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Farewell Keysers... continued from page 1


 Russ was president of GreaterPittsburgh five times, served in every other office, is a member of our Hall Of Fame, was named Barbershopper Of The Year, sang in numerous quartets, and the list goes on and on. Whenever volunteers were needed or chapter functions needed assistance, you can bet that Russ was there pitching in and doing his all to help. And right behind Russ would be Jane backing him up, encouraging him, and doing her bit via the original "Tag-a-longs" and later, the "Silent Notes."

I mentioned that Greater Pittsburgh Chapter was a participant in this testimonial because it pertained to much more than just Barbershopping. Russ and Jane were fully active in a wide variety of church and community affairs. Both were very active at Beulah Church were Jane was an usher for many years and both Russ and Jane served on various committees and participated in many church activities. Russ and Jane were active volunteers in the local Meals On Wheels program. Russ was a veteran and a professional driver who had handled every type of vehicle from large trucks to limos to driving the Forest Hills Flivver.

The Keyser's often opened their home to host persons from out of town, who may have been total strangers, but had come to Pittsburgh in connection with family members receiving medical attention at local hospitals and they needed a place to stay. Such is the nature of this wonderful couple.

Thus the gathering this day at Beulah Church consisted of Barbershoppers, church members, Meals On Wheels participants, members of other groups I failed to record, family and friends. The Three Rivers Chorus gave Russ and Jane a singing send off with a short performance of selected Barbershop songs. We all wish both Russ and Jane the best in their new life in North Carolina. Russ assures us that he plans to stay active in Barbershopping and hopes that members will visit him in North Carolina.



The Christmas carol "What Child Is This?" takes the melody of Greensleeves." The melody of "Greensleeves" was written by no less personage than Henry VIII, who was quite a musician when not disposing of wives, founding the Episcopal church and so on. The name of the song refers to ladies of easy virtue who stained Their sleeves while rolling in the grass.

(Sources: PBS radio broadcast and Kira Prewiti, SAI and worker at a medieval festival.)




Chorus Performance (the year in review) By Jay Garber, Chorus Manager

2004 was an enjoyable and successful singing year for the Three Rivers Chorus. We came close to our stated goal of two performances per month. We also had a much needed "shot in the arm" with a healthy dollar total from fees (In addition to a number of concerts done 'Pro Bono').

Our total number of performances for the year was 21. Of that number, 14 were daytime bookings. If my math is correct, that leaves seven for the evenings. Nine of the 'gigs' were scheduled on week-ends. Just as a guess, I would say the average chorus attendance was 25 members.

I realize that several of the performances were in close proximity, but there's not much I can do about that. We're at the mercy of our clients and we can only sing when they want us. I will try to do a better job of getting more night time jobs, so as to take advantage of using our not yet retired members.

If there is any criticism to be mentioned, it would be along the lines of member commitment. These performances are posted long in advance of the dates we sing. Let's try to do a better job of clearing those dates with other activities that put demands on our time. There's no reason we shouldn't have the same number of performance participants as those that reserve Tuesday rehearsal nights for their singing enjoyment.

I can't speak for everyone, but for me, standing in front of an appreciative audience and seeing their smiling faces, is what turns me on (and keeps me coming back). What about you?

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