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August 2009 InCider Press Page 7 |
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My week at Harmony University might be best described as being hit with a big, warm, fuzzy ball. At first, nothing and then, ”WHAM,” and then it's gone. It was a great feeling, but seemed to come and go so quickly that you couldn't take it all in at the time. So much stuff, so much information, so many great people from all over the world--and then you have to wait an entire year for another fix. Chuck Greene's workshop started the week off for three of us. It was like trying to jump onto a moving freight train. So much, so fast that it was hard to realize you were being swept along with it. This was such a radical departure from the status quo that it will take a while to get even some of it into play. There were a lot of people there, but not one unfriendly face (a trend that was to continue the rest of the week). When we broke for lunch, the kitchen couldn't believe 138 people were there so they had just set up for the 38 that they thought it had to be. Well, somehow everyone adapted, got fed, educated, and entertained without mishap. This HU is a slick operation. No matter how often I or my cohorts screwed up, there was always someone there to set you off in the right direction, give you a word of encouragement, or just a smile and a handshake. The people you meet there are legendary in our hobby. I had Joe Liles for three classes. I had seen his name on my music, of course, but had no idea who he was. There are 6 songs in my music with his name on them in one way or another and that doesn't even start to tell you. Try punching him up on the web some time. Yes, page after page, and yet I was made to feel like a personal friend. I'm not sure, but I think he was having as much fun as everyone else. His knowledge, antics, excitement and joy just pulled us all along as though we were on a great big sleigh ride. Where else could you find such and experience? I guess I could go on and on but I don't think I would ever be able to describe it all. You need to experience it yourself. I'm going again next year – I can't help myself! You need to come with me and really get to understand how great the people are at Harmony U., how much pure fun there is to be had, and maybe, just maybe, how much better you'll feel about yourself after a week of this madness! ♪ |
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Some things I did at Harmony University last week By Dave Fink |
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Komments from Karen |
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I keep finding out it is a small world after all, as the song says. As a member of PROBE, I let the editors know when there is a new InCider on line. This past month, I received a number of congratulations. One from a man from Tucson AZ, David Updegraf. He says is a recycled editor , from 15 years ago. He is now trying to do an on line version “The VOICE of eXperience" for his chapter. He had a nice clean readable newsletter. Since we had been to Tucson several times to see Terry’s sister Karen, I replied back to him and told a bit of our experience in Tucson and that Karen is involved in the Sweet Adeline’s. He and Karen know each other, live in the same retirement park and has taken writing classes with Karen’s husband. Small world. Also Fred Wachsmuth was up in our area, and our guest for a bit while he painted our church, one of his best friends is a former host mom for us. Small world again. And speaking of host mom, that involves exchange students. We are picking up our new son this Friday. He is Lucas from Brazil. He loves to sing. And he will be with us at the Summer Picnic. I can hardly believe that he is our 19th. |
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The Little Apple Chorus at a Summer Performance in the Wamego Methodist church |