Posted by editor on Oct 29 2006 | Category: Performance, Rehearsal
Something happened over the weekend that led me to a realization. We were performing in a show and by most counts, we did quite well. There were a few minor glitches as is normal with a live performance. When it was over, however, there seemed to be something missing. It’s been eating at me for days now, and I finally realized what it was.
Posted by editor on Oct 27 2006 | Category: Fellowship, Performance
Do you have dropped members? Are there inactive barbershoppers in your area no longer affiliated with any chapter? Wouldn’t you love to help rekindle their love of barbershop, and at the same time enjoy the thrill of singing with them again? The chapter with which I am affiliated, the Denver MountainAires, recently devised a non-recruitment event for the holidays that, hopefully, will pay great dividends. Yes, I said a “non” recruitment event. You can try this in your chapter. Here is how it is scheduled to work.
Continue reading: How NOT to recruit new members – just yet »
Posted by editor on Oct 23 2006 | Category: Music, Rehearsal, Technique
As a musical director, one of the most challenging things that I have to deal with is getting the singer off the music. Unlike a community choir, barbershoppers need to commit the music to memory before they perform it. Because I direct a non-competitive chorus, I find myself holding back from setting deadlines, imposing tests, or pushing singers. Yet I know that they would enjoy themselves much more if they memorized the music early. They don’t seem to realize that memorization also deepens their understanding of the music and enhances their ability to entertain the audience.
Posted by editor on Sep 19 2006 | Category: Motivation, Performance, Technique
You have heard the old adage: You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. A variation on that theme goes like this: You can lead a person to knowledge, but you can’t make him (or her) think. That is an important realization as far as barbershop music, or anything else for that matter, is concerned.
Posted by editor on Aug 22 2006 | Category: Discussion
It was eleven years since I was at Harmony College, now Harmony University, in St. Joseph, MO. A lot has changed, while a lot remains the same. Gone are the beanies (thank goodness) for first-time participants, replaced by colored ribbons on their badges.
