Albuquerque, New Mexico

Volume 57, Issue 2

August 2009

Founded Spetember 14, 1952

FROM OUR DIRECTOR I hope all of you are planning to attend our annual retreat August 14-16 in Socorro We’ll have Ron Black with us again, and many of you know how much we accomplished on the Saturday he was with is before the show. Ron really understands Barbershop music and style, and knows how to teach us how to sing better. For our new members’ information, you get two nights room and all meals, Friday night through Sunday morning—for the one fee. Such a deal! I know some of you will have a conflict on this weekend, but I implore you to adjust the conflict if possible. If you can be there for any part of the weekend, be there. If you love Barbershop, as I know you all do, you just do not want to miss this fantastic opportunity. We will spend time on fundamentals, we will work on repertoire, and we will concentrate on our two contest songs. We should come away with a very good idea of where we are and what we need to do to improve for the contest. We’ll also have an informal party and tag singing session on Saturday night where we can let our hair down— those that have any. Speaking of the contest, I’m really looking forward to the District Chorus contest in Cheyenne, Sept 25-27. I think we’ve continued to make improvements during the year, and I am very proud of the way we’ve sung for the public, on our shows and at the churches. If we get good attendance at our retreat, if we put in quality rehearsal time with good attendance, and if we each commit to doing our very best, I think we can make a statement this year that says, “We’re Back.” And we might be able to move up a notch or two this year in the standings. Let’s make this a year to remember. Doug

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Contributed by Dick Lambert

First Time You Heard the Ring by Tom Schleier In February 1987 we lived in Albuquerque, NM. I had a second grader buddy of my son (BJ Gagne) come over for dinner. He was a real hoot. I took him home after awhile and his mom met me at the door with a flier. “My husband’s barbershop chorus is putting on a cabaret show at Pistol Pete’s Pizza this Saturday evening and we want you to come. $8.50 per person for pizza buffet with soft drink included with the show.” Trying to be a good neighbor, I gathered up my wife Janet, 8-year-old son Dusty, and Janet’s grandmother Betty (who was 86 at the time). We went to the pizza place and sat down. The Dixieland band was playing and then they stopped. The New MexiChords chorus got on the risers and did a couple of numbers. I was enthralled. Then a quartet called Reunion Square (featuring Bill Biffle on bari) sang a couple of songs and I got warm all over. Then a quartet called Bank Street sang Tennessee Waltz with Tony Sparks doing the tenor melody and I cried like a baby...so did Janet. Then the chorus did their contest set and we all came unglued...including Dusty. After they were done, I walked up to the first guy I saw and asked if he knew Bill Gagne (BJ’s dad). He introduced me and Bill offered to pick me up for rehearsal on Monday night. I told Bill I couldn’t do that because they were much better singers than I, but he said that I could. I told him no, but the family talked on the way home and I called Bill a little after midnight. He picked me up on Monday.

I got introduced to the director, Bill Biffle, and took a voice placement test. Bill asked me, “Do you ever sing along with the car radio?” I admitted that I did. He asked, “Do you sing the melody or try to harmonize to it?” I told him I tried to harmonize. He said, “I knew it...you are a baritone!” I got placed on the risers and found out how wonderful a chorus surrounding me made me sing. The first song, Chase the Rain Away, got me hooked. I guess it hooked Dusty, too. I didn’t miss many rehearsals between that day and my first contest...International at Hartford where we came in 12th. Dusty came with me to every rehearsal and in a month or two, he was singing tenor...he picked it up by hearing the chorus sing. We moved to Phoenix in 1988 and I transferred to the Phoenicians. In 1989, we were holding an Audition for Admission at a local mall and after all the candidates had gone through, I asked the coordinator, Fraser Brown, if Dusty could go through a practice audition so he would know what to expect when the real thing happened...he was 10. After about 15 minutes, Fraser came out with Dusty with his eyes kinda wild and said, “He passed the damn thing. What do we do now?” I said, “Will you take a check for his dues?” They did, and the rest is history! Dusty Schleier is Manager of Meetings and Conventions at Barbershop Harmony Society Headquarters in Nashville, TN.

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SING HEALTHY from Concho Capers by way of the Orange Spiel Having trouble keeping your throat clear? Is it all “mucused” (is that a word?) up and causing singing problems? Never fear! There is help on the way. Drew Ellis, tenor with Michigan Jake, and former Assistant Director of Membership for the Society says, “I have found that Braeburn, Fuji, and Gala apples are the best for me in clearing out the phlegm and thinning the mucus when I have drainage. “Some nurses here in Nashville, (who sing in the TuneTown Show Chorus and work at the Vanderbilt Hospital), introduced them to me when I was having a cold right in the middle of a contest.” He went on to say, “…the enzymes in these sweet/tart apples cut phlegm very well. More than anything is the water suggestion. The apples are in addition to the water. Of course, the apples are full of water as well. I have found that by drinking water by the liter…at least 3 liters a day, if not 4, leading up to contests or singouts.”

IN MEMORIUM

JOE JOHNSTON 1930—2009 HUSBAND BROTHER VETERAN ——— FRIEND

RETREAT SOCORRO AUG. 14-16 BE THERE!

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Spring Show 2009 Afterglow The traditional afterglow was great fun, with quartets sharing their songs and the audience enjoying the fellowship and food as we listened to the chords ring! Special guest quartet Glory Days certainly thrilled us with their own inimitable style, and the in-house quartets were just as delightful. Many men were in multiple quartets, and Bill Biffle even shared the stage with his grandson. The show itself was well-attended, both matinee and evening performances, and many audience comments shared the same sentiment: “This was the best show ever by the New MexiChords!” The Afterglow was also an opportunity to celebrate the completion of a show, and reward hard work of ad and ticket sales. Members who had sold at least one $100 ad were eligible to have their name put in the pot once for every ten tickets sold. Bill Biffle’s grandson drew the lucky winner’s names. Gil Whalen won the gift certificate for dinner for two to Pappadeaux, and Fred McCracken won the grand prize: two round-trip tickets from Southwest Airlines. Every member is encouraged to sell ads and tickets for next year’s Spring Show—YOU, TOO, COULD BE THE LUCKY WINNER! —all photos pages 4-5 courtesy of Eric Moyer

After School

The Harmonikats

First Light

The Deliverymen

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TO ALL MY BARBERSHOP FRIENDS If anyone ever wondered why I spend so much of my life concentrating on my barbershop music, the following probably expresses it better than anything I’ve ever read. I found this in a newspaper clipping that was in my grandmother’s Bible.—Dave Richards

Freddie Mac and the 4-Closures

Rio Bravo

Glory Days

Bill’s grandson

Make a large place in your life for music and it will bring you a priceless reward. All the desires of your heart will come closer as you become attuned to the rhythm and harmony of life. in the hour of rest, music will uplift your spirit and give refreshment to every faculty of your being. In the hour of work, you will rejoice in the strength and energy which music has given you. In the hour of jubilee, music will bring you thrills of delight that compensate for all that is dull and commonplace. In the hour of prayer, music will quicken the aspirations of your soul and perfume your life with the breath of heaven. In the hour of fellowship, music will blend your spirit with others in unity and understanding. In the hour of love, music will enrich your heart with feelings that magnify the meaning of existence. In the hour of memory, music will unseal the treasure of the past and bring a sacred glory to the present. In the hour of death, music will speak to you of a life filled with an eternity of song. In the hour of vision, music will give power and scope to your imagination and bring into reality the things that were not. In the hour of high purpose, music will summon the potentialities of your soul and urge them forward to great and glorious achievement. Such is the power of music; to this power open the doors of your soul, for there will enter into your life a greater fullness of all that makes for progress and joy. This was forwarded by Dick Lambert. Dave Richards is the bass section leader for Sarasota One Voice, the chorus Dick sings with in Florida.

Serenader — Page 6 — August 2009 All photos of new members courtesy of Gil Whalen

Eric Moyer

Good ol’ Uncle Sam is responsible for bringing Eric Moyer to New Mexico. He has been in the Air Force for twenty-four years, and this will be his last assignment before retiring and heading back to the East Coast to rejoin his wife, Brenda. Between them, they share five children ranging in age from 23-16. Eric started singing barbershop in early 1981, and has belonged to choruses in his home state of PA for 5 years, then 10 years in MT, followed by 5 years in FL, and lastly 7 years in VA. Eric is an Electrical Engineer specializing in radar systems with the Air Force, and is currently working on earning a teaching degree and completing state teaching credentials, which will support his aspirations to teach in the primary-age classroom upon his retirement from the military. Although he has thoroughly enjoyed his time with the New MexiChords, Eric has struggled with being separated from his family, and is happily anticipating returning home to his bride, Brenda, and sharing the rest of their lives—together.

Our own International President, Bill Biffle, is responsible for recruiting Richard Grady to join the New MexiChords. Richard was born and raised in Texas, and has degrees both in accounting and music education. Although he was an accountant for most of his professional life, he also taught junior high band and was a music professor at Arkansas Tech University for almost a decade. His musical background also has seen him playing for the Tulsa Philharmonic, the Amarillo Symphony, and the Midland-Odessa Symphony. His three adult children have given him six grandkids, and Richard has moved to New Mexico to fulfill his longtime dream of retiring here, where he has friends both in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Richard’s hobbies include playing tournament bridge, reading about history and science, and sharing his love of music—both instrumental and vocal.

Richard Grady

The son of Mennonite missionaries, Eric Metzler grew up in Hong Kong and Saigon. After completing medical school in Kentucky and Family Medicine training in Charleston, SC, Eric served twenty-four years as a physician before moving to Albuquerque for training at UNM and the VA hospital in geriatrics. He is married to Carolyn, and their two adult children are currently attending college back east. Eric sang with the Maine-ly Music Chorus in Bangor, ME for about five years and served as secretary for three of those years. He is looking forward to flying kites again, and also enjoys computers and other gadgets. Currently he is singing bass but wants to experiment with tenor, so we look forward to seeing just where Eric ends up on the risers! Eric Metzler

The Editor has been tickled to learn that her brother in MA is godfather to Eric & Carolyn’s son!

It took Dean Crouse fourteen years to get his brother-in-law to join the New MexiChords, but his perseverance paid off! Dale Lange grew up in Granite Falls, MN, and has had a distinguished career at the University of Minnesota, where he served as professor in the College of Education before being named Director of Graduate Studies, then Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and then Director for the Center of Applied Research in Language Acquisition, and finally Professor Emeritus for the College of Education—all in a 33 year span! However, what brought Dale to New Mexico fourteen years ago was a romantic relationship. He is now married to Estella Gahala and he has seven children and eight grandchildren. He can probably name them all, too! He is involved in several community organizations, including serving as a board member for New Life Symphony Orchestra Southwest. Although NMC is his first experience with barbershop, he is happily singing baritone.

Dale Lange

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One positive thing that has happened because of the economic down turn is that Peter Bailey has found time to join the New MexiChords! Although he grew up across the Pond, he got to New Mexico just as quickly as he could! Growing up in the northern part of England, he enjoyed following marching brass bands from the local collieries. Because there are lots of coal mines in the North of England, and every colliery had a brass band, he had plenty of opportunity to fall in love with the music. During his childhood, Peter took piano lessons, but is self-taught on the organ and guitar as well as other instruments. He met and married his wife Cynthia in Australia, and they moved to Albuquerque in the late 70s. He has wanted to join NMC for years, but work and travels prevented it until recently. In addition to music and travels, he enjoys hot-air ballooning. Don’t you know that Albuquerque is the perfect place to enjoy his hobbies! Peter is singing bass, and would consider singing in a quartet if the opportunity presented itself. Peter Bailey After spending five years as a nuclear submarine officer, John Taylor tells people that he needed to find a place with no coast line and no water deep enough to submerge in, so when a job offer with Sandia Labs came in 1975, he left the Navy and came to New Mexico. Truthfully, Albuquerque is where Sandia was and they made a great offer. In addition, it was “close enough to family that we could get there when and if we wanted to, but not so close that we had to show up for every saint’s day!” Although he has an MS in nuclear engineering from Stanford, John also has written three books—two on the Civil War in New Mexico and one on Catholicism in New Mexico, and he gives lectures on those topics. He is also an active member of the New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society, a group that is restoring a steam locomotive. Obviously a man of varied interests and abilities, John is married to Lynn, a Sweet Adeline who sings with Enchanted Mesa Show Chorus. They have four grown daughters and two lovely granddaughters. John and Lynn live in Peralta, where they have horses they enjoy riding in their spare time. You have to admit, John is living a pretty charmed life for a man who grew up in Needles, CA.

John Taylor

Although he is a member of the New MexiChords, Clifford Johnson is still commuting from California to sing with the chorus and maintain a long-distance relationship with his special lady, Phyllis Ryan. One of his favorite childhood memories is sitting on the front porch with his mother singing “Oh where, oh where has my little dog gone?” after his pet ran away. Clifford has two adult children and three granddaughters. He got his first exposure to barbershop while singing with the Sierranaders, the Nevada-Placer chapter in CA. Although he has not yet sung in a quartet, he would like the opportunity. He is currently singing lead, but is learning the tenor part for several songs. In addition to several trade licenses, he enjoys working in his vegetable garden, fishing, and fixing up his home. He also plays ukulele in a local band. Clifford Johnson

QUARTETS NEEDED Get your quartet together for the following: RETREAT—Saturday night coaching with Ron Black STATE FAIR STROLLING CHRISTMAS CONCERT

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A biologic basis for the passion of barbershop... This morning on NPR it was reported that the single determinant in female mosquito selection of a male mosquito is the ability to produce the overtone from a perfect fifth. When a male approaches a female, only if his mosquito hum is a perfect fifth from hers AND an overtone is generated, will she choose him.

Scientists were able to make a less attractive male mosquito who couldn't match her pitch look interesting by artificially playing the overtone to the female while he was around.

So, it turns out the passionate search for the barbershop ringing chords has been engrained throughout evolution, and there's a reason men who can sing are so attractive to females!

—Posted on the Sweet Adeline SING! Digest on January 23, 2009 by June Palmer

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The Editor appreciates the readers’ patience in the delayed publication of this issue, which was due to be printed in April. The delay is due to an injury to my wrist, and subsequent surgery and rehabilitation. Now that I am once again able to type using all fingers, I have returned to the computer and the responsibilities that come with being your Editor. Thanks for your understanding! —Becky Whalen, Editor

The New MexiChords 2009 Board of Directors President VP Performance VP Music VP Membership VP Marketing VP Program Secretary Treasurer Members at Large

Music Director Asst. Music Director Tenor Sec. Leader Lead Sec. Leader Bari Sec. Leader Bass Sec. Leader

For the ladies...

Phil Middleton Mike Taylor Tom Hoover Fred McCracken -OPENOz Wehlander Gil Whalen Arlo Nelson Tom Cole Don DeNoon Les Elmer Bud Wildin Doug Arrington Jamie Arrington George Franklin Bill Biffle Ron Randall Phil Middleton

Serenader — Page 10 — August 2009

MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND PLAN TO ATTEND

A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AWAITS YOU AT A Barbershop Harmony Society International Conven-

tion. This is unlike any other convention! You will hear men singing tags in hotel lobbies, in restaurants, on

sidewalks—anywhere four men gather to share their love of this hobby. You can even initiate polecat singing yourself! You will meet men from around the world, and hear the top quartets and choruses compete for gold. You will feel a part of an organization that promotes brotherhood through harmony, and understand just how lucky you are to belong to this brotherhood! Plan to attend now—you can check out the

website www.barbershop.org for more information. Everything will be within walking distance in Philly—the

hotels, the performance venue, historic attractions—everything! Get ready to see what staying close to-

gether every waking hour does to the convention experience! It ’ s YOUR annual convention. BE THERE!

Reflections on Mid-Winter 2009

We had a ball at Midwinter! These events are getting to be the best bet for an all ’round barbershop trip —not too long (Thursday evening through Saturday night), full of good singing and great fellowship, and cheap, too! The Youth Contest / Festival was amazing—again! Ten choruses. Won by the group from Evergreen District, which is, in fact, a chartered Society chapter now. Denver’s entry— 52eighty—was second and...wait for it! The 505 was THIRD! Averaged almost 74 points per song and had 35 men on stage. They really sang and performed well. The ‘non-competition’ number they did, Innisfree, composed by Bradley Ellingboe (the choir director at UNM) was the best ‘non-barbershop’ piece I heard all day! We’ve got a lot to be proud of here in the Rocky Mountain District! —submitted by Bill Biffle

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The New MexiChords

SERENADER The Serenader is published periodically and is distributed to members and fans free of charge. Editorial comments, articles, donations and address corrections may be sent to the editor: Becky Whalen 14323 Camino del Rey Albuquerque, NM 87123 [email protected] 505.323.6435 Articles without bi-lines are written by the editor and do not necessarily represent the views of the chapter, district or the Society.

New MexiChords

Get your personal copy of

Tastes of Harmony

Favorite recipes from the members of Enchanted Mesa Show Chorus . Return this order form with your check or money order to: Enchanted Mesa Show Chorus 8808 Robin NE Albuquerque, NM 87112 To avoid shipping costs, arrange to pick up your copy by calling (505) 298-2306 Please send me _____ copies of Tastes of Harmony at $10 per copy plus $2.50 for shipping per book. Enclosed is my check or money order made out to EMSC for $_________. Mail books to: Name _____________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________ City ________________________ State ____ Zip __________

Calendar 2009

Aug 14-16 Retreat in Socorro

Sep 25-27 RMD Convention Cheyenne, Wyoming Dec 19-20 Christmas Show

ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON FIESTA OCTOBER 2-11, 2009 UP, UP & AWAY!

2010

May 15 Spring Show

The Editor wishes to thank friend and mentor Steve Jackson for his technical assistance over the past year AND his design of the new masthead for The Serenader that is debuting with this issue. Steve’s thoughtful and insightful comments have aided the editor in producing issues that hopefully improve with each publication. Thanks, Steve!

The New MexiChords

Place Postage Here

14323 Camino del Rey NE Albuquerque, NM 87123

To Barbershop Harmony Fan

New MexiChords Mission Statement The members of the Albuquerque Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society dedicate themselves to: • • • •

Continually seek the joy to be found in singing well in the barbershop style Promote the benefits of our hobby at every available opportunity Provide our community with high quality musical entertainment, and Foster continual musical growth and fellowship among the members

Vision Statement It is the vision of our chapter to achieve continuous improvement in our music, presentation, and singing, and to achieve a high level of performance.