Date: July 17, 2000 Welcome Erin Howden!

Baritones are #1? The chorus was so evenly matched last week that it took three people to decide that the baritones won the week, as the section doing the best. Even the Basses have to admit they made a big improvement. We reserve the right to reclaim the title, perhaps as soon as this week.

Special Start Time - 6:30 PM This week we will be working with Erin Howden to improve our visual impact. Don't forget the 6:30 pm, starting time. This will allow Erin to get home in the same day, and for us to finish a little early, and still put in a full rehearsal.

Same songs again? Yes. Have you noticed that each week we get the level of performance up another notch? As we succeed in doing that we are actually making it easier to learn something new, and get it up to our "new" level that much quicker. And we will be learning something new very soon. It is difficult to introduce new material when there are lots of people away. August promises to be a fun month, polishing the current and learning something new. Have patience and have FUN!

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.) 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. All cheques should be payable to Island City Chorus.

All members who have just paid dues for June 30, 2000 should start to pay $14 per month NOW. This helps us with our current cash flow problems, and makes the bite less painful.

Do you have your chocolate bars? John Clendinneng is the man in charge of Chocolate Bar sales. Part of the profit goes to your account to pay for retreats and other expenses. They are good, too!

Do you have any fundraising ideas? 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.

Do you know singers from other groups? 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 do 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, providing they pass the audition. Remember that membership starts with ME.

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/.

Vocal Majority wins 9^th Gold with hard work. Editor's notes: This is an excerpt from a posting to the H@rmonet in which the author, a member of SAI's Rich Tone Chorus describes her experience at International. Her comments regarding the VM work ethic are appropriate to our own situation. With hard work us "average" members can make big improvements and contribute to a glorious sound and visual effect. Enjoy.

The chorus competition was a major event for me. I loved the Big Chicken's humorous take on things (that Jericho bit was hysterical - you rock!). I had heard and read so much about New Tradition's package that I couldn't wait to see it in person. I was not disappointed. They were truly amazing to behold. The balance of the competition was awesome as well and I truly enjoyed my experience.

But then there's the Vocal Majority. What's there to say about this chorus that hasn't already been said. Since I live in Dallas, I am truly spoiled by having these guys in my backyard, so to speak. However, getting to see history in the making was an event beyond compare. 9 gold medals - unbelievable. They do what they do so well it's effortless.

I know the hours of rehearsal they worked during the months of April, May and June - 2-3 nights a week, a lot of Saturdays and doing performances after those all day Saturday rehearsals. It all paid off in a very special way for them. !! Most of the guys I know are the behind the scenes guys. They all work hard and are somewhat amazed at their success. They, the "average" chorus members, are truly the epitome of champions.

Yes, they have a truly awesome director and music team, but it's the rest of the "team" that makes the chorus work as a whole. They gave it all they had and they were well rewarded for their efforts. Congratulations, guys! You did it again!

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

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