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Page 8 InCider Press January 2008 |
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ŠAT Miami, 1955, a new custom was established at the convention when the1954 international champion, the Singing Capital Chorus of the District of Columbia Chapter, appeared to entertain and to relinquish their championship trophy. They entertained at several business meetings and performed at the chorus contest whiled the scores were being tabulated and checked. During the appearance following the international chorus contest they demonstrated, for the first time in Society history, the use of stage movement to enhance their songs. They performed song specialties such as "Big Bass Viol," Sam, the Accordion Man," and "Dust Off That Old Pianna. "
No Chorus Contest? But at Miami, in 1955, only ten of the fourteen districts entered choruses in the contest. Central States, Michigan, Far Western and Evergreen Districts were not represented. At the meetings and in informal gatherings, as reported by The Harmonizer, the "whys and wherefores" of this situation were discussed. The high cost of sending an entry and the feasibility of holding a district elimination contest were given most frequently as reasons for the problems. Some said that in the larger districts, only chapters near the contest city entered choruses in the elimination contest, making it questionable that the best choruses were selected to represent the district at the next following international contest. During the midwinter meeting of the House of Delegates, the question came up again. A motion was made to abolish the international chorus contest, but failed. The motion required unanimity because it had not been circulated 30 days in advance. It was decided to have the same body consider the same motion at the 1956 convention in Minneapolis. At the executive committee meeting in May 1956, the matter was again considered, and it was decided to recommend to the House of Delegates that the chorus contest be continued in its then current form. At the House of Delegates meeting in Minneapolis, there was spirited discussion from all sides. Some who attended now believe that Frank Thorne, who had much influence because of his record in the top levels of the Society (international president, gold medal winner with the Elastic Four, well-known contest judge), turned the tide in favor of continued chorus competition with an eloquent address to the body. The motion to discontinue the international chorus contest failed. It is clear now that if it had passed, the destiny of the society might have been drastically changed. (The Harmonizer reported that when this decision was announced at a contests session, "great shouts of joy" went up.) Chorus singing was certainly on the way. Excerpted (pp. 46-48) from HERITAGE OF HARMONY, Dr. Val Hicks, editor, copyright (c) 1988 SPEBSQSA, Inc |
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Our chapter recognizes an individual in the community at our annual spring show with the Award of Harmony. In this case 'harmony' is defined as not only musical harmony but also those that have created an agreeable feeling, action, or ideas through their community involvement. We also need to consider not only individuals in our Manhattan community but in those various communities where our members reside. I have agreed to serve as chair of this year's selection committee and I need your help to identify worthy individuals. With our theme of 'service' perhaps service club participants may be a useful consideration. I would like to identify the recipient early enough for them to be sure and be able to attend one of our performances (and invite their friends, associates, children, etc to be there as well - purchasing tickets). Therefore, you might also consider those that may have between 20 and 30 children! I could also use a few volunteers that might assist in screening and selection of worthy recipients. Thanks for your help and I'll look forward to hearing from you. I need not only a name (and address) but also a brief paragraph on why you think the recipient should be considered for this prestigious award. Thanks for your help! ♪ |
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Chuck needs your help By Chuck Marr
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Komments from |
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I trust that you have all recovered from the big ice storm. We still have a lot of brush, (former trees) to pick up. I know we aren’t alone in this. The ladies meet last week and our roll call was to tell about the ice storm and the damage that each of us had. We have been asked to do several jobs. We will meet a week early next month, February 7 to make the candy packets for singing valentines.. Please make note of this. The regular meeting time, we will have a party anyway as that is the wrap of singing valentines. Don Thomson asked for some help with the costumes for the show and he had his volunteers. Our best news is the safe arrival of our 11th grandchild. Natalie Joy Hamby was born on Jan 9. Every one is doing fine. She is welcomed by Elijah and twin sisters. Addie and Maddie We also took Alex (our exchange student) to the airport to fly back to Germany. He made it safely back and is hard at work in school. It is quiet at our house. |