Regional History:
Midwest Gateway Region 5's history is provided by long-time member Marian Hoffman. Please email any history tidbits to Marian.
Articles:
Region 5 Chapters from the Beginning
Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start
Next stop, London, England
Region 5 Comes Alive
2nd Annual Convention and Competition
Helen Seeves
1978 Convention Revisited
Region 5 Adopts Board of Directors form of Government
A Look Back on Region 5
Butterflies in Song - 1984
Harmony on the Riverfront
Region 5 Chapters from the Beginning
Chapters that are highlighted are active chapters of Region 5
| Chapter | LocationDate Chartered | Status |
| Alton | Alton, ILMay 1, 1959 | dissolved 1986 |
| Belles of Harmony | Peoria, ILJuly 15, 1952 | dissolved |
| Belleville | Belleville, ILNovember 14, 1956 | changed name to Edge of Illinois in 1989; dissolved 1994 |
| Bloomington | Bloomington, ILApril 12, 1952 | dissolved 2000 |
| Carlinville | Carlinville, ILJanuary 1981 | changed name to Prairie Court in 1981 |
| Champaign-Urbana | Urbana, ILApril 19, 1952 | |
| Chimers | Charleston, ILSeptember 6, 1979 | dissolved 1986 |
| City Voices | St. Louis, MODecember 27, 2001 | |
| Clin-Clair | Mascoutah, ILJuly 24, 1979 | dissolved |
| Collinsville | Collinsville, ILNovember 2, 1966 | changed name to Gateway Sounds in 1984; dissolved |
| Danville | Danville, ILMay 10, 1971 | |
| Decatur | Decatur, ILOctober 30, 1948 | changed name to Prairie Pride in 1987; dissolved 1990 |
| Dyersburg | Dyersburg, TNJanuary 19, 1979 | dissolved |
| Four Rivers | Washington, MOMay 27, 1983 | dissolved May 1984 |
| Galesburg | Galesburg, ILJuly 15, 1963 | changed name to Midwest Heritage in 1983; dissolved |
| Girardo Rose | Cape Girardeau, MOMay 1, 1983 | dissolved 2000 |
| Great River | Canton, MOJune 26, 1976 | dissolved |
| Heart of Illinois | Peoria, ILJanuary 13, 1982 | |
| Heart of Iowa | Marshalltown, IAJuly 25, 1966 | moved to Region 5 during 2001 boundary change |
| Heart of Missouri | Columbia, MONovember 15, 1979 | |
| Illinois Valley | Ottawa, ILMay 3, 1962 | dissolved |
| Kirksville | Kirksville, MOJuly 1976 | changed name to Missouri North in 1985; dissolved |
| Kirkwood | Kirkwood, MOJun 19, 1961 | changed name to St. Louis Harmony 1988 |
| LaSalle-Peru | Peru, ILJanuary 1981 | dissolved |
| Memphis | Memphis, TNMay 1957 | dissolved |
| Metro Mix | Iowa City, IA December 3, 1965 | moved to Region 5 during 2001 boundary change |
| Midwest Harmony | Creve Coeur, MOOctober 30, 1948 | changed name to St. Louis Chordials; dissolved |
| O'Fallon | O'Fallon, MOOctober 19, 1971 | changed name to Mid Rivers; dissolved 1984 |
| Ozark Gateway | Flat River, MOSeptember 6, 1979 | dissolved |
| Paducah | Paducah, TNMay 1, 1977 | Dissolved 1/13/1982 |
| Pekin | Pekin, ILMay 1, 1957 | changed name to Marigold Capital in 1989; dissolved 1991 |
| Port City Pearl | Muscatine, IAJuly 16, 1982 | moved to Region 5 during 2001 boundary change |
| Quad City | Mettendorf, IAMay 10, 1955 | moved to Region 5 during 2001 boundary change |
| Quinsippi | Quincy, ILMay 31, 1977 | dissolved 1982 |
| River Belles | Crystal City, MOJuly 21, 1998 | dissolved |
| River Blenders | Chesterfield, MODecember 8, 1978 | |
| River City Sound | Memphis, TNJune 24, 1977 | moved to Region ?? during 2001 boundary change |
| Rock Valley | Rockfork, ILAugust 15, 1980 | transferred to Region 5 in 1980 with boundary change; changed name to River City Sound |
| St. Charles | St. Charles, MOFebruary 18, 1970 | dissolved |
| St. Louis Show-Me | St. Louis, MOFebruary 1, 1991 | dissolved |
| Singing Sphinx | Carbondale, ILJanuary 14, 1969 | changed name to Southern Illinois in 1984; dissolved 1990 |
| Sinnissippi | Sterling, ILJuly 12, 1965 | transferred to Region 5 in 1980 with boundary change; dissolved 1997 |
| South St. Louis | St. Louis, MOApril 23, 1951 | dissolved |
| Spoon River | Canton, ILJuly 13, 1970 | dissolved 1980 |
| Springfield | Springfield, ILAugust 21, 1952 | changed name to Sound Celebration 1996 |
| Top O'State | Freeport, ILOctober 1989 | dissolved 1991 |
| Vallee' de Fluers | Florissant, MOMay 1, 1977 | dissolved 1990 |
| Vermillion Valley | Pontiac, ILJanuary 25, 1980 | |
| Villa-Tone | Jacksonville, ILJanuary 16, 1973 | dissolved 1986 |
"Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start"....
Midwest Gateway Region 5 came alive May 1, 1975 when all Sweet Adeline chapters moved smoothly from 15 regional homes into 22.
Region 5 first competition was held May 1, l976 at the Marriott near the St. Louis Airport. There were 617 attendees at this first Region 5 Competition. Twelve choruses and 14 quartets competed. The theme was "Bicentennial - United with Sweet Adelines."
Judges were: Music, Bev Sellers; Sound, Joni Bescos; Expression, Ina Dow; Showmanship, Sally Eggleston. Marty Lowry and Eleanor Eddy were the auditors.
The Belles of Harmony placed first with scores of 154 in music, 157 in sound, 146 in expression and 144 in showmanship for a total of 601 points.
Placing second was Springfield with 148 in music, 136 in sound, 139 in expression and 146 in showmanship for a total of 569 points.
Third place was Kirkwood with 145 in music, 146 in sound, 133 in expression and 141 in showmanship for a total of 565 points.
Champaign-Urbana was fourth with 104 in music, 130 in sound, 122 in expression and 123 in showmanship for a total of 484 points.
In fifth place was Collinsville with 128 in music, 98 in sound, 111 in expression and 125 in showmanship for a total of 462 points.
Decatur was sixth with 109 in music, 123 in sound, 113 in expression and 112 in showmanship for a total of 457 points.
Seventh place was Memphis with 105 in music, 134 in sound, 102 in expression and 116 in showmanship for a total of 457 points.
Illinois Valley scored 87 points in music, 110 in sound, 120 in expression and 101 in showmanship for a total of 418 points.
Pekin came in ninth with 90 points in music, 127 in sound, 105 in expression and 94 in showmanship for a total of 416 points.
Tenth place was Danville scoring 98 in music, 100 in sound, 99 in expression and 115 in showmanship for a total of 412 points.
Spoon River (Canton) was 11th scoring 80 points in music, 92 in sound, 100 in expression, and 80 in showmanship for a total of 352 points.
Bloomington was 12th with 84 points in music, 95 in sound, 80 in expression, and 82 in showmanship for a total of 341 points.
THE FOUR STAR EDITION--Martha Morris, Tenor; Liz (Maulberger) Hardcastle, Lead; Harriett Galloway, Baritone; Betty Jo Yarborough wore home the quartet blue ribbons. They represented Decatur and Bloomington choruses. Taking second was the FOREMOST SOUND from Peoria and third, MIDWESTERN UNION from Kirkwood.
The blue ribbons worn off stage by Region 5's first regional championship chorus were their ticket to represent the new region on the International Competition stage in Royal Albert Hall, London, England, Nov. 3. 1977. This 31st Annual Competition and Convention was the first held abroad. Member convention registration fee was $20 and non-member was $25. (U.S. Funds). To become more knowledgeable about the competition and Sweet Adelines, a London newspaper sent a photographer and a reporter to the 1977 Region 5 Competition which was held in Peoria.
Under the direction of Helen Peters, 62 toy soldiers from The Belles of Harmony Chorus placed tenth singing "Toyland" and "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" competing with 20 other choruses to comprise the largest competition. Judges were: Expression: Marilyn Rose and Marsha O'Neill; Music: Carolyn Butler and Ann Gooch; Sound: Joni Bescos and Shirley Kout; Showmanship: Gloria Sandstrom and Grace Northrup.
Gem City were crowned chorus champions and the Shondells, quartet queens. The Tetrachords placed fourth.
There were no sound boards used since the theatre is in the round.
The region literally rolled out a red carpet for The Belles of Harmony Chorus as they boarded the plane at O'Hare in Chicago. Each member was presented a lucky penny attached to a blue ribbon.
Producing a record, "It's Something Special" and printing a cookbook filled with the chorus members' recipes were two major ways and means projects. On the record jacket pictured are the three quartets which were included on the record. The Four Star Edition, 1976 Reg. 5 Champions--Shelly Sweet, tenor; Liz Maulberger-Hardcastle--lead; Harriett Galloway, Baritone; Betty Jo Yarborough, Bass. The Most Chordially Yours, 1977 Reg. 5 Champions--Rose Henry, tenor; Barb Schroer, Lead; Chery Green, Baritone; Katie Schneider, Bass. The Tetrachords, 3rd place International Medalists--Terry Mohn, Tenor; Patti Frei, Lead; Sandi Spilker-Wright, Baritone; Nancee Reinhold, Bass. (Names have changed, but the faces are the same!)
The front of the jacket pictures 13 tenors, 36 leads, 21 baritones, and 21 basses in addition to the director, Helen Peters. Sold were 8 tracks, 33/1/3 and cassettes.
Geographically, the new region encompassed Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee with the following chapters: Alton, Belles of Harmony, Belleville, Bloomington, Champaign-Urbana, Collinsville, Danville, Decatur, Galesburg, Great River (Canton, MO), Illinois Valley (Ottawa), Kirkwood, Memphis, O'Fallon, Pekin, St. Charles, MO., St. Louis, Singing Sphinx (Carbondale), South St. Louis, Spoon River (Canton, IL), Springfield, Illinois, Villa Tone (Jacksonville, Illinois). There were prospective chapters in Paducah, Kentucky, Quincy, Illinois, Charleston, Illinois, E. St. Louis, Illinois, and Florissant, Missouri.
The region was governed by an executive committee composed of the Regent, Vice Regent, Secretary, Treasurer and Immediate Past Regent (IPR). Since this was a new region, there was no IPR. Each chapter elected a council member and a junior council member as their representatives at the 3 regional meetings during the year. Only the council member could vote on issues presented during the meetings. The following year, the junior council member would move into the council member position. With the exception of competition, chapters bid to hostess a regional meeting.
The Regent was the liaison between chapters, the region and international. Following their elections, all regents attended several days of meetings at head-quarters.
In order to elect the first executive committee, Norma Moore, International President, appointed Marian Hoffman as chairman of the nominating committee. At the first council meeting the following officers were elected:
~ Regent: Kay Fisher, (Alton)
~ Vice Regent: Marian Hoffman, (Belles)
~ Secretary: Estaleen Davidson, (Decatur)
~ Treasurer: Margaret Church, (Memphis)
Appointive Officers & Standing Committees. Chairs were:
~ By-Laws & Rules: Polly Wernsing (Springfield)
~ Historian: Helen Cunningham (Decatur)
~ Budget: Margaret Church
~ Education, Marian Hoffman
~ Bulletin Editor: Sandi Spilker Wright
~ Public Relations: Jeannette Davis (IL Valley)
~ Bids & Regional Meeting Coordinator: Marian Hoffman (Belles)
~ Council Member of the Year Judge: Judy Ringering (Alton)
International appointments were:
~ Director of Musical Activities (DMA): Midge Galloway
~ Regional Competition Chair: Madge Stewart
~ Regional Judging Chair: Mary Johnson (Belles)Extension
~ I.E.R.: Sandi Wickman (Springfield)
An installation brunch was held Sunday morning competition weekend. The newly elected officers took their oath of office and awards were presented to contestants for chapter bulletin, history book, attendance at regional meetings and council member of the year.
Lou Helton (Gena Sommer's mother) composed a Region 5 song. Dorothy Ewing (Springfield) designed the Region 5 emblem. Our motto: "Come Alive With Region 5".
In 1981 the Region changed to a 12-member board form of government. Members were asking for more time to sing and less time in meetings conducting business.
2nd Annual Convention and Competition....
Region 5's second annual convention and competition entitled "Harmony Ho Down" was held April 22-24, 1977 at the Peoria Hilton. At the "ranch", hotel guests could park with their "steeds" free; others $1.70 for 24 hours.
Most Chordially Yours - Rose Henry, tenor; Barbara Schroer, lead; Chery Green, baritone; Katie Schneider, bass twirled the rope in harmony to lasso blue ribbons. Midwestern Union from Kirkwood placed second and the Funatics representing Bloomington and Pekin, third.
Kirkwood Chapter's roping skills under the direction of Pam Tipton caught the first place trophy. Springfield placed second and Bloomington, third.
Decatur, directed by Wally Ryan, took home the Floyd Connett Small Chorus trophy.
The late Mildred Miller, past Regent 3, installed the following officers at Sunday brunch:
~ Marian Hoffman, Regent (Belles of Harmony)
~ Estaleen Davidson, Vice Regent (Decatur)
~ Louise Blew, Secretary (Collinsville)
~ Margaret Church, Treasurer (Memphis)
International appointments were:
~ Director of Musical Activities (DMA): Helen Ryan (Decatur)
~ Regional Competition Chair: Madge Stewart (Kirkwood)
~ Regional Judging Chair: Mary Johnson (Belles of Harmony)
~ International Ext. Chair: Kay Fisher (Alton)
Appointive Officers & Standing Committees. Chairs were:
~ IPR - Kay Fisher (Alton)
~ Bylaws and Rules - Polly Wernsing (Springfield)
~ History - Norma Wheeler (Spoon River)
~ Public Relations - Debi Hayworth (Bloomington)
~ Bulletin - Dora Dawson (Villa Tone)
~ Budget - Margaret Church
~ Administrative Education - Estaleen Davidson (Decatur)
~ Patti Peper - Council Member of the Year Judge.
Memphis placed first in the bulletin contest and Kirkwood was second. Pekin's history book was number 1 and Villa Tones was number 2.
Council Member of the year awards went to: Juanita Danz, Illinois Valley; Alice Eggemeyer, Belleville; and Evelyn Stark, Collinsville.
About 250 braved the cold and snow and traversed to Decatur in January to attend the craft class conducted by Jean (Pyles) Barford, director of Gem City, the newly crowned international chorus champions in London. Shondells were the Queens of Harmony this year.
As of April 30, 1977, there were 697 chapters across the United States, Canada, Panama Canal zone, England, Virgin Islands, and Saudi Arabia.
The International Board of Directors voted to increase the per capita dues to $25 effective May 1, 1978.
Paducah, Memphis, Vallee de Fleurs, and Quincy all joined our region this year. There were three prospective chapters.Helen Seevers, an advertising professional in St. Louis, was not only the first Sweet Adelines national president (1947-49) but also the first from Region 5! (We were not international then.) Maxine Connett (Belles of Harmony) and Helen Ryan (Decatur) have also served. May 1 we can add Diane Huber (River Blenders) to this prestigious position.
Helen Seevers loved to sing and was a friend of O.C. Cash, the founder of SPEBSQSA. It was through her efforts that the St. Louis S. A. Chapter was formed.
As chair of the judging panel for the first national quartet competition in 1947, she was busily combing throughout the audience fifteen minutes before curtain time trying to corral a panel of 5 judges. She finally was successful in getting 3 Sweet Adeline and 2 SPEBSQSA members. First place went to the DECATURETTES from Decatur, IL. Placing second were the JOHNSON SISTERS from the Chicagoarea and the KEYSTONE BARBERETTES from Peoria were third. Vera Hillers was singing with the Belles.
Unfortunately, the importance of Miss Seevers in our early days is not fully known. She designed the "floradora girls" logo (four ladies with hats and umbrellas) that served as the image of Sweet Adelines on official stationery, membership pins and still appears on the international championship medals.
Fully accessorized, she always looked stylish from head to toe and perhaps this image and her contacts with the advertising community attributed to the national publicity our organization received. Until her death she was in attendance at Sweet Adeline functions.
Editor's Note: Although I had the privilege of knowing Helen, some of the information in this article was shared by Sandi Wright whose mother was a friend of Helen's.“Love That Harmony” was the theme chosen by hostess Decatur chapter for the third annual competitions March 31-April 1, 1978. Six hundred thirty-four Sweet Adelines and 84 non-members registered for the weekend at the Holiday Inn in Decatur. Competitions were held in the ballroom. Judges were: Music, Virginia Fog; Sound, Shirley Kout; Expression, Carole Kirkpatrick, and Showmanship, Carole Burdo. Madge Stewart was RCC and Mary Johnson, RJC. Jane Challacombe (Belles) was the emcee for the quartet competition and kept the audience well entertained between each of the dozen quartet contestants.
The TETRACHORDS, 1977 4th place International medalists were mike testers. MOST CHORDIALLY YOURS, retiring regional champions, placed first place medals on the FUNATICS—Kathy Guy, Inez (Jr.) Thompson, Sharon and Sue Skeels representing Pekin and Bloomington Chapters. FOUR STAR EDITION—Sharon Sekimi, Liz Maulberger, Shelly Sweet and Betty Jo Yarborough representing Decatur and Bloomington placed second. Placing third were RISE N' SHINE—JoEllyn Welch, Karan Bradley, Vickie Cox and Jean Clark from Pekin Chapter. Fourth place Honorable Mention was presented to the SOUTHERN BELLES—Sandra Sytes, Ann Strong, Polly Wyse, Betty Jennings, representing CAL and Memphis. They also took home the Helen Seevers Novice Quartet Trophy.
Sixteen choruses vied for the blue ribbon on Sat. When Shirley Kout, the chair of the panel stepped to the podium, she announced that the Belles were first with a score of 505; Bloomington was second with a score of 497; Collinsville was third with a score of 491; Springfield was fourth with a score of 468; Pekin was fifth with a score of 451; Illinois Valley was next with 446; Decatur was next with 445; River City's score was 444; Champaign-Urbana scored 436; Midwest Harmony scored 388; Memphis' score was 383; Danville's score was 378; Singing Sphinx scored 354; Vallee de Fleur had a 345 score; Paducah's score was 318 and Spoon River 312.
At the installation brunch on Sunday morning, Marilyn Rose installed the officers for the coming year: Marian Hoffman (Belles), Regent; Estaleen Davidson (Decatur), Vice Regent; Louise Blew (Collinsville), Secretary; and Fran Gehner (Vallee de Fleur), Treasurer. Kay Fisher was immediate past regent. The Standing Committee Chairs which were appointed by the Regent were: ByLaws & Rules, Polly Wernsing (Springfield); History, Norma Wheeler (Canton); Public Relations, Beverly Colomb (River City); Bulletin, Jean Smith (Springfield); Budget, Fran Gehner; Administration. Education, Estaleen Davidson; Council Member of the Year, Judy Ferrier (Bloomington); Bids & Regional Meeting Coordinator, Estaleen Davidson.
International appointments were: Director of Musical Activities, Helen Ryan; Regional Competition Chairman, Evelyn Stark (Collinsville); Regional Judging Chairman Mary Johnson. (Belles); International Extension Representative, Dora Dawson.
Awards presented at the 1978 Convention: History Book—1st place TIE: Belles and Spoon River; Council Member of the Year: 1st—Janis King, Galesburg Chapter; 2nd—Sue Libby, Alton Chapter; 3rd—Sandy Zetterburg, Belles; Bulletin— “Outstanding Bully” traveling trophy—Marge Strawn, Villa Tone Chapter. Announcement of the bulletin contest winner was delayed until the summer meeting due to “lost mail”.
Helen Seevers, our first National President, presented a love gift to Region 5. The convention concluded with “Sweet Adeline” by the FUNATICS; “Old Songs” by the TETRACHORDS, and “Harmonize the World” directed by Wally Ryan. Ice storms in the area caused a number of interruptions during the weekend.
DMA Helen Ryan with the assistance of Gene McNish, Marilyn Rose, and Judy Clark conducted the first Harmony Retreat this year. Attendees learned more than just music at this event! Faculty consisted of Marilyn Rose, Mary Ellen Florence from Pennsylvania (Valley Forge Chapter); Virginia Fog from New Jersey (Jersey Shores Chapter) and Kay Seymour from Ohio (Gem City Chapter).Region 5 Adopts Board of Directors form of Government
In 1981 the membership voted to be governed by a 12-member Board of Directors instead of a CM/JCM representing each chapter at the regional meetings. Six members would serve a two year term and six would serve one year. Elected to the first board were: Two-year terms: Alice Eggemeyer, Belleville; Nancy Fox, Collinsville; Sandy Hedl, Belles of Harmony; Margaret Lipp, Bloomington; Jean Smith, Springfield; Chyrel Wessel, Collinsville. One-year terms: Louise Blew, Collinsville; Judy Ferrier, Bloomington; Martha Forney, Vallee de Fleurs; Marian Hoffman, Belles Of Harmony; Muriel Shennan, Villa Tone; Sue Skeels, Bloomington.
In the capital city of Illinois, home of Abraham Lincoln the Springfield Chapter enticed 850 attendees to search for the pot of gold "Somewhere Over The Rainbow". Sandi Wickham was chair assisted by Jean Smith, co-chair. Judges were: Music, Ardith Warrington; Expression and Chair of the Judging Panel, Zoe Thompson; Sound, Janice Macchiaroli; Showmanship, Claire Forbes. Panel secretaries were Judy Windey and Beverly Giraro. Serving as pages were Muriel Shennan and Trudy Harkins. Evelyn Stark (Collinsville) served as Competition Coordinator. Midwest Accent, 1980 Region 5 Champs, were the mike testers for the quartet competition. Twenty-four quartets from IL., MO., TN., and KY competed for blue ribbons in the Prairie Capital Convention Center and the opportunity to represent Region 5 in Phoenix. When Zoe stepped to the podium, excitement mounted as the winners were announced. Novice trophy went to Spring Song, Billie Vance, Cathy Shipley, Kathy McCann and Patty Walker from Collinsville Chapter. They also were fifth place. The Funatics , Kathy Guy, Jr. Thompson, Sue Skeels and Sharon Skeels from Pekin and Bloomington Chapters placed fourth. Rise ‘N Shine, JoEllyn Welch, Karan Bradley, Joan Clark and Vicki Cox from Pekin Chapter were third. In second place were Sound Production, Debbie Tillson, Rose Kilver, Karen Bowyer and Mary Hermann from Belles of Harmony Chapter. First place medals and blue ribbons were presented to Pam Silvero, Chery Green, Charlotte Moser and Katie Schneider, the Revised Edition, members of Kirkwood and River Blenders Chapters.
The Honorable Michael Houston, mayor of Springfield, welcomed all to the sixth annual chorus competition March 27, 1981 at 6 p.m. Sue Baker, Spfd. Chapter, emceed the big event and COLLINSVILLE CHAPTER, under the direction of George Holtzscher and outgoing champions were the mike testers. Choruses representing cities in Spfd. IL, Quincy, Danville, Charleston, Peru, St. Peters, MO. Carlinville, Champaign, Ottawa, Pekin, Decatur, Peoria, Bloomington, Kirkwood, Chesterfield, Alton, Jacksonville, Pontiac and Florissant harmonized their best hoping to go home with a medal and ribbon! After the scores were tallied, Zoe again took her place as chairman of the judging panel and announced the placements. Prairie Court from Carlinville under the direction of Robert Craine were presented the Novice Award. This was their first competition and only had been chartered since January. Mid Rivers from St. Peters, MO and under the direction of Diane Huber received the Small Chorus award. Fourth place was Vallee de Fleurs from Florissant, MO under the direction of Gail Lake. River Blenders from Chesterfield, MO directed by Chery Green received third place medals. Kirkwood under Pam Silverio's direction were named third. (Two champion quartet medalists were directors of the second and third place chorus winners.) As excitement mounted, Zoe announced that the Belles of Harmony from Peoria under the direction of Mary Ann Weed would be representing Region 5 in Minneapolis in 1983. The MOST IMPROVED CHORUS award was presented to River Blenders. Mary Ann Weed, director of the BELLES OF HARMONY took home the NOVICE DIRECTOR trophy as her first time directing in a S. A. Competition. Helen Ryan, past Int'l Pres., installed the officers at the Sunday a.m. brunch. Regent, Louise Blew; Vice Regent, Sandy Hedl; Secretary, Sue Skeels; Treas., Muriel Shennan; IPR, Estaleen Davidson. STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Bids & Regional Mtg. Coordinator., Margaret Lipp; Bulletin, Alice Eggemeyer; By-Laws & Rules, Jean Smith; Council of Pres., Estaleen Davidson; History, Martha Forney; Leadership Training, Sandy Hedl; Membership, Nancy Fox; Ways & Means, Marian Hoffman; Public Relations, Chyrel Wessel & Judy Ferrier. INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENTS: DMA, Marge Burton; IER, Cathy Metzger; COMPETITION COORD., Evelyn Stark. Marlene Hosto was presented with the NOVICE ARRANGER'S award. COUNCIL MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARDS: Jeanne Buesking, Belleville, First; Cathy Cockrum, Ozark Gateway, Second; Jean Freeman, Collinsville, Third. BULLETIN CONTEST; Gail Anderson, Kirkwood, First; Alice Eggemeyer, Belleville, Second; M. Fisher & M. Lewis, Alton, Third. All Events tickets were $12 for members plus $6.50 for the brunch. Non-member All Events were $10 and $6 per competition session.
HARMONY RETREAT was held on the campus of Illinois Weslyan Univ., Bloomington. Guest faculty were the 1979 QUEENS OF HARMONY accompanied by their coach, Harriett Gall, and Int'l Medalist Chorus Director. Attendance was 300. The fall regional was held at the Ramada Inn in Fairview Heights, IL. Belleville were hostesses. They were celebrating their 25th anniversary as being chartered with S.A. There were classes with Chris Swayne, Marge Burton, DMA staff and Cathy Metzger, but the highlight of the weekend was the KRAZY KWARTET KONTEST with 10 foursomes performing in true fashion to their names.
Other notes of interest in Region 5 in 1981—a monetary amount was donated to S. A. Int'l in memoriam to Helen Seevers the first Int'l pres. from region 5; an amount was sent to headquarters. to purchase a mirror to be placed in the building in honor of Helen Ryan, past int'l pres. LaSalle-Peru, Peru, IL and PRAIRIE COURT, Carlinville were chartered 1/81.Decatur Chapter was hostess to the RAMM February 20, 1982. Regent Louise Blew called the meeting to order at 1:05 PM. Harriett Wall, president of Decatur Chapter welcomed all members and guests. Regent Blew then introduced Helen Ryan, Past Int'l Pres.; Rosalie Craine (Prairie Court) Marian Hoffman (Belles) and Estaleen Davidson (Decatur) past Regents. Board members Sandy Hedl (Belles), Sue Skeels, Judy Ferrier and Margaret Lipp (Bloomington), Muriel Shennan (Villa-Tone),Jean Smith(Spfd), Martha Forney (Vallee de Fleurs), Chyrel Wessel and Nancy Fox (Collinsville), Alice Eggemeyer (Belleville) were introduced as were DMA Marge Burton (Fox Valley) and IER Cathy Metzger (Spfd.)Prospective Prairie Echoes, with their director, Dean Russell, and three members were also recognized.Mary Johnson, President of the newly chartered Heart of Illinois Chapter was presented a gavel, regional badge and 2 roster books by Regent Louise Blew as gifts from the region.Delegates were present from Alton: Sue Libby; Belles of Harmony: Jan Borror; Belleville: Jean Lowery; Bloomington: Judy Ferrier; Champaign-Urbana: Christine Reifsteck; Chimers: Virginia Beasley; Collinsville: Ethel McCann; Danville: Esther Strader; Decatur: Harriett Wall; Galesburg: Lynn Ischer; Kirkwood: Pat McClain; LaSalle-Peru: Juanita Bassey; Midwest Harmony: Jean Burt; Pekin: Kathy Guy; Prairie Court: Barbara Griffith; Rock Valley: Joan Davis; Singing Sphinx: Linda Clutts; Sinnissippi: Eva Patten; Springfield: Nancy Ahl; Vallee de Fleurs: Martha Forney; Villa-Tone, and Heart of Illinois: Mary Johnson comprised a quorum of the Council of Presidents. Annual reports were read as printed by each officer and chairman with the exception of the DMA and Vice Regent who gave theirs orally. CRC Jean Burt distributed information from International listing the position of quartets and choruses in regional competition. Afterglow tickets will be $3. Members and non-members with Events or All Events will not be charged the admittance. "WORLD OF DISNEY"Midwest Harmony was hostess to the seventh annual regional competition at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel in St. Louis. Room rates were: single, $48-$63; double, $56-$72; triple, $66-$82; quad, $76-$92. Member All Events (included brunch) were $12, Member Events were $8, Non-Member Events were $10, Brunch only and single event tickets were $6. 400 purchased AE, 450 purchased ME, 50 purchased non-member Events, 20 purchased non-member brunch and 550 tickets were sold for SE.Judges were: Music & Chr. of Panel-Ann Gooch; Sound-Paula Mullis; Expression-Jarmela Speta; Showmanship--Louise Rhoads. Panel Secretaries were Bron Dixon and Doris Pilon. Competition Coordinator was Evelyn Stark.This was a competition that proved how we all rallied together and made a possible disastrous situation become a really good experience for all involved, It all started when the St. Louis Airport closed at 9 AM Friday morning due to ground fog. Jarmela had arrived prior to the closing. The other judges and panel secretaries were stranded in airports. At 3 PM a telephone conference resulted in the postponement of the contest until 9 PM. Ann Gooch, Chair of Panel didn't arrive until 8:45. Jarmela and CRC Jean Burt had made the decision to re-schedule the contest for the next night.Since Paula Mullis couldn't get a flight, Jarmela judged TWO categories in each contest the same day. Ann sent a memo to hdq. praising the Region 5 membership for their cooperation and attitude which made this convention work.Emcee for the quartet competition was Helen Ryan. The 1981 Regional Champs, REVISED EDITION were the mike testers. .There were 18 quartets vying for those blue ribbons. When Ann announced the results, SUNSHINE COMPANY, Judy Holtscher, Ethel McCann, Jody Little & Jean Freeman (mother & daughter duo) from Collinsville scored the highest and earned a spot in Int'l Comp. in Minneapolis. They sang "Bring Back Those Horse and Buggy Days" & "What'll I Do". Placing second were RISE 'N SHINE, JoEllyn Welch, Karen Bradley, Joan Clark, & Vicki Cox from Pekin & CAL. Third place ribbons went to SPECIAL FRIENDS, Harriet Krueger, Betty Laird, Mari Elliott & Julie Farrow from Kirkwood. FRIENDS & RELATION, Julie Brennan, Gena Larson, Sharon Paulen & Sandi Wickham from Springfield were fourth. From Pekin and placing fifth were the FUNATICS, Kathy Guy, Jr. Thompson, Sue & Sharon Skeels (sister duo). BETTER HALVES, Janice Bultman, Donna Kleinschmidt, Mary Knight & Marilyn Roemer from Mid Rivers took home the novice quartet trophy.Following a short break, the chorus competition got underway. Jane Challacombe (Belles) emceed and the BELLES directed by Mary Ann Weed tested the mikes. Twenty-three chapters blended their best four-part harmony trying to win a blue ribbon and compete in Detroit. The RIVER BLENDERS directed by Chery Green placed first. They sang, "I Never Knew/You were Meant For Me" medley and "Zing' Went the Strings of My Heart". There were 87 on stage. Second place went to COLLINSVILLE directed by George Holtzscher and BLOOMINGTON under Wally Ryan's direction came in third. ROCK VALLEY (Rockford) took home the Small Chorus and Novice Awards. This was their first competition. Director Marge Burton was presented the Novice Director Trophy.At the Sunday AM brunch, Helen Ryan installed the following officers for the 1982-83 year: REGENT, Cathy Metzger; VICE REGENT, Muriel Shennan; SECRETARY, Alice Eggeymeyer; TREASURER, Rosalie Craine. The following will serve as chairs of their respective committees: BUDGET, Rosalie Craine; HISTORIAN, Martha Forney; WAYS & MEANS, Nancy Fox; PUBLIC RELATIONS, Chyrel Wessel; BIDS & REG'L MTG. COORD., Margaret Lipp; MEMBERSHIP, Pat McClain; ADMINIS. ED., Muriel Shennan; BY LAWS & RULES, Jean Smith; PERM.CONV.SITE, Sue Baker; NOM. CMTE., Sue Libby; COUNCIL OF PRES. COORD., Helen Ryan. International Appointees: DMA, Marge Burton; INT'L EXT. REP., Pat McClain; COMP. COORD., Evelyn Stark.St. Louis area swept the history book awards. Polly Blessing, RIVER BLENDERS was first, Betty Wels, VALLEE DE FLEURS, second and third was Nancy Simpson, KIRKWOOD.First place in the bulletin contest was awarded to Sue Leichsening, COLLINSVILLE; following a close second was Marilyn Lewis, ALTON and Naomi Vetter, HEART OF MISSOURI was third. Tina Knipp, Editor of GATEWAY HARMONY and chair of the contest reported out of a possible total 320 points, the winning bulletins scored 259, 246 and 240 respectively from four regional bulletin editors who judged the contest.The University of Illinois campus was the site Harmony Retreat June 18 -19. Faculty was some of the best: Jan Atkins, director & choreographer; June Berg, director, coach, arranger, judge; Jerilee Inghram, judge, director, coach; Dale Syverson, director, coach, Queen of Harmony (1973). Marge Burton, DMA, and her staff also offered a series of classes.Prospective chapters were: Gerald, MO, Taylorville, IL, Cape Girardeau, MO, Flora, IL., Melody Makers, Mayfield, KY., Moberly, MO., Prairie Echoes, Salem, IL., Four Rivers, Washington, MO.PADUCAH dissolved 1/13/82. Region 5 membership was 1112 in 22 chapters. There were 22 CAL.THE AUDIO EXPRESS, 1979 Region 5 Champions and 4th place international medalists went on a 52-day European Tour sponsored by the Dep't of Defense in the fall of '82. They were accompanied by Int'l PR rep, Bernie O'Malley.The Summer Regional, HOLIDAY HOEDOWN, was hosted by VILLA TONE July 16 & 17 at the Holiday Inn in Jacksonville. Immediate Past Int'l Pres. Ruth Uglow conducted classes on goal setting for the general membership. The DMA staff directed a regional chorus rehearsal including choreography. Attendees square danced and ate barbeque Sat. night.
Butterflies in Song
Butterflies in song (barbershop, of course) were fluttering all around the Continental Regency Hotel and Shrine Mosque in Peoria March 30- April 1, 1984. Registered attendance was 950. Member All Events (incl. brunch) tickets were $12. Member Events $8. Non-member Events, $10. Non-Member Brunch $9; Single Event Ticket $6.
Seated in the judges' pit were: Norma Anderson judging Music, PatLeVezu, Sound, Maureen Holcombe, Expression, and Marilyn Rose, Showmanship and panel chair. Panel secretaries were Doris Pilson and Ruth Deibler.
Sixteen quartets competed for the coveted blue ribbons and an opportunity to represent Region 5 in Las Vegas at international in the fall. Introducing each quartet as they entered to perform were Muriel Shennan, Villa-Tone & Jane Challacombe, Belles of Harmony. While scores were being tallied , Fire & Ice, outgoing champs, entertained the audience and expressed their appreciation for having the honor to represent the region as champs.
Marilyn approached the podium and announced the results—FIFTH PLACE: Midwest Agreement from Kirkwood Chapter. FOURTH PLACE: Partnership from River Blenders Chapter. THIRD PLACE: Magic from Decatur Chapter. SECOND PLACE: Fire And Ice from Vermillion Valley, Illinois Valley & CAL Chapters. And the 9th Region 5 QUARTET CHAMPIONS – STARBURST: Billie Vance, Kathy Schaefer, Chyrel Wessel, and Patty Walker from Collinsville Chapter.
Regent Cathy Metzger presented them the Bertha Bradley Championship Trophy. THE TETRACHORDS, 1978 Queens of Harmony, presented the first place medals.
Eighteen choruses competed Saturday, each hoping to have an opportunity to represent Region 5 at International in Kansas City in 1985. Jan Borror, Belles of Harmony and Cathie Hanelt of the AUDIO EXPRESS, 4th place int'l medalists were mistresses of ceremonies. While scores were being tallied, Collinsville Chapter, 1983 Reg'l Champions, under the direction of George Holtzscher performed.
Marilyn announced the following chorus placements: FIFTH - Rock Valley, 479 points; FOURTH - Bloomington,512 points; THIRD - Vallee de Fleurs, 521 points; SECOND - Kirkwood, 565 points and the WINNERS with a score of 568 points, the River Blenders under the direction of Chery Green.
Judy Ferrier, Vice Regent, presented the championship plaque. Medals were presented by Cathy Metzger, Regent. Collinsville Championship Chorus trophy was presented by Edith Headrick ,Pres. Betty Oliver Champion Chorus Director's trophy was presented by George Holtzscher, Director of Collinsville. Belles of Harmony Most Improved Chorus trophy was presented to KIRKWOOD by Pat Miller, Pres. of the Belles. Dottie Nevins Novice Chorus Award was presented to GIRARDOT ROSE by Berneice Noble, Pres., Ozark Gateway. Floyd Connett Small Chorus Award presented to ROCK VALLEY by Carole Pannbacker, Pres., Decatur. Gail Lake Novice Director Award was presented to Jim Henry, Director of GIRADOT ROSE by Dottie Klatch, Vallee de Fleurs Pres.
Choruses placing 6th through 17 and their scores were: Illinois Valley, 468 pts., Vermillion Valley, 458 pts., Champaign-Urbana, 451 pts., Decatur, 449 pts., Springfield, 434pts.,Heart of Illinois, 426 pts., Danville, 415 pts.
Helen Ryan installed the following officers at the brunch on Sunday.-Judy Ferrier, Regent (Bloomington), Gayla Scott, Vice Regent (Pekin), Lynn Ischer, Sec. (Galesburg), Nancy Pool, Treas. (Heart of Missouri).
Results of the bulletin contest were: 3rd-Jane Hickman, Danville; 2nd-Carol Korter & Nora Brandstatter, IL Valley; lst-Irene Stevens, Girardot Rose.
Committee Chairs for the year: BIDS & REG'L MTG. COORD.-Chyrel Wessel; BYLAWS & RULES-Rosalie Craine; COMPETITION STEERING CMTE.- Cathy Metzger; CONVENTION SITE SELECTION-Sue Baker; HISTORIAN-Betty Cernich; LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT-Gayla Scott; NOMINATING-Jean Smith; PUBLIC RELATIONS-Sue Skeels; WAYS & MEANS-Diane Silvey. Int'l Appointees: Julie Kendrick, DMA; Pat Mc Clain, IER; Convention Chair-Evelyn Stark.
Harmony Retreat was held in Bloomington June 7-9. THE PENNA-FORES, 1980 Queens of Harmony were the faculty. Mary Kay Coffman taught music category at the summer regional mtg. Ann Gooch taught the sound category at the fall mtg. in Alton.
THE TETRACHORDS, 1978 Queens, announced their retirement in Feb., 1984.
April 4-6, 1986 – 20 years before “The Magic of Harmony” - the Clarion Hotel in St. Louis was filled with good ol' barbershop harmony as quartets, choruses and fanciers of this art gathered for competition. The River Blenders, hostesses, had attached a lucky penny to each program.
Judges were: Zoe Thompson, Sound and Panel Chair.; Mavis Burtness, Showmanship; Mary K. Coffman, Music; Marilyn Rose, Expression. Doris Pilson from Oak Ridge, TN and JoAnne Kensinger from Topeka, KS were panel secretaries.
Regent Judy Ferrier emceed the quartet competition. Twenty-two foursomes representing 15 chapters blended their best four-part harmony as they eyed a spot on the international stage in Philadelphia.
RIVER CITY JUNCTION (River Blenders), Jackie Shiffiette, Dee Scheve, Sheila Cope, Jane Clarkson placed 5th. Also from River Blenders and coming in 4th was PARTNERSHIP-Kathy Grattan, Bev Lynde, Donna Meyering, Pam Royle. 3rd place medals were presented to STARBURST (Collinsville)-Billie Vance, Jody Little, Chyrel Wessel, Patty Walker. FIRE AND ICE (Vermillion Valley & Illinois Valley)-Beverly Friese, Paula Mauritzen, Barbara Godwin, Ellen Marincic wore 2nd place medals home and 1st place medals, certificates and the Bertha Bradley trophy were presented to AMBIANCE (Kirkwood, C.A.L.)-Shelly Sweet, Sandi Wright, Liz Hardcastle, Julie Snider. They sang “I Never Knew”/”You Were Meant For Me” medley and “Pal of My Cradle Days”.
DMA Julie Kendrick (Melodeers) introduced each of the 20 chorus competitors. (Only 5 in the region didn't compete.) When the scores were tallied, 5th place was awarded to HEART OF ILLINOIS; 4th place-BELLES OF HARMONY; 3rd place-VALLEE DES FLEURS; 2nd place-ROCK VALLEY and the chorus who earned the privilege to represent Region 5 at international in Honolulu, COLLINSVILLE. They sang, “If There'd Never Been an Ireland” and an Irish medley under the direction of George Holtzscher.
VERMILLION VALLEY under the direction of Dennis Morrissey took first in the Small Chorus category. MIDWEST HERITAGE (Monmouth) directed by Doris Young was awarded the Dottie Nevins Novice Chorus trophy. Marj Friedmeyer, director of HEART OF MISSOURI, was presented the Gail Lake Novice Director trophy. HEART OF MISSOURI also was awarded the Belles of Harmony Most Improved Chorus trophy.
MIDWEST HERITAGE received the award for having the most in attendance at regional meetings. Diane Eiffler, RIVER BLENDERS, took 1st in the bulletin contest with “The Sound Crier”. “Teepee Town Tales”-Chyrel Wessel and Marcia Bosma, GATEWAY SOUNDS 2nd and MIDWEST HERITAGE-“Here's the Pitch”, Janice Bullwinkle, ed., 3rd Joanne Bock, GIRARDOT ROSE Chapter, was named Reporter of the Year.
At the Sunday morning brunch, Gloria Goetze was installed as Regent; Anita Woodard, Vice Regent; Marilyn Donovan, Secretary; and Diane Latta, Treasurer. Committee Chairs for the upcoming year were: Membership-Anita Woodard; Leadership Development-Cathy Metzger; Nominating-Marilyn Donovan; Regional Events-Lynn Ischer; Regional Comp Steering-Fran Rubin; Special Projects-Sue Baker; ByLaws & Rules-Jean Smith; Long Range Plan-Sandy Hedl; Ways & Means-Sue Libby; Bulletin-JoEllyn Welch; P.R. BRIDGE-Pat Denton; History-Marcia Bosma; Council of Presidents-Judy Ferrier. INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENTS: DMA-Judy Ferrier; Prospective Chapter Specialist-Marge Zimmerman; Competition Coordinator-Sandy Hedl.
May 31 Chris Swain and Mary Lou Kudella skillfully conducted an international workshop, “Managing a Musical Organization” at the Collinsville Hilton.
July 11-12 Harmony Retreat was held at the U of I. Dr. Greg Lyne conducted a musical leaders workshop in Springfield July 26 at Lincolnland Community College.
In August, Carolyn Butler, Director of Inland Empire, an international music faculty specialist, certified judge in music, approved candidate in sound and a member of the Intentional board conducted a DMA faculty training workshop which was open to all Region 5 directors and coaches.
October 17 and 18 Pekin Chapter hostessed the fall regional meeting at the Pere Marquette Hotel in Peoria. Focus was on small, medium & large choruses with Karen Drummond & Karen Koch as faculty.
