| Golden Memories | SWD International Quartet Champions |
| in 1986 they all became fast friends. Jeff spent
time coaching the quartet. Greg decided to quit and join the reunited Dealer's
Choice in the fall of 1988 so Todd moved to tenor and Jeff stepped in to
fulfill the last scheduled performances. As the 80's came to an end, so
did the quartet with Dan Bell deciding to retire from the quartet.
The multiple combinations had lasted ten years, produced two recordings
and won the 1987 Southwestern District quartet championship.
In December of 1989, Jeff, Todd and Jason auditioned Rick Middaugh (lead of the Yankees) for a new quartet geared toward competition. With just minor adjustments the foursome created some awesome sounds that convinced them that this was going to be something special. They continued to rehearse but kept a low profile. The Class of the 80's made their final appearance at the January 12, 1990 Vocal Majority installation banquet where Dan announced his retirement. The new quartet (still to be named) then sang and were very well received. On February 17, 1990 they took part in a new society program called "Top Gun" with the Southwestern District bringing in top notch coaches and inviting some of the Southwestern District's top quartets to a weekend of intense instruction. The coaches participating were Steve Plumb, Larry Ajer, Darryl Flynn, and Don Clause, The seminar was a huge success and this new quartet was the hit of the weekend. This unique new sound needed a unique new name and Acoustik" was chosen just before prelims. The impact they made was reminiscent of the Dealer's Choice when they first sang. Everyone knew this quartet had the potential to make an impact. Top notch quartets attract top notch support. Armed with new arrangements from Ed Waesche, more advice from Clause and Ajer, and new fans cheering them on, Acoustix won prelims and began preparing for their first International (the previous year Class of the 80's had come in 14th). All were already veteran barbershoppers and musicians. Oxley, came from Ohio and Bowling Green State University. He had sung in several operas with the Michigan Opera Theater. He joined the Society in 1980 and won the gold with his first quartet, The Rap scallions (1984). Jason January joined the Dallas Town North chapter at the young age of 16 and by 19 was singing with the VM. He'd been ban section leader and an active member of the music staff for many years. Jason had also been a member of the New Orleans chapter while attending Tulane for a short time. He won his |
first Southwestern District quartet championship
with Gatsby four years before winning with Class of the 80's.
Rick Middaugh (pronounced "Mid Awe ") came from Ohio where his grandfather was an active quartet man in the 40's with the "Song Peddlers". Rick's dad was also a Society member and sang with the Limelighters". Rick had no choice but to join the Society when he was 15 and sing with his dad in "Status Symbol". Rick won the Johnny Appleseed District quartet championship in 1982 with New Regime. He joined the Dallas Town North chapter and is still a member. Todd Wilson's barbershop family tree is well known. A 25-year member of the Society, he grew up hearing the Suntones rehearse in his living room as his dad, Harlan, was the baritone. On moving to Dallas in 1982, Todd joined the VM and has been tenor section leader for many years. Acoustix showed up in San Francisco an unknown, but soon talk of "here's one to watch" was heard. By the time they had finished the first set wearing their" dress-white military uniforms" and singing their WWI Medley and So Long, Mother rumor of an upset was spreading fast. in the semi-finals they did their Irish set with Four Leaf Clover
and Irish Lullaby. It had been 17 years since anyone had won on their
first time out so such a miracle wasn t even being contemplated by the
spectators (with a few Southwestern District exceptions).
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How It All Began Chapters Chapter Histories International Quartet Champions Choruses Administration
Contests and Conventions Registered Quartets Publications Recognitions In Conclusion