heartbeat november 2011 newsletter - heart of florida chorusheartoffloridachorus.org/heartbeat...
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The HeartbeatThe HeartbeatThe HeartbeatThe Heartbeat
November/December—2011, Volume 8, Issue 7
The official newsletter of the Heart Of Florida Chorus,
Central Florida Chapter, Barbershop Harmony Society
The chapter meets every Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m.
in North Lake Presbyterian Church, 975 Rolling Acres Road
Lady Lake, Florida heartoffloridachorus.org
From the Executive Office By President Pat Haley
Once again we are a busy
group: time to put the finish-
ing touches on our show mu-
sic, time to get out and sell
those tickets. While this is
going on our VLB will be
singing in support of the
Booster Club benefit for the high school music
program. Then it is off to Umatilla for our an-
nual show there. Right around the corner our
leadership team will be getting schooled on
their responsibilities at LEADAC. Then to
culminate our winter season we will have a
great time at our installation banquet. The more
that participate in these activities the better.
I want to thank the outgoing board members
for all they did this busy year. Frank Paglia-
ruilo, Jim Gehrlein, Dick Gordon and Rich-
ard Fritch all made huge contributions on be-
half of the chapter. We will be having a joint
board meeting on December 15 at Water Oaks.
Members are invited to any and all of these
meetings.
The Valentine Program team is set. Now it
will be up to all to get out and sell, sell, sell.
This is a critical fund raiser for the chapter.
We owe it to those who have volunteered their
time to make this a great success.
As your outing going president, I must thank
all for two great years. It seems that there was
always someone who would step forward to do
whatever was needed. This is an awesome
hobby and the way people step up makes it all
the better. As we ring out the old and ring in
the new. let us all search for ways we can make
this a great hobby for all.
Golf Tourney Submitted by Dave Kirkpatrick
The overall winning foursome of the tourney—Jerry LaDue,
Dave Kirkpatrick (with Pat Haley), Dick Fischer and Dick
Beck
Those of the chorus who played in the November 8th golf tourney
at Eagle Ridge had a ball!
The weather was perfect and even Scotty’s foursome finished well
before dark.
Two groups tied for first place with a score of 69, two under par.
The winner had to be determined by the accepted method of com-
paring cards on the most difficult holes. Since Dick Fischer was
the official score keeper, it was no surprise that his quartet, So
Far, So Good ended up in first place.
The trophies for longest drive on the front and back nine were both
won by Dave Mann. He did not let us inspect his balls, golf balls
that is! But I’m sure they were legal.
Closest to the pin trophies went to the sharp shooters Dave Holm-
berg and Ken Thomas. (More photos on pages 8and 9)
The Hear tbeat Page 2
Know the Incoming President By Brent Bierma
I want to thank you for placing your
trust in me to be your next president. I
look forward to working with all of you
to make this a successful term, and a
good time for our chorus. There is
much to be done, and together we can
make it happen without too much bur-
den on any one of us. Some particulars
on these actions will come in later articles.
Most of you know something about me, but since Larry
Robinson shared his background with us and invited oth-
ers to do so as well, I have decided to give some of my
background. We may have something in common with
each other, and I hope you may find this of some interest.
After I was born at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, my
father completed his MBA at the University of Michigan,
and then moved our family to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
My brother, two sisters and I attended a Christian school
there, and I started playing clarinet in the band. In high
school (Kalamazoo), I continued with band but added
choir, tennis, track, theater, and girls!
At Calvin College in Grand Rapids, I was pleased to be
accepted into the glee club (Meistersingers) and a capella
choir. After marrying a Sheboygan Wisconsin girl, and
obtaining a degree in Sociology, I began as a social
worker for the State of Michigan, helping people in need
of assistance.
We started our family with two boys, and our second was
born with Down Syndrome. Ann and I both became in-
volved with advocacy services, and I joined the local and
then the state Association for Retarded Citizens (now
called The ARC Michigan). Serving in a number of vol-
unteer roles, I eventually served as State President for
two terms--racking up 25 years on the State Board as a
volunteer. I also served on United Way Board and the
Michigan Early Childhood Coalition Board as a volunteer.
Although it meant taking a leave from work, I felt the
need and desire to pursue a Master of Social Work de-
gree. After completing this two-year degree, I began
working for the Medical Services Administration, super-
vising RN medical social workers in Long Term Care
Evaluations (the need to stay in Nursing Homes). During
this time our third son was born. My travel schedule
made singing in the quartet we had established very
Nov./Dec.
In Bill’s Room By Bill Davidson
Editor’s note: Bill isn’t with us any-
more but still lives in our hearts. He
turned in many articles about his bar-
bershop experiences. In his memory,
I’ll continue publishing them until I
run out.
You Got to have Funds In the early days of Seneca Land District, there were no
dues. The sole income was from the State Fair in Albany
and the Chautauqua Institute. A visitor to the district
board advocated that dues should be levied as both events
were on an annual contract and could be lost at any time.
After much discussion, dues were set at 50 cents although
many wanted a dollar.
A few years later, after we raised the dues to a dollar, we
lost the State Fair. Chautauqua, however, is still going on.
Let’s hear about the Tuneswipers quartet State Fair trip.
There were four couples in two cars. At the last rest stop
before Albany, it was suggested that quartet get in one
car and the girls in the other. When we arrived at thru-
way exit, there was a mile backup. The quartet went
around and got off, but the main gate was all blocked so
it was decided to find another way in. We found an em-
ployees entrance and had a rough convincing the guards
to let us in. We did prevail and got the right place in time
to go on stage.
We were to sing 20 minutes on the hour four times. The
girls arrived just as we finished our second set.
difficult to continue, but I did continue singing with
church choirs for many years.
After several promotions, I moved up in management
and became Director of St. Joseph County Depsrtment
of Social Services. Later Cass County was added on a
dual county operation. There were 120 staff, 20 super-
visory units, and a 65 million dollar oversight in my
care. This was a large responsibility, and as I pushed
the 30 year mark an early retirement option became
available, and it became a good time for retirement
from this position.
Fortunately for me, several months later a leadership
spot opened up at Bethany Christian Services, where I
became Director of the Kalamazoo office. (See page 8)
The Hear tbeat Page 3
By Ginger Cullen
The HeartThrobs exists for the purpose of supporting the
Heart of Florida Chorus. All spouses, widows, and
significant others are automatically considered members.
A few times a year the group likes to get together to so-
cialize and reconnect as we look forward to upcoming
Heart of Florida events.
With this in mind all HeartThrob members are invited to
get together:
December 3rd will be another opportunity to ‘connect’ at
the Chorus Christmas Show and the afterglow.
On Thursday, October 13th at the North Lake Presbyte-
rian Church. We met in the lobby and carpooled to Per-
kins for “coffee and no calories,” The group discussed
the upcoming chorus events and ways we can offer help
if it is needed, as well as when we will get together again
in the new year.
On Thursday, October 20th, many HeartThrobs attended
the chorus picnic at Water Oak. There was fun, singing,
and plenty to eat, including the sides and dessert the
Heartthrobs provided.
Hats off to Dick Gordon for a job well done. Thanks to
the kitchen staff of Phyllis and Elmo and Eileen and
Keith. The talent provided by Jeremy Reynolds, Dave
O'Dwyer, Larry Robinson, Dale Johnson, the Parody
Four, Dick Gordon, and the Werners was awesome. It
was good to see Bob Lerner and Gerry Weisenreder
back among us. Last but not least are the ladies and the
clean-up crew for their work in the hall.
Ginger Cullen has updated the email phone list for future
HeartThrob communications, Please let her know if you
will join the group in the future. She can be reached at
352-391-5106 and at [email protected].
Board Happenings By Secretary Jim Busco
The edited minutes of the Central Florida Chapter’s of the October meeting of the Board of Directors
The following directors were present: Pat Haley, Brent Bierma, Dick Gordon, Paul Smith, Dave Kirkpatrick, Jim Gehr- lein and Ken Carter. Absent were Jim Busko, Harold Lathom, Rich Casanzio, Frank Pagliarulo, Richard Fritch and Dave Holmberg. Also present was Scott Werner.
Secretary’s Report: The minutes were approved on mo-tion. Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s Report was received on motion. Music and Performance: The minutes of the October Mu-sic Team meeting were attached. Music Director Comments: Scott said that preparations for the Christmas show were going well, especially the new medley: “Most Wonderful Time/We Need a Little Christmas.”
Programs and Chapter Development: Dick reported that preparations for the October chorus picnic were complete. Marketing and Public Relations: Paul reported that the requested changes regarding access to the chapter roster through the Barbershop Harmony Society website are complete. Pat Haley and Ken Carter added that the Christmas show contract with The Villages includes radio ads for the two weeks prior to the show.
New Business: Valentine Committee: The committee for 2012 includes Dave Holmberg, John Kirk, and Joe Pfeifer. Nominating Committee: The slate of officers for 2012 was elected at the annual members meeting on October 13, 2011.
Lake County School performances: Through the efforts of Richard Fritch, the chorus will have six paid performances at Lake County Schools during 2012. The specific dates are yet to be determined. The Villages Charter School Music Boosters Club: On ap-proved motion, the board agreed to make a $100 dona-tion to the club.
Awards: The board agreed that the awards to be (Continued on page 9)
Nov./Dec.
Installation Banquet
January 14, 2012, Laurel Manor
Cocktails 5-6 p.m. Dinner 6-7 p.m.
Installation 7-9 p.m. – cost $15
Installing Officer, Shannon Elswick,
Society Executive VP
The Hear tbea t Page 4
Warming up: Tips from the top
By Scott Hansen, Masters of Harmony, 2002 International Champions
From the Santa Fe Springs, The Master's Voice
Warm-ups are important. They set the tone for the
rehearsal that is to come. Each Wednesday night at
7:30 p.m. as the Masters of Harmony gather, we
say goodbye to the worries of the weekday world and
welcome the opportunity to meet with other men to make
musical magic.
A common misconception exists that vocal warm-ups are
for warming up your individual voice. Not so. The
warm-up's primary purpose is to warm up the ensemble,
not the individual singer. The two most important as-
pects of warming up the ensemble are the mental and the aural.
The mental warm-up involves the process of casting
away concerns of the day and focusing our attention on
the task at hand. As we are warming up, these thoughts
may cross my mind: Am I in proper singing position?
Am I focused on the director? Have I made a commit-
ment tonight to maintain personal discipline? Am I using
the same vocal placement throughout my range? Is there
any physical tension in my voice? Are my vowels
shaped properly? Am I connecting all of the word
sounds to create a seamless melodic line? Is my face re-
flecting the emotions I am singing about?
The second aspect of the warm-up is the aural tuning of
the ensemble. As anyone who has sung in a quartet is
aware, all four singers may be completely warmed up
without the quartet itself being warmed up. Time and
attention are required to match our voice to the voices
around us. As we are warming up, the director is listen-
ing to the sound of the chorus and the various sections
and making suggestions to fine-tune the ensemble. While
he is doing this, we are fine-tuning our own individual
instruments, much as an orchestra does before a perform-
ance, paying particular attention to how our voice fits
with the voices of the men behind and beside us.
So beginnings are important. Warming up the ensemble
is about melding the minds and voices of the chorus into
musical excellence. You can't do that without all your
brothers in harmony, and we can't do that without you.
Make Music With What We Have Left by Jack Riemer, Houston Chronicle, Feb. 10, 2001
On November 18, 1995, Itzhak Perlman, the violinist,
came on stage to give a concert at Avery Fisher Hall at
Lincoln Center in New York City. If you have ever been
to a Perlman concert, you know that getting on stage is
no small achievement for him. He was stricken with po-
lio as a child, and so he has braces on both legs and walks
with the aid of two crutches. To see him walk across the
stage one step at a time, painfully and slowly, is an awe-
some sight. He walks painfully, yet majestically, until he
reaches his chair. Then he sits down, slowly, puts his
crutches on the floor, undoes the clasps on his legs, tucks
one foot back and extends the other foot forward. Then
he bends down and picks up the violin, puts it under his
chin, nods to the conductor and proceeds to play.
By now, the audience is used to this ritual. They sit qui-
etly while he makes his way across the stage to his chair.
They remain reverently silent while he undoes the clasps
on his legs. They wait until he is ready to play. But this
time, something went wrong. Just as he finished the first
few bars, one of the strings on his violin broke. You
could hear it snap—it went off like gunfire across the
room. There was no mistaking what that sound meant.
People who were there that night thought that he would
have to get up, put on the clasps again, pick up the
crutches and limp his way off stage—either to find an-
other violin or else another string for this one. But he
didn’t. Instead, he waited a moment, closed his eyes and
then signaled the conductor to begin again. The orchestra
began, and he played from where he had left off. And he
played with such passion and such power and such purity
as they had never heard before.
Of course, anyone knows that it is impossible to play a
symphonic work with just three strings. I know that, and
you know that, but that night Itzhak Perlman refused to
know that. You could see him modulating, changing, re-
composing the piece in his head. At one point, it sounded
like he was de-tuning the strings to get new sounds from
them that they had never made before. When he finished,
there was an awesome silence in the room. And then peo-
ple rose and cheered. There was an extraordinary out-
burst of applause from every corner of the auditorium.
We were all on our feet, screaming and cheering, doing
everything we could to show how much we appreciated
what he had done.
He smiled, wiped the sweat from this brow, raised his
bow to quiet us, and then he said—not boastfully, but in a
quiet, pensive, reverent tone, “You know, sometimes it is
the artist’s task to find out how much music you can still
make with what you have left.” What a powerful line
that is. It has stayed in my mind ever since I heard it.
And who knows? Perhaps that is the definition of life—
not just for artists but for all of us. (See page 9)
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Nov./Dec.
The Hear tbeat Page 5
Name That Tone Submitted by Jerry Frank
From the Lake Lanier, Georgia Chapter Bulletin, Down
Our Way, September 2011 issue.
Before Solfeggio was used to "Name that Tone," musi-
cians still had some language to use to communicate their
wondrous adventures in music. Since the C Major Scale
seems to be fairly common, let’s use it as an example of
how these tone names might have been related.
Modern note Solfeggio Ancient name C Do The Strong Tone
D Re The Hopeful Tone
E Mi The Calm Tone
F Fa The Desolate Tone
G Sol The Bright Tone
A La The Sad Tone
B Ti The Piercing Tone
C Do The Strong Tone
The source for the Ancient names has been lost but you
can relate to some of the names if you sing or play the
note and think about it a while. The piercing tone is one I
have heard often while the tenors search for their note the
baritones should perk up a bit when they see that their
note is the Bright one. Of course the Key signature note
should be the Strong Tone since is the basis of the whole
scale. The rest of the names are a bit subjective but dis-
tinctive and may have provided food for thought for the
ancient musicians. The lack of names for the Chromatic
scale suggests that the ancient musicians were not fond of
scales full of half tones. I can certainly relate to that.
2012 Board Of Directors
The Central Florida Chapter
President: Brent Bierma
Executive Vice President: Fran Donohoe
Immediate Past President: Pat Haley
V.P. Membership: John Fleming
V.P. Programs and Chapter Development: Jeremy Reynolds
V.P. Music and Performance: Rich Casanzio
V.P. Marketing and Public Relations: Paul Smith
Secretary: Jim Busko
Treasurer: Harold Lathom
At Large Board Member (1 Year): Ken Carter
At Large Board Member (1 Year): Dave Holmberg
At Large Board Member (1 Year): Wayne Page
At Large Board Member (1 Year): Scott Werner
Nov./Dec.
CARE PACKAGES FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY Submitted by Wayne Page
The Men's Club at Wayne Page's Church (Trinity Lu-
theran in Summerfield) has an on going project of send
ing care packages to our military around the Globe. If
you have a relative or friend in the military which you
would l ike them to receive a l i t t le
something from home, Wayne will be happy to pass
on there name. Please PRINT their name, rank and
mailing address on a 3" x 5" card and hand it to Wayne
during break time at chapter meetings.
A Short History of the Pledge of Allegiance Submitted by Wayne Page, from an American Legion
publication
The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States
was first given national publicity through the official pro-
gram of the National Public School Celebration of Co-
lumbus Day in October, 1892. The Pledge had been pub-
lished in “The Youth’s Companion” for September 8,
1892 and at the same time sent out in leaflet form
throughout the country.
Thus it was that Columbus Day in October, 1892, more
than 11 million public school children in every state in
the union repeated the Pledge of Allegiance. The author,
Francis Bellamy’s original Pledge read as follows:
I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the republic for which it stands. One nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The wording of the Pledge has been modified three times.
In 1923, the National Flag Conference, under the leader-
ship of The American Legion and the Daughters of the
American Revolution, changed the Pledge’s words “my
flag” to “the flag of the United States.” In 1924, “of
America” was added. On Flag Day in 1954, after a cam-
paign by the Knights of Columbus, President Dwight D.
Eisenhower add the words “under God” to the Pledge.
The Pledge was now both a patriotic oath and a public prayer.
“Christmas is coming
The goose is getting fat
Please put a penny
In the Society’s hat”
The Hear tbeat
Editors note: I realize this is lengthy but I didn’t want to
edit it. It’s about Jim Miller, one of my heroes of barber-
shop. The Citations that are mentioned consisted of: Bob Netherton, tenor; Jim Miller, lead; Ken Buckner
(who lives in The Villages and receives The Heartbeat,
bari and Bill Myers, bass (The person pictured on the
vowel charts we all have.)
If you've ever met James King Miller, chances are you've
heard these three words. They are three simple little
words that speak to the very heart of the man. Not brashy,
not arrogant, not aloof, but just a simple human being
like all the rest of us. He was kind, caring, loving, pas-
sionate, religious, educated, well-spoken. And to use a
big word just as Jim liked to occasionally do, he was
magnanimous. (I can almost hear him laughing, because
I had to look that up.) Of course those of us that know
the entire story of Jim know that this was no ordinary man.
You would never know by talking to him that he had
been a High School All-American Football Star. An All-
American starting guard on the University of Tennessee's
1943 Sugar Bowl winning team. A war hero who es-
caped from not one but two German prison camps in
World War II and who was later awarded a Bronze Star
and Purple Heart. A man who played semi-pro baseball
after returning from war while also finishing his college
degree at the University of Louisville.
And a High School Football Coach who helped lead
many a Flaget High School Team in his hometown of
Louisville, Kentucky to a State Championship. Along
the way coaching two young high schoolers by the names
of Howard Schnellenberger and Paul Hornung, who went
on to become absolute legends in the professional and
college ranks of the game. I'd like to say these couple of
paragraphs cover it all, but then Jim heard of this thing
called barbershop harmony. In 1957, he joined the Lou-
isville Chapter of the SPEBSQSA. Young Jim was pas-
sionate about two words, Preservation and Encourage-
ment. So passionate in fact that he and a few others be-
came frustrated with the lasse faire style of the chapter,
and they began to organize. Upon hearing their plans, the
other members of the chapter simply quit. Leaving the
chapter in the hands of a new leadership with a different
outlook on what a barbershop chapter should be. He and
his cohorts formed a new chapter dedicated to musical
excellence. The Louisville No.1 Chapter of SPEBSQSA
was formed in 1958 and was designed to be a competitive
group. The chorus from that chapter, who we all know as
The Thoroughbreds, wasted no time in establishing a
competitive record the likes of which had never been
seen. Although Jim was not The Thoroughbreds first
director, that honor went to Bill Benner, a previous
medalist director who had relocated from the state of
Washington and led the chorus to its first International
Championship in 1962. Jim served his chapter well in
many different offices, and sang in a popular quartet, The
Derbytowners.
In 1962, Bill Benner moved from Louisville, and the
chapter asked Jim and fellow member Joe Wise to be-
come co-directors. The two men would serve The Thor-
oughbreds in this capacity for the next 25 years (often
with Jim as the only director) competing 10 times on the
International stage, winning six more International
Championships and never placing below third.
After retiring from The Thoroughbreds, Jim was
named director of The Southern Gateway Chorus in
Cincinnati,Ohio. Jim would soon add another Gold
Medal to his collection. His eighth overall, and seventh
as director. In 1992, Jim stood on the top of the hill as
the winningest chorus director in barbershop history.
Jim was also the lead singer and driving force in one of
barbershop's most famous and beloved quartet's, perrenial
International Finalists The Citations. The quartet would
entertain audiences all over the world including the
troop’s front lines of war as part of a USO tour of Viet-
nam.
Jim also served the Society as a Certified Judge and one
of our most sought after quartet and chorus coaches. Jim
was elected to The Barbershop Harmony Society Hall of
Fame in 2005. Did I mention Jim was also a very suc-
cessful businessman? The company Jim started, Miller
Photography, has photographed thousands of Weddings,
School Children, and Events in Louisville through the
years, as well as many barbershop groups, serving as the
Official Photographer of The Barbershop Harmony Soci-
ety. One of the many sayings that he lived his life by was
" I'm all for fellowship and fraternity until they start
keeping score. Then by-God, I WANNA WIN!" It's a
saying that led Jim Miller through a very successful com-
petitive life. He truly lived a fairy tale life, The only guy I
know who lived a better one was Forrest Gump. Except I
think Jim was just a little smarter than old Forrest!
But all of the above, while true, is not why I felt com-
pelled to sit down and write this. This is only half the
story. You see, I am just one of the thousands who had
his heart touched by the man they call Jim. He never was
Jim to me. He is, has been, and always will be Uncle
Jimmy. He's not my real Uncle, but Uncle Jimmy has
been more a part of my life than any uncle could be. In
fact, He and Aunt Rosemary have been more like grand-
parents to me. They have always made my family feel
like a welcome part of their family anytime or anywhere
they are. This is something we'll never be able to repay
them for. (See next page)
Page 6 Nov./Dec.
Call Me Jim By Jeff Myers
The Hear tbeat Page 7
(From preceding page)
Jim and his wife of over 65 years, Rosemary, are the Ma-
triarchs of one incredible family. Their daughters, Donna
and Kathy run the family business and themselves have
been married for over 30 years to two extraordinary gen-
tlemen.
Jim was at last a very dedicated member of the Catholic
Church, attending Mass regularly and a humble servant
of the Lord. With all that I've written here about Jim I keep coming
back to the phrase "Call Me Jim." It's a very subtle and
eloquent way of summing up James King Miller. He was
a King of Kings, a Giant of Giants, and a Man among
Men. Yet his lived his life with the humbleness and gen-
erosity of an ordinary man. That's what he pictured him-
self as, a sort of real-life Clark Kent, even
though we all know he was Superman!
So I imagine when he get's to the Pearly Gates and the
Lord says "Come in Mr. Miller, you've done an excellent
job!" Mr. Miller will shake his hand, flash that million
dollar smile, and say, "Call Me Jim".
To Uncle Jimmy, I love you with all my heart. Your old
pal, BULL
Thank you for your continued support of barbershop har-
mony and the Society's mission to "bring men together in
harmony and fellowship to enrich lives through singing."
Keep the Whole World Singing!
Nov./Dec.
Society Dues Increase Scheduled for 2012 By Larry Deters
It has been no secret that for the last 25 years the Soci-ety has experienced a steady membership decline. As a result, the organization has adapted in recent years by reducing expenses in as many areas as possible, seeking opportunities to increase revenue, and prioritizing its education programming to ensure our mission is best accomplished within our financial means. With the or-ganization's recent attention to membership as "Job One," trends indicate that the decline is slowing down. In 2012, we are re-launching the membership recruit-ment campaign, Operation Harold Hill, which was the most successful recruitment event the Society has ever seen.
With the declining membership and ever-increasing costs to do business, the Society, in order to balance its budget, will be implementing a $5 dues increase per member effective January 1, 2012.
As we look towards 2012 we are excited about the suc-cess that chapters will be able to experience through Op-eration Harold Hill. By working together across the Soci-ety, we can make 2012 the year the Society grows again!
For Music Lovers Seen in Concho Capers, Paul White Editor
As submitted by James Crowder
An E-flat, C and a G go into a bar. The bartender says: “Sorry, but we don’t serve minors.” So the E-flat leaves, and the C and the G have an open fifth be-tween them. After a few drinks, the fifth is diminished and the G is out flat. An F comes in and tries to aug-ment the situation, but is not sharp enough. Then A D comes into the bar and heads straight to the bathroom saying, “Excuse me. I’ll just be a second.” Then an A comes into the bar, but the bartender is not convinced that this relative of C is not a minor.
Then the bartender notices a B-flat hiding at the end of the bar and exclaims, “Get out now. You’re the sev-enth minor I’ve found in this bar tonight.” The E-flat, not easily deflated, comes back to the bar the next night in a three-piece suit with nicely shined shoes. The bartender (who used to have a nice corporate job until his company downsized) says, “You’re looking sharp tonight, come on in! This could be a major de-velopment.” This proves to be the case, and the E-flat takes off the suit, and everything else, and stands there au natural.
Eventually the C sobers up, and realizes in horror that he’s under a rest. The C is brought to trial, is found guilty of contributing to the diminution of a minor, and is sentenced to 10 years of DS without Coda at an up-scale correctional facility. On appeal, however, the C is found innocent of any wrongdoing, even accidental, and that all accusations to the contrary are bassless.
The bartender decides, however, that since he’s only had tenor so patrons, with the baritone out in the bathroom, and everything has become alto much treble, he needs a rest, and takes the lead to close the bar.
The Darwin Award Top Two Winners When his 38 caliber revolver failed to fire at his intended
victim during a hold-up in Long Beach, California
would-be robber James Elliot did something that can only
inspire wonder. He peered down the barrel and tried the
trigger again. This time it worked.
The chef at a hotel in Switzerland lost a finger in a meat
cutting machine and after a little shopping around, sub-
mitted a claim to his insurance company. The company
expecting negligence sent out one of its men to have a
look for himself. He tried the machine and he also lost a
finger. The chef's claim was approved.
The Hear tbeat
(From page 2) See Know Incoming President
This faith-based agency provides adoption, foster care,
and counseling services. After six years of service there,
my wife began pulling on my sleeve, so I retired again
and we moved to Florida. Tennis, pickleball, golf, and
the great lifestyle seemed to be my future. And I enjoyed
that for a few years. But the good Lord wasn’t through
with me just yet.
A new service organization was being planned in this
area, and I got wind of it and felt called to be part of Love
INC. The Board of Directors selected me to become the
first Executive Director of the local Love INC chapter.
After establishing the office, training staff, developing
relationships with area churches, and making community
connections—all with the Board’s help—the operation
was up and running well and it was time for me to turn
over daily operations to someone else. As a current
member of the Love INC Board, there is still opportunity
for me to contribute my volunteer service.
Ann and I enjoy many things in this area, and also enjoy
exploring other parts of Florida with our RV friends.
Each summer, we get a chance for a month to reconnect
with our three boys and friends in Michigan.
The Heart of Florida Barbershop Chorus has been an
enjoyable experience for me, and I look forward to many
more years of singing with this group of fine men, in a
quartet, the North Lake Presbyterian Concert Choir, and
also Village Voices. These singing experiences have
given me much enjoyment and made me a better singer,
but I’ve still got a long ways to go. And I’m not too old
to learn!
Page 8 Nov./Dec.
Tag Time Grab three other guys and try this one. It’s not difficult. I think it’s one I received from Burt Szabo but I
failed to keep track of the arranger.
Even More Bar Jokes (Will it ever end?) So a sandwich goes into a bar and asks the barman for a pint of Guinness! The barman says, "Sorry, we don't serve food!”
A duck walks into a bar, and the bartender looks at him and says, "Hey, buddy, your pants are down around your ankles." (See page 9)
(From page 1) See Golf Tourny
The Winning Quartet: Jim Castenian-ba, Paul
Smith-l, Ken Thomas-t and Jim Gehrlein-br
Closest to the pin—Ken Thomas and David Homberg
The Hear tbeat Page 9
(From page 4) See Make Music With . . .
Here is a man who has prepared all his life to make music
on a violin of four strings, who, all of a sudden, in the
middle of a concert, finds himself with only three strings;
so he makes music with three strings, and the music he
made that night with just three strings was more beauti-
ful, more sacred, more memorable, than any that he had
ever made before, when he had four strings. So, perhaps
our task in this fast-changing, bewildering world we live
in is to make music, at first with all that we have, and
then, when that is no longer possible, to make music with
what we have left.
Dave Mann receives the trophy for the longest
drive of the tourney on November 8th
Nov./Dec.
I received this clip art from Don Himmilman when he still lived in Spruce Creek. It was
his wish for the guys. I misplaced it until about two weeks ago. If Don were alive to-
day, I’m sure he say the same things plus many more wise cracks!
(From page 3) See Board Happenings
presented at the 2012 Installation Banquet will include The President’s Award(s), Barbershopper of the Year, Founders Award, Music Award (a new award to be des-ignated by the Music Committee), and Service Awards for retiring board members.
(From preceding page) See Bar Jokes A bar walks into a man. Oops, wrong frame of reference.
A brain goes into a bar and the bartender says, "Sorry I can't serve you, you're out of your head!"
A guy walks into a bar, and he has a drink. He looks in his pocket, and orders another drink, looks in his pocket, and orders another drink, looks in his pocket, and orders another drink, and so on. And the bartender says, "What are you doing; what's in your pocket?" And the guy said, " It's a picture of my wife; when she starts looking good to me, I know it's time to go home."
The Hear tbeat Page 10
We Always Welcome GuestsWe Always Welcome GuestsWe Always Welcome GuestsWe Always Welcome Guests
Chapter EternalChapter EternalChapter EternalChapter Eternal
December Babies Fran Donohoe 3 Paul Smith 3 David Wolf 8 Dale Johnson 9 Ken Thomas 11 Jim Castanien 13 Jerry La Due 30 Dick Nelson 30
January Cuties Jerry Tobin 4 Don Bunn 6 Bill MacNeill 7 John Shaerer 8 Jim Busco 10 Don Clause 11 Kent McClean 14 Jerry Weisenreder 14 Mo Foisy 31
Have a great birthday. Don’t spare the candles. We’re all with you!
OurOurOurOur brot hersbrot hersbrot hersbrot hers whowhowhowho havehavehavehave passedpassedpassedpassed butbutbutbut wi l lwi l lwi l lwi l l
al waysal waysal waysal ways bebebebe onononon t het het het he ri sersr i sersr i sersr i sers
wi t hwi t hwi t hwi t h usususus i ni ni ni n ourourourour heart sheart sheart sheart s
Charlie BordersCharlie BordersCharlie BordersCharlie Borders Floyd Guernsey Floyd Guernsey Floyd Guernsey Floyd Guernsey Mel LeeMel LeeMel LeeMel Lee Harry Olds Harry Olds Harry Olds Harry Olds Don PolleyDon PolleyDon PolleyDon Polley John Raymond John Raymond John Raymond John Raymond Bob YenneyBob YenneyBob YenneyBob Yenney Emil Bajus Emil Bajus Emil Bajus Emil Bajus George MurphyGeorge MurphyGeorge MurphyGeorge Murphy Don Himmelman Don Himmelman Don Himmelman Don Himmelman Bud MasonBud MasonBud MasonBud Mason David MacEllven David MacEllven David MacEllven David MacEllven Spike KennSpike KennSpike KennSpike Kenn Nick Nichol Nick Nichol Nick Nichol Nick Nichol Marty MartinMarty MartinMarty MartinMarty Martin John Burnett John Burnett John Burnett John Burnett Hugh McLeishHugh McLeishHugh McLeishHugh McLeish Bill Davidson Bill Davidson Bill Davidson Bill Davidson Lloyd ColeLloyd ColeLloyd ColeLloyd Cole
HOF Chapter Quartets Four Sharps
Joe Pfiefer, tenor
Rich Casanzio, lead
Don Barnes, baritone
Ric Blind, bass
Over the Hill Gang
Jeremy Reynolds, tenor
Norb Schneider, lead
Ralph Peckham, baritone
Pat Haley, bass
So Far So Good
Jerry LaDue, tenor
Dave Kirkpatrick, lead
Dick Fischer, baritone
Jerry Weisenreder, bass
Sun Chords
Lee Shawcross, tenor
Wayne Page, lead
Joe Burns, baritone
Dick Gordon, bass
The Life Of the Party
Lee Shawcross, tenor
George Randolph, lead
Don Hausmann, baritone
Doc Weir, bass
Further Adieu
Ken Thomas, tenor
Paul Smith, lead
Jim Gehrlein, baritone
Jim Castanien, bass
P r e s i de n ts C lu b
Pat Haley
Current Pres ident
Wayne Page 2003-2004
Ken Carte r 2005-2006
Marty Mart in 2007-2008
Dave Kirkpat r ick 2009
Barbershopper Of the Year
Ha l l o f Fame Joe Pfeifer 2003
Wayne Page 2004
Marty Martin 2005
Ken Carter 2006
Dave Kirkpatrick 2007
Joe Burns 2008
Jim Gehrlein 2009
Elbie Ford 2010
Guests for October and November
Zick Woodard Leesburg
Tony Harris Summerfield
Bob Cooper Leesburg
Ted Baker Wildwood
John McGoff Bellview
Bob Lapadot Grosse Point,
Michigan
Nov./Dec.
Songs To Think About From the Pitchburg Press,
Tom Koch, Editor Here are some songs we could con-sider for singing Valentines coming up.
“I Wouldn’t Take You To A Dogfight, Even If I Thought You Could Win”
“Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Be- cause I Can’t Remember Your Name”
“I Was In Love With A Girl With A Wooden Leg, But We Broke It Off” (a. k. a. as “Peg O’ My Heart”)
The Rim Shot By Bob Rullo, from The Harmony
Local, Bob Rullo-Editor
Q: How do you tell when your lead
singer is at the door?
A: He can't find the key and doesn't
know when to come in.
Q: How many tenors does it take to
change a light bulb?
A: Six. One to do it, and five to say,
"It's too high for him."
Q: Dad, why do the singers rock left
and right while performing on stage?
A: Because, son, it is more difficult
to hit a moving target.
Q: Mom, why do you always stand
by the window when I practice for
my singing lessons?
A: I don't want the neighbors to
think I'm employing corporal punish-
ment, dear.
V. P. Program:
Dick Gordon
352-751-5284
V. P. Media and PR
Paul Smith
352-561-1902
V. P. Membership:
Frank Pagliarulo
352-399-5169
Front Line Director and
Lead Section Leader:
Scott Werner
352-259-2572 [email protected]
Board Member At Large
(2 Year):
Ken Carter
352-259-3574
Articles with no byline are written by the editor. Clip art courtesy of the Barbershop Harmony Society.
V.P. Music and Performance:
Richard Casanzio
352-350-2869
HOF Director Team Deadline
Deadline for articles submitted for
publication in the Heartbeat shall
be the 20th of the month.
Purpose
The purpose of this chapter shall be
three-fold:
1.) To perpetuate the old American institu-
tion, the barbershop quartet.
2.) To promote and encourage vocal har-
mony and good fellowship among its
members.
3.) To encourage and promote the educa-
tion of its members and the public in mu-
sic appreciation of barbershop harmony.
The chapter activities shall be conducted
without personal gain for its individual
members and any profits or other inurn-
ments to the chapter shall be used in pro-
moting the purposes of the Society, district
or chapter.
Mission Statement
We are an organization of community
minded singers, dedicated to spreading
the joy of close harmony in our schools
and in our community.
Purpose and Mission Statements
Assistant Director and
Baritone Section Leader:
Don Barnes
352-259-8634
The Hear tbeat
The 2011 Heart of Florida Leadership Team
Page 11
Immediate Past President:
Dave Kirkpatrick
352-669-1713
President:
Pat Haley
352-753-3351
Board Member At Large
(1 Year)
Richard Fritch
352-821-3294
Board Member At Large
(2 Year)
David Holmberg
352-259-2209
Board Member At Large
(1 Year)
Jim Gehrlien
352-751-0776
Treasurer:
Harold Lathom
352-350-2115
The Heartbeat Staff
Senior Editor:
Elbie Ford
352-484-1216
Staff Photographer:
John Shaerer
352-237-9279
Craft Coordinator:
Bob Thames
352-315-1238
Additional Section Leaders, l to r:
Joe Pfiefer, 352-751-2415—Tenor;
Pat Haley, 352-753-3351—Bass
Secretary:
Jim Busco
352-409-2462
Executive Vice President:
Brent Bierma
352-750-2272
Reporters:
Larry
Robinson
Ron
Dudley
Nov./Dec.
Place
Postage
Here
The HeartbeatThe HeartbeatThe HeartbeatThe Heartbeat
WITHOUT MUSIC,WITHOUT MUSIC,WITHOUT MUSIC,WITHOUT MUSIC,
LIFE WOULD BE A MISTAKE.LIFE WOULD BE A MISTAKE.LIFE WOULD BE A MISTAKE.LIFE WOULD BE A MISTAKE.
————Friedrich Nietzsche Friedrich Nietzsche Friedrich Nietzsche Friedrich Nietzsche
The Heartbeat—Nov./Dec. 2011
December 3—7 p.m. Christmas Show, Savannah Center
December 16—7 p.m. Umatilla Key Club Show, Umatilla HS
January 1—8:30 and 11:15 a.m. Sing at NL Presbyterian Church
January 7, 2012 Leadership Academy, Location TBA
January 14, 2012—5 p.m. Installation Banquet, Laurel Manor
March 3, 2012—7 p.m. Annual Show, Savannah Center
April 13-15, 2012 Sunshine District Spring Convention, Punta Gorda,
Florida, in the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center
Elbert Ford
1520 152nd Place
Ocala FL 34473
Phone 352-484-1216
Cell: 352-817-8559
Email: [email protected]
Printing of The Heartbeat
done by Utrex Printing
306 Oak Street
Lady Lake, FL 32159
352-205-8222
See them for your
printing needs.
Quotes About Music
There's no bad day that can't be overcome by listening to a barber-shop quartet; this is just truth, plain and simple. —Chuck Sigars
There is no feeling, except the ex-tremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music. —George Eliot
Music is the only language in which you cannot say a mean or sarcastic thing. —John Erskine
My heart, which is so full to overflow-ing, has often been solaced and re-freshed by music when sick and weary. —Martin Luther