The Downeasters Soundings Weekly is
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
6:30pm
Rehearsals
Lunt Auditorium, 74 Lunt Rd, Falmouth, ME 04105
October 3, 2022
Chorus Rehearsal
Monday Rehearsal Live Zoom
Reminder, for those playing the home game, the zoom info is below, it’s the same every week.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/92996428874?pwd=dFNFbFVMNlJSVmdCWE0rZmxDckJTZz09
Meeting ID: 929 9642 8874 Passcode: 9b275y
Music
Downeasters Updated Rehearsal Covid Rules
Wearing Masks are OPTIONAL until further notice.
Social distancing and spacing.
Fully vaccinated, initial round. Booster is not required. - Not sick.
No positive Covid test or exposure to Covid in the last 5 days.
Music Notes…
“Ronnie” Menard Obituary and the Funeral Plans for Saturday Oct 1st.
Here is the obituary and the funeral plans for Ronnie this weekend. He would really like to have as many of you there to raise your voice in song and to share in the joy that fellowship and music brings to our lives. As you all know, The Granite Statesmen was critically important to him all of the 60 years he was a member.
The wake, the funeral, and the “afterglow” will all be held at Alpine Grove, a place he loved. Come for all of it or just the parts you can. Everyone is welcome, We hope there will be lots of singing.
In harmony, Roger
Celebrating Ronald “Ronnie”
a
away we go… Downeasters Chorus
Downeaster Chapter Meetings
Monday,
– 8:30pm
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Menard
Ronald “Ronnie” Harvey Menard, 84, died Friday, 23 September, 2022 at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua, NH.
He was born on October 1, 1937 in Saugus, MA to loving parents, Philip and Edith Menard. The second of thirteen children, he grew up on a mink farm in Chester, NH. He is survived by siblings Jeanne, Kenneth, Ralph, Ernest, Alfred, and David and is predeceased by siblings Philip, Stephen, Judith, Nelson, Daniel, and Theresa. He graduated from Raymond High School in 1956, where he was class president, student council president, and played on the 1955 State Champion baseball team.
During his junior year of high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps Active Reserves, 18th Rifle Company. Upon graduation, he volunteered to attend boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. He served for 11 years, took part in eleven two-week training camps, and was actively involved in training new recruits. He left the Reserves with the rank of Sergeant (E5). He is an Honorary Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
Ronnie was married to Linda Alice (Wilson) on June 20, 1959 and they leave behind three sons and three grandchildren. Ronald II, married Erin (Dolan). Roger married Karen (Doucette) and had a son, Thomas. Roger later married Joni (Spring). Russell, married Theresa (Maguire) and had two children, Benjamin and Cora. Linda passed away on July 15, 2021 at age 80.
Most of his working life was spent in food vending services. He started his own company, Creative Vending Services, from which he retired after nineteen years at age 73.
Ronnie loved music, particularly Barbershop-style four-part harmony. He was an active member of the Barbershop Harmony Society (aka SPEBSQSA) for the last 60 years, first in the Derry, NH, chapter and, since 1962, as a member of the Nashua, NH, Granite Statesmen chorus. Shortly after joining the society, he became involved in quartet singing. His quartet, The Adventurers, became well known after winning the 1966 Northeastern District Championship. They were active for more than 50 years, participating in hundreds of shows, conventions, competitions, TV shows, and radio shows. They performed across the United States as well as in Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and on a Caribbean cruise ship. They even entertained the crew on board the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine, the U.S.S. Nautilus, while it was in drydock. Besides The Adventurers, Ronnie also sang with several other quartets, including Family Tradition, Guys Night Out, Northern Contingent, Old Men of the Mountains, and Why Not Us. He was also active in the administration of the hobby, serving at various times as Chapter President and Vice-President, District President, and International Board Member. He also served on the district-level Board for sixteen years. Ronnie was always grateful for the hundreds of friendships he made through his decades of Barbershop singing.
Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on 1 October and a funeral service will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with Pastor Jeff Evans officiating. The funeral service will be immediately followed by a luncheon to celebrate Ronnie’s life. The visitation, funeral service, and luncheon will all take place at Alpine Grove at 19 South Depot Road in Hollis, NH. Internment will follow the luncheon and will be at Edgewood Cemetery at 107 Amherst Street in Nashua, NH. Family and friends are invited to attend any or all of these events.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution to the Barbershop Harmony Society (https://www.barbershop.org/), or one of Ronnie’s three favorite charities: The Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/), The Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https:// t2t.org/), or the Shriners Hospitals for Children (https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/ donate).
The DAVIS FUNERAL HOME, One Lock St., Nashua has been placed in charge of arrangements. An online guest book will soon be available at www.davisfuneralhomenh.com
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Annual Awards and Installation Banquet
Downeaster’s Annual Awards and Installation Banquet. November 12th, 2022, Saturday – Rachel’s On The Green –Valhalla Golf Course –Off Greely Rd. Cumberland Ctr., Maine
Social Hour – 4:30pm Dinner- 6:00pm
The Board has approved payment of meals for those Members in attendance at this function, from our treasury. The quoted price per meal, is $28.00 per head, tax included, for members and guests. It will be buffet style which will include beef, chicken and fish. Please put down any special dietary needs on the sign-up sheet.
Members who have guests in attendance can reimburse the chapter in the form of cash or check that evening or at an upcoming chorus / chapter meeting.
Please make sure you leave an appropriate tip for your server as that will not be provided by the chapter.
During Social hour finger food will be provided at no additional cost. Any alcoholic or soft drinks from the cash bar are not included in the price of the dinner and will be the responsibility of each individual.
Sign-up sheets will be available at chorus rehearsal starting Monday October 3rd. We will need to know of your commitment to attend this function by October 17th
Thank you, If you have any questions please contact Marshall Wagner
Barbershopper of the Year Voting
Don’t forget to vote for barbershopper of the year, either by sending me an email or by getting an index card from me and writing in the name of your nominee. So far only three people have voted.
fred moore fmoore@maine.rr.com
Upcoming Dates…
NEDistrict
-Listing NED events and
https://www.nedistrict.org/calendar-lists
Oct 15 (Sat)
What: Nor’easter’s Show, with FairWinds, the Windjammer Quartet
Where: United Methodist Church, 320 Church Rd, Brunswick Times: 2:00 pm
Afterglow: Pat’s Pizza, Pleasant St, Brunswick For information, contact Kathy Robitaille at kattsy2@yahoo.com or 207-542-7699.
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Calendar Listings:
Chapter Shows! * 2022 * * 2022 * * 2022 *
Oct. 21-24 (Fri – Mon)
What: 2022 NED FALL DISTRICT Convention & Contests
Where: Venue: Saint John Trade and Convention Centre
1 Market Square, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada E2L 4Z6
** Passports Required to travel across the border**
Link: https://www.nedistrict.org/2022-fall-district-info
Nov 12 (Sat)
What: Downeaster’s Annual Awards and Installation Banquet
Where: Rachel’s On The Green –Valhalla Golf Course
60 Val Halla Rd, Cumberland Center, ME
Times: Social Hour – 4:30pm Dinner- 6:00pm
Nov 21 (Mon)
What: Sable Lodge show
** Downeasters Performance **
Where: 74 Running Hill Rd, South Portland, ME Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm Call Time: 6:00pm
Dec 5 (Mon)
** Downeasters Performance **
What: First Parish Congregational Church Saco
Where: 12 Beach St, Saco, ME Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Call Time: TBD
Dec 10 (Sat)
** Downeasters Performance **
What: Holiday Show with Royal River
Where: Windham ME Times: 2:00 pm & 9:00pm
Sep 22-24 (Fri-Sun)
What: THE 2023 NEW ENGLAND HARMONY BRIGADE RALLY
Where: TBA Times: TBA Link: https://www.nehb.net
Gary Lessard
Daniel Clark
Joe Grant
Scott Kolda
Oct 02
Oct 10
Oct 12
Oct 16
Jim Johnston Oct 20
OOB Performance Video
Kathy got this link from her reporter friend Liz:
* 2023 * * 2023 * * 2023 *
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https://www.facebook.com/sacobaynews/videos/downeasters-chorus-performing-at-oldorchard-beach-fall-fest-sept-24-2022/923296621962516/
David Brown
From YouTube:
Featured Performances
The Ladies, 2022 Quartet Finals
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6wRPGPlKuk
We’ve got a funny feeling everything’s gonna be okay…because The Ladies brought their jazzy tempo changes and gorgeous chords to the international quartet contest stage.
2023 International Champion Quartet Region #10, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
From Livewire:
Video Extra
The Schmitt Brothers - Good Old Days
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vddQT7OEchE
This week we look back on our 1951 International Quartet Champions, who will be honored as namesakes of an outdoor performance stage at the center of their hometown of Two Rivers, Wisconsin. PLUS: See news coverage of the project, and learn how you can support it.
Lifted from the 1979 convention release is this quick performance by the 1951 International Barbershop Quartet Champion, the Schmitt Brothers. Nearly 30 years after being crowned champions, the Schmitt Brothers stumbled upon Schmitt Music while at the International Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota and broke into song.
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Anytime at All
Blue Skies
Caroline Consider Yourself
God Bless America
Hello Mary Lou How Deep is the Ocean
I Will Go Sailing No More
I'm Gonna Live Till I Die
If I Loved You
New Music: Nevertheless
From the First Hello
Can You Feel The Love Tonight Softly, As I Leave You Sweet Caroline
Hallelujah
What A Wonderful World When You Wish Upon A Star How High The Moon Bare Necessities Good Luck Charm I Have Dreamed
Click here to go to the music library
Irish Blessing with the new tag
It's a Most Unusual Day Keep The Whole World Singing Longest Time
Love Me
O Canada
Star Spangled Banner
The Cop On The Beat
Tin Roof Blues
Wonderful Day Medley
Christmas Music: Angels We Have Heard On High Go Tell It On The Mountain Jingle Bell Rock Silent Night
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
O Holy Night
We Wish You A Merry Christmas Do You Hear What I Hear Hark! The Herald Angels Sing O Come All Ye Faithful Winter Wonderland
Debra Lynn Follow-Up @ downeasters.choirgenius.com -> https:// downeasters.choirgenius.com/node/3617
You can navigate to it via the members only menu: Documents->Music Team->Debra Lynn
Downeasters Practice Videos: Chris’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCGAv8zxVYf7KY9Lc-boIsQ
Downeasters & Quartets Videos on YouTube:
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB2KEyK89e1G6-F0Un6EJr3NyHsMro3Lz
Downeasters Leadership for 2022
President
Bill Bedford < wbedford11@gmail.com >
Primary: (518) 275-5627
Secretary
Scott Kolda < mainiacsinsweden@yahoo.com >
Primary: (207) 522-1020
VP - Membership
Rich Parsons < repdhp@msn.com >
Primary: (207) 985-9196 Cell: (207) 232-7770
VP - PR-Marketing
Chris Cutler < christopherjcutler@gmail.com>
Primary: (860) 808-9887
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
Immediate Past President
Fred Moore < fmoore@maine.rr.com > Primary: (207) 409-2736 Secondary: (207) 885-5822
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
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
Mike Soper <gmichaelsoper@gmail.com>
Primary: (207) 400-9184 Secondary: (207) 730-5624
Board Member at Large
Sam Wainright < samwainright1@gmail.com >
Primary: 207-518-8577 Cell: 860-759-4973
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Bruce Sturgis
Soundings Weekly Editor
email: soundings.ed@gmail.com
Downeasters Barbershop Chorus www.downeasters.org
downeasters.choirgenius.org
