Date: July 3, 2000 I hope you had another great long weekend!

The Bass Section continues to dominate! The Lead Section was nearly back to full strength. Rob Mance, our musical director par excellence and connoisseur of fine sections did not have to crown a best section. It seemed to be clear which Section is doing best.

The members of the Bass Section concur. Members of the other Section's are still holding their collective breaths to see if this phenomenon will last for the month of July, or if the leads will try to stake a claim on this prestigious designation. The Tenor Section claims a foul since they sparkle in all the right places and with reduced numbers they plan to be note perfect all the time. The Baritone Section seemed to hit a bump last week, but we know they will be back this week.

Michael Frolich (who had his tonsils removed two weeks ago on Monday) not only attended rehearsal, but put in his application for membership.

Will there be some new songs to learn, with learning tapes by Chris Arnold? Stay tuned.

Here is some information regarding our singout on July 15 in Drummondville. The Address:

We will be singing for 1/2 hour at approximately 2.00pm and the Practice hall is available from 10.00 am to 12.00. There are restaurants in the village for lunch or you can bring your own. Don't forget that wives or girlfriends are more than welcome and will be admitted free. You may also bring friends along but there is a village entrance fee for them. Alan Kenley provided maps and info on the village at last Monday's practice. Make sure you have it!

Have you invited a guest this week? You know that summer is an ideal time to invite someone that you know loves to sing and is able to carry a tune. We are one of the few singing organizations that does not quit for the summer. Invite people from your church choir, or other choirs that are on summer hiatus. They may like what they hear and want to stay, or perhaps they may want to join us for our Christmas sing outs. Remember that membership starts with ME.

Chocolate Bar anyone? Let's have your ideas! Jerry Silverberg has proposed a Chocolate Bar sale and there seems to be considerable support. More news on Monday?

Since the show didn't quite bring in as much as we budgeted, we need to have some successful fundraisers. Obviously singing is an ideal way to raise money. If you know of a group that is looking for some excellent entertainment at a reasonable price, refer them to Alan Kenley at 514-341-7171.

In addition to the sing-outs we will have between now and December 31, 2000, we need to have some other fund raisers. If you have a suggestion, call me (514-993-4673) or send me an email (imphillips@sprint.ca). All suggestions will be considered.

Have you registered for Harmony Pilgrimage? It will be taking place at Westfield College, Westfield, MA on August 11-13, 2000. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our hobby. Some excellent coaches will be there and will share their expertise with the attendees, who come from around the Northeast. Quartets can receive coaching as well.

This year, the guest quartet is Revival, 1998 International Champions. On Friday evening, the members of Revival will be telling how to be a great tenor, lead, baritone or bass. Rob Mance will be teaching Tag Singing, and you can learn Vocal Techniques.

Saturday there is quartet coaching and classes on How to Balance Chords, Beginning Directing, Sight Singing, Basic Choreography, Emceeing (with Mike Maino), Vocal Techniques and more. Ask Steve Wheaton or Murray Phillips for more information, or go to http://www.nedistrict.org/schools/hp/.

Pay-as-you-go-Joe. Get a jump on next years Annual Dues. Don't forget the easiest way to pay is in small instalments. The $14 Monthly payment hardly hurts. (Nor does the $42.00 quarterly payment.) All cheques are payable to "Island City Chorus." This is encouraged for all members of the Chapter. If you pay $14.00 at the first rehearsal every month, you save a couple of dollars, but you also make the payment process painless. Start NOW. Post-dated cheques can be given to Ray Watkins, Chapter Treasurer. Cheques should be payable to Island City Chorus.

Actual Newspaper Headlines (Part I)

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

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