Date: February 5, 2001

Jim Henry was awesome. Just in case you missed Saturday's Great Northern Harmony School, it was excellent. Congratulations to Steve and Addie Wheaton for the fine organization. We know a few things to do a little differently for next year, and we know that this is a great location for the school.

During the chorus coaching session in the morning, we were on the receiving end of a wealth of knowledge. Dr. Jim Henry got us singing like one voice per section, and the results were amazing. It was disappointing that some people left so quickly that we didn't get a chance to show off what we had learned at the 1:00 PM general session.

If you missed the Saturday sessions, ask someone who was there to bring you up to speed, so we can all go forward together. The major point is learning to match your sound to those around you

The comments I heard form other participants tell me that the other sessions went very well, and our highly talented faculty did a great job.

David Wright is here tonight! After enjoying the opportunity to be coached by Jim Henry on Saturday, we have another great shot tonight.

David Wright is the Director of the Ambassadors of Harmony, a world-renowned barbershop arranger, historian, Music Judge and the husband of Sandi. All of which places him in a position to help us grow another step toward singing "A's."

To make sure we are ready to take advantage of David's expertise, let us all be sure to memorise and practice "I'll Never Walk Alone." so that NO paper is required.

Last Chance! Have you got a tie you wouldn't wear on a bet? If your "collection" is anything like mine, you can help John Hatfield help a lady at his church. She is looking for ties that are not being used anymore for a craft project. Bring in a tie tonight, and John will get them to the lady.

You want a CD or tape? When Andrew Wheaton asks you that question, you can tell him either or both, but tell him something, since Andrew is our Learning Assistance Device person. This LAD is doing a great job, so encourage him by co-operating, and placing your order. Do you want fries with that?

Andrew will make sure that you have what you need to learn our new songs. Please let him know if you have any special requirements, such as a mono tape player.

Pay-as-you-go Joe - The total dues for a regular member of the Greater Montreal Chapter are $180.00 per year. We pay our dues either once a year for the coming year on our renewal date, or we can use the Pay-as-you-go-Joe system. All members who have paid their December 31 dues (in full) can then start to pay $15 per month for 2001. This helps us with our current cash flow problems, and makes the bite less painful. The $15 Monthly payment hardly hurts. (Nor does the $45.00 quarterly payment, if you prefer that.) This is encouraged for all members of the Chapter. Even if your renewal is at the end of March, June or September, you can still take advantage of the system. You can catch up by paying $15.00 for each of the months you have missed.

If you pay $15.00 at the first rehearsal every month, you make the payment process painless. Start NOW.

Post-dated cheques payable to Island City Chorus can be given to Ray Watkins, Chapter Treasurer.

"Have I got a great idea!" Please talk to Jerry Silverberg about any other fund raising ideas you may have. He is willing to consider just about anything that you would like to do (that isn't illegal!)

It would be a wonderful idea for us to have enough fundraisers that we have something that everyone likes to do. That way there would be no nagging from the front each week. That isn't fun for anybody.

We are entertainers. The Chapter is always in need of funds, and good fund raising ideas. 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.

"Share the Dream!" It's as easy as 1-2-3. Are you having fun each week? Don't you want to share the fun with others? If not, speak to someone about what would make our rehearsals and chapter meetings more fun! Did you take the time to ask someone to come and try our form of music during the holidays? You know people who would have a great time singing with us. Ask them. The worst thing that can happen is they will say, "No." Then you can ask them again another time. We want to encourage people who can sing, to come and enjoy the fun we have every week.

Remember what got you into singing barbershop? In most cases it was because a friend, neighbour, co-worker, family member etc. asked you to come out once. After that first encounter, you were probably hooked. We are at a stage where we want to attract good singers to add to the great sound we are producing. Take the time to ask a friend to come and share our hobby. They will need to be motivated and able to sing, obviously, but the rewards are many and fun. Sharing is a good thing, so let's do it. It's as Easy as 1-2-3.

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

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