Keep the Whole World
Singing!
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A Monthly Publication of The Barbershop Harmony
Society, Kalamazoo Chapter of SPEBSQSA
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Alexander Boltenko, Editor ad interim |
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The Mall City Chorus meets Tuesday Evenings at 7:00
p.m. at the Wesley Foundation on the WMU Campus
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Volume 3 No. 1/2002 |
January 2002
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CONTENTS OF THE ISSUE Goals and Objectives
for 2002 |
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You are reading the first Bulletune in 2002. Dan Crampton, the Editor, who has resurrected the Bulletune, has chosen to cool it for a while and this is a new old Bulletune. There may be some rough edges so bear with for some time until a new editor steps forward (or Dan chooses to come back editing).
I felt there were so many things we needed to share with all the Chapter members that Bulletune should be back. So don’t kick the volunteer too hard, he’s doing the best he can (and English is not his native tongue).
We will have a lot of fun this month. The Music Man comes to town on January 29. Read about it further down, and please come see it on BARBERSHOP NIGHT Thursday, January 31, 2002.Miller Auditorium will give a 20% discount for anyone who calls or shows up at the Ticket Office and asks for “BARBERSHOP DISCOUNT”. Our chapter will be active and visible on that BARBERSHOP NIGHT, so come early!
Alexander Boltenko, editor a.i.
aboltenko@mindspring.com
http://barbershopharmony.org
The new Board met last Wednesday, January 16 to review our Chapter’s Goals and Objectives. Present were Dave Dolph, Ed Fritzen, Chris Fenner, Steve and Matt Root, John VanWestrienen, John Fair, Raleigh Bloch, Andy Bird, John Fair and Alexander Boltenko. Raleigh led the discussion and we after the brainstorm 27 objectives were identified and ranked. As the result, for the next meeting on January 23 the following 14 goals were selected for further discussion:
Ø 12 new members
Ø 5 reinstated members
Ø Be on their calendars
Ø Be in each others programs
Ø Miller Auditorium
Ø WMU School of Music
Ø Wesley Foundation
Ø Chorus retreats
Ø Crafts sessions
Ø Coaching sessions
Please, feel free to let Board know your thoughts or come to the meeting, the list is not final yet.
We have been in touch with The Miller Auditorium about The Music Man Broadway production that will be at Miller January 29 – February 3. The touring company has agreed to give all barbershoppers, our friends and fans a 20% discount at Miller Ticket Office when we ask for BARBERSHOP DISCOUNT. This discount is valid for all the days, except Friday, Saturday and Sunday night performances. We have chosen Thursday, January 31 as the BARBERSHOP NIGHT. Come and enjoy the show! Here’s what we discussed with Miller Auditorium:
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We will go on the air January
28 in the morning (WKZO) and at 4:06pm
to talk about Meredith Willson, who was Honorary Life Member of the Barbershop
Harmony Society, traditions that this long-standing friendship has created,
Barbershop quartets that sang in The Music Man (The Buffalo Bills on Broadway
and in 1962 film) and the current show, that our Society helped to promote when
it opened on Broadway.
·
Steve Wilde (a.k.a. Steve
Iannacchione, Tenor of “Joker's Wild”,
1994 International Champion!!!), who is member of 2001-2002 North American
Broadway Tour is helping to get us to meet and sing with the cast.
·
We can send quartet downtown
to the Epic Center Ticket Office and other venues (following your suggestions)
to sing to the public and help sell tickets. We’d welcome you to use the
quartet's presence in the lobby in your promotion of the show ... come early and
hear some off-stage barbershop ... quartet entertainment during intermission
... meet the show quartet after the show ... just some examples.
·
We would like to be part of
the welcoming team and closing party that Miller may want to put together for
the cast of The Music Man, showing local community appreciation.
·
We would like to get a
“Barbershop Night” during the show and bring lots of barbershoppers, families
and friends to the show by advertising through our Internet discussion group
PioNet (about 400 subscribers both barbershoppers and Sweet Adelines- women
barbershoppers). There are barbershop chapters in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids,
Battle Creek and in Niles (as well as across the State). Our objective is to
get 50-100 seats and we’d appreciate a 15-20% discount for that night.
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During the show (all or some)
we would like to have the poster and a quartet singing in the lobby before the
show (starting as soon as doors open), during intermission and after the show.
Not ostentatious and loud, just enough to draw attention. Not in the
high-traffic middle of the lobby, but to the side.
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We would like to invite the
touring quartet – The Hawkeye Four - to be in the lobby with you after the
show. Maybe even sing a show tune or tag with them as an octet.
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We can offer some barbershop
gifts, souvenirs and CD’s, like The Buffalo
Bills (from the original Broadway cast) from the Society for sale during
the show (a sample page is enclosed)
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We would like you to place our ad for March 9 annual show
(2 1/8 x 3 1/8 “) in The Music Man program. We will offer you’re the full ad
page in our annual show program, if you agree to publish our ad for free. (This
was the only item Miller could not do. Instead they offered the stuffer)
Present: Alex Boltenko, Raleigh Bloch, John Fair, Al Grieser, Clair Branch, David Dolph, and John vanWestrienen.
The Secretary’s minutes were approved as submitted.
The Treasurer reported receipts of $1,239.27 and expenses of $1,86.30 with a balance on hand of $8,806.98. The Treasurer’s report was approved as submitted.
The Music Committee’s 2002-2003 season concept as attached was approved with the requirement that a budget proposal must be submitted to the board for approval.
Alex Boltenko was given approval to check into prices for putting an advertisement in the program for the Music Man at Miller Auditorium on January 29th thru February 3rd. Also he will see if we may be permitted to have a quartet sing in the lobby.
It was reported that the possibility of having a Gold Medal Director (either Jim Miller or Joe Buckner) direct the Competition Chorus was being considered.
The cost to make our riser trailer more road worthy and safe will be determined before we have it painted with Mall City Chorus identification.
Return of uniforms from inactive members was discussed. More assertive methods will be used.
The 2002 Annual Show Committee has not been appointed as yet but will be done by late December. Lori Moore will be our Master of Ceremony. John Fair volunteered to handle the advance ticket sales. A discussion was held about ticket prices was held and tabled, as prices for the 2002 Show have been set.
It was reported that expenses were greater than income on the Christmas Benefit Show. There is a small amount of ticket money still to come in.
The Singing Valentine Program needs a Chairman. Al Grieser will announce at next Tuesday meeting.
Kalamazoo Chapter has committed to hosting the Fall 2002 Pioneer District Convention to be held in Battle Creek.
A discussion was held on the resignation of Dan Crampton as Bulletune Editor. The Board will try to resolve the problem.
Meeting adjourned at 9:25 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
John vanWestrienen, Sec’y.
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Congratulations to Larry Flegal (1/11) and Herm Dykema (1/12) on their 80th birthdays. Their dedication and enthusiasm give us excellent example to follow! Happy Birthday to: |
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Ron Bower, George Dieffendeferfer & Jerry Ditto |
January 1 |
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Bill West |
January 6 |
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Richard Kelly |
January 23 |
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Karl Mueller |
January 30 |
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Claire Branch |
February 6 |
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Alexander Boltenko & Adam Swager |
February 18 |
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Gene Hanover |
February 19 |
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Jeddy Wilson (Chuck’s wife) |
February 23 |
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Chris Fenner |
February 28 |
Raleigh Bloch)
The Southwestern Michigan Chorus is off to a great start. The first night (January 8th) saw 40 men from Battle Creek and Kalamazoo getting together at the Wesley foundation on the campus of Western Michigan University. During the evening 30 men auditioned and were accepted into the competition chorus. Ed Fritzen and Gene Hanover conducted auditions. This took the entire evening. Each man was given not only an audition, but also an evaluation, with suggestions on how they might improve their vocal production. With the acceptance they were each given the music that will be used in competition. Learning tapes are being produced by Quick Start Vocal Productions of Kitchner Ontario. Of the two songs in the Railroad Package, “I’ve Been Working On The Railroad” and “Alabama Medley”, we have the learning tapes for “I’ve Been Working On The Railroad”. Those tapes have been distributed to those who passed the audition. The Alabama Medley tape should be here in about a week.
While this was going on, Chris Fenner directed the combined chorus in warm-ups, fun singing, quarteting, tag singing, etc. In addition to having a good time, we attracted one completely new member and an old member who wants to be a part of this effort.
We are now inviting other chapters to be a part of this effort. Benton Harbor has expressed interest and Gene Hanover will be inviting them this week. As of this writing we now have 33 members. Others who were unable to be at our first meeting have said they want to be a part of this as well. Indications are that we should not have a problem getting over 40 qualified and dedicated singers.
On March 23rd we will have our first of five coaching sessions. The Steering Team has decided to start off with coaching in the singing category. Brian Barford of Cincinnati, Ohio has accepted our offer to coach us that day. We will fly him in the night before. Brian is an International level coach and we are fortunate to get him.
Our next rehearsal, which will actually be our first using the competition music, will be Monday January 28th 7:30pm at Battle Creek. Meet at the Birchwood United Methodist Church at the corner of Gethings and Helmer Rd. Take exit 95 (Helmer Rd) off of I-94, go North to Gethings Road (Second Light on Helmer going North from I-94)
Members are expected to be off the paper on “I’ve Been Working On The Railroad”. Music will not be allowed on the risers. Each member is expected to know the notes and words the first night. We will be working on sound, singing and interpretation.
If you are interested and would like to audition for the chorus, attend any meeting of the Battle Creek or Kalamazoo Chapters or contact Ed Fritzen or Gene Hanover.
For those of you who have not seen the purpose statement of this new chorus it is as follows:
To compete in the International
Barbershop Contest in July 2003 in Montreal, Canada.
That means we have to win the Pioneer District 2002 Fall Contest.
Let’s do it!
YOURS IN “CHAMPIONSHIP” HARMONY
Steering Team Members:
Raleigh Bloch, David Dolph, Chris
Fenner, Al Grieser, Gene Hanover - Kalamazoo
Dorn Burrill, Ed Fritzen, Ben Jerzyk, Roger Lewis, Steve Schoenleber – Battle Creek
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DATE |
EVENT |
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February 2, 8 p.m. Colt Center, Comstock Auditorium |
SWEETCORN, bluegrass band with vocalist LORRAIN CARON (yes, the girl from WMUK!). $9 |
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February 8-9, 8 p.m. Dalton Center Recital Hall |
Gospel Festival featuring, i.a. Myron Cobbs & A New Song (remember them from Habitat?) |
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February 9, 8 p.m. Kalamazoo Institute of Arts |
Jazz Vocalist Sunny Wilkinson and Rick Holland Quartet. 387-2300 $20 |
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February 10, 3 p.m. First Presbyterian Church |
Sacred Music of the Early English Church. Presented by Society for Old Music. $10 ($8 seniors) |
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February 15,7:59pm, February
16, 2002, 7:29pm
Clarenceville High School Auditorium Middlebelt Road, South of Eight Mile Road Livonia, Michigan |
The Detroit-Oakland Chapter is pleased to present
its For info contact Tom Uicker (248) 559-7082 T_Uicker@hotmail.com |
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February 15, 4 p.m. Stetson Chapel |
Master class by Quink – Netherlands’s premier vocal ensemble gives classes for Kalamazoo Chamber Choir and local high school choir. Free |
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February 16, 2 and 8 p.m. Miller Auditorium |
Gold Company student vocal jazz ensemble annual concert - a Must-See event! |
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February 16, 8 p.m. Stetson Chapel |
Quink performs music from different periods in authentic style. $18 |
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February 21-22, 9:30-1:30, Stetson Chapel |
High School
Choral Festival Choral clinician Rodney Eichenberger of Florida State working with nine high school
choirs. Free
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February 21, 7:30 p.m. Miller Auditorium |
Boys
Choir of Harlem, A repertoire embracing classical and modern music, popular song,
spiritual, gospel and jazz highlighted by choreography. $12-27
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February 27, 8 p.m. Dalton Center Recital
Hall |
m-pact (a cappella vocal jazz
quintet). $15
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February 28, 8 p.m. Dalton Center Recital
Hall |
Live
from New York,
featuring Billy Drewes, saxophone, Andy LaVerne, piano, Tom Knific, bass,
Jamey Haddad, drums. $15
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Watch for 64th Southwest Michigan Vocal
Festival in March!
This is a first attempt to record for the future our performances (not singouts!):
December 1, 2001, Haven Reformed Church, performed at chapter’s Christmas show with Kalamazoo Children’s Chorus in front of audience of 225.
December 11, Merril Residence, Christmas show for about 150, traditional
December 19, Directors’ Hall, Christmas show, about 30, traditional
January 19Habitat for Humanity, first time, audience of 300, together with Myron Cobbs & New Song
Does
anybody want to be the chapter’s historian and write this column?
Four Part Digital Surround Sound Updates
FPDSS is still trying to stay active in the midst of hip surgery (Matt), a full
class load (Chris), a busy current chapter president (David), and a busy
outgoing chapter president (Al). Over the Christmas break, we had the
opportunity to sing for a private family party, which they absolutely
loved. It must have been the best we
have ever sung as a quartet. We also sang Christmas Carols at two WMU Broncos
basketball games. They liked us so much that they have offered to have us sing
the national anthem at another basketball game. In addition, they will give us
a couple of advertising announcements during the game and allow us to leave
material at their promotional table for our annual show and the singing
valentines. While the Music Man is in town at Miller Auditorium, our quartet
will try to sing at as many shows as possible during intermission, including
barbershop night!
Chris Fenner
VP Music & Performance
fennertree@aol.com
Mall City Chorus Brings Acoustix to the Zoo
For the past couple of years, the Mall City Chorus music team has had two
goals: to bring an international champion quartet to Kalamazoo and to foster a
relationship with the school of music at WMU. In September of 2002, we might be
in a position to do both. The Mall City Chorus is proposing to bring Acoustix
to WMU in cooperation with the Jazz Studies department. Acoustix is a prime
candidate for the job, considering their experience in both barbershop and
vocal jazz. The Jazz Studies department at WMU has a tremendous amount of
experience in bringing good acts to WMU. In the last two years alone, they have
brought Take 6, Janis Seigel (Manhattan Transfer), and Ward Swingle, and this
year they are bringing in Bobby McFerrin and the Dave Brubeck Quartet.
The Acoustix/WMU concert has already
drawn interest from Carl Doubleday in the concerts office at the School of
Music. To give you an idea of who Carl Doubleday is, if there is any concert or
recital at the School of Music,
Carl Doubleday knows about it and approves it. Carl Doubleday made a wonderful
proposition. He offered to have Acoustix sing on the School of Music's
Convocation Series on Wednesday, September 25th at 1:00. All music
majors at WMU are required to attend these weekly concerts, which would
guarantee exposure to the student body and possibly raise interest in a full
concert that would be held the same evening. Most recently, the Convocation
Series has included the Brazilian Guitar Quartet.
At this point, the Mall City Chorus needs
to contact Dr. Stephen Zegree, chairman of the Jazz Studies department and
director of Gold Company. It shouldn't be hard to convince Dr. Zegree that
Acoustix is fabulous. Acoustix
sent us a beautiful promo kit, and both Acoustix and Gold Company have
commissioned works from the same renowned jazz arranger, Gene Puerling. The
biggest issue will be money, considering that Acoustix doesn't come cheaply.
Hopefully, with Dr. Zegree's experience in bringing Take 6 to town, he will be
able to help us come up with a plan for accomplishing this feat.
Those who were at Habitat for Humanity performance last Saturday
should remember this gospel group that performed so great and inspirationally
that made me think – Lord, Kalamazoo is blessed with gospel groups as well!
Martin Luther King Music celebration at Tabernacle Church of God In Christ
(Myron used to be a worship minister at this church) last Monday proved it
beyond any doubt. What a great group and what a great director! Wait for their
first CD due at the end of February.
AB
