| Golden Memories |
|
Chapters |
| .several prominent quartets during its 40 year history.
One of the first was "The Accidentals", with Dr. Tom Burrow at lead, Captain
Bob Wachter singing bass, Mack Dublin at ban, and Glen Chambers at tenor.
The Accidentais quicMy became a local favorite and existed for several
years (at least through 1969) with a few changes of singers. They were
among the finalists in the Dixie District Contest in 1959 at Mobile.
The Greater Litfie Rock Chapter became "The Diamond State Chorus" in the early 70's in honor of one of the mottoes of Arkansas and in recognition of the only state in the union with real diamond mines. They perhaps borrowed the name for a 1959 quartet in the chapter by the same name. Life was good in the Dixie District, but some of the distances were enormous; Litfie Rock was at the extreme western edge, and being totally involved would have meant traveling to Miami, Florida on occasion. So in 1978 they saw the greener pastures in east Texas and moved to the District of Champions, the great Southwestern! This paved the way for a reverse move by the Arkansas Razorbacks a couple of decades later. They were an immediate splash in the SWD, winning the small chorus championship in 1979. Quartets have always been the lifeblood of the Greater Litfie Rock chapter, beginning with The Four Specs and The Accidentals. Over the years the chapter has had well over 50 formal quartets, and many informal. There have been several "novice" quartet championships that created a great deal of interest in the chapter which now has four registered foursomes. These include the current Division VI Champs, the Magichords and Par Four, twice winners of the division. We've had a string of four of the last five division novice champions. A few years back, the class of the chapter and Dtamond State Chorus - Terry Mercing. Director |
division champ was Sound Confederation.
Our men are the heart of the chapter. We are tremendously indebted to our founders for laying a foundation of singing, organization and a reputation in the area that we are now trying to continue. Glen Chambers was also very active in the chapter from the beginning unffi failing health kept him from attending meetings a few years ago. Glen sang with the Accidentals and the Sound Confederation, two of our best ever. He was a talented musician, composer, and arranger and Society Judge. Despite poor health, he was able to attend the chapter show in 1994. The chorus sang one of his original songs and recognized him from the stage. It was a moving tribute and was very timely since Glen passed away in September of that year. One of the early giants in the chapter was Captain Bob Wachter. Bob, an officer at Litfie Rock Air Force Base, served as director for a time and sang in several quartets. The oldest barbershopper in the chapter, in terms of Society membership, is Arley Robbins. He was a member of the Stuttgart chapter in 1953, before the Greater Litfie Rock chapter was formed, and sang with both chapters for several years. When the Grand Prairie chorus faded, Arley moved his membership to Litfie Rock, and has been here ever since. He has been making the 120 round trip almost every week since, and often twice a week for chorus and quartet rehearsals. Arley is now in his 80's and his current quartet, Chord Collection, won the Division VI Novice quartet championship at Hot Springs in September, 1995. Past SWD President Julian White is another notable, coming from Greater Litfie Rock to serve the Society and the District in many roles over the years. He was named Southwestern District |
Diamond State Chorus - Terry Mercing, Director
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Contents |
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How It All Began Chapters Chapter Histories International Quartet Champions ChorusesAdministration
Contests and Conventions Registered Quartets PublicationsRecognitions In Conclusion