Date: February 25, 2002

The news that we had qualified for the semi-finals of the CBC Choral Competition 2002, came as a pleasant shock last Monday. We knew we had sung well that evening, but to know that a jury had found the quality high enough to get us into the semi-finals was flattering.

Anyone who has walked into our rehearsal hall as the chorus is singing has to be impressed with the quality of sound they hear. When we really get into a song, we are a pretty awesome group.

As semi-finalists, our music will be played on CBC Radio Two. We could also win one of the prizes!

FIRST PRIZES: $3,000 PER CATEGORY

SECOND PRIZES: $2,000 PER CATEGORY

GRAND PRIZE: $5,000 and a special broadcast by CBC Radio Two and La Chaine culturelle de Radio-Canada. The CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS HEALEY WILLAN GRAND PRIZE will be awarded to the choir which gives the most convincing performance in musicianship, technique and program. We are in the CULTURAL TRADITIONS: Open to all choirs who perform music within specific cultural traditions including Jazz, Gospel, Ethnic and Barbershop choruses.

[From the H@rmonet. By George Gorsuch, lead of Rhapsody. 02/15/02]

We frequently discuss the merits of being a chorus member vs. a quartetter and many have weighed in on the subject. Based on my experience each February 14th since I joined this wonderful hobby, I have one more reason why you should get yourself into a quartet.

How much joy did you experience yesterday? Gave a rose and a card to your sweetie? A dozen roses? Dinner? Jewelry? All of the above?

That's really nice. He/She was probably greatly touched by your genuine gift.

What did you give yourself? WHAT!? You gave yourself nothing? WELL!

I spent the day with three of my best friends delivering love to people all over Idaho's Treasure Valley. The more I gave each of those valentine recipients, the more love I got right back. In the balance sheet of the day, I ended up WAY AHEAD. Yeah my feet were tired, my voice was a bit tired and all that, but my heart was just bursting with love.

We sang to a party at an assisted living facility and what a special group of people. We finished by singing that wonderful Irving Berlin tune, Always. You could see the misty eyes, the lyrics mouthed along as we sang by people spending the last few years of thier lives with that special loved one. For those who had recently lost that life-long partner, the song's meaning went even deeper.

The misty eyes were not sadness, but profound love and gratitude for the great fortune of having found a life of love and happiness. The song was far more than our delivery of it because of the memories and emotions it evoked. The moment was way beyond my ability to relate it in words.

So how often does that happen to you in your lives. Well it's happened a few times for me as a soloist, but it has happened many times for me in my quartet.

Get yourself in a quartet, sing for people whenever you have a legitimate opportunity and get working on that emotional balance sheet. You'll give, but WOW! you'll get it back and more.

Jerry Silverberg has obtained some fine Hershey's ™ Chocolates for us to sell. They are a fine addition to our sweet sound. You co-operation in selling the chocolate covered almonds, or chocolate bars will also make the chapter a little more financially sound.

It will also help your "participation account," since 5% of the selling price is credited toward your account and you can apply it to those activities requiring an additional financial commitment.

The Island City Chorus will be singing in ARCIM's special category for the second time.

We will be singing:

• Orange Colored Sky
• You'll Never Walk Alone
• How Deep Is The Ocean?
• Sixteen Tons
• Steppin' Out

We will be singing on either Friday or Saturday, April 12 or 13, 2002 and on Sunday, April 14, 2002. The time and location will be confirmed later, but mark the dates on your calendar.

We are learning Roses of Picardy. It will be a great one.

Rob will provide the March schedule soon!.

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