[This is part two of a five part series written by Bill Biffle, BHS director, music category judge and Society board member.]

Last month we began this series of steps to better singing by talking about posture. I know you have all spent the last few weeks [two months] working on developing a good, upright, relaxed stance as a habitual foundation for good singing. (If not, go back and begin! This posture is ABSOLUTELY necessary if you are to benefit from what follows). Well then, its time to proceed to Step Two - INHALATION.

O.K., you say, what's the big deal, I already know how to inhale - I do it all the time! Well, so you do, but maybe not in the way to best help you enjoy singing. Read on!

Proceeding from the position of good posture (well balanced body, pelvis tucked, chest expanded, shoulders down and relaxed, head centered, neck free), slowly breathe in through the nose, very deeply, and feel the area around the belt line expand (front, rear and sides). Remember, the chest should be comfortably raised and expanded. If you have difficulty producing this feeling, sit on the edge of a chair with your elbows on your knees and breathe deeply through the nose. This will let you feel the expansion around the belt line that is the basis for the "singer's breath."

Secondly, stand in front a mirror and monitor your chest (look at the top button of your shirt) as you breathe in deeply as described above. There should be no, make that NO, movement of your upper chest area (which is, of course, already expanded). Repeat this process several times. (Be careful of hyperventilation! If you feel dizzy, stop for awhile).

It may be helpful to think of this process as expanding the muscles around the belt line, thereby creating a vacuum into which the air will rush. However you visualize it, it is vitally important for the sides, front and back of the area below the rib cage to be involved.

As a last point, try to feel (and imagine) the area below the stomach going down as you inhale. This will further allow the expansion you need to occur.

Now, kiddies, you MUST practice this for a few minutes each day. If you will, these movements will become habitual in a very short time. Good inhalation habits, coupled with an upright, relaxed posture, will MEASURABLY improve your singing and your enjoyment of this great hobby.

TRY IT, YOU'LL LIKE IT! I PROMISE!

Next month, tah, daaah! - INHALATION II! Good luck and good singing!

Yes, the year was 1977 and the Pittsburgh Chapter was meeting Monday nights at the Elks in downtown Pittsburgh. They had not yet merged with the East Suburban chapter to become Greater Pittsburgh. Thanks to the efforts of nominating chair- man Bob Hyland the officers and board elected for 1977 were: Ed Kreger, president; George Carter, Adm. VP; George Kosak, Program VP; Dave MacDonald, secretary; Joe Veltre, treasurer; and board members; Bob Hyland, Paul Pyentz, Dave Belch, Walt Eibeck, B. Marchuska, "Bud" Ditrovati, George Mayer, Joe Giarusso and Ed Esposito.

Jack Owens was our area counselor. Lou Sisk was the chorus director and bulletin editor.

George Kosak, the outgoing 1976 president was awarded Barbershopper of the Year for 1976. Lou Sisk was stepping down after serving nine years on the JAD Board highlighted by two years as District President and two years on the international board.

The bulletin 'was called the Pitch-Burgher and was usually two or three pages which editor Lou Sisk had to bang out on a typewriter [remember them?].

Several guests nights were held throughout the year and were known as AFA nights, which stood for Audition For Admission. Thanks to such AFA nights, the membership was 78 (18 new members joined in 1976.

Predominant chapter quartets included, Circle W Four, Knight Gallery, Pittsburgh 4, Road Show and Rearrangement. In those days all chapter quartets got to sing on the annual show in what was a "parade"' of quartets. The chorus was known as the PIttsburgh Good Tyme Music Company. Some popular repertoire songs at that time included, Alone Medley, Mother; Curse Of An Aching Heart and It's A Good Day

At the January ladies night it was noted that our current director, Ron Brooks, was too young to date (thirteen) but was a good dancer. In those days he had yet to wear a chicken outfit or an ape suit.

The annual show was held at Carnegie Music Hall on April 23, 1977 and was not without some problems. Show chairman Joe Veltre had to contend with problems such as a change in venue, the emcee Bill Hillgrove canceling one hour prior to show time (he was replaced by Mike McGann of WTAE), and the dressing room ceiling falling on the Golden Triangle Sweet Adelines and sending two ladies to the hospital. Tom O'Malley conducted an audience sing-along while things were gotten under control back stage. The Eastemaires presented a super musical comedy package. Sam Prellwitz hosted the afterglow at the Mosque.

Show tickets costs $5, $4 and $3 and the after- glow tickets were $3.50.

See year 1977 continued on page 8...