3-31-2023 Soundings Weekly by Portland Downeasters

The Downeasters Soundings Weekly is a weekly email newsletter of the Downeasters Barbershop Harmony Chorus www.downeasters.org

-Please send any Barbershopping news, Chorus news and show dates, Quartet news and appearances, Notes of Interest- including Chorus Shows and other Public Entertainment dates from around New England, requests to be removed from, or added to, the distribution list, etc. to soundings.ed@gmail.com.

-Deadline for submission of articles of interest to the chorus is 5:00pm Thursdays.

-This, and all Soundings are available online at: http://www.issuu.com/downeasters

And away we go…

Downeasters Chorus Rehearsals

Downeaster Chapter Meetings

Lunt Auditorium, 74 Lunt Rd, Falmouth, ME 04105

Monday, April 3, 2023

6:00pm – 6:45pm Competition Chorus Rehearsal

6:45pm – 9:00pm Chorus Rehearsal

Downeasters Competition Chorus Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7LSpeZEZy4lUObZDtgBa9kqxFpV5ykrM

All singers should be individually warmed up upon arrival to each chorus session.

DEBRA LYNN WARMUP EXERCISES:

https://www.downeasters.org/dbpage.php?pg=view&dbase=rep&id=41

In general Zoom will not be started. But, if it is, members will be notified. ~George Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/92996428874?pwd=dFNFbFVMNlJSVmdCWE0rZmxDckJTZz09

Meeting ID: 929 9642 8874

Passcode: 9b275y

Music

Good Luck Charm

I Have Dreamed

Hello Mary Lou

How High the Moon.

Irish Blessing

Bare Necessities

Nevertheless

Covid Policy Reminder

"The Downeasters Chorus takes the health of our members very seriously. Members and guests are welcome to come to our meetings, as long as you are feeling well. We generally follow CDC guidelines. We require that you can produce evidence of at least the first two Covid vaccines if asked. Plus, do not visit us for at least 10 days after a flu-like illness or if you tested positive for Covid, and wait 5 days if you believe you have been in contact with someone who is ill or tested positive for Covid. If in doubt, please take a Covid test the day you plan to come."

So great to see all of you Monday night - certainly made my Monday a ton better! And I hope yours, too!!!

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~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Rehearsal Recap 03-27-2023

Music Notes…

In the performing chorus, we continued work on the rhythm and word emphasis on Wonderful World and the phrase endings and dynamics of God Bless America, We also discussed some of the important rhythmic issues in Hello Mary Lou and the deep meaning of the song Softly. We also continued building How High the Moon - that one needs the most work of the songs in our repertoire. Homework for this week was to spend some time listening to the full mix for How High the Moon and Hello Mary Lou in order to reinforce the rhythmic patterns in both songs.

By the way, a huge thank you to all - we RETAINED nearly EVERYTHING!!! To me, that is the most important aspect of our growth... We can work each week on tuning, intonation, rhythm, and performance elements all we want, but if we don't retain the info that we cover each week, we spend time in the future learning it again. So, if you want to continue to learn more, sing better, and have more fun each week, I encourage you to continue to bring your music to rehearsal and review the notes from each week between rehearsals!

In the competition chorus, we finished up the end of Good Luck Charm and discussed how the ending always threatens to get out of control and build too much - but each time it settles just a little bit, enough to let the song build again in the next line a little bit more. This now means that we've covered each section of both songs. Homework for the week is to watch as many of those videos as you need in the YouTube playlist to ensure you know the plan for each song, then prepare for full set runs, since that is the plan next Monday!

Also, for ALL CHORUS MEMBERS... next week, please wear or bring the outfit you will be wearing for chorus performances. This means all chorus members, competition and performing. Additionally, if you brought/wore your outfit Monday and we asked for changes to be made, please bring those updated items to be sure! Here are the guidelines:

- Must be appropriate for a stage performance (ie. no jeans, no t-shirts)

- Primary color allowed is Blue - multiple shades are allowed, does NOT have to match each other for this contest.

- Black also allowed

- Red accent encouraged

- Black shoes (and belt if needed)

See the email from me from Sunday for pictures to demonstrate the colors we're looking for (quartet photo) and an idea of the types of clothing / shading acceptable (chorus photo).

Next week, I want to have sectionals on Mary Lou and the intro to How High the Moon, focused on section unity only. Additionally, we'll spend time with Irish Blessing, Bare Necessities, and Nevertheless. Thank you everyone, see you Monday!

-Chris

Music Medics

Music Medics,

Well, the time has come to plan for our first visit to the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center. Sharon Granville the Child Life Program Manager, has requested that we come for a musical visit on June 20th, Tuesday at 1:30 pm. The family lounge area has been in use due to a large volume of extra patients, but she hopes that it will be available

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to use by that time to allow for a max of 10 singers. If not, we will be singing to the families and patients at their bedside going room to room with just 4 singers. We will also be visiting the pediatric emergency department. We will know more at the beginning of June!

Right now you can start learning the songs for Music Medics listed on our Downeasters website. You will find a number of upbeat songs designed for this kind of audience. Learning tracks are also provided. More information will be forthcoming very soon. This is a wonderful community service and a great cause where our hobby can make a big difference.

Thank You, Glenn

Downeasters Annual Show!

Apr 22 (Sat) ** Downeasters Performance **

What: Downeasters Annual Show

Where: First Parish in Portland, Unitarian Universalist Church

425 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101

Times: 4:00 pm

Call Time: 2:30pm

Tickets to be sold at the door. Cash, Venmo, Stripe, PayPal accepted!

General Admission (Adult) - $20

Students - $10

Groups (four or more) - $15

Children (age 5 and under) - FREE

Upcoming Dates…

NEDistrict Calendar Listings: https://www.nedistrict.org/calendar-lists

-Listing NED events and Chapter Shows!

* 2023 * * 2023 * * 2023 *

Mar. 31 (Fri)

What: Yarmouth's Got Talent - Student Performance Event - Volunteers

Where: Yarmouth Performing Arts Center at Yarmouth HS, 286 West Elm Street Times: 7:00 pm

Apr. 6 (Thu) ** Downeasters Performance **

What: Sea Dogs Opening Day

Where: Hadlock Field, Portland

website: www.milb.com/portland

Time: 6:00pm Call Time: 5:00pm

Apr. 10 (Mon) ** Downeasters Coaching **

What: Cay Outerbridge Coaching

Where: Lunt Auditorium Rehearsal Hall Times: 6:00 pm

Apr 15 (Sat)

What: Fundraiser for the Bath-Brunswick Respite Care Program

Nor'easters, FairWinds Mixed Chorus, and quartets Windjammers, Ebb Tide and Heart 'n Soul

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Where: United Methodist Church, 320 Church Rd, Brunswick

Times: 2:00 pm

Tickets are $15 at the door

Apr 14-16 (Fri-Sun) ** Downeasters Performance **

What: Eastern Regional Convention & Contests

Where: Resort & Conference Center at Hyannis

35 Scudder Avenue Hyannis, MA, 02601

Link: https://www.nedistrict.org/calendar/2023/4/21/ned-eastern-convention

Apr 22 (Sat) ** Downeasters Performance **

What: Downeasters Annual Show

Where: First Parish in Portland, Unitarian Universalist Church

425 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101

Times: 4:00 pm

Call Time: 2:30pm

Tickets to be sold at the door. Cash, Venmo, Stripe, PayPal accepted!

General Admission (Adult) - $20

Students - $10

Groups (four or more) - $15

Children (age 5 and under) - FREE

Jun. 20 (Tue) ** Music Medics **

What: Music Medics Outing

Where: Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center

Times: 1:30pm

Jul. 2-9 (Sun – Sun)

What: 2023 INTERNATIONAL: Louisville, Kentucky

Where: Louisville, Kentucky

Links: https://www.barbershop.org/events/2023-international-convention

Aug 3-6 (Fri-Sun)

What: Harmony Explosion Camp

Where: Worcester State University Worcester, MA

Times: TBA

Link: https://www.nedistrict.org/calendar/2023/8/3/harmony-explosion-camp

Aug 18-20 (Fri-Sun)

What: 2023 Meredith Bay Barbershop Jamboree

Where: Meredith, New Hampshire

Times: TBA

Link: https://www.nedistrict.org/jamboree

Sep 22-24 (Fri-Sun)

What: THE 2023 NEW ENGLAND HARMONY BRIGADE RALLY

Where: TBA

Times: TBA

Link: https://www.nehb.net

Oct 27-29 (Fri-Sun) ** Downeasters Performance **

What: NED '23 Fall District Convention & Contests

Where: Windham, NH

Times: TBA

Link: https://www.nedistrict.org/calendar/2023/10/27/ned-23-fall-district-convention

What: CHRISTMAS PRELUDE - CHURCH AT THE CAPE

Where: 3 Langsford Road

Cape Porpoise, Maine 04014

Link: https://www.churchonthecape.org

* 2024 * * 2024 * * 2024 *

Upcoming Birthdays and/or Now Showing -> Member Anniversaries!:

30 Mar Mike Soper's birthday

31 Mar Dave Cole - member of Downeasters Chapter of BHS 25 years

31 Mar Jim Curtis - member of Downeasters Chapter of BHS 47 years

31 Mar Walt Dowling - member of Downeasters Chapter of BHS 24 years

31 Mar Rich Parsons - member of Downeasters Chapter of BHS 30 years

31 Mar Dwight Pensiero's birthday

31 Mar Bill Ringwall - member of Downeasters Chapter of BHS 46 years

31 Mar Chris Tupper - member of Downeasters Chapter of BHS 41 years

7 Apr Scott Kolda and Gail's anniversary

From YouTube: Chordiac Arrest - DARKNESS ON THE DELTA

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SG5_-8UekZs

1990, Aloha Chapter annual show the Chordiac Arrest barbershop quartet out of Illinois told us about a Delta flight 502 that got lost in the Northeast USA.

From YouTube:

Chordiac Arrest - Heart of My Heart (parody)

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BjZdu14sWA

Performed live at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri during the Barbershop Harmony Society's 1989 International Convention

Dec. 9 (Sat) ** Downeasters Performance **

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YouTube:

8 Apr Bill Bedford - member of Downeasters Chapter of BHS 8 years

17 Apr Chris Cutler-Wood's birthday 18 Apr Fred Moore and Ellen Corrigan's anniversary 22 Apr Fred Moore's birthday 27 Apr Jeff Brown - member of Downeasters Chapter of BHS 8 years

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1kMUCauJZs

Here is a full song video of "Bridge Over Troubled Water." I've always loved this arrangement and the Westminster Chorus' performance of it. ~Tim

Tim has been recording a lot more than Barbershop Learning Tracks, this is just one of many of his self-collaborations.

Check out his YouTube channel : https://www.youtube.com/@TimWaurickMusic/ videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=0

Mission Statement

Enriching Lives Through Excellence In A Cappella Harmony Active Repertoire -> You can always Sing!

Bare Necessities

Blue Skies

Can You Feel The Love Tonight

Caroline

Cop On The Beat

From the First Hello

God Bless America

Good Luck Charm*competition

Hallelujah

Hello Mary Lou

How High The Moon

I Have Dreamed*competition

Irish Blessing

Nevertheless

O Canada

Softly, As I Leave You

Star Spangled Banner

Sweet Caroline

What A Wonderful World

Christmas Music:

Angels We Have heard on High

Do You Hear What I Hear

Go Tell It on the Mountain

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Have Yourself a Merry Little

Christmas

Jingle Bell Rock

O Come, All Ye Faithful

O Holy Night

Silent Night

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Winter Wonderland

Downeasters Competition Chorus Videos:

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7LSpeZEZy4lUObZDtgBa9kqxFpV5ykrM

Downeasters Practice Videos:

Chris’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/@christopherhoward488/playlists

Downeasters & Quartets Videos on YouTube:

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB2KEyK89e1G6-F0Un6EJr3NyHsMro3Lz

Downeasters Leadership for 2023

President

Mike Soper <gmichaelsoper@gmail.com>

Primary: (207) 400-9184

Secretary

Secondary: (207) 730-5624

Scott Kolda < mainiacsinsweden@yahoo.com >

Primary: (207) 522-1020

VP - Membership

Chris Cutler-Wood < christopherjcutler@gmail.com>

Primary: (860) 808-9887

Immediate Past President

Bill Bedford < wbedford11@gmail.com >

Primary: (518) 275-5627

Treasurer

Roger Buck < rcbuck9@gmail.com >

Primary: (207) 879-0643 Cell: (207) 749-9059

VP - Music

George Feinberg < gmfeinberg@gmail.com >

Primary: (207) 615-3748

Tim Waurick - when tears are in your eyes...

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VP - PR-Marketing

Kevin Schwery < schwery@gmail.com >

Primary:

Director

Chris Howard < crhlehigh@gmail.com >

Primary: (201) 893-1173

Librarian

Dwight Pensiero <DJPensiero@gmail.com>

Primary: (207) 353-3244

"Soundings" Newsletter Editor

Bruce Sturgis <BStur1@gmail.com>

Primary: (207) 520-8354

Bruce Sturgis

Soundings Weekly Editor

email: soundings.ed@gmail.com

Downeasters Barbershop Chorus

www.downeasters.org

Board Member at Large

Marshall Wagner <emwagner31@aol.com>

Primary: (207) 232-1543

Board Member at Large

Jim Johnston < jimjohnston@maine.rr.com >

Primary: (207) 619-7613 Cell: (207) 400-9760

Board Member at Large

Rich Parsons < repdhp@msn.com >

Primary: (207) 985-9196 Cell: (207) 232-7770

Board Member at Large

Sam Wainright < samwainright1@gmail.com >

Primary: 207-518-8577 Cell: 860-759-4973