November 2002, page 4

I have only been singing in barbershop chorus for nine years. It seems like yesterday when I arrived to a new community and was asked at a chamber function if I enjoyed singing. Little did I know the real return on my investment (ROI) by saying, "Yes."

You see, the real investment in belonging to a barbershop chapter is some time. The time that most members put into four-part harmony is minor compared to the efforts of our chapter leadership and directors. Many men, each by contributing his part, make it all happen A barbershop chorus is a whole lot more than just singing. Many share their talents of organizational skills, fund raising, leadership, writing scripts, planning costumes, selling tickets, publishing newsletters and programs, recruiting new members, and singing.

Many of us have very full-time jobs and are quite involved in other community activities - yet, we always seem to have great attendance at chapter meetings, performances, and activities. I am not sure what you get out of belonging to our chorus - but I would like to share the return on my investment.

What a blend of men! I sit back and marvel how a

group of men with nearly seventy years of age range, and as much difference in appearance, professions, and talent can come together and produce such great sounds. My first ROI is hearing this group produce some real overtones. I have come to realize that there is no sweeter music than the ringing chords of four-part harmony. Who knows - someday I may be even able to help produce a great chord or two.

This same group of men not only work hard to improve their craft, learn new music, and produce some great shows - they also have fun. The enjoyable times we have at barbershop meetings and activities definitely helps lower the stress from the rest of our life. This kind of pleasure is a real return on investment.

Sharing our sounds also makes the efforts worthwhile. What a great warm feeling it brings to me to see the smiles in a nursing home after the residents have heard their favorite Christmas Carol. Many of us have felt the pat on the back from friends and neighbors after the annual show and accepted thanks for sharing some four-part praise to our God in a church you don't even call your own. And if you thought all of those brought warm fuzzy feelings - wait until you deliver a valentine to someone else's sweetheart!

I could go on with many more returns but none exceed the value of friendship. The greatest ROI may be the men that we get to know from our mutual involvement in this hobby. Men who send you a card or give you a call when you're sick or invite you to lunch with no agenda in mind. Fellow members who openly profess that this is a time for "male-bonding" or sharing the latest joke they have heard. These are men who not only care, but are also there when you need them.

Barbershop Chorus to me is a group of friends sharing talent and harmony. I am honored that such a group allows me to come when I can and enjoy the great sounds, warm feelings, and real friendship. Who could ask for a better ROI.

"Isn't is great, the friends we make. Not only of those we sing to, but also of those we sing with!"