May - June 2010 chanics will fall into place automatically when we are singing with artistry.
THE PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVE Although this article specifically addresses the recent CC performance at the Division Contest, my thoughts are also intended for those who have elected to not be in the CC but are singing with and supporting the chapter in all non-competition singing we do. I would first like to say thanks and congratulations for the awesome performance you all put together in Billerica. I believe that our score (74.2) was the highest in our history! This did not just happen – you all made it happen with your hard work and dedication. I have been listening to the A&R sessions. The judges had some wonderful things to say. What pleased me most was the common opinion of the judges that we understand the basic mechanical tools in our tool kit and we are using them fairly consistently. For me the message was that to move forward we need to (1) use the tools we have more consistently and (2) add artistry. It can be said that once the mechanics (tools) become second nature and we no longer have to think about them, it frees us up to add the artistry. I would turn this around and state that one should not wait for mastery of the mechanics before applying the artistry. I believe that many of the me-
1
To this end, I want to challenge you all to contemplate the meaning of artistry. We can teach and rehearse the mechanics (i.e., attacks, phrase endings, synchronization, vowel shapes, etc.). These are well defined and relatively universal to all. What is difficult to teach to others is artistry. This comes from within and is different for everyone – a very individual thing. Take “vocal color” for example. One can guide another by defining vocal color, demonstrating it, and suggesting when to apply it. But ultimately to be effective, it must come from deep within the singer. It must flow out of the singer in harmony with the flow of the song. This requires each singer to dig deep into the song, mine the artistic elements, and display them emotionally. So here is the challenge. Meditate on what artistry means to you. Then apply these meanings to a repertoire or CC song. Dig deep into the song – concentrate on the meaning of the lyrics and note how the lyrics flow with the melody. Watch performances of some musical/vocal artists (e.g. Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Ella Fitzgerald, Barbara Streisand – there are so many more – pick your own favorites). Watch very closely and try to understand what it is they do that moves you emotionally. If you can watch a live performance that would be even better. Then sing a song into the mirror emulating these techniques in your own way. Next time you are on the risers try focusing less on the mechanics and more on bring-
ing artistry to each song you sing. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Although we bring artistry to a song individually, it is extremely important that everyone on the risers engage in the artistry. Individuals who are not engaged will stand out, be the focus of attention, and detract from the artistry that others are performing. I truly believe that each of us will find a new level of pleasure and satisfaction in performing our songs with artistry. It will bring the Chapter to a whole new level, and what could be more satisfying than that! Yours in harmony, Bill
Downeasters Barbershop Chorus Greater Portland Chapter P.O. Box 48, Yarmouth, ME 04096 (207) 846-6841 www.downeasters.org Downeasters Leadership for 2010 Bill Peterlein……………………………………. President Walt Dowling .….……..……...VP, Music and Performance Cy Kendrick……..…..….………VP, Chapter Development Dave Marstaller………...……..…………………..Secretary Larry Bean……..…………………………………Treasurer Dave Cole…...…..…….………………….Delegate to NED Ted Tracy…….. ……………..……………....Past President Jack Baggs……..………………………………… Director Dwight Pensiero……………....……..…………....Librarian Tom Liebert…………..…VP, Marketing/PR & Webmaster Richard Roberge...……………………….Chorus Manager Tom Liebert………..………….……………….Webmaster Dave Brown ………..…………...Board Member At Large Dave Cole….….…….…….…….Board Member At Large Phil Gage ……………………….Board Member At Large Bruce Sturgis…….………..…Downeast Soundings Editor Email: soundings.ed@gmail.com Photos in this issue by Tere & Judy Porter
"Nuts About Harmony" As most of you know we now have an opportunity to be "nuts about harmony" in more ways than one. Through a local contact we can purchase packaged nuts in several different varieties with our own Downeasters private label. We can sell them at any function were allowed, and have them as a snack at chorus rehearsals. We buy them at wholesale for .50 cents and sell them for a buck (the real reason they're called "buck nuts"). All profits go to the chapter. If this is well received and things go as planned you may be seeing "Harmony Bars" next (chocolate bars with our own private labels). Al Sargent has come forward with his willingness to toss around some ideas of how to market this perhaps making it available to other chapters as well. Let's see what the outcome is and have fun while enjoying a nutty idea. By the way, our first sample batch of 45 bags were sold out (thank you very much). Our treasurer will receive $22.50 as our first profit from the sales. A new batch of 100 bags are now available and will be on sale at the Yard Sale on May 15 and hopefully at the concession stand on May 22. Submitted by Richard Roberge 2
Chapter Sympathies Recent Passing Elliot "Gene" Hart passed away in April. Gene was 85 and lived in South Portland. He was a member of the Portland Chapter several decades ago Submitted by Dick Wheeler
• May 15 (Sat) What: Downeasters Gigantic Yardsale! Proceeds will be used to help send the Northeastern District Champion Downeasters to the Philadelphia International Competition in July Type: Fundraiser Location: Rowe Elementary School (behind the library) 52 School Street Yarmouth, ME Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM More Info: Call Brenda Dowling (207) 934-5857 (item donations welcome) • May 16 (Sun) What: Downeasters sing national anthems at ACT 150 Type: Public event Location: Oxford Plains Speed-
way 877 Main Street Oxford, ME Time: 1:00 PM Cost: FREE to Downeasters and family members • May 16 (Sun) What: Afterglow at Miles Hunt's place! Type: Downeasters-only event Location: Near Oxford Plains Speedway Time: 4:00 - 10:00 PM (approx.) • May 22 (Sat) What: "Come Fly With Me" -Downeasters Annual Concert, featuring Acoustix Quartet Type: Public performance Location: Winslow Homer Auditorium Scarborough High School 20 Gorham Road Scarborough, ME Times: 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM Admission: Adults $20, Seniors $15, Students $10.To order tickets: Visit our homepage. • May 24 (Mon) What: Final Philadelphia bus payment due (amount TBD) • June 12 (Sat) What: 6th Annual Baseball Barbershop BBQ with the Ocean State Chorus Type: National Anthem sing at Pawtucket Red Sox game Location: McCoy Stadium 1 Columbus Avenue Pawtucket, RI 02860 Starting address: Time: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM (approx.) Cost: $15 Adult/$10 kids 12 and under. Price includes BBQ and game ticket. Notes: Tickets must be purchased in advance. Make check payable to "Ocean State Chorus", and mail to: Steve Isherwood 179 Ontario Street Providence, RI 02907 There is free parking all around McCoy Stadium. We encourage people to bring lawn chairs as seating is limited at the BBQ. The BBQ is held in the parking lot of McCoy Stadium on the first base side. There is a BBQ tent IN the park, but that is for another group. Schedule: •3:00 BBQ & Singing •5:30 The men rehearse the National Anthem •6:00 We sing the National Anthem on the field •6:05 The game begins •10:00-ish The game ends • June 14 (Mon) What: Coaching Retreat with Steve Tramack Type: Downeasters Competition Chorus-only event Note: Other chorus members DO NOT need to attend Location: Harrison Middle School, 3
Yarmouth, ME Time: 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM Schedule: • June 28 - July 4 What: International Convention of the Barbershop Harmony Society Type: Barbershop competition (public welcome) Location: Philadelphia, PA Hotel: Marriott Downtown. Come support the Downeasters Competition Chorus as they compete on the international stage for the very first time!
Quartet Corner On The Go: We have had a quiet stretch but did sing last week at a surprise 90th birthday part for Bill Horner, a long time member of the Downeasters. Bill sang a couple with us as well. Port City Sound Qualifies In Danbury, CT Because of a schedule conflict, Port City Sound competed in the NED Western Regional Division Convention Competition March 19th. It was the first competition for PCS since their exciting trip and appearance in the Seniors International Winter Convention Contest in Tampa, FL in January. Port City Sound chose Love Letters as one of their two songs in Danbury, knowing full well that The Downeasters had been penalized years before because the song was judged only marginally competable. Just as before with the chorus, PCS lost points for similar reasons. However, even with the penalty, they qualified for the Fall District contest which, this year, will be held in Westbrook, ME. The third weekend of October. Be sure to wish Port City Sound Well when you see them.
Back Bay Four Competes In Billerica It was a slightly different format for the Granite and Pine Division and Patriot Division Spring Convention Competition this year in Billerica, MA. Because of the number of quartets from the two divisions, the Patriot Division quartets sang Friday evening, with the Granite and Pine Division quartets scheduled for Saturday evening. Back Bay Four was one of four quartets from the Downeasters in the mix Saturday. Also singing were Center Ring, The Four Baris and 1800 Shoes. There were seventeen quartets lined up in the Granite and Pine Division. When it was said and done, Back Bay Four finished second out of the seventeen G and P quartets, achieving their highest point total ever. Including the Patriot Division quartets, BB4 finished fifth out of twenty eight foursomes. Albeit a tardy finding and decision, Back Bay Four achieved the Kiefer Award by making the biggest improvement in the Singing Category. And, of course, this finish makes BB4 eligible for the NED District Contest in October.
Acoustix will be arriving Saturday Morning, and will be staying in Maine until Monday. The chorus will be having a lobster feed at the lobster Shack located at Two-lights State park in Cape Elizabeth. We are looking to have it on Sunday Afternoon. That will give the quartet, the day to sight-see and check out why we call Maine home. You will have a full menu to pick from.......{At your cost}. That way, you can order what you want. The chance to hang out and sing with Acoustix on the coast of Maine. "Nothing finer"!!!!! { right now we have around 30 guys going.} so come along. Still looking for folks to step up and help with ushering and lobby work {Pre-show, Intermission, and After the show} Look on the bright side, you donate your time, you recieve a free ticket to the show. PLEASE, I need about 10 people per show. ticket takers, Ushers, 50/50, someone to man the table to sign-up for door prizes. Someone to man the table that has the trophies and donation jar. Also, Debi Pensiero is looking for help with intermission food sales. So we have alot to cover. This is YOUR show too!!!!! Thanks, Dave Cole Show -Chairman
Wish BB4 well on their continuing journey.
GEEZERS GRAB GRUB Nine Old Timers met at Yarmouth Pat's Pizza on Wed., April 7 for the first lunch of the season of the Over-The-Hill-Gang. They were: Lin Billings, Manen Clements, Horace (a.k.a. "Hod") Libby, Bud Mosley, Wayne Newland, Larry Newth, Dave Sweet, Marshall Wagner, Dick Wheeler. To the members of the Downeasters: "Come Fly With Me" is ready for take off. All we need is you to fill the place w/patrons and spread posters out, all over the place. As far as the show itself is concerned, 4
A good time was had by all -- with stories swirlin' up and down the table like black flies on a rusticator! You older fellas, and you not-so-old guys too, ought to come by.
Pretty soon we'll be just tellin' stories by the numbers. Can get more told that way!
Thanks to the donations and hard work of many volunteers, it was announced that the yard sale successfully raised around $1800 to help defray costs of competition!
NEXT MEETIN' WILL BE: THURSDAY, JUNE 17 11:30 A.M. PAT'S PIZZA, YARMOUTH RSVP REQUIRED TO:
REW -- ("Fathah" Wheelah) rwhe550515@aol.com 773-1991 HHA (His Humble Assistant) -wnewland@maine.rr.com 781-2597 WHEN Looking beyond the "now" And just " beyond the bend" To the unknown time in space That we all call "when" I hope that you and I ( Each and every one ) Will savor that "unknown space" Painless, fearless and with FUN when it comes. When By: Mike Daley
The Downeasters Yard Sale! 5
It was a sunny and windy afternoon at Oxford Plains Speedway where we sang a short set, with a song each from the Four Baris and Back Bay Four. Finishing up with O Canada and The Star Spangled Banner. The
word from Dave Cole is that management there was very pleased.
After watching some of the qualifying rounds, the Afterglow was hosted by Miles Hunt.
Barbershop Harmony Appreciation Day May 14, 2010 Ed conceived the idea, wrote the draft proclamation, got it approved by the Downeasters Board of Directors, sent it to the Governor's office, and pursued it like a bulldog until it GOT DONE! Well done, Ed Headley! 6