Note: Brian Boru (940 to 1014) managed the rare feat of uniting Ireland. In a turning point in the war with the Vikings, Brian Boru defeated the Viking leader Ivar in single combat. Not only was Brian successful in battle, but he also had at least 4 wives and founded the O' Brien clan.
An American tourist travelling in County Clare, Ireland came across a little antique shop in which he was lucky enough to pick up, for a mere 200 Irish punts ($350), the skull of Brian Boru. 
Included in the price was a certificate of the skull's authenticity, signed by Brian Boru himself.
Fifteen years later the tourist returned to Ireland and asked the man from Clare, who owned the antique shop, if he had any more bargains.
'I've got the very thing for you, 'said the shopkeeper, 'It's the genuine skull of Brian Boru.'
'You cheat, 'exploded the American, 'You sold me that fifteen years ago, 'and producing the skull added loudly, 'Look, they're not even the same size.'
'You have got it wrong, 'opined the seller, '' This is the skull of Brian Boru when he was a lad.'
Happy 
Birthday
Tom Duplaga 3/14
Scott Foltz 3/15
Vic Estafen 3/16
Jack Huggins 3/16
Terry Arman 3/17
100 Ways To Help Your Chapter
(a continuing series)
61. Without fail, use the director's signal for the pitch as your cue to mentally and physically prepare to sing.
62. Mark music manuscript changes/presentation notes in pencil on your own music, these things are generally not cast in stone.
63. Show the person up front that you're paying attention by your face and body language.
64. Rehearse your songs at least once a week at home.
65. Wear your name badge.
66. Organize a picnic, golf outing, card game, etc., for the chapter.
67. Bring a gift to rehearsal to raffle off as a quickie fundraiser for the chapter.
68. Review the music to your old songs periodically, to make sure you're still singing all the notes correctly.
69. Sell one or more ads to businesses you patronize.
70. Offer to lead physical warm-ups.
What's wrong with Murphy?' asked Father Green. 'I don't know, Father. Yesterday he swallowed a spoon and he hasn't stirred since,' said Mrs Murphy.
Would You Have Made It 27?
Suppose O. C. Cash and Rupert Hall sent this letter to YOU. Would you have been among the 26 men to attend the first meeting of the Society?
April 6, 1938
Gentlemen
In this age of dictators and government control of everything, about the only privilege guaranteed by the Bill of Rights not in some way supervised and directed, is the art of Barber Shop Quartet singing. Without doubt we still have the right of "peaceable assembly" which I am advised by competent legal authority includes quartet singing. The writers of this letter have for a long time thought that something should be done to encourage the enjoyment of this last remaining source of human liberty. Therefore, we have decided to hold a songfest on the Roof Garden of the Tulsa Club on Monday, April 11, at 6:30 p. m.
A Dutch lunch will be served.
After several months of research and investigation, we are convinced that your record warrants our tendering you the honor of joining this group. We sincerely trust you will not fail us.
As evidence of the work that your Committee has done in this connection, we inclose a compilation of most of the good old fashioned Barber Shop Quartet songs which we trust you will look over and familiarize yourself with. Bring this list with you. It is our purpose to start right in at the first, sing every song, in numerical order, plow right down the middle, and let the chips fall where they will. What could be sweeter than ten or twelve perfectly synchronized male voices singing "Dear Old Girl!" Just thinking about it brought back to your Committee fond memories of a moonlight night, a hay ride and the soft young blonde visitor from Kansas City we dated on that occasion years ago.
Do not forget the date, and make every effort to be present, telephone us if convenient. We will have a private room and so will not be embarrassed by the curiosity of the vulgar public. You may bring a fellow singer if you desire.
Harmoniously yours,
Rupert Hall, Royal Keeper of the Minor Keys
O. C. Cash, Third Assistant Temporary Vice Chairman
THE SOCIETY FOR THE PRESERVATION AND PROPAGATION OF BARBER SHOP QUARTET SINGING IN THE UNITED STATES
Barbershop Quiz
See if you can find the answers to these questions before the next bulletin issue on 3/23. The first email with all answers correct will win a year's subscription to The Derbytown Chorus Bulletin. derbytown08@gmail.com
Which quartet first recorded a barbershop song; where and when was the recording made?
Getting To Know Us
This chorus member has only been with us for a short time but has been singing barbershop songs throughout high school and college. He was born in Barberton, OH but also lived in Lancaster, OH. He and his mother lived with his grandparents while his father was in Korea. At the age of 3, he could identify all American made cars by make and model.
He has four children and six grandchildren.
This man was a Staff Sgt. in the USMC for 6 years, was a meat cutter at Acme for 25 years and an over-the-road driver for Roadway Express for 12 years. At Roadway, he logged 2 million accident and ticket free miles. For this, he was awarded a ring, a plaque and a jacket.
In addition to golf, his hobbies include cars(Chevys only) and art work. His cars and art have resulted in many trophies and awards.
This barbershopper also earned a degree in Christian Education from Malone University.
(the identity of this chorus member will be revealed in the 3/23 issue of the bulletin)
I'd like some nails,' Mick requested of the travelling tinker. 'How long would you like them?' asked the man. 'Forever, if that's all right with you,' said Mick.
Danny Boy
"Danny Boy" is an Irish song whose lyrics are set to the Irish tune Londonderry Air . The lyrics were originally written for a different tune in 1910 by an English lawyer, Frederick Weatherly, and were modified to fit Londonderry Air in 1913 when Weatherly was sent a copy of that tune by his sister.
Though the song is supposed to be a message from a woman to a man (Weatherly provided the alternative "Eily dear" for male singers in his 1918 authorized lyrics), the song is actually sung by men as much as, or possibly more often than, by women. The song has been interpreted by some listeners as a message from a parent to a son going off to war or leaving as part of the Irish diaspora.
Although many view the above interpretation of Danny Boy as the true meaning, some interpret it differently. The lyrics were supposedly written by a father to his leaving Danny with the knowledge the father-figure will die. The phrase, "the pipes, the pipes are calling" refers to the tradition funeral instrument.
'The baby is just like his father,' said Mary Quinn. 'But at least he's got his health!'
Chapter Visitation
On Monday, March 3, temporary Florida resident and chapter member Bill Halter made a visit to The Cape Chorale chorus in Cape Coral, FL. The chorus was busy polishing their songs and choreography for their upcoming show on 3/14. Bill and wife, Sue, are looking forward to attending the afternoon performance of the show. The pictures below were taken at the rehearsal. There was even time for a wandering Derbytowner to sing a couple of songs with one of the Florida quartets. You can check out their website at www.CapeChorale.org
Speaking Of Shows..........
Our 62nd annual show is coming up soon. (April 3 and 4). We hope that you will be joining us. If you need more information, just click the chorus website link at the top of the bulletin.
