ISLAND CITY CHORUS

GREATER MONTREAL CHAPTER

SPEBSQSA Inc.

The Little Chorus that could!

MINI PITCH

Date: October 14, 2002

Mike Harkness lost his battle with acute leukaemia on Tuesday, October 8, 2002, surrounded by his family. His illness and subsequent death served to reunite the family, and he would be pleased with that.

The suddenness of Mike's passing is a reminder that we don't have much control on our stay here on earth. Jerry Silverberg was in the same hospital attending his daughter who was expecting a child, and didn't get to see Mike because it was late. Key of Eh? had spoken with Mike on Sunday, and were going to sing for him and the nurses on Tuesday at lunch time, but it wasn't to be.

It is difficult to believe that a friendship that was developed over a few short years could be so meaningful and so strong. Mike left an indelible imprint on the Chapter, the chorus and all its members.

We were fortunate, as a chorus, to have the opportunity to share in the service of celebration of Michel's life, singing three songs he really enjoyed, and had requested. The turnout was extremely good and the singing was really from the heart.

A collection will be taken to put Michael's name on the "Keep the Melody Ringing Memorial," at Society Headquarters in Kenosha. This is a fitting tribute to a man who brought his joy of music to share with each of us every week, because, "Mikey liked it."

Rudi Flaig is going for daily radiation treatments. They leave him very tired, but Rudi appreciates the phone calls he has received, and I am sure he appreciates the kind thoughts and the prayers as well.

Steve Wheaton lost his grandmother last Monday. It was a hard week for Steve, since his is in Florida on a training course for his new job, and was unable to be here for the funerals of his grandmother or that of his good friend, Mike.

We have to learn Old Black Magic and Witchcraft for the November 2 Show.

I don't think there is a reason why we can't do it. The learning CD is easy to follow, and Rob will help anyone who asks, as will any of the Section Leaders or their assistants.

The same is true for the other songs we are learning. The CDs produced by Rob and Morgan are also excellent, and are all we need to get off the paper and into performance mode quickly.

Let's get off the paper this week. It can be done. Listen, learn, sing along and learn some more, sing against the other three parts and there you have it!

November 2, 2002 is the date; we will be performing in the Salvation Army Citadel, on Drummond Street and we have the tickets. Get yours from John Clendenning. All seats will be General Admission and will cost $20 CDN ($13 US). We will only have 300 tickets for sale! The others will be Sweet Ads, and pre-ordered.

The afterglow will be at Indianas American Diner & Bar, 2001 University Street, Montréal, QC H3A 2A6. It is within walking distance (about 6 blocks) from the Citadel. The cost will be $12.00 and will include a meal. Drinks will be priced reasonably.

We parking will be available in the Alcan Building (connected to the Salvation Army Citadel) at $6.00.

We are also preparing a program, so get in touch with your advertisers and get an order. This project will help both our choruses musically and financially.

Chocolate Bars or Chocolate Covered Almonds are here to be picked up and sold. People really enjoy the Hershey's quality, so they are easy to sell.

The Cheese Sale for Christmas has started. If your company gives Christmas presents, the cheese boxes are a great gift. Pick up an order form and catalogue.

A percentage of ALL the sales you make will be accumulated in your account and can be applied to the Fall Forward, costumes, etc.

As we approach our District Convention, we will be asking for the assistance of NED members and Ontario District Chapters as well, especially Ottawa, Napean, Cornwall and others close to Montreal.

The first area of concern is the requirement for 25 chorus hosts (or hostesses.) We already have a group of volunteers, and Jerry Silverberg is Chairman of Competitor Services. He is working with Alan Kenley, Manpower Procurement, Addie Tauchner-Wheaton, Ladies Hospitality and Murray Phillips, Co-Chairman to fill out the list in time for the hosts and hostesses to meet with the Chorus Managers during the FAM Trip, which will take place November 15 and 16. At the same time we are collecting the names and preferences of as many other volunteers as possible.

A total of about 400 volunteer days are required.

Registrants (before January 1, 2003) will pay $100.00 US. Use the web link to register.

http://www.spebsqsa.org/montreal/registration.htm

Here is our current and future repertoire list: Songs in bold are to be learned or re-learned.

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

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