Does killing time damage eternity?

On Saturday evening we found out the Barbershopper of the Year for 2001. We had a great year and many people were responsible for contributing, but one name stood out. He was always available to move risers, help people with their part (which ever one you want), teach a tag, sing a tag with a guest or new member, and he did it with a smile and a song.

Richard Frenette was this year's choice for BOTY. Way to go, Tagman!

The Installation Dinner was held on Saturday evening at the Vieux Kitzbuhl in Ile Perrot. A good attendance from the members and spouses made for a fun evening. Our Chapter Coach, Bruce Checca, did the honours for the third year in a row. Our President, Alan Mackenzie, will be looking for the support of everyone over the next couple of years as he takes on the position of leading us to the next level on the administrative side.

We heard the submission we sent to the CBC Choral Competition, and it was very good (said he, modestly)! We sounded like we could actually go further than just entering the contest.

How about that, Barbershop fans?

By Rob Mance, Musical Director

Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it for the dinner on Saturday evening. I'm actually being sent to a weekend event relating to my director certification. It didn't really surface that I was actually going to this event until last week. So, I'm really upset that I'll be missing the dinner, as I really enjoy attending that event. However, I'll be working on my directing over the weekend, which will hopefully add to what I can contribute to the chorus. Do have a wonderful time. And, my dad will bring the recording of the 4 tracks that we will be submitting to the CBC. Remember that as you are listening to them that they are completely without editing. I'll have the edited demo for us to listen to shortly. And, just before I go, since I won't be there Saturday, I thought I would recap what has been a wildly successful musical year for this chorus.

• We participated in the February school and were coached by Jim Henry. The experience was amazing!
• Also in February we had a most amazing coaching session with David Wright. He took us to new levels, and the piece he worked on, You'll Never Walk Alone continues to be our highest level piece.
• In March we performed and competed all alone in our category at the ARCIM Montreal Chorale Competition. Although we were assured of winning our category, we also earned the only standing ovation of the whole contest.
• In June we had our annual show with the retiring Joker's Wild and After Hours. What else can I say? It was a musical hit, and the performance by the chorus was at another new high level for the group.
• Over the summer we learned 3 new songs... a new record of productivity for the chorus. And, much of it was done while I was away.
• In September we had an amazing Fall retreat that had Adam Woods leading and motivating a small but captivated chorus to think of new concepts in presentation. The result was amazing rehearsal after amazing rehearsal leading up to our contest.
• At the same time, our new presentation team headed by Andrew began to participate in rehearsals and had an immediate and positive affect on the performance of the chorus.
• In October we hit the contest stage as one of the smaller choruses in the contest. However, we came out with BIG NUMBERS brought about by a very musical performance. We were among literally only a couple of choruses in the whole society to have that high of a score with so few people! And, we had the craziest chorus dinner I've ever attended! Who was that man with the guitar anyway?
• In December we had a full schedule of holiday performances. Our hastily prepared performance at the Montreal Fine Arts Museum to a standing-room-only crowd earned an invitation back to the event next year. And, we discovered a new talking-talent in Bruno.
• And, just this week in January of 2002, we have an absolutely amazing recording session. What a great way to start the New Year!

Now, hopefully I remembered most of the musical high points of the year. But, as it is, what an impressive list of accomplishments for one year! Many thanks to all those people who made this year so musically wonderful. Now, as for the coming year, I foresee bigger and better things coming our way. I'm sure you'll join me in welcoming Alan McKenzie on board as our new president. I know that we will want to give this board our full support in contributing to their plans. And, the music team that has become more and more organized and effective over the past year will continue to work hard for you. While proudly looking back at our list of achievements, let's continue to look forward as to what is possible.

As one last comment, as my dad was listening to the recording we made on Monday, his reaction was "that's amazing!" This was followed by the proclamation "the little chorus that could." [Editor's note: Check our web site, where this slogan now appears!]

Since Peter took over the coffee fund in November 1995, chorus members have contributed more than $4,200 for refreshments. But Peter won't be going to Portland on the profits. The fund, as it happens now and then, is currently a bit in the red.

Now if we could only calculate how many litres of coffee Gerald has prepared… it would no doubt fill more than a few swimming pools!

The Chapter web site has been moved and updated to include even more pictures. Peter Evans gave me a bunch of pictures at rehearsal last week and I have put some new pages on the web. Change your bookmark or favourites listing to, http://www.nedistrict.org/montreal/.

The new address is shorter and hopefully easier to remember. If you go to an old address you will be sent to the new one.

Reprieve on Words, but How Deep is perfect for Monday, right?