Golden Memories SWD Chapters
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Big "D" Chorus by Royce Parish - Chapter Historian |
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Dallas Big "D" Chorus, 1951
| The Big D Chapter of SPEBSQSA was chartered on September
12, 1946, with 16 men. The first president was Walter Scheible, then the
principal of Crozier Tech High School. First chorus director was "Pop"
Myers, the program director of radio station WRR. "Pop" was also famous
for his early TV commercial for Wolf Brand Chili. "How long has it been
since you had a bowl of Wolf Brand Chili? Well, that's too long."
The Big D Chorus has had many meeting sites in Dallas. The first meeting place was the downtown YMCA. The longest running and most notable was the Adolphus Hotel prior to its renovation into an upscale hotel - subsequently there has been "no room at the INN" for us. Other sites have included the Melrose, the defunct Dunfey's (we did not cause its demolition), White Plaza, Sheraton Southland Center, Grand, and now the Walnut Hill Recreation Center. By 1947, membership had swelled to 32 men. O.F. Jones, co-author of "Sweet Roses of Morn" was a Big D member. The song was copyrighted in 1949. Early chapter members tended to be lots of "good-old-boys" from the Dallas business community. From day one, Big D was a quartet chapter. A partial list would include the following listed in alphabetical order with voice parts listed top to bottom: |
Alter -Tones
Keith Houts, Phil Leslie, Jim Massey, Jim Wilson. Ascots John Wiggs, Bill Thornton, Paul Canthron, Royce Parish. Others at times were Jim Jenny (L), Don Otte (T), and Ron Schmidt (Br). Atmosphere D.C. McNeely, Louie Mullican, Paul Cauthron, Bill English. Beau Jesters Radio stars of the late 40's, went to International in 1950. Original members were Joe Huray, Don King, Don King, and Wally Bradford. Harold Rusk (t) and Art Haynes (t) were later members. Cliff Men Guy McShan, Bev Patterson, Les Swanson, and Wickie McMee. Dallasaires Harold Rusk, Joe Lewis, Ernie Boring, and Aylett Fitzhugh. Went to International twice - 11th in 1952. Dealer's Choice Al Kvanli, Louie Mullican, Bill Thornton, Gary Parker. Original version of this later famous group. All but Al were Big D members. Later as a VM quartet Thornton switched to lead, Brian Beck took over as bari, Louie dropped out and, as they say. . . the rest is history. |
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How It All Began Chapters Chapter Histories International Quartet Champions ChorusesAdministration
Contests and Conventions Registered Quartets Publications Recognitions In Conclusion