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JEAN BARFORD, 'NUF SAID
Pizzazz
Postcards from Pizzazz!
Wow, what a journey! Adding Maria to the cast has been a wild ride. Those of you who were at TTT got a little taste of her personality.
We started the trip with a Kansas City rehearsal in a lovely hotel. Just ask Maria about the accommodations. (She has photos.) That weekend solidified our commitment to this union. We coached with Mo Field via Skype just hours after singing our first notes together. WOW!
Jumping ahead seven months, we have mic tested in Regions #2 and #17, performed at the Tribute to the Top sendoff weekend in Region #5, been coached under glass in Region #5 music school, tried on 27 outfits, read through 22 songs, changed breath spots in one song 15 times, made 10 Facebook live videos, selected 8 repertoire songs, have 5 songs in que, coached with 5 coaches, were invited to sing at a movie premier about UFO's, sang a spot on Fox 2 Detroit TV, sang on Song of the Lakes 50th Anniversary party, sang at Hitsville U. S. A., and our journey continues.
Pizzazz! would like to thank our families for their support and willingness to let us pursue our dreams. Some of the people along the way who have helped us, besides our choruses (Song of the Lakes and Topeka Acappella Unlimited), are Mo Field, Leanne Hazlett, Sharon Carlson, Cindy Hansen, and Jean Barford. We have amassed a wonderful team, including Delta, American, Spirit, and Southwest airlines, and Marriott, Wyndham, Homewood Suites, and Holiday Inn hotel chains. Thank you all for being part of our journey. Please cheer loudly for contestant 47 in New Orleans. If you can't come to International and want to see us in person, we will be on the Topeka Acappella Unlimited Chorus show in December. If you want us on YOUR show, please contact Susan at ssives527@gmail.com.
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Scheduling Auditions for Tenor
Lead - Lhea Wilson, Huxley, IA
Bass - Nita Suhr, Iowa City, IA
Baritone - Nyla Suffron, Topeka, KS
We’ve been singing together as a trio for several months.
So excited to create those awesome barbershop overtones with you!!
Contact:
Lhea 515-708—5724
(leave message)
lheawilson@gmail.com
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Harmony Central
Harmony Central Chorus (HCC) presented “A Brand New Song!” on Sunday, September 8. There were two performances at 3 pm and 7pm. This marked the first official performance in our new rehearsal site at Franklin Jr. High Theater. Some may remember one of the theaters as the Region 20 competition site the last time it was in Des Moines. The new venue is a renovation of the historic junior high into an artist community. When finished, it will include several theaters, a restaurant, boutique hotel, and recording studio. HCC is thrilled to be one of the founding tenants in this community endeavor!!
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From the great City of Cedar Rapids, spreading harmony
"One Song At A Time"
Cedar Sounds
What's new in our City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa? Let's check in on Cedar Sounds Chorus and find out how they are staying busy during these
lazy hazy CRAZY days of summer! From tea parties at the local hospital, to taking the field at the Cedar Rapids Kernels game, sharing the joy of singing is at the top of their Summer-to-Do list!
Two Guest Nights in July attracted seven great ladies, who joined Cedar Sounds on the Kernel's Field for the presentation of the National Anthem in August. So much FUN! (and ice cream). The chorus was also accompanied onto the field by the 10-year-old Granddaughter of a Cedar Sounds member, who raised her voice with the chorus, a wonderful experience for her! A future Sweet Adeline? For sure!
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“Eighth, 9th, and 10th grade students from Prairie Point who sang three selections at the ICDA convention” (Metromix member, Lauren Fladland is in the back row-right end)
Metro Mix
One of our members, Lauren Fladland, is a music teacher at Prairie Point Middle School in Cedar Rapids. This has been a terrific opportunity for promotion of Young Women in Harmony. This past spring, with Lauren’s support in her school music program, a large number of her students participated in the YWIH region 5 chorus on contest weekend.
Since then, Lauren has promoted barbershop singing in school music programs by doing a presentation to the summer convention of the Iowa Choral Directors Association. Her presentation was called “Barbershop—Not Just for the Men and it Hasn’t Been Since 1945”. She took some of her students to the convention to sing during her presentation. A couple of our chorus members attended as moral support for her presentation.
In August, Lauren, assistant director Julie Schlader, and other section leaders presented this year’s Young Women in Harmony all-day festival to 23 participants. As you would expect, we got some very significant participation from Prairie Point Middle School. The day consisted of work on two songs that the girls could learn ahead of the event, learning proper warm-ups and tags, learning choreography and performing tips, and well-timed breaks (with snacks, of course). There was a short concert for friends and family at the end of the day. Metromix chorus sang a few songs after the girls were finished performing.
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River Blenders
Fall is always so fun for River Blenders! Two very different public performances give us ample opportunities to have a lot of fun while we work on becoming better singers. This rigor keeps us sharp!
On September 7th we sang at the St. Louis Art Fair in Clayton, MO. We have performed at the Art Fair for six consecutive years. The Art Fair has embraced us because of our Sing For Scholarships program. We audition 20 local middle and high school soloists over the summer and the top 5 finalists sing their solos during our show. The audience votes for their favorite and cash prizes are awarded to each performer. Over the years we have awarded thousands of dollars as we act on our commitment to furthering vocal performance excellence in the St Louis region. Usually a group such as ours would be allowed to perform once every 3 years at the Art Fair, but we have been given a yearly performance opportunity at this wonderful event because we offer these scholarships to the young people in our community. Our crowds have grown over the years, giving these local soloists and our chorus more and more exposure.
On November 2nd we are presenting two performances of our bi-annual show at the Keating Theater in Kirkwood, MO. MAKE A NOISE! has been exciting to develop. We love putting on a show and highlighting the creativity and talent of our chorus members. Working on a script, creating sets and stage directions, creating and perfecting choreo, choosing soloists, costuming, marketing, ticket sales, all these areas encourage and develop the wide range of capabilities the women in the chorus possess. Tickets are on sale now at riverblenders.org. Come and join us and see this production at its finest!
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Sound Celebration
Sound Celebration Chorus extends Harmonic Good Vibes and Best Wishes to Pizzazz, Take 4 and Vocal Standard. You make us proud to be members of Region 5.
Sound Celebration Chorus is STARSTRUCK as we continue to work on the music for our annual show. Not only will we perform songs made famous because of the “Divas” who recorded them, but two of the songs have a more personal connection. My Heart Will Go On was arranged by Joan Hedgecock, who sings bass with the chorus, and Don’t Rain On My Parade was arranged for us by Director Terry Ludwig.
Speaking of our director… What happens when your director graduates from Harmony University? The rehearsal whip gets cracked, the bar is raised, challenges are made and accepted, and our performance improves! Thanks, Terry!
Sound Celebration Chorus has been asked to help the Land of Lincoln Chorus as they are offering a Youth in Harmony clinic in Springfield on October 30, 2019.
Please join us for STARSTRUCK on Sunday, November 3, 2019, at 2 PM, at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, Springfield, IL. Tickets are on sale now.
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Acappella Omaha
This summer of 2019, Acappella Omaha Chorus, under the direction of Annette Wallace, enjoyed entertaining the Bickfor Retirement Village on July 6 in west Omaha with a variety of its music and choreography.
The membership committee, including Samala Brown and Sharon Watson, organized and promoted “Sing for the Summer”, which invited interested women singers in the area to learn one new song with the chorus during their weekly Monday night rehearsals and perform that new song with the chorus at the annual August barbershop extravaganza (involving AOC and three other Omaha area men’s barbershop groups) which is always held at SumTur (outdoor) Amphitheatre in Papillion, Nebraska. That effort may net the chorus two or three new members out of the seven visitors that participated! (photo attached is from SumTur) The chorus has also been organizing and practicing music selections, and the show committee has been writing an original script, for AOC’s annual fall show, “Our Pajama Party”, which will be November 9, 7 p.m., at Ralston Community Theatre, Ralston High School, 8969 Park Drive, Ralston, NE. The show will be FREE with required tickets available from chorus members or at the door. The chorus will be wearing original costumes during the show (their own PJ’s!) and they will share that photo next time!
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St. Louis Harmony
On Saturday, July 27, St. Louis Harmony Chorus entertained the players and spectators of the Vintage Baseball World Cup. Teams from all over the country came to Forest Park and competed in this event where the teams play by the original rules of baseball. Luckily, it was a pleasant summer day as the chorus performed a song set and finished with singing The National Anthem. In August, many of the chorus members attended the St. Louis Harmony Festival and enjoyed listening to many groups perform. The cabaret show featured exciting performances by Fleet Street and Casual Friday. We are hard at work preparing for our Christmas Show, which will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Kirkwood. Come join us for a festive time on Saturday December 7!
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Vocal Standard
Vocal Standard is nearing our journey to New Orleans to represent Region 5, and we could not be more excited. This summer has flown by, included an amazing time at the Summer Music School, where we received amazing support and encouragement from the region. We were blown away by the positive responses to our performances, and the love gifts that were sent our way. Thank you!
We recently had our final prep retreat with Mo Field to put some finishing touches on our performances, make some changes to our music, and get to a place where we feel prepared to put our performances on the International Stage. She is a dynamo, for sure.
To share our sets, we had an amazing party/show; “Barbershopping the Big Easy” was a great success. So many friendly and supporting faces in the audience, some good food and fellowship, and some crazy fun in our New Orleans photo booth. A perfect send off.
By the time this article publishes, some of our members may even be on their way to New Orleans. We are grateful every day for the opportunity to represent this amazing region. We hope to see many of you there.
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Current and Previous Directors 60th Anniversary Celebration Jerry Garrard, Betty Hubbard, Cheryl Stutz, and Kelly Deare
RiverSong
RiverSong celebrated its 60th Anniversary on August 18th with a very jubilant crowd in attendance. Current and previous directors present were Jerry Garrard, Bettye Hubbard, Cheryl Stutz, and Kelly Deare. Former directors sending messages of congratulations were Byron Myers, Helen Shores, and LaDonna Cheatham. RiverSong appreciates everyone for making this day so special.
“Musical Mystery Tour” will be presented on Saturday, September 7, 2019, in Potter Hall at Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, MO. This annual fall show will provide an evening of fun and entertainment with guest quartet Take 4 highlighting the program. “EWE” will not want to miss the fun! Tickets may be obtained at RiverSongchorus@gmail.com.
In addition to the income produced by the annual show, RiverSong has initiated a new “Patron” program to help offset yearly expenses. Donor levels include Diamond ($1000 donation), Ruby ($500 donation), Emerald ($250 donation), and Sapphire ($50 donation). RiverSong’s Director, Jerry Garrard, initiated the program by becoming the first Diamond Patron.
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Gateway Spotlight
A singing cupcake chorus commemorated “Barbershop Music Appreciation Day” on July 13. Guests joined the chorus singing the tag for “Sweet Adeline” and “Happy Birthday” to SAI.
GSC cordially invites you to “Second Chances”. Story and song will reprise the second wedding of the bride with her wedding party. Join the wedding planner and cast in the church basement as they ready for the beloved nuptials. Meet the oldest flower girl at a wedding. Mothers compare dresses- oh, no! Pushy photographer? Bridezilla? Cake and punch will be served at the reception intermission.
Next, Rivertown Sound will keep you hoppin’ and boppin’. St. Louis area’s well known professional acapella men’s quartet is known for their renditions of 1950's and 60's "Doo Wop" songs.
For information call 636-219-7711. October 26 at 2 pm at First United Methodist Church, 801 First Capitol Dr, St. Charles, MO.
Tickets: Adult-$20.
Group of 10-$15.00 each.
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Flint Hills Harmony performs at St. Peter's United Methodist Church on August 25th.
Flint Hills Harmony
On August 25th, the Flint Hills Harmony Chorus was privileged to perform at the final service of the St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Topeka. We hope we provided some joy in musical form to the congregation as it solemnly gathered for its church closing.
FHH is gearing up with exciting plans for our autumn and holiday activities!
In October, we will perform for a women’s group at Topeka’s Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church. We plan to include attendees in a bit of harmony!
In late October, we will again “woman” a table at Topeka’s annual “Boo at the Zoo,” singing and handing out candy to hundreds of area children who “trick-or-treat” in costume.
Other plans include performing, membership drives, and fundraising. We will be busy!
FHH said goodbye to our director, Josh Yoho, as he began a new career chapter as the vocal music director for K-12 at USD 321, St. Marys, KS. FHH wishes him much success in the future!
Our FHH member, Chris Day, a retired (but very active!) music teacher, has agreed to be our interim director as we search for a permanent director. Welcome, Chris!!
FHH wishes ALL Region 5 competitors’ good luck in New Orleans!!!
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Heart of Missouri
Inspiration struck our director, Twilla Duvall, while driving home from work one day this spring. She was scanning radio stations when the Eagles blasted out “Takin’ Care of Business”. This song proved to be the vehicle she needed for organizing our chorus members to teach each other about various small, but important topics of our barbershop craft.
She found an old business briefcase and filled it with some ideas for 10-15 minute classes. She dressed for business and wore black horn-rimmed glasses. She strode into next rehearsal, carrying the briefcase while the Eagles blared to be Takin Care of Business! She then did a short specific class. What a role model!
Goal: Individual personal growth for each chorus member via sharing about topics that are important or fascinating to her. So far it has been fun, enlightening, supportive, and kind of scary for those who aren’t used to being solo in front of a group!
After finishing her presentation, she passes the briefcase on to a new person to ponder what topic she will share next week. We have had interactive vocal warmups, tai chi. We’ve learned about our ears and listening, identifying intervals by sight and by listening. Pictured is Joan Kramer (a newer Lead) teaching us about sharps and the circle of fifths.
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City Voices
City Voices Chorus has a new director! We are excited to announce that we are under the direction of Barbara Hyder. Barb brings extensive experience of performance and administrative skills with her former choruses and on the Regional level. She has been involved with choruses in Wisconsin, Florida and the St. Louis area. Barb was on the International stage with champion quartet All That Jazz, as a wildcard with Surefire and with the choruses Crosstown Harmony and Spirit of the Gulf Chorus. Currently she enjoys performing with the St. Louis County Community Chorus. Director bio is on Regional 5’s website. Be sure to check it out.
The Director Meet and Greet is Thursday evening, October 10, 2019. Entertainment, Socializing and Refreshments will be provided! Save the date and come and meet Barbara. Address is 1166 South Mason Road, St Louis, MO. 63131.
City Voices has been hard at work preparing for our annual Holiday Luncheon on December 7, 2019. Mark your calendars and check our facebook page for ticket details. You will not want to miss this performance.
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Kansas City
The Kansas City Chorus continues the DREAM - Dedication! Responsibility! Education! Attitude! Motivation! Our Music Team went to the Directors & Visual Leaders Seminar in San Antonio and they took a rehearsal to share what they learned. The chorus was divided into five small groups and each rotated through the following topics: the Power of Creative Imagination in Achieving Higher Level Performance; Body Posture/Alignment - Voice from Head to Foot; Mental Training/Positive Zone - "Mental strength is being able to control and have impact on your state of mind in spite of circumstances!"; Resonance/Space/Place; and Vowels/Breathing - practicing vowel matching techniques. A chorus member commented that it was like being on an educational retreat!
We've added two new members to our risers, and we had a great time at our fundraiser playing BUNCO! We continue earning funds working at Providence AmphiTheater.
We're learning our new ballad and uptune and looking forward to coaching with Jean Barford in October. Tickets are available now for our Holiday Harmony Spectacular show on December 7th with special guest quartet, Vocal Spectrum!
We'll be watching Vocal Standard Chorus, Pizzazz and Take 4 Quartets in New Orleans. And, also listening to our own Michelle on the webcast.
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Regional Songs:
For Regional Song learning tracks available in the “Members Only” section of the Reg 5 website –
www.sairegion5.org
Songs to Learn
One Song at a Time
Harmonize the World
How We Sang Today
Send Your Love
We Are Family
Happy Together
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The next Take 5 Deadline is November 1, 2019
Email articles (limit of 200 words) and a picture (limit 1) to Region 5 Communications Coordinator Mary Kammeyer at
Reg5communications@gmail.com
PLEASE – send the text in the body of the email, not as an attachment.
Getting your emails
If you’ve recently changed any of your personal contact information, be sure to update International’s records. SAI uses email addresses in our Personal Information Profiles to inform us of time-sensitive issues.
1. Go to the SAI website: www.sweetadelineintl.org
2. Click on Member Login at the top of the page.
3. Enter your username and password.
4. Click on More Member Options.
5. Click on Member Profile.
6. Enter your username and password again.
7. Your “Personal Information Profile” will appear. Verify your name, address, phone number, and email; then click through the instructions at the bottom to save.
If you need help, contact your chorus treasurer or membership chair.
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Answers to the Did You Know!
Dixie Dahlke - Certified Sound Judge
Sandi Wright - Certified Showmanship Judge
Annette Wallace - Approved Expression Judge
Kay Bromert - Approved Candidate Music Judge
Michelle Hunget - Approved Candidate Showmanship Judge
Dennery Martinez - Applicant in the Sound Category (Congratulations Dennery!)
Sally Eggleston - Judge Emeritus Expression Category
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