First off this issue, I ask that everybody join me in wishing Joe Veltre the best in recovering from his recent surgery. Also, we need to thank Joe for his long service as music Director of the Three Rivers Chorus. Joe added an extra dimension to all our shows and performances. It was his wish that we seek a new director, hopefully one with good teaching ability to supplement directing. We think we have found that in Ron Brooks When Joe returns (soon we hope) he will continue as an assistant director.
On September 30, while Joe was still at Shady Side Hospital following his surgery, Greater Pittsburgh members Fred Dean, Skip Gillis, Jim Hughes, Jim McCarthy and Jim Shields stopped in and sang to Joe to cheer him up. It must have helped as the guys report that Joe joined in the singing. They presented Joe a card that read:
Thanks for being a friend.
Perhaps you didn't know, Joe
But when you dfrected,
we sang with get-up-and-go
That surely resurrected...
The Three Rivers Chorus
We love you, Joe -
Corrections to JULY-AUGUST bulletin:
In Lou Vlahos bio, station WNES should have been WENS. In anniversary listing, Don & Ruth Anderson should have read Don & Ruby. Sorry about that Ruby.
Thank you, Fred & Pat Dean
Back on August 30, when it looked like we would have to cancel our weekly meeting due to open house at the school, Fred & Pat Dean offered their home for our meeting and even provided great food and drinks to boot. How great was that! Thanks Fred and Pat and keep us posted on happenings down on the Florida Keys this winter.
I received a letter dated September 22, 2005 from the Pittsburgh Metro Chapter and the Allegheny Prime Time Chorus (SAI). They are jointly working on the Third Annual Harmony Festival to be held November 12 at the Boyce Campus of COAC. This event is a High School Harmony Festival aimed at helping to propagate an interest in barbershop singing in our youth. It also includes a short workshop.
Last year over eighty student from six schools attended a 2-hour workshop and then participated in the festival which featured nine singing group (quartets and small ensembles).
The full details are too lengthy to include here, but the two organizations are seeking help (financial or otherwise) from other BHS or SAl groups in the area.
Perhaps we should get involved? Anybody wanting more info. on this event may contact the editor.
I have often encouraged chapter members to remember to check out our website. Our "webmaster" Bernie Sinwell is doing a terrific job keeping the site relevant and up to date. All the info on Ron Brooks is already there. Wondering about events? The calendar is kept up to date. Miss a bulletin? Every bulletin from the last two years is there. Bernie has included many good links including the on-line Cider Press.
However if you are still using a wooden pencil sharpened with a pocket knife, you'll have to depend on the bulletin and here-say.
I often post copies of "Livewire" on the chapter bulletin board. The current October 7 issue is too lengthy (ten pages) to do so, so I encourage you to download and read. There is some very interesting information there on:
· Singing legal music
· Society membership growth
· Barbershop podcast on the web
· Classes at midwinter convention
· Job opening for Society Director of Music & Education
· AISQC show at midwinter convention