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| November
2007 / Fall Edition |
In this issue:
 Cabaret Takes 8th Place
Holiday Shows
D J Hensley - 50 Years
From Top of the Rock
Annual Director/Faculty Retreat
SAI Convention
IES - San Antonio
Ask Your President/Team Leader…
Regional Event Locations
Loretta Bilokur
Education Update
Finance Questions
Calendar
RMT
Membership News
Has Your Chorus Voted Yet?
International News
Area Coaching Session Applauded
Jim Massey Receives Award
SMC 2007
Chorus News
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CABARET SOARS TO EIGHTH PLACE FINISH IN CALGARY!
Cabaret was asked to submit an article to the Heartbeat about their Calgary experience (How did it feel to make the top ten? What did you do differently this year that propelled you into the finals?, etc.) Here are their responses: |
Cabaret
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| Cabaret, needless to say, was thrilled when we heard them say "Contestant #3 will be...Cabaret!" You asked what we thought made the difference for us this year. I guess the most honest answer is this: we truly loved the music choices we took to this year's contest, and we really loved working with Ruth Ann Parker (as well as Jean Barford and Joni Bescos at SMC) and Frank Friedemann. We worked hard on the bass/lead match, on forward placement for Pam and Holly, and truly getting inside the stories that the music offered. The best comment we saw on the "singnet report" was this one: "Lots of technique must be going in to make this sound like it's so easy for them, but all you hear is the easy." That one made our day! Many thanks to the region for the continued support and for the emails from everywhere. It has been so much fun hearing from all of you. Love, Pam |
Enjoy the Holiday Season
with Region 25 Chorus Shows!
Dec 1
Acappella Christmas
Piney Hills Harmony Chorus
Ruston, Louisiana
Dec 1
Rich-Tone Holiday Show
Richardson, Texas
Dec 4
A cappella Christmas Show
OK City Chorus
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Dec 8
Red River Valley Christmas Show
Sherman, Texas
Dec 9
Christmas in Toyland
Palo Duro Metro
Wellington, Texas
Dec 13
Lake Country Harmony Chorus Christmas Show
Longview, Texas
Dec 29
Oklahoma Jubilee 25th Anniversary Show
Tulsa, Oklahoma
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I'm sure that starting out the convention week in Banff with a 1/2 hour soak in the hot springs pool, 10 minutes in the steam room and an hour massage before pouring ourselves (Pam and me) back into the car to go back Calgary on Monday helped tremendously to relax us and prepare us for the week to come! We think so, so it's going to become a yearly ritual! We're also REALLY excited that we won't have to compete at Regional next spring. This gives us the opportunity to FINALLY finish recording our CD that we started two years ago! The debut date is Regional weekend, so we hope to start presales very soon! Cabaret has also been given a fundraiser opportunity (Hawaii here we come!) that we're excited about—the sale of a new product every home should have. Check out the website to see what it's all about (http://www.mrdspenser.com)! The owner has given Cabaret a discounted price for Mr. Spenser I, II, or III of $29.95 plus tax where applicable and shipping if necessary. I have had one installed in my kitchen for almost a year now and I love it. Thank you to the region for our goodies "basket" delivered to our room in Calgary, and for all your love and support over the years. We love you all! Holly |
WOW, what an exciting week in Canada! Some might think that I am an "outsider" of Region 25, because I live in Region 7 and compete with the Sunflower Harmony Chorus in Region 7. I'm here to say that I feel very much a part of Region 25. It was so fun hearing the CABARET chants, clapping, and the “nicknames", as we stood backstage waiting to be announced. Thank you for the overwhelming support in all ways—cards (we had one wall covered with cards reminding us of why we were there competing, and of your encouraging love), hugs, love gifts (which helped us with our expenses and purchased that MOST important breakfast in our room the first day of contest), presents, e-mails, phone calls, webcast watching, and yes, that very special basket delivered to our room from Region 25. The snacks and drinks were much appreciated. I also want to say, that our finals package was very special to us. Brian Beck and Renee Craig were the arrangers of our finals package music, and Frank Friedemann put the finishing touches on our visual performance. We LOVED our music, and that allowed us to "share it with the world". For me personally, being able to sing Renee's arrangement of "I'll Always Be In Love With You", (which was originally arranged and performed by the championship quartet, the Cracker Jills, who were present and celebrating their 50th anniversary of winning) was a highlight. For those of you who may be newer members, Renee Craig, the lead singer of the Cracker Jills (1957 Champion Quartet), is Holly's mom. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I LOVE you Region 25! Donna |
We are sooooo excited to have placed 8th at International in Calgary! We seemed more prepared and vocally ready to do whatever it took to make the cut. But...really, we were aiming for the Top 10. We collectively made up our minds (thanks Ruth Ann!) that we were going to perform with more energy than any of us ever had before, and WE LOVE THE RESULTS! We have had so many comments about our music and how wonderful it was to hear new arrangements. We love Region 25 and are looking forward to Hawaii! Patty |
Regional Calendar
2008
Feb 1-2
Quartet Retreat
Tulsa, OK
Apr 24-27
Regional Competition
Richardson, TX
Jun 20-21
Summer Music Camp
To Be Announced
Nov 4-8
International Convention
Honolulu, Hawaii
2009
Mar 26-29
Regional Competition
Richardson, TX
Nov 3-7
International Convention
Nashville, Tennessee
2010
Oct 19-23
International Convention
Seattle, Washington
2011
Oct 18-22
International Convention
Houston, Texas
2012
Oct 30-Nov 3
International Convention
Denver, Colorado
2013
Nov 5-9
International Convention
Honolulu, Hawaii
IES - SAN
ANTONIO - JULY 11-14
This final IES will feature our very own Queen City Sound Chorus in the Division A Competiton!
Meet other Sweet Adelines and take classes from some of your favorite
role models at San Antonio's Trinity University campus.
International Competition
International Convention and Competition
November 4-8, 2008
Honolulu, Hawaii |
D J HENSLEY RECEIVES 50 YEAR PIN IN CALGARY
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 Dola Jean Hensley looked like she was stepping out of a fashion magazine as she walked on stage to receive her 50-year pin, and Region 25 couldn’t have been prouder! “It was a big deal to me, so I didn’t want to come out in sweats or something, “ she said.
It all began in 1957 when DJ and her husband bought tickets to a men’s show from a barbershopper friend. After the show, DJ remarked in passing, “Boy, it would be a lot of fun to sing with a women’s group like that!” The next thing she knew, she was one of about 12 members of the O.K. City Chorus! “We met in people’s homes,” she explained, “sat in chairs and sang and never moved! Mr. Foth was our director. He was a wonderful gentleman of German descent, and his wife made wonderful German cookies,” said D.J. Soon they grew to a chorus of 18-20 and began to meet in a Christian Church in a residential area. “I was six months pregnant with my third child at my first contest. We stood there and sang with our hands behind our backs. I just knew we had won, but they didn’t even call our name!”
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Honored as the recipient of the 1996 Ark Angel Award, D.J. Hensley has made a difference—in her chorus, her region and in this organization. “I think in 50 years she has probably held all possible positions,” said Marilyn Dickey. “I know she has served multiple terms as Regent, both in Region 10 and in Region 25.”
“Best I can recall,” said O.K. City Team Leader Marilyn Funk, “D.J.'s held just about every position on the regional and chapter boards EXCEPT treasurer, which, she is quick to point out, was a good thing. She also served on the Regional Administrative Faculty for years and was known for her great goal setting sessions and installation ceremonies. D.J. has become known as the ‘recruiter in chief’ for both regional and chapter positions. Her eye for talent is unequaled. I've always told her that whatever I've done in Sweet Adelines is all her fault.”
When asked what has kept her in this organization for 50 years, D.J. replied, “Oh, the music…the friendships…” And we, in Region 25, know that her friends are many. Congratulations, D.J., and thank you so much for the past 50 years!
Marva Hughes, for Region 25 |
A Message from Top of the Rock…
Top of the Rock Chorus is so proud to have represented Region 25 (The Best!) in Calgary! We sang our hearts out for all of you, and we had the best time! Hope you were able to catch us on the webcast if you were not there. (Word is that the webcast raised upwards of $30,000!) Thank you so much for the huge regional support! Region 25's "Rah-Rah" skit/song on the day of our competition was just wonderful and hilarious. We loved the little sparkly cowboy hats! Everyone who took time to stop by that day to our rehearsal was just sooo great. It really meant a lot to us.
Special thanks to the OK City Chorus for their card and generous Gift of Love presented to us on competition day!! It was obviously from the heart, and we do appreciate it very much. We had a special visit from the Rich-Tone Chorus during our Wednesday rehearsal that touched us also. (How many of them are there, anyway?) The enthusiasm was just overwhelming , and it moved us, truly. We are especially proud to have competed on the same International stage with all of those wonderful groups representing our region! Our region's quartets were fabulous, and we are very proud of them as well. I could go on and on, but truly your love and support meant the world to us. With hugs to all of Region 25 on behalf of the Top of the Rock Chorus,
Christa Newburg, Communications Coordinator
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Annual Director/Faculty Retreat Big Success
The annual Director-Faculty Retreat was held November 16-17 in Dallas. Dale Syverson, Peggy Gram and Darlene Rogers served as faculty for the retreat. With that kind of talent, who would expect anything but the best? In attendance were 23 Region 25 directors, eight assistant directors, and 15 Region 25 faculty members. This year, we also welcomed seven directors from Region 10 and one director from Region 7. They were a great addition to the group.
We honored the Region 25 directors at dinner on Saturday evening, expressing our great appreciation for all that they do to educate and nurture us each week. Two new directors were welcomed: Brenda Fleming (Prospective Arkapella Show Chorus) and Donna Ulrich (Abilene Star Chorus.) There were several Director Certification Program (DCP) advancements presented at the dinner: Valerie Clark (Rich-Tone Chorus) advanced to Approved Director; Diane Bernstein (Lake Country Harmony Chorus) and Jeff Veteto (Ozark Showcase Chorus) both advanced to Certified Director. Congratulations on your achievement!!
The classes were largely interactive with emphasis on conducting skills, analytical listening skills, music analysis, and teaching skills. Peggy presented her outstanding class on characterization on Saturday evening – a terrific end to a wonderful weekend. We are blessed to have outstanding personnel in Region 25 who are willing to share their knowledge. Thank you to Peggy, Dale and Darlene, and a big thank you to all the directors, faculty and assistant directors who spent the weekend learning how they can be their very best for all of us!
Mary Rhea, Directors Coordinator
How Do We Determine Where Regional Events Will Be Held?
 There are many factors that go into deciding on a location for our regional events. The primary factor is cost. Not really cost to the region, so much as cost to you, our members. Don’t get me wrong; cost to the region is very important, but the cost to you is what really determines the success of the event.
The next factor is location. Most often, our regional events are in the DFW metroplex because of its accessibility from most of the cities and states our region encompasses. If you choose to fly, DFW airport is a major connecting hub to other cities and states. For those of you who drive, the distance may be a bit longer, but the camaraderie with fellow Sweet Adelines as you drive to the event is priceless.
-The other primary considerations, besides cost and location, are:
- -Does the facility have space to accommodate our needs?
- -Does the facility have space available on our set dates?
- -Can the facility meet all our needs at a reasonable price?
These are just a few of the questions we ask when looking for our next facility. Sometimes we get it right and sometimes we don’t. But one thing I can tell you for sure, taking care of you is always the primary concern when deciding where our next regional event will be held. Hope to see you there!
Elizabeth Brite
Region 25 Events Coordinator
Liz Brite Region 25
Events Coordinator |
In Memory
Loretta Bilokur
In the early morning of
Friday, July 13, 2007,
Loretta Bilokur lost her battle with cancer.
A member of Sweet Adelines for twenty-nine years, Loretta was a member of Show-Me Harmony and a dual member of Ozark Showcase.
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Ask Your President/Team Leader…
 Your President or Team Leader is your primary contact for Regional and International information. She receives a lot of information throughout the year to pass along to you, including:
- E-copies of The Heartbeat
- Competition bulletins
- Flyers and registration forms for regional events
- Ballots and nominee information for RMT elections
- Ballots and nominee information for International Board elections
- Competition entry forms and photo order forms
Financially, You May Be Asking…
Why should I have to pay extra for using my credit card to pay for regional activities?
It costs Region 25 to offer the credit card service. We are charged $10.00 per month just for having the service. On top of that, we are charged a percentage of the amount of each transaction. This percentage is determined by the type of card (Silver, Gold, Platinum, etc.) as well as whether or not we have the correct billing address and zip code. Then there is also a “per transaction” fee. If someone questions a charge, there is also a fee for that. These charges add up to quite a sum so we pass that expense along to those who choose to pay by credit card. The Regional Management Team felt that 5% of each charge would cover all of the costs of providing the service.
Just as we pass along bank fees to a person who has written an “insufficient funds” check to the region, we must pass along credit card fees to those who choose to pay by credit card.
Pat Brazell, Finance Coordinator |
Region
25 Management Team
Communications Coordinator:
Marva Hughes
mlhughes@nts-online.net
Directors' Coordinator:
Mary Rhea
rmrhea@cox.net
Education Coordinator:
Annette Gary
bari@sptc.net
Events Coordinator:
Liz Brite
lizbrite@sbcglobal.net
Financial Coordinator:
Pat Brazell
PatBrazell@aol.com
Marketing Coordinator:
Nancy Nortz
Dancinbari@aol.com
Membership Coordinator:
Sarah Montgomery
skmonty@earthlink.net
Team Coordinator:
Sharon Hightower
slhightower@yahoo.com
Would you like to help the Region? Region 25 has
lots of opportunities for willing helpers! Run for a position on the Regional
Management Team or offer your assistance to help with a committee!
Join the Team!
Be a part of the Regional Management Team
Applications are being accepted for the 2009-2011
term for:
Communications Coordinator
Directors' Coordinator
Finance Coordinator
Team Coordinator
Job Descriptions and Applicatons are online at www.sairegion25.org.
Application deadline is June 30.
New Region
25 Logo
Congratulations to Barbara Pointer from the Abilene Star Chorus, winner of the Region 25 logo contest! |
EDUCATION UPDATE
Annette Gary, Education Coordinator
QUARTET RETREAT - TULSA, OK, FEB 1/3, 2007
This year, we have a change of location for quartet retreat - it will be in Tulsa, Oklahoma! AND, you won't want to miss our outstanding faculty, Melanie Wroe! Melanie hails from Seattle, WA. She is a certified Showmanship judge, an experienced coach, a great teacher who sings bass (that's right, basses!) and has competed on the International stage as a member of several quartets. Her focus during the quartet retreat weekend will be on gaining stage confidence and personal power.
Also, at this year's quartet retreat is another "first" you won't want to miss! If your quartet plans to compete at the 2008 regional competition in Richardson, TX, you want to take advantage of our "mock" quartet contest held on Friday afternoon before the official start of quartet retreat on Friday night. The mock contest will be as close as possible to the real thing and will include a "mock" pattern, "mock" warmup room....and REAL judges and judge candidates! Quartets will walk on and sing their package just like they do on the contest stage. Costumes and makeup will be helpful to make the performance as nearly as possible like the "real thing", and it probably won't hurt your showmanship scores either! Quartets will be given a level (A, B, C, etc.) and receive comments about their performance. Over the weekend, there will probably be time for you to briefly discuss your performance with a member of the mock contest judging panel. All in all, it's bound to be a fun learning experience for us all! Watch the regional website for more details and for the registration form. Participation in the "mock" contest will be limited to the first fifteen (15) quartet registrants. Participating quartets must be registered with Sweet Adelines International, and all four quartet members must be present in order to compete in the "mock" contest.
SUMMER MUSIC CAMP - LOCATION TBA - June 20-22
We're still searching for the perfect location for this year's SMC. We've reviewed the comments you gave us on the 2007 evaluations and are always trying to make our event better and more fun for you! This year's faculty will be Sandi Robinson (tenor, Brava; director of Lions' Gate Chorus) and Judy Pozsgay (bass, Unplugged and MOJO; choreographer of Lions' Gate Chorus). Sandi is a certified Sound judge and Judy is a judging candidate in the Showmanship category. Both are coaches and highly creative teachers! We know you won't want to miss this SMC! If all four members of your quartet plan to attend SMC AND you would like to be coached by one of our outstanding regional faculty members, you will be asked to notify Annette no later than May 15, 2008. As always, we will have lots of PVI sessions available for those in attendance.
This will be the third year for our SMC Quartet "Boot Camp." This event was started a few years ago to help our medallist quartets to "kick it up a notch" and move to the next level. It is modeled after a similar "boot camp" approach used by the men's barbershop organization to raise the performance level of their highest scoring quartets. During the weekend, a selected faculty member coaches each eligible quartet, and quartets are responsible for paying the faculty member's fee. It's an exhausting weekend, but LOT'S of fun!
We also plan to continue the Double Quartet Contest this next year! AND, we promise to actually have the charms, medals or WHATEVER prize we give to the winners AT SMC to give them when the contest is over! (You'd have to ask last year's winner, Chord 'n 8 to explain). So, be prepared for this year's contest. We may choose to do it on Friday night instead of Saturday night, but either way, it will be fun! We have no idea how many double quartets we'll actually allow to compete this year, but more details will follow!
COMPETITION NEWS
This year's regional competition will feature another first for quartets. We'll be giving a "Most Improved Quartet" award AND a "Novice Quartet" award. The "Most Improved Quartet" award will be given to the quartet scoring the most points over their previous year's score AND their score must be 400 points or above to qualify. The "Novice Quartet Award" will be given to the novice quartet scoring the most points in this year's competition. Novice quartets must be comprised of at least two (2) members who have never previously competed in a quartet.
OUR REGIONAL FACULTY
Do you realize how lucky we are to have all of our wonderful regional faculty members! They come from all walks of life with varied experience and total commitment to our region! They do what they do without ANY payment from the region. We just send them wherever they need to go, and they do it! Now, THAT'S commitment! AND, do you know how many of our regional faculty members are ALSO members of the Sweet Adelines International faculty? Below is a list of faculty members -- those with an asterisk (*) are also International faculty members. The next time you see one of these folks, please say "thanks"! They help us all learn more about this wonderful hobby of ours!
Judy Baxter*, Peggy Blanton, Holly Beck, Kelly Causey, Val Clark, Marilyn Dickey, Annette Gary, Peggy Gram*, Pam Lauffer, Jim Massey*, Marcia Massey*, Emily McNeese, Ruth Ann Parker*, Darlene Rogers*, Mary Rhea, Gwen Smith, Linda Richards, Dale Syverson*. |
eHeartbeat info
Ad prices are :
" Full page - $75 - 8X10.5'' or 800x600 pixels (72 dpi)
" Half page - $35
" Quarter page - $20
" Business Card - $10
Editor : Jett Rogers
Rodgersjett@hotmail.com
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Has Your Chorus Voted Yet?
It’s time for the election of the Region 25 Membership Coordinator! Ballots were mailed in October to each chartered chapter and each Chapter-at-Large member in good standing. Completed ballots must be received by the Chair of the Tellers Committee by the December 8 deadline. This is YOUR opportunity to have a voice in the leadership of our region!
International
News
Keep in touch with the latest goings on at International
---
Newsline - Minutes
from the latest Board of Directors Meeting. Click
here.
Diva Dialog Bulletin Board - Discuss all things Diva! Anything you wish to talk about relating
to the Divas Wanted membership marketing campaign... Go ahead and post! Click here.
Newsletters - Sign
up for eSing, the monthy newsletter from International, or view the
archive. Click
here. |
Membership News
Sarah Montgomery, Membership Coordinator
| CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GROWTH AWARD WINNERS! |
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Growth awards are computed from April 30, 2006 to April 30, 2007, so they are presented during the following regional contest weekend. These choruses won’t be receiving their awards until our spring 2008 RAMM, but we want to recognize them in the Heartbeat. Choruses must have a 10% growth minimum to be eligible for an award.
Small Chorus (A) Division (15 to 30 members)
- First Place: Note-Ably North Texas – 44% growth
- Second Place: Queen City Sound – 17% growth
- Third Place: Piney Hills Harmony – 15% growth
Mid Size Chorus (AA) Division (31 to 60 members)
- First Place: Sooner Sensations – 17% growth
- No second and third place
Large Chorus Division (61 and above)
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Congratulations to these choruses for their positive impact on the growth of Sweet Adelines! |
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST PROSPECTIVE CHORUS
We have a new prospective chorus in NW Arkansas! The Arkappella Show Chorus, under the direction of Brenda Fleming, has just begun STEP TWO of the chartering process. They held their first rehearsal in July and haven’t slowed down since. I’ll bet we’ll be having another “shower” at our next RAMM. We welcome Arkappella to Region 25. |
 Area Coaching Session Applauded
Sherman, Texas was the site of this fantastic Region 25 educational event on September 14 and 15, 2007. Three Sweet Adeline choruses in one town - WOW, what a great weekend!
As the hostess chorus at the Comfort Suites on Friday night, Red River Valley Chorus directed by Erica Deweber was first to take the risers and experience the coaching talents of Linda Richards from the Region 25 Education Staff.
Then on Saturday morning, Note-Ably North Texas directed by Vyneta Ryan had their turn with Linda. Saturday afternoon put Lawton Harmony under the direction of Angie Mack on the risers. All three choruses were taken on a magical tour through Linda’s knowledge of barbershop harmony. Each of us was coached on how to get more out of the talents we have and want to share with the world.
As the hostess chapter, we were privileged to observe the coaching sessions of the other two choruses which allowed us an even greater opportunity to learn. As an added bonus, we got to make new friends with the members of Note-Ably and Lawton. All Sweet Adelines have a common sisterhood of barbershop harmony, but the chance to visit with other chorus members
cements those friendships with each other.
While we wanted to have lunch Saturday with our two guest choruses, RRVC had a singing engagement at that time for the annual Sherman Arts Festival downtown. All groups who receive a grant from the Sherman Council on Arts and Humanities perform at this festival in the fall and we wanted to let the council know that their money was well spent on our Sweet Adelines chapter.
We had a busy, wonderful weekend and Red River Valley Chorus is proud to have been asked to act as hostess for this regional sponsored educational event. Let’s do it again soon!
Another activity for RRVC has been 3 performance engagements in the North Texas area for Blue Bell Ice Cream. To celebrate its 100th year in business, Blue Bell is bringing its products and history straight to its customers with a traveling exhibit scheduled to make stops in 66 cities, located in the 16 states where Blue Bell products are sold. Our chorus was able to participate in this celebration at 3 assisted living facilities by providing the entertainment. While there, we put together a parody to “You Are My Sunshine” and “Happy Birthday” for Blue Bell which was so well received that we were approached about singing for a Blue Bell commercial! Keep your fingers crossed for us.
Submitted by Rebecca Clark and Barbara A. Hotze, Red River Valley Chorus
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Jim Massey Receives Joe Liles Lifetime Achievement Award
| Editor’s note: Since Jim is “very reluctant to say anything that smacks of bragging,” Marcia has graciously consented to provide the following information about Jim’s prestigious award at the BHS convention in July. |
I'm not at all reluctant because I'm so pleased for him. There is an inscription on the award that I think all our Sweet Adelines friends will appreciate, especially the last line. It says: |
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JIM MASSEY
For you Contributions to the Barbershop Art Form as
Director, Teacher, Coach, Arranger, Singer,
Judge, Showman and Entertainer;
For your generous Contributions to Committees
For your Passion, Dedication and Commitment to
Barbershop Singers Worldwide...
Both Male and Female Organizations,
The Barbershop Harmony Society
Proudly Presents to You the
Joe Liles
Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented July 6, 2007 |
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Printed in the convention program, along with his picture, were these words:
Joe Liles Lifetime Achievement Award
Jim Massey, 2007 Recipient
This award is given to someone who has demonstrated:
1. Excellence in directing their own choruses consistently, at a high level.
2. Willingness to share skills with other choruses and directors.
3. Encouragement of other directors through participation at education schools.
4. Giving of time and resources for the advancement of the Society through encouragement of directors and
demonstrating excellence in performance and singing.
This award is fairly new, having been given to only three other people: Joe Liles, Jim Miller, and Jim Clancy. Jim feels quite honored to be considered in such company. His first comment after he knew that he was to receive it was “I know a lot of other guys who should have this.” |
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To report changes in chorus rehearsal time or location, and/or chorus officer/director information, contact Marva Hughes, Region 25 Communications Coordinator, at MLHughes@nts-online.net
To update content on the Sweet Adelines International web site, contact Christine Hill, Communications Assistant, at christine@sweetadelineintl.org. or 800/992-7464 ext 125 |
Some so-called physiologists and vocal teachers make the distinction between the sexes in breathing that man breathes more with the diaphragm, while woman uses rib-breathing. I have never yet met the argument that woman by nature cannot breathe with the diaphragm, but that she is simply prevented from doing so by the unnatural mode of dressing prevalent, namely, that of tight-fitting dresses, and that deadly curse of civilization--the tight-laced corset. Leo Kofler, The Art of Breathing, 1902 |
Come Together, Right Now!
Nancy Nortz, Marketing Coordinator
The Beatles would have been proud of the efforts of the Region 25 people who plan and implement the marketing and publicity for their choruses. By the time you read this, the Region 25 Marketing Coop will have "come together" to share ideas. In early November, I sent out an invitation to each of the Region 25 choruses to become involved in a marketing coop. I have to tell you that Robin Curtis of Twin City Sensations won the prize for the quickest response as I heard back from her in a matter of minutes. Within a few days, though, I had heard back from almost every chorus. (By the way, if you haven't responded when you read this, it's not too late!)
Like most regions, there is a wide variety of sizes and needs from one chorus to another. I have done a couple of marketing workshops at Summer Music Camp and the Regional Leadership Seminar, but I was trying to decide what I could do to best help the choruses of Region 25. Then it hit me. There is such a high level of knowledge and creativity that exists within our region that what I really should to do is to tap into that resource. A plan evolved to share ideas about what we've done. I wanted to know what worked, what didn't and what everyone is considering for the future. Since we are spread over a five-state area, most of that interaction will be online.
For the next Heartbeat, I will do an update with some of the great thoughts that were gleaned, but here's a teaser with an interesting (and inexpensive, I might add) twist for guest night. Print something like:
| Like to sing? Give us a call! |
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Add a splash of color then cut the bottom numbers into vertical strips. You've all seen this format on bulletin boards for selling a used car or other item. "Are you saying," I hear you ask, "that we can sell US?!" You betcha. They can be placed in women's restrooms, break rooms, on bulletin boards. Of course you should always have permission from the business owner. Give it a try, and see what you get! Until next time, remember this: You are the best marketing tool your chorus has! |
SMC 2007…was a smashing success! How could it have been anything less, with the likes of Jean Barford and Vickie Dennis as our guest faculty! As usual, our Region 25 faculty members were outstanding, giving their time and talent to help us all learn more about the in’s and out’s of barbershop! Here are just a few of the great comments from SMC attendees:
- It was fabulous! The faculty was top-notch, and everyone was so positive!
- It’s the only place to be in June!
- I love to improve my knowledge and my craft. SMC is a great place to do this.
- I learned many ways to improve my vocal production. I had never heard the subject of dynamics explained so well.
- It’s incredible training from amazingly talented and experienced people!
- There is no other such intense learning available.
- I always look forward to SMC and have never gone home disappointed! It just keeps getting better!
- I can’t express how much it helped me in just 2 days—I feel much more confident of myself.
- Region 25 rocks! How many people can say they have been exposed to the best of the best and learned soooo much in one short weekend! WOW!
Seven of Chord n’ 8!
The region also hosted a terrific double quartet contest, the first in several years, featuring the following groups: Chord n’ Eight (Queen City Sound Chorus); Unchained Melodies (Note-Ably North Texas Chorus); Eight is Enough (Spirit of Oklahoma Chorus); Keynotes (Santa Rosa Belles Chorus); Doubletake (Prairie Winds Chorus); Sassy Sooners (Sooner Sensations); and City Chic (OK City Chorus). Each quartet was unique in its choice of music and talent and creativity abounded! When the dust settled, Chord n’ 8 (Queen City Sound Chorus -- Suzi Waltke and Johnnie Johnson – Leads, Rosemary Pillar and Pat Vozza – Basses, Missy Moreland and Debbie Prather – Baritones, Susan Perotka and Donna Henderson – Tenors) was the overall winner!
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Hello from Moore Oklahoma
Excitement was very high for our fall show, "Laugh-in the Blues Away" (remember the old TV show Laugh-in? Need I say more?) We had Talk of Tulsa as our guest. The songs of the 60's and 70's were so much fun as well as the style of clothes worn then.
Another highlight of our year was the outstanding Regional Competition. Our chorus members are so excited about our two medals we won. We wish our 6 members who were on leave due to medical problems could have been with us to share in our joy.
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On May 19th we held out installation banquet. It was awesome and out of this world. The theme was "Walk Like an Egyptian," and many members really dressed the part. Our beloved director Debbie Hogan came as "Cleopatra". The decor was carried through out the catered meal, including a mummy cake with green eyes. Our South Sooners did the installation honors.
We had several singouts this summer including a retire the flags ceremony for the Elks Lodge in June. This is a very moving ceremony where they burn the old and tattered flags with respect and honor. |
Our chorus has performed for them for many years. On July 7th we performed at the state capitol right after the Governer's speech. The theme was "Singing for the Troops" and was done all over the nation. We were proud to be able to do this for them.
SMC was so much fun and we learned so many neat things. It seems to get better every year.
Carolyn Goldbeck, Sooner Sensations Chorus Heartbeat Reporter |
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