Monday, July 26, 2010

July, 2010, #2

In Memory Of Hal Moses

Last Tuesday, July 20, Harold "Hal" Moses passed away. Hal was a valued member of the baritone section, The Matinee Singers and the chorus. Most recently he sang with The Sounds Of Distinction quartet and over the years has contributed as an arranger and director. Even in recent times, when his health declined, Hal made the effort to attend and participate in rehearsals and performances. His ever-present smile will be greatly missed.

In addition to his barbershop activities, Hal had served as choir director for several area churches over a period of more than fifty years.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Hal's wife, Janet and his family in this difficult time.

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Singing For The Salvation Army In Wadsworth

We have become accustomed to lending our voices around the Red Kettle to raise money in December. On Saturday, July 17, we traveled to Wadsworth at the request of The Salvation Army as part of the 3 on 3 BBQ fund raiser. The crowd was very receptive as the chorus and Chapter quartets, Clear Choice and Gear Shiftin' provided an hour of barbershop songs. Some area restaurants were on hand for a contest to decide who had the best BBQ. Some of our members remained and sampled the offerings. From personal experience, I can say that they were all delicious. I'm just glad that they had "sample" servings available so that I could try each one and not overdo it.
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Chorus Provides Spark For Aeros

Over 40 members of The Derbytown Chorus gathered at Canal Park on Tuesday, July 20 to sing The National Anthem prior to the game between the Aeros and The Altoona Curve. It was great to have such a large turn-out this year. If you couldn't be there, make a note to watch the schedule and join us next time.


During the ceremonial first pitch, , Tom Macko, represented our Chapter very we
ll with a mighty throw. We continued another tradition by leading the crowd in singing, Take Me Out To The Ballgame, during the seventh inning stretch.

As for the spark provided by our singing, the Aeros hit five home runs during the game and won by a final score of 10-3.

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Birthdays

Since no Chapter member is having a birthday between today and the date of the next Bulletin edition, I have chosen to provide some information about Gracie Allen whose birthday is July 26. Just click on the "Gracie" link in the Hot Links section at the top right of the Bulletin page. There is also a video of Gracie Allen performing with her husband George Burns at the end of today's Bulletin post.

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33rd Performance At Copley Circle

Yesterday, July 25, was the 33rd consecutive appearance of The Akron Derbytown Chorus as a part of the Copley Summer Concert Series. After some of the stormy weather that we had experienced lately, the evening turned out to be beautiful. Thanks go out to Charlie Horning, who among other things, is in charge of the weather for this event.

In addition to the chorus, Chapter quartets Clear Choice, The Summit Chordsmen, and Keyed Up entertained the very appreciative crowd. We always recognize many familiar faces in the audience (in addition to those to whom we are related) but there are also some new attendees every year that come out to hear some good old barbershop music.

Our featured guest quartets this year were 4-Way Stop and Prestige. Both quartets are from our own Johnny Appleseed District. 4-Way Stop was the 2009 District quartet champion and 2009 District collegiate quartet champion and Prestige captured the silver medal at the 2010 International Convention and Contest in Philadelphia earlier this month, just missing the Gold by the smallest of margins.

Both quartets wowed the audience with a variety of songs, proving beyond a doubt that you can be born after 1980 and sing exceptional four part close harmony.

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Getting To Know Us

Click on the "Featured Chorus" link to visit the website of this issued spotlighted group of barbershoppers.

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Videos

This video is a movie short from the early 30's that was based on one of Burns and Allen's vaudeville routines.



Now fast forward about 20 years to this clip from the Burns and Allen TV show from the 50's.