Date: February 18, 2002

On February 13, & 14, 2002, we delivered love songs, roses and candy to lovers around the Greater Montreal area. Twenty-two members of the Chapter sang in various quartet combinations, to the delight of our customers. The weatherman co-operated so we didn't even have a snowstorm.

The advertising and promotion worked well, and while some guys sold more than others, it was a pretty good team effort.

We had some first time quartets, and reports are they did very well. Let's hope they continue to sing together, or get the quartet bug and look for the opportunity to sing with others.

Most of the singers met at Mike's and then went to Boccacino's to eat, where Big Brother's and Big Sister's of the West Island had a benefit breakfast. The quartets sang for the patrons and were enthusiastically received.

4 Tonight Only entertained patrons of St. Hubert Barbecue on St Charles in Kirkland, and were followed by Key of Eh? when they left to deliver some Valentines.

Mike Nichols did a terrific job in co-ordinating the Singing Valentine Program. He not only organized, but he sang as well, including a stint as lead with Key of Eh?

To everyone who participated, singing, selling, organizing, or driving -- well done!

If you have any photos, let Murray Phillips have them for our web site. http://www.nedistrict/montreal

Jerry Silverberg has obtained some fine Hershey's ™ Chocolates for us to sell. They are a fine addition to our sweet sound. You co-operation in selling the chocolate covered almonds, or chocolate bars will also make the chapter a little more financially sound.

It will also help your "participation account," since 5% of the selling price is credited toward your account and you can apply it to those activities requiring an additional financial commitment.

Our Barbershop judging program really is REALLY good! Compare our system with other "artistic" judging systems -- they seem to have proven their inability to "get it right" (e.g., figure skating).

Keep that in mind during the upcoming International Preliminary contests!

Since this is being written before the event, I am taking a chance, and congratulating everyone for their participation. Singing for Seniors is a rewarding experience, since they appreciate it very much.

• Did you call a friend and offer to pick him up and take him to chapter meeting?
• Did you offer to sit in the role of buddy for a new visitor?
• Did you spend some extra time working on the new music so that your contribution at rehearsal will help speed up the learning process?
• Did you practice your stage face in front of the mirror?
• Did you help the librarian distribute the new music?
• Did you offer to help make learning tapes for all the guys who don't read music?
• Did you set an example in your section by keeping conversation to a minimum?
• Did you compliment the new man on his performance at the last singout?
• Did you hold out your hand and smile at the guys coming in the door?
• Did you sing all the notes and words in the new song.... Correctly?
• Did you help set up the risers for rehearsing the new choreography?
• Did you find it hard getting to sleep after the great rehearsal?

The Island City Chorus will be singing in ARCIM's special category for the second time. It gives us more flexibility in our repertoire choices and provides the audience a change of pace as well.

We will be singing:

• Orange Colored Sky
• You'll Never Walk Alone
• How Deep Is The Ocean?
• Sixteen Tons
• Steppin' Out

We will be singing on either Friday or Saturday, April 12 or 13, 2002 and on Sunday, April 14, 2002. The time and location will be confirmed later, but mark the dates on your calendar.

We will be learning a new song, Roses of Picardy. It will be a great one.

As usual, this schedule is subject to change.

Practice is something we do at home, every day, between rehearsals!

Rehearsal is where we reinforce what we have been practising every day!