Gleanings From The Mailbag

Editor Norm Savage, The Barnstormer, Peterborough, Ontario, Chapter, has an interesting comment in his editorial concerning articles and contributions to the chapter bulletin: "I am amazed when I speak to some of you of writing a short piece for the bulletin and a glazed look comes over your faces. Sometimes a barely audible, 'I can't write' is the favourite excuse. But as my old Latin teacher used to say, 'Boy, are you telling me you cannot write or are you telling me that you cannot think?!'"

Notations in "A" Natural, the bulletin of the Milford, Delaware, Chapter, Wendell Perry, editor, has this article:

Toddlers are able to walk but are often delayed in their talk. Here's a way of getting them to form words other than Mommy and Da-Da. Start singing "Bye, Bye, Blues." It works. As a foster parent I have struggled with communicating with them and found that singing this basic barbershop tune gets their interest and participation. Soon, "Ba, Ba, Blues" is coming out of their mouths. I am sure it is easy for toddlers to form the "B" sound and the repetition is easy for them to remember and chime in.

You won't believe it, but we had a youngster that I taught this to who won a singing contest against his peers when he was just four years old. I am working on my second little guy and his eyes light up when I begin the tune. Have a young one handy? Try it. You could be introducing him or her to a lifetime of vocal singing - hopefully barbershop.

[Editor's note: The article gave no by-line, which leads me to believe that Wendell wrote the piece. None of the other chapter articles had by-lines. Wendell, are you writing the entire bulletin? Where are your chapter officers' pieces?]