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5a. The Lion Sleeps Tonight - Youth Harmony Camp
Posted by: "metropolisquartet" metropolisqtet@... metropolisquartet
Date: Mon Sep 14, 2009 9:11 pm ((PDT))

Hello, all -

I was looking over my music tonight for a Youth Harmony Camp that's being held
in Northern California in two weeks.

One of the songs that was chosen as part of the Youth Chorus performance package
was "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", arranged by the man who's responsible for both
myself and Bob Hartley, the Lead of Metropolis, being in barbershop in any
capacity, let alone directing, coaching or singing in quartets & choruses.

Those of you familiar with either Metropolis or The Ivy League would also
understand why this song has so much meaning for us and why it's being chosen as
a song to encourage our youth to harmonize.

Twenty-seven years ago, Scott, Bob, myself and our Bass, Dave Drouillard, were
in our late teens and early 20s and traveling around Michigan, Ohio and Indiana,
performing on local shows.

We were college students and among the few singing barbershop that we knew.
We'd sometimes drive in Scott's folks' car, a gray Chevy Cavalier - the coolest
thing about this car was that it had a cassette tape player. I'd put together a
mix tape for one of our longer trips with a whole bunch of songs that I enjoyed,
everything from Madonna's "Material Girl", to Sinatra singing "Cheek to Cheek"
and, of course, Robert John singing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight".

Scott asked to borrow the tape and the following week we had an arrangement that
I've sung in different quartets for almost the entire span of that time.

Why? Audiences of all ages enjoy it.

When Bob and I are at the Youth Harmony Camp in two weeks, we'll have since paid
our personal respects to Scott in a memorial service taking place this weekend.
We intend to honor him by ensuring that these kids have the absolute wackiest,
most enjoyable experience singing the tune as is possible.

However, the title of the song has begun to take on a different meaning for me
as of having seen this arrangement in published form - rather than in Scott's
own handwriting.

Scott was truly a Lion - he sang from his heart and entertained with every ounce
of his being... which was considerable. And now we come together for a final
time to lay him, as it were, to rest... to sleep. The best, lasting tribute I
can pay to him is to be certain that the arrangement's legacy remains with our
youth. As it should be.

Just thought I'd share.

Pax harmonia,

Brian Philbin
for The Ivy League

PS - Per the wishes of Scott's family, a memorial service will be held in the
Turnbull's home town of Clarkston, MI this Saturday, September 19, 2009 from
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM at:

Clarkston United Methodist Church
6600 Waldon Rd.
Clarkston, MI 48346
Phone: 248-625-1611

The service will be held in the Sanctuary and Don Kevern, a family friend, will
be officiating, joined by the surviving members of "The Ivy League" and we would
appreciate any barbershoppers' attendance. Partnering with Scott's family, we
will honor Scott's life and our memories of him in a ceremony particularly
suited to him.

Scott was a long-time Detroit Tigers fan, as well, and had developed a
tremendous social circle online at DTF1.net and we will be inviting Tigers Fans
from the site who also wish to attend. Please, no flammable liquids or firearms
and overturn no cars at this event.

Following the ceremony, in keeping with Scott's wishes, an afterglow will be
held in the church's Fellowship Hall following the ceremony.