Golden Memories Page 101

Golden Memories SWD Chapters

GREATER FORT SMITH, AR
The Riverblenders Chorus
bby Laird King

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Ft. Smith Riverblenders Chorus, 1983

The Greater Fort Smith Chapter really began with a short "Prelude". In 1965 the Founder's Chorus of Tulsa under director Morris "Mo" Rector and their 1958 International Quartet winners, The Gaynotes, tried to encourage a new chapter in Fort Smith.
This WestArk chapter faltered within three years but in 1979 five of its members, Gilmer Dixon, Eldon Newsom, Jack Rowland, Joe Rowland, and Dale Woods (director) joined with George Spicer, first treasurer and Todd Clodfelder, first president, to organize the new chapter. George Musgrave and Laird King from chapters in California and Colorado were among the 53 members listed on the program of the chapter's first show on May30, 1981 and are still attending in 1995. Others still active are Ron Bergenstock (present director), Scott Monroe, Jack and Joe Rowland, Roy Thomas and Dale Woods. Julian White of

North Littie Rock soon became interested in the new chapter and his attention was a great incentive to continue. Our charter night was April 12, 1980.
An early impetus to the chapter was our visit to a Fun Festival in Texarkana where we first met Bob Johnson, the Society's Director of Musical Services. COTS, sing-outs, Logopedics and other community services soon became part of the activities.
Musical directors have included Dale Woods, Robert Spicers, Bill Spilman and now Ron Bergenstock. Chapter presidents have included Todd Clodfelder, George Spicer, Kenny Smith, David Cloninger, Roy Thomas, Hank Spruce, Lee Bohnenkamper, Bill Spilman and J.G. Rodden, Dale
Woods, Laird King, Jim Whitby, and Jim Ash. Dale Woods has been the bulletin editor since the 1965 beginning. Our registered quartets have included "The

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Table of
Contents

Sections:
How It All Began Chapters Chapter Histories International Quartet Champions Choruses Administration
Contests and Conventions Registered Quartets Publications Recognitions In Conclusion