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AMCA Chorus News Archived

2006

Topic: Staples Area Men's Chorus Dinner Concert
Comments: The Staples Area Men's Chorus will present their annual Dinner Concert on Sunday, May 7, at T Maxwell's Restaurant in Staples ... more ...


Stan Carlson <Email Address Not Printed>
04/21/06 15:42 (EST)

Topic News from Negaunee
Comments: In January, 24 members and spouses went on a cruise to Aruba. Had a wonderful trip.
     Negaunee Male Chorus members are preparing for the Big Sing besides our own concert, which we will present in April. Our theme this year is Songs of the Sea and we are having a good time at practice. Lots of music to learn with both concerts this spring. We are also doing our usual gigs, which consist of holding rehearsals at various locations, such as the local nursing homes, senior centers in Ishpeming and Negaunee and at the Senior High Rise Apartments in Ishpeming.
     At our spring concert in April, our chorus will present a $500 scholarship to a student from one of the four local high schools.
Bob Hicks, Gov. Negaunee Male Chorus)

Bob Hicks <Email Address Not Printed>
March 1, 2006 11:27:52 AM CST

Topic Additional Music Reviews
Comments: (from the Chorister of February 2006)
     [Editor's note] I'm pleased to announce the revival of a column that ran occasionally in the Chorister in the 80s and 90s, Dr. Al Robertson's Program Notes. Dr. Al provided reviews of music aimed to help singers understand the mood and context of the songs, rather than the technical nuances thereof ... I hope to continue this offering on a regular basis ...
Link to Reviews of December's Child & Who's That Baby?

Web Manager <Email Address Not Printed>
02/24/06 (From Chorister) (EST)

Topic: News from Milwaukee
Comments: The Milwaukee Male Chorus suffered a great loss in 2005 in the untimely passing of our long-time and beloved President, George Pecor. His leadership and bass voice will be greatly missed by our chorus and the Upper Wisconsin & Michigan District.
     Our membership again has dropped somewhat due to illness and death. We are fortunate to gain younger men in every section except the Bass in 2005. I'm in the process of initiating an active recruiting program through the newspaper, mailings of invitation to prospective members, personal contacts, chorus brochures and open rehearsals.
     We do have some positive news. We are very fortunate to have a young director, Rob Clark, and accompanist, Brett LaVelle. Both are extremely talented and have youthful exuberance and enthusiasm that is getting our chorus excited about its new direction. Mr. Clark exudes charisma in his directorship and our performances. He has excellent rapport with the audience and members of the chorus. We may be small in numbers, but he motivates us in striving for excellence in balance and sound.
     When the chorus returned from its summer break and before the first rehearsal, the members attended a chorus picnic at the residence, by a lake, of our Vice-President, Bob Russell. All members, their wives and friends enjoyed a great time.
     Our first singing engagement for the new season was at the American Legion Post 449 flag burning ceremony (for torn and retired flags). On December 4, 2005, we sung at the Lincoln Memorial Center for the Pearl Harbor survivors remembrance ceremonies. This was the chorus's 45th appearance for the Survivors group. During the balance of December, we presented our Christmas programs to the Great Catholic Women's Guild, Knights of Columbus Council 3702, and the Forever Young Club. The chorus anticipates another active year in 2006. We have scheduled performances in February and March, and look forward to the Big Sing at Negaunee, Michigan, in May.
     It has been a challenging task for me to “step into the shoes” of George Pecor and keep the chorus positive and maintaining its active role in AMC of A. However, I'm up to the challenge!

Pat Bissen <Email Address Not Printed>
02/24/06 (From Chorister) (EST)

Topic: Christmas Remembered
Comments: Most (maybe all) of our choruses perform one or more concerts at Christmas. It's such a special time to sing beautiful carols and other songs of the season. The Rochester Male Chorus is no exception here.
     This year we structured our concert somewhat differently. We normally mix together a variety of secular and sacred music, and frequently end with “Jingle Bells.” For our 2005 concert, entitled “A Christmas Story,” we began with individual winter and Christmas songs, but in the second half of the concert we wove all the numbers together with readings from the Christmas story as recorded in the gospel of Luke. Taking a cue from the St. Olaf College Christmas Festival, we asked the audience to refrain from applause until the program ended. It was a moving experience, both to the listeners and to those of us presenting the program.
     We tackled some more difficult music this year, including a lively Mark Hayes arrangement of “O Holy Night” that we'd first seen at our Big Sing sight reading session. Despite complaints from some members, we included Thomas Luis de Victoria's fifteenth century “O Magnum Mysterium,” sung in Latin. That's the first time in my decade and a half with the chorus that we have performed a song in that language. With its intertwining lines, hardly ever meeting together, the soaring tenor and sonorous bass surrounding the inner parts, we felt at times like mediaeval monks, but most of us thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. We are even nervously working on another Latin piece for our spring concert.

RMC Helps with Make-a-Wish
     The City of Rochester (MN) sponsored a kick-off event for the Make-a-Wish Foundation's fund-raising drive at Christmas. Make-a-Wish works with seriously or terminally ill children, attempting to fulfill a special desire for them, such as a trip to Disney World or a party with friends. The City invited the Rochester Male Chorus to be part of the event, held in the multi-story rotunda of the Government Center. The chorus members arranged themselves on the sweeping circular steps up to the second floor, and the fill-in director (me) stood in the balcony on the opposite side. Our music filled the space, and we received several compliments, as well as TV exposure for our participation.

Ed Armbruster <Email Address Not Printed>
02/24/06 (From Chorister) (EST)

Topic: Folk Music Concert
Comments: The Staples Area Men's Chorus will be performing "Songs of the People" a concert of American folk music on March 5, 2006 at Centennial Auditoruim in Staples. They will be joined by the Staples Area Women's Chorus.
     American folk music is a rich treasure trove of wonderful music that is full of insights into the life and times of the American people. These songs came into being beside the campfires, along the trails, on the rivers, in the cities, and on ships that sailed the oceans as a people gave vent to their sorrows, joys, and celebrations.
     It is a heritage that some of America?s best composers and arrangers have set for choirs; Norman Luboff, Aaron Copland, Alice Parker, Robert Shaw, Roger Wagner, Ed Lojeski, and the many who worked for Fred Waring, to name only a few.
     The Men's Chorus will also be performing one of their traditional Dinner Concerts in Parker's Prairie, Minnesota on February 26, and will present a concert for the Wadena Concert Association on March 26.
     More Information
     Read the Flyer

Stan Carlson <Email Address Not Printed>
02/04/06 15:13 (EST)

Topic: Annual RED BLAZER VARIETIES
Comments: Red Blazer Varieties of 2006, March 23-25, 2006: 7:30 PM
     The Amherst Male Glee Club presents this Broadway style musical revue. The show has a touch of vaudeville, choreography, blackout comedy sketches and special guest artists and acts.
     It continues to be a source of inspiration since 1948. The Amherst Male Glee Club puts on this show each spring that is attended by nearly 3,000 people that support this show each and every year.
     More Information

Bruce McCausland <Email Address Not Printed>
02/03/06 15:45 (EST)

Topic: News From Eau Claire Male Chorus
Comments: The Eau Claire Male Chorus had a busy Christmas Singing season with two community concerts, singing at the local mall, a craft fair, senior residence center, and a local supermarket. The supermarket "gig" was a good fundraiser as they paid our carolers $50 per hour to entertain the customers.
     2006 is our 60th anniversary year. We are planning an April 1 concert with 2 or 3 guest choruses, and plan to invite back as many former members and directors we can locate. We will also be performing at the historic Mabel Tainter Theater in Menomonie, WI on March 12, under sponsorship of the Menomonie Lion's Club. The club is raising funds to remodel the theater.
     Two students have expressed interest in the AMCA Scholarships and we are considering their talents.
     We have several other things in the works for our 60 year celebration, and look forward to the Big Sing in Marshall the end of April.

Bob Wierman, President <Email Address Not Printed>
01/28/06 10:48 (EST)

2005
Topic: Greater Canton Men's Chorus
Comments: Concert on Sunday December 4, 2005
     The Greater Canton Men's Chorus will be performing their Bi-annual Christmas Concert "Songs For The Season" on Sunday, December 4, 2005 at 4:00 pm at Trinity United Church of Christ, corner of Blackburn & Fulton Roads, Canton, Ohio. Concert is free.
     The program is: 1. Mary had a Baby, 2. Sing out the News, 3, Coventry Carol, 4. Born, Born in Bethelehem, 5. Do You Hear What I Hear, 6. I Wonder as I Wander, 7. O Tannenbaum, 8. Carol of the Bells, 9. Star of Wonder, 10. Shepherds Shake Off Your Drowsy Sleep, 11. The Christmas Song, 12. Good Christian Men, Rejoice, 13. Child of God, 14. Slumber, Lovely Babe, 15. Gloria In Excelsus Deo, 16. Come And See The King, 17. O Holy Night, 18. Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow, 19. Whisper! Whisper!, 20. Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head, 21. Who's That Baby, 22. Goin' To Bethelem, 23. Quiet Christmas.
     Anyone in the neighborhood is invited to attend.

Joe Greytak <Email Address Not Printed>
11/18/05 21:32 (EST)

Topic: Cold Spring Maennerchor
Comments: Fall news
     The Maennerchor started the new season this Wednesday in good style with 42 showing up for practice. Additionally we picked up three new members and one "re-thread" who has been away for a number of years. Our membership should be at the 50 plus.

Dan Backes <Email Address Not Printed>
Thu, 8 Sep 2005 03:34:44 EDT

Topic: Eau Claire Male Chorus
Comments: Fall news
     2006 is the 60th anniversary of Eau Claire Male Chorus. One of the original members, Art Faaren, is still active in the baritone section. Our group is working on ideas for something special for this special year.

Bob Wierman ECMC President <Email Address Not Printed>
Tue, 30 Aug 2005 09:19:13 EDT:

Topic: Twin Cities Choruses
Comments: Upper Mid-West Twin Cities Choruses:
     I will be moving from Kenosha to Minnetonka sometime this spring -- probably mid-May. I would appreciate any information on a male chorus looking for a director. I would like to stay with an AMCA chorus, but would consider others. I would also be willing to be a substitute director if a chorus needs one.
     Also, I would like to know if there are any openings for a senior choir director in an ELCA Lutheran Church. I have directed in other denominations, but would prefer ELCA. My experience has also been in the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church (and two high schools), the Episcopal Church, and the Methodist Church. Also -- I might be dreaming -- but it would be nice to be close to Minnetonka as I find the Minneapolis drivers to be absolutely wild! (I would rather drive in downtown Chicago!)
     I don't like losing my ties to AMCA, so if you know of any opening for a director I would greatly apreciate being able to audition. And remember to keep singing and give yourself a brighter day.

Don Crouch -- Milwaukee Male Chorus
Donald W. Crouch <Email Address Not Printed>
04/07/05 13:43 (EST)
2004
Topic: Marquette Male Chorus - Outstanding community arts impact award
Comments: On May 20th (2004), The City of Marquette Arts and Culture Committee held the eighth annual Marquette County Arts Award at Northern Michigan University. Awards were given to those who made an impact in the arts in Marquette County. The Marquette Male Chorus received the "Outstanding Community Arts Impact Award". Accepting for the Chorus was their current President, Gary Morse.

Gary Morse <Email Address Not Printed>
06/22/04 08:56 (EST)
Topic: Eagan Men's Chorus Concert
Comments: The Eagan Men's Chorus is putting on a spring fund-raising concert on Friday, May 21 @ 7:00pm at Peace Church, 2180 Glory Drive in Eagan. This concert, along with help from the Rotary Club and the few paying gigs we have (most of our performances are given at senior residences at no charge), is what keeps our Chorus solvent. It would be great if you were able to attend and it would be nice if you could bring a friend (or friends), but I realize that life can get busy and you can't always do everything you want to do. I would greatly appreciate it if, whether you come or not, you could pass the information on to people that you know who may be looking for an entertaining, low-stress evening.
     Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for seniors and students. Refreshments will be served during intermission.
Hope to see you there!!!
Thanks,
Ken Coy
Eagan Men's Chorus - Engagements Chair

Kenneth Coy <Email Address Not Printed>
04/20/04 12:56 (EST)
Topic: Winnipeg Male Chorus Concert
Comments: Our Annual Spring Sing
Date: April 3, 2004: 7:00 PM
Event Title: Spring Sing
Location: Sturgeon Creek United Church
City: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Telephone Contact: (204) 4891775
Admission: $10.00
Detailed Description:
     This is our annual spring concert. We will include two of our scholarship winners...Manitoba Music Festival and Women's Musical Club winners. The concert features a wide variety of male chorus repertoire and includes music from various genres, including classic, folk, show tunes, and pop.

Ann Koop Hunsberger <Email Address Not Printed>
03/15/04 15:49 (EST)
2003

Topic: Sizable contribution to the AMCA Scholarship Fund
Comments: Chinese Auction?
     Dick Keffer, Amherst Male Glee Club, indicates that a check of $700 will be sent to the AMCA Treasurer for the coffers of the Scholarship Fund. I was impressed with the size of this check and asked Dick for some details. Dick indicates a "Chinese Auction" generated these funds and he offers a few of their experiences (David Thomas, AMCA Web Manager):
---
From: "Keffer, Richard A."
To: 'David Thomas'
Subject: RE: Incredible Contribution.....
Date: Mon, 8 Dec 2003 09:43:42 -0500

Dave,
     I hear where you are coming from.
     Your right we hosted a District Big Sing. (New York Pennsylvania Big Sing on Nov 1, 2003)
     Regardless of their AMCA status we invited the AMCO to join us. We had done this in the past and we really enjoy the singing and camaraderie working with our Canadian Brothers in Song. The Queensmen from Toronto with Harry Learoyd and the Karwatha Male Chorus with Eleanor Bailey Conductor and Bill Bates chorus contact joined with the six choruses of NY-PENN. We had about 160 on stage representing a total of eight choruses.
     The Chinese Auction and the handling of it was the brain child of our member George Poole. I give him great credit it making this happen. He has had much experience here and between him using his business contacts and getting tools either at very low cost or donated plus another one of our members Tom McCray who is a local radio personality getting many local items donated such as theatre tickets, restaurant coups etc. Plus members donating items (leaf blower, wine, two baskets of cheer donated by our bass section - you know those basses, plus other items) our costs were kept to a minimum and we could group four or five items each in thirteen groups - could have been more could have been less.
     The key was -- that for $5 you received a card with 25 numbered tickets for use in the auction, a large numbered ticket on the card for a door prize - (One of the best items donated) and then you kept your numbered copy of the ticket to prove the prize was yours.
     I had my doubts about how much would be taken in and was as shocked at the numbers as you were. We had thirteen groups of items with thirteen bags for tickets and of course the door prize which was an expensive tool set.
     We opened the purchases up to anyone (wive's, family members, custodial staff) and closed it off after the massed rehearsal. We immediately pulled the tickets - two members of visiting choruses verifying the efficacy of the draw. Put the numbers on three by five cards and attached the card to the prize group. Someone then verified your win and you took your pize.
     If you wish to edit this and put it in the NOOZ please be my guest.
Thanks
Dick

Richard Keffer <Email Address Not Printed>
12/08/03 11:42 (EST)

Topic: Rochester Male Chorus Christmas concert
Comments: The RMC will have plenty of opportunities to sing Christmas music this season. Our main concert is Sunday afternoon, December 14, but the previous day we will be warming up in a supermarket (!) before boarding a bus for a trip to Wabasha (of "Grumpy Old Men" fame) and an evening concert (our first ever in that town, I think). Then on Monday we will be touring a Mayo Clinic hospital (St. Mary's) singing Christmas carols for the patients. A lot of singing packed into three days.
     Our director is reaching deep into the music files for this year's concert. We have pieces ranging from the 13th century ("Lo, How a Rose") to the 21st ("Beautiful Snow"), and a lot in between. Instead of our normal weekend retreat, we resorted to two all-day Saturday practices at a local school (actually in our director's chorus room). We have several new and almost-new members this year, so they have a lot to memorize. We're looking forward to sharing our music with the community.

Ed Armbruster <Email Address Not Printed>
11/12/03 15:12 (EST)

Topic: Rochester Male Chorus fundraiser
Comments: The Rochester (MN) men have found a tasty way to raise money for chorus activities. Three times each year (May, August, October) there is a huge antique show at the county fairgrounds south of downtown, called Gold Rush Days. Many people from the area come to these shows, and they get hungry. So we rent a space on the main roadway, get a concession trailer from Pepsi, and cook and sell steak sandwiches, garnished with fried onions and green peppers. We also have chips and soda (Pepsi products, of course -- that's how we get the trailer). The steaks are 5-ounce portions from a local meat store, and are quite tender. We cook them on outdoor grills, so the fragrance draws customers like the pied piper called the children. Members and friends of the chorus staff the booth in four-hour shifts.
     The chorus usually clears over a thousand dollars during a three-day event. We used to sell ice cream at the county fair, but there was too much competition, and the weather often would not be conducive to a cold product. At Gold Rush, there are a lot fewer food vendors, and the steaks are popular no matter what the temperature (we do offer hot coffee in October).

Ed Armbruster <Email Address Not Printed>
11/12/03 10:54 (EST)

Topic: Lock City Glee Club Newsletter
Comments: Access the May 2003 Lock City Glee Club Newsletter and see what is happening in this chorus. Links are available from the "Headlines" on the AMCA Home Page, from the "AMCA Highlights" Bulletin Board on all pages and from the "AMCA Choruses" Page.

Doug Farley <Email Address Not Printed>
05/28/03 00:27 (EST)

2002

Topic: New Items from Lock City
Comments: I hope some of you have noticed the items submitted by Dan Farley (NYP - Lock City Glee Club). He has shared the Lock City Glee Club Newsletter and has displayed, for your evaluation and input, a Recruiting Brochure that he has offered. There is a "Blueprint for Progress" Committee working on this publicity brochure. Let Doug know your comments about his marvelous efforts!

David Thomas <Email Address Not Printed>
11/19/02 13:49 (EST)
Topic: First Place Hamilton 60th Anniversary Concert
Comments: Bill Bates (Interactive 28) describes this First Place Hamilton 60th Anniversary Concert featuring all of the Choruses of the AMCO. The format was like a dinner theatre for Choruses only (no public invited) -- interesting concept. You can also view the program of this concert online. It takes a little while to load but it will give you a feeling for this event.
     Concert Program
David Thomas, Web Manager.

David Thomas <Email Address Not Printed>
06/08/02 12:49 (EST)
Topic: Spring Concert
Comments: The Kalamazoo Male Chous undertook the project of preparing a patroitic concert for their Spring venue. The chorus, along with support from the Kalamazoo Community Chorale prepared a truely inspiring concert for the pleasure of the Kalamazoo audieince. While well prepared, the concert entitled "Ballads for Americans", attendence at this concert was disappointing...perhaps a reflection of our nations' waining patroitic fervor following the 9-11 events??? The focal point of the concert was the performance of the cantata "Ballads of America" performed by the chorus and members of the chorale. Albeit dated the piece was well received by the audience and a fine finale for the concert! A word of caution...examine the possibilities of performing concerts of a patroitic theme when work needs to be prepared too long after events that may support a concert of this nature.

Norm Goodling-Kalamazoo Male Chorus <Email Address Not Printed>
04/24/02 15:07 (EST)
Topic: Group Info
Comments: The "Singing Knights" of the Flint area have been quite busy in the 2001-2002 year. Many church Mass's, Christmas outings, and did a benefit for "Boysville". The group is looking forward to eating and doing a sing along with the local Elks Glee Club at there Friday fish fry.
Our major fund raiser is the Caberet we do on the third weekend in May (May 18th,2002). Barring none from our group, we all think the 4 part male choral venue is the best faternal way a group of guys can have fun.
     Looking forward to the District sing in So. Bnd. and the Big sing in Lansing 2003.

Greg McCarty <Email Address Not Printed>
02/01/02 11:43 (EST)
Topic: Idaho International Choral Festival, Program Director
Comments: Hello.
     I would like to announce the Idaho International Choral Festival which will be July 10-14, 2002 in Pocatello, Idaho. We are presently accepting applications for this celebration of musical diversity. Please visit our web site at www.idahointerchoralfest.org or send an email message to me. It would be my pleasure to answer any questions that you may have.

Sincerely,
Lorraine Crook, Program Director

Lorraine Crook <Email Address Not Printed>
01/20/02 21:10 (EST)
2001

Topic: 12 Days Of Christmas
Comments:
Received from William Murrman, Michiana Male Chorus - Thank him for this!
     Here is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas? Today, I found out.
     From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to the members of their church.
     Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality, which the children could remember.
     The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
     Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
     Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
     The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
     The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
     The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
     Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of The Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.
     The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
     Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control.
     The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
     The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
     The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in The Apostles' Creed.
---
     So there is your history for today...I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...

DT <Email Address Not Printed>
12/12/01 09:05 (EST)
Topic: Milwaukee Male Chorus
Comments: From: "thepeddler"
Date: Sun, 2 Dec 2001 02:22:30 -0600
     The Milwaukee Chorus will have done 6 concerts in the last two weeks, including the National Anthem at Marquette Basketball,Chiristmas Concert at the Governor's Mansion, Madison.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.

MMC
Burt Spurrier

DT
12/02/01 05:51 (EST)
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