Photos of our International Contest set By Lorin May, Craig Johnson, Amy Rose and Read Photography (more on page 4)

Transcription

1 Vol. 48, Issue 7 Winner, PROBE International Bulletin Contest: 2011, 2014 and 2017 News and views from the Greater Indianapolis Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society Photos of our International Contest set By Lorin May, Craig Johnson, Amy Rose and Read Photography (more on page 4) Joe Siefker and Joey Schmidt Kevin Bailer and Jim DeBusman Frank Bynum and Joey Schmidt Front row: Kohl Kitzmiller, Ryan Smith, Joe Siefker, Theo Hicks Back row: Dave Zimmerman, Hiram Lynch, Derek Bailer, Kyle Kitzmiller

2 Page 2 THE BEAT HU: An Experience of a Lifetime! by Jim DeBusman Jerry E. Troxel, Editor Member, PROBE (Public Relations Officers and Bulletin Editors) 129 Yorkshire Blvd. E Indianapolis, IN jerry@troxels.com The BEAT is published monthly by the Greater Indianapolis, Indiana, Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, a proud member of the Cardinal District. Chapter Leadership 2017 President Kyle Kitzmiller Secretary Frank Bynum Treasurer Jerry Troxel VP Chapter Development Steve Erdosy VP Music & Performance Scott Bradford VP PR & Marketing Craig Johnson VP Programs & Events Kevin Cline Board Members at Large Derek Bailer, Josh Hamilton, Steve King Immediate Past President Greg Roembke Director Theo Hicks Assistant Director David Zimmerman Circle City Sound meets every Monday at 7:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church Indianapolis, Indiana Guests are always welcome! Let's talk about the reasons why we should go to Harmony University. It shouldn't be just because the leadership is telling us we need to go. As I see it, the main reason to attend Harmony University as a performing member of the Circle City Sound Chorus: in being coached and taking whatever additional classes we want and the other many incredible activities, we will have an experience of a lifetime. I guarantee it. The atmosphere at Belmont College is phenomenal. The ambiance, classrooms, dorms, food and meeting so many new Barbershoppers from all over the world are fantastic. Getting to choose classes that you want so you can learn even more skills to help you July 22-29, 2018 be a better musician, singer and leader is the best. Singing tags until the wee small hours of the morning and hearing terrific performances throughout the week with Friday and Saturday evening concerts will only enhance what you will believe was a very short week. The training and support we will receive in the daily coaching sessions will be nothing short of amazing. The intensity of the coaching will help us collectively and individually bring out things in each of our personalities that will only raise our skill sets of the wonderful things that are happening in our own CCS training. At the end of the week, we will find we will be at another level of overall musicianship, communication and friendship. How great will that be?! You will learn a lot, but you will have FUN! Of course, I could not leave out the Harmony University specialty, the famous ice cream all you can eat, every night! A person has dreams and those dreams can be reached. To reach one's dreams they have to try, learn and reach for that dream. For anyone going to Harmony University you have the opportunity to take one more step to do just that.

3 THE BEAT Page 3 Five Years Ago (2012) Plans were announced for the fall convention which would be held on October 5-7, 2012, in Columbus, Indiana. The convention would include an All Star Show being organized by the District's QCA (Quartet Champions Association). The lineup would feature 2012 International Quartet quarter finalists, Anthem and Replay; Collegiate Quartet silver medalists, Instant Classic; and International Quartet finalist, Forefront. The highlight of the show was a reunion performance by 2001 International Quartet Champs, Michigan Jake. This was the last issue of the printed version of the chapter newsletter. The Beat was scheduled to go all-electronic beginning with the January 2013 issue. Plans for the annual Christmas Show were announced with the date, December 1, 2012 at the Anderson Auditorium on the campus of Arsenal Tech High School in Indy. The chorus was scheduled to perform on September 8, 2012 at the Penrod Arts Fair on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. A coaching session with renowned coach Brent Graham was held on August 25, Jack Shaffer was accepted as a new member to the chapter. (Notes taken from The Beat, Vol. 43, Issue 8, September 2012, Jerry Troxel, Editor). Ten Years Ago (2007) Garry Texeira was announced to the chapter as its new Director. Present director, Bryan Hughes, had recently taken a position with the Boy Scouts of America which prohibited his Monday night attendance. Garry came to Indy from California being a barbershopper since he was 12 years old. He was a charter member of the Masters of Harmony and the tenor of the 2004 International Quartet Champs, Gotcha! Garry would be working in the banking industry as a Senior Loan Officer and would also be active in coaching choruses and quartets all over the country. Strolling down harmony lane A monthly look back at our chapter s history by Lew Gillespie, Chapter Historian The Annual Show finished in the black with a net income of $1200. Two new members were Paul Myers and Keith Yoder. The chorus would not compete in the fall contest due to the change of directors. (Material taken from The Beat, September 2007, Vol. 38, Issue 9, Jerry Troxel, Editor). Calendar of Events CCS Performance at Penrod Arts Fair Saturday, Sept. 9, Noon Indianapolis Museum of Art 4000 Michigan Rd. Indianapolis, Indiana Chorus Retreat September Bradford Woods Martinsville, Indiana Cardinal District Convention and Contests September Columbus East High School 230 S Marr Rd Columbus, Indiana CCS Christmas Show Saturday, December 2 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm Beech Grove High School 5330 Hornet Ave. Beech Grove, Indiana Singing Valentines February 13 and 14, 2018 Indianapolis Metro area Cardinal District Convention and Contests March 23-24, 2018 Columbus North High School 1400 East 25th Street Columbus, Indiana Members: For detailed information on all chapter performances check your Yahoo! Group s or go to: and visit the Members Only section The deadline for the October issue of The BEAT is Wednesday, Sept. 27. Send articles to: jerry@troxels.com

4 Page 4 THE BEAT MORE PHOTOS FROM INTERNATIONAL (continued from page 1) Joey Schmidt and Greg Roembke Derek Bailer Hiram Lynch and Scott Bradford

5 THE BEAT Page 5 Las Vegas International Recap by John Cowlishaw, Editor of the Big Chief Chorus Smoke Signals Main Street finally takes the Gold! Main Street proved there s still a place for straw hats and arm garters in the upper reaches of a cappella singing, as it captured the 2017 International Quartet Championship in Las Vegas. Even as the competition brought new sounds and stylish intensity to the contest, the six-time medalists stayed true to their vision of an olde-tyme quartet in the style of the Dapper Dans of Walt Disney World, where all four have sung at various times. Tap dances, hat tricks, and parodies of contemporary pop songs were capped by a tender rendition of the Charlie Chaplin signature piece, Smile, in which the quartet thanked its audience for years of support. With the win, lead singer Tony De Rosa and tenor Roger Ross recapitulated their win 25 years earlier, as tenor and baritone of 1992 champ Keepsake. De Rosa also became only the second man in history to capture quartet gold medals in four different groups. The International quartet contest included 55 quartets representing the U.S., Canada, Swe- den, Great Britain, Spain, Australia and New Zealand. The top five finishers were: Main Street (SUN), 92.8% Signature (SUN), 92.5% After Hours (ILL), 91.1% Throwback (SUN), 90.5% Quorum (JAD), 89.5% Main Street (Continued on page 6) From the Barbershop Harmony Society s annual convention held in Las Vegas this past July, here are the results for the representatives for the Cardinal District: Quartet Contest: Late Shift, 81.4% The Collective, 76.6% Chorus Contest: Kentucky Vocal Union, 89.1% Circle City Sound, 81.7% Also, Jerry Troxel, editor of The BEAT, was honored as the International Bulletin Editor of the Year.

6 Page 6 THE BEAT Vegas (Continued from page 5) Masters of Harmony chorus wins its ninth championship The Masters of Harmony men s chorus of Santa Fe Springs, California, reclaimed the gold medals that had eluded them in their previous two attempts, as they captured the 2017 International chorus championship in Las Vegas. A medley of love songs and a scorching performance of Too Darn Hot/Fever with extravagant choreography propelled the 112-man chorus, under the direction of Justin Miller, to its ninth victory, second on the all-time list behind the chorus it narrowly beat out, the 12-time champion Vocal Majority chorus of Dallas. More than 1500 men competed in 30 choruses representing the U.S., Canada, Great Britain and Australia in the contest, held in the Axis Theater at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. The top five finishers were: 1. Masters of Harmony (FWD), 96.4% 2. Vocal Majority (SWD), 96.2% 3. Central Standard (CSD), 94.3% 4. Toronto Northern Lights (ONT), 94.0% 5. Parkside Harmony (MAD), 92.0% Masters of Harmony Flightline wins Youth Quartet championship Flightline, a quartet from Anaheim, California, bested 22 other young quartets from around the world to capture the 25th annual Harmony Foundation Youth Barbershop Quartet Championship in Las Vegas. Singing The Nearness Of You and Let s Do It (Let s Fall In Love), the quartet posted A-level scores comparable to those in the open division contest. This was the fifth year in competition for Flightline, which was last year s silver medalist. The top five youth quartets were: 1. Flightline (FWD), 80.5% 2. Ohana Means Family (DIX), 79.4% 3. Blindside (BHA), 78.7% 4. Eclectones (FWD), 77.9% 5. Brothers in Arms (MAD), 77.5% Flightline

7 THE BEAT Page 7 Mike Rowe named BHS Honorary Life Member from barbershophq.com, posted by Brian Lynch Executive producer and TV host Mike Rowe has been named an Honorary Life Member of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Rowe received the award on Saturday, July 8, at the Society s International convention in Las Vegas. A barbershop singer and fan, Mike credits his show business career in part to the influence of his high school choir director, Fred King, who also happened to be a world champion barbershop quartet singer. (Read Mike s touching memorial tribute to Fred, in the Harmonizer issue linked via the image at left.) Under Fred s encouragement, Mike became a Barbershopper, later sang in the Baltimore Opera, and eventually earned his title as the dirtiest man on television, (Dirty Jobs, Somebody s Gotta Do It) narrator (The Deadliest Catch) and podcaster (The Way I Heard It). As CEO of the mikeroweworks Foundation, Rowe speaks regularly about the country s dysfunctional relationship with work and challenges the persistent belief that a four-year degree is the best path for most people. His foundation works hard to debunk myths about the skilled trades and help close the skills gap. Honorary Life Members of the Barbershop Harmony Society are performers and leaders who make an impact on the world through their passion and influence on close harmony and singing for everyone. Recent honorees have included: Grammy Award winning gospel quartet The Fairfield Four Deke Sharon, a cappella godfather Lynn Abbott, researcher into African-American foundations of barbershop har- mony The Nylons, pioneer a cappella pop stars The Oak Ridge Boys, coun- Mike Rowe sings Sweet and Lovely with Forefront at the Saturday Night Spectacular in Las Vegas (L to R): Drew Wheaton, Kevin Hughes, Mike Rowe, Aaron Hughes try music megastars Bill Gaither, gospel music legend Gordon Lightfoot, folk/pop superstar Dick Van Dyke, Grammy/Emmy/Tony Award winning actor and singer (See full list at )

8 Page 8 THE BEAT Barbershop and All that Jazz Article by Greg Roembke, Photos by Brent Vaught Once again, the wonderful sounds of four-part harmony filled the Palladium in Carmel as Circle City Sound presented its 2017 annual show, Barbershop and All that Jazz. In addition to our Internationalbound chorus and chapter quartets, we also featured the Generations Trio and International quartet qualifier Late Shift. A large and enthusiastic audience joined us for a spectacular evening of music and entertainment. This year s title was more than just a catchy phrase as, during his research, our script writer Terry Bynum discovered that there were several direct connections between our style of music and Jazz. Historians feel that Jazz originated when musicians started harmonizing with instruments to barbershop harmony. Additionally, Jazz great Louis Armstrong got his start in music singing tenor in a barbershop quartet. David Zimmerman served as our master of ceremonies and quickly cautioned people that if they were expecting the Metallica concert, they were in the wrong place! After a brief welcome, it was time for some singing. Circle City Sound got things rolling off to a jazzy start with As Long as I m Singing. Next was New York New York featuring soloists Brad McAlexander, Ste- ve King and The Rush Quartet. David then took the opportunity to introduce a Very Large Quartet or VLQ that performed the number two most recognized song of all time, As Time Goes By. On the surface, our next song didn t really seem to fit into our jazz theme. However, it is thought that the original song, Shenandoah, was picked up by slaves working on ships bound for New Orleans where it became the basis for Dixieland Jazz. The Rush then returned to center stage with Beginning to See the Light. Featuring our bass section on a very jazz like rhythm, we then had the opportunity to let our audience know that we appreciated them joining us with I Love Being Here With You. Fresh out of the shower [you had to be there], David then introduced another one of our VLQs to perform a number from the 1930s legendary International Review that features African American performers, Exactly Like You. CCS then sang Heather on the Hill from the Lerner and Lowe musical, Brigadoon. The connection to this beautiful ballad and our jazz theme is that this song was a huge hit for the famous Jazz trumpeter Chet Baker. (Continued on page 9)

9 Jazz THE BEAT (Continued from page 8) Our very own 2015 International Quartet Champions Instant Classic were next with their very jazzy medley of Route 66 / Take the A Train that was well received by our audience. David next introduced Late Shift who was preparing for International competition in Las Vegas. And since he was already there, Dave went ahead and subbed for tenor Tim Martin who had been injured while on vacation. They left little doubt that they were ready to go and received a very warm send off. Page 9 made sure that the audience was aware of our upcoming Christmas show. Santa then headed back to the North Pole while David introduced the Generations Trio. Hailing from Elkhart, Indiana, this jazz trio features Dennis Guillaume on keyboard, Scott Kitzmiller on saxophone and Sean Patrick on bass. They provided a change of pace for our audience, who is accustomed to hearing only a cappella music at our shows, as they performed a highly entertaining collection of standard jazz and swing tunes to set our patrons toes atapping. By now, it was time for intermission and David sent the audience on their way with instructions to stretch their legs, have a refreshing drink, purchase one or more of our CDs and be sure to be back in 20 minutes. The chorus then showed them the way with Let s All Go To The Lobby. The President of the Barbershop Harmony Society and member of CCS, Skipp Kropp, welcomed everyone back and then brought back to the stage Instant Classic. During a very tight and entertaining set, they left little doubt as to why they are champions, while also making sure everyone knows that the best is yet to come for them. As David began to introduce our feature act, he was interrupted by Santa Claus, who was dressed in his summer attire. After determining that Santa was in town for the Christmas in July sales and that David was very close to being on the naughty list, they GENERATIONS TRIO The Avengers (a.k.a. Instant Classic) Our audience was then treated to the world premiere of our International Contest package that was based on heroes. The up-tune medley was arranged by our very own Patrick McAlexander and featured Superheroes who live in the imagination of one of our newest chorus members, Joey Schmidt. Using their super skills and a variety of entertaining props, they assisted Joey as he fought off a group of villains. One of the longest and most complicated songs we d ever performed, it set the stage for our ballad, Hero, which was arranged by Kyle Kitzmiller. During this song, the Superheroes faded into the background and were replaced by everyday heroes. (Continued on page 10)

10 THE BEAT Page 10 Jazz (Continued from page 9) As the song progressed, our villains transformed into members of the U.S. military and were featured in an emotional finale that told our families and friends that they were in fact the real heroes. The reception that we received made all the work over the past year worth it. From there, it was time to recognize our performers, thank our audience and ask all members of our Society to join us in singing Keep the Whole World Singing. As we visited with our families, friends and guests, it was great to hear how much everyone enjoyed our mixing of these two American art forms, Barbershop and Jazz. And the evening wasn t over just yet. Steve Cline and family hosted another one of their wonderful Afterglows, this one at the Carmel Market District. There was tasty food and drink, wonderful music by The Rush the trio and quartets, and a chance for everyone to enjoy each other s company. We ve worked very hard over the past year and it was nice to take the time to enjoy that effort. This year s show showed not only our flexibility, but our willingness to try new and different things in our effort to provide quality entertainment. And based on the reception from our audience, we delivered and proved that Barbershop and All that Jazz was more than just a catchy title. Our Chapter Quartets Late Shift Instant Classic The Rush 2015 International Quartet Champions 2014 Cardinal District Quartet Champions (L to R): Tim Martin (TE), Andrew Myer (LD), Adam Winans (BS), Bob Kendall (BR) Contact: Andrew Myer, (765) Photo by Ann McAlexander (L to R): Kohl Kitzmiller (BR), Kyle Kitzmiller (BS), Theo Hicks (LD), David Zimmerman (TE) Contact: Theo Hicks, (248) Photo by Shawn York (L to R): Sonny Griffith (BR), Larry Anthony (BS), Don Brown (LD), Steve McCullough (TE) Contact: Larry Anthony, (317) Photo by Miller Photography

11 THE BEAT Page 11 Proud sponsors of Circle City Sound June 2017 May 2018 Gold Sponsors ($500) Natural Wood Solutions Secure Today Financial Skipp and Nancy Kropp Thrivent Financial Silver Sponsors ($250) Ameriprise Financial Applebees Chick-fil-a The Exercise Coach Robert and Helen Glenn John and Linda Hicks J.L. Fox General Contractors, Inc. Mascari Cleaners Provider Financial (LPL Financial) Roembke Family Bronze Sponsors ($150) The Boyds Scott and Carla Bradford Classic Cleaners Handyman Services by Jimmy Hinkle Duane Henry and Micci Richardson James and Teresa Hinkle Jimmy Hinkle Customer Sevice-ology Instant Classic Steve, Vicki, Kylie, and Kade McPherson St. Paul s Episcopal Church Jerry and Pam Troxel David Zimmerman Partner Sponsors ($75) Frosty Beverley Tom and Bonnie Bradley China Garden Christie Vision Center Capital City Chorus Crown Trophy Norman and Mari Dew Edward Jones Ben and Penny Geesa Harp Strings George Houk Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance JE Brown Electric Inc. Vic Kendall Kyle Kitzmiller Jane and Greg Roembke The Rush Quartet Schneider s Bar and Grill Jeff and Sue Spires Sports Plus State Farm - Keith Eberg State Farm - Beth Prince Theo Hicks Music John and Elaine Weiss Patron Sponsors ($25) Larry and Marti Anthony Derek and Tonisha Bailer Bolden s Dry Cleaners Frank and Sheila Bynum Terry and Vicki Bynum Kevin and Sarah Cline Steve and Becky Cline Dr. Candace Corson Jim and Barbara DeBusman Lewis and Kay Brennan Gillespie Joshua Hamilton Craig Johnson Steve and Pat King Larry and Olivia Klein Dwight Nash and Marilyn Rafter Dan and Becky Pritchard Vaut Shot Photography by Brent Vaught

12 Page 12 THE BEAT Chapter Board Meeting Summary by Frank Bynum, Chapter Secretary The Board of Directors for the Greater Indianapolis Chapter met June 22, 2017 in regular session at the home of Steve Cline. The minutes of the May 18, 2017 board meeting were accepted as were the Treasurer s Reports for April. It was reported that our Christmas Show Guest Artist will be Capital City Chorus. Member Expense Accounts: Find more effective ways to direct Member Account funds which will no longer be used by that member (e.g., inactive or lapsed membership). It was decided that more formal CCS events (like the awards banquet) would use a venue like Woodland Country Club, while less formal CCS events (like afterglows etc.) would use a venue like The Market District. The district s Choral Directors Workshop Intensive (CDWI) event has been moved to Lafayette. A request has been made for 15 CCS members to join the CDWI practice chorus. Due to a significant price increase for rental of the Palladium in 2018, it is doubtful that CCS will be using this venue for Annual Shows in the future. The Christmas Show, however, may use it if the show is scheduled on a Sunday (at a cost of $4,000). Since there will be no chorus rehearsals in July, for some summer fun and member camaraderie, there will be a CCS Fun Night July 17 for an evening of bowling. There will also be a cook-out hosted by Josh Hamilton on July 22. The board discussed final preparations regarding logistics to and from International. A rental truck will haul the risers, props etc. to Vegas. Costs will be shared with the Bloomington, Illinois chapter.

13 THE BEAT Page 13 The Songs We Sing: Carol of the Bells from Wikipedia Carol of the Bells is a popular Christmas carol composed by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych in 1914 with English lyrics by Peter J. Wilhousky. The song is based on a Ukrainian folk chant called Shchedryk. Wilhousky's lyrics are copyrighted, although the original musical composition is not. The song is recognized by a fournote ostinato motif (see image to the right). It has been arranged many times for different genres, styles of singing and settings and has been covered by artists and groups of many genres: classical, metal, jazz, country music, rock, and pop. The piece has also been featured in films, television shows, and parodies. The original work was intended to be sung a cappella by a mixed four-voice choir. Two other settings of the composition were also created by Leontovych: one for women's choir (unaccompanied) and another for children's choir with piano accompaniment. These are rarely performed or recorded. Its initial popularity in the U.S. stemmed largely from Wilhousky's ability to reach a wide audience as his role as arranger for the NBC Symphony Orchestra. It is now strongly associated with Christmas because of its new lyrics, which reference bells, caroling, and the line merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas. 8/3 Jackson Silvey 9/2 Gary Garitson 8/5 Jim Pyle 9/10 Dwight Nash 8/7 Larry Tolle 9/10 Terry Silke 8/13 Bob Boehmer 9/11 Larry Klein 8/13 Duane Henry 9/20 Kurt Bailer 8/15 Kohl Kitzmiller 9/24 Don Brown 8/18 John Weiss 9/24 Ryan Smith 8/28 Pat Stevens 9/25 Ben Geesa 8/29 Haden Cain 9/29 Dave Coleman 8/31 Bill Campbell Chapter statistics as of August 1, 2017 Chapter members: 115 Average member age: 55 Average years of service: 19 Number of active chorus members: 69 (60%)