Paul, you are right on track.
   WE are the CEOs of the Society.  A new CEO in Nashville is NOT going to do
anything to enhance our hobby.  A GREAT CEO might be able to increase the
membership of the Nashville chapter by about 50 or 60 members, and how many of
those will last out the year?

   I am the CEO of the Barbershop Harmony Society, my friends and neighbors know
me as a singer and a barbershopper.

   It is my job, each and every day to be a CEO; a Communicator, Entertainer, and
Organizer to make sure that these people that I see each and every week of my
life know that there are active and vital barbershop chapters in OUR community.
   It is my job in the chapter to Communicate, Encourage, and Organize us in
activities that are Clean Entertaining and Optimistic to make sure that we want
to come back next week to see old friends, bring new friends and Clearly Enjoy
Ourselves.

   Our declining membership is a symptom of something deeper that is wrong, it
shows that we don't want to grow, we have grown apathetic and satisfied with the
status quo.
   Many of you will say differently, but all you have to do is look around, the
successful chapters grow more successful.  The average Joe Barbershopper has NO
CHANCE of EVER singing on the International Stage in front of a huge audience,
the metrics just don't support it, less than ten percent of the chapters ever
compete in International each year, and many of those repeat year after year.

   We need to Clearly Evaluate Our priorities as members and chapter members. 
Our international CEO should be focused on things like, are our resources
concentrated in the right areas?  Should we spend so much time and effort in a
Huge International competition that draws less than 25 percent of the
membership?  Could those resources be better spent in smaller ways by making
sure that all of our chapters have a unified internet presence?  All of our
chapters are actively involved in our communities music programs?  Do all of our
chapters have a community service project that enhances exposure in the
community?

   There are roughly 28,000 members in the Barbershop Harmony Society organized
into roughly 800 chapters throughout the US and Canada.  That means there are at
least 800 opportunities that we can bring music to our friends and neighbors.
   That means that if just the 10 percent that work (an old cliche) we would
increase membership by almost 3000 by this time next year.
   We set lofty goals and unreasonable expectations as a group sometimes, but is
it unreasonable to think that in a year we could increase our numbers by a mere
10 percent?  At that rate we would double our membership in 7 to 10 years.

This post is too long already, but we all need to be CEOs.

Cheerfully Encouraging Others,

Doug Johnson
Robbinsdale Minnesota
--- In bbshop@yahoogroups.com, Paul Girard <paul.e.girard@...> wrote:
>
> And yet, in conversations, people overwhelmingly say, "Barbershop! I love that
stuff." or words to that effect.
> Maybe they think they're the only ones who feel that way because the comedians
(Cheers, Conan) treat it derisively - that's their job.
> Changing perception is the name of the game.
> Thing is, the perception of "wonderful music" already exists. Just need to let
everyone know it's OK to feel that way.
>
> Paul
>
> On Apr 27, 2012, at 12:28 AM, bbshop@yahoogroups.com wrote:
>
> > Re: CEO for a day
> > Posted by: "John" jg62bbshop@...   jg62bbshop
> > Thu Apr 26, 2012 10:10 am (PDT)
> >
> > <snip>
> > Why *not* call it barbershop? Because we haven't changed the public
perception/stigma of this unique style of a capella singing yet. For as much as
barbershop means to each and every one of us, it just doesn't mean that for
everyone else. And we have to realize that before we can go about trying to
change our image in their minds.
> >
> > <snip>
> > John Rentz
> >
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Dear Harmonet Audience:
 
Though this subject matter has arisen several times in different versions over
the years, it's always informative and surprising to hear these various
opinions.
 
My father and his Harpoon Harmonizers promoted their chapter on a local level,
sang for charitable organizations, made frequent visits to other Barbershop
chapters and had a successful chapter show.
 
The Harpoon Harmonizers were not International Champion contenders but it didn't
stop them from enjoying their hobby and the friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Attending their Friday night rehearsals brought back fond memories, introduced
new people to the four part harmony style and solidified the families on a
regular basis.
 
Did each and every member attend each rehearsal religiously? No.
Did every member sing in the chorus AND a quartet too? No.
Did all the membership attend every chapter show in the District? No.
 
Does this mean that they should be drummed out of the corps or have their
membership revoked? Of course not.
 
As with every hobby or interest, there are degrees of support. Some do
everything they can to financially do to support this Barbershop singing hobby.
Some people attend the annual show, while others attend the Division, District,
International and chapter events.
 
If you jog a few times a week does that mean you're expected to run the New York
and Boston Marathon each year? Certainly not.
 
Just because my father attended Grossingers, COTS School, all the Division,
District and International Contests & Conventions (along with his wife and
children) doesn't mean everyone in the SPEBSQSA, Inc. were doing the same.
 
In those days, Barbershopping was a way of keeping his family together while
sharing our love of singing harmony. Dad talked to complete strangers about this
hobby. We'd break into four part harmony right on cue. (Didn't everybody?)
Strangers would ask my father "Where did you learn how to sing like that?"
 
The Barbershop Harmony Society now has more programs to offer than ever before.
Finally, after all these decades, the style of Barbershop Quartet singing is
truly International. Both Youth and Senior singers are featured prominently.
 
That said, it is not up to the current membership to keep this hobby financially
afloat. We've been financially supporting our favorite singing hobby and it just
isn't enough to keep it going.
 
Is adding additional membership the answer?
Is raising the membership fee and convention ticket price the answer?
 
In this economy, where are we expected to find the funding to keep the
Barbershop hobby in the black?
 
Think outside the box.
Try new things.
Try old things.
Promote, Market and Sing your Hearts Out !
 
 Anaheim Convention attendance was expected to be much lower than previous
conventions, budget and ticket sales were a concern.
 
The Anaheim AIC Show Chairman called me. He was frustrated because he hadn't
heard back from Dick Van Dyke's contact man. Dick Van Dyke had been invited to
MC the AIC Show.
 
Let me share with you some of my ideas that I shared with the Anaheim AIC Show
Chairman:
 
"This is a Barbershop Quartet Convention," I said.
"Appeal to Dick Van Dyke's singing side of his personality. Invite the
Vantasticks to be featured instead of having him MC."  
 
"Draw up large signage with Dick Van Dyke's face and quartet prominently
featured and place them in all the Anaheim Hotels. Leave show tickets at the
Hotel.  Have a special seating section for these local Anaheim patrons and late
Anaheim ticket sales."
 
"During the AIC Show, welcome these new ticket patrons. Follow up with their
contact information to promote future Barbershop events to them," I  stated.
 
The Anaheim show chairman was also concerned about keeping the show from running
TOO long.
"Why don't you put a time clock on the stage near the footlights so that the
performers/quartets can watch their aloted time count down?," I suggested.
 
What matters most is that those whom are lucky enough to attend these Barbershop
contests have the best time possible within the financial parameters that work
for them. Whether you sing, judge, sit in the audience or listen to recordings,
Barbershop should be encouraged to everyone.
 
 
One of the areas we could expand on is to promote our Barbershop Convention and
Shows to the local audience in advance of its performance. There should be a
plan in place for follow-up and reinforcement of promotion of this idea.
 
Another area that should be considered is taking in advertisement money from all
the local hotels and restaurants that will be patronized by the conventioneers.
Instead of small print in the program, larger print (for those of us who wear
reading glasses) and coupons that promote patronage to these businesses.
 
If local shows can have boosters and local advertising support them, why not
think BIG !
 
Don't promise featuring just one business from that 'one market' ...encourage
competition and promote these brands. Have the Barbershoppers receive up front
discounts when using these businesses be it the Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton, etc.
 
This is also something that can be promoted with the airlines, restaurants and
transportation options.
 
Multiple brands and not featuring exclusiveness is worth it for the long haul.
 
Approach the major retailers in the area and promote them in the show and
contest programs.
 
Those of us who break into harmony will always love our hobby. Let's support
each other by taking steps to widen our appeal.
 
Thank you for letting me share these thoughts and ideas.
Yours in song,
Rosalind Severs-Frizzell
The Boston Shrimp

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Doug,

Thanks for your thoughts.  I have been enjoying your posts.

Just to keep you up to date.  We are rapidly approaching 22,500 members
(probably by mid year) not 28,000.   Also, the number of chapters has dropped to
770.   Last time I checked (about a year ago) we had 64 chapters with less than
8 members (8 are needed to maintain a charter).  Finally, the percentage of
chapters that actually get to the International stage, in any given year, is
approximately 4%.  In all this, only about 57% members show up at any chapter
event.   43% just don’t come any more.

Not trying to be nit picky----just thought you would like to know.

You are right about the sea of apathy in which we are drowning.   My best guess
as to cause is the aging of our society.   Over one half of all members are over
65 years of age.  On the other hand, our youth membership, up to and including
age 26 has remained static at 1250 for the past 9 months (at least it has not
dropped).

Most of the older members have never had to promote their chapter or recruit. 
They had a pretty stable audience for their annual shows and the new members
just kept showing up.   Now that things have dried up, they just seem to motor
on----meeting every Tuesday as the members slowly drop away.   Of all new
members, we lose over 50% in three years.

Retention is a critical problem.  If we simply retained more newly recruited
members we would be growing---not declining.  We have prepared a simple to use,
step by step program on how to treat guests in order to ensure that they become
committed, functional members of a chapter.  We just can’t get anyone
interested in reading it.

Many I have talked to say that it just isn’t fun any more.  There is a great
conflict between those just wanting to have fun and those wanting to work hard
all night to sing better and compete.   There are those that suggest that, if
you don’t want to compete, you should go find another chapter that just wants
to have fun.  The problem is that most of our chapters are in small towns and
there isn’t another choice.

Four things really seem to help:  First, singing better always attracts more
interested guests.  Second, coupled with singing well, community exposure is
vital.  Chapters just have to be active and willing performers in their
communities.  Thirdly, encouraging quartetting seems to be a hallmark of
successful chapters. Finally, getting the entire chapter involved and working
towards recruiting and retaining new members is critical.  Just one or two guys
can do a lot but it really has to be a chapter effort.

Operation Harold Hill, now in progress, has, as it’s basic foundation, the
involvement of the entire chapter in recruiting new members.

Of course, the magic ingredient in all of this is to do things to have fun.  
There are so many things that can be done in chapter meetings and particularly
outside of chapter meetings to have fun.   Just ask for ideas and watch your
mailbox get filled up with them.  These are the things that weave together the
fabric of the barbershop chapter.

Just as a personal coda, I think that youth are going to be the salvation of our
society.  If the kids come, the fathers will follow.  This is a brand new world
for most of us.  Fathers get involved with their kids activities now.   We have
to create a vital link with the MENC and work together with them for the benefit
of both groups.   First we need to show them the benefits of such an
arrangement---then prove it.  The chapters have to be trained and encouraged to
warmly and avidly accept younger members and to mentor them towards becoming
good singers and better men.   Watch the chorus competition at any level and see
the small number of youth that are on the stage.  We need to create such a warm
welcoming environment for youth that we will have every front row composed of
our youth.

There is a lot more than this that will be facing our new CEO but these are some
of the most critical needs out here in the world of barbershop.

Just some thoughts from an old soldier.

Blessings to all,

Montana Jack, keeping the faith and keeping it barbershop
Chairman, All Ages Task Force
2012 Keynote Speaker, International Board of Directors


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Please see my interleaved thoughts, suggestions, and other responses.

Stephen
STEPHEN RAFE
----- Original Message -----

1 -- You are right about the sea of apathy in which we are drowning. My best
guess as to cause is the aging of our society. Over one half of all members are
over 65 years of age.

** What steps are being taken to follow up the excellent report of the All Ages
Task Force you headed? It deserves follow-up.

2 -- Retention is a critical problem. If we simply retained more newly recruited
members we would be growing---not declining. We have prepared a simple to use,
step by step program on how to treat guests in order to ensure that they become
committed, functional members of a chapter. We just can’t get anyone
interested in reading it.

** Guidance on how to interact with guests is an important starting point.
Learning how to retain newer/younger members is even-more critical. The All Ages
study contains at least a partial solution: In effect, we need to understand
them, meet them where they are, and help them get to where they want to go. That
requires a type and level of training that the Society has not offered yet.

3 -- Many I have talked to say that it just isn’t fun any more. There is a
great conflict between those just wanting to have fun and those wanting to work
hard all night to sing better and compete. There are those that suggest that, if
you don’t want to compete, you should go find another chapter that just wants
to have fun. The problem is that most of our chapters are in small towns and
there isn’t another choice.

** Conflict of interests, intentions, and purpose is evident in many
organizations. Studies show that most "seniors" tend to prefer socializing while
younger members are more inclined toward achieving. When the conflict level is
high, they younger ones move to other choruses, form quartets (and stop
attending "rehearsals," or quit altogether. Seniors complain about spending too
much time on the risers learning music; younger members complain about spending
to much time learning music in rehearsal, period.

4 -- Four things really seem to help:

First, singing better always attracts more interested guests.

** On the surface that seems logical enough. So the question becomes: What keeps
it from happening?

Second, coupled with singing well, community exposure is vital.

** Choruses are being told to NOT sing in public if their quality will give the
chapter or the hobby a bad name.

Thirdly, encouraging quartetting seems to be a hallmark of successful chapters.

** The challenge is to keep them coming to "CHORUS rehearsals."  And to give
them a role in teaching music painlessly.

Finally, getting the entire chapter involved and working towards recruiting and
retaining new members is critical.

** This sounds logical, too. What is needed is an actionable plan -- one the
members will be willing and able to carry out.

5 -- Operation Harold Hill, now in progress, has, as it’s basic foundation,
the involvement of the entire chapter in recruiting new members.

** Recruitment is not the core issue.

6 -- Of course, the magic ingredient in all of this is to do things to have fun.

** If "having fun" meant the same thing to everyone, and IF there were a
solution to "having fun," there would be no problem. Chapters need to identify
and clarify what "having fun" means to them, specifically. Then they need to
"sell" that concept -- and only that concept. Again, we need to go back to the
All Ages study: Find out what they want and make sure they get it. And in the
discovery process, figure out what keeps the chapter from allowing that to
happen. One requires a critical analysis; the other, a meaningful session on
visioning. Then, and only then, should the communications plan be designed and
implemented.

7 -- Just as a personal coda, I think that youth are going to be the salvation
of our society. If the kids come, the fathers will follow. This is a brand new
world for most of us. Fathers get involved with their kids activities now.

** A lot of kids these days are figuratively "fatherless" either due to divorce
or overload. The present "fathers" in barbershopping are largely grandfathers
and even great-grandfathers.

8 -- We have to create a vital link with the MENC and work together with them
for the benefit of both groups. First we need to show them the benefits of such
an arrangement---then prove it.

** -- Good idea. Is anything being done to bring that about?

9 -- The chapters have to be trained and encouraged to warmly and avidly accept
younger members and to mentor them towards becoming good singers and better men.

** Absolutely!! And mentoring and succession planning are among the core issues.
However, as the All Ages study conveys, two things need to happen: We need to
accommodate their shorter attention span and faster learning curve to keep them
from becoming bored, and we need to start placing a much higher value on the
administrative/leadership side of this hobby.

10 -- Watch the chorus competition at any level and see the small number of
youth that are on the stage. We need to create such a warm welcoming environment
for youth that we will have every front row composed of our youth.

** On the other hand, check out the average age of the top twenty quartets'
members: It's far below the age of the Society's average member. Also see how
many of them sing together in the chorus of a local chapter. Or  how many sing
in their chapter's chorus at all. Some of them don't even live in the same
state.
(Younger = higher achievement drive// Older = higher affiliation drive).

This Society CAN be saved, but enough people have to care so deeply that they
are willing to recognize that "the old ways" simply haven't worked, are not
working, and are not likely to work in the future. And then those same people
need to establish and implement a succession plan at the International and
District levels and make room for new ideas. Anyone who has read the work of
Chris Arguers (former James Bryant Conant Professor of Education and
Organizational Behavior at the Harvard Graduate School of Business) will
recognize in barbershopping the style of those who encourage the gathering of
information (such as very good studies), but don't act on them in ways that
might change the course of action. As Arguers says, they come up short in the
actions department. 
http://www.winstonbrill.com/bril001/html/article_index/articles/51-100/article60\
_body.html

We need action.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Jack old Pal,

As difficult as it is to read these drastic
(numbers) changes in SPEBSQSA/BHS, I must say
that this is the best post I have read in this
thread.   And, certainly, a "call to arms" for
the remaining troops without a doubt.

At a continued rate of decline, such as the
numbers indicate, we are in BIG trouble and that
should wake up a whole bunch of concerned
Barbershop people.  I read the post you were
answering, and I think the writer was confused on
the issue of "using our resources" for "BIG
International competitions".  I dont know what
resources he referred to, but the Society, I
would imagine, needs the competitions to bring in
bucks and keep the spirit of improvement alive
and well, lest the artform would decline.

Without measurement, without working at
improvement and possibly reaching closer to the
top, we would only sit by and watch those who
excel, as we wither and sputter along; and, I
believe that is just what is happening among the
great masses who ignore that part of the
"hobby".  If you ignore competition and that
which it takes to "get it right", you ignore the
sharing and the part of the hobby that seems to
have been the "draw" and the
"hold-em"...  i.e.  Harmony, Chords, Balance and
Blend and consistent overtones to raise the
goose-bumps.  We MUST aim for bringing that back
to ALL chapters.  These are not just words from
past Judging systems, but rather what we are
trying to preserve.  We can continue as we have
been with smaller chapters, older men (getting
older) enjoying their "version" of what is real
Barbershop, until they (we) die off.   Sad, but
there must be room for all of us to exist
together and bring in new generations to carry
on, lest the efforts of nearly 75 years be lost forever.

You have obviously had successes with some of you
surveys and studies of where we are, where we've
been and who "we" are and what "we"
want...   what we need now is a great leader(s)
to take us where we hope to go and reverse the
downward trends reflected by your disturbing
numbers.   It is certain from these trends, that
we have yet to correct the downward path.

ShowGlowJoe


At 4/30/2012  03:07 PM, Montana Jack Fitzpatrick wrote:
>
>
>Doug,
>
>Thanks for your thoughts. I have been enjoying your posts.
>
>Just to keep you up to date. We are rapidly
>approaching 22,500 members (probably by mid
>year) not 28,000. Also, the number of chapters
>has dropped to 770. Last time I checked (about a
>year ago) we had 64 chapters with less than 8
>members (8 are needed to maintain a charter).
>Finally, the percentage of chapters that
>actually get to the International stage, in any
>given year, is approximately 4%. In all this,
>only about 57% members show up at any chapter
>event. 43% just don’t come any more.
>
>Not trying to be nit picky----just thought you would like to know.
>
>You are right about the sea of apathy in which
>we are drowning. My best guess as to cause is
>the aging of our society. Over one half of all
>members are over 65 years of age. On the other
>hand, our youth membership, up to and including
>age 26 has remained static at 1250 for the past
>9 months (at least it has not dropped).
>
>Most of the older members have never had to
>promote their chapter or recruit. They had a
>pretty stable audience for their annual shows
>and the new members just kept showing up. Now
>that things have dried up, they just seem to
>motor on----meeting every Tuesday as the members
>slowly drop away. Of all new members, we lose over 50% in three years.
>
>Retention is a critical problem. If we simply
>retained more newly recruited members we would
>be growing---not declining. We have prepared a
>simple to use, step by step program on how to
>treat guests in order to ensure that they become
>committed, functional members of a chapter. We
>just can’t get anyone interested in reading it.
>
>Many I have talked to say that it just isn’t
>fun any more. There is a great conflict between
>those just wanting to have fun and those wanting
>to work hard all night to sing better and
>compete. There are those that suggest that, if
>you don’t want to compete, you should go find
>another chapter that just wants to have fun. The
>problem is that most of our chapters are in
>small towns and there isn’t another choice.
>
>Four things really seem to help: First, singing
>better always attracts more interested guests.
>Second, coupled with singing well, community
>exposure is vital. Chapters just have to be
>active and willing performers in their
>communities. Thirdly, encouraging quartetting
>seems to be a hallmark of successful chapters.
>Finally, getting the entire chapter involved and
>working towards recruiting and retaining new
>members is critical. Just one or two guys can do
>a lot but it really has to be a chapter effort.
>
>Operation Harold Hill, now in progress, has, as
>it’s basic foundation, the involvement of the
>entire chapter in recruiting new members.
>
>Of course, the magic ingredient in all of this
>is to do things to have fun. There are so many
>things that can be done in chapter meetings and
>particularly outside of chapter meetings to have
>fun. Just ask for ideas and watch your mailbox
>get filled up with them. These are the things
>that weave together the fabric of the barbershop chapter.
>
>Just as a personal coda, I think that youth are
>going to be the salvation of our society. If the
>kids come, the fathers will follow. This is a
>brand new world for most of us. Fathers get
>involved with their kids activities now. We have
>to create a vital link with the MENC and work
>together with them for the benefit of both
>groups. First we need to show them the benefits
>of such an arrangement---then prove it. The
>chapters have to be trained and encouraged to
>warmly and avidly accept younger members and to
>mentor them towards becoming good singers and
>better men. Watch the chorus competition at any
>level and see the small number of youth that are
>on the stage. We need to create such a warm
>welcoming environment for youth that we will
>have every front row composed of our youth.
>
>There is a lot more than this that will be
>facing our new CEO but these are some of the
>most critical needs out here in the world of barbershop.
>
>Just some thoughts from an old soldier.
>
>Blessings to all,
>
>Montana Jack, keeping the faith and keeping it barbershop
>Chairman, All Ages Task Force
>2012 Keynote Speaker, International Board of Directors
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Joe, the last I remember, you weren't a member of the BHS any more.  Have you
considered re-upping to do your part to reverse the downward trend?

Ditto for the others who love barbershop but don't maintain their membership in
BHS, SAI, HI, or any of the affiliate organizations.

Your membership, whether you're active or not, DOES help.  And so does your
support of the conventions which, like Joe said, help produce the non-dues
revenue stream that keeps our dues reasonable.

But the best possible way for the new CEO to not have as much to worry about
would be if all of us were at our chapter meetings/rehearsals (whatever you call
them) on a regular basis, as much as we could be, singing and participating.

If you're not there, don't you miss it terribly?  I know I do.

Ann McAlexander
Capital City Chorus, Region 4, SAI
Melodeers, Region 3, SAI
BHS wife, mom, and Associate

--- In bbshop@yahoogroups.com, Joe De Felice <amicijoe@...> wrote:
>
> Jack old Pal,
>
> As difficult as it is to read these drastic
> (numbers) changes in SPEBSQSA/BHS, I must say
> that this is the best post I have read in this
> thread.   And, certainly, a "call to arms" for
> the remaining troops without a doubt.
>...
> You have obviously had successes with some of you
> surveys and studies of where we are, where we've
> been and who "we" are and what "we"
> want...   what we need now is a great leader(s)
> to take us where we hope to go and reverse the
> downward trends reflected by your disturbing
> numbers.   It is certain from these trends, that
> we have yet to correct the downward path.
>
> ShowGlowJoe

BHS has that and the product number is 112199.

Joe

On Thu, Apr 26, 2012 at 7:07 PM, John Rae-Grant <john@...>wrote:

> **
>
>
> Hello 'netters,
>
> I'm trying to track down the arranger, arrangement, and recording of Pal of
> My Cradle Days as performed by The Interstate Rivals. Any pointers would
> be appreciated.
>
> --
> Thanks,
>
> John
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we need to sell our registrations for
Portland.
There are actually 2 different sets of registrations.

Please reply to me personally.

#1: $304.00
Section  118, Row A, Seats 1 and 2 (first section off the floor)

#2: $304.00
Section FLR RIGHT, Row 27, Seats 35 and 36 (on the floor)
Evy GwinAnthem, AZ


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi folks …

I’m having a problem with my website, www.bbsmusic.com. I uploaded a new mp3
to the
site last night, and now I can’t get it to open. I keep getting a message that
my directory has no index file. I just need a few of you to try it and let me
know if it works for you.
Thanks … Joe

 
JOE JOHNSON
House of Joseph Music
www.bbsmusic.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks to all who have responded. I have now learned that
the URL to my site, http://d1089471.mydomainwebhost.com is working properly, but
the URL forwarding from www.bbsmusic.com is not. I have checked the
forwarding address in my domain account, and it’s correct, so apparently this
problem belongs to mydomain. 

 
JOE JOHNSON
House of Joseph Music
www.bbsmusic.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi All,

I am planning a special project and I need an arranger who will create some tags
for me that will be used to honor veterans.  This is a donation project in the
spirit of the Brotherhood of Barbershop.

All replies please to opakeith@...

Thanks and God Bless America,

Keith (Opa) Eckhardt

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

For many years our chorus opened the meeting with The Old Songs. Reflecting on
the meaning of the lyrics I am predisposed to offer these words.

What has happened to the OLD SONGS. With few exceptions the quartets and
choruses of today are
looking at far more modern titles and charts. Old School sings the old songs and
wins the hearts of all who listen.

I have a list and charts for dozens of good singing titles that are in public
domain. I find the constant
continuity of the old songs far easier to learn and sing.

Are there anymore like me out there. Of course I've been doing this for 57 years
with the same chapter even though I no longer participate due to health issues.

If you'd rather, contact me privately.

Ed Hinkley
Barbershop through and through




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

   You bring up some good thoughts, Ed.  I'm probably as Old School as anyone
out there when it comes to barbershop.  I've been in barbershopping for around
45 years.   I love the old songs and love singing them...and even trying to
write songs in the old style.
   But I've also learned to develop a taste for more modern titles and charts. 
You say Old School "wins the hearts of all who listen."  The key, though, may
be: "who's listening?"  There are still a lot of folks out there who will listen
and love the old style, but there are also a lot of ears that will turn the
other way.  They will listen, however, to some new songs and sounds.
   So, again, I say....why can't we do both as a Society?  Let's tolerate, not
eliminate.
 
Norm Starks
 
 
For many years our chorus opened the meeting with The Old Songs. Reflecting on
the meaning of the lyrics I am predisposed to offer these words.

What has happened to the OLD SONGS. With few exceptions the quartets and
choruses of today are
looking at far more modern titles and charts. Old School sings the old songs and
wins the hearts of all who listen.

I have a list and charts for dozens of good singing titles that are in public
domain. I find the constant
continuity of the old songs far easier to learn and sing.

Are there anymore like me out there. Of course I've been doing this for 57 years
with the same chapter even though I no longer participate due to health issues.

If you'd rather, contact me privately.

Ed Hinkley
Barbershop through and through


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

International Quartet Champions in 1961, the Suntones have had a long history of
enteraining and thrilling their
audiences.  All good things must come to an end, however, and the Suntones will
be giving their last public performance
on May 19th, in Cleveland, TN, on the Sound of Tennessee's Show of Champions
titled A Western Omelet - with Extra Ham.
During discussions with the quartet Gene Cokeroft mentioned that he'd like to
have some extra copies of the show program
as keepsakes, and we had a great idea.  We're going to dedicate a section of the
show program to Suntones tributes and
you can take part.  Send in your photos, stories, "best wishes from ----",
whatever - we'll print them in the program
and present copies to the quartet during the show.  We'll also mail you a copy
of the program if you can't join us for
the show.  Rates are reasonable to be a part of barbershop history - $100 full
page, $55 half page, $30 quarter page.
Hurry, though - we need everything in by May 11th.  Email info "at" soundoftn
"dot" org for more information, or contact
me directly.

If you're anywhere nearby, come join us for the show - the Suntones will be
joined by 2002 Quartet Champions (and 1996
Collegiate Champions) Four Voices and 2006 Quartet Champions Vocal Spectrum, not
to mention the Sound of Tennessee
Chorus under the direction of Chad Guyton.  Tickets are still available, and we
have a special arrangement with Holiday
Inn Express for those of you that want to stay overnight.

Paul Blazek
Assistant Director, Sound of Tennessee
Director, Choo Choo Chorus
VP Financial Development, Dixie District
MUS judge candidate
Bass whenever possible

Hi Ed & fellow bbshopprs.

Amen to your Post.  I direct a Barbershop Chorus in Hot Springs Village, AR. 
The Village is a retirement community.  The largest Gated retirement community
in the USA. (26,000 acres).  Our guys dearly love "The Old Songs" and
surprisingly even a lot of the "Baby Boomers" who are in their 40s and 50s enjoy
our singing and "Good Old Slap Stick" comedy when we put on a show.  We never
want to loose sight of our beginnings and continue to strive to keep this part
of Americana from becoming extinct.  One of our quartets is even called "The
Senior Edition".

Sing-cerely & Humm-bly,
Roger York, Director
Chanticleers Barbershop Chorus
http://www.villagebarbershoppers.org/
“Where ordinary men make extraordinary music".



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I have done an arrangement of "In Apple Blossom Time" that is pretty nice.
That's a good PD song.  Contact me if you are interested in it.



Jeremy Reynolds

bbs10rfl@...



From: bbshop@yahoogroups.com [mailto:bbshop@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
Edward Hinkley
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2012 9:41 PM
To: bbshop@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bbshop] The Old Songs






For many years our chorus opened the meeting with The Old Songs. Reflecting
on the meaning of the lyrics I am predisposed to offer these words.

What has happened to the OLD SONGS. With few exceptions the quartets and
choruses of today are
looking at far more modern titles and charts. Old School sings the old songs
and wins the hearts of all who listen.

I have a list and charts for dozens of good singing titles that are in
public domain. I find the constant
continuity of the old songs far easier to learn and sing.

Are there anymore like me out there. Of course I've been doing this for 57
years with the same chapter even though I no longer participate due to
health issues.

If you'd rather, contact me privately.

Ed Hinkley
Barbershop through and through

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Okay, got a call for a wedding proposal... June 3rd, Sunday afternoon, Bronx /
Queens.

Proposee requests one song (may not be possible), Truly Madly Deeply

	 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6Dg1Ymji-Q


But, song selection aside, the first step is are you available as a quartet?

I will compile a list of quartets and pass those on to the guy, so please check
your calendar and let me know.

David

Anyone out there from the Kalamazoo chapter or know how to get in touch
with someone from there?  I tried contacting them through their website but
haven't received any response.  And when I try to access chapter member
contact information through ebiz, it tells me I'm not authorized to view
member information (?).

Thanks!

Jeremey Johnson
Composer/Arranger
High Note Music Industries
www.highnotemusicindustries.com
765-313-1699


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I did one back a few years that got me a scholarship to Harmony College.
Care to swap?  <G>


Dick Johnson
2104 5th Ave No
Great Falls, MT  59401




-----Original Message-----
From: Jeremy Reynolds <bbs10rfl@...>
To: 'Edward Hinkley' <hinkleyehink557@...>; bbshop <bbshop@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wed, May 2, 2012 10:10 am
Subject: RE: [bbshop] The Old Songs





I have done an arrangement of "In Apple Blossom Time" that is pretty nice.
That's a good PD song.  Contact me if you are interested in it.

Jeremy Reynolds

bbs10rfl@...

From: bbshop@yahoogroups.com [mailto:bbshop@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
Edward Hinkley
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2012 9:41 PM
To: bbshop@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bbshop] The Old Songs

For many years our chorus opened the meeting with The Old Songs. Reflecting
on the meaning of the lyrics I am predisposed to offer these words.

What has happened to the OLD SONGS. With few exceptions the quartets and
choruses of today are
looking at far more modern titles and charts. Old School sings the old songs
and wins the hearts of all who listen.

I have a list and charts for dozens of good singing titles that are in
public domain. I find the constant
continuity of the old songs far easier to learn and sing.

Are there anymore like me out there. Of course I've been doing this for 57
years with the same chapter even though I no longer participate due to
health issues.

If you'd rather, contact me privately.

Ed Hinkley
Barbershop through and through

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]









[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

You are right on, Mark!  You make my point exactly.  Thanks for your viewpoint.
Norm Starks
 
>Would you tolerate some musings from a not-very-long-term
barbershop singer?

>I've just renewed my membership a few weeks ago: 4 years of
service, 1 man of note award.  I've learned a lot of great
and wonderful things singing barbershop - one of which is
an appreciation for the "old songs".

>About which I did not care, at all, before I joined my
chorus.  I'm a pretty good fit for barbershop: I was
in my late 40s when I joined, have served on our board
for 2 years, one as VP Music and Performance.  I can
carry a reasonable tune, for a bass.

>Before I joined, if you had asked me to sing an "old
song", it would have been by The Beatles.  Or maybe
a show tune from the 70s.  Or something by The Kinks.
I was born in 1961 - songs from my early childhood
were "old" to me.

>Sure, I'd heard a few of "The Old Songs", but they were
not exactly on the top of my mind, and were not something
I was going to pursue.

>I am sensitive to the feelings of gentlemen like Ed Hinkley,
who have served so long and done so much, and are trying
to preserve that which was most important to them, when
they joined.  Same for Norm - people like that built this
organization, and made it available to me, when I was
ready.

>At the same time, though, men of my age, or younger, are
not pining to join the same organization that such
important gentlemen joined.  There has to be a hook, a
point of relevance to us, a thing we are looking for.
Once we find that thing that is meaningful to us - we
can be taught to appreciate the old as much as the new.

>That, I think, is the key to barbershop preservation. Not
doing just "the old songs", but preserving everything,
and bringing in men who will learn to preserve everything too.
I could have joined any of a dozen of local singing
groups (still can).  Why should I be HERE?


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Greetings Barbershop Fans!

The annual Sing With The Champs event held each year at the annual international
convention of the Barbershop Harmony Society. This year the Sing With The Champs
event presented on July 7, 2012 in Portland Oregon by the Association of
International Champions to benefit their youth harmony outreach programs is
again being sponsored and underwritten by the world's largest distributor of
barbershop audio, Naked Voice Records. It will be held on Saturday morning in
Portland from 8:30 am until 11:30 am.

Registrations for SWTC2012 will again be conducted through our scheduling
provider, Appointments-Plus, and payments will be processed through PayPal.  If
any of you still have a registration from last year, it should still be valid at
Appointments-Plus. They can be reached through the website for the event,
www.singwiththechamps.com, which also contains all of the song lists for this
year's participating quartets.  At Noon EDT on May 7 (next Monday) the
registration software should once again come alive for sign ups.  Good luck to
all and hope to see you all in Portland!

--
Jonathan P. Clunies, General Counsel
Niche Music Group, LLC
Voice/Fax: (212) 479-7355
jon@...

IMPRINTS:
Naked Voice Records
Wheat Fields Music
No Cover Records
Monster Jazz Music
Cavern Records
Broadway-Records

Confidentiality Note:  This e-mail message and any attachments to it are
intended only for the named recipients and may contain attorney-client
privileged communication or other confidential information.  If you are not one
of the intended recipients, please do not duplicate or forward this e-mail
message, and immediately delete it from your computer.

On 5/2/2012 9:38 AM, Norm Starks wrote:
> You bring up some good thoughts, Ed.  I'm probably as Old School as
> anyone out there when it comes to barbershop.  I've been in
> barbershopping for around 45 years.   I love the old songs and love
> singing them...and even trying to write songs in the old style. But
> I've also learned to develop a taste for more modern titles and
> charts.  You say Old School "wins the hearts of all who listen."  The
> key, though, may be: "who's listening?"  There are still a lot of
> folks out there who will listen and love the old style, but there are
> also a lot of ears that will turn the other way.  They will listen,
> however, to some new songs and sounds. So, again, I say....why can't
> we do both as a Society?  Let's tolerate, not eliminate.

Would you tolerate some musings from a not-very-long-term
barbershop singer?

I've just renewed my membership a few weeks ago: 4 years of
service, 1 man of note award.  I've learned a lot of great
and wonderful things singing barbershop - one of which is
an appreciation for the "old songs".

About which I did not care, at all, before I joined my
chorus.  I'm a pretty good fit for barbershop: I was
in my late 40s when I joined, have served on our board
for 2 years, one as VP Music and Performance.  I can
carry a reasonable tune, for a bass.

Before I joined, if you had asked me to sing an "old
song", it would have been by The Beatles.  Or maybe
a show tune from the 70s.  Or something by The Kinks.
I was born in 1961 - songs from my early childhood
were "old" to me.

Sure, I'd heard a few of "The Old Songs", but they were
not exactly on the top of my mind, and were not something
I was going to pursue.

I am sensitive to the feelings of gentlemen like Ed Hinkley,
who have served so long and done so much, and are trying
to preserve that which was most important to them, when
they joined.  Same for Norm - people like that built this
organization, and made it available to me, when I was
ready.

At the same time, though, men of my age, or younger, are
not pining to join the same organization that such
important gentlemen joined.  There has to be a hook, a
point of relevance to us, a thing we are looking for.
Once we find that thing that is meaningful to us - we
can be taught to appreciate the old as much as the new.

That, I think, is the key to barbershop preservation. Not
doing just "the old songs", but preserving everything,
and bringing in men who will learn to preserve everything too.
I could have joined any of a dozen of local singing
groups (still can).  Why should I be HERE?

If you want to preserve The Old Songs, you have to do
so by teaching new singers to sing them - not by just
singing them yourself.  And the best way to reach those
new singers is to begin the process of preserving the
good NEW songs, and sharing the good old songs.

	 Mark Schuldenfrei

PS I used to sing early music, 800-1650.  Let me tell
     YOU about Old Songs, kids. :-)  That's worth preserving
     too...  How would I go about making you interested in
     them?  Whatever that is, that is how you should go about
     preserving barbershop.

A simple recipe for a Good Old Song

Find a song that's easy to sing,
Mix in some chords that make the song ring.
A smile and some moves for a little flair
It won't be long until you are there.
Sing it over and over and over again,
With three other people like it has no end.
When you have done this it won't be long
Until you are singing a Good Old Barbershop Song.

Doug Johnson
Robbinsdale, Minnesota

--- In bbshop@yahoogroups.com, Norm Starks <nlstarks@...> wrote:
>
> You are right on, Mark!  You make my point exactly.  Thanks for your
viewpoint.
> Norm Starks
>  
> >Would you tolerate some musings from a not-very-long-term
> barbershop singer?
>
> >I've just renewed my membership a few weeks ago: 4 years of
> service, 1 man of note award.  I've learned a lot of great
> and wonderful things singing barbershop - one of which is
> an appreciation for the "old songs".
>
> >About which I did not care, at all, before I joined my
> chorus.  I'm a pretty good fit for barbershop: I was
> in my late 40s when I joined, have served on our board
> for 2 years, one as VP Music and Performance.  I can
> carry a reasonable tune, for a bass.
>
> >Before I joined, if you had asked me to sing an "old
> song", it would have been by The Beatles.  Or maybe
> a show tune from the 70s.  Or something by The Kinks.
> I was born in 1961 - songs from my early childhood
> were "old" to me.
>
> >Sure, I'd heard a few of "The Old Songs", but they were
> not exactly on the top of my mind, and were not something
> I was going to pursue.
>
> >I am sensitive to the feelings of gentlemen like Ed Hinkley,
> who have served so long and done so much, and are trying
> to preserve that which was most important to them, when
> they joined.  Same for Norm - people like that built this
> organization, and made it available to me, when I was
> ready.
>
> >At the same time, though, men of my age, or younger, are
> not pining to join the same organization that such
> important gentlemen joined.  There has to be a hook, a
> point of relevance to us, a thing we are looking for.
> Once we find that thing that is meaningful to us - we
> can be taught to appreciate the old as much as the new.
>
> >That, I think, is the key to barbershop preservation. Not
> doing just "the old songs", but preserving everything,
> and bringing in men who will learn to preserve everything too.
> I could have joined any of a dozen of local singing
> groups (still can).  Why should I be HERE?
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Agreed. The question then becomes, once we get them in the door, what do we do
with them.

Stephen

-----------------
There are still a lot of folks out there who will listen and love the old style,
but there are also a lot of ears that will turn the other way. They will listen,
however, to some new songs and sounds. So, again, I say....why can't we do both
as a Society? Let's tolerate, not eliminate.


-----------------
At the same time, though, men of my age, or younger, are not pining to join the
same organization that such important gentlemen joined. There has to be a hook,
a point of relevance to us, a thing we are looking for. Once we find that thing
that is meaningful to us - we can be taught to appreciate the old as much as the
new.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

On 5/3/2012 9:31 AM, Stephen Rafe wrote:
> Agreed. The question then becomes, once we get them in the door, what
> do we do with them.

I thought that the Compellingly Attractive Chapter Meetings
program was a brilliant answer.  So brilliant that I've
recommended the materials to friends in other hobbies.

Unrelated to that, and far from my own personal background, a
friend pointed me at an article from http://www.barna.org/
yesterday.  The article was on keeping mailing lists and other
electronic groups relevant and interesting... but the
organization itself is a research organization for the
evangelical movement on how to find, retain, and engage
people in churches.  Much of what their research finds, it
seems, would be applicable to us in some ways as well.

(Note: I am not an evangelical, and not a Christian, and I am
only sharing a new-to-me source of information and research
on cultural and social interactions.  Some of their articles
which I read after that first one, truly interested me because
they discuss what motivates people to participate, belong and
stay in their particular groups-of-interest.)

	 Mark Schuldenfrei

I'm having a bit of difficulty with my mass mailing prog to the Virtual Chorus
members, so thought this was a good way to spread the news:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Hi guys and thanks so much for submitting your videos for the Vc.

I've just finished editing the ladies video - Lazy Day - and its now
published on YouTube here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J11TDYd0YPY&feature=youtu.be

I've almost finished Sweet Lorraine, but have decided to extend the date
for submissions instead as there are only 43 guys in the video. I think if
we give it another push we should get that up to around 100 or so as there
are 745 guys signed up :-)

I'm going to extend the submission date to 1st June with the intention of
having the final video completed by International Convention in July
(hopefully premiere it on the big screen in the convention hall).

Sorry about the delay here guys, but I want us to look as good as good as
possible :-)

Peter Nugent
aka - nooj


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

SOUNDWORKS, Central Virginia's premier men's ensemble will perform on Saturday,
May 12 at 7 PM at Northside Baptist Church, 7600 Studley Rd, Mechanicsville, VA.
The 5-time champion of the M-AD Southern Division will perform many "fan
favorites" including contemporary, jazz, blues, sacred to silly. The concert is
free and open to the public.

I have 8 tickets to the Barbershop International convention in Portland, OR July
3 thru July 8.  All are on the ground floor next to the sound stage and grouped
together in two rows.  Some of the best seats in the arena!  All 8 tickets are
"youth" (25 and under).  The ticket office will convert the youth to adult
tickets by receiving the difference paid directly to them (they accept credit
cards).  I will send the "youth" ticket directly to you. The transfer of "Youth"
ticket to "adult" or "Member" may also be done at the the time of convention at
the registration desk.  "Dusty" with the Barbershop Harmony Society will confirm
this is a legitamate sale.

Total price for the adult member (one ticket available) is $175.00.

Total price for the adult non-member is $189.00.

To convert the youth ticket to adult requires paying the Barbershop
international headquarters the difference of $76.00 for member and $90.00 for
non-member.

I have two tickets I need to sell for the Portland International Barbershop
Convention.

Section: Floor Left, Row: 26, Seats: 7 and 8

Will sell for what I paid for them -- $305. for the pair.

If interested, please e-mail me privately at:  sterkinb@...

Bruce Sterkin

Dear All,

These views are my personal views and are not representative of Peter or
anyone associated with the VC project.

I was reflecting on Peter Nugents (and all the gals) superb efforts with
the Virtual Chorus "Lazy Days" and wondering if the poor take up for the
men's version is a reflection of apathy within many male barbershoppers.
"Someone else will improve, do it, learn it, market it, sell it, so I don't
have to do I?".....

The call was made to men and women to be a part of these wonderful
projects. The ladies have clearly trail blazed with this awesome version
sewn up and subscribed to by no less than 4 Champion quartets, including 2
International Champion quartets together with over 100 women from all parts
of the world. Their version of Lazy Days is fabulous.

Now to the guys version, Sweet Lorraine, brilliant chart, so far 48
submitted with a submission date extension offered. hmmm... BTW I did
submit for both male projects. Why does there have to be an extension
for guys, this kinda feels like we are behind or dragging our feet.
Lets get behind this fantastic project and allow this fab resource to be
shared with the rest of the World.

Otherwise it's a missed opportunity? - These kinds of videos are fantastic
assets in marketing and advertising this great hobby, the more quality,
legal youtube examples of barbershop done greatly out there, the better.

Just quickly, where does this feeling of apathy come from and why? I know
it's not through lack of skills and ladies are just as time poor as men, so
what is it? I have Directed both ladies and men's groups and offer the
following. Putting aside the VM's, AOH and Westminsters and the top ladies
equivalents, my 'general' observation as a teacher of barbershop is there
is a larger proportion of ladies are more interested in the "why" when they
learn. More of them appear to thrive and enjoy the checks and balances that
barbershop requires and importantly they are more willing to learn, take on
board new information and apply it. Ask any male musical Director of a
Ladies group and I'm sure you'll find a similar story.

Leave it with you...
--
Kind regards,

Jim
Director of Music
www.tsvp.org
0404 881 302


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]