I know this is the July-August bulletin, but I must go back into June to catch up with our chorus performances since my last issue.
June 11, we performed after a ladies night dinner at the Masonic Lodge in Pittsburgh North Hills. Our assistant director, Lou Viahos, was attending the dinner, as he is a member of that lodge, and joined in on the perforrnance.
The International Senior Olympics were held in Pittsburgh from June 6 through 18. Senior athletes from all over the United States and various foreign countries were in attendance. During the evening hours, various music groups entertained for the athletes at the University Of Pittsburgh, Peterson Center. On June 13, our Three Rivers Chorus performed at an ice cream social. We were very well received by an enthusiastic crowd. The University of Pittsburgh personnel coordinating the various events told us we were the only music group to receive a standing ovation.
The next day, June 14, Three Rivers Chorus sang at the Monroeville Mall as part of a special Flag Day ceremony. We were joined by many flag bearing Boy Scouts and a Monroeville Police officer who sang the National Anthem.
Saturday, July 2, our chorus joined other barbershop harmony groups in entertaining at Kennywood Park (see the photo montages on pages 6 & 7). Taking turns on stage, in addition to our Three Rivers Chorus, was the Harmony Line Chorus from Pittsburgh North Hills chapter, the King Beaver Chorus from Beaver Valley chapter, the Keystone Chorus from Pittsburgh South Hills chapter, the Satellite Chorus from Harmony, Inc. and the Pittsburgh Sound from Sweet Adelines, Int. Various quartets stepped out from the choruses and performed including our own Melodaires consisting of Gary Corpora, Frank Pagliarulo, Ralph Rock and Bob Parker. Following the on stage performance, the Melodaires roamed and sang throughout the park.
OK, you football fans, have you ever heard of the Pittsburgh Colts? They are a minor league football team in the North American Football League. Their home field is "Big Mac" Stadium in Canonsburg.
On August 6, the Three Rivers Chorus sang the National Anthem prior to the Pittsburgh Colts vs. Michigan Renegades game and then entertained at halftime to a rather small but appreciative crowd. We must have been an inspiration to the Colts as they wiped out the Renegades 54 to zero.
In quartet action, Random Choice (Bill Amos, Bill Hamilton, Tom Koch and Jim McCarthy) did some performances about the Pittsburgh area. Back on June 16, "RC" with Jay Garber filling in at bass performed along Fifth Avenue in McKeesport at Good Neighbor Day. This is a street fair that is sponsored by the Mon Yough Riverfront Entertainment and Cultural Council and has occurred in McKeesport for several years. RC has appeared at this event for many years (I lost count), performing "on mike" at either end of the street and impromptu along the street.
On June 18, RC entertained the residents at Seneca Manor assisted living center during their evening dinner hour.
June 20, RC appeared at the Penn Hills Senior Center again entertaining a group of senior from a local MRP group.
Continuing with the pattern of entertaining for seniors, RC traveled to the Rankin Christian Center on July 8, and performed at the "Seniors On The Move" luncheon. This was our third annual appearance at this affair.
The next day, July 9, RC was at the St. Joan of Arc Church on Library Road singing at a fifty year wedding anniversary party. For this performance, Bob Cavanaugh filled in at baritone for Tom Koch.
General Quiz - Barbershop History
Author: Mark Axelrod, editor "Blue Chip Chatter"
Teaneck, NJ
1. Society founder, O.C. Cash, was a relentless promoter of barbershopping. He was successful in getting two major national publications to take note of the Society in its early days. Name these famous periodicals and when the articles about us were published.
2. Was the Society egalitarian and democratically run during its first few years of existence?
3. Many big names in show biz were early society members and contributed to our early PR successes. Name as many of these people as you can.
4. Some early society celebs included political types and captains of industry. Name as many as you can.
5. What did early society members Bing Crosby, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello personally and specifically do to promote SPEBSQSA?
Answers on page 12