2007 International Midwinter Convention

2007 International Buffalo Bills-Era Midwinter Convention Quartet Contest January 21 - 28, 2007 Throughout 2007, we’ll be celebrating the longevity of barbershop music as Headquarters Hotel: Hyatt Regency evidenced by the 50th Anniversary of The Venue: Kiva Auditorium Music Man. As a tribute to this endearing showcase for barbershop music, the 2007 promises to be a banner year for the Barbershop Harmony Society will host the Buffalo Bills-Era Society and you can help launch it in true four-part harmony style. At Quartet Contest. Sing the old songs the way they did fifty years ago. this year’s Midwinter Convention, history and harmony go hand-in- Experience the five-category judging system, and see how your hand. You’ll experience the best from the past, plus encounter some quartet might have done against our most famous champs! All new things to broaden your barbershop horizons. We’ll look back at details regarding the contest, entry form and rules are listed on what has made barbershop music so popular and we’ll look ahead to www.barbershop.org/musicman. Not only will first, second and see where Barbershoppers are taking the music in the future. Here’s third place winners get bragging rights, but they’ll get their share of what’s in store for you. $6,000 in prize money being donated by members of the Pioneers. Time for Tags Midwinter Golf Outing Plenty of time will be set aside between workshops, seminars, Join us for the golf outing on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at the shows and speakers for getting together with fellow singers. Isleta Golf Course. The $50.00 entry fee covers buffet lunch, range Impromptu tag singing, woodshedding and storytelling will help balls, green fees, cart fees and prizes. you get the most out of your time with Barbershoppers from around the world. Golf outing is limited to first 72 entries. For more information, call Gil Whalen at 505-465-6435 or email at [email protected].

2007 Midwinter Convention Schedule Highlights Time Event Sunday, January 21 Registration Monday - Thursday Workshops, Seminars, Speakers, Classes Tuesday, January 23 Convention Office/Ticket Office/Tour Registrations Open Joe Liles Rick Spencer James Estes Wednesday, January 24 Harmony Marketplace opens Seniors Quartet Sing a Bunch Singing Techniques Experience of Tags That Work Noon Midwinter Golf Outing Friday, January 26 8:00 a.m. Ladies Breakfast—Kathleen Clawson presents "Broadway Broads: A light-hearted look at the women of American Musical Theatre" at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. Seniors Quartet Experience with Joe Liles & Antique Gold 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Sing a Bunch of Tags with Rick Spencer 1:00 p.m. Seniors Quartet Contest The Seniors Quartet Competition will feature quartets composed of singers at least 55 years old with a cumulative total of at least 240 years. Experience combined with energy gives these senior quartets an appealing edge and makes for great listening. Past winners like Antique Gold, Downstate Express, The Barons, Chicago Shuffle and Harmony have shown how the skilled blending of voices in four-part harmony can create a Gold Medal winner. Saturday, January 27 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Singing Techniques That Work with James Estes 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Gold Medal Hour with Vocal Spectrum 1:00 p.m. Buffalo Bills-Era Quartet Contest Finals Albuquerque, New Mexico…Where History Meets Harmony

Four Diamond Hotel The headquarters hotel for the Midwinter Convention is the Hyatt Regency in the heart of downtown and adjacent to the convention center where the KIVA Auditorium is located. The Hyatt is the only four diamond hotel among Albuquerques hotels. The recently renovated second floor will provide state-of-the art meeting rooms for all classes. Friday & Saturday Night Shows at 8p.m.

Vocal Spectrum, Max Q, International OC Times, International International Gold Medalist Silver Medalist Bronze Medalist

Metropolis, International Flipside, International Musical Island Boys, Bronze Medalist Bronze Medalist International Collegiate Quartet Champion

Featuring exciting performances by • Vocal Spectrum, 2006 International Gold • Antique Gold, Past Seniors Quartet Champion Medalist Quartet • The Barons, Past Seniors Quartet Champion • Max Q, 2006 International Silver Medalist Quartet • Jurassic Larks, Past Seniors Quartet Champion • OC Times, 2006 International Bronze Medalist Quartet • Downstate Express, Past Seniors Quartet Champion • Metropolis, 2006 International Bronze • The Medalist Chorus Medalist Quartet • AISQC Chorus • Flipside, 2006 International Bronze Medalist Quartet • Keith Hopkins, Master of Ceremonies • Musical Island Boys, 2006 International Collegiate • The new 2007 Seniors Quartet Champion Quartet Champion • The winning foursome from the Buffalo Bills-Era Quartet Contest Albuquerque Tours Sandia Peak Tram/Artisan Winery/Lunch At High Finance Price per person: $87 per person (includes transportation, tour Some terrific tours are available guide, tram ticket, lunch, tour and wine tasting). Offered during Midwinter in Albuquerque! Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Book through Destination Price per person: $60 Southwest www.destination- Santa Fe via the Tourquoise Trail— southwest.com. Click on (includes transportation, tour guide, walking tour, admission to Registrations, then on Barbershop Loretto Chapel and San Miguel Mission). Offered Thursday from Harmony Society. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Price per person: $77 Hot Air Balloon Ride—Price: $150.00 per person (includes Acoma “Sky City” Pueblo— (includes all transportation, champagne toast, continental breakfast and transportation, tour guide, guided tour of the Pueblo, admission certificate). Rides available Wednesday through Sunday. to Acoma Cultural Center and Museum, box lunch, water). Offered Wednesday or Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sandia Peak Tram and Dinner At High Finance— Price: $100 per person For more Albuquerque tour details, please visit us at www.barbershop.org/midwinter. Tourquoise Museum/Old Town/Indian Pueblo Cultural Center—Price: $51 per person (includes all transportation and admissions). Lunch on own. Offered only Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sandia Peak Tram/Artisan Winery—Price per person: $70 (includes transportation, tour guide, tram ticket and wine tasting). Offered Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Check all that apply: ❑ Society VIP ❑ AIC Member ❑ President’s Council Member September/ October 2006 VOLUME LXVI NUMBER 5

Features Charlie Davenport talks recruiting 13 A 26-year professional recruiter, our new membership director wants your chapter to go break a mirror Staff Barbershop beginnings 16 Barbershop harmony helped start these performers down illustrious career paths John Swartz, Todd Wilson, Bob Hodges The year of The Music Man 23 2007 presents great publicity and recruitment opportunities as we celebrate this beloved musical Staff See what you just did? 27 You helped make a positive impact over the past eight months—here’s how your contributions helped 29 Rick Spencer WATCH WOMEN 2006 Hall of Famers SWOON, see grown 33 Some of the best ever to bless our Society men cry, and have Staff more fun than ever in what for many Buckeye Invitational chapters is the year’s 34 Another year, another round of great championship-level biggest fundraiser. shows and contests with many twists Here are some Alan Lapp stories and tips. On the Cover: Honorary and past members Gary Mauer as the Phantom from the way National Tour of The Phantom Broad- e of the Opera. Photo by Joan M courtesy ga arcus. Bill Gaither Departments ither.com, Gordon Lightfoo courtesy Early M t orning Productions. Cover ontage by Lorin May 4 11 STRAIGHT TALK HARMONY HOW-TO New headquarters, plus other answers Woodshedding: the most rewarding barbersport 5 35 LETTERS STAY TUNED Praise for the convention recap Christian Anderson fi nds dozens of champions in Indy More amens for Marty Mendro New York City, Atlanta 9/11 tributes 6 38 THE PRESIDENT’S PAGE MEMBER SERVICE DIRECTORY The connection between growth and fun Where to fi nd answers 7 40 TEMPO THE TAG Rock & Roll Hall of Famer now a Barbershopper “I Love To Sing” from Charlie Rose Technology overhaul means better benefi ts for all

September/October 2006 • The HARMONIZER 3 STRAIGHT TALK  Ed Watson, Executive Director • [email protected]  Nashville, other questions & answers thought maybe this time I’d answer some of the owners of a property. That has now happened, and questions I’ve been hearing over the last year. I have we will have the room to display our rich heritage to traveled across the country watching, listening, an- members and non-members alike, and do so in the swering questions and of course, singing tags. When tourist-rich area of downtown Nashville. I I answer a question for somebody in Chattanooga or Columbus, however, that doesn’t mean someone in Q. How is the new software program coming L.A. who has the same question gets that answer, so along? by putting it in the “Journal of Barbershop” I can give A. For those of you who do not know it, the Society the answer to more than one person. has purchased a new software system (Aptify) to handle all information technology needs, including Q. How’s it looking for the move to Nashville? our membership database needs well into the future. A. This is probably the number-one question I get This purchase was made with an eye towards ease of anymore, ever since the Board of Directors decided use, Web enabling, and modernization of our com- at Midwinter in Sacramento that the Society was puter access so that chapter secretaries and district defi nitely moving to Nashville. Since that time, the offi cers can use the data we accumulate and retain relocation committee, a subcommittee of the Board as a tool, rather than spending their valuable time headed by Bill Biffl e, has done a fantastic job of locat- searching and being lost in the “black hole” of the ing a property in Nashville, negotiating current AMS system. Phase I should be complete by for its sale and requesting and receiving the time you read this; Brian Lynch has been putting bids for an architect and a contrac- the fi nal touches on that, and he will demonstrate tor to design and build-out our new the capabilities at the Society’s Leadership Forum in “Harmony Hall.” As we go to press, we November. As with any software project, the hope is have just closed on the property at 110 that the transition will go smoothly, and we can then 7th Avenue North. (An omen, if you begin later phases where we Web enable our process- believe in such things … 7th Avenue!) es, streamline and modernize our website, and update The building is located between Broadway and Com- our e-commerce site, the Harmony Marketplace. merce Streets, right in the heart of town. For those of you who attended our 2001 convention in Nashville, Q. How do you like the job so far? the building is between the headquarters hotel (The A. I’m doing what I love to do. I was trained by Renaissance) and the Masonic Temple. Uncle Sam to be effective with a large bureaucracy, We completed our due diligence, and the property and manage and lead groups of men with a common is now ours. We are working on the design phase, purpose and desire. The last 20 years of my 30 year and have plenty of room to honor the past, operate career, I was on active duty training volunteers; the in the present and build a great future. One of the Selected Reserve of Naval Aviation. During all that reasons for choosing Nashville is that future. We time, I was an active Barbershopper. Now I am lead- will be a part of the Music City, right in the heart of ing large groups of men with a common desire and the action. The next steps are the design by a highly purpose: to preserve and encourage Barbershop Har- reputable architectural fi rm and then the build-out mony and to do that by making it a fun and exciting by a well-known Nashville construction fi rm. The hobby. We do much of what we do with volunteers, move is scheduled after the construction is fi nished, (judges, board members, trustees, district and chapter ostensibly next August after Harmony University. offi cers,) who do what they do out of love. Is it all As plans, drawings, and progress develop, we will put play for me? No, but what more could I ask for than them forth to the membership. to work to further something good and decent while traveling among you and spreading the fun of barber- Q. Why did we choose to move now? shop harmony? Maybe the question should be, “How A. Once Harmony Hall and the Sheridan Road facil- do you like the job I’m doing so far?” ity were sold (yes, they’re no longer ours) we started looking for a new home. We have been leasing the Sheridan Road building and keeping many items in storage during that process. Our current location has always been regarded as temporary, until we could le- verage our tax-exempt status by once again becoming

4 The HARMONIZER • September/October 2006 LETTERS [email protected] Praise for Indy convention recap hank you for the many enjoyable features in what a fantastic piece of literature it is. Keep up the July/August issue of The Harmonizer. It the good work! displayed several entertaining performances Mike Mat hieu as well as experiences of non-competitors at Overland Park, Kan. T Indy this year. It did not devote a lot of space putting the winners “on a pedestal,” as was the Marty’s Amen Chorus continues case in previous issues following Internationals. God Bless Marty Mendro! Bless this man for This issue covered events that we enjoyed. Two his astounding contributions to our Society as a of my favorites were gospel sing (Can they stay member, performer and champion Barbershop- in tune or what?) and the grandfather/father/ per. Perhaps more importantly, congratulations son chorus (They were so proud. It was fun to for “telling it like it is” during his Hot Seat watch.) And these weren’t events that were interview in the May/June issue of the 2006 judged. Harmonizer. His observations and comments Of course I appreciated the performances of regarding our past judging system are truly right the competitors. However, on target. getting all Society members It’s interesting how President Drayton Justus involved in activities made uses the phrase “if it ain’t broke, don’t fi x it” it a convention. This was regarding our style of singing. The same should an excellent issue. have been said for our past judging system. WALT CROW He’ll take a lot of heat from some, but his state- Bay Village, Ohio ments are true and accurate. CARL HANCUFF Gully jumping, a hobby Edmond, Okla. that brings a laugh, a tear and a joy, your look must Accidentals complement your sound Apologies to Evergreen District’s Northwest (by whillikers!) … But the Sound, who for inexplicable reasons were listed greatest line in the post- in the July/August issue (page 50) as being from convention Harmonizer was Bellevue, Wisconsin, rather than Bellevue, Wash- almost a throwaway about ington. ■ the unscheduled craziness: “If scheduled events are the bricks of the con- vention, this is the mortar.” I wish I’d said that. And as Bob Johnson used to warn with as close as he could come to a Groucho twinkle, some-

day I may. Congrats on a great issue! September/October 2006 JIM BAGBY Volume LXVI Number 5 Complete contact info: page 38. Kansas City, Mo. The Harmonizer (USPS No. 577700)(ISSN 0017-7849) is the offi cial publication of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet What a fabulous issue. You did a wonderful Singing in America, Inc., dba Barbershop Harmony Society. It is published in Janu- ary, March, May, July, September and November at 7930 Sheridan Road, Kenosha, job—great photos, great layout, snappy reading. Wisconsin 53143. Kudos. I know how much work was involved. Periodicals postage paid at Kenosha, Wisconsin, and at additional mailing offi ces. Editorial and advertising offi ces are at the Society headquarters. DICK JOHNSON Advertising rates available upon request or at www.barbershop.org/ratecard. Lockport, Ill. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. Postmaster: send address changes to editorial offi ces of The Harmonizer, 7930 I have been a Society member since 1967, and Sheridan Road, Kenosha, WI 53143 at least 30 days before the next publication date. I would like to compliment you for the fi nest (Publications Agreement No. 40886012. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor ON N9A 6J5. Email: [email protected]) issue of The Harmonizer that I have ever seen. I A portion of each member’s dues is allocated to cover the magazine’s subscription have heard so many raves from so many people, price. Subscription price to non-members is $21 yearly or $3.50 per issue; foreign subscriptions are $31 yearly or $5 per issue (U.S. funds only). it is mind boggling. Any time I mention this © 2006 The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop issue to any person, they can’t wait to express Quartet Singing in America, Inc. dba The Barbershop Harmony Society.

September/October 2006 • The HARMONIZER 5 THE PRESIDENT’S PAGE Drayton Justus, Society President • [email protected]

Membership growth leads to a better chapter experience—or is it the reverse? any volunteer organizations in this day and age are working to analyze and reverse a trend of declining membership, and our Society is among them. I am convinced that our efforts will be successful; by any measure, the number of individual chapter successes is increasing, and we have recently added to our full-time staff a Director of Membership. MCharlie Davenport, a professional recruiter and long-time Barbershopper, is interviewed on page 13 in this issue of The Harmonizer, and you will want to read and re-read his thoughts on membership growth. Increasing membership is the fi rst item on the Society Board’s list of aims for 2006 and will undoubtedly remain fi rst priority for some time to come. A pri- mary indicator of an organization’s health and stability is growth. And of course, we are not talking about simply adding names to the chapter rosters; we refer to “hooking” new members on our unique and excit- ing art form—new members who will in turn want to share the experi- ence with others. As we analyze the challenge, I have often heard the discussion of whether membership growth is itself the goal which will cause other desirable results, or primarily the result of accom- plishing other goals—in other words, is it a cause or an effect? There is no question that we can’t expect men from our re- Increasing spective communities to simply start walking in our doors; an membership is invitation of some kind must usually occur. Recruiting (“spread- ing the gospel”) is very important, but only the fi rst step in a far the fi rst item more important ongoing process. Pay special attention to what on the Society Charlie says about doing things, especially at the chapter level, that will help potential members want to join and keep current Board’s list members happy. I was also happy to hear him charge each of us of aims for with “doing just one more thing than we are accustomed to do- ing now” to make our chapter a better place for members and 2006 and will more attractive for potential members (service!). If we improve our performance quality and leadership capa- undoubtedly bilities, enrich vocal arts education in our communities, develop remain fi rst a more positive public awareness, and expand our fi nancial ca- pabilities (the other Society aims), a good case can be made that priority for membership growth will result. All of these good things must some time to happen, and happen more often, in our individual chapters, and make no mistake about it—that focus is a primary responsibility come. of your Society Board, staff, and district leadership. So what’s the answer? Goal or result? Cause or effect? Membership growth is really both. I contend that getting a potential member in the front door and on the roster can be con- sidered mostly a measurable goal; retaining that member for any length of time is mostly a result of the experience a chapter provides for him—and net growth depends upon both re- cruiting and retention. Personally, I tend to place the most emphasis on the positive results in membership growth we can expect from improvements in the barbershop experience in our chapters. What do you think? Singing, Service, Fellowship & Fun!

6 The HARMONIZER • September/October 2006 TEMPO  Timely news Rock & Roll Hall of Famer competes as a Barbershopper immy Merchant, who rocketed to instant stardom as a 15-year-old in 1955 with “Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers,” is still doing Doo-wop concerts 50 years later and has recently become a Barbershop- J per. He even competed with his chapter in recent Mid-Atlantic district contests. Jimmy, a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and co-writer of the platinum single “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” recently moved to the Delmarva Peninsula and came to a Salisbury, Md. chapter practice night looking for backup singers to help him with a doo-wop con- Jimmy Merchant with his “backup quartet,” The cert. He got a little more than he expected. Last Chord: Larry Matthews (Bs) Jim Mills (T), The Last Chord quartet Huey Brown (L), Artie Miles (Ba). Jimmy com- indeed performed doo-wop peted in his fi rst chorus contest this fall. with Jimmy for a full house, with an enthusiastic audi- ence demanding a reprise Jimmy said. “We literally learned on the streets of of the signature “Why Do Harlem when we were in middle school. We sang Fools Fall in Love” with the a cappella, and made up the instrument sounds. quartet. The quartet asked Even the name,” he said, “is a representation of the Jimmy to return the favor by trombone sound, ‘doo-wop’.” performing with the quar- He has many tales from a long singing career, and Frankie Lyman and the Teenagers tet at the chapter meeting notes that in just a few months after their fi rst were arguably the fi rst “boy band” the next week. Before the record (when they quite literally were teenagers), and produced the pop scene’s fi rst chorus rehearsal was over, the group was playing the London Palladium—the black and Latino teen heartthrobs. Jimmy said, “I want to sing fi rst American group to do so with the new sound. with you in Wildwood.” It became a foundation for many groups to follow. The chorus was delighted to fi nd that not only “You guys have taken American street corner har- could Jimmy immediately pick up both contest mony a step further,” he said, “and it is amazing to songs, he could easily sing all four parts. Before me what you can do with your sound. I look for- another week passed, Jimmy applied for Society ward to learning more and putting it to use.” membership and later sang on stage with his new Jimmy is one of only two surviving members of the chapter. original group. His current activities can be seen at While Jimmy immerses himself in barbershop har- www.jimmymerchant.com. mony, he is also giving his chapter an education in doo-wop. —Larry Matthews “Doo-wop is essentially street corner harmony,” President, Salisbury, Md. chapter Speaking of notable new members ... U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway, representing the Texas 11th district, recently rejoined the Sun Country Gentlemen of Midland, Texas (Permian Basin Chapter). An active lead in the chapter before politics eclipsed his hobby, Conaway has still made time to appear in a handful of public performances with the chorus, such as this Memorial Day 2005 perfor- mance. (Rep. Conaway is wearing the jacket.) When chapter member- ship V.P. Harvey Cross invited him to become a dues-paying chapter member again, Rep. Conaway didn’t hesitate. The chapter hopes to present membership materials to him at a chapter meeting near the holidays, when his political schedule is more free.

September/October 2006 • The HARMONIZER 7 TEMPO  Bring on Aptify! What the Society’s electronic overhaul will mean to you The electronic guts of the So- • An extended personal profi le that lets you list voice ciety are undergoing a major parts, quartet availability, family relationships overhaul, and the move to a • A unique Members Only customer ID and password for much more robust technology your spouse, so she can shop quickly and easily platform will bring members • Faster processing of all orders, with email and web con- much greater stability, integra- fi rmations of shipments tion, and quality of service for • Personalized tracking of your progress toward accredi- years to come. Brian Lynch is overseeing the work of a tation as a chorus director, judge, singer and Barber- top IT team that will make the transfer to the acclaimed shopper Aptify system as smooth as possible. It won’t happen over- For your quartet night, but members will see tangible benefi ts, such as: • Easy and fast registration for your quartet For you • Better contact opportunities • A cleaner, Members Only site that updates your per- • A redesigned quartet card (We think you’re going to sonal and chapter records in real time (no more “wait like it a lot.) for this change to process overnight….”) For your chapter and district • A single shopping cart for merchandise, Harmony Uni- • Better tracking of current and past members, to help versity registrations and more retain them • A single, robustly searchable catalog of arrangements, • Better prospecting tools to reach and sign new members and a single shopping cart and payment process for pur- • Better rosters, reports, and skills inventories chasing them Watch here for additional developments as they roll out.

Upcoming COTS (Chapter Operations Team Seminars) CAR Columbus, Ind. – Jan. 6-7 [email protected] CSD St. Joseph, Mo. – Jan. 13 [email protected] DIX Atlanta, Ga. – Jan. 13-14 [email protected] JAD Columbus, Ohio – Jan. 13-14 [email protected] LOL Menomonie, Wis. – Jan. 13-14 Barbershop “Crikey Chorus” set [email protected] MAD the tone for Steve “The Crocodile Cherry Hill, N.J. – Jan. 6-7 [email protected] Hunter” Irwin’s Memorial service NED An audience of 300 million estimated viewers Fitchburg, Mass. – Jan. 6-7 worldwide watched the September 20 memorial [email protected] service for “The Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, who died unexpectedly on ONT Sept. 4. The service at the Australia Zoo was attended by Prime Minister Orillia, Ont. – Jan. 5-7 John Howard, various celebrities, and Australia’s best barbershop chorus, [email protected] The Blenders, who sang three songs in Irwin’s honor. Formerly known as PIO the Banana Blenders, they learned and performed all three songs only fi ve Okemos, Mich. – Jan. 6-7 days after receiving the invitation. For those involved in “the Crikey Cho- [email protected] rus” as they became affectionately known, the experience was incredibly SUN emotional and moving, both during the rehearsals and even more through- Altamonte Springs, Fla. – Jan. 6-7 [email protected] out the service itself. Having won every national competition since 1993, the 93-man chorus intends to compete in Denver next summer.

8 The HARMONIZER • September/October 2006 Midwinter Notes The Singing Senators may Hotel cutoff is soon. The cutoff date for making reservations at return … with help the headquarters hotel, the Hyatt Needed: Barbershopper coalition to Regency, is Dec. 15, 2006. After engage in shameless lobbying that date, rooms may After a six-year hiatus, rumor around the not be available at Beltway is that Senators Trent Lott (R-Miss.) our convention rate. and Larry Craig (R-Idaho) are trying to revive Please register for the the Singing Senators quartet. The original quar- convention at www. tet included Lott, Craig, Jim Jeffords (I-Vt.), and barbershop.org/mid- John Ashcroft (R-Mo.), but Ashcroft lost in winter. The page includes a regis- 2000 and Jeffords later defected from the GOP. tration link for the Hyatt Regency. Returning to today, senatorial singer Bob Ben- nett (R-Utah) is reportedly enthused to join Check out the tours! Book through Lott and Craig; however, John Thune (R- Destination Southwest www.des- S.D.) apparently has the pipes but is still not tinationsouthwest.com. Click on convinced that singing barbershop presents the Registrations, then on Barbershop right dignity or “coolness” factors. (Such an attitude Harmony Society. Options in- must be confronted by a measured, cool-headed response. U.S. Barbershoppers: clude: Hot air balloon rides; San- who has access to poster board and some bullhorns? Canadian Barbershoppers dia Peak Tram and dinner; Tur- and affi liates: Can you pull some strings to turn this into an international crisis?) quoise Museum/Old Town/Indian Of course, if the senators willing to audition anyone in the House, we know a Pueblo Cultural Center; Sandia guy from Texas who has all the right stuff. (See the bottom of page 7.) But if their Peak Tram/Artisan Winery; Santa eyes are still on Thune, we can only assume that the three senators would tacitly Fe via the Turquoise Trail; Acoma support any lobbying, arm-twisting and other political maneuvering that will “Sky City” Pueblo help them in their fi ght for liberty, justice and the key of B-fl at.

CONVENTIONS Relive the “good old days” in the Buffalo Bills-Era Quartet Contest 2007 DENVER July 1–8 Experience the with songs as sung by past champions of that barbershop.org/denver good old days at the period—the Confederates, Mid States Four, Midwinter Conven- Suntones, etc. Worth the price of admission 2008 tion in Albuquer- right there—how can you not afford the entry NASHVILLE June 29–July 6 que this January fee? 2009 and take part in the • There will be 10 judges, two per category, ANAHEIM Buffalo Bills-Era judging only one phase of your performance: June 28–July 5 Barbershop Quartet Balance & Blend, Voice Expression, Harmony 2010 PHILADELPHIA Contest. Past gold Accuracy, Arrangements, and Stage Presence. June 28–July 5 medal winners and Each two-song set must be four to six minutes— 2011 quartets from as far away from Australia have al- or you will penalized. KANSAS CITY July 3–10 ready registered for the contest. It’ll be held on Fri- • Look sharp! Wear anything other than business 2012 day of the convention—eliminations mid-morning suits or casual street wear, and vintage costumes PORTLAND and a 10-quartet fi nals Friday evening. should fi t your theme. July 1–8 The winning quartet will walk away with $3,000 • Arrangements that portray that time period are 2013 TORONTO and an appearance on the Saturday evening show, available from Society headquarters for a small June 30–July 7 which features the current champions Vocal fee. 2014 Spectrum and other medalists. Second and third • The contest stage will be set up with an acousti- MINNEAPOLIS June 29–July 6 places will be for $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. cal shell (no monitor speakers) and a stereo pair 2016 The fi ve medalist quartets will receive appropriate of microphones. NASHVILLE medals with ribbons depicting the event. (And I’d Sound like fun? You bet it is. Join us, and help July 3–10 be willing to bet that some of the members of past the Barbershop Harmony Society and the Barber- MIDWINTER champion quartets will be there to encourage you!) shop Quartet Preservation Association preserve www.barbershop.org/ Go for it! the medium and bring back those good old days! midwinter • You don’t need to be a registered quartet—just Learn more at www.barbershop.org/musicman. 2007 ALBUQUERQUE all Society members with Midwinter registra- – Marty Mendro Jan. 21-28 tions and a $20 entry fee. You will receive a CD Mid States Four, 1948 international champion

September/October 2006 • The HARMONIZER 9 TEMPO  We’re gonna be in pictures: “American Harmony” nears completion “This is the story of several dreamers who set out to the international conventions in Salt Lake City and become etched in history as the 2006 International Indianapolis. Several have been interviewed for the Champions of Barbershop Singing …” fi lm. Several folks that will be familiar to Barber- merican Harmony, the independent documentary shoppers have taken a production role in the fi lm: on barbershop, is nearing completion and expected Gary DePew, Russ Squires and John Miller. to be fi nished In the vein of “Hoop Dreams” and sometime in De- “Spellbound,” “American Harmony” is a Acember. mixture of music, comedy, lifestyle, and “We’re doing nail-biting competition. a fi nal round of The project was conceived during a interviews with chance encounter our main groups,” with the Wizards said Aengus of Harmony James, director/ chorus in Liberal, writer/producer. “Then we have editorial Kansas, where cutting to do, color corrections to make James was fi lming and we need to hire a another documen- composer to write an tary, Living Liber- RIGHT: original score.” al. “I thought we’d Video James said the fi lm fi lm them for a couple of minutes,” stills from will be submitted he said. “They told me ‘we’re terrible, American for consideration in if you want to hear good barbershop Harmony: the Sundance Film you need to go to the convention in Roger Festival held in mid- Salt Lake City.’ And Payne, January, and he is that’s how it started.” Vocal optimistic that it will be accepted, As with most docu- Spectrum, even though on average some 800 mentaries, funding the fi lm- documentaries normally are submit- is tight. “We raised makers, ted, but only 16 of them will screen a good amount of OC Times at the festival. “We’ve gotten a lot of money, but we have positive feedback from people in the upcoming expenses of industry,” James said. more than $100,000 “We can’t thank the Barbershoppers and the for post-production work,” James said. “We’ve competing quartets enough for their support of this squeezed quarters so tightly the eagles are screaming.” project,” James said. “Everyone has been terrifi c— (The documentary’s fi nal production cost is estimated from volunteers who picked us up at the airports to at more than $500,000.) those who shared their stories with us, to the quar- For more information, visit tets who lived with cameras in their faces for much www.AmericanHarmonyTheMovie.com. ■ of the competition.” – Julie Siepler, Many members have seen the fi lm crew during Society Media Relations Manager

Get contest recordings in time for Christmas The 2006 international chorus and quartet DVDs and CDs are in production and expected to ship by Christmas! Use the order form on the back cover or pre-order at www.harmonymarketplace.com.

10 The HARMONIZER • September/October 2006 HARMONY HOW-TO  David Leeder, COTS instructor, Presentation judge

Make up chords as you go ... on purpose! all it barbersport; it comes in three styles. First, called “close harmony.” It is the job of the tenor quartetting. This is done with four participants and to stay close to the melody. The tenor will usually can be done at the professional, amateur, and make- fi nd the most “thirds” which will help everyone in sure-that-the-door-is-closed-tightly levels. Secondly, fi nding the right chords sooner. If the tenor starts to Ctag singing. Again, four participants (noticing a pat- drift to the upper notes, it will force the baritone to tern), once again done at the professional, amateur sing higher notes and soon glass will start shattering! and Hotshot, screaming high and loud, and will- they-ever-get-that-chord levels. Lastly, and most Basses honorably, woodshedding. Basses need to fi nd the foundation notes. Playing Woodshedding is to our Society what jazz is to tuba in a high school marching band will help. Car- a professional musician. It is the hardest to do but rying a tuba wherever they go will also help. Keep could be the most satisfying to master. it very simple, basses. You do not move with every Most barbersport singing is a participation sport. lead note. Try to fi nd the “pillars of harmony” and This means that you do not sell tickets. It is for the then build the Parthenon of Harmony! enjoyment and mostly amazement of the partici- pants. How would the general public ever under- Baritone stand why four guys would want to stand in a circle, These guys are the smartest, most talented, and cre- sing wrong note after wrong note and then slap each ative singers. Notice I did not say good looking. It is other on the back when they get one nice-sounding their job to fi nd the “leftover” note in every chord. chord? Sometimes it can be a bass-like note, sometimes it can be a tenor-like note and sometimes it can be a The melody lead-like note, almost an anti-melody. Whatever Woodshedding has four participants. One brave it is, fi nd it fast so that you can say, “You’re on my soul will begin by singing a melody. His selection note.” The other guys are not smart enough to know of the melody is crucial. The melody must call for this, including the lead! harmony, beckon rich chords, and plead for swipes, echoes, and tiddlies. This melody singer, or lead, in Getting started the truest sense of the word, must endure all types of Again, woodshedding is not easy. It is even pushes and pulls. He must stay the course as the har- harder if no one knows how to woodshed. Watch mony singers lay explosions of missed chords, notes, Dave Stevens in his presentation, “What Are We and words in his path. It is important to be able to Trying to Preserve?” (www.barbershop.org/jukebox). sustain long phrases, waiting, hoping, and praying Dave explains the basics of woodshedding like that the others will fi nd that “right” chord. The lead no other. Try to fi nd experienced woodshedders must be able to out-sing any attempts to change his and then add one novice. If this cannot be done, melody. Correct lyrics are acceptable but optional. pick very simple, slow songs like the songs in the Keeping the song going, that is what is important. Society’s Woodshedding Folio (www.harmonymar- The other three singers must scurry to fi nd an ketplace.com, item #4040). Get additional informa- acceptable note in the chord as tion from AHSOW, the Society’s soon as the lead begins to sing. It is important to get offi cial woodshedding organiza- It is important to get to a note tion. (www.ahsow.org) quickly so that you can avoid the to a note quickly so Start slowly. You did not learn most hated phrase in woodshed- to ride a bike in one try. You will ding: ”You’re on my note!” This that you can avoid the not be good at this on your fi rst try. is always decided by whoever most hated phrase in Repeat phrases and sections over says it fi rst! and over. Try duets with the lead, woodshedding: ”You’re especially tenor and lead. Many Tenor on my note!” This is chords will be exposed this way. Obviously the tenor will take Do not sing through the song and the highest notes. This does always decided by who- say, “We woodshedded that.” It not imply that he will go high. ever says it fi rst! isn’t really woodshedded until you Our style of music was originally have weaseled out every chord,

September/October 2006 • The HARMONIZER 11 added juicy, delicious swipes, and if they will only have four singers The added a tasty tag or two to the end of each time by taking turns. It is really the song. fun when you try this with the songs NEW! Ultimate that are written in different keys. The SPOTLITE BLAZER Chapter woodshedding room will sound like the old conven- Woodshedding can be done with more tion hotel lobbies. •Red than four singers but it is then called There is time and there is wood- “bullshedding.” You will not really get shedding time. When you are wood- •Royal the joy of fi nding “your” note. It is a shedding, your life is put on hold for •Navy safe way for a new guy to fi nd a note a while. Enjoy, crack some chords Gold in the chord but four is much better. and celebrate the true birth of the • A fun activity is to select enough barbershop style. ■ $ “lead” singers that would break the chapter into groups of four to six. Each lead has been given a 85 song which they have learned well Great enough to fi ght the onslaught of chord fi shing that will ensue. Station on the leads around the room. Divide stage! the rest of the singers, you do not have to worry about parts, let the Save this ad for reference. guys experiment with different parts. May be a one time performance. It is best for all songs to be in the For personal attention, call same key the fi rst time you try this barbersport. Let each group wood- MICHAEL SAXON shed through the songs two times Tel:888.322.7469•Cell:561.414.6400 and then have the groups rotate to Fax:561.278.2790 the next lead. Each group can decide SAXON UNIFORM NETWORK

12 The HARMONIZER • September/October 2006 Charlie talks Membership The new Society membership director wants you to go “break a mirror”—it’s the key to your chapter’s fun and growth

Who is Charlie Davenport? As many have said before, “he’s no big deal” and I’ve always treated that as a compliment. I would say I am energetic, willing, gregarious, confi dent, open, said to have an “infectious good nature” and employ a touch of sarcasm on occasion. I have been known to be a tad Charlie Davenport, Director of Membership verbose, but only when it is something I am passionate • 26 years as a professional recruiter about, which includes just about everything. In 2004, • Joined Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Chapter in 1979, sang in numerous chapter quartets, held most chapter offi ces, I married my high school sweetheart (whom I had not chaired most chapter committees and some annual seen for more than 37 years prior to reconnecting in W shows 2002) and have a phenomenal partnership with her • Former district area counselor and into various district in everything we do. leadership roles, primarily in membership • Mid-Atlantic District President, 2001 and 2002 How did your professional recruiting prepare you for • Participant in the Membership Brainstorming session your current role? that yielded “Operation Harold Hill,” which led to 17 I spent more than 26 years as a professional recruiter, consecutive months of Society growth where I would try to match the right candidate with • Long-time service on Society Membership Committee, the right company based on the needs of both. To do including as chairman this well, I had to analyze information supplied by • Member of Executive Director Search Committee both sides and act on valid input—or quickly root out the invalid information I’d been supplied. So I do see through “the bull” pretty quickly, and I’ve developed of a cappella, Barbershop is “the black belt of harmony the skills to rapidly move to the heart of a matter and singing” That speaks volumes to where the Society match people up with real-world solutions. stands in the broader a cappella world. We need to start recognizing that. How about we return to today. Where are we? We, being “the chapter member,” is possibly not as That really depends on the “we” being addressed. positive. We have some extremely exciting happenings We, “the Society” in general are at a great moment across the country on the chapter level in growing in time. A cappella singing is on chapters, new directions taken by fire. Community groups, college Chapters must ask: “Is what we chapters, new chapters in develop- and high school clubs and just fl at- are doing going to help keep ment and Barbershoppers at all ages out interest in a cappella singing current members happy and having fun. Unfortunately, this is is growing every day. With more help potential members want not necessarily the norm, although people singing a cappella in our it could be! communities and schools, more to join?” If not, don’t do it. We, “Harmony Hall,” see an people will be willing to try out our form of harmony. extremely bright picture. It is sad that we will be leav- Deke Sharon, president of CASA, the Contemporary ing Kenosha after so many years, with so many great A Cappella Society, recently stated that in the world employees choosing to stay behind in a community

September/October 2006 • The HARMONIZER 13 Charlie was made for this job—an absolute professional, smart, and with a lot of street sense. He was a great Membership VP for the Mid-Atlantic that has treated us so well. However, we and Society level must focuse on one guid- District and later, as president, contin- will be going to one of the central cities of ing principle: “Is what I am doing going to ued to improve the district’s member- the music world. For the fi rst time, we’ll be have a positive impact on keeping current ship programs and successes. If we headquartered in an area known for music members happy and helping potential were “picking sides,” I’d want Charlie and tourism, where visitors can experience members want to join?” If not, don’t do it. on my team, anywhere, any time. a fi rst-hand Harmony Experience. We Sounds simple, but unless we start practic- – Joe Berger, Society board member, will have access to the tens of thousands ing this, we cannot grow. past MAD president of music lovers who annually visit the top attractions that are within walking What is the biggest barrier to getting He is a Barbershopper’s Barbershop- per, and his success as Mid-Atlantic distance of our new building. there? District president and Membership We must break our mirrors. A mirror VP comes down to being able to So where do you see us going? only reflects light to the source and communicate on Joe Barbershopper’s If I were able to fast forward fi ve years or does not allow light to shine through in level. Charlie is always the same guy, so from now and look back, here’s what either direction. We must start looking as President or as a tag singer at an I will see: at what is outside our present world and afterglow. • 35,000 members and the Society on a at the same time allow the outside world – Mike Stoll, positive growth pattern. to look into us. We all know the phrase long-time barbershop friend • Most chapters are using well-defi ned “Keep doing what you do and you are go- planning strategies focused on provid- ing to get what you got.” Every chapter Charlie can be trusted with any sensi- ing an attractive atmosphere for current is perfectly set up to get the results it is tive information and he brings the and new members. This is measured by currently getting. To get different results, same commitment level to tasks as he does to his tag singing. Charlie’s a high percentage of members at chap- chapters must do something different, but a fun guy, but also a high integrity, ter meetings, participating in chapter for some reason, we allow that mirrored consummate professional. He is no activities and overall growth of the lifestyle to continue. Each chapter needs pushover; Charlie will explore due- chapters. an external focus. The time is now to diligence about the merits of a task or • The Society has youth chorus contests break our mirrors. approach, and then mount a frontal similar to the current quartet contest in attack to make it happen. all districts and an international contest What is one thing that you wish individual – Dennis Cook, with 10 or more choruses. members knew about recruiting? former Society board member, • The general membership has a greater I wish they knew the power that an indi- co-member, XD search committee understanding of the values of mem- rect invitation has to open a discussion bership in the Barbershop Harmony about barbershop harmony. This comes Charlie has a way of sorting through Society, as measured by greater numbers from my years as a professional recruiter, the fl uff and getting to the bottom line. He listens well and is quick to of men earning a Man of Note and a when I wanted to discuss job openings with understand others and able to see signifi cantly greater number of Ambas- desirable potential candidates who were the difference between “talkers” and sadors of Song. working for other companies. If I were to “performers.” Charlie has great con- • Fun has returned to the chapter meet- directly ask them if they wanted to apply, fi dence in himself and others, and he ing night as measured by they would usually builds confi dence easily. He quickly the smile on the faces of Ask a man, “Who do you know keep their guard up makes friends, and then he keeps the guys on the risers. who might enjoy singing bar- and the conversation them. bershop harmony?” It’s a non- wouldn’t go far. So – Roger Lewis, How are we going to get instead, I would de- 2002-2003 Society president there? threatening question that won’t scribe the opening First and foremost, we put him on the spot. Many men and ask only whether Charlie is one of those guys everyone must recognize that men they knew anyone remembers, for his quick wit, boom- will reply, “Am I qualifi ed?” ing voice and passion for barbershop. don’t join the Society per who would be inter- He always fi nds a way to make any se, they join chapters. The basic enjoy- ested in applying for the position. Thus event fun, even a Board Meeting. His ment of singing and the sum of Society disarmed, they felt free to ask questions enthusiasm is contagious. He taught growth happen at the chapter level and, until they were comfortable revealing their me that the fi nal four had nothing to more specifi cally, at the individual level. own interest. do with basketball. If it is not happening there, it’s not hap- This approach also works in barbershop – Tom Roberts, close friend, long- pening. In order to assure that “it” is harmony. Always start with the question: time member of Charlie’s chapter happening at the chapter level, everyone, “Who do you know who might enjoy sing- including members, at the chapter, district ing barbershop harmony?” and wait for an

14 The HARMONIZER • September/October 2006 answer. It’s a non-threatening question that leaves a man free to ask questions of his own without feeling put on the spot. Answer him and then wait for the answer to your original question. At worst, you’ll come away with names of other men who might be interested, and you can then ask them the same question. Often, the man may ask, “Am I qualifi ed?” All you have to do is set the hook.

What can an individual member do to make his chapter a better place for his fellow members and a more attractive place for potential members? I am asking just one thing from every single member: Please do just one “more” thing in your barbershop world than you are accustomed to doing now. This doesn’t have to be a huge step in order to be signifi - charged to personally bring in new members to your cant. Find one thing that is positive for the overall chapter; however, I will teach the simple steps that membership, something you don’t typically do. For improve the attractiveness of our chapters, how to instance, actually look over some music at home, call contact and attract new members to our hobby, and a fellow Barbershopper who has not been at rehearsal how to keep them as members. lately, don’t talk during chorus rehearsal for one hour. Third, I have always considered the membership Sure, volunteering to chair something or run for offi ce function as the watchdog for our Society and I will counts also, but do at least one more thing. That will continue to focus my efforts in that direction. If give our Society 30,000 extra things done the fi rst year. something is not going to have a positive impact on How can that be anything but good? membership retention and growth, then I will fi ght to Remember, when you are pointing your fi ngers at stop it from happening. those who have the greatest impact on your barber- Finally, I will attempt to sing bass to your favorite shop experience, take note of where the majority of tag. Or some other part if you are really patient. your fi ngers are pointing and have that person make the fi rst move. Closing thoughts? I encourage every reader to look at the gifts that we So, what can we expect from you in your new position? have been given: First and foremost, I will be available, as will our entire • the ability to sing membership team. We will be available to talk issues • the chance to enrich lives through singing through and to help in every way possible to fi nd solu- • Good friends and families who share our passion tions to whatever issue may be faced. Appreciate what you have. Savor it. Wallow in Second, as much as I would like, I cannot be “the” it. Then seek out new ways to share these gifts with recruiter for the Society. I am neither able to nor others. And let’s all have fun doing it! ■

100% Club members as of Sept. 30, 2006 • Derek Street is a member of the Rock Hill, S.C. chapter and has recruited nine new members since the beginning of the year. • Stew Grosser is a proud member of the Heart of America chapter (Kansas City, Mo.) and has signed up fi v e new members this year. • Kevin Dunckel is a member of the Lansing (Capitol City Chords- men) Mich. and the Mt. Pleasant Mountaintown Singers chapters. He recruited fi v e new members this year, • Robb Heady has fi v e new members this year. He’s a member of the Greater Louisville (The New Horizon), Ky. chapter.

September/October 2006 • The HARMONIZER 15 Gordon Lightfoot

Even though Orillia, Ontario in the lia District Collegiate and Vocational Rushton. “He was considered impracti- early ’50s was a small town of 12,000, Institute and straight into a barbershop cal by many because he wanted to make teenagers had lots to do outside of quartet. it a career.” school. “They were forming a barbershop “Going into barbershop quartets “Orillia, as I recall it, was a musically quartet,” said Lightfoot. “The sci- was part of that personal discipline. inclined town in the 1940s and 1950s. ence teacher—his name was Charles Barbershop singing demanded a great The Orillia Kiltie Band was popular Wallace, hell of a nice guy, everybody deal more than any solo effort. It just and the Salvation Army quintets; called him Charlie—said I want four of seemed that Gordie was willing to many youngsters took music lessons,” you to come in and do this quartet.” work at anything, with anyone, to said Ted Rushton. “They would hold two contests a improve his singing and his knowledge Rushton, a retired editor and colum- year and Mr. Wallace wanted us to of music.” nist now living in Phoenix, Arizona, form the quartet and make a project Lightfoot had two quartets over four went to school with Gordon Lightfoot. out of competing and being the young- years. The fi rst, The Collegiate Four, Everybody did. There was only one est quartet in the Society and all these included Paul Leger, Wayne Rankin high school. things, and of course we all chirped in and Bob Croxall. Lightfoot entered high school with and said, ‘Let’s go.’” “That was my fi rst quartet and we a reputation. He sang in the St. Paul’s So began the next phase of Light- competed,” Lightfoot said. “I would United Church choir and had some foot’s education in music. fi nd that the baritone would be dou- success in the Kiwanis Music Festival. “For most everyone except Gordie bling the lead in a lot of cases in the He walked through the doors of Oril- music was a hobby and a pastime,” said fi rst quartet and it was bothering me

After writing songs for art- ists like Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley, Gordon Lightfoot started scoring hits of his own, some of which rose as high as #1 on the American charts. Classic rock stations continue to play many of his most popular songs, like “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Sundown,” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”

16 The HARMONIZER • September/October 2006 Before they were stars ...

hard core quartet competitor

because I knew that we could never, ect that lasted ever win that way. The whole object all through high of the thing was to compete and do as school up until well as we could.” the end of grade “I understood these things. I don’t 12.” know why, but I did and I knew it was “We still did happening. Then it turned into a kind not win any great prizes. I think the of a disagreement. At the same time best we ever did was we came sixth or during those two years my voice had something like that.” descended.” Until recently, high school in On- The Collegiate Four may have tario was a fi ve-year affair. As Lightfoot ended, but not before they got ex- began the last, he decided to move in posure that many quartets would kill another direction. to have. Pete McGarvey, a long-time “We had this kid who was a beauti- radio broadcaster and newsman at ful bass (Hughes), but he was also very CKEY in Toronto remembers having smart. He had to leave and go to the Lightfoot on a show when both were University of Toronto. He was a year still in Orillia. ahead of us. I was lucky to get him.” “His fi rst appearance on national “I didn’t continue it on in grade radio was on a program called The 13. When the bass player left I had to Dominion Barn Dance and that was on let it go. I did not try to fi nd another CBC back in 1954,” said McGarvey, bass singer.” then with CFOR. The lessons of barbershopping “We took the show to a different would serve him well in life. It started location every week. The show went with his fi rst attempts to arrange. He on from 9 to 9:30 p.m. and there were used the “Armstrong Method.” about 48 stations across the country “That’s when you don’t know about that picked it up.” time signatures, you don’t know how “We were down in Cannington to write in any other key but the key Gordon sang with the Orillia chapter one night and we had this barbershop of C because you can’t get the fl ats and for four years competed with The quartet from OD. It was a time when and sharps right. There was all kinds Teen Timers and The Collegiate Four. we had a great fever for barbershopping of stuff like that.” His desire to create better barbershop in town here.” “I could do it, but it was a laborious arrangements was part of his inspiration If that wasn’t enough, Lightfoot also task. I wrote three or four pretty good to go to college. had his fi rst television appearance on arrangements for our quartet, a CBC program called Pick the Stars, but I didn’t know enough and a talent contest that pitted The Col- it was one of the things that legiate Four against anything from tap inspired me, for instance, to go dancers to country bands. to school.” “I think we won the fi rst time and The harmony structure of we lost out the second time at the barbershopping left an impres- semifi nals,” Lightfoot said. “What fun sion, too. we had.” “You can voice the chord any Lightfoot, Bob Branch, Bill Hughes, way you want to. You can’t leave and Terry Whelan made up the next any spaces. You have to fi ll all quartet, The Teen Timers. the spaces. I guess barbershop- “We did the same thing,” recalled ping taught me that because Lightfoot. “We went through the con- barbershop chords fi ll all the tests, we practiced, we were coached, spaces.” we went to the meetings, we sang with To this day, the work ethic the chorus; we did everything we were remains constant. supposed to do. It became a whole proj- “We used to practice every

September/October 2006 • The HARMONIZER 17 week. When we would be going into a competition we would have a coach. We had a coach named Jimmy Woods. He was a damned good coach.” “I still have to do that. I still rehearse once a week After illness prevented Gordon with my orchestra,” wheth- from formally accepting his er he has a concert to per- Honorary Lifetime Membership at form or not, he said. our international convention, he “I work hard. I think I made it offi cial in Toronto on April got a lot of that from the 22. Shown are Society president Barbershoppers. They put Drayton Justus and Society board forth a great deal of energy. member Barry Towner. It was a very energetic thing.” Of course all that practice and rehearsal isn’t done in a vacuum. There are other people involved, like the other three guys. “I had to work in close quarters with these people. It taught me a lot about working with the other people; working as a team.” “I was much better with the second one though because I was in charge,” he said with a laugh. Lightfoot doesn’t ignore his roots. He’s lent his talent to community endeavours and he hasn’t forgotten what he re- ceived as a Barbershopper. “I participated in a couple of events through the years. I haven’t lost touch with them.” “One year they did one of my songs (“If You Could Read My Mind”) with the Northern Lights Chorus doing the choral background and me singing. It was wonderful. The ar- rangement was just absolutely—I don’t know who wrote the arrangement, but it was great.” Post high school, Lightfoot’s story is well-known, but now you know how it began. “I started writing songs at 18 and the barbershopping was behind me, but what I learned from it was a very important part of my life during those formative years.” “It’s the most remarkable sound I think that I’ve ever experienced. I had a wonderful time while I was with the Barbershoppers.”

John Swartz is the entertainment columnist and feature writer for the Packet & Times in Orillia, Ontario. He is also a television producer with Rogers Television in Barrie, Ontario. He has lost count of how many times he’s interviewed Gordon Lightfoot and published several stories about the Golden Voices in Harmony concert coincident with the Ontario

District Association of the Barbershop Harmony Society. GARY MAUER AS THE PHANTOM AND ELIZABETH SOUTHARD AS CHRISTINE DAAÉ FROM THE BROADWAY NATIONAL TOUR OF THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. PHOTO 18 The HARMONIZER • September/October 2006 BY JOAN MARCUS Gary Mauer Al Mau’s kid has long “barberbrat,” international done his chorus gold medalist daddy proud Leading Broadway actor Gary Mauer (his stage name) was just three years old when his dad, Al Mau, along with Ted Bradshaw, Paul Graham, and Phil Foote, won the quartet gold medal in 1968 with the Western Continentals. Growing up a proud “barbershop brat,” with “the purity of male voices” singing barbershop harmony earned Gary his own chorus gold medal along his path to obtaining some of the most prominent leading roles in American musical theater. “Hearing barbershop harmony somehow makes me feel whole, complete,” says Gary, who until late this spring played the Phantom in the Broadway touring cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. If you saw this musical anywhere in the country the past couple of years before this May, you saw Gary in his masterful portrayal of arguably the most coveted leading role of all Broadway musicals. If you caught the show Gary literally grew up at the feet of the on Broadway about three years ago, you may have Western Continentals. He later won a seen Gary in the role of Raoul, the other major chorus gold medal along with his dad. male role in what has become the longest running and most successful musical of all time. To sit down and talk music, performing and life with Gary is to enjoy the presence of a man whose love for his family, his faith, and his musi- cal heritage shapes the approach of everything he does on stage and in his career. On stage, he brings purity of tone, clearness of lyric, an amazing voice and vocal range, and complete involvement in the message and character of his performance. To hear and watch Gary perform “The Music of the Night” is an experience I’ll remember for the rest of my life. An absolute “100” in Presentation! Born in 1965, Gary’s earliest recollections of music are of his dad’s quartet practices at the house. Due to barbershop harmony, he says there were “so many mentors, I didn’t even realize that’s what they were to me in those days.” He credits his current vocal stylings as a pursuit of what he heard early in his life. “Even now, no matter what role I’m play- ing,” Gary says, “I think deep down inside me “Even now, no matter I’m subconsciously still trying to sing like Ted what role I’m playing, I Bradshaw!” Barbershop was at the center of Mau family think deep down inside events as Gary grew up. Social circles and vaca- tions all centered around barbershop, his dad’s me I’m subconsciously quartets and chorus, going to International, etc. After winning gold in 1968, Al joined the Pacifi - still trying to sing like caires and won three consecutive silvers in 1972, ’73, and ’74. Gary got deep into the hobby as well, Ted Bradshaw!”

September/October 2006 • The HARMONIZER 19 Buffalo Bills wannabe

Adapted from an interview of Honorary Lifetime member Bill Gaither, July 25, 2006, with Direc- tor of Marketing Todd Wilson. The full text of the interview can be found at http://gaither.com/ex- clusives/interview.php?uid=1190. Listen to the audio of the full interview at 4-cast.tv.

Todd: So have you recovered from the last week or so?

Bill: Oh yeah. I don’t know how many people I’ve told about that. That night at Conseco … Gary’s family had as normal of a family life as you could expect on the I’ve been using this phrase, I’ve never been in road. Beth home schooled the kids during the week while Gary performed front of such a literate harmonic audience. I nearly every day, then she joined him on stage as Christine for the week- mean they knew every subtlety that was going end shows. After two and a half years of packing up and moving every on in harmonies. few weeks, the Mauers have returned to their New Jersey home to seek a normal life where the kids can join a soccer team and a gold medal Todd: Well, that’s why you’re such a good fi t chorus singer/Broadway star can perhaps drop in on a chapter meeting with this whole organization and we’re just to get his “barbershop fi x.” thrilled to have you as an honorary member. joining The Phoenicians while in high school and earning an inter- Bill: Well it’s an honor to us and I’ve shared national chorus gold in 1983, at age 18, singing with his father. it with the guys, too, so thank you. I have just After getting a degree in musical theater, Gary was “paying his dues” been a fan for years. I was serious about The as a cruise ship performer when he met his wife, Elizabeth Southard, Buffalo Bills recording of Lida Rose was my in the cast on board. (“Beth” starred as “Christine” in The Phantom fi rst encounter back in the mid-’50s, and I said on Broadway opposite Gary’s “Raoul” and retained the role in the “Hey, there’s something different about this touring cast opposite Gary’s “Phantom.”) The “big break” came when four-part harmony, let me fi gure this out.” I Gary joined a touring group performing “The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber” with the original Phantom, Michael Crawford. Gary and Beth don’t think I ever got it fi gured out, but it’s soon found their way into major Broadway and touring productions of good. (laughter) Les Miserables and Showboat!, until Gary won his Raoul role in The Phantom of the Opera. Gary later prepared to be the understudy for the Todd: Can you tell me about some of your Phantom role on Broadway; upon seeing him play that lead role in his earliest memories of singing? fi nal, full-makeup and cosume dress rehearsal, the producers offered him the touring company lead immediately! Bill: Trying to match what I was hearing on the After more than two years and a half years of packing up the family radio, with a male quartet and gospel music. I every few weeks, Gary and Beth left the tour late last spring to return was in probably the sixth or seventh grade, but to their New Jersey home and give their two children a more normal I was doing the best I could do to at least fi ll in childhood. I interviewed them just before their journey home, where the triad of the chord. There was something they plan to create a CD of Broadway tunes and contemporary Chris- about a male singing that alto line up there. tian music. After that, probably a return to the stage, either in the Broadway community or somewhere else in the U.S. that would offer Todd: Describe the transition from being a a resident cast opportunity for both Gary and Elizabeth. (He might teacher to a gospel music performer and re- even show up at a Big Apple rehearsal some Monday night just to get cording artist. a “Barbershop Fix.”) Gary, his iPod already boasting plenty of barbershop favorites, was Bill: When I was 19, I tried to do this profes- thrilled when I presented him with some Bob Hodges sionally in a gospel group. We worked for about Vocal Majority CDs after a performance. a year and starved to death, which forced me “I know what we’ll be listening to all the Presentation judge, multiple back to college and a day job, which was about way home next week!” Beth said. gold medalist the best thing that could have happened to with The Vocal me. I tell young people with aspirations to get Track Gary and Beth’s journey at Majority TheMauersOnline.com. their education fi rst. I got a teaching degree

20 The HARMONIZER • September/October 2006 Bill Gaither and all through college sang in They did a lot of barbershop quartets. In fact, I was in a barber- harmonies and were more in line shop quartet that tried to do the of what I would call the classic Buffalo Bills arrangement of Lida harmony groups. Back in the 50s, Rose. We did The Music Man on I was infl uenced a lot by the Mills campus. Four-part harmony was Brothers and the Four Preps and my love, but I was realistic enough Four Freshmen. Anybody who was to know that I was probably not doing harmony would get my ear. going to be able to make a living doing that, so I got my degree and Todd: What do you think made started teaching. them stand out against those other groups you mentioned? After I started teaching, I started writing some original gospel songs. Bill: It’s interesting I think the same Now unlike my singing and my thing it was ... I was noticing the playing, the songs we were writing showmanship of some of the groups were better than some of the stuff [in Indianapolis]—they could sing, out there. There were professionals but they could also entertain. For who were picking those songs up the Statesmen, I suppose it was Hearing The Buffalo Bills on the radio in and they were using them, and we a combination of both the the 1950s helped launch Bill were making some income from entertainment and the Gaither on a decades-long that, and we taught for about eight hard work that they did fascination with four-part or nine years, singing part time as a quartet. male harmony. He sang with my wife and my brother. We in a barbershop quartet got a recording contract, and by Todd: Before visiting in college, performed the end of 10 years my night job International Conven- in The Music Man, was overtaking my day job. tion at Conseco, what and—after achiev- did you know about the ing huge success as Todd: Most Gaither songs have Barbershop Harmony a gospel composer and instrumental accompaniment. Society? performer—formed the What prompted you to explore Gaither Vocal Band in the a cappella project you recently Bill: Terry Franklin [son of Bob 1981. At last, he was released? Franklin of the Suntones] a professional used to sing tenor with quartetter Bill: Well, that simply goes back to us and he would talk for good! my love for that harmony, and to about his dad and see if we could reproduce that in the Society, the studio, and I’ll be honest with and Gloria you, I was in awe the whole night and I kept in listening to those guys doing say- that around one mic. I told Gloria “these guys are real good.”

Todd: Who has had a big impact on your life or your career?

Bill: Most of those would be gospel peo- ple. Jake Hess, the original lead singer of the Statesmen.

September/October 2006 • The HARMONIZER 21 On becoming an Honorary Lifetime Society member: “I’m probably as ing “We need to go to one of proud of that as one person we’d have no need those,” and then this spring we anything that for other people. I know a way just happened to get this letter. I’ve received I can force at least four people We said “Yes! We’ll be there.” for a long, long to work together. (laughs) We were in Miami where Terry’s time.” dad came out to one of our con- Todd: What was your reac- certs and brought his buddies. tion when you found out you We did the sound check in the were selected to be an honor- afternoon and I heard this sing- ary member of our Harmony ing out in the hallway and it was Society? just the four of them singing. I went out there for about 45 min- Bill: I’m probably as proud utes to hear them do all this stuff, of that as anything that I’ve and I was overwhelmed. received for a long, long time mainly because of my total Todd: Did you have any surprises respect for what you do. or did you have any misconceptions about barbershop that were changed after having a chance to witness the Todd: What important lessons do you think you’ve performers [in Indianapolis]? learned as a performer, writer, or studio vocalist that If God had put all you care to pass on to others? Bill: Not really, it was as good as the gifts in one I thought it was really gonna be; Bill: Do not talk very much during the day if you’re maybe it was better in some ways. going to sing that night. I can sing all day and not affect person we’d have But I knew that it would have to be my voice, but if I am talking all day on the phone, or very, very good. The extra dimen- anything, by the end of the night, I might as well forget no need for other sion would have been the choral about singing any low notes because we, even though dimension, what 50 men, 60 men? you sing properly, most of us do not talk properly. people. I know a That should be part of any serious collegiate musical program—pub- Todd: So it’s a very disciplined approach to maintain- way I can force at lic schools are dumbing down so ing your vocal health. much musically. I did not know least four people that you would do choral things. Bill: Yeah, and hearing what those young kids were doing Saturday night, they have got to be thinking to work together. I’ll tell you the thing that blew about that, because if they want to do that until my hat in a creek was to listen they’re 70 years old, they have got to be protecting to the 10,000 people sing the Canadian anthem their throats. and the American anthem, and then the song at the end [“Keep The Whole World Singing”]. And I Todd: What advice do you have for anyone who wants looked at Gloria and I said, “Where else would you to start a quartet? ever hear this?” Bill: They have to know how to blend with a group, but Todd: Yeah when you hear 10,000 voices out there, they also have to know how to step out and take a lead it’s hard to not get goose bumps. and sell a lead. It’s tough to get a voice that blends but also that has enough individualized characteristics that Bill: In a country that’s really badly divided, to hear they can step out of that and sell a lead by themselves. harmony, there is a spiritual overtone in people being Be able to power when it’s time to power. ■ forced to sing together. The little subtlety of [Harold Todd Wilson Hill in The Music Man] saying to these disgruntled Director of board members “I’ve got an answer for your problems” Marketing, was not a simple little subtlety, I mean they learned Barbershop to harmonize together and work together and blend Harmony together. I have a theory; if God had put all the gifts in Society

22 The HARMONIZER • September/October 2006 2007: The Year of The Music Man!

The Music Man Here’s the chance to get your whole town singing “Lida Rose” • Play and score by Mer- edith Willson, until then Start planning now for this great publicity and recruitment opportunity! a little-known Broadway instrumentalist When much of the public thinks Barbershop, they audience. Find guys who can sing and bring • Premiered Dec. 19, 1957 on Broadway—an im- think of The Buffalo Bills singing “Lida Rose” in them up to sing with you. Perform the “Music mediate smash hit The Music Man. The play is widely beloved, and Man Medley” with your local community/ • Featured 1950 cham- people can’t help but sing along when they hear school band or orchestra (the score is available pion The Buffalo Bills for one of the songs from the perfect score. That’s why from the Harmony Marketplace.) 1,375 shows, the 1962 as a Society we’re taking advantage of the 50th • Hold Harold Hill member recruitment activi- movie, and the #1 hit anniversary of the Music Man to bring the music ties in Malls, at festivals, county fairs, etc. record to the public and your future show patrons, with • Become “A Harold Hill” by “committing” to • Virtually every song from the score is a clas- the goal to help you get more bookings and new recruit at least one new member in 2007— sic, including: “Ya Got members. More info to follow from the Trouble,” “It’s You,” “Lida Membership Department. Rose,” “Till There Was Your chapter You, ” “76 Trombones” The climax of the year will December 19 is be a the 50th anniversa- the big day “Year of The Music Man” ry of opening night. Every We are encouraging all chap- highlights • Society-wide meeting chapter is invited to hold a ters to hold a special meeting nights on Tuesday, De- guest night/interchapter cel- on the Music Man’s 50th an- cember 19, 2007 ebration and to invite Sweet niversary Tuesday, December • Midwinter Convention in Adelines and/or Harmony 19, 2007. Make this a guest Albuquerque will have a Incorporated chapters to participate. Finale for the night, or an interchapter night, a social night, Music Man Theme and evening will be “Lida Rose/Will I Ever Tell You” combining seasonal activities with the celebration feature a “Buffalo Bills- eight-part arrangement. Start planning now! of the Music Man anniversary. Era” quartet contest • International contest Here are some brainstorming starters: The possibilities are almost endless. Certainly in Denver will have a • Early in the year, a well-planned guest night the creative folks in your chapter can come up Music Man theme and with a Music Man theme? (Be creative! Invite with additional and customized ideas. These are everyone who has ever past Music Man performers and patrons, music just suggestions. Think boys, think! been in the musical is educators, have “tryouts” for the School Board, Don’t be left behind. Get involved and take welcome to create a perform/teach a few Music Man numbers/ massive Music Man tags. Chorus • Harmony University • Have a “special show” during the year for the 2007 will also feature a Music Man (Music Man related scripts are Music Man theme available at www.harmonymarketplace.com.) • Chapter show theme already set? Include some Music Man songs. • Support other local celebrations, productions, through attendance, volunteer work at the show, buy an ad in their program. Promote Many of us have sung in it—join with local theater their show. Trade tickets for your show with groups and other Music Man lovers in a year of them. Help build the staging. Be a fi ll in/ex- celebrations. (Above, Jackpot quartet, circa 2000) The tra. Offer coaching to the quartet or offer Society has great music and resources. Check regu- the quartet. Invite current/past Music Man larly for updates at www.barbershop.org/musicman. performers to a rehearsal. part in this celebration. But you need to start • Do a mini Music Man show planning for it NOW! for your singouts in 2007. Look As Harold Hill said: for opportunities to sing for “You pile up enough tomorrows, and you’ll fi nd more groups, sometimes you are left with nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays. with mini choruses, like I don’t know about you, but I’d like to make today service clubs, etc. worth remembering.” • Involve the Make 2007 worth remembering with the Music Man as your theme and inspiration. It’s gonna be exciting! ■

September/October 2006 • The HARMONIZER 23 Ya Gotta Know the Territory

Barbershop Harmony Society Convention First time ever in denver! July 1 - 8, 2007 Headquarters Hotel: Adam’s Mark Venue: Pepsi Center Join your friends and barbershop colleagues for these contests:  International Quartet Championship showcasing 50 of the best barbershop quartets With contests, classes, concerts and chances to sing,  this annual event provides dozens of ways to enjoy International Chorus Championship with 30 of the world’s top choruses and enliven your barbershop life.  MBNA America Collegiate Barbershop Quartet Contest featuring the top young men’s quartets. Come to Compete We’ll Show You Every year, top choruses and quartets from around the world vie for gold, silver and bronze medals at the convention. We hope you are It’s always showtime at the annual convention. This year, four in one of the exceptional groups who have earned a place on the entertaining shows have been assembled for convention international competitive stage. But if you are not, the next best participants. Three favorites are back, along with a new benefit thing is to hear these men whose talent and training have brought concert that will wow you. them to the pinnacle of the barbershop world.  The Harmony Foundation Presents, a benefit for the charitable arm of the Barbershop Harmony Society which raises funds to further music education.  The Association of International Champions Show featuring outstanding quartets from across North America, plus the AIC chorus under the direction of Jay Giallombardo.  The World Harmony Jamboree showcasing the best men’s and women’s medalists from throughout the world. This event resurrection of the massed sing! will be held at the beautiful Buell Theatre. Thursday, July 5th—10:45 am to 11:30 am,  The Larry Ajer Tuesday Night Concert benefiting the before the quartet semi-finals Harmony Foundation.

Throughout 2007, we’ll be celebrating the longevity of barbershop Side Trips Merit an Extended Stay music as evidenced by the 50th Anniversary of The Music Man.    Located at the base of the Rockies, Denver has always made an excellent base from which to tour the beautiful and historic Keep The Whole World Singing Front Range of the mountains. The Society’s motto is nowhere better practiced than at the annual Central City and Black Hawk located 34 miles from convention. We’ve created several venues for you to join in the Denver are two historic old mining towns from the 1870s that singing. Here are just a few samples of where your voice is needed: have come alive with limited stakes casino gambling. Once  NEW! The Red, White and Blue "Tag-In Quartet" called the “Richest Square Mile on Earth,” Central City and A program designed to encourage more casual singing at the Black Hawk are known as having some of the best preserved convention. Choose from a list of nine official convention songs Victorian architecture in the West. There are mine tours, mining museums and several places that still offer instruction that all attendees will be encouraged to learn. Here’s a in the fine art of gold panning in a stream where a half chance to do more singing with people that have never met billion dollars of it was found. before...one of the most fun aspects of being a barbershopper. Eligible participants can receive discounts from the Harmony Pikes Peak Country is located 60 miles south of Denver Marketplace and can also have their names entered into a and features more than 40 attractions centered around drawing to win one of three great prizes, like a video iPod 14,000-foot high Pikes Peak. Things to see include the Air Nano; Flat Panel HDTV; or a Blue Ray DVD Player. Stay tuned to Force Academy, one of three United States military colleges; upcoming issues of The Harmonizer, Livewire or the famous Broadmoor Resort with its lake and three golf www.barbershop.org/denver for details. courses; the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame with its exhibits on this  The Good News! Gospel Sing, an open invitation for exciting professional sport; and Garden of the Gods which has everyone to sing. gigantic 500-foot high red sandstone rock monuments at the base of Pikes Peak.  Sing with The Champs, offering the chance to listen to and sing with champion quartets. Georgetown located 42 miles west of Denver, is a delightful  Mixed Harmony Showcase with men and women blending Victorian village with 200 restored buildings from the 1870s, their voices in concert. set in a spectacular mountain valley. The main street has  Tag singing until the wee small hours of the morning. shops and restaurants and many of the old homes have been  The Ancient Harmonious Society of Woodshedders turned into antique stores. The Georgetown Loop Railroad AHSOW maintains a room where you can try your hand operates narrow gauge steam locomotives curling down a at woodshedding. mountain ledge at one point crossing over a 90-foot high trestle. Live and Learn Mount Evans has the highest paved auto road in North America snaking its way to the 14,260 foot (4,346 m) summit. Members have the chance to attend Masters Classes and educational The free road is open only from June through Labor Day and seminars throughout the week. Some of the Society’s best coaches, frequently has snow on it, even in August. The view from the top chorus and quartet members and leading instructors will share top takes in the entire Front Range. The summit is 60 miles their insights, tips, experiences and guidance in a variety of subjects. from downtown Denver. Rocky Mountain National Park is located 71 miles northwest of Denver and features 400 square miles of scenic It’s a Woman’s World beauty, including Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous highway in the world crossing the Continental Divide at over Barbershop spouses have a host of activities specially designed to two miles above sea level. The park has two information make their time in Denver entertaining and rewarding. They can centers, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, tranquil lakes, choose from a variety of custom-designed tours and/or join other waterfalls, wildlife and horseback riding. Estes Park is a resort women in the Ladies Hospitality Room or at the Ladies Breakfast. town on the edge of the park with restaurants and shops. The Harmony Marketplace will be open throughout the convention week with an array of barbershop-themed merchandise. downtown denver will delight you  Register Now!  Denver has more than doubled in population since 1960, and the very things that have drawn so many people to the Mile High City are With the traditional opening ceremony spectacle and an the things that will make your stay a delight. Denver is a clean, elaborate Independence Day celebration, the convention young and green city with over 200 parks and dozens of packs an assortment of surprises. Register today according to the instructions in this story. Then keep reading The tree-lined boulevards. Harmonizer and visiting www.barbershop.org/denver Anchoring the thriving LoDo for detailed updates. entertainment district is the 4.6 acre Pepsi Center, our convention performance venue. This spectacular five-level facility is a premier sports and entertainment destination. Denver has over 2,000 restaurants serving all varieties of cuisine. Area specialties include Rocky Mountain Trout, fresh Colorado beef, and lamb. Restaurants serving buffalo are the historic Buckhorn Exchange, the oldest saloon and restaurant in the city with a unique dining room covered with 500 stuffed animal heads and The Fort, which is housed in a reproduction of Bent’s Old Fort, a fur trapper’s post on the Santa Fe Trail.

2007 International Convention Registration & Events Form July 1-8, 2007 • Order online to choose your own seat! • www.barbershop.org/denver

date membership number, if applicable chapter name, if applicable

name

address city : state/province : zip/postal code

business phone home phone email circle payment method: check : money order : Visa : Mastercard credit card # expiration date

Convention & Special Events Registration Send Us Convention package includes opening ceremonies, quartet quarter finals one & two, quartet semi-finals, chorus contest session one & two and the quartet finals. Completed Form Send completed form with Type Rate Quantity Total payment of Grand Total in Adult $134.75* U.S. funds to:

Junior (under 12) $69.75* Check all that apply: ❑ * Registration fee includes handling $4.75 each Society VIP SubTotal ❑ * This includes the early bird special through January 6, 2007. President’s Council Member ❑ AIC Member Event Rate Quantity Total Barbershop MBNA America Collegiate $17.00* Harmony Society Barbershop Quartet Contest 7930 Sheridan Rd, * Event fee includes handling $2.00 each Kenosha, WI 53143 SubTotal ❑ Check here if any physical needs require Order online to choose your seat! special accommodation. Convention staff will Grand Total contact you to make arrangements. www.barbershop.org/denver (Convention and Special Events) You did it—and probably didn’t know it! Eight months later, a look back at the many positive opportunities Barbershoppers have given to each other and the community

In February I was privileged to become the Society’s Harmony University Director of Music and Education. I knew it would This year, several students attended Harmony Univer- be a challenging task, but also I knew that with the sity on scholarships as well. Under the leadership of help of so many talented and dedicated members, we Steve and Robben Morin, the Salem Senate-aires could accomplish whatever we set our minds to do. each year host the Larry Ajer Party at the interna- As Barbershoppers, we often do not realize the power tional convention, using the proceeds to send a second we have when we all work together toward common quartet to Harmony goals. Many of us make a big difference in our chapters University. Last year, and our communities. It is time that we also recognize they donated the entire what we as an organization do for the world in which proceeds of that party to we live. Here is a little sample of how our music edu- Harmony Foundation Ication programs have made the world a better place so that an additional over the last eight months and why I am thankful to quartet could attend be part of the team that made it happen. Harmony University Your member dues primarily fund the basic programs in Ajer’s memory. We and services. However, some of the most important awarded the scholarship things my department does are above and beyond to Men In Black as the these basic services, and are funded by your personal college quartet champi- contributions to Harmony Foundation. Here are some ons, and are looking to of the things your contributions have helped us ac- keep that in place for complish in just the past eight months. future college quartet Rick Spencer champs. It was a true Director of Music Directors College win-win-win situation and Education This year, 97 directors attended Directors College on as Barbershoppers, a scholarships provided by Harmony Foundation, and chapter, the Foundation and the music department with your contributions to the Foundation’s efforts, we worked together to provide more grass-roots training are now able to provide music training and expertise to more Barbershoppers. to roughly one out of eight directors each year. Think of the power that this education has as we put Harmony Explosion Camps better trained directors back in front of their chapters, This year, the number of camps grew to 13, including making better music decisions and providing a better those run by districts and chapters. One such chapter environment for the chapter to grow with even more camp was the Buckeye Invitational, a long-standing singers. Credit goes to thousands of Harmony Founda- successful program that this year drew 305 students. tion contributors. With the fi nancial support of Harmony Foundation,

PLANTING SEEDS. See all these kids singing barbershop at the Buckeye Invitational camp? You helped it happen with your donations to Harmony Foundation. Each of 13 camps across the Society received $700 in start-up money and $50 for each young man.

September/October 2006 • The HARMONIZER 27 the Society was able to fund all 13 camps much for helping me go to this camp. bershop documentary fi lm that has been with an additional $700 start-up money That was the single best experience of under production for the past year or plus $50 per student and teacher in at- my life. Your camp has truly inspired me two. Aengus James’ crews are creating tendance. The 13 camps averaged more as a singer. This was amazing!” We, as a a compelling story from an outsider’s than 100 students each. team, are making a signifi cant difference perspective. The fi nished version will I personally witnessed the excite- in lives through our ability to share our likely be accepted at some top fi lm fes- ment of several camps. Beth Bowen, music, our resources and our time. tivals, where it will be shopped around the choral director of Chestatee High for larger distribution deals. This may School and 17-year educator, wrote to Collegiate quartet tours do for barbershop culture what other tell of the great experiences her stu- The Music Department continues smash hit documentaries did for ama- dents, including her own son, had at to introduce new programs which teur basketball and spelling bees. Our camp. She raved about the value and are made possible by money received thanks go to Harmony Foundation for the lasting effects of these camps and from Harmony Foundation and your providing $100,000 of the seed money the positive role the Society is assum- continued support. The new collegiate to help launch this project. We are ing in running them. In part, she wrote: quartet tour introduced this year is one serving a world of interested parties. “None of these experiences would have exciting example of this partnership. You’ll be hearing more on this in the been possible for my students without We have already sent two fi ne quartets near future! the scholarships. They have so many to various college campuses to introduce And this is just what we all did in the other expenses during the year and barbershop harmony to a growing num- last eight months! Imagine where we at least two of the four students were ber of eager college singers. Thanks go can go with a continued emphasis on very fi nancially challenged. I, myself, to New Release and Men In Black this kind of teamwork. The music staff would not have been able to afford for their peer-to-peer presentations and will continue to develop programs. Har- to bring my son were it not for the ambassadorship in these efforts. mony Foundation will continue to fund scholarship. For some of them, it was the them, if not totally, at least substantially. only “trip” they were able to take during American Harmony Movie And you, the member, will continue to the summer and what a fi ne choice!” I’ll tell you about another important support all of these efforts. Is this a great A student told us, “Thank you sooo project you’ve helped fund—the bar- Society, or what? ■

DYNAMITE Statement of ownership, management and circulation The Harmonizer is a bi-monthly magazine published by The Society for the Preservation CHORUS and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc., dba Barbershop NEW! OUTFITS Harmony Society, 7930 Sheridan Road Kenosha, WI, 53143; Lorin May, editor Annual subscription price: $21 Column 1: Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months $ Column 2: Number of copies of single issue published nearest to fi ling date Total Number of copies 32,479 31,766 79 Outside county copies (US) 27,692 27,437 Custom Paid, in county 0 0 Your Sales through dealer, other non-USPS 2,664 2,624 Choice Other classes mailed through USPS 0 0 of Total paid circulation 30,755 30,461 Colors Free distribution outside county 0 0 In county 0 0 Other classes mailed through USPS 0 0 Save this ad for reference. May be a one time performance. Free distribution outside mail 1,246 955 Total free distribution 1,246 955 For personal attention, call MICHAEL SAXON Total distribution 32,001 31,416 Tel:888.322.7469•Cell:561.414.6400 Copies not distributed 478 350 Fax:561.278.2790 Total 32,479 31,766 SAXON UNIFORM NETWORK Percent paid and/or requested 96.15% 96.96%

28 The HARMONIZER • September/October 2006 Equity quartet at the Kentucky legislature

Cupid sings in four parts Stories and tips from the most rewarding fundraiser of the year

Ah, Valentines Day, the time of year when Bar- From Bob Cox of the Salem Senate-Aires: We were bershoppers turn into Cupids, bringing messages of singing at one of the local rest homes. As we fi nished love to all those within hearing range. From a more and were about to leave, I noticed a frail elderly lady, practical side, it’s also the time when chapters can tears streaming down her face. Her husband was reap the benefi ts of public awareness and revenue sitting beside her, his arm around her. As I walked generation. by them, he reached out and stopped me. “That was the same song that was sung at our wedding 60 years Plan for success ago,” he said. “My wife had a stroke and can’t talk, It’s not too early to start planning—and rehearsing. but we want to thank you.” Success and positive public awareness depends on That’s why I sing barbershop ... That’s exactly how well you organize and the quality of perfor- why. Amance. Need help? Some tips are on page 31, and there’s From John Deacon of the Gentlemen of Harmony in a lot of information available to you at www.barber- Simcoe, Ontario: Bren, a young student from Simcoe shop.org/valentines, including music for radio spots. (Ontario) moved to Denver to be with his older Don’t forget to check the Successful Singing Valen- brother who was dying of cancer. Bren’s girlfriend, tines manual linked from the Valentines page. Karen, stayed behind, but they found a way to keep the romance going. He planned a luncheon for Why we do it Valentines Day—Karen and he would have the Every Valentines Day brings the opportunity to identical meal and a video chat via Internet. When touch someone’s life—and enrich your own. Ask we arrived, Karen was enjoying her lunch and gazing any Singing Valentine quartet, and they’ll tell you at the laptop screen just in front of her ... and he was the tears and laughter aren’t only those of the ones gazing at her through his laptop at the other end. We they sing to. sang our songs as best we could, and gave Karen a rose

September/October 2006 • The HARMONIZER 29 Valentine Potpourri

from Bren, but we were crying as we sang we received the greatest blessing of all to them both. She was here, but Bren on that special day. One of 107 Valentines by was in another country and 1,500 miles Pensacola’s 22-man Fiesta away. None of us have ever experienced Mike Castrodale of The Alliance chorus in Chorus. 5 quartets, $5,400! a moment like this one in all the years Columbus: My quartet went to Spaghetti we have been doing this. (Bren and Warehouse to do a Singing Valentine on Karen are now married.) Feb. 14. While we were in the middle of “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” the From Bill Harbour of Banks of the sender stood up, pulled the ring out of Wabash chorus in Terre Haute: his pocket, got down on one knee and at We had gone to one of the public the tag, asked her to marry him! Wom- elementary schools to deliver a en at a nearby table started crying like A Stone Mountain Chorus quartet Singing Valentine to a teacher. babies, (Don’t tell, but we were pretty delivers an Indonesian Valentine She knew we were coming, as it choked up as well) He didn’t inform us had to be cleared with the school, that he was going to propose, so it was a and she had prepared the class for surprise for everyone. It was great! The what was to happen. When we manager came over and comped their started to sing, the teacher started to entire meal and fed us as well! cry. A little girl came up to her, put her arm around her and said “it’s okay, Mrs. It’s not always easy Jones, everything will be all right.” Four From Dutch Frock of Philadelphia’s adult men, ages 50 to 70, just about lost Sounds of Liberty Chorus: Last year, we The Kowalski Twins of Denver with it on the spot. tried to deliver a Valentine to a woman talk show host Laura Ingraham at the school where she worked. When From Bob Haggard of the Kentuckians in she came to the front desk, we told her Lexington: Valentine’s Day 2006 was a we had a Singing Valentine for her and memorable day that I will cherish for presented the flower, candy and the the rest of my life. You see, my chapter card. She promptly pushed everything quartet, Uncalled For Four, started back across the desk and said, “Take this the day very early and by noon, we away, I don’t want it.” We stood dumb- were already exhausted, hungry and founded. She asked who the Valentine tired. The afternoon schedule took was from; the card read “anonymous.” us to Mrs. Riley’s home where we So, she again refused delivery. Eventu- joined the Goldenaires (Cardinal ally, the quartet did deliver the Valen- om Bloomington, District’s fi rst Senior Quartet) to form tine after the woman found out from our Wizards of Ahhs fr iage proposal Minn., just after a marr an octet. coordinator that it was ordered by her We walked into the living room boyfriend, not her ex-husband as she and there sat Mrs. Riley dressed in originally thought. her new pink dress, her makeup perfectly applied, and her hair el- A strange place for egantly styled. She was surrounded a barbershop quartet by family and friends. This was as From Steve Patrick of the Thundertones Winnipeg’s Tempo quartet’s delivery beautiful picture as you have ever in Huntsville, W.Va.: We were to deliver to nuns turns into a reunion of sorts seen. This day was also her 104th a singing valentine early on Saturday birthday. (Yes, 104, and she still morning; 8:00 to be exact. The husband prepared her own income taxes.) was waiting for us on the front porch in As we sang “Happy Birthday” and a T-shirt and boxers. He had clearly just the Valentine songs, a tear or two ran gotten out of bed, and wanted us to sing down her cheek. We can only guess to his still sleeping wife. As we walked what must have been going through up the steps to the bedroom, he put his her mind. Mrs. Riley suffered a stroke fi nger to his lips and shushed us. several years ago and could not speak, There in the bed fast asleep, with but the “thank you” in her eyes said covers pulled up to her neck (thank Slick Nickel with enough. God’s blessings are many, but goodness!), was the unsuspecting recipi- Nebraska Gov. David Heineman ent. In a very quiet voice, the husband said, “Honey? Has a Story to Tell.” On Valentines Day this year the There’s someone here to see you.” And with that, he Stone Mountain Chorus delivered a rose and two gave us the OK sign, and we started singing “Let Me songs to a Valentine in Conyers, Ga., and the story it Call You Sweetheart.” The young gal opened one told was one of love from of all places, Indonesia. eye then the other as a huge smile crept across her It all started when the chairman of the Singing face. You could actually see her expression go from Valentines received an e-mail asking for a price confused to amazed and delighted. What a sport! quote. The e-mail was answered and two days later the chairman received a telephone order. When he Let me call you … um … sweetheart? asked the caller, a young lady, for her phone number Singing romantic songs to men can often be awk- she said it would be better to communicate by e- ward. Check out Steve Delahanty’s intro that makes the transition to the song a little easier. (www.barber- shop.org/id_064487) Of course, it’s always good for a Tips for successful singing valentines programs few laughs—or tears—for the guy’s buddies. Do you have a tip for success to share with other chapters? Send them to [email protected], and we’ll post them to the Valentines From Lynn Lowes of the Living Skies Chorus in Saskatch- section of the Society’s website! ewan: We had a request to sing for a woman’s husband Meanwhile, here are a couple of ideas from fellow Cupids. And don’t at his workplace. He was a welder in a manufacturing forget to visit www.barbershop.org/valentines for more ways to organize plant. When we asked for him, he came out in his and grow your Singing Valentine program. welding smock, visors, gloves, etc. Several of his co- Special note: Listing your chapter at www.SingingValentines.com makes you more visible to the public—and to local media looking for a workers came along. The man was duly embarrassed good Valentine story. after the fi rst song, but when we began the second • For the Gold Standard Chorus, 2006 saw the best Valengram program song, a few of his buddies started DANCING, which in many years. One of the chorus’s new innovations was a creation of made him all the more embarrassed. Duane King, resident button maker. The button said, “You Make My Heart Sing” over a red heart with a barberpole. Around the rim in small Sometimes it’s the quartet print was the chorus website, phone number, and the words “Your that gets the Valentine special someone sent a quartet to sing for you on Valentine’s Day. Ev- Aside the emotional and fi nancial rewards of deliver- eryone should be loved that much.” ing Singing Valentines, every now and then other • George Williamson of the Orlando Chapter reports that “reactivating” “gifts” come a quartet’s way. members who have not been participating in chapter activities for a while was a great way to form a Valentine’s quartet. From Lawrence Stern of California’s Gold Standard • Chuck Weeth of the Abilene Chapter says his chapter uses “drops” at Chorus: Most exciting moment occurred when a local businesses, strategically located in the four quadrants of the city. car with members of a quartet (names intentionally These are businesses the chapter has an ongoing relationship with and withheld) were hustling to get to their next delivery the chapter turns to them each year to accept cash or checks and the point. Driver saw red lights in his rear view mirror names of the people ordering Valentines. This allows them to accept and realized he was speeding. As he pulled over last-minute orders without worrying about billing. The chapter also has with the policeman following, other members of the a post offi ce box address that people can mail payments to until the quartet in a second car pulled up behind. One quartet weekend before Valentine’s Day. The chapter does not bill nor does it member got out of the second car, approached the accept credit cards. policeman showing his California Highway Patrol- • Miami Chapter had great success using recruited, paid, singers to retired badge, and explained that they were on their compensate for the lack of tenors for Singing Valentine quartets. More way to deliver Valengrams. The policeman could see tenors equals more quartets equals more deliveries. • The Southern Gentlemen Chorus of New Bern, N.C., has offered a that both the speeding driver and the retired state “starter kit” to help any chapter that wants to provide free Singing Val- patrolman were in the same costume. entines for the loved ones of members of the armed forces serving in Fortunately the offi cer exercised his discretion Iraq and Afghanistan. The “kit” consists of ideas that helped the Gentle- by allowing the singing speeder off with a warning. men and the New River Chorus in Jacksonville, N.C., in their Valentine’s No ticket! What a Valentine! Next year we need Day 2006 deliveries. Contact Bob Nixon at [email protected]. to deliver a Valengram gratis to the local police • Jim Scorgie of the Capitol Chordsmen chorus in Madison, Wis., suggests department—but we won’t tell them why. hitting the malls or shopping areas between gigs to make last-minute Valentine shoppers aware of an alternative to candy and cards. Scorgie’s Messages of love from overseas quartet sang, handed out chapter business cards and moved on to the From Dave Whitehead of Georgia’s Stone Mountain next gig. “The guilt of a procrastinator is a terrible thing to see.” Chorus: There is a song entitled “This Little Rose

September/October 2006 • The HARMONIZER 31 story to tell from halfway know what we were doing for those in around the world. Iraq and Afghanistan. We even made up special Valentine cards to give out From Bob Nixon of the along with the traditional roses to the Southern Gentlemen in New Valentine recipient. The two chapters Bern, N.C.: Bill Rust one of sang 85 Valentines for the military and our chapter members came had enough left in the “scholarship” Members of Pacifi c Coast Harmony shared in one of up with the idea last fall to fund to donate to the Navy and Marine their most touching Valentines courtesy of Opera- create a “scholarship” fund Relief Fund. For those of us who sang, tion Homefront (operationhomefront.net), which with donations from local the reward was the tears in the eyes of helped organize and pay for this special delivery. organizations to pay for a loved one whose Marine or sailor was Michael and daughter Sade never saw this com- the chorus to deliver Sing- far away on that special day. ing, as Mondea was on active duty on an aircraft ing Valentines to wives, carrrier during their fi rst Valentines Day apart. mothers and sweethearts You never know who you’ll meet Michael was “absolutely blown away,” according to of deployed Marines. The Gordon Sargent of the Winnipeg Golden the quartet. Not a hint of machismo stood between Marine Federal Credit Chordsmen Chorus reports: My wife’s the song and Michael, who with a tear in his eye Union became the title aunt, Seour Yvette Ricard, is a nun of affected the quartet almost as much as the songs sponsor for the event, but 50 years with Residence de St. Joseph affected him. Sade just smiled throughout as if this the local newspaper, the Order. I had called her and told her sort of thing happened every day. Sun Journal, got on board that my quartet, Tempo, would like to as a media sponsor and come and serenade her sometime the mail since she was out of the country. we got local support from other radio evening of February 14. Tempo arrived It turned out she was calling from and TV stations. In all we raised over at the building and was escorted to her Indonesia. $5,000 to support our efforts including brand new condo. “This is the most The delivery was made by one of the in excess of $1,000 from the Fairfi eld men I have ever had in my room!” she six quartets singing on Valentine’s Day, Harbour Yacht Club. exclaimed. We all chuckled, then we to the complete surprise of the recipi- We then contacted the New River were taken down to the study where ent in Conyers. The young man’s par- Harmony Chorus in Jacksonville and about 20-25 other nuns of the resi- ents were present and it was reported sought their support since many of the dence were waiting patiently to hear the parents had tears in their eyes and deployed Marines were with helicopter us serenade them as well. Just before the young man was much moved as squadrons. Then came the tricky part, we left, our baritone Ron Latourelle the quartet sang “Let Me Call You getting the word out to the deployed discovered that one of the lovely ladies Sweetheart” and “Heart of My Heart.” Marines. We asked the Senior Enlisted in the audience was his fifth-grade But it was the little rose that had the Marine of the units to let those units teacher! ■

Be my Valentine por favor: a great Spanish lesson for the Miami chapter The Miami chapter found a Spanish-speak- If that weren’t enough, a local Spanish ing solution to a fortunate challenge in language television news crew showed up 2006. The chapter was experiencing an to tape a quartet at six different gigs, fol- exciting growth spurt and director Gene lowed by a 2-minute evening news piece. Cokecroft had worked overtime to prepare In all, the Miami chapter grossed a eight good quartets for February 14. A whopping $8,170 on the day. “On an or- week before, however, pre-Valentine sales ganizational and logistical level we learned were slow and the media wasn’t biting With Gina Romero and the Channel 41 about pre-planning and thinking big, but hooks set by Patrick Harris, the Miamians’ cameraman are Timmy Larrowe, Ernie de also something much more important for new marketing VP. Then El Nuevo Herald, la Fe, Mark Ortiz and Gregg Norris our chapter and its future growth,” pon- the area’s primary Spanish-speaking news- dered chapter president Ken Wantuck, “We paper, came calling. February 13, a large front-page photo got phone learned that Hispanic people love our music just as much as anyone, ringing so much that a “war room” had to be set up. When all was said and from now on I think we’re gonna pay more attention to that part of and done, a total of 121 orders for Singing Valentines had been taken. our community.”

32 The HARMONIZER • September/October 2006 Barbershop Harmony Society Hall of Fame Class of 2006 Begun in 2004, the Barbershop Harmony performers was authenticity, teaching than 700 arrangements, providing the Society Hall of Fame honors living and others to “be true to the song.” signature songs and often the bulk of the dead members who made exceptional repertoire for legends like the Buffalo contributions to the Society barbershop Hal Staab (deceased) was Bills, the Suntones, and Bluegrass experience. Twenty-four men and quar- not a competitor on the Student Union. A judge and dedicated tets are now in the Hall of Fame. stage, but was an early So- teacher, it was his arrangements that ciety visionary whose lead- brought luminaries like Jim Clancy and Don Amos (deceased) was ership and administrative David Wright into the Society. founder of the British As- gifts, according to founder sociation of Barbershop O.C. Cash, helped keep the Society from Marty Mendro, elder states- Singers (BABS) and was dying early on. Hal was also a prolifi c man and writer, was lead elected Lifetime Presi- composer who served on the Society’s and co-arranger for the dent, a position he held fi rst judging panel in 1941. Under his champion show quartet for nearly 30 years. He was a highly two-year presidency starting in 1942, he Mid States Four. Today, visible ambassador of British barbershop implemented the fi rst standardized ar- he is equally remembered throughout the world, and he once was rangements, pushed for the Society maga- for his off-stage contributions, including invited to 10 Downing Street for tea zine, and developed and implemented the judging chairman and a major developer with the Prime Minister’s wife. Don also Society’s fi rst formal long-range vision. He of the judging program, and long-time founded the World Harmony Council. was also the Society’s third historian. editor and publisher of the AIC’s Medal- lion. He was a gifted chorus director and S.K. Grundy (deceased) was Warren “Buzz” Haeger, ten- has been an ardent supporter of all bar- a gifted coach of interna- or of international champi- bershop programs, a quartet and chorus tional champion quartets on The Four Renegades, coach, arranger, fantastic woodshedder and an accomplished big- was the Chicago area’s and, in recent years, a photographer for band instrumentalist and “Pied Piper” of barbershop many AIC and AISQC events. ■ composer. He was con- for decades. He sidered a barbershop genius far ahead is also a terrifi c woodshedder, ... and members of our oldest hall of fame of his time. Much of his work grew in an unparalleled tag teacher, 1939 - The Bartlettsville Barfl ies 1973 - Dealer’s Choice impact as years passed, and it continues talented director, creator of 1940 - The Flat Foot Four 1974 - The Regents to be performed today by top-tier groups. more than 250 arrangements, 1941 - The Chordbusters 1975 - Happiness Emporium 1942 - The Elastic Four 1976 - The Innsiders He wrote “Each Time I Fall In Love” a 22-year arrangement judge 1943 - The Four Harmonizers 1977 - Most Happy Fellows and created defi nitive arrangements of and a senior’s quartet cham- 1944 - The Harmony Halls 1978 - Bluegrass Student Union many pieces such as “Alexander’s Rag- pion bass with The New 1945 - The Misfi ts 1979 - Grandma’s Boys 1946 - The Garden State Quartet 1980 - The Boston Common time Band,” “Back in My Home Town,” And Improved Industrial 1947 - The Doctors of Harmony 1981 - Chicago News “Chloe” and “A Nightingale Sang In Strength Mini-Chorus. He 1948 - The Pittsburgers 1982 - Classic Collection Barkley Square.” Other legendary ar- also plays a mean saxophone, 1949 - The Mid-States Four 1983 - Side Street Ramblers 1950 - The Buffalo Bills 1984 - The Rapscallions rangers, such as Val Hicks, counted S.K. playing in two sax quartets, 1951 - The Schmitt Brothers 1985 - The New Tradition Grundy among their major infl uences. the Sax Maniacs and the Sax 1952 - The Four Teens 1986 - Rural Route 4 Offenders. 1953 - The Vikings 1987 - Interstate Rivals 1954 - The Orphans 1988 - Chiefs of Staff Lou Perry (deceased) was 1955 - The Four Hearsmen 1989 - Second Edition an extraordinary musi- Walter Latzko 1956 - The Confederates 1990 - Acoustix cian, a prolific arranger, is a world-class 1957 - Lads of Enchantment 1991 - The Ritz 1958 - The Gaynotes 1992 - Keepsake a coach of all-time greats musician and ar- 1959 - The Four Pitchikers 1993 - The Gas House Gang like the Four Rascals and ranger who per- 1960 - The Evans Quartet 1994 - Joker’s Wild Boston Common, and a haps more than 1961 - Suntones 1995 - Marquis 1962 - The Gala Lads 1996 - Nightlife fi erce defender of the barbershop style. anyone showed 1963 - The Town and Country Four 1997 - Yesteryear Known for his humility and generosity, that the barbershop repertoire 1964 - The Sidewinders 1998 - Revival he was a noted judge who helped defi ne could include far more than 1965 - The Four Renegades 1999 - FRED 1966 - The Auto Towners 2000 - PLATINUM the barbershop style and create the ar- “the old songs.” He cut his 1967 - The Four Statesmen 2001 - Michigan Jake rangement category in 1968. He was a barbershop teeth arranging 1968 - The Western Continentals 2002 - Four Voices highly infl uential teacher of the style for and coaching the Chor- 1969 - Mark IV 2003 - Power Play 1970 - Oriole Four 2004 - Gotcha! and considered a guru to other arrangers. dettes on the Arthur Godfrey 1971 - The Gentlemen’s Agreement 2005 - Realtime His enduring legacy among arrangers and Show. He has produced more 1972 - Golden Staters 2006 - Vocal Spectrum

September/October 2006 • The HARMONIZER 33 The Academy, Men’s Chorus Champ

The Buckeye Invitational: full of surprises Male, female, mixed, comedy and straight-up, champ and rising make for a great blend

NI PHOTO

This year’s Buckeye Invitational included fantastic mens’, young womens’, and combined choruses of the competitions, entertainment and fun, with a couple of 2006 Singing Buckeyes High School Harmony Camp, new wrinkles. under the direction of Gary Lewis and Penny Mensik. The four-day event kicked off with a Johnny Apple- This year’s camp included 142 young men and 166 young seed District Showcase, which included The Alliance women from 97 different high schools. The Odyssey chorus, international quartet competitors Rhythmix, Show included the Sweet Adelines Greater Cleveland You Bet!, The Allies and collegiate competitor 4-Way Chorus, international silver medalist Max Q and 1999 Stop, and the reunion of 1997 international champion champion FRED. Yesteryear. That was just the fi rst show! The Singing Buckeyes opened the Saturday night The two-day quartet and Stars of the Night show with an chorus contests followed a Bar- entertaining ’50s and ’60s gold- Tbershop Idol format. In the early en oldies set. The show contin- rounds, quartets sang in head to ued with stellar performances head competition to advance by 2004 champion Gotcha! to the fi nals, where the survi- Serenade, Quartet Champ and 2005 champ Realtime, and vors performed a 12-minute a Sweet Adelines Queens of Har- cappella package. Serenade, mony Spotlight. With dazzling from the Seneca Land District, displays of versatility, power, took top quartet honors. The precision and blend, all three chorus contest included the groups demonstrated why they Cheshire Chord Company are true champions. This was from Cheshire, England, as something of a homecoming well as BHS and SAI com- for Gotcha! and John Newell, petitors. The men’s champion lead of Realtime. Gotcha! was Park Avenue, Entertainment Champ chorus was The Academy the 1997 Buckeye Invitational from the Sunshine Dis- grand champion quar- trict, while the Sweet tet. And while attend- Adeline Tune Town ing the 2002 Buckeye Show Chorus from Invitational, John met Nashville took over- Corinne, now his wife. all honors. Heart to The moral seems obvi- Heart from Milwaukee ous—come to the Buck- won the mixed quartet Singing Buckeyes, host chapter eye Invitational, meet contest. the love of your life and Alan Lapp The Friday and Saturday evening shows gave the become an international champion. Singing audience plenty of exercise, as they repeatedly jumped Buckeye Invitational 2006 was a real barbershop high. Buckeyes up for standing ovations. One of the big thrills of the If you missed it, don’t despair though. Plans are already Chorus Friday night Barbershop Odyssey Show was the young underway for Buckeye Invitational 2007. ■

34 The HARMONIZER • September/October 2006 STAY TUNED  Success! Readers report what works  A hero’s reception from barbershop heroes Boy with cerebral palsy learns that there were many champions in Indy onfi ned to a wheelchair and unable to communicate suburban Detroit home. The quartet made a point verbally, 11-year-old Christian Anderson is never- of talking to Christian several times during the theless highly social and very intelligent—which is convention week. When they spotted him after perhaps why he became passionate about the fam- winning the championship, they asked if they Cily barbershop harmony hobby from an early age. could take a picture with him! Christian’s idea of a good time is to snuggle on the On the way out of the quartet fi nals, Saturday couch with his dad and Evening Post and watch quartet contest Christian gets a bronze pin from Wheelhouse both sang DVDs—the bigger James Sabina of Metropolis to Christian and took OTO the tag, the bigger the pictures with him at the smile. His parents, Conseco Fieldhouse. Rick and Beth, cor- At the Chorditorium, responded with one of he also got autographs, his favorite quartets, pictures and conver- Texas-based Sterling, sations with Storm who sent Christian a Front, 12th Street framed, autographed Rag, Max Q, Flipside, photo. Since then, Keep ’Em Guessing, the family has corre- and Metropolis. Me- sponded with several tropolis even found out of Christian’s favorite Christian’s favorite song quartets, many of and dedicated it to him! whom have sent pho- James Sabina, the tenor tos and CDs. In Indy, he hoped to hear and see his from Metropolis, works with autistic children and heroes live. He got far more than he bargained for! is very comfortable with kids like Christian. He got During each intermission, he would join his fam- right on Christian’s level and had a long conversa- ily to search for his favorite quartets. 3 Men & tion with him, and left him with his newly won A Melody was his fi rst big meeting, but the next 2006 bronze medalist pin. Likewise, Jeff Oxley of special quartet found him fi rst. “Christian!” shouted Max Q zeroed in on Christian without any intro- Sterling tenor Randy Fly, who fl agged down the duction and had an extended conversation. Chris- family after recognizing Christian from photos he’d tian shortly after received a “For the Children” CD seen two years earlier. The next day, he brought the in the mail. rest of the quartet into the seats to take photos with Christian, sign A command performance With Sterling, his early heroes his scrapbook, with Realtime and give him a Sterling pin. Realtime tenor Tim Bro- ersma wrote Christian prior to the conven- tion, asking him to look up the quartet in Indy. They gave the family a special command performance after their Gold Medal Hour. Christian had also been a huge fan of Vo- cal Spectrum since meeting them at the 2004 Slamkafest held annually at the home of Power Play bass Jack Slamka, not far from the family’s

September/October 2006 • The HARMONIZER 35 STAY TUNED  Success! Readers report what works 

VOICES GET THE WEDDING BELL CALL! Four years ago one of Central Alabama’s chapter quartets sang “Heart of My Heart” as a valentine to a young woman. When Shelley and Jeff Higginbotham married in August, “The only song I wanted to hear as I came down the aisle was ‘Heart of My Heart,’” Shelley said. Central Alabama’s Voices of the South Chorus obliged with a paid gig—the only live music for the wedding—delivering a rendition of the old standard for the processional, following a three tune pre-ceremony warm-up for attendees. For the recessional, the bride and groom chose, “You Make Me Feel So Young” which featured a three- chorus vamp as the wedding party reversed fi eld. CHAPTER ETERNAL Society members reported as deceased between July 1 and September 30, 2006 Cardinal Leland Barker Doc Blackburn, MD El Cajon, CA Johnny Roger Payne: Pres Evans, Dan Waselchuk Herb Thomp- Greater Indianapolis, IN Dana Bennett Appleseed infl uential lead of 1960 (late 2005), past son, tenor of San Luis Obispo, CA arranger, com- champion Evans Society Histo- Rockies IV, Central States Harold Diederich Bud Dillon Upper Ohio Valley, OH edy quartetter, Quartet rian, Society 1993 Seniors Bill Condon Inland Empire, CA Bob Ebright Music category president champion Iowa City, IA Tom Farrington Buckeye-Columbus, OH specialist Robert Fennema Inland Empire, CA Joe Fisher Sioux City, IA Dick Bonsal Jerry Delmore Lee Meyer Harry Henley Zanesville, OH Bob Kellogg Montclair, NJ Lowell, MA Santa Fe, NM Pasadena, CA Bill Hanlin St Joseph, MO Max Brown Sidney Kramer John Woods Ernie Hills Upper Ohio Valley, OH Charles Krall Prince William, VA Beverly, MA Loveland, CO Frank Thorne John Hassett Walter Close Jr Paul Melanson Mitchell, SD Seneca Land Rick Kirn Greater Pittsburgh, PA Bucks County, PA Dartmouth, NS Gary Odland Lee Decker San Luis Obispo, CA Robert Marshall Jr Larry Connery Ralph Morehouse Aberdeen, SD Binghamton, NY James Mellberg Johnstown, PA Pierre, SD Montgomery County, Dartmouth, NS Palo Alto - Mountain Thomas Matsick Jack Wilcox MD Sammy Roberts View, CA Mon Valley, PA Southwestern Mason City, IA Ron Daugherty Concord, NH Harley Olson Frank Schmidt Easton, PA Bob Runnells John Bowden Dixie Tucson, AZ Western Hills (Cincin- Ray Franz Concord, NH Chordsmen, TX Doc Blackburn MD Bill Orem nati), OH Freehold, NJ Jim Davis Ontario New Bern, NC Crescenta Valley, CA Bob Sherwood Jere Heisler Arlington, TX Lloyd Baty Beaufort Wayne Rear Buckeye-Columbus, OH Dundalk, MD Meredith Phillips London, ON Marvin Blackwell Ventura, CA Don Sinzinger Edward Hoiler, Sr Fort Worth, TX Ken Moore Spartanburg, SC Dave Richardson Cleveland West Subur- Hunterdon County, NJ Frank Thorne Sunshine Charles Godwin Rohnert Park, CA ban, OH Robert Metzler Bill Quinton Gene Bass Savannah, GA Dick Schneider Anne Arundel, MD Land O’ Lakes Owen Sound, ON Miami, FL Ted Hammond Apple Valley, CA Norm Paulsen Ron Jones Andy Welsman Don Clark Hilton Head Island, HI Ottis Scott North Brookhaven, Minocqua/Woodruff, WI Barrie, ON Frank Thorne Augusta, SC Santa Maria, CA NY Frank Krepelan Roland Harkness Bob Roberts Ronald Wheeler Roger Payne Pioneer Racine, WI Jacksonville Big O, FL Tuscaloosa, AL San Luis Obispo, CA Manhattan, NY Bob Hefty Kenny Likness Robert Holm Brooklyn, NY Lansing, MI Evergreen Frank Thorne Detroit Lakes, MN Pasco County, FL Mort Schwartzbach Pete Nelson James Guthe Ed Jensen Fergus Falls, MN Wil Little Jamaica, NY Traverse City, MI Seattle, WA Frank Thorne Jack Wilcox Manatee County, FL William White Art Ripley Ron Krous Minneapolis, MN Mike Lotzkar Illinois Prince William, VA Pontiac-Waterford, MI Yakima, WA Tim Winch Tampa, FL Leon Curley Loudoun County Mark Maniaci Dave Richardson Appleton, WI Bill Quinton Danville, IL Bill Williams Delta County, MI Juan De Fuca, WA Ron Wolfgram Naples/Fort Myers, FL Ron Jones Frank Thorne Windom, MN Don Sinzinger Far Western Chicago Metro, IL Rocky Mountain Northeastern Naples/Fort Myers, FL Doug Anderson Dan Murphy Mid-Atlantic Bob Cloward Bernie Batchelder Cedar City, UT Los Angeles, CA Joliet, IL Austin Blakeslee Concord, NH Bill Iverson Sam Barker Thomas Taylor Stroudsburg, PA Laconia, NH Orange (Quartet), CA Peoria, IL Pueblo, CO

36 The HARMONIZER • September/October 2006 The Big Apple Chorus joined the world-famous Harlem Boys & Girls Choir and performers from the Nyack College of Mu- sic at the main branch of the New York Public Library on the fi fth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy.

The same day, four members of Manhattan’s “Big Apple Cho- rus” (bass Mark Paul, bari Brad Verebay, lead Neil Dingle, and tenor Scott Russell) sang for the FBI’s Fifth Anniversary Commemorative Service for September 11th at the invitation of FBI police offi cer Jamie Patricia, a Barbershopper from the same chapter. They also joined the FBI in laying a wreath at the refl ecting pool at the World Trade Center. From left: Brad Verebay, Mark Paul, Mark Meshon (ADIC FBI NY), Neil Dingle, Scott Russell, Jamie Patricia.

Now that’s interchapter cooperation! The Big Chicken Chorus set up a table at a Sam’s Club over the 9/11 week- NOTEWORTHY end to raise awareness, recruit men for the chorus, sell BCC merchandise and raise funds to send local seniors to Bluegrass Student Union to retire. The 1978 Interna- the BCC Holiday Show. (It worked—more than 100 se- tional Champion will give its fi nal performance on December niors from seven assisted living facilities in the area will at- 9th at Louisville Memorial Auditorium at 4th and Kentucky tend the BCC holiday show.) Sam’s Club asked the chorus Streets in downtown Louisville, location of the quartet’s fi rst to also sing patriotic songs in the store on Monday 9/11, appearance in 1973. To coincide with this show, they will but because of the time, the chorus knew they would have release a CD of previously unreleased tunes and a DVD his- no available tenors. Word went out to other local chapters, tory of its 33-year career. Sponsored by four-time Harmony, and soon they had a strong group representing the Ro- Inc. Champion Derby City Chorus and the Society’s New swell, Stone Mountain and Atlanta Metro chapters to Horizon Chorus (both under the direction of BSU’s tenor sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America The Beau- Allen Hatton). Guest performers will include 2002 champs tiful” from a balcony while shoppers stopped in their tracks Four Voices and the Voices of Lee. Get more details at and refl ected on the moment. ■ [email protected] or at 502-802-5680. GAC gets Bill Rashleigh. Choral director and educator Bill Rashleigh has taken over as director of the General Assembly Chorus, the Research Triangle Park chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Bill spent the past 20 years working within the Barbershop Harmony Society, developing the Directors College curriculum and has conducted more than 300 chorus director workshops across the country.

Riptide to retire. The perennial medalist quartet is fi lling the remainder of its 2006 bookings and then will retire. Once an Atlanta-area quartet, the current version of Riptide lives in four states and includes only lead Tim Reynolds as part of the original four. Being too spread out, family obligations and other issues all factored into the decision.

September/October 2006 • The HARMONIZER 37 MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTORY  How can we help you barbershop today? Get answers from your staff

Harmony Hall 7930 Sheridan Road • Kenosha, WI 53143 • 800-876-7464 (SING) • 262-653-8440 • fax 262-654-5552 Offi ce hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Central or anytime at www.barbershop.org

Executive Offi ces Membership Services Ed Watson Charters, licensing, dues and fees, renew- Executive Director/CEO als, address corrections, chapter offi cers Ext. 8544 • [email protected] and rosters. Board of Directors PRESIDENT Marlette Lorey Charlie Davenport Drayton Justus Offi ce Manager/Executive Assistant Director of Membership 770-562-9629 Ext. 8464 • [email protected] Ext. 8451 • [email protected] [email protected]

Robin Bahr Melissa Paul EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Administrative Support Membership Specialist Noah Funderburg Ext. 8563 • [email protected] Ext. 8475 • [email protected] 205-348-4509 [email protected] Dorene Santarelli Music Library Receptionist TREASURER Colleen Theobald Bob Guiggey Ext. 8540 • [email protected] Licensing/recordings/Music Library 978-887-5304 Claire Murphy Ext. 8476 • [email protected] [email protected] Receptionist/Administrative Support Joe Liles IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Rob Hopkins Ext. 8540 • [email protected] Music Publications Editor Ext. 8553 • [email protected] 315-853-3824 Harmony Marketplace [email protected] Cheryl Jankowski Marketing & Public Relations EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ Merchandising Manager External media relations, press kits, PR BOARD SECRETARY Ed Watson Ext. 8457 • [email protected] education, The Harmonizer 800-876-7464 Audrey Paul Todd Wilson [email protected] Order Processing Director of Marketing BOARD MEMBERS Ext. 8455 • [email protected] Ext. 8562 • [email protected] Joe Berger Diane Pecha Julie Siepler 703-566-5311 Shipper/Mailer/Receiver Media Relations Manager [email protected] Ext. 8552 • [email protected] Bill Biffl e Ext. 8473 • [email protected] 505-246-9090 Donna Pierce Brian Lynch Web Content Manager bbiffl [email protected] Shipper/Mailer/Receiver Dan Brinkmann Ext. 8554 • [email protected] Ext. 8473 • [email protected] 321-259-7953 Mike Kadow [email protected] Music Education and Services Marketing Coordinator Bob Brutsman Rick Spencer Ext. 8558 • [email protected] 763-546-7795 Director of Music and Education Lorin May [email protected] Ext. 8559 • [email protected] Gary Denton Harmonizer Editor 317-867-4172 Jim DeBusman 800-876-7464 Music Specialist/Quartet Development [email protected] [email protected] Peter Feeney Ext. 8566 • [email protected] Dick Wenzel 702-655-9064 Mike O’Neill Convention and Harmonizer ad sales [email protected] Music Specialist/Chorus Director Development 800-876-7464 Joe Jenkins Ext. 8561 • [email protected] [email protected] 614-878-5821 [email protected] James Estes Mike Lanctot Music Specialist/Student Activities Development Finance and Administration Finance, data processing 425-349-1749 Ext. 8565 • [email protected] [email protected] Linda Neuenfeld Frank Santarelli John Marshall Quartet Registry/Contest & Judging/ Director of Finance 319-338-3565 Harmony University Ext. 8450 • [email protected] [email protected] Bob Morrissey Ext. 8591 • [email protected] Nicole Clelland Accountant 727-864-1091 [email protected] Conventions and Meetings Ext. 8456 • [email protected] John T. Schneider, Jr. Barry Towner Tom Martin Director of Events, Staff Counsel 905-473-2424 IT Specialist [email protected] Ext. 8444 • [email protected] Ext. 8467 • [email protected]

38 The HARMONIZER • September/October 2006 Offi cial Affi liates of the Barbershop Harmony Society Our fellow harmonizers worldwide

AAMBS (Australian Association of Men’s IABS (Irish Association of Barbershop Singers) Barbershop Singers) www.irishbarbershop.org www.aambs.org.au/ Contact Catherine Gallagher: [email protected] Contact Michael Donnelly: [email protected] NZABS (New Zealand Association of Barber- BABS (British Association of Barbershop Singers) shop Singers) www.singbarbershop.com/ www.nzabs.org.nz Contact Stuart Lines: [email protected] Contact David Birdling: [email protected] BinG! (Barbershop in Germany) SNOBS (Society of Nordic Barbershop Singers) www.barbershop-in-germany.de www.snobs.org Contact Liz Döhring: [email protected] Contact Henrick Rosenberg: [email protected] DABS (Dutch Association of Barbershop Singers) SPATS (Southern Part of Africa Tonsorial Singers) www.dabs.nl Contact Tony Abbott: [email protected] Contact Toon de Vos: [email protected]

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September/October 2006 • The HARMONIZER 39 THE TAG  Joe Liles, Tagmaster!! “All God’s children” should try Charlie’s tag

he Society’s recent tag contest reaped a lot of fi ne tion, which has been together creations. In the last two editions of The Harmo- for 26 years. nizer, you saw those judged to be in the top three. Charlie is a retired music We will be putting more of the outstanding tags in teacher, having been director T this and subsequent issues. of the choral program in Taylor “I Like to Sing” was written by Charlie Rose, the High School in Kokomo for 32 chorus director of the Kokomo, Indiana chapter, years. He was, also, assistant Cardinal District for the past 25 years. Charlie band director at the school and Charlie Rose sings tenor in his chapter quartet, Sound Celebra- has written music and arrange- ments for band and choir. Charlie did his under- graduate work at Butler University and received his masters degree from Ball State. He obviously loves barbershop and is dedicated to spreading the joy of music wherever he goes. Charlie and his wife, Vicki, have two children; a daughter, Shanna, who is a chemistry professor at the University of Iowa in Cedar Falls, and Ben, who is a commercial producer for Comcast, living in Atlanta, Ga. Charlie Rose has been honored several times as Barbershopper of the Year by his chapter. We are all fortunate that he has chosen to share his talent with us. Charlie, thanks for this tag and all the other musical contributions you have given to celebrate harmony. ■

I LIKE TO SING Words and Music by CHARLIE ROSE Arrangement by CHARLIE ROSE 1 2 3 Tenor K K ¡ Lead D K K ¡ ¡ ¡ OÌ ¡ ¡ ODÌ 8 D E ¡ ¡ ¡ Ì , , D Ì 0¡ ,I like ,to sing, you like to sing, all God's K K K K Bari ¡ DÌ ¡ ¡ ¡ DÌÌ ¡ ¡ ¡ DÌ ¡ ¡ Ì Bass " DD E , , , , ¡ sing! 4 5 X 6 X D O0¡ ¡ ¡ D¡ O¡ ¡ D¡ ¡ X 8 D , chil - dren like to sing, they like to sing! K 0¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ D¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ X " D ¡ ¡ ¡ D ¡ D¡ ¡ ¡ X D to © 2006 Barbershop Harmony Society

40 The HARMONIZER • September/October 2006 Do you like the way they sang the old songs? Go to Albuquerque in January to compete for $6,000 in prize money while singing them the way the Bills did www.barbershop.org/musicman