1. Art and Diseño

MEMBERS: PROBE, Dixie District,
Barbershop Harmony Society
North Georgia
Barbershop Singers
February 2015
Vol. 8 No. 2
editor/publisher
Jack Martin
678-777-5013
[email protected]
Lake Lanier, Georgia Chapter <> SPEBSQSA, INC
Meets Tuesday evenings, 7:00 pm, Cumming Baptist Church
115 Church Street, Cumming GA, 30040
Dan Sullivan, President, Tel 770
770--377
377--1294
Steve Dorn, Music Dir. Tel 678
678--595
595--4340
L
ast month I encouraged each member
of our chorus to
continue the hard work
that we put forth in 2014 and let
us make the 2015 year an even
better year. Well, we have started
out on the right path to make that
goal happen.
We have about 32
fellows in the chorus now and I
know that we are not the smallest
in membership or certainly we
aren’t the largest chapter in membership, but you as a member of
the North Georgia Barbershop
Singers need to hold your head up
high and stick your chest out, because for a chapter of our size, we
are doing something right.
We
have four different individuals
leading our chorus – a director, associate director, and two assistant
directors. Not only that, but we
have four established quartets.
We just had our first perform-
ance for the New Year for the Forsyth Cattleman’s Association and
WOW what a performance we put
on for them. With that performance, we have set the bar for this
New Year to be a great year and
every time we perform we need to
go into that performance with the
same excitement and energy that
we did for the Cattleman’s group.
Every member of the chorus
should really feel proud. The percentage of members present for
this performance was right at
98%.
That is phenomenal!!!
Several of the cattleman who were
there have told me how much they
enjoyed our performance and a
couple who were not there, told
me that they did get to view the
video clip from the Forsyth County
News.
We already have a couple of
performances set for the near future and we need to continue to
1
NGBS SINGERS JOIN ROSWELL
work to keep the energy and excitement for all our performances
in the year to come. We have different committees working on
ideas and plans for different new
things we can pursue during this
upcoming year of great 4-part harmony.
Singing Valentines is here and
we are hoping for another great
time of making that day a very
special day.
The district convention is in March and even though
we are not competing, I would like
to encourage as many as can to
make pans to be there.
It is a
time to enjoy great barbershop
quartet singing and great barbershop chorus singing. It is also a
great opportunity to meet friends
and to make new friends in this
hobby that we all enjoy so much.
Remember, we want to make the
year of 2015 the best year yet.
In a recent wrestling tournament where I had gone to watch
my grandson, I noticed a banner
hanging of the wall that the coach
had place there to encourage the
wrestling team.
I believe, as
members of the North Georgia
Barbershop Singers, we can apply
this to ourselves.
Coach Paul
IN SINGOUTS
R
ecently, I touched base with Roy
Conradi, the Roswell chapter PR
guy. Our co-ordination and conservation was
worthy of writing about as
it shows our fellowship with the members of the Fire House Harmony Brigade, ‘our brothers’ in Harmony chapter, The Roswell Firehouse Harmony
Brigade continues to
actively perform sing-outs and afterglows (or
sometimes pre-glows) to show what fun barbershop
singers do have. Frequently with help of a couple
duo members from the North Georgia Barbershop
Singers, they entertain at retirement homes and
churches. Jerry Frank and Jack Martin hold dual
membership with RFHB and NGBS. Their latest
events included a program in Roswell for the residents of Huntcliff Summit Retirement Home and
another as part of a Christmas program at The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. At the
weekly pre-meeting
dinners the "Brigadiers"
often break into song, to the delight of other restaurant diners
T h e
Roswell director Chuck Pettis again helped the
NGBS by narrating our Christmas show.
Thanks to the Roswell boys for so
actively promoting our hobby and sharing it with
the NGBS.
“It’s
not the will to win that
matters – everyone has
that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.”
“Bear” Bryant once said:
I
Health Alert
t’s pleasing to know that Terry Gillim is
recovering from sickness where in he
was experiencing temperatures of well over
100 % degrees for several days.
2
O
The Annual Gathering!
ur Annual Banquet for NGBS took place on January 11, 2015 at McDonald & Son.
From the comments received from many members, it would appear the Banquet was a
real success on many levels.
First, the food was great!!!
Under the direction of Dannella Burnett, Owner of Oakwood Occasions, we had a great choice of entrees,
salads, beverages and of course deserts. I observed quite a few taking advantage of ALL the options!
Thanks to Dannella and her staff for, in my opinion, another excellent job of taking care of us!
Our VERY SPECIAL Guests!!!
My special thanks were in order for our undeterred MC, ("just give me a mic") Chuck Berny; our Guests of
Honor, Jim Sams along with his wife Doris; our Special Guest, the unflappable Chuck Pettis; the entire
2014 Board Of Directors; the Decorating Committee consisting of Cindy Gillim and Chris Marrazzo; our
Founders, Jack Martin and Rich Pilch (without whom we wouldn't have even been there), our Spouses and
Special Guests, but the BIGGEST thanks goes out to YOU, our Membership!
After a few minutes of mingling and meeting both new and already familiar spouses, the program was
kicked off with a rousing (actually "fast tempo") version of The Old Songs, which was the only thing between us and the food!
AWARDS, AWARDS, and more AWARDS!!!
Quite a few memorable things happened at this gathering including Annual Award Certificates: Fred
Kanel received the Assistant Directors Award presented by Rich Pilch; Tom Riggle received the Directors
Award presented by Steve Dorn; Jerry Taylor received Founders Award Certificate presented by Jack
Martin; Duane Hunter received the President's Award presented by Dan Sullivan; Bill Liles received the
Behind The Scenes Award presented by Dan Sullivan; and Gene Seidule received the Most Improved
Singer Certificate presented by our Director Steve and Associate Director Rich. (Unfortunately, Gene wasn't present at the banquet due to an illness in the family, but received his certificate the following Tuesday
at our Chapter Meeting).
Terrific Entertainment!!!
Interspersed throughout all of this excitement was entertainment by 5 regular chorus quartets! My sincere thanks goes to these guys, some of whom were probably performing for the first time in a quartet in
front of an audience: North Georgia Blend (Dan Sullivan, Jerry Wood, Neill Harris, Fred Young), Lads
Of Lanier (Jerry Frank, Bob Biccum, Tom Dorn, Duane Hunter), False Alarm (Andy Doetsch, Chuck
Berny, Fred Kanel, Bob Hitch), R2D2 (Donnie Wheeler, Steve Dorn, Ronnie Wheeler, Roger Dimsdale)
and Sweet Tea (Tom Riggle, Rich Pilch, Terry Gillim, Fred Kanel). Sure hope I got all those names
right!
TOP OF THE HEAP!!!
Following all of that strong momentum, our evening reached a very high pinnacle as Dan Sullivan, our
reigning Barbershopper Of The Year, announced none other than Chet Burdick as the chorus choice
for our 2014 Barbershopper Of The Year Award, which of course carries with it the Official Plaque,
BOTY lapel Pin and temporary ownership of the personalized travelling trophy!
CONGRATULATIONS CHET ON A VERY WELL EARNED AND WELL RECEIVED AWARD!!!
3
By Tom Riggle
C
E
hester Burdick was selected as the 2014
Barbershopper of the Year through an
all membership voting process. It’s the
highest honor of the Chapter and comes
with an engraved traveling trophy.
ven though our 2015 Officer Installation/Spousal Appreciation Banquet was
held in a banquet room of the McDonald funeral home , we witnessed that the Lake
Lanier, GA Chapter is very much alive! Of
course all our members already know that.
This was held on January 11 and what a
testament that was to the vitality of our
chapter. Terry Gillim made all the arrangements for the facility and the caterer and
the tickets and the awards. He and Cindy,
along with Chris Marrazzo, went there Sunday morning to set up the room and decorate and set up the sound system. Dan Sullivan invited Jim and Dora Sams to attend.
Jim is the Dixie District VP for Contests and
Judging and agreed to preside over the installation of our 2015 Board of Directors.
We also welcomed our good chapter friends
Chuck and Berta Pettis from the Roswell
Chapter.
Besides the new officers, we also
recognized 7 chapter awards to members,
culminating with the 2014 Chapter Barbershopper of the Year to a humble and deserving Chet Burdick. All this recognition was
interspersed by no less than 5 chapter
quartets singing two songs each for the
members and guests. We had the newly
re-named quartet now known widely known
as the North Georgia Blend. Also, our oldest running quartet Lads of Lanier and our
newest quartet of R2D2, sometimes referred
to as our alien quartet. The quartets of False
Alarm and Sweet Tea also entertained the
60 or so people in attendance. I’d say it was
a lively evening to be sure.
Additional award winners presented at our
Installation Banquet
Fred Kanel received the assistant Directors
Award
Tom Riggle received the Director Award
Gene Seidule received the Most Improved
Singer Award
Jerry Taylor received the Founders Award
Bill Liles received the Behind the Scenes
Award
Duane Hunter received the Presidents
Award
Thank You, Jim
Sams
By Jack Martin
A
s founder of the Lake Lanier Chapter, I
want to publically thank Jim Sams of
the Memphis TN chapter, for presiding over
our chapter Installation of Officers. Jim did
an outstanding job installing our 2015 officers interspersing humor along with the
sincerity of each position.
Jim and his wife Dora traveled from
New Orleans at the close of the Mid-Winter
Convention to arrive in time to attend our
banquet on Sunday evening.
4
5
Valentine Day.
February 13/14, 2015
T
his news release has previously been sent to several
of our local media to promote our Valentine Singing
Program . Great Job Duane Hunter!
This news release is for immediate
use but in your case which I believe is
monthly publication, it may be perfect
timing for your February
issue. I’m available to you by cell
phone 864-378-6635 for additional
information and photo’s. I’ve
attached our Rack Card as an example
of available photos. Also, we invite
you to visit our rehearsal
every Tuesday at Cumming Baptist
Church, 115 Church St, Cumming,
GA 30040. Our music is largely
love songs targeted to women on
Valentines Day.
Duane Hunter, Chairman Publicity
News Release:
For the seventh consecutive
year the North Georgia Barbershop
Singers are delivering SINGING
VALENTINES. If you think your
loved one deserves a very special
Valentine this year, this will really
surprise and impress a lot longer than
a box of candy or flowers from the grocery store.
To order, simply call 770-609-9853 or order online
(http://ordersingingvalentine.com/Cumming.GA). We will schedule
four talented Barbershop singers to surprise and delight your loved one
at the work place, your home, a restaurant, an assisted living facility or
another location of your choosing.
These men will sing two love songs in perfect Barbershop
harmony; leave a beautiful rose and a personalized Valentine card from
you. The NORTH GEORGIA BARBERSHOP SINGERS offer this
very affordable and special gift from you on Friday, February 13 and
Saturday February 14, 2015. Only a limited number of Singing Valentines are available so call 770-609-9853 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., to
get the details and insure your Singing Valentine will be delivered.
This is an annual fundraiser for our Barbershop Chorus which is
501 3(c) charitable organization. which helps us make music throughout the year for our Senior Citizens and support Meals on Wheels in the
surrounding counties.
6
TO OUR GUESTS
C
h u c k
Berny our
newly elected
Membership
VP will be
hosting
a
guest night on the 3rd of
February, 2015.\
Jerry Wood and
Steve Dorn have assembled a program to entertain our guests and make
them feel welcome and
comfortable to sing their
hearts out with our
NGBS chorus.
Those of us that
have been around for a
while should be well
aware that for a guest
night to be successful we
must assist chuck on getting men to attend the festivities that go along with
a guest night!
Lets get more men
involved in this wonderful
singing hobby we have all
learned to enjoy. A little
recruitment effort will
mean growth for our
chapter .and chorus!
thinking of different things) what kind of a message
is being sent! (Extreme example but hopefully you
get the point.)
I have heard quartet members say to judges,
Gee, we sang the song just like the blah blah champion quartet did, why did we get such a poor interp
score? This is the very thing that interpretation
is not!!!! It is not just phrasing and louds and softs.
Interpretation is something that is the total responsibility of the singer(s) and at the same time the
privilege of the singer(s) to create emotions as they
are performing and feeling them. It can't be a copy
or a facade and be effective. Do you think that
Barbara Striesand allows any one else to tell her
how to sell a song? She may allow someone to suggest the use of some interpretative device, but she
sells the song with her own inter-feelings. It's the
same with a quartet or chorus. The singer(s) must
transfer an emotional message that can be understood by the audience for everyone to get full
benefit of the music.
Why People Listen
To Your Music
I
nterpretation of a song is really a very tricky
business. Most people don't understand it
fully. (Not that I know it all)
To me interpretation is the transfer of emotions imbedded in the lyrics and harmonies of a
song through the singer, to the listener. Music is
such wonderful thing that it allows for both a participant and spectator to become part of the song. I
have often heard it said by directors, lets concentrate on the words and notes, we will put the interp
in later. What they are really saying is, once we
learn the words and notes we will be able to apply
interpretive devices such as louds, softs. crescendos, pauses and other means to create emotions that
we as a singer want to transfer to our audiences.
What I suggest you do, is read through the
music you plan to sing. Determine in your own
mind what the message of the song is. Of course
your determination may be a bit different than
others but what you need to do is come to agreement with your other singers! Decide, what message do we want to convey to our audience?
It is very important that you all are interpreting the song with the same basic fervor or
thought process. That way your audience will understand the message of the music just as you are
telling it. So many times individual members of
quartets send different messages across the footlights. This will cause the audience to become confused. Think about it, if you all are singing the
same word or phrase and your bass is frowning,
your bari is neutral and the lead is smiling and the
tenor is off in la la land somewhere, (all are
Why do you think people come to listen to your
quartet? It is because your music makes
them feel good!
Many times I have set in men's and
women's contests in the audience and when a soft
passage is being sung by a quartet a big lump forms
in my throat. Why, because the quartet has created
emotions from the heart and sent them across the
footlights allowing me as a spectator to become
involved in the music the same as they. Wow! That
is some powerful stuff.
This system is not just a concept. It will
work and be effective for both quartets and
choruses ..
S
aturday Evening Post, a very popular Society
quartet takes gold at the N’alins Mid-Winter
senior contest. Brian, Tom, Allen, & Bobby have
been knocking around for several years placing in
the top 10 at the International Quartet Contest several times. Brian Beck has been an International
Gold winner in Dealers Choice (73) & Side Street
Ramblers (83) . Bobby Gray also won the international gold in the New Tradition quartet (85).The
SEP has been my Champs for more than a few
years. There was a time they sang on chapter
shows for expenses only. Great guys!
7
Lambert High School Visit
I
t seems like our chapter
president, Dan Sullivan,
knows most everyone in
Forsyth County. His connections have
resulted in several performance requests for
our chorus and/or quartets. December 18 is
yet another good example. Dan got us an
invitation to visit
Lambert
High
School
in
Suwanee,
GA.
An
English
teacher there, that
Dan knows, Dr.
Charles Hyatt, is
a fan of barbershop music. The school chorus program is about 80% girls with 8 wise
young men in the chorus too. Dr. Hyatt has
been encouraging the chorus director, Ryan
Wason, to try some 4-part barbershop
harmony in the chorus.
December 18 was a day for teachers
and staff to have a Christmas luncheon and
Dr. Hyatt wanted a small group of barbershop singers to come over and sing a couple
tunes for the luncheon. He got hold of Dan
and set it up. He also told the chorus
director we were coming and maybe some
of his students would like to hear what we
do. He said OK.
Dan got his own quartet, North GA
Blend, and the Sweet Tea quartet together
for the visit. Dr. Hyatt met us and escorted
us to the school cafeteria. Now, we were
expected maybe 30 or 40 teachers. When
we walked in, surprise, they were set up for
about 200 teachers and staff!
Before attempting that, Ryan Wason
sent 7 of his male chorus singers to meet us.
It was neat to meet these well-mannered and
enthusiastic young men. We sang 4 or 5
tunes for them both as quartets and as a
VLQ.
Our own director Steve Dorn,
happened to be available that day and he
filled in at baritone for the Nuts since Jerry
Wood was not available. Steve got with the
students and they divided up parts to try
a couple tags. Steve related well with these
young people.
That was like an
“a-ha” moment
when they came
together
and
heard what they
could do together in the
barbershop style. Smiles all around. And,
what nice, clear young voices these guys
have.
While we waited for 200 teachers to
file through the luncheon line, Dr. Hyatt
took Steve over to meet the school chorus
director, Mr. Ryan Wason. While a bit
reticent at first, Mr. Wason perked up when
Steve explained some of the things we could
do to support his objectives with the
students in his chorus.
Singing for the teachers and staff was
another matter. There were a bunch of them
and they were all eating and talking to one
another. There was no sound system. You
know how that goes. We decided that our
quartets couldn’t get enough sound out
under the circumstances. The school principal, Dr. Gary Davidson, managed to get the
attention of most and the quartets combined
and belted out a couple of our chorus
numbers followed by Jingle Bells. They
were actually quite attentive.
This was an uplifting experience for
us and might serve as a foundation for
possible visits to other schools in our area.
8
We Get
Letters
A Reminder to all our members. We all
received the below note from Chester Burdick,
Singing Valentine, co-chairman
Fellow Barbershoppers,
Please remove the top portion of this email and forward the singing
valentine message to your friends and relatives. It might be a good
idea to place a personal message at the top of this email and say
something like:
Dear Friends,
As many of you know, I am a member of the North Georgia Barbershop Singers. One of our annual fund raisers is the singing valentine program. It is a lot of fun and a great way to show your loved
one how much you care for them. We enjoy singing to wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, employees and sweethearts. Let me know
if you have any specific questions.
J
ack, Just FYI – I just dug
through my copy of NGBS
Down our Way newsletter.
Gotta tell you – your Interp/
Presentation article was very
confirming to me; and it was
comforting! What a great article
and great reminders for ALL of
us! Thank you for sharing that.
To another successful
year for you and NGBS!
Make this Valentine’s Day
A day that your“Special Someone,” Will remember forever
Surprise your Sweetheart, Wife, Husband,
Mother, Father or whomever
With a Singing Valentine
W
e had two guys that attended the Dixie District
Leadership Academy (Chapter
Officers Training) in Fayetteville. Dan Sullivan our President and our newly elected
Music & .Perf VP, Fred Kanel.
Sung by a barbershop quartet from the
North Georgia Barbershop Singers
Within 30 miles of Cumming, GA
Singing Valentines include 2 love songs,
a rose and a Valentine card delivered at your home, a
restaurant, an assisted living facility or whereever
For only $50
Call Duane Hunter @ 770-609-9853
or order on-line @
http://ordersingingvalentine.com/Cumming.GA
9
A Celebration of Life
“We Will Endure”
O
ur first chapter meeting after the Christmas
holidays was great. Good attendance and rehearsal, while just about “ace-ing” a new song in
one hour. The afterglow at Applebee's was fun
also. There were about 12 singers and two family
members there (Cindy and Terra ) to enjoy the food
and a bit of singing. We also found that Applebees
reduced their cost of appetizers to 1/2 price after 10
PM, so this is also a new treat.
We have been holding our afterglows there
for about 3 months now. We are looking forward to
many more good times in the future. As usual
Donnie, Ronnie, Chris and Jack were there to well
after midnight.
I
Attended the funeral
of our departed barbershop buddy, Thom
Hine on the 3rd of January at
the Alpharetta First United
Methodist Church.
There was well over
300 barbershoppers and
friends in attendance and I
must say the service was beautiful. Not only
was it the acknowledgement of the passing
of a dear friend, It was a celebration of the
life of a great person. The life of Thom was
celebrated with the music that Thom loved
so much. “FRED” 1999 International Quartet Champs performed singing special music
“Surely the Presence”. The SAI chorus
“Songs of Atlanta” sang “It is Well.” Mark
Schlinkert recited scripture from the bible,
Psalms 23 and 121. There was special music
performed by “Boardwalk and friends" and
“Mighty Wind” with “Tim Brooks” giving
the Eulogy. Special remembrances of Thom
was given by Family and friends, Jared
Carlson, Ray Henders. Drayton Justus and
Tish Haskett, (Thom’s sister) which all were
quite interesting and very humorous at
times. Thom would have loved it! The AVP
sang “Low Down the Chariot” and the
“AVP and Big Chicken Chorus” sang
“Precious Lord” with all singers ending the
service with “Irish Blessing”. This was
quite impressive. Reverend Kim inserted
prayer and gospel reading from the bible,
through out the service as well.
I had plans to attend a reception at
Clay Hine’s home after the service, however
my emotional limits had already been
breached so I elected to return home.
It was a bittersweet day!
Our second meeting in Jan was well attended as usual with several songs rehearsed under
the direction of Donnie, Andy and Steve. We had
an enjoyable tag singing craft session directed by
Andy Doetsch, several quartets sang and a dozen
singers attended the afterglow where we did a bit
of gang singing. Great evening!
Mid month meeting, for January was a
chorus performance for the Cattlemen Association
at the Longstreet Baptist Church.. Article about this
performance is elsewhere in the bulletin.
Our 4the meeting of January wraps up the
typical months activities.. Good rehearsal attendance with tag teaching, quartet activity, octet
singing, some BBS craft, business meeting. 50/50
and closure with Keep the Whole World Singing.
The after glow was nothing short of a good time. A
beer, an appetizer a few songs and some tag singing. I might add that we have our own area set
aside for our activities, where in we do not disturb
other late night Applebees patrons.
This routine may not fit all chapters but it
proves effective for us. We sing our best with a
special emphasis on having a great time. We have
two or three guest a month with a net growth of 2-4
a year. Maybe not a record but a pretty good
average. We are hopeful to have 33 happy singers
on the risers at the fall 2015 Dixie Contest, a 10%
Chapter growth with three major paying performances in 2015.. Well, we can dream can’t we?
10
I mentioned Thom Hine’s death last month. Here is His
Obituary Thom is the father of Clay and Brad Hine, whom
many of us know as friends!
Thomas Joe Hine
August 19, 1935 - December 24, 2014
T
hom was born on august 19, 1935 in Martinsville, Indiana to June and Marion
Hine. At age 14, his high school shop teacher wanted to form a barbershop quartet and the rest, as they say, is history. He quickly developed an incredible love of
vocal harmony and barbershop singing that led him to lifelong friends, his wife Carla
of 52 years and a family connected by love and music. Thom was a 64 year years
member of the barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) and tireless shared his passion
and is talent for singing and for leadership with barbershop singers across the U.S.
and around the world.
Thom graduated from Proviso Township School (Maywood, IL) and received
a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lake Forrest University. (Chicago, IL) in 1957 where
he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He served in the U S Army and
Illinois National Guard achieving the rank of Specialist E-4. After college he worked
at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company then was employed in various roles at
Allstate Insurance Company for 33 years, retiring in 1993 to pursue his passion—
barbershop Harmony.Thoughout his life he lived in many places including Indiana,
the Chicago area, (a few times) , Arkansas, North Carolina. Ohio, Michigan and finally metro Atlanta, as director and then Director Emeriti's of the Big Chicken chorus
and then a member of the Atlanta Vocal Project. Thom loved coaching and teaching
barbershop harmony and directed several choruses throughout his life. He sang in
many quartets, including the Popular Midnight Oilers, the Four henchmen (11th
place) International Barbershop[ Quartet Competition in 1982. the Atlanta Forum
(Dixie District Quartet Champions with his son, Clay, in 1987, and the Old Kids on
the Block (International Quartet Champions in 1991.
Tom is survived by his loving wife Clara Beyer Hine, his sisters Patricia
Haskett (Carmel IN) and Jean Morgan (Scottsdale, AZ, his sons, Clayton and Bradley
Hine, their wives Becki and Georgia Hine, grandchildren Melody, Camden, and
Kelso, and thousands of people he made part of his extended family.
We’ll miss you Thom… but the bass section in heaven just go a whole lot better.
11
Cattlemen’s Association
Performance
& Dinner
By Jerry Frank & Jack Martin
T
he North Georgia Barbershop Singers performed for a full house at
the Longstreet Baptist Church. The
Cattlemen’s Banquet says it all. It is
difficult to believe that people can feast like
the buffet set out for this monthly meeting
and not expand their waistline beyond available belting. The work must keep them in
shape for the crowd looked able to take on
their weight in wild cats.
The room was full and no sound system was available but the audience was so
polite and quiet during the program that
none was needed. After an hour of warm up
in the main church building, we were ready
with a full and flexible presentation of
favorites and some new songs.
The Lads of Lanier gave a demonstration of the building of a barbershop song
comparing the music arrangement to the
building of a home. There were some laughs
and some learning with the chorus joining
in for the completion of “Wild Irish Rose”.
Ivan Cottrell was our master of ceremonies and Steve Dorn directed the chorus.
The newly formed quartet, North Georgia
Blend, presented one of our Valentine
songs. Quartets R2D2 and Sweet Tea each
sang two entertaining songs each and our
soloist Andy Doetsch fronted for us for “In
the Still of the Night” Jack Martin fired up
the audience by directing the traditional
singing of “My Bonnie Lies Over the
Ocean” with the raising and lowering of the
arms on the words beginning with “B.” This
created quite a spectacle !! Both Jack and
Rich Pilch brought forth some humorous
offerings which resulted in a lot of laughter
and approval from the audience. .
We dined after our performance
(while the business meeting took place) and
the chorus quietly wolfed down a salad,
some huge steaks and baked potatoes, with
other trimmins’ One comment made during
the meeting caught my ear. There were
congratulations made for the persons that
arranged for the entertainment. It was the
best program they had had in a year ( or was
it for this year? ;-) ).
There was many door prizes given
away with several of our own members
winning. Chet Burdick won a shirt displaying the words, “Real Men Drive Tractors”
with Ivan Cottrell winning a prize. What it
was, I am not sure!
Aside from our great Installation of
Officers banquet earlier in January, our
Cattlemen's Association performance was a
great way to begin the 2015 year. Our total
chapter membership is 31 and we had 29
singers attending this performance. The two
members not at the performance was out of
state and normally would have been there.
We are proud of this participation.
During g a recent show committee meeting the Chapter
mission statement came up.
<> Vision Statement: To be the premier organization
in the Lake Lanier area who love to sing.
<> Mission Statement: The Lake Lanier, GA chapter
SPBSQSA Inc. is an educational and charitable nonprofit organization with the purpose to maximize our
joy as barbershop singers by musically being all we
can be while enraging the lives of our members and
the community at large through fellowship, great a
cappella harmony and good deeds.
12
Singing with the Coastal Harmonizers
Be Fred Kanel
D
uring the summer of 2013 we vacationed in North Myrtle Beach,
South Carolina, where we used to
live full-time. I made contact with the Low Country
Barbershop Chorus, which meets Tuesdays in the town
of Murrells Inlet, SC, and had the pleasure of singing
with them each week while we were there. After I returned I reported on that pleasant and welcoming experience in this newsletter and described the similarities
to and differences from our own chorus.
During
this past summer I again sang with the LCBC but I also
made contact with a young chorus that had recently
changed its meeting place to just over the border in
North Carolina, making it easy for me to reach. I sang
with them each week as well as with the LCBC, and I
thought our members might be interested to see how this
chorus does things.
T h e C o a s t a l H a r mo n i z e r s ( ht t p: / /
coastalharmonizers.org) got organized three years ago
when several members of the Cape Fear (NC) Chordsmen wanted to get their weekly barbershop fix without
driving to Wilmington. They currently have 20 members – many dual with the Wilmington chorus – although on some nights there were 22 or 23 present because of guests and repeating prospective members.
Shortly before I arrived last summer they began meeting
in the Shallotte (NC) Senior Center at 6:30 on Thursdays.
As baritones always are, I was warmly welcomed on my first visit, and the members unfailingly
acted happy to have me with them as the summer weeks
went by. I had about a dozen new songs to learn, and it
was helpful to sit next to Bill Clegg, the baritone section
head and one of the chorus’ founders.
The chorus director, Barbara Berry, started singing barbershop at age 18 in Illinois, has sung with and
directed Sweet Adelines chapters in several states, and
has extensive quartet experience. She’s a baritone and
was actually singing in a mixed quartet when her bass
Bob Zinke, one of the founders of the Coastal Harmonizers, asked her to take over as director.
On Sunday, four days before practice, Barbara
sends out both an agenda and an email covering any
chapter news and describing the philosophy of what’s to
be accomplished this week. The agenda starts out with
excellent reminders to put nametags on and put sheet
music for this week’s songs in practice order.
After singing The Old Songs and one Polecat
(which changes each week) Barbara welcomes everyone, and a member conducts warm-up exercises. Then
one or two tags are sung. The tags are identified in the
agenda and the members have the music, so when they
come to practice they are prepared and can master the
tag more quickly than we do in our chorus but at the
expense of the exercise of learning by listening. In the
middle of the evening there’s a business meeting and a
10-minute break, followed sometimes by an organized
and/or pick-up quartet. In the second half of practice
they often move to an open area away from the chairs
and practice both singing and choreography in performance formation. And of course they end their evening
with Keep the Whole World Singing.
During my weeks there they were practicing
their standard repertoire for several upcoming sing-outs,
the first being an Oktoberfest performance in Calabash,
NC, in which I sang with them. (The picture shows us
warming up before that performance.) Even though it
was the summer of 2014 they were already working
hard on a repertoire of Broadway songs for their firstever show, which will be in October 2015! (I’ll be singing in that performance too.)
The Coastal Harmonizers are well organized
and well directed and I looked forward to each Thursday
night with them. They spend more of their time together
working on their repertoire than our chorus does. (We
spend more time in organized and pick-up quartetting,
qualifying on Polecats, and craft or humorous activities
organized by our Program VP.) But although they do
more “work”, the atmosphere is not a stressful or highpressure one. The fellowship and fun and general practice attitude would be completely recognizable and comfortable for members of our chorus.
I thoroughly enjoyed my summer with the
Coastal Harmonizers and remain in frequent contact
with the director and several members. I will be a dual
member with them in 2015, and I’m learning their new
songs for the October show. I can’t wait for my next
opportunity to sing with them.
13
T
Lake Lanier, GA Chapter
North Georgia Barbershop Singers
Board of Directors Meeting
January 19, 2015
hanks to Steve Dorn
we now have an incite on what is going
to happen the could impact
our Chapter Activities
T
his meeting was at Cumming Baptist Church in Cumming, GA and was called to order at 7:05 PM by President Dan Sullivan. Though we were missing four officers, we started with an even better than usual singing of “The
Old Songs” directed by Rich Pilch, who also sang Tenor!
S
BOD Members Attending: Dan Sullivan, Fred Kanel, Chet
Burdick, Tom Riggle, Rich Pilch and Neill Harris. These officers did constitute a quorum.
omeone mentioned events throughout the
year we should consider when deciding on performance dates. Here is a partial list for 2015.
*MidWinter contest (Jan 6-11)
*Leadership Academy (Jan 24)
*Song of Atlanta Dothan, AL show (Jan 31)
*Singing Valentines (Feb 13-14)
*Spring contest (Mar 13-15)
*Region 14 contest (Mar 26-29)
*Easter (Apr 5)
*Song of Atlanta annual show (Apr 25)
*Mother’s Day (May 10)
*Memorial Day Weekend (May 22-25)
*Father’s Day (Jun 21)
*International contest (Jun 28-Jul 5)
*Labor Day weekend (Sep 4-7)
*AVP Florida Trip (Sep 17-20)
*Sweet Adelines International contest (Oct 5-10)
*Fall contest (Oct 23-25)
*Harmony Inc contest (Nov 4-8)
*AVP Christmas Performance (Dec 5)
Officer Reports:
Secretary: The minutes of the meeting of the November 17,
2014 meeting were distributed to the BOD prior to the meeting and were accepted by the Board.
Treasurer: Treasurer, Chet Burdick, presented detailed financial reports for the year end 2014 The Board received the
reports, which were then filed for audit.
Chapter Development VP: Reporting for Chuck Berny, Fred
Kanel submitted a written report and said that membership is
now at 32 as one membership had lapsed but has since reapplied for membership and is being processed at BHS.
Music and Performance VP: Fred Kanel reported that the Director and Assistant Directors are almost finished selecting
new music from the 10 songs suggested by the Music Committee.
Assistant Director: Rich Pilch noted that having 5 different
guys directing from time to time seems to get our singers to
focus more on the director due to the differences in style and
interpretation.
Health Alert
Marketing and PR: although unable to attend, Duane Hunter
sent a note saying he is waiting on some copy from Forsyth
News for the Singing Valentine program for approval.
I
recently learned that Bill Balser's wife
Rona, has been diagnosed with a serious health problem. Bill (member of Roswell Chapter) and Rona returned from a 2
week vacation in Florida shortly after
Christmas with Rona not feeling well.
Old Business: It was noted that we did make double donations to the Meals On Wheels programs in our four surrounding counties before the end of 2014.
Dan said he has talked to the city of Cumming about changing
the arrangements for our participation for their 2015 Memorial Day service
New Business: Dan said that we received much positive feedback from people that were at our December performance.
Chet reported on the Show Committee meeting that was held
earlier today. We haven’t put on a chapter show in a couple
years but are considering doing so in 2015.
Dan said new chapter business cards are done will be made
available to members.
A full check up revealed that Rona was suffering from Leukemia. She is currently under going chemotherapy treatments. Please keep Rona
and Bill in your prayers.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15PM with the singing of Keep the
Whole World Singing.
(late update) Bill tells me that Rona’s platelet count continues to drop to critical levels,
so let’s kick-start our prayers into high gear.
14
Lake Lanier Chapter Board
of Directors and Appointees
2015 Board of Directors
President
Dan Sullivan
Membership VP
Chuck Berny
Secretary
Tom Riggle
Treasury
Chet Burdick
Music & Perf VP
Fred Kanel
Program VP
Jerry Wood
PR & Publicity
Duane Hunter
Member at Large
Neill Harris
Member at Large
Bill Liles
Asst Director
Rich Pilch
Appointees
Musical Director
Steve Dorn
Asst Director
Andy Doetsch
Asst Director
Donnie Wheeler
Consultant to Music
Dir on Music Issues
Jack Martin
Bulletin Editor
Jack Martin
Webmaster
Andy Doetsch
Music Librarian
Terry Gillim
Social Director
Terry Gillim
Chorus Manager
Dan Sullivan
Historian
Bob Biccum
Uniform Chairman
Rich Pilch
50/50 Dude
Chuck Berny
Section Leaders
Tenor
Bob Hitch
Lead
Tom Riggle
Bari
Fred Kanel
Bass
Chuck Berny
County Liaison Rep
Dawson County
Rich Pilch
Forsyth County
Duane Hunter
Hall County
Tom Riggle
Lumpkin County
Fred Kanel
In Memory of
Future Events
Charlie McCann
By Jack Martin
C h a r l i e
McCann,(86)
past International President
has
passed away.
Charlie was a member of
the Music City Barbershop
chorus in Nashville TN.
Charlie was the proclaimed
“Worlds Greatest Tenor”
Who of us can deny him
that? My experience with
Charlie is: he was a great
person, and a great Barbershopper
February 3rd The Lake Lanier
Chapter and Chuck Berny will
host a guest night at the Cumming Baptist Church. 7 PM.
Bring a friend!
February 13-14 The Lake
Lanier Chapter will deliver
Singing Valentines to the Forsyth and surrounding counties.
March 12-15 Dixie District
Contest and Convention. Convention will be in th Crown
Plaza Hotel near I-285 and
Route 400.
June 28– July 5 International
Contest and Convention, in
Pittsburg PA.
Ronnie Steve Roger Donnie
Happy Birthday
Bob
Jerry Tom Duane
Fred
Terry Tom
Rich
February
11
Bill Liles
Fred Andy Chuck Bob
Fred
Neil
Dan
Jerry
Lake Lanier Chapter Quartets
15