu 16 Aug Shepherd of the Woods Thu 23 Aug Shepherd of the Woods RECENT GUESTS Thu 30 Aug Shepherd of the Woods Bob Ice Charlie Young Barry Flynn Pat Eimers Juan Stegmann Grant Gladden Ted Louckos Shamus McIver Matt Watts Jake Stonecypher Josh Sanders Matt Setor PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE David Pesante Pat Glenn Dale Pratt Cary Quick Fri 06 Jul International Contest John Kerr Bruce Allison Sat 13 Oct Icemen Non-Profit of the Night Jeff Verhoot Juan Stegman Sat 27 Oct Sunshine District Contest Mike Pruitt William Watts Sat 10 Nov Carolinas District Festival James Matti Paul Williams Sat 08 Dec Christmas Show James Langford Steve Woodbeck Joe Plumlee Keyton Rentz Erik Petroni Jerald Carter { Big O Buck$ }

BIG O BUCKS SCHEDULE

Sun 01 Jul 30 Seconds To Mars Tour Sat 07 Jul 3 Doors Down Sun 08 Jul Cooheed & Cambria WELCOME Thu 19 Jul Rascal Flatts Sun 22 Jul Chicago & REO Speedwagon Thu 02 Aug Lauren Hill Sat 04 Aug Counting Crows Sun 05 Aug O. A. R. NEWEST MEMBERS Tue 07 Aug 311 & Offspring Thu 09 Aug Jags v Saints (pre-season) Wyatt Ledford Jun Fri 17 Aug Jason Mraz Sean Barry Feb Mon 20 Aug Lindsey Sterling Adrien David-Sivelle Feb Thu 23 Aug Jeff Beck Seth Elsheimer Feb Sat 25 Aug Jags v Falsons (pre-season) Patrick Glenn Feb Sun 02 Sep Lynryd Skynyrd & Kid Rock John Klotzbach Feb Sun 16 Sep Jags v Patriots Michael Mancuso Feb Sun 23 Sep Jags v Titans Brian McGee Feb Sun 30 Sep Jags v Jets James Rogers Feb Tue 02 Oct Need To Breathe Tour Michael Stehlik Feb Sun 21 Oct Jags v Texans The Orange Spiel Page 18 July 2018

2018 DIRECTING TEAM

Jay Giallombardo George Gipp vacant Chuck Griffith Front Line Associate Assistant Director Director Director Director Emeritus

2018 OTHER CHAPTER LEADERS

Dave Walker Jason Dearing vacant vacant Uniform Chorus Show Youth In Harmony Manager Manager Chairman Coordinator

Frank Nosalek Mike Sobolewski Rick Morin John Alexander Webmaster Big O Bucks Big O Bucks Bulletin Technology Coordinator Bookkeeper Editor

EDITOR’S NOTE Print off two copies

Article and column submissions are solicited. of this newsletter Help make this a better bulletin. Send me stuff! The deadline for August is 26 July. to share - one with Items without a byline are from the Editor. your family and The Orange Spiel John Alexander, Editor one with someone 2429 Southern Links Dr Orange Park FL 32003 you are bringing to a chapter meeting. Back issues are available online at: www.bigorangechorus.com/newsarchive.htm Let them know they More specific and timely performance information is in my weekly sheet, Orange Zest. belong here! The Orange Spiel Page 19 July 2018

2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Brian Jason Dearing John Ken Tureski Gregg Flowers Daniel Kerr Executive Alexander Chapter Chapter Proctor President VP VP Music Secretary Treasurer VP Membership

Terry Ezell Robert Rick Morin Jay George Gipp Immediate Reeves Finance Giallombardo Associate Past President VP Marketing/PR Chairman Director Director

2018 MUSIC TEAM

John Terry Ezell Steve Mullens Brian Kerr Daniel Proctor Alexander Tenor Lead Bari Bass VP Music Sec Ldr Sec Ldr Sec Ldr Sec Ldr

Jay Giallombardo George Gipp Mike Sobolewski Daniel Proctor Front Line Associate Presentation Learning Materials Director Director Coordinator Coordinator

Imagine 80 men on the risers Be a singer-bringer

John Alexander, Editor 2429 Southern Links Dr Orange Park FL 32003

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