A Bulletin for Barbershoppers in the LO’L District

OVER 714,089 SQUARE MILES68 YEARS OF BARBERSHOP HARMONY

May - June 2016Volume 68, Number 3

Land O’ Lakes District Association of Chapters of SPEBSQSA Inc.110 7th Avenue NorthNashville, TN 37203-3704

DATED MATERIAL ENCLOSED

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDMANITOWOC, WI

54220

FRICKE PRINTINGSERVICE

CalendarNOTE: Dates shown on this page are for those activities that have proper clearance through the District Secretary. Please DO NOT send show registrations to the editor, DO notify:

ARV ZENK, SecretaryLand O' Lakes District

1706 Mary LaneN Mankato, MN 56003

arvjane@hickorytech.net

2016

June6 Lake Geneva Country Gentlemen Div. One Novice Quartet Contest

July3-10 Nashville, TN International Convention

August20 Minocqua-Woodruff, WI

September17 Lake Geneva Country Gentlemen Instant Classic Quartet24 West Allis, WI

October1 Stevens Point, WI1 Madison, WI1 Delta County, MI Four Man Fishing Tackle Choir8 Polk County, WI8 Ripon, WI8 Greater St. Paul, MN21-23 Appleton, WI Fall Convention and District Contests

December3 Rock Valley, WI3 St. Croix Valley, MN4 Minneapolis, MN

2017January13-14 UW-River Falls, WI LO’L Leadership Academy17-22 San Antonio, TX Mid-Winter International28 Green Bay, WI Super Sing

March25 Willmar, MN Southwest/10,000 Lakes Division Contest

April1 Windom, MN1 Minneapolis, MN22 St. Croix Valley, MN22 Dunn County, WI29 Green Bay, WI29 St. Cloud, MN

May5-7 Stevens Point, WI International Prelims and Spring Convention5-7 Stevens Point, WI Packerland/Division One Contest20 Manitowoc, WI WI High School Quartet Festival

July2-9 Las Vegas, NV International Convention

October27-28 Rochester, MN Fall District Convention

November11 Rock Valley, WI

The LOL Division Contests are over, quartets and choruses have qualified and now all eyes turn toward Appleton where “Magic Happens.”

There are a couple of changes for the Fall Convention in Appleton for October 21 – 23, 2016. First change is lodging. All non-competitors and quartets book their lodging with the form in the Pitch Piper or on the LOL Web site. Chorus members book their lodging using the group lodging form that will be emailed to choruses that qualified for the Fall Contest. When booking lodging ask for the “BARBERSHOP BLOCK”. All lodging is first come first served. All registration for the convention should be sent to: RICHARD STAEDT, 1118 E. BYRD ST. APPLETON, WI 54911.

Drawing for seating will begin on June 14, 2016, 30 days after the last Division Contest.

Second change will be the use of electronic media. All forms, group lodging, registration, schedules, judges' info, etc. will be emailed to three people in your chorus and to quartet contacts. Any questions, email me: staedtrl@sbcglobal.net or phone 920-734-9495

The last part of this article is difficult to write. Because of possible future conflicts with the Green Bay Packer Schedule Appleton will be unable to host another LOL Fall Convention. We lucked out this year, as the Pack will play on the Thursday before our convention. The problem is lodging. If there is a Packer home game the; lodging rates go up 25 – 50 % (except the Radisson) and there is no give on the pricing. Those prices are more than you'd be willing to pay to attend our convention.

Unless things change (and I doubt they will) this will be your last opportunity to compete and or be part of an LOL Fall Convention in the “Performing Arts Center” in Appleton. Make your plans now to be part of making “Magic Happen in Appleton” on October 21 – 23, 2016.

See you There! See page 9 of this issue for registration and housing forms.

Quartets representing the LOL in Nashville

CHORD SMASH! The Underground Midnight Croon

And our chorus

representatives at

Nashville ... Midwest

Vo c a l E x p r e s s -

Greendale, WI - Josh

Umhoefer, Director

Pitch Piper The Pitch Piper is published bi-monthly by the Land O' Lakes District Association of Chapters of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartets Singing in America, Inc. Land O' Lakes Chapters are situated in the states of Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and the Provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Office of Publication:

Editors: Bob/Bill Fricke2011 S. 14th Street

Manitowoc, WI 54220920-684-6866

Email: pitchpiper@frickeprinting.com Send address changes to Pitch Piper c/o SPEBSQSA, Inc., 110 7th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37203-3704 Any and all correspondence or copy should be sent to the editor.

DISTRICT OFFICERS

President:STEVE ZORN 3036 N Snelling Roseville, MN 55113 (H): (651) 639-0366 • (C): (651) 242-6864 zorn.stephen@gmail.comExecutive Vice President:DANIEL TRUE 8091 Stone Creek Drive Chanhassen, MN 55317-7419 ©: (952) 210-5156 dtruesings@gmail.comImmediate Past President:CHUCK SCHUBBE 15398 615th Avenue Mapleton, MN 56065 (H&W): (507) 420-3658 • (C): (507) 420-3658 chuckschubbe@gmail.com

Secretary:ARV ZENK 1706 Mary Lane N Mankato, MN 56003 (H): (507) 388-7509 • (C): (507) 995-1655 arvjane@hickorytech.netTreasurer:JACK EDGERTON 1804 Conant Street Stevens Point, WI 54481-5819 (H): (715) 344-5746 • (C): (715) 340-3221 ragtime75@charter.netDistrict VP - Financial Development:JIM HALL 614 Drumlin Trail Cambridge, WI 53523 (H&C): (715) 781-8714 jimsingsbari@gmail.comDistrict VP - Division One:THOMAS WEBER N114 W16629 Royal Court Germantown, WI 53022 (H): (262) 251-8943 • (W) (262) 789-2500 prezmve_2000@yahoo.comDistrict VP - Packerland:KEN BESTER 216 E Capitol Drive Appleton, WI 54911 ©: (920) 915-2912 Shadowbama@hotmail.comDistrict VP - Southwest:DON HETTINGA 229 16th Street NE Owatonna, MN 55060 ©: (507) 202-6711 hettinga1167@msn.comDistrict VP - 10,000 Lakes:ROBERT STARZ 347 187th Street NE Atwater, MN 56209-911 (H): (320) 974-3370 • (W): (320) 894-0433 (F): (320) 974-8190 • starzr@frontiernet.netDistrict VP - Northern Plains:GORDON BILLOWS 73 Haverstock Crescent Winnipeg, MB R3P 2M7 (H): (204) 488-2009 billows@shaw.ca

District VP - Music & Performance/Education:TYLER SMITH 611 S Holcombe Street Stillwater, MN 55082 (H): (651) 439-4527 • (W): (651) 246-7257 tyleremail@comcast.netDistrict VP - Leadership Training (CSLT):JUDD ORFF 115 E Linden Street Stillwater, MN 55082 (H): (651) 262-9843 juddorff3108@msn.comDistrict VP - Contest and Judging:JACK RYBACK 3640 N Lilly Road Brookfield, WI 53005 (H): (262) 781-6587 • (B&C): (262) 844-5184 jryback@att.netDistrict VP - Events:DEL RYBERG 13354 Postier Drive NW Oronoco, MN 55960 (H): (507) 367-2485 dryberg@juno.comDistrict VP - Marketing & Public Relations:KEN METTLER 125 N. Blanding Woods Road St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 (H): (715) 483-9202 kbmett@hotmail.comDistrict VP - Membership:HARVEY WEISS 2401 Wight Bay Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 (H): (763) 439-4447 harveyw@bigplanet.comDistrict VP - Youth In Harmony:TODD MATTISON 2718 N Eagle Road Willmar, MN 56201 (W): (320) 235-7688 • (C) (320) 905-1443 toddm@americandoorworks.com

LO'L Home Page on the Internet: http://loldistrict.org

LO'L has a Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/LOLDistrictBHS/

Conventions, Changes, and Commitments!Submitted by Steve ZornLO'L District President

We had a great time at t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Preliminary Quartet Contest in Nicollet, MN as we watched three LO'L quartets (Midnight C r o o n , T h e Underg round, and

Chord Smash) qualify for International in Nashville this July. Another quartet (St. Croix Crossing) was only 5 points shy of qualifying. And yet another quartet (Ruckus) only competed for Division honors and won with scores well above threshold for singing at an International competition. A total of 16 quartets competed in the contest. It was great to see

10 choruses perform, all reaching the threshold to perform in Appleton at District Contest. The Northern Plains and the Packerland/Division One Division contests will add more great quartets for our enjoyment. Their choruses also performed very well. LO'L is doing well with Chorus singing. We are really moving up in Quar tet s inging. Remember, the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) was created to preserve quartet singing!

Your Land O' Lakes board met on April 29th and agreed to make changes effective 2017, in the Board membership. Because our district is decreasing in membership and the BHS has changed its focus over the last few years, I appointed a committee, led by Jim Lee, to assess how our Board should be structured to most effectively meet our challenges. The committee contacted other BHS Districts

to learn how they are organized. Leaders at BHS Headquarters were consulted to determine what might best support the direction of the Society. The LO'L board adopted a plan with 14 rather than 18 board members. In addition to the President, Executive Vice President, Immediate Past President, Secretary, and Treasurer, each of the five divisions will have a Vice President. The four additional Vice Presidents are Chapter Support and Development, Education and Leadership, Contest and Judging, and Events. The functions of the current Vice Presidents will be assigned to the new Board structure and to Committees. Thanks to Jim Lee and his committee for presenting this option to the LO'L Board. I hope that you will step up to help our district. Contact your Division Vice President or anyone on the Board to share your ideas.

Continued on page 10...

May - June 2016Pitch Piper 2 11Pitch Piper

2016 Wisconsin State High School Barbershop Quartet Festival and Contest

Submitted by Jim RasmusPresident - Clipper City Chordsmen

Fourteen quartets competed at the second annual Wisconsin State High School Barbershop Festival and Competition on Saturday May 21 in the Franciscan Center for Music Education and Performance on the campus of Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. They represented 12 communities from across Wisconsin. Seven of them presented music written in the traditional barbershop range for men's voices, while the other seven participated in the treble category, singing music with harmonies written for higher voices.

Invitations to participate in this contest were sent to the 94 high school quartets in the who scored either “1” or “2” at the Wisconsin State Solo and Ensemble Contests. The Wisconsin High School Barbershop Quartet Festival / Competition gives quartets the opportunity to perform in front of certified Barbershop Society judges and receive evaluations to help them improve their singing, sound, and presentation.

Students also participated in three 45 minute sessions in the morning that were led by judges in the three categories of competition: Music (Steve Johnson and Paul Wigley), Presentation (Judd Orff and Bob Squires), and Singing (Dan Heike and Ron Rank). Jack Edgerton served as Contest Administrator. Coordinators for the event were Bill Schmidt (president of the Green Bay Chapter), Jack Ryback (LOL District VP of Contest and Judging) and Bob Brey (treasurer of the Manitowoc Chapter).

First place in the Barbershop Division this year was awarded to Chordination from Arrowhead High School in Hartland. Second place went to Guy-so-topes from St. Croix Falls High School. Third place was presented to The Tidal Waves from Kiel High School.

The first place quartet in the Treble Division was Vintage Mix from Waukesha West High School. Second place went to Adelfi from Green Bay Southwest High School. Third place was awarded to

Acazam from Xavier High School in Appleton.The Schmitt Brothers Traveling Trophy goes to the school of the winning quartets. That trophy is returned the following year to be exchanged for a permanent version to remain with the school. Plaques were awarded to the members of the top three quartets in each division. All participants received a commemorative medal as well.

In addition, cash prizes in the amounts of $200, $150, and $100 were awarded to the top three quartets in each division with an additional equal amount donated to the home schools of the winning participants.

This festival was made possible by a grant from the Barbershop Harmony Society

May - June 2016

Award winners in the Treble catagory

Award winners in the Barbershop catagory

All Chapter ChorusLand O' Lakes District ConventionAppleton, Wisconsin - October 21-23, 2016

Have you ever wanted to: Sing with a chorus of 100+ men Sing on the Saturday night stage at District Convention Sing with a BHS medalist chorus Sing for an energetic, young and enthusiastic director

You can!Sing with the All Chapter Chorus in Appleton this fall.

All you have to do is sign up, learn your part, rehearse, and perform. Look for details on the LO'L Website or from your Chapter leaders

Questions?Email allchapterchorus@loldistrict.org

3Pitch Piper

Congratulations2015 BOTY Recipient

Tom Weber

To the LOL District ...

I am overwhelmed and humbled by being selected the 2016 LOL District Barbershop of the Year. Hearing my name being called at the District Pre-Lims just blew me away.

Then to top it off, as Larry Lewis was getting my BOTY Tie in place, who do I see walking across the stage, but my wife. Special thanks to Del Ryberg, Larry Lewis and MVE member Derek and finance Sarah for their part in getting Polly up to Mankato. Original plans Polly made fell through so Thursday afternoon Polly is frantically trying to find a ride, when Derek came through.

Then to top off the surprise, Polly and I were special guests at the BOTY dinner. Needless to say, this was an experience. Yes, an experience everyone should go through. All the kind words and accolades about by service to the LOL were not even mentioned and I can’t wait until next year so that I can partake in this special tribute to next years recipient.

Again thank you to the LOL and my fellow past BOTY winners for this very special award.

Tom Weber2016 LOL District BOTY

May - June 201610Pitch Piper May - June 2016

Harmony 2 Go Goes Mixed

Submitted by Dave Pierce

On April 1st, Canada's only mixed youth barbershop chorus set a new precedent by competing in the evergreen division 1 mixed chorus competition, the first ever in Canada. After competing in 6 mid-winter boys only youth festivals, the chorus, unable to recruit sufficient boys to attend in Reno, was delighted to be invited to this historic event. For the first time in its history, the chorus was able to compete with its entire contingent including the 4 female members who have contributed to their performance success for the past 8 years.

Being out of district competitors, the chorus was a special guests of the evergreen organizing committee who went out of its way to make their attendance possible. The chorus even managed to muster up two mixed quartets to participate fully in the mixed contest experience. Members of Harmony 2 Go would like to thank those organizers, all the competitors and fans for the magnificent reception they received at every event. In addition to the competition performance, the chorus sang on the show of champions and, of course, at the afterglow. It was truly inspiring for all member. Thank you evergreen for being so welcoming and hospitable.

We would be remiss in failing to also extend a heartfelt thanks to sing Canada harmony for their financial assistance, without which this wonderful experience would not have been possible. The chorus continues to entertain audiences throughout Regina and southern Saskatchewan and is now preparing a special Canadian show for 2017, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Canadian confederation. Plans are also under way to attend the BHS mid-winter youth festival in san Antonio, Texas next January.

Conventions, Changes, and Commitments!...Continued from page 2

Your board is committed to supporting youth outreach and activities. Todd Mattison is our LO'L contact person for youth outreach. There are many great events offered in our District and Todd and his team are there to encourage you to pursue new opportunities. If you need ideas or have ideas, be in touch with Todd.

Your board is committed to providing the support that each chapter needs. Did you know that many Districts struggle to figure out how to help chapters? LO'L has maintained a strong support network with active Division Vice Presidents and Chapter Counselors. Judd Orff has been instrumental in preserving the Chapter Counselor model and he continues to support this effort. Thanks to the many trained men who reach out to Chapters and offer assistance. If your chapter, needs help or support, please reach out to your assigned Chapter Counselor. Also, contact your Division Vice President with questions.

Your board is committed to building leadership within the LO'L district. BHS, through the Leadership Operations Planning Team, is initiating a program to develop leadership skills in men who can then share these skills with others. Thom Schubbe and Judd Orff applied to be a part of this program and will be attending special classes at Harmony University this July. LO'L will then use these skills to assist Chapters in our district. If you are interested in a LO'L leadership role or learning more, contact me.

Your board is committed to supporting inter chapter activities. We are delighted to see the many events that Chapters have arranged. Some focus on humor, some on gaining new members, some on youth involvement and all are important to maintaining our great organization. I encourage you to tell us about your Chapter's activities. Send an email, post it on Facebook, or submit an article to the Pitch Piper.

Do you get the picture? Land O' Lakes District is a thriving and active organization. We are doing great things and impacting many people. It is great to be a barbershopper!

On stage in Vancouver 262-719-0163

JOSH | JAKE | TIM |CODY

4Pitch Piper May - June 2016 9Pitch Piper

Northern Plains 2016 Division Contest…And More!

Submitted by Randy NelsonBismarck/Mandan Northern Lights Chorus President

A little riddle for you. What do you get when you mix about 400 emails, several meetings, 2 choruses, 11 quartets, one plane (carrying a judge) that forgets to show up where and when it is supposed to so the judge misses part of the contest, lots of flexibility by all involved, delicious food, a Gospel and More show with over 60 Division men on the risers, an International gold medal quartet winner as a director, a great donation to Harmony Foundation, a really enjoyable afterglow with LOTS of participation and a wedding dance next door? Maybe that was too easy but here's what you get … the Northern Plains Division Contest and a truly enjoyable 'full' day of harmony! It’s amazing how smooth things can go even with a few challenges thrown in. Music Judge, Theo Hicks (lead of 2015 gold medalist quartet 'Instant Classic') had agreed to direct a 'mass chorus' after the competition (thank you to Jack Ryback for helping us out here). This was hosted and arranged by the Bismarck Mandan Northern Lights Chorus as a way to offer more than the usual '2 songs and gone' contest that I am afraid many divisions have become accustomed to. Theo's flight connections got messed up but he was able to arrive at the contest in time to judge the quartet part of the competition and offer his advice for better singing.

After evaluations, the entire group of men from the Northern Plains Division hopped back up on the risers and Theo worked with us for about an hour to prepare for an evening 'Gospel & More' concert. We sang 'Feelin Fine' and 'Battle Hymn of the Republic' along with 'O' Canada' and 'Star Spangled Banner' as a mass chorus. What a wonderful sound 65 guys can make. We had 9 quartets in the competition; 6 of them sang in the show plus two more non-competing quartets. The others could not attend the show due to other obligations. (remember the '2 songs and gone' comment? All in all, we were privileged to sing with and/or hear 11 quartets and 2 choruses.

I highly recommend other divisions look into something similar to what we did in Bismarck/Mandan, only even bigger and better. Our division is spread all the way from Saskatoon to Fergus Falls and places beyond. Often at contests if you are not the first chorus or quartet, you do not get the opportunity to listen to what others have to offer. And we want to hear EVERYBODY. Therefore, we asked every quartet to sing a song during the Gospel and More show. The audience really enjoyed the evening. The admission was free but we collected a free will donation with all profits going to Harmony Foundation. The crowd was not huge but they donated and were very appreciative of our concert. A really big thank you to the Fargo/Moorhead Great Plains Harmony chorus for your participation. They were just coming off a gospel show in Fargo so were absolutely awesome in performing several songs.

The show was also a way to promote our music in the local community. The Northern Plains Division includes several

smaller choruses which struggle to put on an annual show as we may only have one person on a given part (typically tenor and often times, baritone). If the wrong person happens to get sick or something, the show goes on, but not at a very high level. With the help from the Division singers, Bismarck was able to put on the first show in the area in several years and what a great show it was.

One of the more inspiring moments came at the afterglow where we ended up in a room next door to a wedding dance. It just happened that a couple of our members knew some of the wedding party. OK, we are barbershoppers so you already know what happened next. We got permission and headed next door with about 50 singers including a couple of the wives who knew the song. We sang 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' to the bride and groom. It was VERY WELL received and there may well have been a little tear in the bride's eye! It was on Facebook before we could make our retreat back to our afterglow room. I don't know how long it stays on the international Barbershop Harmony Society Facebook page, but you can see it there. Also on our Facebook page. Look up Northern Lights Chorus Bismarck. As of Monday (we sang on Saturday) we had about 3,000 views!

In closing, we need to keep working on the FUN part of barbershopping. Yes, contest is good, but let's add to it. We spend a tremendous amount of time working on 2 songs, which is logical, but we risk chasing some of our members away. They know they will not make it to contest so don't come to rehearsal. The tough part is getting them back once they find something else to do with their Monday nights.

Winnipeg got the ball rolling when they hosted Northern Plains with an opportunity to sing while evaluations were going on. That was a good start but still not everybody got to hear everybody else. Then our good friends from Rapid City (Shrine of Democracy Chorus) began inviting us down there where we receive a full day of training from top notch clinicians ending with singing in front of the largest quartet in the world; Mount Rushmore – quite awe inspiring! (they seem to have stone faces similar to a lot of guys I sing with!) By the way, The Shrine of Democracy chorus invites all of you to participate. Donny Rose (you just saw him on the cover of the Harmonizer) will be the guest clinician again this year. AWESOME!!! This is the weekend of August 19 and 20. Consider attending, you won't be disappointed. Our contest/show/afterglow was trying to combine all the positives from the places we have visited. It may not have been perfect, but I saw a lot of tired, happy faces late Saturday night! Mine included! Thanks to all for ringing the chords with me.

March - April 2016

5Pitch Piper May - June 2016

Do You Need a New Image for Your Chorus?

Submitted by Ken MettlerLO’L Director Marketing and

Public Relations

Welcome to another chapter of Marketing t h e M a g i c o f Barbershop Harmony! P lease answer th i s ques t ion hones t l y : "What image are you

projecting as a chorus?" Many of us will have to admit that the image others have of our chorus is either false, blurry, out of focus, or non-existent.

Your public image includes many things: What you wear, how you sing, where you sing, how often you sing, how-when-and-where you advertise, what you say about your chorus, how-when-and-where you say it, what the people on the street are saying about you, what your logo says about you, and what your whole attitude is in the process of communicating these things. Of course, to begin with, if we a have good quality musical product, it basically sells itself. These items alone should give you plenty of fodder for discussion next time you get around the table with your barbershop friends.

However, I would like to talk to you about another aspect of your public image as a chorus. Here's the question: What photographic images do you display as a chorus? As I look back through the historic photos of our chorus I see a lot of very handsome guys who are very straight, very stiff and very emotionless! That image may have sold back in the 1950's, but, it certainly leaves people cold today. I'd like to share with you a few tips concerning chorus photos:

1. Think beyond the "Whole Chorus" shot.Look for photos opportunities when people are having fun, expressing surprise, or even being silly. Take shots of some people whose faces have emotion. Viewers would rather connect to even sad emotions than no emotion at all. Arrange groups in

circles, squares or a variety of formations out of the ordinary. Try different angles. Whatever photos are taken, try to think of ways you can fit your chorus logo into the photograph.

2. Find a photographer who can pull the best out of your group. You may end up wearing funny hats or doing something out of the ordinary to change the format enough to make it interesting. Good photography doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Some may even work on a pro bono basis . Sometimes family members of those in the c h o r u s h a v e b e c o m e ex c e l l e n t photographers. A photographer who really understands choral music is important, but, one who understands what barbershop is all about today is truly an advantage. One who understands your chorus persona is even better! Be sure to tell your photographer how you are going to use the shots.

3. Have an experienced barber-shopper work with the photographer. One of your own members can advise the photographer about the style you want to project in your chorus shots. Many photographers really appreciate having a stylist. To set a mood you may want to shoot during the warm-up time before the concert. Some may not have their tie or vest on yet, but, that's OK. It shows you prepping for the show. You may want to include photos of chorus family members or audience members. My sister has driven 400 miles to come to every show in which I have ever performed. Now, that might be a good personal interest picture and story. Use your imagination. Every chorus has its own persona, its own message, its own

style. Have the stylist converse with the photographer about who you are and what image you want to present for this set of pictures.

4. Some general tips:Make a special effort to take shots of younger chorus members, because that may help others of the same age to feel more welcome and to possibly join.Attempt to let people "see" that you train hard for your concerts, and, at the same time are excited about the program of songs you are singing. Our faces tell the whole story. It is hard to capture everything you want to communicate in one photo, so, plan to shoot different moods, settings and formats. Today's digital photographer takes so many shots that sometimes the problem is that there may be a hundred different great shots from which to choose. Now, that is an exciting problem! Each shot can set up a different story line. Every time you sing, there should be someone snapping candid shots that you can use in your future marketing programs. Marketing your chorus can be a most exciting part of being in a group of enthusiastic guys. Of course, we know that the magic of barbershop harmony is in the music, but, boy, we can really make that music look attractive by projecting our very best image. Now, go to it!

8Pitch Piper

Chapter Achievement Awards Are PresentedSubmitted by Dick Teeters, Program Coordinator

The Land O' Lakes District conducted another Chapter Achievement Awards Program for activities conducted during 2015. This marks nearly 40 years for this program. Land O' Lakes District is possibly the only district in the Society with this type of chapter recognition program.

Chapters were provided a one-page form to be used to tally points for the various administrative and musical activities during the year. Twenty-three chapters participated. This was about 47% of the chapters in the district. Plaques were presented to the top chapter in each of the three plateaus. Second and Third Place chapters received laminated certificates. Special Recognition certificates, also laminated, were presented to those chapters achieving at least 750 point (Plateau A) or 1000 points (Plateau (AA). Other chapters received laminated Honorable Mention certificates.

The top award winner in Plateau A was the Manitowoc County,Wisconsin, Chapter with a score of 1655 points. Second Place was secured by the West Allis, Wisconsin, Chapter with a score of 1485 points. Third Place went to the Dunn County, Wisconsin, Chapter with a total of 1397 points. Chapters scoring at least 750 points were Windom (1010), Madison (935), Milwaukee (779) and Saskatoon (775). Other chapters participating were Plymouth, Minocqua-Woodruff, Dauphin, Minnetonka, Kenosha, and Racine.

The Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Chapter was the top point scorer in Plateau AA in 2015 with a score of 2141 points. Second Place Chapter was the St. Croix Valley, Minnesota, Chapter with a score of 1789 points. The Third Place certificate was awarded to the Mankato, Minnesota, Chapter which scored 1683 points. Special Recognition certificates for scoring a minimum of 1000 points were presented to the Greater St. Paul Area Chapter (1347), Rock Valley (1103), Appleton (1098), and Fergus Falls (1000). Other chapter participating was La Crosse.

The Greendale, Wisconsin Chapter was the top point scorer in Plateau AAA again in 2015 with a total score of 2271 points. This was the highest score achieved in the program. Second Place was awarded to the Hilltop, Minnesota, Chapter with accumulated points of 900.

Was your chapter listed above? Why not? I strongly encourage every chapter to participate. It's not really just a contest. Actually, it's a guide to let your chapter administration and members see what they could be doing to improve their chapter and to promote the art of barbershop singing in your area.

May - June 2016

DIVISIONALS: THE GOOD, THE BAD,

AND THE….??

Submitted by Harvey WeissLO’L Director Membership

The LOL District will have wrapped up their contests by the time this reaches the press. So, I can't say at this time how many quartet's and choruses will qualify for District competition this fall.

But, if the Southwest/10,000 Lakes contest is any indication, all but one of 11 quartet's

scored above 60 which has previously been the cutoff point. Regarding the choruses, all 10 should qualify as well.

This is the good part; evaluations and performances should always lead to better singing. But does it?

The bad part; is it worth all this expense for almost everyone to move on to the next level of competition, the District's, when everyone scores enough to make it, regardless? But also, do all qualifier's go on to eventually compete at District's anyways?

The ugly part; Although the auditoriums at Divisionals are usually filled up for most parts of the contest, (and here is the membership connection to all this) how many in the audience were there from the general public, and not just loyal family members and competitors?

Couldn't we be using these showcase events as marketing tools to help us recruit and find men of good will who would want to sing with us?

What a grand opportunity to invite the surrounding towns folks in the area to come hear our craft and hopefully entice some men to come and join us! Have our contest's free and open to the public! The one to benefit the most directly, of course, would be the host chapter (i.e. Mankato for Southwest/10, 000 Lakes).

I recently mentioned a comment from Deke Sharon, the Father of Modern Acapella, at our recent Reno Midwinter Convention. He said; "Stop trying to impress ourselves with our singing, and just reach out and entertain the public. Contests can be both impressive to us all, but even more impressive to those who have never heard barbershop harmony before!”

Free and open to the public would be a worthy incentive. The bills are usually covered by the competitors' entrance costs. Has this ever been tried? Would it work? Has it been tried and not worked? Good questions to ponder down the road.

Due to a production glitch, the Minneapolis Chord-Inator was not recognized in the last issue for the borrowed front page cut in reference to Jim Richards ... our apologies!

LeRoy Chapter Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

Submitted by Dave Sylte

The L eRoy, Minneso ta Chapte r celebrated its 50th anniversary as the Forte Milers Chorus presented its annual show, “50 Years o f Barbershop Harmony”, on April 24th at the Historic Paramount Theatre in Austin, Minnesota. The LeRoy Chapter was chartered on April 30th, 1966 with the Rochester Chapter as its sponsoring chapter. The Rochester Music Men Chorus joined the Forte Milers Chorus on stage for a couple of songs. The Forte Milers also thanked Del Ryberg from Rochester for the role he played as the LO'L District representative in getting the LeRoy Chapter up and running.

Also appearing on stage for the party was The St. Croix Crossing Quartet and the Sopha Sisters Quartet from Cresco, Iowa. The show highl ighted impor tant milestones in the chapter's history, including recognizing the many quartets which have been part of its past. The chorus also shared that the “Forte” in the chorus' name did not come from an appreciation of that musical term, but rather the fact that its original members came from a 40-mile radius of LeRoy in southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa. (This also demonstrated that guys can actually look at a road map.)

The Chapter paid special recognition to Larry Nerison, the only remaining charter member from 1966 still singing with the Forte Milers Chorus. Larry has been more than just another singer in the group. Larry has been one of the music directors in the chorus from the beginning and has continued to do that today. For 43 years, he was the head Music Director. For his music leadership and his

willingness to take on other tasks, Larry has been the heart and soul of the Forte Milers for 50 years. As a small token of their appreciation, Chapter President Duane Kuhlman presented Larry with a plaque from his brothers in song.

6Pitch Piper March - April 2016 7Pitch Piper May - June 2016

:(Left to right) Northern Gateway Chorus members John White, Rich Pijan, Boleslaw Kochanowski, and Brent Frankenhoff.

Vocal Anomaly Quartet’s Special Performance

Submitted by Roger LaPoint

The Winnebagoland Barbershop Chorus had their annual on April 9th and it was a great show as usual. Our afterglow was held at Lourdes Academy high school a few blocks away. The attendance, food, beverages and the many chorus quartets were on pitch and having a great time as well. BUT--this story is about our guest quartet Vocal Anomaly from the Madison area. Their performance at our show and afterglow was right on as you would expect. After the cast party was over the place was being cleaned up and most of the afterglow guests had left for home we heard more singing down the hallway. I locked up and went down that hall to see at least 30 students (who were coming back with their props from the musical "Music Man" they had performed for three days at the Grand Opera House here in Oshkosh) with their mouths wide open listening to the sweet sound of Vocal Anomaly.

They put on a whole performance for those awestruck high school students who could not hear enough of the barbershop Acapella that most of them had never heard before. When talking to a few of them afterwards they said how could they sing so sweet and on the money without any instruments helping out. I mentioned that as how barbershop singing was done and with practice that you could do that as well. I am also sure that those students even though it was late and they were dragging because of doing their show all day, would never forget the music or the word barbershop. Hopefully some of them will stop in at one of our rehearsals along with their friends.

I wrote to the quartet the next day telling them how great it was for them to give up their time at that hour to make the day for those students. They wrote back "Vocal Anomaly is always pleased to share our hobby with anyone that is willing to listen, especially youth.".

CORRECTIONThe phone number for Bob Bengsch listed in the LOL Directory is incorrect. It should be 920-344-4859 for District Events Team Stage Manager.

President Duane Kuhlman presents a 50-year plaque to charter member and

music leader, Larry Nerison.

Seeking New DirectorThe Northern Lights Chorus of Dunn County WI is conducting a search for a Music Director. Our current director is retiring to the risers after 38 years where he can warble his baritone notes to the pleasure of all. The Chapter has a roster of 28 men and meets each Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM in the basement of the Lutheran Church in Colfax, WI. We are an active chapter which sings out once or more per month and has four related quartets with one or more chapter members. Compensation is negotiable. Please contact President Gary Thorson (715-962-3038) or Craig Schultz (715 379 7693) if you have interest or may know of someone who may have interest.

IN MEMORIAMDon Challman

Submitted (as noted) by Doug Chapman, Bob Dowma and Judd Orff

Doug Chapman… In the early days of the St. Paul Chapter, Don Challman held all of the elected positions in the chapter. He was chapter president for several terms as well as membership VP. In later years he also served as chapter president of the Hilltop Chapter.

His positions in the Land O' Lake District included District President (1976-77), Executive Vice-President, Contest & Judging VP and Society Board Member 1997/2000. Don retired from the Society's Performance category after serving as judge for 32 years and also served as Category Specialist in this category. His barbershop room at his home looks like a display case for plaques and trophies!

Don was the original (and only) lead for the Night Howls quartet from their formation in 1965 to retirement in 1993. The Howls represented the LOL District at international contests in 1968, 1970, and 1972. They also performed for a USO tour in the Far East hospital circuit in 1971.

Bob Dowma …Don's memorial service was held on Mother's Day, May 8. I was flattered when Barbara (Don's wife) asked me to direct two numbers at the beginning of the service and another two at the reception afterwards. We had about 40 area barbershoppers at the service, and we sang Keep The Whole World Singing and Irish Blessing. During the reception we sang Down Our Way and Sweet and Lovely. Also during the reception, we had a DVD playing with the GNU singing one of Don's favorite songs, “Go The Distance”. He was pointed out in the chorus, singing with his usual passion and exuberance!

Judd Orff (excerpts from his eulogy)… Don Challman joined the Barbershop Harmony Society in 1964 and was an active member of our barbershop family administratively, as a singer and a friend. He was a member of the St. Paul and Great Northern Union chapter, sang and completed (3-International contests) with the “Night Howls” quartet for 28-years and competed with the GNU 20-times.

Don had many friends in the Society and his judging peers with comments… “He personified class, humor, patience and wisdom all in one package” … “Don was a leader in the truest sense and left his mark in many areas with a positive outlook and energy” … “Always a leader, but more so, always hav ing a kind and friendly presence”.

The dictionary defines a hero as “a person admired for contribution for a particular field”…Don was my barbershop hero, was a giant in our barbershop family and will be greatly missed.