The Pitchburgh Press
Official Bulletin of the
GREATER PITTSBURGH, PA. CHAPTER
VOL.XXVI, No.1 January-February 2008
We are a singing organization
(This version is not a true copy of the original Bulletin.)
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| New Lead - "Russ" Maurer
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I
n late December 2007, the Greater Pittsburgh
Chapter officially inducted the" Rev. Russell "Russ"
Maurer as a new member and lead in the Three Rivers
Chorus. I trust that Rev. Maurer will not object to being "Russ" in Barbershop circles.
Russ is a native "Pittsburgher" who presently calls Coraopolis his home. Bom in 1934, Russ attended elementary school at Holy Innocents School in Sheraden, Pittsburgh, and then went to Langley High School.
A retired Catholic Priest, Rev. Maurer served at St. Malachy Parish in Coraopolis and was pastor at St. Edward Parish in Blawnox for 12 years.
By way of music background, Russ played trumpet back in high school, but he says, "that was 56
years ago and I have long since lost my lip." Russ also did some singing in church choir.
| In this issue |
| Topic |
Page |
| New Member - "Russ" Maurer |
1 |
| Calendar, Org., Press
Block, BD's & Anniv. |
2 |
| Editor's page |
3 |
| Mihmbro contest of 1/29/08 |
4 |
| We Perform |
5 |
| Farewell Russ Keyser |
6 |
| Pathway to Gold + web sites |
7 |
| We perform (cont.) |
8 |
| We perform with Singing Valentines |
9 |
| Rome Chorus |
10
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| Woodshed Weekend + Board Mtg. Highlights |
11
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| A few tags |
12
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OK, how did he come to Barbershopping? It seems that the seed of bartbershopping was planted by his two brothers, who have both been singing in barbershop for 13 or 14 years. They were the ones who got him interested. Brother Bill lives, and sings, in Rochester Hills, Michigan and brother Bob lives in Santa Maria, California where he is a member of the Pacific Coast Chordsmen" chapter. However, it was Bob Cavanaugh who drug Russ in and got him to join our chapter. Way to go Bob!
Here we see Russ receiving his new member package from President and Director, Gary Corpora.
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Page 2
Calendar
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Performances (2008) |
| Date |
Event |
Location |
Time* |
Uniform |
| Mar 5, Wed |
Masonic Village |
Swickley |
7:30pm |
Red |
| May 13, Tues |
Hilltop Seniors |
Kennedy Twp. Fire Hall |
1:30pm |
TBD |
| May 28, Wed |
Longwood |
Oakmont |
7:30pm |
TBD |
| June 12, Thu |
Plum AARP |
Unity, PA |
TBD |
TBD |
| Jul 10, Thur |
Covenant Asst. Living |
Oakmont |
2:30pm |
TBD |
As the bulletin goes to press at this date, these are the only scheduled chorus performances. Make sure to keep checking the web site calendar, your e-mail, and announcements by chorus manager, Jay Garber.
|
Activities (2008) |
| Apr. 11-13 |
JAD International Prelims |
Location TBD (probably Columbus) |
| May 10 |
Gr. Pgh. Chapter annual show |
Woodland Hills High School |
| June 12-15 |
JAD Apple Corps |
Kenyon College, Cambier, Ohio |
| Oct. 17-19 |
JAD District Convention |
Location TBD |
2008 GREATER PITTSBURGH CHAPTER and Three River Chorus
Chorus Director: Gary Corpora
Assistant Chorus Director: Lou Vlahos
OFFICERS
President: Gary Corpora
VP Program: Joe DeFilippo
VP Music & Perf: Skip Gillis
VP Marketing & Public Relations: Tom Koch
VP Chapter Devel: Bob Parker
Secretary: Rich Finch
Treasurer: Ken Moelk
Immediate Past President: Bob Cavanaugh
BOARD MEMBERS
Fred Donofrio
Angelo Glorioso
Dick Hammer
Bill McVeagh
Ralph Ostlund
Tom Steimer
OTHER OFFICE
District Delegate: open
E-Mail Contact: Bob Parker (rparkerl73@aol.com)
Barberpole Cat Program: Joe DeFilippo
Show Chairman: Bob Parker
Show Tickets: John Kirwan
Webmaster: Bernie Sinwell
Chorus Manager: Jay Garber
Librarian: Don Redshaw
Sunshine: Ken Ernst
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2008
BIRTHDAYS:
Jan. Gene Dadey, Vaughn Eggert, Skip Gillis, Ange Glorioso, Dick Hammer, Bill McVeagh, John Power, Bernie Sinwell, Ralph Rock
Feb. Bob Falgione, George Kosak, Ralph Ostlund, Don Redahaw
ANNIVERSARIES:
Jan. Don & Ada Buzzelli, Tom & Carol Koch
THE PITCHBURGH PRESS is a bi-monthly publication of the
Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society
Editor: Tom Koch (tpkoch334@comcast.net)
Graphics Layout & Photography: Fred Donofrio
Other Photographers: Tom Koch, Jim McCarthy
Column Contributors (this issue): Bill Amos, Fred Dean, Tom Koch, Russ Maurer, Jim McCarthy
ALL GREATER PITTSBURGH CHAPTER MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONTRIBUTE T0 "The Pitchburgh Press". Material for input should be submitted to the editor. Unless shown by byline or other credit, all the written material in this bulletin are the creation of the editor.
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Page 3
Editors Page
Do you have a habit of making regular visits to our chapter web site? If not, you should. As I have said many times, our web master, Bernie Sinwell does a terrific job of creating and providing a wonderful web site that is updated on a regular basis.
Miss a bulletin? You'll find it there; not just the last one, but several years back. Or check the calendar of events. Bernie has updated and created a very comprehensive and useful "links" page. And he has... oh heck! I'm not going to tell you... go see for yourself.
There is an interesting feature that I didn't realize until lately. Bernie has hidden music in the web site. So turn up your speakers and see if you can find
it. For example, see if you can find, "Beautiful Ohio." Hint - it starts in Pittsburgh. Want to hear some banjo music? Swing over to the Pittsburgh Banjo Club link.
One of our "snow birds," Fred Dean and his wife, Pat, are busy for the winter months down on Big Pine Key in Florida. I'm very pleased that they keep in touch with me and let me know what's happening down there. Of course, they do rub it in a little bit about the warm temps and needing air conditioning, etc.
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Pat Dean and live Christmas tree
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Pat sent me a photo (see right) of herself with a Christmas tree containing ornaments that were hand made by the members of her Garden Club in Marathon, Florida. This picture was taken at a Christmas Live Tree show and dinner dance where the tree was exhibited. She had also sent me a photo of some of her friends at the affair which included people from Switzerland, the UK and many states.
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| Fred and snowy grouper
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Not to be outdone, Fred included this photo of himself holding a snowy grouper that he caught deep fishing in 700 feet of water, 18 miles off shore. The change in pressure bringing the fish up from that depth causes the eyes, tongue and bladder to bulge.
Fred reports that he has been doing some singing with a small group of Barbershoppers who winter there on the keys. Actually, three of them live there full time. At present, they have 4 leads, 4 basses, 1 tenor and 1 bari. Fred explained that they are kind of the remnants of the Key West chapter and now are "Frank Thorne." They had a quartet called "Key of Sea." Clever name, don't you think.
One of the regular "Harmonizers" who goes to the VA hospital every Wednesday morning is Bernie Sippel from the Pittsburgh North Hills Chapter. Bernie is also a veteran. Back in WWll Bernie was a C47 pilot. Then Lt. Bernard Sippel of the 433rd Troop Carrrier Group in New Guinea, Bernie flew many dangerous missions over New Guinea, often returning on a wing and a prayer.
At a meeting of the North Hills Chapter in Dec. of 2007, Jim Langenhahn (a former member of that chapter) presented Bernie with an Air Force patch from his father's uniform. His father was Sgt Walter Langenhahn, who also served in the 433rd. In addition, he presented Bernie with a limited edition painting of a C47 transport.
Langenhahn, a US Airways pilot and former Air Force pilot, sang an Air Force songbook ditty called "You Can Tell a Fighter Pilot" to Bernie and the chapter sang "The Air Force Song."
This event was documented in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Dec.20, 2007 edition. I have a copy if anyone wants to read it.
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Page 4
January Mihmbro Contest
On January 29, Joe DeFilippo emcee'd another of our famous (infamous?) Mihmbro Contests. Four quartets featured forth to vie for the coveted Mihmbro trophies.
First out of the chute was The Shamrocks
consisting of Bob Parker, bari;
Rich Weiss, bass; Bob Falgione, lead and Gary
Corpora, tenor. They sang the seldom heard, Wild
Irish Rose.
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The next brave group was the Song Men 4 made up of (L. to R.) Ken Ernst, bari; Bill Mcveagh, bass; Jim McCarthy, lead and Skip Gillis, tenor. They wowed the audience with, Wait Till The Sun Shines Nellie.
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Coming out in third position were none other than The Four Rose Thorns. The "thorns" were (L. to R.) - Bob Cavanaugh, bari; Joe DeFilippo, bass, Tom Steimer, lead and Jim Shields, tenor. They said, "wait a minute, let rose thorns show you how to sing Wild Irish Rose. So they gave us their rendition.
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Fourth and final, The Singing Valentines made their appearance. Again, (L. to R.) we see, Gary Corpora, tenor; Joe Veltre, lead; Jay Garber, bass and Bob Parker, bari. Their contest entry was, Goodbye my Coney Island Baby. It was great to see Joe Veltre back in the fold.
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Next came the closely supervised voting. Eyes shut (both eyes Jim!) and hands up (only one hand guys!). Following minimal recount, the winners were announced as... The Singing Valentines
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Page 5
Mihmbro - cont from previous page
In post contest interviews, Joe Veltre expressed that he liked singing lead and claimed it was fitting as he was a natural leader. Jay Garber said, thats fine because I'm a better bass. The bookends of Gary Corpora and Bob Parker let it slip that they sang in two quartets to double their chances of winning.
In the photo above, Bob is holding the bari trophy out so everyone can see the little thing. Ken Ernst still denies that he has the original bari trophy hidden away at his house.
For their encore, the Valentines sang Wait Till The Sun Shines Nellie.
We Perform - by Tom Koch
Well, lets move on to performances beyond the Mihmbro Contest.
As we enter 2008, our performance calendar is still rather sparse. Not to worry... our requests for performances are always random. Last year, of the performances that I emceed, we did 4 in the first 6 months and 11 in the next 6 months. So I'm sure this year will be similar.
From my viewpoint, I find it very rewarding and a lot of fun to perform before an audience that is also having a great time. Your job is to be familiar with our repertoire and try to get to as many of our performances as you can. You must also look at your music on your own and make use of whatever learning tapes (discs) are provided to you.
From the Chapter standpoint we are trying to get ourselves as much help as possible. Gary Corpora is trying his best to learn to be a good director since volunteering to take over that job. Gary has been taking what ever training is available from the Society. In addition, we get Guy Russo to come in and help us learn new songs when he is available. Also, our area counselor, Glenn Schilberg has been in on more than one occasion to help, plus Glenn adds some variety to our program with tags and other extras such as some "woodshedding." For example, how did you like our baritone theme song?
Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble
When you 're perfect in every way;
I can't wait to look in the mirror,
Cause I get better lookin' each day.
To know me is to love me
I must be a helluva man -
Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble
But I'm doin' the best that I can
What's that? You don't really think that was intended to be about baritones? Well!! I think it was!!
Talking about Gary and Glenn, here's a Fred Donofrio pic of them at a recent meeting followed by one of Gary directing, followed by a small pic of Gary trying to quell our overly-enthusiastic stage presence. Nice hat Gary!
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Page 6
Farewell... Russ Keyser
Back on November 20, 2004, the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter held a farewell party for Russ & Jane Keyser as they prepared to move to Clemmons, North Carolina. Here is a photo of Russ, taken that day, holding a plaque/clock presented to him by the chapter. The plaque read, "H. Russell Keyser - Forty- One Years of Service To The Greater Pittsburgh Chapter - Thank You!"
On January 27, 2008, our Chapter, and many other Barbershoppers, gathered at the Wolfe Memorial Home in Forest Hills to bid Russ a final farewell as he departed to join the heavenly chorus.
Russ will be missed by all who knew him and I know that includes the Barbershoppers he joined in
North Carolina. Russ was in his 44th year as a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Here at Pittsburgh, he served as Chapter President twice and also served in many other Chapter positions.
Russ served for 28 years in the US Army (The Fighting 69th Division) from which he retired as a Major. Then he took to driving for a living, including trucks and a limousine service.
But Russ' first love (after Jane) was barbershop singing. He encouraged others to do the same as evidenced by his activity with "Young Men in Harmony" and his many "Men of Note" awards for getting others to join the Society.
I [your editor] must add that Russ was a big part of my development and interest in quartet singing. Prior to singing for about the last 15 years with Random Choice, I sang with Russ in a quartet called West Penn Connection (Russ Keyser, lead - Joe Potts, bass - Trenton Ferro, tenor - Tom Koch, bari).
How well liked was Russ keyser? Roving reporter Jim McCarthy interviewed a cross section of our membership and asked for their lasting impressions of Russ Keyser." Here are some results:
George Charlton: He was a very likable fellow and outranked me in the Army.
Gary Corpora: Russ was a sweet old guy who had the best voice of a lead over the age of 80 I've ever heard. I'll never forget how he and Jane kept colored Christmas lights in their home year round.
Jim McCarthy: An incredible, caring human being who extended his barbershop knowledge to so many of us and exemplified what Barbershopping is all about.
John Power: He was a great guy, a past president of our chapter. A better gentleman I've never known in my life and he was a member of the barbershop "Hall Of Fame"
Ken Ernst: A gentle kind man, good singer and a good Christian.
Bill Amo: I don't know if most folks realized that Russ & Jane opened their home to people with kids suffering from cancer and they would arrange transportation to get those kids to the hospital when needed.
Joe Velfre: Russ was one of the most gentle men I've ever known.
Ken Moelk: He was incredibly helpful to new Chapter singers and was a positive reinforcement of their singing efforts.
Ralph Ostlund: He introduced me to the simplified "solfegio singing method of learning a song. Russ and his wife Jane got my wife and I involved in delivering "Meals On Wheels."
Don Redshaw: He held most of our Chapter's officer positions as well as President. He could get to the point quickly. I asked him for directions to an Ohio State Campus House location for a barbershop course I was going to take. He jotted three short sentences on a piece of paper. It worked. It took me right to the house doorstep.
Bill Martin: He was a fine Barbershopper and never had a bad word for anybody.
George Mayer: He was a kind, gentle man whose thoughtfulness endeared him to everybody.
Bob Cavanaugh: He was the backbone of the Chapter for years and did a lot of work in putting together the song voice parts for the Lead section.
Jay Garber: Russ was a kind and gentle person. He, and his wife Jane, did so much for the Chapter. He was surely a good Barbershopper.
Vaughn Eggert: Russ was a good singer and even helped me, a bass, in singing some of the Chapter show tunes.
So now, all we in Greater Pittsburgh can say is; good bye Russ, and... Thank You!!
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Page 7
"Pathway to Gold"
From a letter to me by Jim McCarthy
[Chapter lead Jim McCarthy has talents that many of us may not be aware of. Turns out that Jim is working on a musical revolving around a cappella singing. In his efforts, Jim is eliciting help from Joe Liles, BHS Music Publication Editor. Jim of course must obtain permission to include some BHS music and is also seeking some arrangement assistance. Jim provided me with a copy of a letter he directed to Joe Liles. Following is a portion of that letter to give you an idea of what Jim is working on. I have omitted parts of the letter that I feel Jim may not want to share at this time, or are not pertinent to his musical effort.]
"Dear Joe,
Enjoyed talking to you the other day. You were very informative and quite supportive of me in my effort to promote my musical about four Barbershop singers. The story evolves around four young fellows and their four girl friends, and their dedication to a cappella singing. The name of my musical is "Pathway To Gold." The title has a double meaning... real gold as a pot of gold possessed by the Leprechauns in my story and the gold medal for winning first place in the national barbershop quartet singing competition, which is where my story starts and ends. My musical contains 10 or 11 original songs which I wrote plus two or three songs from the Barbershop Harmony Society...
In my "Pathway To Gold" musical, the story involves Leprechauns and "Leprechaunettes" (female Leprechauns). Don't know if this is original or not but I kind of like the idea. Maybe it's an Irish thing?
I still have to write an introductory medley of the songs for the orchestra and will need some help in doing the arrangement for this plus help on doing the Barbershop arrangement on three of my 11 original songs. Dave Calland, Director for the Alliance (Ohio) Barbershop Chorus, has graciously agreed to do the arrangement for the aforementioned... As soon as I have accomplished this, I will have it copyrighted and promise I'll send you a copy of my "Pathway To Gold" musical..."
OK, so now we know how Jim spends a lot of his spare time. Sounds like a worthwhile and fun endeavor. Here's wishing Jim all the best in carrying his musical efforts through to completion [although, I hate to tell him that Leprechauns are about as real as the tooth fairy].
Incidentally, Jim passed some additional information on to Joe Liles as another example of his creative prowess. Back in the 1970's and 1980's, Jim invented, patented and promoted a recreational game called "FOXBALL" that could be played in a gym or playground by two players (singles), 4 players (doubles), or larger groups in team FOXBALL. Jim indicates that he has invented dozens of other games, but never followed through on the patent process. In the picture at the right, we see some kids playing "Doubles" FOXBALL.
Talking About Web Sites
Back on page 3, I was encouraging you to use our chapter web site. I should have also mentioned that you would do well to make regular reference to the JAD web site. JAD web master, Reid Joyce, does a good job with that one. Incidentally, he is currently saying he will be absent for awhile during his yearly participation in the "Bent Prop Project" whereby he annually ventures into the jungles of Palau to locate and identify crash sites of WWII American Airmen still listed as MIA. So far he has helped locate and identify over 20 sites. I'd like to hear or read more about his efforts there.
Other things currently on the site you should read:
· Reference to Greg Swann's letter to all JAD Chapters and Quartets. All you need to know about the JAD Spring Convention and Contest to be held in Independence, Ohio, April 11-13, 2008.
· Upcoming changes for 2008 Contest season.
· Reference to John Schneider's letter pertaining to payment of ASCAP fees.
· Information on the 2008 JABS tour of Spain and Portugal. Bill Martin, if you're going this year, I'll expect a bulletin article complete with photos.
· Miss your Cider Press? It's there on-line.
· JAD calendar of events (Pittsburgh Chapter show is still not listed).
· Many other things.
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Page 8
In the photo above, the Three Rivers Chorus is interacting with the audience at our first performance for 2008. Not sure at just what point this photo was snapped, but yours truly is off to the side doing my usual emcee duties and everyone else seems to be all smiles. Could have been right after our interactive "My Bonnie..." routine. The performance took place in the sanctuary of the Monroeville United Methodist Church for a large gathering at Senior Saturday where the theme was "For The Love Of Music."
To supplement the chorus, we had one of our Valentine quartets step forward and give the audience a sampling of quartet four-part harmony. In the quartet photo which follows we see (It. to rt.) tenor, Gary Corpora - lead, Don Redshaw - bass, Jay Garber and bari, Bob Parker
In the next photo, we see chorus manager, Jay Garber, with two of the ladies from the senior's organization that hired us (nice head gear ladies!). Seems that the senior's group had some how got caught without entertainment for their meeting and Jay lined up the chorus performance on short notice.
Incidentally, Ken Moelk's son Gary was with Ken from his home in Atlanta, GA, came to the performance and volunteered to take photos so our photographer Fred Donofrio get into some photos for a change. Glad Gary could be there (as of this writing, he is traveling in Belgium, Switzerland and England).
Moving on to quartet activity, on Jan. 5, 2008, a pickup quartet calling themselves The Lone Arrangers, sang at the Holiday Inn in Moon Township. The quartet consisted of tenor, Bill (Pecos Bill) Amos - lead, Jim (Jimmy the Kid) Langenhahn - bass, Glenn (Dusty) Schilberg and bari, Tom (Slim) Koch. The occasion was a retirement dinner/roast for Gordon McKay, a FM Check Airmen" official whose job was to qualify commercial pilots. The audience consisted of FM personnel, US Airways pilots and Air Force pilots. Jim Langenhahn himself is an ex-Air Force pilot. Jim is barbershop "Frank Thorne."
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Page 9
We Perform...cont. from page 8
Guest of honor, Gordon McKay is planning to move out west someplace for his retirement years; hence, the western theme to the evening. The quartet selections included, Down Runways (a parody sung to tune of "Down Our Way'), Wild Irish Rose (needed one true barbershop number), Ghost Riders in The Sky, Happy Trails and the Air Force Song. (Unfortunately, I didn't get any photos of this "westem" quartet].
On February 13, Random Choice sang at the Masonic Lodge of East Hills, on Saltsburg Road. The occasion was their annual ladies night. For this evening, "RC" consisted of Bill Amos, Jay Garber, Tom Koch and Jim McCarthy.
Well another element of Quartet performance at this time of year is....
****** Singing Valentines ******
During February 13,14 & 15, the sounds of "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" and "Heart Of My Heart" drifted though the air from Mt. Lebanon to Shady Side Hospital to Monroeville and beyond. Delivering the Singing Valentines, along with a rose and some candy, were the following members of Greater Pittsburgh chapter Bob Cavanaugh, Gary Corpora, Ken Ernst, Jay Garber, Skip Gillis, Bob Parker, Jim McCarthy, Bill McVeagh, Tom Steimer and Joe Veltre.
The ten members participating joined together in various quartet combinations. One of these was "The Singing Valentines" who won the last Mihmbro contest (see page 4 of this issue). In the photo below we see "The Singing Valentines" along with one of the recipients, Bob Parker's wife, Darlene.
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| Gary Corpora, Joe Veltre, Darlene, Bob Parker Jay Garber
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Another quartet delivering Valentines was the"Songmen 4" (Ken Ernst, Skip Gillis, Jim McCarthy,
Bill McVeagh). They were kept particularly busy as following the presentation of a Valentine in Mt Lebanon, they did a regular quartet performance before 100 senior citizens at the Asbury Heights Senior Care Home in Mt. Lebanon.
Receiving the Valentines, roses and candy were twelve ladies and two gentlemen, one of whom recently had heart surgery at Shadyside Hospital. The singing Valentines were enjoyed by the recipients and the quartet participants as well. The quartet members must have been having fun, as one of the quartet combos didn't know when to quit. A quartet made up of Garber, Gillis, Parker and Veltre traveled into downtown Pittsburgh at 10:00 PM and delivered a Valentine at 5 Gateway Center
Thanks for all the help guys... I think you'll agree it's enjoyable. Let's all try to sell even more Valentines next year.
Before we leave the subject of singing valentines, we should give special thanks to Bill McVeagh for his efforts in coordinating the program.
Bill has enjoyed being a barbershopper for 29 years. A graduate of Central Catholic High School, Bill served in the U.S. Army at the end of World War II. After being discharged, he enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh where he received Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees.
A couple had been looking at new cars for months. He wanted a simple truck and she wanted a fast little sports car so she could zoom through traffic and look like a princess. He would have settled for almost any old truck, but everything she wanted was way out of price range.
Look." she said. I want something that goes from 0 to 220 in 5 seconds or less. Valentine's Day is coming up and you should surprise me with something really great this year!"
Soon Valentine's Day arrived and she unwrapped her brand new bathroom scale.
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Page 10
Who are the happy guys above and what are they so happy about? These are some of the current members of the Rome Division Chorus. This photo was taken at their last rehearsal on Sunday, Feb. 3, which was Super Bowl Sunday (the Steelers weren't playing). They have gotten as high as 38 at rehearsal and I count 26 in the photo above, and counting photographer Fred Donofrio, that makes 27; Now that's larger than most of the chapter choruses represented by the Rome Chorus members seen above.
Reports are that the singing quality of this "Division" chorus (a new concept) is steadily improving; Currently, the chorus plans to make it's debut as "mike testers" at the JAD International Prelims to be held in Independence, Ohio, April 11-13, 2008. It is anticipated that this will demonstrate that some great Barbershop singing can still come out of Western Pennsylvania.
All involved hope that the chorus will continue to grow. With the Western PA area being overrun with many small, struggling chapters, does the word "merger" strike a spark of hope in anyone's mind?
The next rehearsal is scheduled for Sunday, March 2, 2008. If the chorus continues to instill growing interest, they may start getting together once per month, rather than every other month as in the past.
The meeting place for the chorus is the First Bethel United Methodist Church, corner of Rt. 88 and King School Rd., 1.5 miles south of South Park Rd. The rehearsal time is 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM, followed by quarteting and socializing until 5 or so.
At the right are some photos from the last rehearsal.
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Page 11
A Woodshed Weekend
As reported by Bill Amos
On Feb.15 - 17, 2008, eight members of the Pittsburgh North Hills and Greater Pittsburgh Chapters traveled together to Tamonium, Md. (a suburb of Baltimore) to participate in the 21st Annual Danny Cuthbert Memorial Woodshed Weekend. The venue was the Holiday Inn in Tamonium. This is not an official ASHOW (Ancient & Honorable Society of Woodshedders) event, but is attended by many ASHOW members,
Traveling to the Baltimore area were: from
North Hills; Jack Cox, Ed Dietz, Joe Kiug, Glenn
Schilberg, Stan Schultz, Bill Stringert and from
Greater Pittsburgh; Bill Amos and Ken Ernst.
The event is sponsored by the Dundolk, Md. chapter. Participants can compete in any voice part. The competition takes place in "flights" of quartets with the "finals" consisting of a four quartet sing-off on Saturday night.
From the Pittsburgh group, four guys made it into the finals. Ending in second place were; Jack Cox, bass - Joe KIug, tenor and Glenn Schilberg, lead. Bill Stringert, a lead from North Hills, made it into the final winning quartet.
Of course, as is the case with any barbershop event, there was lots of camaraderie and lots of singing.
Saturday night there were some guest quartets stepping forward to entertain. Long time barbershopper and popular "clown," Fred King was there singing in a quartet named "Sage." Despite his many medical problems and the loss of one leg, Fred was in great spirits and clowning as usual. Did you notice the photo of Freddie on page 11 of the Nov-Dec 2007 Harmonizer in a pirate costume with the hook on his leg? He pulled off this routine in Baltimore.
A real surprise was an appearance of a quartet called "Old School" with Gold Medallist Joe Connelly and three other previous medallist who hope to become another Gold Medal quartet. Their chosen name of "Old School" is to imply that they want to stick to what they consider to be old time barbershop in lieu of modern arrangements.
Board Meeting Highlights
As reported by Secretary Rich Finch
Meeting of January 9, 2008 Attendees;
Gary Corpora, Ken Moelk, Joe DeFilipppo, Tom
Koch, Rich Finch, Bob Cavanaugh, Ange Glorioso,
Ralph Ostlund, Dick Hammer, Tom Steimer, Fred
Donofrio, Bill McVeagh, George Mayer.
The meeting was called to order by Gary Corpora. The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and approved.
Treasurers Report - presented jointly by previous Treasurer George Mayer and new Treasurer Ken Moelk. A review was held of expenditures and budget items. A discussion was held concerning the operation of ASCAP and the payment of fees for every chorus performance. This subject is being pursued by Society attorneys.
Some items discussed:
· Using Guy Russo to coach individual voice sections at sectional rehearsals.
· Upcoming Mihmbro contests.
· Singing Valentines - Bill McVeagh volunteered to act as coordinator.
· Review of show status.
What key are we in?
No.of
Flats
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Key of
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No. of
Sharps
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Key of
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| 0
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C
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0
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C
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| 1
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F
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1
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G
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| 2
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Bb
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2
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D
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| 3
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Eb
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3
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A
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| 4
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Ab
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4
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E
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| 5
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Db
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5
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B
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| 6
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Gb
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6
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F#
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Just to review in case you forgot how to tell what key your music is in:
Mental crutches (for 5 flats or 5 sharps):
Flats - Fat Babies Eat All Day
Sharps - Gorillas Don't Always Eat Bananas
For 6 flats or 6 sharps, add your own words!
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Page 12
OK, do you want to practice a few tags or get one of our newer members a chance to ring a few chords with you? Here's a couple of easy ones.
Greater Pittsburgh Chapter
Barbershop Harmony Society
If you love to sing, try
BARBERSHOP SINGING
We meet every Tuesday
7:30 pm
at Trinity Christian School
299 Ridge Ave
Pittsburgh, PA (Forest Hills)
Map
Please come visit us
Guests are always welcome
This publication is distributed to chapter members, selected bulletin editors, Johnny Appleseed District and Society representatives, and others upon specific request to the editor. Views expressed in this bulletin are not necessarily those of BHS or the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter.
Tom Koch, Bulletin Editor
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