f the story.
A total of 28 chorus members made the journey to Olmsted Falls for the competition and convention on April 10. By achieving an average score of 59.2, we were just below the "B" range designation. That is just slightly lower than our score at the Fall Contest in Lima
last year. The chorus was well received by the audience and we received encouraging and positive comments from the judges in the post-performance discussions.
The focus of our group in recent years has been more in
the direction of having fun while singing and connecting and entertaining the audience. The technical performance, though still important in our progress toward improved singing techniques, is more of an indicator, rather than a goal in and of itself. Since we were performing with a smaller than usual chorus, the results appear to indicate that we at least are holding our own in these competitions.
As often happens, travel, illness and general schedule conflicts make it difficult to put 50 men on the risers at any time. All we can do is keep an eye on the performance and contest schedules and try to participate in as many as possible. And remember, a larger group isn't important just because it may give us a fuller sound, but the social aspect of singing with our fellow chorus members may be the most valuable thing that we take away from any performance.
Congratulations to all the top finishers. They are listed below.
Dayton Metro, OH is the Johnny Appleseed District Plateau A Champion.
Mansfield, OH is the Johnny Appleseed District Plateau AA Champion.
Canton, OH is the Johnny Appleseed District Plateau AAA Champion.
Independence, OH is the Johnny Appleseed District Plateau AAAA Champion.
_____________________________________________________________________
-
Always try to look your best on stage. It's easier to fool their eyes than their ears
No matter what happens at contest time, there is always at least one member of the chorus who knew it would.
-
Although you can't beat the acoustics, think twice before practicing your part to the tag "love me darling and the world is mine" in the men's room.
-
No man who eats spaghetti is truly alone (no, it has nothing to do with barbershopping). Too, none of my research supports that Mr. Cash ever said it. But, I like to believe that a guy who would give us a twelve-word name would have found this to be funny).
-
There are too few really good leads around any more. If you had one in your quartet you'd be competing at International. You know it. I know it.
If you think you're good enough to sing in a quartet, or if you think you're not good enough to sing in a quartet, you're right.
-
Show me a baritone who doesn't like over-tiddlied arrangements and I'll show you a man with violent opinions. All of them wrong.
Contests: If at first you do succeed, try to hide your astonishment.
-
Contests: You have six minutes to make history or be history.
Never be awed by what you may believe to better quartets in your upcoming contest. The odds are always 50/50. Either you'll win or you won't.
___________________________________________________________________
Jim Heaton- 4/30
Charlie Wilson- 5/5
___________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
