March-April 2009
President’s Column In the March 2008 issue of Soundings, I mentioned that “the Management Team concept is making a difference in the manner in which our Chapter projects are being organized and carried out.” With the same Team in place for 2009, they continue to develop plans which are geared towards rebuilding the Chapter membership and improving the quality of our singing. In the month of February, the chapter has received nine (9) applications for membership; seven “new” and two “reinstated”. Six of the seven new members qualify for admission under the Society’s recently instituted New Youth Membership Plan in the Youth 1 category which includes all males age 25 and younger. Two of the six are ages 20 and 21 and became interested in the Downeasters by attending our Christmas concert in Saco. They are sponsored by Richard Roberge. The other four are each 15 years old and are students at Gorham High School. They have been singing as an organized barbershop quartet under the tutelage of Majority Rules quartet members, Paul Stickney and Steve Barden. This young quartet is registered with the Society and plans to compete in the Granite and Pine Quartet Contest at Bedford, NH on April 3 & 4. Our seventh new member is sponsored by Al Sargent. The reinstated members, Bill Babbitt and Peter Therien are both also sponsored by Richard Roberge.
Dave Cole, our Annual Show Chairman, has been working tirelessly to organize the 2009 Show which celebrates the Portland Chapter’s 60th anniversary. More details are inside this issue. Chorus Director, Jack Baggs, and Associate Directors Bob Turner, Tom Williams, and Robb Sorensen are putting together a musical package, the likes of which the Downeasters fans haven’t witnessed in decades. Not to be missed by any lover of the barbershop unique style!!. Topped off by the International Competition Quartet, The Management! The Division and District contest judges are going to know that there’s a new, nearly perfect, barbershop sound in town when the Downeasters take the competition stages this year! Much hard work is being put forth by the Competition Chorus under the strong leadership of Music & Performance Team Manager, Bill Peterlein, and Chorus Director, Jack Baggs. Make room in the trophy case! Elsewhere in this issue there is an Events Calendar which is filled with enough activities to keep our members off the streets and out of trouble for a few months. Nothing can keep a few away from Pat’s! Let’s all keep John and Marion Nielsen in our thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks. Ted
Downeasters Barbershop Chorus Greater Portland Chapter P.O. Box 48, Yarmouth, ME 04096 (207) 846-6841 www.downeasters.org Downeasters Leadership for 2008 Ted Tracy………………………………………. President Bill Peterlein….……..……...VP, Music and Performance Cy Kendrick……..…..….………VP, Chapter Development Dave Marstaller.……...……..…………………..Secretary Larry Bean………………………………………Treasurer Ted Tracy…...…..…….………..……….Delegate to NED Carl Cappello ……………..……………....Past President Jack Baggs……………………………………… Director Dwight Pensiero………....……..…………....Librarian Richard Roberge…….….…Marketing & Public Relations Walt Dowling….……………………….Chorus Manager Doug Skolnekovich………….……………….Webmaster Dwight Pensiero………………...Board Member At Large Dave Brown….….……….…….Board Member At Large Al Sargent …………………….Board Member At Large Wally Duplessie…….………Downeast Soundings Editor 4 Deer Lane, Windham, ME 04062 wduples620@aol.com
SRPING SHOW UPDATE The Greater Portland Downeasters Presents 60th Anniversary Spring Show May 23, 2009 2 & 7 PM Yarmouth High School Featuring Chapter Quartets Maine Event, On The Go, Majority Rules, Back Bay Four, Port City Sound, & our VLQ.
Special Guest Reunited for our 60th
"The Management" March 12 Board Mtg. March 28 Male House Rock - Saco March Coaching Competition Chorus TBA April 3-4 Division Competition April ?? Guest Night Date TBA April 16-17 Sawyer Memorial Concerts May 2 Singing Waiters Trinity Episcopal Saco May 8 Board Mtg May 9 Singing for Life TBA May 23 60th Anniversary Spring Show
JOHN NIELSEN UPDATE
John Nielsen has had a brain tumor removed and will start chemo therapy soon. John is presently at the Maine Medical Center but cannot receive calls or visits. John, who sings tenor with the chorus and On The Go quartet, has been a member for over twenty four years. Please keep John and Marion in your prayers. Cards are appreciated and may be sent to John Nielsen 107 Mussey Road
Scarborough, ME 04074
A number of former Directors have been invited back to direct the chorus All former members of The Downeasters and guests from all the Maine Chapters are being invited to take part in the grand finale "Battle Hymn" under the direction of our former director Dr. Michael Martin
100 men on stage? Are you a former member? A Snow Bird? Then this show is for you as we want to include as many as possible. Our finale will be Battle Hymn under the direction of Michael Martin and we invite any present or former member to be on the risers for what promises to be an unforgettable performance. If you plan on being with us please contact a member of the chorus so that we will be sure to have enough risers set up Snow Birds hurry back. We would love to have you be a part of history. Dress Rehearsal Friday May 22nd 6pm to 9pm, then a mandatory pit stop at Pats Show times 2 & 7 PM . Between shows there will be a potluck supper at the school with the afterglow at the Am vets Hall near the school. Looking forward to a great show
Male House Rock
GEEZER GRUB TIME AGAIN!! Fowah (4) OLD-TIMERS' LUNCHES are scheduled for the bettah weathah (we hope) of 2009 -- April, June, August, Octobah. The first will be on Tuesday, April 7 -- 11:30 AM -- Pat's Pizza in Yamouth. Yessah!! Anyone (ancient or thriving -- or both) is welcome. Shed cabin fevah by gettin' out with other Downeastah and formah Downeastah charactahs. Oil up your legs, walkahs, canes, wheelchairs. Bring a story or memry. If it's not true, we'll believe you anyhow. Hit don't mattuh!! BUT PLEEEEEEEEZE CONTACT US FIRST - BY FRIDAY, APRIL 3. We need to give Pat's an accurate count. REW (Fathah Wheelah: 773-1991 or rwhe550515@aol.com ) WIN (Humble Sidekick: 781-2597 or wnewland@maine.rr.com )
Male House Rock '09, presented by the Boy Singer's of Maine, is only one month away! You may remember hearing about this fantastic annual event last year - this year's event promises to be even better! If the workshops and local group performances by more than 10 groups isn't incentive enough to get you in the door, how about a nationally known headliner? Toronto's own "Cadence" will be joining us this year to give workshops and a performance you simply can't miss! This one day festival celebrates the male voice but don't worry ladies, you will not be turned away! Come and hear some of the finest male groups and choruses around - plus an all female group from Poland area high school, the "Sopraltos!" Please check out the website for further details. > Come and help us ensure that this program can continue to enrich music and male singing in our state! Hope to see you there! > Patrick McCarthy, founder > www.malehouserock.com NOTE An added feature this year to Male House Rock “Intro to Barbershop for non barbershoppers” presented by our own Larry Bean.
NEW QUARTET The Ancient Mariners Report from the Sunny South Joe Fortin, former chapter treasurer and bass of the Fireside Four, reports that he has joined a chapter in the Lakeland area. The chapter administration there immediately appointed him to the position of chapter treasurer. Marshall Wagner reports from Zephyrhills that he has organized a quartet and the group is now taking on performances Submitted by Dick Wheeler
A new ad-hoc quartet has been formed, with the express purpose of singing some wonderful sea-faring songs such as Son of the Sea, and performing a humorous skit based on them. We’re The Ancient Mariners, consisting of lead (and most ancient skit writer) Carl Lerman, Ed Headley, David Brown, and Carl Cappello. Carl C. is on loan to us from his “real” quartet, so we’re looking for a baritone for the long term. We’ve been rehearsing at Carl Cappello’s house in Cumberland, and the sound and friendship are good. We plan to sing at any and all singouts where we can this year. If you’ve got a taste for rum with a dash of seaweed, we’re the quartet for you! Aaarrr, Matie!
More than a singing Valentine
Singing for Life The Chapter Board of Directors has approved participating in the Society-wide blood drive, called Singing for Life, scheduled to be held in May, 2009. President Ted Tracy has asked me to Chair the drive for the Downeasters.
Maine Event (pictured above with John) Cy Kendrick, Dave Marstaller John Dave Cole & Al Sargent heard about John Nielsen's diagnosis on Saturday while delivering singing valentines and stopped by impromptu to cheer him up. John and Marion were thrilled to have the quartet share a song and a rose. It’ great to be a barbershopper!
The Singing for Life blood drive held in May 2008 was a solid success, with 176 chapters participating, representing close to 16,000 performers across North America. The media coverage was equal to, or in some cases better than, the coverage markets get during the Singing Valentines campaign. The Singing for Life Program.................. •
helps chapters create an opportunity to SING for others
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helps chapters build awareness in their communities
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helps chapters establish strategic alliances within their communities
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helps chapters unite with other chapters across North America to help save lives
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helps chapters create a new vehicle to attract new members
Singing Valentines Four quartets delivered 48 singing valentines between Friday and Saturday. Gross proceeds are more than $1900 and net proceeds will be about $1500. Almost all of the valentines were member referrals or repeat customers, so thanks to the members who brought in the valentines. One thing I would like to change is the timing of the orders. More than 1/3 of the valentines came in after Wednesday morning, which made it impossible for advanced planning. Thanks to Jeanne and Gail for making up the roses. Thanks to Mannen and Pat for taking the phone orders and for Mannen in helping to plan the event. Thanks to the quartets for their professionalism and flexibility. Two of the quartets had to get replacement members for this event. Finally, thanks to Richard for his time and effort - making posters, cards, ordering 75 (not 50) roses, and helping to plan the event Scott Kolda
I have registered our Chapter with the Society as a participating chapter in 2009 and have made initial contact with the Portland office of the American Red Cross (our partner in this effort). Stay tuned for more information, as it becomes available, and plan to lend your support (and blood?) as planning goes forward and I ask for your assistance in implementing this worthy effort. In harmony, Carl A. Cappello (aka a cappella)
Bio of the month Our chapter development committee plans helping us to get to know our fellow members with a monthly Bio. This issue we are starting at the top with our
Chapter President
Ted has been a BHS member since 1988. While a member of the Norway-South Paris Chapter “Hillsmen” (1988-2003), Ted served as President 3 yrs, Treasurer 6 yrs, M&P VP 2 yrs, Membership VP 2 yrs, Bd Mbr @ Large 1 yr, Show Chm 12 yrs, BOTY 1990.Tenor-County Chords quartet 1989-2004. Qualified for the NED Bachelor of Harmony Award in March of 2000. In December 2000, Ted was appointed Northeastern District Manager of the Granite and Pine Division, a position he held through 2007. Ted was instrumental in establishing semi-annual interchapter meetings of the 7 Maine chapters in 2001 and 2002, and a principal coordinator of the All Maine Sing events 2003 through 2006. He was selected for membership in NEWCANEWENG, the NED Honor Society, in 2004.
Ted Tracy Ted is a native of Norway, Maine. Following graduation from Maine Maritime Academy, class of 1956, Ted served 21 years with the U.S. Navy. Duty assignments included student jet fighter pilot, two surface ship tours, ten years in the Submarine Service (diesel and nuclear subs), shore duty in Charleston, S.C. and Washington, D.C. (Ordnance Engineer), and 4 years at U.S. Navy Supervisor of Shipbuilding Office at BIW, Bath, Maine (Project Officer & Assistant for Weapons). Following retirement from the Navy in 1977, Ted spent the next 10 years as the Owner /Broker of a real estate business in northern Oxford County. Elected in 1986 to the office of Oxford County Register of Probate, Ted served four 4-year terms in that office. Upon their retirements, Ted and wife, Eleanor (Public School Administration), relocated to their current residence at 56 Cushman Point Road in Wiscasset. Both are Corporators of the Western Maine Health Care Corporation and the Mid Coast Hospital Health Care Corporation. They are members of the First Congregational Church in Wiscasset.
Ted was a member of the Brunswick “Nor’easters” Chapter from March 2003 to 2007. Sings Tenor with the Sheepscot Sound quartet 2004 – present, and participates with that quartet in most of the Nor’easters performances in addition to the quartet’s singouts. Ted became a member of the Portland Chapter in September 2003 and continues to be an active Tenor with the Downeasters Chorus. He has been serving as chapter President from January 2008 to present, and enjoys the professionalism and support of the Board of Directors. The fact that the Downeasters Chorus is continuously challenging itself with new music and/or routines for competition, the annual show, and other performances is what Ted enjoys most about singing with this chorus. Pleasures in life include traveling with Ellie to various resorts, spending time with our children and grandchildren, bowling, and playing golf when the opportunities arise. Ellie and I are best friends as we approach our 52nd year together.
We are happy to announce that Bill Peterlein was selected as our Barbershopper of the Year for 2008 The following is taken from the presentation as delivered by last year’s BOBY Richard Roberge who says it so well This year’s recipient, voted anonymously by members of the Downeasters Chorus is a person we all know and have a great deal of admiration for. He is bright, energetic, a gentleman farmer and a true chordbuster. He first joined the Downeasters in April of 1993. Since then, he has been a quartet participant, a chorus member, he is currently a respected Board member and the type of guy that is constantly challenging the group to become more involved, and always hopeful that we can competitively move it up a notch. We are grateful to him for being our tag-master, for making our rehearsals a little more challenging and a lot more fun, by taking the intimidation out of quarteting. Thanks to him we can now all claim to have had some quartet experience. We can count on him for supplying us with our learning CD’s and music as he so skillfully fills his role as our Music VP. It is my distinct pleasure to present to you our friend, this year’s Barbershopper of the Year Mr. Bill Peterlein.
Congratulations Bill
“The Valentine Greetings must get through”
Al Sargent takes his job seriously. When the roads became nearly impassable Al pulled out his trusty chain saw so that he and The Maine Event could deliver a Singing Valentine
Competition Chorus Notes On behalf of the Music Leadership Team I would like to thank all those who auditioned for the CC. We have a total of 22 members. We appreciate the effort you have all put into learning to perform the competition songs. Let’s keep up the good work and bring them to the next level! I also would like to encourage all those who did not audition to seriously consider it for next fall. It is both fun and rewarding to work hard toward accomplishing our goal of becoming the best chorus in the Northeast District! I am currently working with Steve Tramack to come up with a date for a 3 hour coaching session. I expect to have some dates to present at our meeting on March 2nd. The Competition Chorus will be singing the competition songs at the Male House Rock on Saturday March 28. Our slot is from 4:20-4:40 pm. Presented by the Boy Singers of Maine, Male House Rock is a one-day event celebrating the full range of music which can be created by the male voice. Check out the website www.malehouserock.com for further details. This will be our only chance to perform the competition songs before we compete with them. Bill
Guest Night
Tom Liebert Tom Liebert is one of our newest members, in the bass section. Tom started with us in the Fall of 2008, and participated in our Christmas concerts. He didn’t need a formal audition, because after these concerts section leader John Mansfield decided Tom had “adequate chops”, as Tom puts it. Tom worked for many years as a college professor and researcher, most recently in Boston. There he was on the faculty at Wentworth, teaching classes for Boston University and Northeastern, and worked for Harvard’s I.T. group. Tom has degrees in electrical and computer engineering and computer science from Notre Dame and the University of Michigan. More recently, Tom has worked in the trades, doing part-time carpentry and house painting. He’s semi-retired now. He recently showed off his skills by repairing one of our risers. A handy addition to the Chapter! In his youth, while living in Acton, MA, Tom sang in choruses and participated in Community Theater. Since moving to Maine in 2004, he’s been singing with several church choirs in Windham, including St. Ann’s Episcopal Church and Faith Lutheran Church. There’s always room for a good bass! Tom is new to barbershop, but an old hand at friendship and fun, it seems. And we’ve seen how he can eat at Pat’s Pizza – watch out for his long reach! Welcome, Tom! We enjoy singing with you, and look forward to many years to come.
Our first guest night of the year will be in April after the Competition. You will receive date and details by email as we're still in the planning stages, but it will be a fun night for guests and inactive members who would like to see what the chorus is doing these days. Guests should be reminded that we have our regular chorus and the competition chorus so that we can now maximize the enjoyment of both those who want to compete and those who don't. Mention our guest night to everyone you run into. There are lots of men out there who would love our music and camaraderie, but they don't know we exist. Please let me know the names of your guests if possible so that I can have name tags ready. Cy Kendrick, Chapter Development
New Members, We welcome back former members Bill Babbitt, Lead, and Peter Thierrien, Tenor, who are singing with the Downeasters newest quartet, Now and Then. Carl Cappello and Richard Roberge round out this quartet. New members Tom Liebert, Bass, Jeremy Johnson, Bass, and Jeremy McCullock, Bari, are enthusiastic new members who have made an immediate positive impact on the sound of our chorus. The Jeremy's are college guys who are searching for a couple more willing souls at their school for a quartet. We wish them luck. A youth quartet being mentored by Paul Stickney is joining the Downeasters. Jonas Rimkunus, Tenor, Mitch Perrin, Lead, Andrew Ernest, Bari, and Ian Hawkes, Bass are each 15 years old and have formed a quartet with the unlikely and probably temporary name of The 1800 Dollar Shoes Quartet. The Downeasters had the pleasure of hearing this quartet perform for us at the February 16th rehearsal and we were treated to a wonderful sound and excellent showmanship. Cy Kendrick, Chapter Development
From the Music Leadership Team; A quick review of the musical related things the chorus accomplished in 2008; • •
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Voice training and vocal coaching from Ray Schwartzkoff and Gloria and Reggie Bonnin. Suspended the search for a director and signed a contract with Jack to Direct the Downeasters (a new contract was signed for 2009). Developed a formal position description for the Chorus Manager. Produced a successful annual show. Added new songs to our repertoire, including Barbara Ann, What a Wonderful World, Old Cape Cod, and the three parodies. Started a successful Barber Pole Cat program. Began a competition only chorus.
On behalf of the MLT I would like to thank all the active members of the Downeasters for helping to make these things possible through your willing and unending participation. Moving on to 2009, some of the things we will be considering; •
• • • • •
Developing a formal chorus audition and voice placement process for potential new members. This would be accomplished in conjunction with new member orientation and other related Chapter Development in‐ terests. Formal selection of an Assistant Director. Solicit and engage in a greater number of paid performances. Working together to produce and execute the best ever 60th Anniversary Annual Show. Continuing to develop and improve the Com‐ petition Chorus. Building our repertoire, at present adding Who’ll Take My Place, Chordbusters March, Battle Hymn, The Old Songs Medley, and the Downeaster Chorus Song.
I am sure that other “projects” will present themselves as the year moves along. The MLT looks forward to your continued participation and support as we go forward. We are also getting new shirts. They will be multi-color button down shirts suitable for use
with the tux. Due to the current Chorus financial constraints we are asking each member to pay $20 for their shirt. If you have already paid the $15 competition chorus fee then you only need to pay $5, as we decide that the fee this round would go to the shirts. Please pay me, as I am keeping track. The shirt will be yours forever! As always I am open to listening to and would like to encourage any and all ideas. Together we can make 2009 awesome! In Humble Service, Bill and the MLT A Thank You from our BOTY I would like to thank the members of the Downeaster’s for giving me the very special privilege of being Barbershopper of the year. I have enjoyed serving the chorus - this is icing on the cake! I would especially like to thank the Board for their support and willingness to try new things. I would like to thank Jack and the music leadership team for their support, many great ideas, and willingness to help this chorus in our pursuit of better ensemble singing. Most I would like to thank all the active members of the Downeaster’s who have been willing participants in the many activities and endeavors we have pursued. It is truly great to be a barbershpper! Bill
American Harmony – the Movie The American Harmony movie is the best thing for barbershop harmony since the Buffalo Bills stormed Broadway in 1957. With your help, 2009 will be the year people go to their local movie theater to see a flattering portrait of barbershop harmony in a compelling, exciting documentary. Because the success of this movie is so important and can help us unprecedented exposure for barbershop to the masses, Society leadership is in the process of organizing a phone tree to make personal contact with chapter leaders across the Society, not only to encourage participation but to address any questions or concerns. For more details about how your chapter can help bring this movie to a theater near you, visit www.barbershop.org/americanharmony. Tell us what you think.
Downeasters 2009 Event Planner March 12- Board Mtg. 28-Male House Rock- Saco ? American Harmony Movie ? Publicity for “Sing For Life” (Blood Drive) ? Chamber Follow up mtg.
April 3-4 Granite & Pine Div. Competition (Location TBA) 9-Board Mtg. First Guest Night ’09 Date TBA 16-17-Sawyer Memorial Concerts, (Greene, ME.) Thurs. Night,Friday afternoon and Friday Night Continue publicity- “Sing for life (Blood Drive) ? Chamber Follow up mtg.
May 2- “Singing Waiters”Church Supper/Concert Trinity Episcopal, Saco 8- Board Meeting 9 Sing ForLife Blood Drive location-TBA 22- Technical Rehearsal 23- Annual Show 31-Chapt. Report Due (SFL) ? Chamber Follow up mtg.
June 11- Board Meeting 14 Bay Square Assisted Living Yarmouth @ 2PM 29- Poland Spring (Monday night) Concert - All souls chapel Singing Waiters/ Concert TBA? Chamber Follow up mtg
July 9-Board Mtg. 11-Ocean Park Temple Concert 7:30 15- Clam Festival Set-up 17-19 Clam Festival/Concert 27- 2nd Guest Night (B/S) Singing Waiters/ Concert TBA
August 1-Family Picnic (TBA) 7-8 Harmony College 13-Board Mtg. (YCF Report) ? Sea Dogs ? Sun. afternoon ? Singing Waiters/ Concert TBA
September 10-Board Mtg. 21- Guest night #3 L/A area Singing Waiters/ Concert TBA
October 8-Board Mtg. 23-24 District Convention Singing Waiters/ Concert TBA
November 7- Battle of the Blends Franco Amer. Ctr. Lewiston 7: PM 12-Board Mtg. 28 Singing Waiters/ Concert TBA .
December 5-Harmony Holiday kick off (See Lowell Promotion-tie in with Festival of lights TBA) 7-Benefit Concert TBA 10-Board Mtg. 14- Benefit Saco Food Pantry 21- Sing out Canco ?