We appear to have had a fairly successful show on our recent " little outing"! (How many of you recognize where that quote comes from?) First I suppose you are going to want the numbers and will no doubt skip directly to them regardless of where they are placed. I'll make it easy: here they are.

Attendance 375 warm bodies

Tickets sold 400

Money collected $4000

Money deposited $4000

Expenses: This is an anticipated list of expenses. There is the matter of gratuities for the collegiate quartets which is not firm; the cost of a new make up kit (We now have two. Don't ask!), and other expenses no doubt.

b) G.V. Audio (sound system) $200.00

c) Gratuities to Campbell & Leboldus $600.00 not firm

d) Refund to members re tickets sold twice

or paid for by members & not used $30.00

e) Donation to charity of choice re volunteer

workers at show $80.00 not firm

f) Copyright fees .022 of gross sales $90.00 approx.

First I would like to thank the entire show committee for their help and cooperation. You made a rather rushed job easy. We all know their names so I will not repeat them. I would, however like to give special recognition to a few individuals:

Bill Coulthard; for putting together a script (and formulating "the plan".)

Bruce Fish; for his superb effort and work in ticket and program design and production.

Ken Holzer; for making us appear and sound respectable on stage. He remarked that there were parts where we sounded good. From Ken, that's high praise!

Dave Pearce, Vic Goertzen and some others for selling a pile of tickets. You know who you are, I won't name names.

And to the people who gave of their time and muscle with the set etc.

Last and most importantly to the entire chorus for their effort in assuring the success of the show.

Your show chairman

Stuart Reiley

Way to go Bob. The Afterglow was well attended and everyone seems to have had lots of fun and singing (we might even convince Dave Slinn to come back out as a result). The food and facilities at Empringham's were top notch.

Tonight’s a special opportunity for us to show our guest’s what we’re all about, but any night can be a guest night. If you didn’t invite your guest out tonight, then they’re not having as much fun tonight as we are. So share the fun and harmony – invite a guest for next week.

Watch for Tom Arneberg’s upcoming article in the Pitch Piper. "How Can I Get Barbershop Info via the Internet?". If you have access to the Internet, you’ll find this interesting reading…

Expanding on Leo's subtly made point (which Leo lives on a weekly basis with his own chapter, which has a terrific program), it bears repeating as many times as necessary, folks: In SPEBSQSA, chapters do not place first, last or anywhere in contests. Choruses and quartets can enter contests, but not chapters. In SPEBSQSA, chapters can and should be far more than choruses.

There are all kinds of ways for a member to express his joy for our music, and it really helps when chapters offer their members and guests (prospective members) a complete menu.

Contest placement is only one aspect of a director's ability. I have seen a number of directors lead their choruses to high contest placement, but also demolish the morale and enjoyment of the members. And I've also watched while directors whose choruses do not care to do well in the contest arena help their chapters grow and thrive because of the fun and reward they help create for the membership.

A director can and should be judged by the degree to which he or she helps the chapter's musical ensembles create good music and good performance. This can include performances in contest, in shows, in other public venues, and within the chapter meeting environment itself. It's the experience of the music and the joy thereof that counts, and the music director of a chapter can be a true leader in promoting that. If his or her role is confined to being the chapter's chorus director, rather than the music director of the chapter, then the same applies, but only to the chorus's performance.

In the end, we need to be an ever-growing fraternity of barbershop-style singers, and we need to encourage all men who like to sing our music to be with us every week. A well-rounded musical program, lead by excellent music leadership, which includes as many ways to express the music as the chapter's membership desires, is the best way to do this.

I enjoy when our musical accomplishments and reputation are lifted up as an example of quality.

From the May 7, 1997, edition of the St. Paul (MN) Pioneer Press in which an upcoming performance of Arnold Schoenberg's "Gurre-Lieder" at Orchestra Hall was being reviewed:

This production will include six choirs and an expanded orchestra (400 performers, the largest group to ever perform at St. Paul's Orchestra Hall), and will be conducted by Kathy Saltzman Romey. A connoisseur of fine music!

A friendly welcome awaits you at Sportsmans Park, just 1/2 mile south of Riding Mountain National Park on Highway No. 10 Onanole, Manitoba, R0J 1N0.

Quartet Clinic - Great opportunity for the finest coaching available. If you’re a newly formed foursome or seasoned veterans, this clinic will improve your singing and performance capabilities. Limited to first eight quartets. "Northland Gold" guest coaches.

Show Production - A two-hour session on all you want to know about putting on a successful annual show.

COTS - A class open to all chapter officers. We will cover the basics for each officer position, sing at least 30 songs, get a mini chorus ready for the Saturday night show, and talk a lot about your chapter and how it can grow. "Bring your officer manual -- we won't supply them" they were mailed to each chapter in December. Del Ryberg instructor.

Chorus Directors - A big hit year after year, you will have a chance to do three separate sessions: 1. Vocal techniques 2. Brain storming with other directors and Joe Liles about attendance, performance, music selection, and what ever might be on your mind 3. First hand evaluation as you direct a "mock" chorus. Joe Liles instructor.

Vocal Production - Mini-class offered at all general sessions, plus a two-hour session with Joe Liles on your voice and its possibilities. Joe Liles instructor.

General Sessions - Instruction on vocal warm-up, tag singing, pole-cat program, judging categories, news from Kenosha, and gang singing. Duane Rygg, Joe Liles & Jim Hall co-instructors.

How to Choreograph a Song - helpful steps from song selection to adding the proper moves (2 hour session) Jim Hall instructor.

How to form a Quartet - A two-hour session on getting a foursome together: voice placement and goals, competition or show. Jim Hall instructor.

All of this for only $65.00 and it covers four meals, lots of singing, and a staff of all stars!! (In past years, the chapter has underwritten the registration fee for members attending this weekend -- check with your executive.)

Campground available for campers & RV's. Cabins, motels, or rooms also available at Sportsman Park.

See any member of the executive for an application form. The Chapter has typically picked up the cost of registration for members in good standing wishing to attend this school so check with any of the executive if you’re interested in attending. This is a very popular event, so register early.

Don't forget to save Campbell labels and UPCs for Jared!

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION June 29-July 6, 1997 - Indianapolis, IN

We still have learning tapes for most of our repertoire. Purchase tape 1 and 2 for $1.50 each. If you have an 'old' tape, turn it into Ron and get a new one.

Tag from Marty’s Tag o’ the Week. Love Me and the World is Mine, as sung by Joker’s Wild.

Articles in this bulletin do not necessarily reflect the views of the chapter. Unless carrying a byline, they are those of the editor. Items received may be referred to the executive before publication. All chapter officers and members are encouraged to submit articles to the Sharp Notes. Submissions will be credited to the author. Please address any comments, suggestions or submissions to the editor -- Bruce Fish.