Volume 2: Issue 13: November/December 2023

Salutations Brothers,

              I hope this issue of the Encore Newsletter finds you healthy, and in good voice.

The opening video for this newsletter has the Blarney Boys (one of the quartets I’m blessed to be in) singing a Chestnut (Chestnut # 8) “The Parting Glass” arranged by my friend, Joe Browne, who also leads the Chestnut Project for our Society. This song has special meaning for me as I asked Joe to arrange the song for our chorus, The Harmony Katz, back in August of 2015 for our upcoming trip to Ireland. In typical Joe Browne fashion, we spoke on Saturday and Monday night he handed me the arrangement (Joe is incredible and a very special gem within our Society). Our chorus traveled to Ireland and held three inter-chorus fun-filled nights with choruses from IABs (both male & female) in the ballrooms of our hotels. We performed for each other, singing tags and of course closing the evening with “The Parting Glass” which is a traditional musical ending for many bands in Ireland. That trip and the song hold special meaning for me as it was in Ireland that I realized how much I cared for the lady who would become my wife. Three years later, Lisa and I would travel back to Ireland to marry on the Cliffs of Moher and the Blarney Boys quartet would perform in many Irish pubs, always ending our performance with this beautiful Chestnut. 

Hmm, the word Chestnut, I first heard this term used by the gentleman who brought me into Barbershop back in 1985. Mr. Grove Murray, a giant and gentle man with a heart as big as his bass voice (his nickname was Moose, a District Champion Bass with the Empire Statesmen winning in 1969) Grove would pull me aside at chorus rehearsals and inform me that I needed to listen to the song his quartet was about to sing, because it was a beautiful Chestnut (Grove’s terminology for solid Barbershop song) and that’s how the Chestnut program came to be named. Thanks Grove!

Another Chestnut that holds special meaning to me is #37, “The Vacant Chair”, masterfully arranged by my friend, Jay Giallombardo. This Chestnut brings to mind all the dear Barbershop friends and mentors I’ve had the privilege to know, who are no longer with us but singing in the “Lodge Eternal”. I get quite emotional when I sing this song, as memories swell within my mind and my heart bursts with the longing and love I have for the men that helped make me, mold me into the barbershopper I am today. 

I tell you about these two Chestnuts because I have donated to the Chestnut Endowment fund, a donation of one thousand dollars. Why? To put my name in perpetuity on the written arrangements as the sponsor of the learning tracks for those two songs. You too can donate, it’s five hundred dollars a song and the money not only helps pay for the recording of the learning tracks but other Preservation and Propagation programs our Society is endeavoring to undertake. You can choose which Chestnut you’d like to sponsor (choice of Chestnut is on a first come, first served basis) and donate on our website within the “Shop”.

Let me wander back to “the Parting Glass” as there is another reason, I have chosen this song for this particular issue. You may recall that originally the 2024 slate of officers listed me as continuing  as Society President. However, upon much soul searching and reflection I decided to withdraw my name from the slate and pass the mantle of leadership to the capable hands of my good friend, Jay Giallombardo. Who is more than ready to write the next chapter in our Society’s brief history. The reasons behind my decision are family oriented as my mom has Alzheimer’s and within the past year has gone from dancing at her birthday party last December 3^rd to being confined to a wheel chair and she is fading all too quickly  and my dad is struggling with caring for her not to mention his own ailments.

So, the time has come for me to exit stage left and withdraw from the all the Society duties I been handling. Probably the most visible to you is that of the editor of the Encore Newsletter for this will be my last issue as editor. Quite frankly, the job of editor takes the most of my time, nearly forty hours in total for an issue (which is why it moved to a bi-monthly publication). However, I do believe the Newsletter is invaluable to our Society and I hope that one of you reading this will give President-elect Jay a call and volunteer to take on this task.

I joined the board on August 27^th, 2020, as a Board Member at Large with the plan to become EVP for Artie which happened in January of 2021, however due to health issues Artie served just 14 months and turned the mantle of President to me in March of 2022. (almost a year early) To say that it’s been an incredible journey over the past almost two years would be an understatement. During that short time, we wrote the third chapter of SPP (I believe each president’s term is a chapter) and we accomplished a lot. We finalized our Bylaws, wrote our Policy Manual, created our Society’s Preamble, Vision and Mission, crafted our Society’s definition of the Barbershop Style (kind of important since we claim to preserving it), launched our Encore Newsletter, formed a Quartet Contest team which created, tested and used an Audience Judge contest system, held a successful SATXIII, crowned our first Quartet Champions - Brouhaha, developed a  relationship with Music & Memory which lead to our International Service Project, our Music & memory Society Theme song - written by Steve Delehanty, we successfully launched the Chestnut and Holiday Chestnut program of which there are 50 Chestnuts and 13 Holiday Chestnuts currently available to members for free on our website with over forty learning tracks available, formed a Convention Team which lead us to Dallas this January, formed a Membership Team, defined territories or regions across our Society (holy cow and whew!) We’ve accomplished a lot in a relatively short time, and I stress the word “we”, because I could’ve never done all that by myself. A heartfelt thank you to Montana Jack for believing in me, Artie Dolt for becoming my close friend, all the masterful work by Kenny Hatton, John Schnieder, Paul Cohen, Joe Pollio, Jay Giallombardo, Joe Browne, Jim Bagby, Ron Rank, Stewart Bush, Mike Ebbers, Glenn Sparling, Roger Heer, George Gipp, Shannon Elswick, Ken Buckner, Jon Clunies, Clark Magee, Steve Delehanty, Don Gray, Digger MacDougall, Roger Lewis, Rich Gray, Bobby Gray, Scott Brandon, Jonah Levinson, Tagmeister - George Azzam and Keith Richmond.  Thank you, gentlemen from the bottom of my heart,

THANK YOU! (If I missed someone, I truly apologize)

Closing thought:

Our Society is the largest all male singing organization in the world! (let that sink in) and quite probably the last bastion of hope for Keeping It Barbershop (Kibb’ers) real barbershop as we’ve defined it. I don’t believe everything has to evolve. When you find something special, even magical, nurture it, cultivate it, help it grow so that generations from now Men can enjoy what we have enjoyed. Let’s not let this special thing perish from the earth. Please get involved, sing in a quartet and/or lodge. Share the joy of barbershop with someone else, you may just change their life much like Grove Murray did mine.  

And so, in the words from the Parting Glass,

“So fill to me the Parting Glass and drink of health what e’re befalls.

Then gently rise and softly call. Goodnight and joy,

Joy be with you all.” 

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and a Happy and Healthy Prosperous New Year!

Signing off for now!

In Harmony,

Pete Carentz

Head Janitor & Editor of the Encore Newsletter and President of SPPBSQSUS

Meet Our Champs

What’s This Brouhaha All About? Clay, Dave, Kirk, and Tim started singing together in the fall of 2019 with one very simple goal – to create some brouhaha by showing people how much fun it is to sing barbershop. Unfortunately, because of the lack of opportunities for brouhaha since then, we haven’t had much chance yet to do that…but we did create our own little brouhaha over that time by getting together, rehearsing, and having a bunch of fun singing barbershop. We had so much fun that we decided we needed a name that reflected what we enjoyed through barbershop…and after using the word “brouhaha” for 2 years, it seemed like a natural for the four of us to keep Brouhaha going! We’ve all heard the expression “…and the rest is history…”, which in no way applies to Brouhaha, because none of the rest has happened yet. This Brouhaha is just getting started! 

Who Started This Brouhaha? 

Clay Hine (baritone) has been around the barbershop brouhaha for his entire life…his parents actually met through barbershop! He’s sung in several quartets over the years, including the 1999 international quartets champions, FRED, who over their 25 years together performed in all 50 US states, 20 countries, and on at least 1 planet. Clay directed the Marietta Big Chicken Chorus for 17 years (winning 3 international chorus medals), and has served as the musical director for the Atlanta Vocal Project since their start in 2007. He’s a coach and passionately prolific vocal arranger and has created at least a little harmonious hubbub with a few of his several hundred arrangements. Clay and his wife, Becki (also a barbershop nut), have called metro Atlanta home for 35 years, and they have 2 generally very grown-up kids – Melody and Camden. When he’s not stirring up brouhaha with music, he’s a Business Development Manager with a large semiconductor manufacturer. 

David Calland (lead) started brouhaha by singing at age 5 and found barbershop in high school…and liked it so much he ended up studying Music Education in college. He was the founding director of The Alliance Chorus, earning multiple medals in contest, current director of The Singing Buckeyes, and sang with multiple quartets, including the acclaimed Uptown Sound, earning two silver medals in contest (so close!), The Allies, and Boardwalk. David has had the fortune of coaching worldwide and has served on the faculty of numerous educational workshops, schools, and youth camps. He’s even ventured into a few administrative roles along the way, including the 2009-2010 President of the Johnny Appleseed District (JAD) and member of the Barbershop Harmony Society International Board of Directors in 2013. David recently skedaddled to rural Central Ohio. His rugrats, Alexa and Jamison, are barbershop brats. Cybersecurity is David’s delightful day job at an insurance company where he is definitely on your side. 

Kirk Young (bass) created his first brouhaha at age 5 when his mom dressed him and his sister up as peanuts for a talent show, and they sang the classic “I’m a peanut”…and we were gonged within 20 seconds of starting. That, of course, inspired him to obtain a BS in Music Education and teach high school music. It also led him to discover barbershop in college, and to sing with several quartets, including The Management, winning his district quartet competition, competing at international competition several times, and winning the MENC/SPEBSQSA Excellence Award in 1995. Kirk calls New Hampshire home, where he lives with his wife, Heather, and his 2 collegiate sons, Conner and Eric. 

Tim Reynolds (tenor) is the 5th of 7 kids, so the brouhaha in his life actually started before his life! Tim’s mom somehow found time to teach voice and piano, and his entire family loved music. His older brother introduced him to barbershop during his college years, which started a long string of different quartets (singing mostly lead), including Riptide, who finished as high as 3rd place in International quartet competition. Tim has also been the associate director of the Atlanta Vocal Project since the chorus started in 2007. He also serves as the music minister at his church and spends his days as an IT professional. And as if that wasn’t enough brouhaha…Tim and his singing wife Amy have triplet boys and a well-looked-after daughter…all in college (cha-ching!)…and all singers!

Brouhaha Quartet: 2023 A Year in Harmony

The year 2023 was a whirlwind for the Brouhaha Quartet, a journey filled with triumphs, new beginnings, and the sweet sounds of barbershop harmony.

Starting in January, the quartet went to San Antonio, Texas and claimed the coveted inaugural title of SPPBSQSUS Worldwide Quartet Champions. This victory cemented their place as one of the top barbershop quartets in the world, a testament to their dedication and musical talent.

March brought the release of their 7th Brouhaha Gem, "I Love You Truly." This heartfelt ballad continued their reputation for delivering singable songs to barbershoppers that capture the essence of the style, singable, and all for free with music and learning tracks on brouhahaquartet.com. Soon after, the quartet graced the stage at Altobeli's Jazz Club in Atlanta, Georgia and sang to an enthusiastic crowd providing an hour and a half of entertainment. Ft. Myers, Florida, was their next stop on the sharing their love for barbershop tour with the vibrant Gulf Coast Harmonizers community.

May saw the arrival of their 8th Gem, "M-O-T-H-E-R (A Word That Means the World to Me)," a touching tribute to mothers everywhere. This emotional song reminded everyone of the unwavering love and support mothers provide through an arrangement full of barbershop sevenths.

The city of San Antonio welcomed Brouhaha back in June for a special performance with Friends in Harmony and Harmony Belles at the SPPBSQSUS Lodge #1 Show. The quartet's powerful vocals and infectious energy filled the room, and thoroughly entertained the audience creating unforgettable musical memories.

June brought them to the heart of the Midwest, Indianapolis, Indiana, for the Circle City Sound Show. On the heels of that performance was the BHS International Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, a landmark event for the quartet as they officially introduced their 8th Gem, "Headed for Louisville," and entertained the crowd during the mic test for the Wednesday Quarterfinals. It was an honor for them to wear their SPPBSQSUS gold medals for all to see.

August saw them sharing their expertise as faculty at the Lakeside Harmony Weekend in Clemson, South Carolina. This opportunity allowed them to inspire and mentor aspiring singers, ensuring the future of barbershop harmony remains bright.

In September, Brouhaha dazzled the audience at the annual Labor Day Jamboree. They were joined on stage with many other the top barbershop quartets.

As the year drew to a close, Brouhaha continued to share their music with the world. December marked the release of two new Gems: "(Back Home Again in) Indiana," a nostalgic ode, and "Mandy Lee," a lighthearted and charming tune.

2023 was a year of remarkable achievements Brouhaha. They rose to the pinnacle of the barbershop world, touched hearts with their music, and inspired a new generation of singers. As they embark on the new year, 2024 is already loaded with opportunity to share their passion for barbershop. Look for them in Dallas as they pass the gold medals along to the next SPPBSQSUS Worldwide Quartet Champions!

Two years this Christmas!

Brouhaha Quartet was hired to sing this Elf On The Shelf video!

We had a blast!

Our Society's Vision & Mission

My dear friends,

The name of our Society clearly states that we are dedicated to preserving barbershop QUARTET singing. Here at your Lodge #1 Friends In Harmony, we’ve always been too busy learning new music for our local community concerts, or for our European concert tours. We’ve never been able to spend much time promoting quartet singing. Then, alas, along came our Society’s Chestnuts initiative. Last evening, the Friends read through Brian Beck’s arrangement of “Tell Me You’ll Forgive Me.” We then encouraged several impromptu quartets to get up and give it a try. It worked!

Most of us old timers have woodshedded this song for years. I was shocked to learn how many of our newer members had never even heard of this song before. Be assured, this Chestnut program will become a fixture at many of our future rehearsals!

Are you taking advantage of this program at your Lodge?

Come On, Let's SING!

Chestnut # 37: The Vacant Chair"

Arrangements Wanted for the Chestnut Program

Arrangers are invited to contribute to the Chestnut collection. Here are some of the characteristics we'll be looking for.

• Arrangements should be short, one or two pages. In most cases this will mean a chorus, possibly a short introduction, and a tag.
• The arrangement must be in traditional barbershop harmony style.
• The arrangement should be something that typical barbershoppers can learn quickly and will enjoy singing.
• The song should not have a widely used arrangement of this type currently available. Arrangements must be ones not already widely available.
• Our use of the song must be legal. In almost all cases that means the song must be in the public domain.
• A song's copyright protects it for 95 years (in the USA; other nations have their own laws). It then passes into the public domain in the 96^th year. For example, a song copyrighted in 1925 was protected through 2020 and entered the public domain in 2021. An exception to this requirement could be made if the arranger has legitimate claim or permission to use all components of the song which are not in the public domain. e.g. adding new lyrics to a public domain tune, or writing an entirely new song.

So, if you have an arrangement, or want to write one, for this collection, please send it to Joe Browne, contact information below. Entries in Finale file format (.mus or .musx files) are preferred, but other music processors are OK (let me know which one you used). Neatly hand-written entries will also be considered.

Joe Browne

94 Simmons Terrace

Syracuse NY 13219

(315) 469-1994

jbrowne3@verizon.net

They're Here.....

A similar but separate collection is the Holiday Chestnuts. So far these are all Christmas songs, (thirteen in total, with twelve of them having learning tracks) but we would like to add songs from Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and perhaps other traditions. Feel free to make suggestions of songs you'd like to see available. (Please realize that we are limited to using public domain music.) As with the “regular” Chestnuts, click on the Barbershop Chestnuts icon to find these songs. Currently they're listed next to the Chestnuts on the same page or click the link below.

Tuning Up for Success

Mastering Our Chestnuts for the Dallas Convention!

Greetings, Fellow Barbershoppers!

With the grand event in Dallas fast approaching, there's still time to learn, review and immerse yourself in the beauty of our cherished Chestnut songs. Think of these songs as the vibrant threads that weave together the rich tapestry of our convention experience. Each note, each lyric, carries the legacy and soul of our barbershop tradition, and honors our heritage.

Rediscovering the Magic

Picture this: the convention in Dallas bathed in warm sunlight, and the hotel lobby filled with handshakes, hugs and how-do-you-do’s. Everyone is happy to renew friendships and create new ones. Now, envision the confidence and pride in grabbing three other men to deliver flawless four-part harmonies, capturing the hearts of all who will listen. There’s music everywhere!

As we embark on this musical journey, let's revel in the joy of rediscovery. Brushing up on our Chestnut songs is an opportunity to delve deeper, uncover new nuances, and infuse fresh energy into timeless classics; it collectively fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. Embrace the diversity of talent within our Society. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting, everyone's contribution is invaluable. Let's support each other, share insights, and celebrate the progress made along this musical odyssey.

You can find nearly 50 Chestnuts on our Society’s website at https://www.sppbsqsus.org/copy-of-barbershop-chesnuts-1. 

You might even want to take some time to download them to your cell phone for easy access.

And don’t forget to sign up for and attend the special Chestnuts – Learn and Sing Event at the convention. It will be a blast!

Conclusion

Each note learned, each harmony perfected, brings us closer to creating an unforgettable musical experience at our Dallas convention. Together, let's make our Chestnut melodies soar and leave an indelible mark in the hearts of all who listen. How many will you be able to sing? How many will you be able to teach? See you there!

Musically yours,

Ron Rank

Board Member, Executive VP-Elect

SPPBSQSUS.org

Part Tracks along with a PDF of the sheet music are available on our Society's website.

SPPB Gets Fifth-Generation Member 

By Jim Bagby

      I'm delighted to let you in on a Christmas secret, if you promise not to tell before the big day: I'm gifting my two grandsons SPPBSQSUS memberships.  They will be the fifth-generation card-carrying barbershoppers in our family.  I know we share that honor with some other SPPB members, and we hope to read their history soon in Encore.

   My grandfather, the late M.D. Bagby, was a charter member of the Colorado Springs Chapter in the mid-1940s, and I first visited there when I was 11 (Pete Tyree was chorus director).  My family moved from Colorado to Oklahoma in the mid-50s, and my father, the late Jack M. Bagby, joined the Oklahoma City Chapter a few years later. I joined in 1961.

  Dad was somewhat of an introvert -- or maybe it was just that he didn't get a chance to say much with six kids in the house. But barbershopping changed him entirely. He became the award-winning bulletin editor for the Singing Sooners (he was a journalist by trade) and later served as editor of the Harmonizer.   Mother as an equally fervent Sweet Adeline.

  Dad's younger brother, Verne, was a longtime member and activist with South Bay, CA, and later in northern California retirement, chapters in the Lake of the Pine area. 

  The Bagby Brothers quartet, initially coached by Mother Peggy, sang over the years, from the time I was 12; we still get to ring a chord every once in a while. Terry went on to join chapters and quartets in the Denver area and Mike first sang with the Peninsulaires in the California Bay area before joining Chicago's New Tradition.  Yep, he was there for all eight silvers and their gold, as well as filling in with the hilarious Chords Unlimited.  He's held virtually every office and remains active there.  

   Some historians may recall that in the 1993 BHS chorus contest at Calgary, Dad competed with Oklahoma City, Terry with Denver Mile-Hi, Mike with New Tradition and I directed Kansas City's Heart of America.  Jay's chorus topped us all...but I digress.

   Our 4th generation was provided by sister Nancy Nortz (my parents quit when they finally got the girl they wanted). Her son, Jake, sang with Oklahoma City for a time. Both her daughters joined her in the OKC Sweet Adelines, and daughter Katarina was a "Rising Star" quartet champ. Nancy continues to quartet and choreograph with OKC. My daughter, Kristin, sang the "Lida Rose" obbligato with the Rural Route 4.  

     It's Kristin who claims the young men who on Christmas day will unwrap SPPB memberships. Both are young, single, dating, career-conscious and live far from here, so no bets on how soon we can get them to a convention.  But one of them sang in the last BHS Father-Son-Grandfather Chorus at Kansas City when he was 8, and both are dandy singers!

Articulating the Style We're  Preserving and Propagating

Style Definition:

Barbershop quartet music is a style of four-part a cappella singing with some particular characteristics.

• The four parts are called lead, tenor, baritone, and bass.
• The melody is sung by the lead, with brief transfers to other singers permitted.
• The tenor sings a harmony part which is almost always above the melody. 
• The bass almost always sings below the lead part.
• The baritone sings notes in the middle which complete the chord.
• Barbershop music is primarily homophonic.

Polyphonic passages are not only permissible but a musical necessity, as the creative use of embellishment is an essential part of the barbershop style, including:

• call & response
• swipes
• echoes
• bell chords
• back-time
• patter refrains
• rhythmic propellants
• sustained or rhythmic neutral syllable support of brief solo passages.
• melodic embellishment
• brief solo passages

Short portions of a song may be sung by fewer than four voices for effect and musical contrast.

The style is characterized by songs sung predominantly in English with clear, relatable lyrics and easily singable melodies. Harmonically the songs should largely suggest the use of major and minor chords with frequent use of barbershop seventh (dominant and secondary dominant seventh) chords which resolve around the circle of fifths and sometimes other resolutions. The music should have an easily discerned tonal center and a balanced, symmetrical form. Thus, the song's arrangement, and by implication the arranger, play an important part in creating the presentation of the song and closing it effectively.

Brother George Azzam

Get ready for some Singing FUN!

You can sing along with the above YouTube video. (just click the Play button)

Or you can click the below Tag Meister button to get your free copy of the "Classic Tags" book and/or to download Georgie's MP3 Files to sing along with whatever parts you're missing.

VP of Lodges

Brother George "Get'er Done" Gipp

SPP LODGES IN ACTION… We are ON THE MOVE!!!

As we close an outstanding year of growth, under the guidance and leadership of our President Pete Carentz, we celebrate the undeniable movements of our Lodges and Lodges-In-Progress. We understand it will be the growth and development of our Lodges that will foster camaraderie, provide a gathering place for our members and serve as the catalyst for our reason to be- Music, Fellowship and Fun. Let’s reflect on 2 Existing Lodges and 2 In- Progress.

Lodge #1, The Friends In Harmony -San Antonio, TX

Under The Leadership of Arte Dolt

How fitting it is that our San Antonio, TX” Friends In Harmony Lodge” is Lodge #1 on our List of Lodges. In addition to a full schedule of local activities, rehearsals, and performances, let’s reflect upon the exciting International activity the “Friends” have participated in over the past 14 months. Then consider the fun, fellowship and music never ends as they have already planned yet another trip for 2024.

Consider this:

·       In October of 2022, members of Lodge #1, The Friends In Harmony, along with members of his Harmony Belles Chorus, did a ten-day concert tour in Ireland that featured a performance at the Irish Association of Barbershop Singers annual convention in Killarney.

·       This year, they travelled to Italy, and performed concerts in Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan. They are the first barbershop chorus in history to sing at a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican… truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

·       Excitement is already starting to build for our 2024 concert tour in France. We will be singing, and participating in a wreath-laying ceremony, on the beaches of Normandy to commemorate the 80th-year anniversary of D-Day!

Humbly, in Artie’s own words…

“We are indeed blessed to have the opportunity to share our music with these International audiences.”

Lodge # 9, The Cloverdale Chordsmen -Surrey, BC  

Under The Leadership of Keith Richmond

Indeed, that is Canada, which definitively contributes to the SPP Worldwide, International label. The “Chordsmen” had their first official meeting on April 11, 2022 with 17 in attendance. Some attendees were from the BHS chapter in a neighboring city who have continued to be very supportive of their efforts. Successive meetings varied from seven to eleven members. Today they have 20 members and usually have 14 to 17 show up on any given night. A notable dynamic of the Chordsmen is the value of intergenerational camaraderie among our members. They embrace members whose ages include every decade from the teens to the 90's. How Do They Do It?

Keith shared a list of Ten Factors they believe are contributing to their success. Not surprisingly, factor #1 states “they are equally about are about the FUN and FELLOWSHIP as much as the music.” Another key factor is the inclusion of quartet activities at every meeting. But wait…there’s more…

Keith has graciously offered to share their Success Factors with us all. Let’s take him up on it in2024!

Lodge-In Progress # 1, The Fraternity (NAFOBS) N Alabama

Under The Leadership of Ken Hatton

The Fraternity held their 33rd weekly meeting on Monday, December 11th, at the E-Center in Decatur, Alabama with eight men present, including visitor Jim Ellis, attending his third meeting. Although no tenors were present, basses A. D. and Colin filled in nicely with falsetto. 

Time was spent some singing two songs followed by their break with doughnuts. Then, each man participated in quartet development and tag singing for some fun time. 

Kay and Kenny have invited every man who has attended even one of The Fraternity meetings to attend the Fraternity Christmas Party, at their home, Sunday, December 17th, from 2:00 until 4:30 PM. Kay will serve chili, hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks. All are welcome to come as they are, bring a guest, and b a dessert or favorite beverage as they wish.

Kenny’s current quartet, “Meanwhile,” will make the trip from Nashville and Evansville to attend, and to provide some barbershop entertainment as they are preparing for the upcoming competition at the 2024 SPP convention January 18th to 21st.

On another EXTREMELY POSITIVE subject, Colin Bagwell did the research for filing 501c3 nonprofit corporation forms with IRS and the State of Alabama. The Fraternity already has the minimum ten lifetime SPP members signed up, and the solution to $700 required for the State paperwork to be filed has been secured. Thanks to the creativity and benevolence of Kenny’s retired champion quartet, Bluegrass Student Union, it appears the mission will be accomplished. Kudos to The BGSU Qt!

The Fraternity now looks forward to the new year of music, fellowship and fun and all indications point they will do so as a full- fledged SPP Lodge. Big things happening in North Alabama.

Lodge-In Progress # 2, Northern NY Lodge Watertown, NY

Under The Leadership of Brad Lundquist

GREAT NEWS FROM UPSTATE NY!  Brad Lundquist has reported the start of a potential Northern New York lodge. A group of 12 men performed five Christmas songs at the Saint Mary's Catholic church in Clayton New York celebrating their night of Sacred Music. 

In Brad’s own words- “The audience was so receptive, they jumped to their feet at the conclusion of our final number. It is a joy to be able to spread the love of singing 4 part A Cappella Mens Barbershop Harmony!” 

9 of these men are already SPP members, 3 men are all that is needed. They are looking at options for spreading the music fun, fellowship & the song of SPP BROTHERHOOD! 

As we close 2023 and charge into 2024, the question is this. What’s stopping YOU from forming a Lodge and getting into the fun to be had in YOUR home town? We at SPP are here to help jump start your labor of love and get you on the journey of Music, Fellowship and FUN!

Here’s to your joyous and blessed Holiday Season which includes all of your traditions and family worship. Hope to see you in Dallas at the SPP Convention.

With Joyous Gratitude,

George G. Gipp

SPP VP of Lodges

As Christmas nears, we offer a musical wish for you all...

Please, let there be peace on earth.

The Jolly Man & Santa!

Our Christmas Party

Our Festive wrap up included fellowship, food, guests and of course a lot of singing. A Great way to wrap up a great year for the Chordsmen!

♫♪ KEEP A MELODY RINGING! ♫♪ 

Keith Richmond

 The Men of Song Barbershop Club of Mesa, Arizona will be giving their Annual Show at Sunland Springs Village Auditorium on February 18, 2024 in east Mesa. Their featured quartet will be South of Normal from Illinois (2017 BHS Illinois District Champions). The South of Normal Quartet competed in the SPPBSQSUS Quartet Contest in January, 2023. They will be returning to that competition in 2024.

The Men of Song will sing a set of songs and then sing with the female barbershop chorus, The Cordialaires in a combined number of "America The Beautiful" with an overlay all under the direction of Dick Naas. The featured quartet will join in for the finale. An Afterglow will follow at a local eatery. South of Normal Quartet- - - - -

Pictured below in back row from L to R: Tim Woodall (Lead), Bret Reinthaler (Bass) and Craig Ahlgrim (Baritone) and seated in center is Evan Patrick (Tenor).

Brothers In Harmony

SPPBSQSUS Theme Song

Words & Music by Norm Starks, Arranged by Bill Eberius

"Brothers in Harmony is our Society's Theme Song. Another free piece of music for your quartet or Lodge . Learning Tracks were created by our Tag Meister, George Azzam (thanks George) both sheet music and the learning tracks are available on our Society's website

Help Wanted

Join the SPPBSQSUS Team

Every Man Can Lend His Voice and Talents to the Chord

Hey Barbershoppers!

Are you interested in contributing to something bigger? Lending your talents and your voice to the future of Barbershop Quartet Singing? Well give me a call or drop me a line. There's lots of exciting work to be done as we build an organization that will keep Barbershop Harmony alive far into the future.

Special Thanks to our Founder, Montana Jack Fitzpatrick, for having the foresight to create a home for Men who love to sing Barbershop, Harmonize and Ring Chords like they did in the days of yore! A place for fraternal brotherhood, where men can escape the stress of daily life singing and bonding as men do.



Thank you Jack, BlesSINGs to you for your gift to mankind and the world!

Committee Co-Charmen: John Schnieder

Committee Co-Charmen: Jim Bagby

Committee Member: Ron Rank

Complaints. Barbershoppers for the most part are some of the BEST People on the face of the earth. However, every once in a while something or someone needs to be addressed and SPPBSQSUS now has a formal process in place for handling any Ethics complaints. Information is available on our website under the documents link or using the link below.

The History of AHSOW

By Bud Hillier (through 1993); by Toban Dvoretzky (from 1994). Lou Chacos and Fred Hinesley also contributed to elements of these reports.

~~~~~~~~~

The 1970s

~~~~~~~~~

Sometime during the mid-’70s, a group of concerned Barbershoppers began discussing problems of SPEBSQSA. They talked about choruses taking over the chapter meetings and not allowing time for quartetting or woodshedding. They discussed the small amount of woodshedding being done in the Society, and the dwindling number of men with the ability to do it. Members new to the Society learned only to sing songs that were arranged. Today, most cannot, or will not, try to sing anything without notes to look at, and their ear for harmony is losing out because of this.

On Tuesday or Wednesday of the 1977 SPEBSQSA International Convention, in the coffee shop of the headquarters hotel in Philadelphia, Charlie Nichols, Harold Taylor, Tom Helzer, and Avery Hall were discussing the feasibility of starting a group to keep woodshedding alive. Herb Ives was asked to join in. Among them, they laid out the plans, and then started recruiting what they thought were influential names. Among the first were Buzz Haeger and Hal Purdy, in addition to some names from the early history of the Society, like Dean Snyder and Phil Embury. Other very early names were Stan Conway, George Bunt, Jay Ward, George Sanders, Frank Buffington, and Bud Hillier. No actual officers were elected that first year, but Charlie Nichols, our founder and the person to whom this brainchild is attributed, was installed as Permanent President, and Avery Hall was installed as Administrator. The Board of Directors consisted of George Bunt, Stan Conway, Buzz Haeger, Tom Helzer, Herb Ives, and Harold Taylor. Board member Tom Helzer took over the duties of designing our first AHSOW badge and many other sundry items. The logo with the Chinaman, still a favorite with many of our members, was his creation.

Yes, the wonderful world of AHSOW had its origin at the 1977 International Convention in Philadelphia, where the first men were certified to become members. After their indoctrination, $1 apiece was collected to cover the cost of correspondence and the original AHSOW badge. We nearly went broke when costs exceeded the dues. Avery Hall had to plead with the new members to send an additional $2 to keep us solvent. The growing pains that AHSOW had in its infancy were much the same as those had by our parent organization, SPEBSQSA. Our original records were also sketchy at best. Of the first 291 members tested in 1977 and 1978, only 150 renewed; because of inadequate records, all were considered charter members.

By 1978, in Cincinnati, our financial woes seemed to be resolved, and we got a suite at the headquarters hotel to use as the AHSOW room. We had lost Harold Taylor by this time, and Charlie Nichols’ health was fading, but we still got some semblance of an organization going.

At Minneapolis, in 1979, Charlie Nichols, because of health problems, announced that he could no longer carry out the duties of Permanent President. His wishes were that he would be known as the Founder. He asked Bud Hillier to take over the duties of Administrator so that Avery Hall could assume the job as titular head of AHSOW. This was accomplished at the general meeting held in Minneapolis. Due to the action by Hugh Ingraham and Leo Fobart at the Society board meeting, AHSOW became accepted as a subsidiary.

One of the first things done by our new President was to install 16 District Directors. They were appointed to test people in their districts for membership in AHSOW. The paucity of activity in most districts could be attributed to the lack of materials needed by directors for auditioning or to the lack of push by District Directors. However, the greatest problem was that of uniformity in testing from district to district. The originally proposed bylaws of AHSOW were approved by SPEBSQSA’s Laws & Regulations Committee (April 27, 1979), then ratified by the general AHSOW membership. The first roster of the current AHSOW members was sent out to the membership in October 1979.

Woodshedding tips

Singing all parts

The dedicated woodshedder (or anyone who wants more chances to sing with a wider range of harmonizers) will seek out and learn as many ear-harmonizable melodies and lyrics as possible. Knowing woodshed melodies will make you a very popular guy in woodshedding rooms.

The first tip of woodshedding is to listen, listen, listen. The second tip is to stay on the note you’re on until your ear strongly suggests that you must move to another. Relax, listen, and move when required, either when you sense that the chord must change (or has changed) from the one you were on, or when someone else is taking your most recent note, or when you sense otherwise that the chord being sung is somehow incomplete, or not fulfilling or “ringing.” Resist the temptation to “get fancy” for its own sake, and avoid second-guessing yourself. Trust your ear! Every woodshedder should be able to sing melodies. Pitch them where the singing is comfortable. Depending on the vocal ranges in your woodshed quartet, melodies “written” in Bb might be sung in any key from Ab (or even G) up to C.

Woodshedders should be able to feel and create basic chords. It is not necessary to know chord names or types; just trust your ear to handle everything.

All parts take-away: The only bad woodshedding is no woodshedding at all.

This is FUN. Sing 'em and ring 'em! 

Yours for a song, (just blow the pitch)

Mike Ebbers

Here's a melody for you to learn, grab three other guys, go out to the woodshed and have some fun singing and ringing chords!

Introducing the SPP Membership Growth Manual

Hi Brothers,

The purpose of this manual is to distribute the Membership Team’s ideas and ways to share music, fellowship and fun with men of good character who like to sing, resulting in the acceleration of membership growth of SPPBSQSUS, Inc. (hereinafter “SPP") in each community. 

Warm Regards,

Kenny Ray Hatton

Boy Singer and Membership VP

www.sppbsqsus.org

256-957-8106

1. LODGE DEVELOPMENT: The Lodge is the best avenue to add members to the Society. The SPP website lists the ten steps to forming a lodge. Those steps address the official business aspect of lodge formation, but they alone are not sufficient. A healthy lodge that is geared toward growth must have:

a.  DYNAMIC MUSICAL LEADER: This key man must have adequate musical experience and charisma to consistently lead meetings that include chorus rehearsals, quartet development and recreational singing. He chooses the songs and arrangements, distributes them (legally) to members, prepares a schedule for each meeting, and conducts the chorus in rehearsals and performances. He may encourage participation in the musical leadership by other members.   

b.  SPIRITUAL LEADER: While SPP professes no specific religion, there is a spiritual aspect to a Lodge that must not be ignored. The Spiritual Leader must be a good communicator, who sees that every Member and every visitor receive deserved recognition. He interviews and introduces all the guests. He thanks those who contribute behind the scenes. He lets absentees know they were missed with a phone call or a visit. He arranges periodic lunches with one or more members. He announces illnesses, births and deaths in the families of members. This person can also be the Music Director, but not necessarily.

c.  LODGE BULLETIN EDITOR: The email bulletin (the frequency of which coincides with the rehearsal schedule) gives members and prospective members an idea of meeting and performance schedules. It is a vehicle in which the Spiritual Leader announces illnesses, births and deaths of members, associates and family members, and mentions and thanks those who have done extra work behind the scenes. The Bulletin Editor keeps the Lodge roster updated, to be sure the members can communicate with each other easily by phone and by email.  

d.     BALANCED MEETING SCHEDULE: Many directors spend all of the meeting time on chorus rehearsal, and completely ignore the other two fun elements of the hobby – quartet singing and tag-singing. It is recommended that a Lodge spend roughly half of each meeting on chorus rehearsal, one quarter of the time on quartet development, one quarter of the time on tag-singing and/or woodshedding, plus a 15-minute break with a snack.

e. PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER: This person need not be a member, but must have the skill and knowledge of social media. Facebook pages and Twitter accounts are free avenues one can use to consistently let the community know about meetings, periodic performances, other events and cancellations. The attachment of photos and videos will enhance those regular announcements. 

f.  MEETING PLACE: The first meeting is usually held at the home of one of the Lodge organizers, but soon thereafter, a larger hall is needed. A conference room at a business will suffice for a while, but as the Lodge grows, it will require a hall at a school, church, clubhouse, hotel or civic center. Many times, such organizations will allow a Lodge’s wholesome activities at no charge or for a small rent fee.  Usually, one of the Lodge members will have a connection that results in an invitation to use the room. Respect the security rules of the house, and be sure to clean up after each meeting. Of course, you should choose a meeting place that is centrally located in the community your Lodge intends to serve.

g. MEETING SCHEDULE: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the most common days for meetings. Some men have church obligations on Wednesdays and Sundays, and most prefer to keep Fridays and Saturdays open for family activities and performances. Evening get-togethers usually last 2-1/2 hours, starting at 7:00 PM. Whatever day and time you choose, be consistent. Changing the meeting time or date may negatively affect attendance. 

h. REPERTOIRE: There are plenty of sources for songs and arrangements.  It is wise to begin with Public Domain charts, so that payment of copyright fees will not be necessary. The SPP website already includes a “Chestnuts” Program, which will eventually include 100 free charts with overbalanced learning tracks. Such audio learning tools are not required, but they can accelerate the learning process by helping ear-singers to keep up with sight-readers. In addition to Chestnuts and other traditional barbershop arrangements, it is recommended that you include a healthy dose of patriotic and religious songs. Many opportunities for performances in your community will come from churches and civic events. Of course, there are other sources for free arrangements. BHS offers some free charts to members and non-members alike. Some arrangers will directly share their charts of public domain songs at no charge. A Lodge can always pay a small fee per copy for copyrighted barbershop arrangements listed on Sheet Music Plus (or at BHS), or can pay a hefty fee to the publisher for a protected work not listed there.

i. RECRUITING METHODS & ETHICS: All men of good character who like to sing are welcome. Invite inactive barbershoppers in the area to attend your meetings. They may become the core of your lodge, and you can expand it with new barbershoppers when you are ready. It may seem indelicate, but we are aware that members of other singing societies are failing to renew their memberships for a number of reasons. Our Society gives them someplace to go, instead of just “away.” Find a way to reach those fellows, so they will know that we exist. Our music, fellowship and fun are here waiting for them to join us. We offer them a respite from aloneness. 

j.  LANGUAGE: Of course, we don’t use foul language in our meetings or in our bulletins. That’s not what we mean by “language.” Lodge #1 (San Antonio) Music Director Artie Dolt has impressed us with the use of certain words and the avoidance of others. We don’t “recruit.” Instead, we “give the gift of an invitation” to attend a meeting, and experience music, fellowship and fun. We don’t use the term “gig.” As performers, we are not trying to stick anybody, and the audience members are not frogs. Instead, we are looking for engagements or “performance opportunities.” SPP doesn’t sponsor chorus contests, because we don’t want to motivate anyone to implement performance accountability standards. We hope every lodge will be open to every man of good character who likes to sing. Quartets are exclusive by nature, and quartet contests provide goals and fun for those who wish to excel in performance. The word “contest” just doesn’t compute for the Lodge chorus because our main focus is on fellowship and fun. The music is merely the catalyst for the other two. 

k. ADMINISTRATOR: Eventually, you will have your minimum of ten men who sign up as SPP members, and it will be time to start the process to become a lodge. There will be articles of incorporation, by-laws, ethics and other administrative necessities. Choose a fellow who enjoys that kind of behind-the-scenes work, to move the process along.

l.  TREASURER: SPP dues are $50 for a lifetime membership. There may be occasions on which the SPP Board of Directors will put the word out that the organization needs more bucks. So far, in 5 years, that has not happened. The Lodge, however, will need some scratch to get things going. Weekly snacks and bottled water cost money. Filing papers with the governing authority to set up a non-profit corporation often requires a fee. Some meeting places will require rent money. If the group wants to sing protected works, copyright fees must be paid. If the group needs learning tracks that are not part of the Chestnut program, they must be purchased. As the group starts to become serious, someone should be selected to collect startup money from the members. Eventually, the organization will need a bank account for deposits. Receipts will include Lodge dues, occasional donations and fees received from performances. At that point, the by-laws will guide him. The Treasurer produces a periodic financial report for the Lodge members. 

2. SCHOOLS, CHURCHES AND MALLS: Sending a quartet to visit a high school produces Lodge visitors, who may became members of a barbershop chorus. The quartet may pass out free CDs to the students, and teach them some tags. Substituting for church choirs on vacation produces additional members. Regular performances at area malls, passing out cards and gathering prospects’ contact information leads to visitors and members. A single person who visits high schools with nothing but recordings and sheet music to teach tags can produce members. That’s how the champion quartet “4 Voices” came to be. Two of those guys are active barbershoppers to this day as singers, directors and officers.

3. CIVIC EVENTS: Bobby Gray described his Joplin “Tri-Statesmen” Lodge as a success when they participated in the City of Joplin’s “Sesquicentennial” celebration in April, 2023. They enlisted the aid of SPP, that donated $2,000, SPP individual members, who donated another $1,000 and Harmony Foundation, that donated $8,500. The money enabled them to bring in the then current BHS champs, Quorum, an SAI finalist quartet, Duly Noted and our own SPP medalist, Saturday Evening Post. They also brought in champion chorus director, Dr. Jim Henry. They organized a barbershop clinic for 100 area high school students, and put together a chorus composed of local and out of town barbershoppers as well as local non-barbershoppers to perform with the quartets on a Saturday evening show. Great fun was had by all, and the Lodge gained four new members. At Ken Hatton’s home in Decatur, AL, he and his wife, Kay, held third third annual “Hattonland” barbershop bash on Memorial Day weekend, which was attended by 30 quartet men from all over the country, and 15 of them brought their wives. In addition, the seven singers committed to our northern Alabama Lodge were in attendance. The 45^th annual Alabama Jubilee was scheduled for that Saturday at nearby Point Mallard Park. Ken made an appointment to see the mayor, and asked him if the ensemble could sing some patriotic songs for the crowd. Mayor Bowling made it happen, and “The Fraternity” gave a 30-minute performance with a chorus of 37, including two quartets. As a result, the fledgling “hope-to-become-a-Lodge” gained seven new committed singers, doubling the size of the group. Twenty-seven weeks after startup, we now have (16) committed singers. The Joplin event had a budget of $25,000, and took a year of planning. Our Alabama event had a budget of $1,500, and took six weeks of planning. These two events had something important in common. Both groups invited experienced barbershoppers from out of town to help them put on a show that produced local growth. We will call it the “Barbershop Blitz.”

4. ADVERTISING: Boby Gray reported that print media, billboards, radio & TV appearances and social media are helpful in getting name recognition for one’s Lodge. While production of new members cannot be attributed to a single such ad, such methods add credibility to the group, so that one-on-one invitations are more successful. That is true when selling a product, or else companies wouldn’t spend money on them. Rational analysis is sometimes adequate evidence, but the Lodge has to invest the dollars and the time it takes to coordinate such ads with guest nights, meetings and performances. Of these types of ads, social media is the least expensive. An experienced person should be appointed to set up a Facebook page, a Twitter account, etc.. Jay Giallombardo advises that a new app called MEETUP can help get the word out to a segment of the community. It costs about $20 a month to advertise your group’s dates on the APP. Jay also suggested that a “Tag of the Week” post on Facebook, that is shared by chorus members can have a positive impact. In Alabama, our upcoming performance attracted a local newspaper to do a story on us that contributed to the success of the event (which produced visitors).

5.CHARITABLE WORK: Bobby Gray advises that his bunch set up a scholarship for Missouri State University called the “Tri-Statesmen Barbershop Vocal Scholarship.” It produces recurring positive recognition for the Joplin Lodge, and produces help from the university with access to meeting places and performances, as well as opportunities to present barbershop to vocal music classes.

6. SPORTING EVENTS: Rob Seay related that his Chorus of the Chesapeake sings the National Anthem for Baltimore Orioles games once each year. They invite non-barbershop singers to participate with them. The newbies get free admission to the game, and are exposed to the chorus’ music and fellowship. Some join. There are major league, minor league, college and high school teams in most communities, where we can all do the same. The twist is planning ahead to include extra singers. Some of them have joined. 

7. TOP GUN SCHOOLS: Cody Littlefield had suggested this as a growth tool at our last meeting. While this is not a way to attract new members, such a school can be attended by local observers who will be inspired by the organized quartets and coaches to start their own quartets. Such an event is seen as helpful to retention and to quartet development – not necessarily a part of our step-by-step program for growth. Referring this idea to Rich Gray, Chairman of Quartet Development. One can envision a mini-school with five quartets and five coaches attending – none coming from a great distance – and at a low cost. 

8. JOINT SPP-BHS-SAI-HI EVENTS: Keith Richmond shared a report about a get-together that included SPP, BHS and SAI groups. A great time was had by all, and it contributed directly to the retention and growth of the Cloverdale Chordsmen. Martin Fredstrom mentioned a similar recurring event in Arizona, and Bobby Gray encourages such joint activities, as it appears logical that the friendly coming-together of all barbershop societies would encourage growth of all such groups. Remember that our policy is to avoid criticism of other singing societies, and to focus our growth efforts on sharing our music, fellowship and fun with non-barbershoppers.

9. OPEN MIC EVENTS: Rod McKenzie had suggested sending chorus and quartets to participate whenever an open-mic event is held in one’s community. We have no evidence that this has produced growth, but it is certainly worth a try.

10. INDIVIDUAL INVITATIONS: The late Jerry Orloff was the king of recruiting, with over 200 Man of Note awards. We spent time together on four trips to China, and Jerry shared the reasons for his success. He carried barbershop business cards at all times, and started conversations about singing with everyone he met. As a retiree, Jerry would talk with people on the bus, at the grocery, the drycleaners, the gas station, etc. The conversation would eventually get around to his barbershop harmony experience, and he would share his stories of fellowship and singing, followed by a direct one-on-one invitation to attend an upcoming chapter meeting. Jerry would give the prospect a card, and would gather his phone number and email address. Then, he would follow up to get a “yes” to his invitation, and would pick up the fellow and take him home after the meeting. Many ideas have produced members, but nothing we know about compares with Jerry’s success.

11.FRIENDS IN HARMONY: Artie Dolt’s San Antonio bunch has a magical story. He invited some inactive barbershoppers to his home, and 19 men showed up. They invited some friends, and those friends invited some friends, and within a couple of years, they had grown to a chorus of 130 men. The “Friends in Harmony” is SPP’s Lodge #1. Some of us have visited FIH’s meetings, and have followed Artie’s weekly bulletin with interest. In our estimation, it is Artie’s especially nurturing personality that makes the difference. He is not only a fine musical leader, but Artie also serves as the spiritual leader. He checks on the absent. He visits the sick. He “ministers” to his flock. He has done the same with a women’s chorus, now numbering 105 singers – most are new female barbershop singers.  

​​January 17 - 21, 2024

Registration now Open

​WHERE : Hyatt Regency at Dallas/Ft Worth Airport,

         2334 International Parkway, DFW Airport, Tx 75261 

THE COST: The hotel cost per night (from Tuesday through Sunday nights) is an unbelievable $125 ($62.50 per man per night, in a shared room - 2 men splitting a room cost of $125). There is an additional tax of 13%.

Convention Schedule

Wednesday

• For those who just can't wait to start enjoying the Music, Fellowship and FUN, the Unofficial Event will commence on Wednesday as soon as the 1st foursome rings a chord! 

Thursday

• Event Registration at the SPPBSQSUS Registration Desk will begin at 9:00am, lasting until 5:00 pm. Stop by and pick up your badge and Convention schedule. The Event, with its Singing, Fellowship and FUN will start upon your arrival on Thursday, whenever or wherever in the Hotel a quartet begins singing (there’s a full-service restaurant, with bar and lounge, and, we are promised that food and wait-staff will be available in abundance. Check the schedule that is on the back of your name badge to see what events are scheduled throughout the day. The big news is that at 6:00 pm, we will be having the Semi-Final round of our Second Annual All-Male Worldwide Barbershop Quartet Contest, in the Hotel Ballroom – where SPP registered quartets will compete – with Judges having been selected from among the audience. Check our website for Quartet rules, Quartet Registration Form and Quartet Entry Form. Quartets, be sure to register - no charge - as a SPPBSQSUS official quartet & purchase a Convention Registration and Quartet Contest ticket before December 1st to be included in the draw.

Friday

• Event Registration at the SPPBSQSUS Registration Desk will begin at 9:00 am and continue through the day until 5:00 pm. Breakfast is on your own in the hotel restaurant followed by free time to meet, greet and sing. Or check out one of the scheduled events throughout the day. The scheduled event list will on the back of your name badge. And of course, Singing, Fellowship and FUN can be had all day– until 5:00 pm when we commence with our Friday Evening Bash, open to all registrants, with Beer, Wine, Soda, Water and Angus Beef Sliders, in the Hotel Ballroom. The remainder of the evening and night is yours for Singing, Fellowship and FUN in Meeting Rooms reserved for Members’ exclusive use.

​ Saturday

• The Registration Desk will open at 9:00 am and close at 1:00pm for pick-up of late arrival name tags and last minute sales for the Quartet Contest. Breakfast is on your own in the hotel restaurant followed by free time to meet, greet, and sing. Next up, the top 10 Quartet Finalists selected in Thursday’s semi-final round, will compete in the S.P.P.B.S.Q.S.U.S. Worldwide Barbershop Quartet Contest Final Round, which will commence at 1:30 pm and end at 3:30 pm, with the presentation of awards to the top 5 Medalists, and the crowning of our 2nd Worldwide Quartet Champion. This will be followed more free time allowing the Ballroom to be set up for our Saturday Night Buffet Banquet at 6:00 pm - where everyone is invited to come together, to enjoy a delicious meal, entertainment and singing. It is entirely possible that your meal may be interrupted by our Designated Official Interlocutor, who will call upon selected individual directors, each of whom will have a favorite song or tag to share and will wish to suffer the disrespect of the assemblage. And your table better be prepared with a Bb song to sing at the designated time! After our meal we will be regaled by our gala evening show performance. The Banquet and Show will be only a prelude to the rest of the evening filled with Singing, Fellowship and FUN, in our exclusive Hotel meeting rooms-- until, once again, you withdraw on two feet, or drop, and are carried out.

​Sunday

• One final Tag before checking out of the hotel by 11:00am and wishing all Safe Travel – and savoring the new memories created and SPPBSQSUS Events to come.

Registering for the Convention

All Registrations and Quartet Contest Tickets are now available online in 'The Shop'.

Convention registration: fee is $160 for everyone.  This will include the cost of the Friday night Bash Reception, Saturday Night banquet, registration materials and registration personnel. Please, NO ONSITE REGISTRATIONS!

​​​Quartet Contest: Separate Ticket - $40 for both sessions. There will be Semi-Finals on Thursday evening and the Top Ten Finals on Saturday afternoon. This event open to all ticket holders (members and non-members). Limit 600 attendees. Festival seating (no reserved seats). This is an extra ticket and not included in the Convention Registration.

RESERVING YOUR ROOM AND ROOMMATE

When you are registering, indicate that you have a roommate to share your room. It is your responsibility to find a roommate. Check the convention list in the 'Members' section to see people who have not indicated a roommate and contact them.  

The Maimian's Music Medics singing for Joe DiMaggio's Children's Hospital

Merry Christmas - Barbershop Style from the Evans Quartet - released 1961

President - Jay Giallombardo

Executive VP - Ron Rank

Treasurer - Glenn Sparling

Secretary - Roger Heer

VP Membership - Kenny Hatton

VP Lodges - George Gipp

VP Marketing - Gary Parker

VP Quartet Development - Rich Gray

BOARD MEMBERS AT LARGE:

Stew Bush

Paul Cohen

Bob Hastings

Jay Hawkins

Mike Lawton

SPPBSQSUS Partners with Music & Memory

Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory [2014] Documentary

Alive Inside is a joyous cinematic exploration of music's capability to reawaken our souls and uncover the deepest parts of our humanity. Filmmaker Michael Rossato-Bennett chronicles the astonishing experiences of individuals around the country whose minds have been revitalized and awakened by the simple act of listening to the music of their youth.

Directed by Michael Rossato-Bennett

Featuring Dan Cohen, Bobby McFerrin

Listen to Our Servi-Sing Project Theme Song

Words, Music and Arrangement by Steve Delehanty, Recording by Jay Giallombardo

T'was Our Thirty-first Meeting

(Parody of the T'was the Night Before Christmas)

Kenny Ray Hatton Boy Singer & Music Director The Fraternity (NAFOBS)

Our thirty-first meeting

was half an hour long,

as we tried to remember

the words to a song.

When out in the hall, 

there arose such a clatter,

three guys turned their heads

to see what was the matter.

I thought I saw Ralph 

give somebody a wink, 

and the next thing you know,

we were all out of synch

on the piece of a song

we’d been trying to learn;

now, the end of that phrase

was a crash and a burn.

‘Cause all of a sudden

walked in through the door

the girl whom they’d waited

so patiently for,

with a chocolate aroma

so lovely to make

that I knew right away

it was my birthday cake.

More rapid than eagles

the chorus guys sang;

made a lump in my throat

as them seventh chords rang.

The singing and fellowship 

ended the day, and I

thought of the love 

that I have for my Kay

Our little fraternity 

has come to be

a tight knit ensemble 

for people to see.

This day was a blessing

from my wife, when she

and seven men sang

Happy Birthday to me. 

Brotherly Love,

Kenny Ray Hatton

Music Director

The Fraternity (NAFOBS)

Help us Market Our Society by downloading the memes below and posting them on your social media platforms. Together we can spread the word about the Joys of Just Men Singing Our Song (In four part Harmony!)

Posted on Facebook December 3rd, by Kirk Jamison, Bass of Brouhaha

Today I had the singular honor of sharing the SPPBSQSUS Terry Clarke memorial trophy with Terry's widow Judy Clarke, his son, Lawson Clarke, and his grandson, Fox Clarke. It truly was a blessed day.

Many thanks to Dan Costello for organizing the event and corralling all the people.

Brouhaha Quartet were all there in spirit.

Judy and the family adored the bust of Terry. It was magical.

Also in attendance were Larry Tully, the baritone of THE BOSTON COMMON, and Rich and Pam Knapp, the lead of THE BOSTON COMMON. 

Other dear friends were also present. Bill Mitchell, Dan and Lauren Costello, Mike Gabriella, Daniel Washington, Matt and Gina Mercier,

There will be more stories and pictures from that day shared with you all in Dallas.

Kent Cronin, Victoria, BC

1952 - September 20, 2023

Member M0739 since 2019

Kent chartered with the Cloverdale Chordsmen but lived far enough away that he only came occasionally. He loved being part of the new SPPBSQSUS society and its commitment to traditional barbershop quartet singing.  He was also the baritone of "Canadian Content", a pickup quartet that entered the Old Codgers contest at SATX II in January 2020.  He will be sadly missed by his barbershopper friends, chess players, and many friends and family

SPPBSQSUS T-Shirts

SPPBSQSUS T-SHIRTS ARE BACK IN STOCK!  Be the envy of all your Barbershop buddies and order yourself one. You can purchase in the "Shop" on our website. (link below)

Shop

Editor's note: the next issue of the Encore being available in February If you have suggestions or an article you'd like to share please forward to Society Secretary Roger Heer at sppbsqsus@gmail.com