We Perform
By Tom Koch
It is rewarding to be able to report that, thanks in large part to the efforts of our chorus manager Jay Garber, our Three Rivers Chorus has been active doing many performances. Isn't that what it's all about, guys?
Going back to August 21, the chorus did their yearly performance af the Pressley Ridge School, All- Star Ice Cream Sunday Festival. This event, presented by Hagan Ice Cream, benefits the Pressley Ridge Opportunity Fund which aids troubled children and their families. As usual, all the guys enjoyed themselves singing, wandering the exhibits and eating as much free ice cream as they could.
One week later on August 28, we performed at the Ambridge Chamber of Commerce 100 celebration to a very small crowd with a stand-in director (Jay Garber) and with lots of perspiration due to the very hot weather.
On Sunday, September 11, we entertained residents of the Mt. Vernon of South Park Home. An enthusiastic audience made the long drive to the home very worth while. This performance was followed up on September 14 when we sang to another good crowd of octogenarians at a Senior Group at Sto-Rox Plaza. Our selection of "up tunes" had many of them foot tapping, despite their age.
September 22, the chorus traveled to the Greentree Holiday Inn and performed at a WW2 Navy Reunion for crew members from the USS Cavalier. It made us, "stick out your chest" proud when we noted the audience reaction to our patriotic songs.
On September 23, our members from South Hills got a break on travel when the chorus performed to another Senior's group at the Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church on Old Clairton Road. This group gave us a very enthusiastic response complete with their own emcee dressed in stripes, arm garters and straw hat.
October 17, we performed at the Grandview Golf Club for a Greek travel club, the YASOU Club, of which our assistant director, Lou Vlahos is a member. Right after we sang, most of the chorus signed up to travel out of the country [only kidding - we did good!].
Incidentally, you may recall that in the July- August bulletin edition of this column, it was reported that the chorus sang at the opening season game of the Pittsburgh Colts, a semipro football team. We did the National Anthem and entertained at half time. Jay Garber did a follow up on the Colts and reports that they finished their season with an 11-1 record and are on their way to the NAFL Semipro playoffs. It would appear that our singing gave them enough inspiration to last the entire season. GO COLTS!
Turning to quartet action, the Random Choice quartet was out singing and demonstrated their "random" nature by using several substitutes at various performances.
On August 14, "RC" sang in Delmont as part of a fund raiser event being held to benefit a local fireman who had a stroke. The quartet this day consisted of Bill Amos, Jay Garber, Bill Hamilton and Jim McCarthy. The event was arranged by Eric Koruzo who just happens to be Bill Amos' God son.
August 18, "RC" performed for the Level Green Seniors Club at the Level Green Lion's Club. On this day the quartet's registered members (Bill Amos, Bill Hamilton, Tom Koch and Jim McCarthy) performed.
August 27, "RC" did a yearly "walk about" performance at the 13th Annual Turtle Creek Community Days. Members at this job consisted of; Bob Cavanaugh, Gary Corpora, Bill Hamilton and Jim McCarthy. During this performances they were approached by a strolling young man who said he was a tenor, knew some barbershop and asked if he could sing a few numbers with them. So tenor Gary stepped aside and the quartet did a few polecat numbers with this guy. They were amazed at his wonderful voice. Turned out that he was Sean Moran who is the lead singer for the "Vogues" who were performing there on stage that night. Sean picked up his barbershop when he sang with the Indiana, Pa chapter (now defunct) for a short while.
September 7, "RC," using the registered members, sang at a 40th Anniversary Luncheon of the Trafford Senior Citizens. This took place at the Trafford Borough building.
On October 13, "RC" sang to lodge members and wives at the Masonic Lodge on Saltsburg Road in Penn Hills. The next day, the quartet sang at Royal Place for a golf outing banquet, with Ken Ernst filling in at baritone for Tom Koch.
In a double performance, the Pittsburgh Pals Of The Woodshed entertained at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater in the East Liberty section of Pittsburgh on August 12 and 13. "Pals Of The Wood Shed," for this performance, consisted of Max Brandt, baritone; Bill Hamilton, bass; Tom Palamone, Jr., lead and Tom Palamone, Sr., tenor. The "Pals of The Woodshed" were special guests artists as part of a two night show, Celebrating East Liberty 2005: The Gallery of Stars. Eighteen other performance groups rounded out this show, directed by Eileen J. Morris.
"Pals Of The Woodshed" evolved from The Pittsburghers that began back in 1946. Tom Palamone, Sr. was part of that quartet back then and got his gold medal when they were International Barbershop Quartet Champions in 1948.