By: Tom Woodall

A LONG TIME AGO
“Under The Big Top” was the theme of the 1974 Show.  John Ebinger was a young EIU Botany Professor at the time and he actually sang a solo (with chorus back up)…”Don’t Go in the Lion’s Gage Tonight”.  At his 80th birthday party on June 1st, two other old CCC singers joined in his celebration.  Ebinger, Woodall and Bryden have an age total of 245 years.  John was not quick to give compliments.  Even a very good performance in the class room or on the stage would often meet with a “C+”.  His birthday cake reveals his conservative nature.  About 100 friends and family enjoyed the day at Morton Park in Charleston.

THE PERFECT GIFT
What would be the perfect gift for someone recovery from a fractured femur?   Of course….a CUBS container of popcorn.  Marge Woodall is recovering well from the surgery (June 6) related to bicycle riding accident.  At home and doing exercises and a good bit of walking…with a walker, her reward is in this container.  Of course some other family members manage to swipe some of the goodies at times.  Thanks for the prayers, notes and phone calls.  One week from today, she hopes to be getting on a plane and flying to Florida to view the wedding of her grandson.

LAST NIGHT
Though Otis, Floyd, Gomer and Opie roamed the risers last night with 22 other guys, the town of Mayberry was left without law enforcement.  Deputy Fife (Ken Hull) was in St. Louis, recovering from surgery and he called to report things went well and he will be back in town some time today.  Sheriff Andy Taylor (Eric Brucker) was also out of state.  We thought he was taking a prisoner to Georgia, but it turns out he was working at his other job.. Seed Corn Breeder…and it was hot and humid.  Next Tuesday, he should be back and lounging around Floyd’s barbershop.  Patron donations for the show are well over $5,000 and there are plenty of seats left for the Show and Afterglow.

Sheriff Andy Taylor aka Eric Brucker

Jim Roll received his 15 year membership card last night.  A former BOTY and President, he is currently our interim President and baritone in the Coles County Connection Quartet.    It was a good day for the CCC when Jim decided to join us.  The Brocton resident does many things well and he even pulled some music out of a tired CCC at the end of our meeting.”Keep the Whole World Singing”.

Jim Roll received his 15-year membership card at Tuesday’s rehearsal.

UP COMING DATES

June 13  Thursday  WOODSHED LUNCH  11:30 AM to 1:00 PM  Call Ron Leathers 345-5814 to reserve a meal.

June 20   Thursday   48 hours Pre-Show
10 AM to ?           Set Stage at CHS  Brad Smith is the Boss
6:30 to 9:30 PM  Final Show Rehearsal at CHS

June 22   Saturday  4:00 PM    44th ANNUAL SUMMER SHOW    CHARLESTON HIGH SCHOOL
Theme:  “Music in Mayberry”
Forefront (International Finalist Quartet will be featured)
6:15 PM  Afterglow Dinner and Program at EIU

August 10  Saturday   HOOTENANNY with the Belleville Chorus (Picnic, Golf, Singing, Fishing) in Vandalia.   Details to Follow…circle your calendars now.  Denny                               Thomas has agreed to provide a great BBQ dinner and Ron Leathers is working with our Belleville friends to make plans for a great day.

August 24 Saturday   7 PM THREE DISTRICT CHORUS PERFORMANCE at Illinois State University, Normal, IL   Bloomington Chorus hosts & sings with
CSD and LOL District Choruses.  $15 at the door   Visitor Parking Map <http://maps.illinoisstate.edu/?s=visitorSouthUniversityGarage>

September 9  Monday  6:30 PM  Quarterly Board Meeting   Site to be announced

December 8  Sunday  Annual Christmas Benefit Concerts  (3 PM  Wesley Methodist-Charleston) (7 PM 1st Presbyterian – Mattoon)

According to Jeff Foxworthy, you’re not a kid anymore when:

You can live without sex but not without your glasses.
You quit trying to hold in your stomach, no matter who walks into the room.
You enjoy watching the news.
The phone rings and you hope it’s not for you.
The only reason you’re still awake at 4 am is indigestion.
People ask what color your hair USED to be.
You’re proud of your lawnmower.
Your best friend is dating someone half their age AND isn’t breaking any laws.
You start singing along with the elevator music.
You really do want a new car for your birthday.
Your car has four doors.
You routinely check the oil in your car

By: Tom Woodall

SIGN UP…..
As he has done for many years, Les Heath has planned and positioned (June 1st) our outdoor show sign at the corner of Rt. 130 and Lincoln Ave (in front of Charleston High School.)  Hundreds of people drive by every day.  Thanks Les for another great job.

THIS AND THAT
Dave and Karen Clausing will see their daughter (Cathy) married on Friday, June 7th in Bloomington.  Her husband to be will be stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY for the next few years.  She has completed her BS degree (Illinois State) and is now looking at Graduate School.  During his high school years, Mike Bell was involved in music…and several other things.  Learning that he is singing with the CCC and a quartet, his former high school music teacher (from many years ago) has contacted our ticket chairman….she IS coming to the Show.

Two featured characters for our “Music in Mayberry” Show are Sheriff Andy Taylor (Eric Brucker) and Deputy Barney Fife (Ken Hull). Unfortunately, both will miss our rehearsal next week for they have out-of-state commitments.  Eric has business in South Carolina and Ken will have surgery in St. Louis. We pray for safe travel and successful outcomes to their ventures.  One CCC member will have his 48th birthday on June 8th.  Now a 36 year Society member, Tim Woodall started singing with CCC at age 12.

PLAN AHEAD….
Jim Roll reports that we already have the Dvorak Concert Hall, the Student Union Bldg for Afterglow and most important, a great quartet for next summer.  Saturday, June 7, 2014, our guest quartet will be Premium Blend (from in and around Kansas City).  They’ll make some noise (music) in Toronto in four weeks.

The personnel have all been in previous international qualifiers and this foursome may be the best of the lot.  We wish them well.

Premium Blend Quartet

While planning ahead, you might like to know that we already have the Boys Clinician for our October 21st Youth in Harmony Festival.  He is a long time friend of the CCC, a long time Presentation Judge and tag teacher “Supreme”.  Jim Bagby also sang in the 1986 International Championship Quartet..The Rural Route Four   Jim is from Kansas City.  Here he appears in his favorite “crushed velvet overalls”.   The Prairie Blend Quartet (Champaign) will assist in teaching and performing that day.

Jim Bagby

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
Jim Stewart joined the CCC a couple of years ago and almost immediately found himself singing in quartets that sang on shows and in some contests.  Jim also belongs to the 1st Baptist Church in Charleston and sings with the First Baptist Four (Derek Gilbert, Larry Cooper and Tom Woodall)  Son, Kelley, is an out going and sharp nine year old who loves music.  He has agreed to perform at a church Talent Night on June 14th.  He, and three “older” guys will lip-synch “Just A Little Talk With Jesus”.  If you know the song, you’ll know that the bass has a lot of interesting pick up notes.  Guess who will get to mime that bass singer?

LAST NIGHT
Not all 30 Mayberry residents made it for the photo op last night, but those who did seemed to enjoy themselves.  You’ll note several key “characters”.

Back row – center is Gomer (Jim Roll). In front, from left to right…. Barney (Ken Hull), Otis (Doug Finkbiner), Opie (Andrew Sullender), Sheriff Taylor (Eric Brucker), Hair Cut Customer (Jim Stewart) and Floyd the Barber (Chuck Heinz).

With 18 days until the Show, our Patron total is $4,825 and the hall is about 25% sold out.  The chorus is having fun with Rural Rhythm, 16 Tons, Are You From Dixie, a Country Medley, Carolina in the Morning and others.  A chapter ensemble and four chapter quartets are working hard and The Dullards (Bluegrass Band) with fiddle, banjo, string bass and guitar are sounding pretty legit.  Don’t miss this show.

UP COMING DATES

June 3   Monday   6:30 PM    Board Meeting at the Alamo Restaurant in Mattoon

June 4  Tuesday  7:00 PM  Critical Rehearsal and Show Photo Op

June 20   Thursday   48 hours Pre-Show
10 AM to ?          Set Stage at CHS  Brad Smith is the Boss
6:30 to 9:30 PM Final Show Rehearsal at CHS

June 22   Saturday  4:00 PM    44th ANNUAL SUMMER SHOW    CHARLESTON HIGH SCHOOL
Theme:  “Music in Mayberry”
Forefront (International Finalist Quartet will be featured)
6:15 PM  Afterglow Dinner and Program at EIU

July 2 – 6    International Convention and Contest in Toronto Canada…at least five CCC members will attend.

August 10  Saturday   HOOTENANNY with the Belleville Chorus (Picnic, Golf, Singing, Fishing) in Vandalia.   Details to Follow…circle your calendars now.  Denny Thomas has agreed to provide a great BBQ dinner and Ron Leathers is working with our Belleville friends to make plans for a great day.

September 9  Monday  6:30 PM  Quarterly Board Meeting   Site to be announced

Sept. 27 – 28  Friday/Saturday   Illinois District Convention..Quartet and Contest

October 21  Monday  All Day (9 AM – 8 PM)  10th Annual Youth in Harmony Festival (250 HS singers) at EIU

December 8  Sunday  Annual Christmas Benefit Concerts  (3 PM  Wesley Methodist-Charleston) (7 PM 1st Presbyterian – Mattoon)

MOST THINK OF “DOG DAYS” AS  THE LONG HOT HUMID SUMMER TIME WHEN IT NEVER RAINS.

This little guy says…”Have you started on the Christmas music yet?”

Forefront: 2012 International 7th Place Quartet

Join us for our 2013 show, Music in Mayberry, Saturday, June 22 at the Charleston High School Auditorium.  Enjoy a selection of songs that recall a time and place where life moved more slowly, family came first, and there was always an apple pie cooling on the sill.

Special guests:  Forefront (at right), the 2010 Cardinal District Champions and International Quartet Finalists at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s 2011 and 2012 International Conventions. These young men have placed among the top ten quartets in the world at the last two international quartet competitions, and we expect to see them there again this year.

Nothing could be finer than a show ’bout Carolina!

Plus: Coles County quartets Highway 16 Four, Coles County Connection, Sentimental Journey, and RingTime.

The 4:00 PM show at Charleston High School is followed by a 6:30 PM dinner and afterglow at the Eastern Illinois University Student Union. Click here to buy tickets online, or you may purchase them from any Coles County Chorus member.

Afterglow tickets are $16 and must be purchased separately.  Click here to buy tickets online for the Afterglow Dinner.

Note:  Show and Afterglow tickets purchased through our website will be available at the Will Call table at Charleston High School on the day of the show.  You may wish to keep the receipt that will be emailed to you as confirmation of your purchase.

By  Tom Woodall

YOU’D HAVE HAD TO HAVE BEEN THERE…..
If you attended the Opening Ceremonies at the Boys State High School Track Meet (EIU O’Brien Field), you’ll know what I’m talking about.  If you didn’t, there is no way to describe the fantastic National Anthem sung by the CHS Advanced Chamber Ensemble under the direction of Julian Sharp.  Most of them have attended at least one of our recent YIH Festivals.

CHS Advanced Chamber Ensemble

Singing outdoors to several thousands through a modest amplification system is not easy, but to get a “Standing Ovation: from a crowd….eager for the track meet to begin, was a testament to the wonderful presentation….and an arrangement that would make the BHS judges sit up and take notice.  It was a rainy morning, so they weren’t dressed like this, but they sounded like they were.”  Congrats and thanks.

JUST FIDDLIN’ AROUND
For a lot of reasons, Gaye Harrison is well known to many central Illinois folks.  Beyond being an extremely nice person, thousands know her as an excellent fiddle player in area country and folk music groups.  In recent years, she and her friends in “Motherlode” (Acoustic String Band) have performed in hundreds shows.  She’ll be in another one on June 22nd at the Charleston High School…the 44th Annual Coles County Barbershop Show….”Music in Mayberry”.  She’ll be playing with a couple of CCC members in a “one time only” bluegrass group… “The Dullards.”

Fiddler Gaye Harrison

LAST NIGHT
With return guest, Ethan Kruger, there were 29 singers, who in addition to experiencing an historic event, worked hard with show music.  Singers who will have speaking/acting parts in “Music in Mayberry”, began honing their presentations and “Patron” monies are now at $4,200.  We absolutely blew the opportunity to sing Happy Birthday to Jim Roll…sorry Jim…belated greetings.  His birthday was yesterday and yes, like many of us, he is a “qualified” senior citizen.

For the first time ever, the CCC had a “skype” singing interchange.  President James Tidwell, is now living in Gulfport, MS for the summer and  Dave Clausing handled the set up.

Skype Session with James Tidwell, now living in Gulfport, Mississippi

We took a rehearsal break to communicate with our friend, hundreds of miles away.  He was “peppered” with questions and he had his own clever remarks (as always).  It is hard to see, but he was wearing the CUBS cap we gave him before he left.

The room most favorable for reception was small, so we stood and sat around, excitedly listening and watching.

Of course, he wanted us to sing, so we obliged.  It was informal, but he said he enjoyed it and so did Tim as he directed us through “Hello, Mary Lou” and “Carolina in the Morning.”

Tim Woodall directs during a Skype Session with James Tidwell

Les Heath has done so many great things for the CCC….and most of them have been continuous efforts over the years.   He has handled show tickets, arranged Singing Valentines, spent hours with our “Scrolling Marque”, sung in quartets, been a Board Member at Large and was selected BOTY a couple of years ago.  Last night, after receiving his 14 year membership card, he was selected to show another of his skills, directing the chorus in “Keep the Whole World Singing.”  Check out the enthusiasm.

Les Heath Directs “Keep The Whole World Singing”

UP COMING DATES

June 3   Monday   6:30 PM    Board Meeting at the Alamo Restaurant in Mattoon

June 4  Tuesday  7:00 PM  Critical Rehearsal and Show Photo Op

June 20   Thursday   48 hours Pre-Show
10 AM to ?          Set Stage at CHS  Brad Smith is the Boss
6:30 to 9:30 PM Final Show Rehearsal at CHS

June 22   Saturday  4:00 PM    44th ANNUAL SUMMER SHOW    CHARLESTON HIGH SCHOOL
Theme:  “Music in Mayberry”
Forefront (International Finalist Quartet will be featured)
6:15 PM  Afterglow Dinner and Program at EIU

July 2 – 6    International Convention and Contest in Toronto Canada.

August 10  Saturday   HOOTENANNY with the Belleville Chorus (Picnic, Golf, Singing, Fishing) in Vandalia.   Details to Follow…circle your calendars now.  Denny Thomas has agreed to provide a great BBQ dinner and Ron Leathers is working with our Belleville friends to make plans for a great day.

TECHNOLOGICALLY CHALLENGED………. IS WHAT THEY CALL IT

Many “older” folks are having trouble keeping up with all the electronic gadgetry that seems to be taking over in our society.  Some Coles County members just don’t care for computers, blogging, texting, face book, tweeting etc.  but one of our senior members has developed a new cell phone that seems to please most of our older members.   If you would like to buy stock in his new invention, just contact: Dr. Ewen “Lefty” Bryden.  He’ll be glad to visit with you.

By Tom Woodall

A HALF CENTURY AGO

May 22, 2013

May 22, 1960

On May 22, 1960   Tom and Marge Woodall were married in an outdoor ceremony at her farm home in Milledgeville, Ilinois.  Their very first date was attending a barbershop show in Princeton, Illinois.  Those ears have heard lots of chords in the past 53 years and Marge has been supportive of every barbershop venture (sewing vests, making caveman costumes, singing tenor at quartet practice when needed, baking cakes, cookies for events, singing with wives, playing piano at Benefit Concerts etc etc.).

They’ve attended 37 International Conventions, climbed mountains in Colorado, whitewater rafting in Pennsylvania and run the Peachtree 10K in Atlanta.  With 1.5 dozen grandchildren, they have been blessed and they know it.  But is was music that provided the beginning.  The cake photo reveals some “aging” in the male partner…years of barbershopping must bring on the gray hair…and the smile.

PULLING STRINGS

Stierwalt

One month from today, the CCC will perform “Music in Mayberry”…our 44th Annual Summer Show.   It is anticipated that we’ll have a bluegrass band….CCC members will be involved.  But since a five sting banjo player is a bluegrass necessity, we’ve recruited Randall Stierwalt, who lives just west of Toledo (IL).

He plays several stringed instruments (dobro, mandolin, guitar, but his favorite is the five string banjo.  He has lived and worked in this area for a long time and actually started working for American Brass in 1973, which then became Anaconda (Mattoon).  It is now called Anamet Electrical and this Friday, will be his last day at the plant….a 40 year career has ended.  But the music, his farming and horses will keep him busy.  Here he shows his dobro guitar and a couple of his favorite five stringers.

LAST NIGHT
For the math majors we had 3 x 3 x 3 members on the risers last night.  Jared Schaefer picked up his two year membership card, and a thank-you note (from Shelbyville HS Vocal Music Program) was read, acknowledging our $200 donation to their program.  The Patron contributions stand at $3,540 and anniversary cake was eaten at the break.

Left to Right: Brad Smith, Chuck Heinz, Randy Turner, and third time guest Paul Rilett

To demonstrate is ability, Paul Rilett (third time guest) sang in a foursome of Brad Smith, Chuck Heinz, and Randy Turner.   Paul sings bari and his presence in the foursome brought the average age down from the low 60’s to the low 50’s.  He has height, hair, youth and he sings well.   He turned in his application and will be an official member next week…and will sing on the Show.

THIS AND THAT

A five member CCC Show Team spent two hours at Charleston High School on Monday, planning in the auditorium where the show will be held.  Brad Smith is already planning a Barbershop and a Jail scene for the Mayberry Show.  Guess who’ll end up there?

Loretta Ballard (long time wife of former CCC singer…Bob Ballard) passed away recently.  Several CCC men attended the visitation last night.  Larry Lappin, (former CCC singer from Effingham) will be the soloist at the services this afternoon.

Jim Stewart is a relatively new CCC singer, though he has already sung in a couple of contests and shows. Because he encouraged Paul Rilett to join us, he got to direct “Keep the Whole Singing” at the end of our meeting. Do you think he is enjoying himself?

Andrew Sullender, our most youthful member at age 14, will be Opie in our Mayberry Show.  He has also been tabbed to play the role of Marcellus in the Music Man production (Urbana) in late July.  Many of us saw him play “The Lion” in the Tuscola HS presentation of “The Wizard of Oz”.

James Tidwell is settled into his Gulfport, Misssissippi home for the summer.  We plan to “skype” part of our rehearsal with him next Tuesday night.


UP COMING DATES

May 23  Thursday   11:30 AM to 1:00 PM  WOODSHED LUNCH
Call Ron Leathers 345-5814 to reserve your meal.

May 28  Tuesday   7:00 PM  A much needed rehearsal and the possibility of two (2) great quartets from Charleston HS visiting and performing for us.

June 3   Monday   6:30 PM    Board Meeting at the Alamo Restaurant in Mattoon

June 20   Thursday   48 hours Pre-Show
10 AM to ?          Set Stage at CHS  Brad Smith is the Boss
6:30 to 9:30 PM Final Show Rehearsal at CHS

June 22   Saturday  4:00 PM    44th ANNUAL SUMMER SHOW    CHARLESTON HIGH SCHOOL
Theme:  “Music in Mayberry”
Forefront (International Finalist Quartet will be featured)
6:15 PM  Afterglow Dinner and Program at EIU

July 2 – 6    International Convention and Contest in Toronto Canada.

August 10  Saturday   HOOTENANNY with the Belleville Chorus (Picnic, Golf, Singing, Fishing) in Vandalia.   Details to Follow…circle your calendars now.  Denny Thomas has agreed to provide a great BBQ dinner and Ron Leathers will be working with our Belleville friends to make plans for a great day.

WHAT TO WEAR?
The chorus is struggling to decide what members should wear for our “Music in Mayberry” Show on June 22nd.

It has been suggested (HA) that we purchase four different types of “Duck Dynasty” T – Shirts…. different shirt for members of each of the four sections.  This one appears has gotten a vote from at least one Bass section member.

Uncle Si and Randy Turner: Bring the bass, Jack!

By Tom Woodall

FLOWERS PROVIDE ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT
We’ve received two nice thank you notes from two of our 25 year members.  Recent floral gifts promoted the notes.   Joe Cochonour (now living in Texas) lost his 101 year old mother a week ago. He writes “Thank you very much for the beautiful plant you sent in memory of my mother.  She enjoyed attending CCC performances for many years.  Please keep the whole world singing:”

On May 10th, James and Muriel Tidwell arrived in Gulfport, Mississippi after a long 12 hour drive from Charleston.   The next day was their 22nd wedding anniversary and waiting for them was a flower display.  James had sung a love song to her at our 4 PM show on May, 11, 1991.  He writes,  “Please give the chorus our heartfelt thanks for the flowers. Muriel was really surprised. You guys are unbelievable!”

A KEEPER
If your membership number is less than 100,000, you’ve been a member for well over 50 years.  If your membership number is larger than 525,000, you’ve just joined within the last year.  But old or new, you’ll want to be sure to save the latest Harmonizer magazine which you should have received within the last few days.  Even if you’re not a history person, that 75th year publication with stories and pictures is worth having around…even non-barbershoppers will enjoy checking out some of the information.  Thanks to Grady Kerr (BHS Historian) and others who made this project so meaningful.

LAST NIGHT
Talk about diversity!  Last night, 28 men (including return guest Paul Rilett) spent 90 minutes on two new show songs.  It was quite a swing from “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” to “Sixteen Tons”.

A nice thank you letter was received from April Noel, the vocal music teacher at Kansas (Illinois) High School.  They attended our YIH Fest last October and was very appreciative of the $200 the CCC was able to donate to their music program.  Our Singing Valentines Program generate the money to make that gift possible.  Ten other area high school vocal music programs received similar checks.

Listening CD’s were made available for new show songs and it was reported that to date, we have collected $3,400 in Patron contributions.  That is a great start…..we are about half way to our goal.

Ron Leathers is working with our Belleville friends (who sang with us in our DSC - Down State Chorus presentation last month) in planning a  DSC Hootenanny on Saturday, August 10th in Vandalia.  Lots of items to consider: Golf, fishing, lots of singing and a great BBQ picnic meal by our own Denny Thomas.  The plan is that is will be open to the entire family.

It was great to have Phil Martin back with us after a few weeks of AWOL.  He brought his great pianistic skills with him and though he didn’t play any of the classics, as he easily could do, he did help in section work when new key changes were being learned.

Phil Martin

Gery Conlin is one of the shortest and smallest men in the chorus, and even though he qualifies as a  “Senior Citizen”,  pound for pound, he’d measure up to most any of our singers.   Last night, he directed “Keep the Whole World Singing” and his face shown as though he had just won the Lottery.  Standing in front of a good chorus, can make you want to take your shirt off and show the “goose bumps”.

UP COMING DATES

May 16  Thursday   7:00 PM   Charleston Choral Concert at Charleston High School Auditorium
Juliane Sharpe as a wonderful choral program and two quartets will sing in the barbershop style.

June 3   Monday   6:30 PM    Board Meeting at the Alamo Restaurant in Mattoon

June 20   Thursday  6:30 to 9:30 PM  Final Show Rehearsal at CHS

June 22   Saturday  4:00 PM    44th ANNUAL SUMMER SHOW    CHARLESTON HIGH SCHOOL
Theme:  “Music in Mayberry”
Forefront (International Finalist Quartet will be featured)
6:15 PM  Afterglow Dinner and Program at EIU

July 2 – 6    International Convention and Contest in Toronto Canada.

August 10  Saturday   HOOTENANNY with the Belleville Chorus (Picnic, Golf, Singing, Fishing) in Vandalia.   Details to Follow…circle your calendars now.  Denny Thomas has agreed to provide a great BBQ dinner and Ron Leathers will be working with our Belleville friends to make plans for a great day.

A GREAT OLD SONG…. “COME TO ME MY MELANCHOLY BABY”

By: Tom Woodall

THE SHOW
Most everyone knows that our Show is June 22nd.  But the real show took place last Saturday morning at 9:59 AM.  The long awaited Colin Joseph Kai Woodall arrived.  At 8 lbs 7 oz and 21 inches in length, Tim and Nichole look happy and thankful for the healthy new family addition, who has already got a spot reserved in our tenor section.

Tim and Nichole with newborn son Colin Joseph Kai Woodall

P.A.D.S (Public Action to Deliver Shelter)
Paul Rilett, Executive Director of PADS, recently sent this nice “thank you” note for our April 21st efforts to provide some funds for their agency.  They are sincere, hard working people who provide a tremendous service.  In the past, we’ve occasionally stopped to sing a song or two for them.  Perhaps we can do that again since they are less than two miles from our rehearsal site.

Paul Rilett, Executive Director of the Mattoon PADS, on left, accepts the check from Jim Stewart

BODY LANGUAGE

Some 30 years ago, the Champaign-Urbana chapter had one of the funniest quartets in the mid-west.  They called themselves the “Scholastics” and Jim Kraatz (who sang with CCC in recent years until he passed away three months ago ) sang in that quartet.  Though he rarely talked about his former quartets, and there were plenty of them, some of us “old timers” remember one of their funniest bits.  They sang (MOTHER) M is for the million things she gave me, O means that she’s only growing old, T…. etc etc.  They sang it ..nice harmonies, but the second time through, they began to spell out the letters M, O, T, H, E R with their bodies.

Thinking that none of three deceased members of the old Scholastics quartet would mind, in fact they probably are all laughing at how poorly it was performed, the First Baptist Four (Derek Gilbert, Jim Stewart, Larry Cooper and Tom Woodall) sang the song at the church Mother/Daughter Banquet on Monday night.

The “E” is always a challenge. In fact Larry and Tom just watched as Jim negotiated his position.

The “R” is almost as troubling but by raising the trail leg and having a flexible partner, the audience finally get it (especially if you repeat the phrase…as the Scholastics did “ R” means right etc)

The last line of the song says, “..the word that means the world TO ME. Here Derek and Jim form the “M”, while Larry and Tom form the “E”. The M is a lot easier than the E.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS PERFORMANCE LIVE, YOU CAN FIND IT AT:  http://youtu.be/huXSID5g3sQ

Thanks to the Scholastics (Harold Longworth, Jim Clark, Jim Kraatz and Jim Beck) for the enjoyment you provided for so many people over the years.

THE SHOW GOES ON
After asking “retroactive” permission from Celia Kraatz (concerning the above mentioned MOTHER performance) she sent this email.
What a great spirit and what a wonderful thing it is to have family, friends and music in our lives.

“My stepkids and grandkids are a constant source of help and support, as is my Sweet Adelines chorus.  Last weekend was our dinner show, and we were joined on the show by the Danville men’s chorus.  You may know that they have a new director, Jim Beebe, and are starting to come back from a long decline.  We sang the Lida Rose-Will I Ever Tell You duet from The Music Man with them.  I didn’t think I would be able to do it, because the last time I performed that song it was with a chorus with Jim in it.  We (the ladies) also sang Irish Blessing, and again, the last time I sang that song was in a quartet with Jim.  However, when the time came, it was fine.  There’s something about the joy of barbershop chords that stirs your heart in a way that lets you know that God has you in his care.  I LOVE it that you sang MOTHER at the banquet!!!  And I know that Jim would have loved it too.  The Scholastics legacy is too good to be allowed to fade away.”

OF INTEREST
Joe Cochonour sang with the CCC for nearly a quarter of a century before moving to Texas a few years ago.   He returned to Casey, IL a few days ago for the funeral of his 101 year old mother, Ruth Bryan Cochonour.  She had good health for the first 100 years and the 250 people (several barbershoppers) who attended the services, all learned of her humble and meaningful life.

Though Floyd Phillips has made several recent car trips to Florida, he is always available with good advice when it comes to solving problems with computer music program software.  Cell phones do have some value.

A new BHS procedure has Dave Clausing “hustling” so as to complete an Grant Application Form to help provide financial assistance for our upcoming YIH (Youth In Harmony) Festival next October.  The plan was less complicated in years gone by.

Looks like the Belleville and CCC guys are planning a joint outing in Vandalia (picnic, singing, golf, and perhaps a boat ride etc) for Saturday, August 10th.  Ron Leathers is the CCC Coordinator.

LAST NIGHT
Nearly 30 singers (including one guest) had a memorable evening together.  The guest was Paul Rilett (Executive Director of PADS..you saw his picture earlier, accepting the CCC donation to his “Homeless” shelter/support program.  He is also a very good and experienced singer (Concordia College Choir..Illinois).  He loves acappella music and vows to return next week.  It didn’t take much to talk him into some “tag” singing at the end of our meeting.

Paul is bracketed by Randy Turner, Ron “Halo Effect” Hawkins, Tim “Tag Teacher” Woodall, Jeff Bowyer and Derek Gilbert.

Three day old (80 hours) Colin Joseph Kai Woodall made an appearance at rehearsal, along with Nichole and the rest of Tim’s family.
Though it has been several years since Gary Nohren has sung with us, he started his barbershop singing with the Champaign-Urbana Chapter (Chorus and Quartets) and now has a 46 year membership card.  He was a long time mainstay in our chapter.  He has been a BOTY and in 1995, he became one of the five CCC men to earn the ABE (Award for Barbershop Excellence – Illinois).

Gary Nohren

We had a great 30 minute visit with James Tidwell, our current President, who has been battling medical issues for 8 or 9 months.

With wife Muriel, he will leave today to spend the summer in Gulfport, MS where they will live in a home they purchased about a year ago.  Some of our men hadn’t seen James for some time, but even though he has lost a significant amount of weight and that beautiful head of hair, he was greeted with “Hail, Hail, the Gang’s All Here” when he walked in the door.

Coles County “Prison” Contest Package

Of course, all sorts of stories were told.  We all had fun with our “prison” contest package a few years ago.  He stands in the center of the front row, wearing convict number 2009….he wore a special “Rod Blagojevich” black wig.  Before leaving our meeting last night, he was presented with a new baseball cap (CUBS).  It must have been a good omen for the CUBBIES beat…”you know who” last night.

Lack of hair is an issue with Ron Hawkins, who dons the “Blago” wig and poses with James in 2009

Dr. Tidwell (Head of EIU Journalism Dept) will complete his 24th year as a CCC member in October. He has been voted BOTY, President and even had the rare distinction of singing a love song to Muriel at our 4 PM show on May 11, 1991.  The Gas House Gang was also on that Show.   Two hours later he married her…they’ll celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary  this coming Saturday.  When they get settled, we plan to do some “skype” communication so he can advise us concerning our up coming Show.

UP COMING DATES

May 16  Thursday   7:00 PM   Charleston Choral Concert at Charleston High School Auditorium
Juliane Sharpe as a wonderful choral program and two quartets will sing in the barbershop style.

June 3   Monday   6:30 PM    Board Meeting at the Alamo Restaurant in Mattoon

June 20   Thursday  6:30 to 9:30 PM  Final Show Rehearsal at CHS

June 22   Saturday  4:00 PM    44th ANNUAL SUMMER SHOW    CHARLESTON HIGH SCHOOL
Theme:  “Music in Mayberry”
Forefront (International Finalist Quartet will be featured)
6:15 PM  Afterglow Dinner and Program at EIU

July 2 – 6    International Convention and Contest in Toronto Canada.

August 10  Saturday   Tentative Outing with the Belleville Chorus (Picnic, Golf, Singing etc) in Vandalia.   Details to Follow…circle your calendars now.  Denny Thomas has agreed to provide a great BBQ dinner and Ron Leathers will be working with our Belleville friends to make plans for a great day.

PIANISTS
The Coles County Chorus is indeed fortunate to have three very accomplished pianists in the family.  In alphabetical order, they arePhilip Martin, Floyd Phillips and Marge Woodall.  We know they can play most anything….extremely well, but it is doubtful they have yet played “Happy Birthday” for us.  If you like FUN, that melody and classical piano, check this out…..

Happy Birthday by Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms, Bach and Mozart

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1pLdvU

This picture summary describes some, but not all of the activities enjoyed by those who attended the Illinois District Spring Convention in Washington, Illinois (April 12-13, 2013).  Though others may enjoy, it is basically prepared for Coles County Chorus members, past members and other friends….including the great guys from the Belleville Chorus who supplied almost half of the singers for the combined DSC (Down State Chorus).     Tom Woodall

Thanks to  Marsha Bowyer, Derek Gilbert, Mike Isely and Craig Rigg for many of the photos.

Though behind the scenes planning/work had been going on for many months (thanks to Will Thorndike, Doug Drake, Jeff Bowyer, Wayne Wright, Derek Gilbert and many others) an interesting photo was taken on Friday morning, before things really got going.

All alone, Bruce Condill (CCC) sits in the front row, eagerly waiting for the 16 sets of choral risers to arrive and be unloaded. The judges table is ready and this is the view that competitors had as they sang into the beautiful auditorium.

Meanwhile, back at the Headquarters Hotel, Denny Thomas (seated) and Derek Gilbert (standing) are welcoming singers as they arrive at the Convention Registration tables. Derek, District Web Master/Marketing/Publicity man, also organized registration.

The hotel staff was fabulous and there was adequate housing for the convention and a rustic north woods atmosphere...

Other than behind the scenes meetings, one of the first visible events was the QUARTET CORNER. It was a designated spot in the hotel lobby and the first customers were a soon to be famous TV Quartet made up of members from the Bloomington and the Coles County choruses: Rich Hansen (Bloomington/Sound Opportunity), Brett Mulford (Bloomington/the Committee), Derek Gilbert (CCC/Ringtime) and Tim Woodall (CCC/Ringtime).

With a beautiful log cabin atmosphere in the lobby, the quartet was filmed by WMBD-TV Channel 31 (Peoria) as a Convention Promo. You can see and hear the quartet at this link.... http://www.illinoisdistrict.org/2013/04/illinois-district-in-the-news/

Nearly 30 years ago, Derek Gilbert worked at that station and he provided a great 40 second interview/convention preview.

Meanwhile, upstairs in the hotel, folks are looking at the great Illinois District Historic Display Boards. Bob Squires, the District Historian, and his committee have worked hard -- for many years -- to preserve some of the “golden oldie” moments.

Ron Hawkins (CCC VP for Membership) checks out one of 13 different three ring note books with photos and stories about each chapter in Illinois. In the background are photos of some of the great singers and district icons from the past.

Also on display was the coveted ABE Award (Award for Barbershop Excellence). It is said to be the highest honor an Illinois barbershopper can receive and though all winners are singers, there are many other criteria considered. For more than 50 years, it has annually been awarded to the man who is voted to be the outstanding barbershopper in Illinois for that year. The Coles County Chapter has had five men win the award over the years: Tom Woodall – 1971, Ron Leathers – 1978, Gary Nohren – 1995, Rich Hansen – 2009 and Tim Woodall – 2011.

QUARTET CORNER
Meanwhile, let’s head back to the Quartet Corner. It is estimated that more than 40 men sang in at least one quartet during that Friday afternoon informal session in the lobby. A guy just walked up and three guys grabbed him as asked “What shall we sing?” Here are some photos...maybe you’ll find yourself in one of them.

Quartet Corner quartet (L-R): Ron Hawkins, Dave Clausing, Hugo Feugen (Bloomington and Champaign-Urbana chapters), and Ken Hull.

Another Quartet Corner foursome.

CCC Program VP Bruce Condill (the tall one) anchors this group in the Quartet Corner.

Here is an interesting foursome (l to r) Jeff Bowyer (CCC and Illinois District President), Jim Roll (CCC Interim President), Dwayne Cooper (BHS Treasurer...just out of HS, he joined the Bloomington Chapter in 1977 and later moved to Austin, TX...has been President of the Southwestern District), Jim Stahly (stalwart Bloomington icon since 1957, District Quartet Champ with The Ideals and 2011 Music Man Award winner).

Everyone at the Convention was well aware of the recent passing of two favorite Illinois Barbershoppers... Russ Foris and Dickie Johnson. Russ has been retired and living in Arkansas for several years but was very active in many musical efforts at church and encouraging singing among retirees in his community. Dickie occasionally made it to conventions and was actually helping the District with his creative skills while hospitalized a week prior to his death. Some of their old friends wrote short notes and signed their names on the yellow pads which were mailed to Nancy Foris and Patti Johnson. Many pages were filled and there would have been more, if there had been a convenient method to distribute the pads.

During the FESTIVAL, the ABE Award was presented. Past ABE winners in the audience were invited to come up on the stage to witness the presentation to the next winner. Interestingly, Coles County had four previous winners on stage (Tom Woodall, fortunately is currently the winner with the longest standing tenure as an ABE. Winning in 1971, all the previous eleven winners are now deceased. Ron Leathers won in 1978, and Rich Hansen in 2009.

Tim Woodall won in 2011 and had the honor of presenting the award for 2012 to Dick Kingdon. Given all that he has accomplished (multiple District Quartet Champs, an International Champ and tag teacher of note) many were surprised that he had not already won the award. Instead of making an acceptance speech, he chose to teach a tag to the audience while former winners look on.

For many years, Marsha Bowyer has created a glass piece to be raffled off at the Spring Convention. The proceeds go towards the IDAH program and this year, she had a beautiful “diamond” shaped structure in the center to commemorate our 75th year. The result was $610 for IDAH and an appreciative winner..John Fourmont. He is from Aurora, but sings with several chapters in the area. Marsha and John pose at the presentation.

THIRTY MINUTES OF B FLAT SINGING
After 30 minutes (8:30 to 9:00 AM on Saturday morning) some thirty guys are still hanging around...some had to leave early.

An out-of-District guest joined us. Second row, far left is Jim Emery and he comes from Minnesota where he sings with the Great Northern Union Chorus (placed 2nd in Portland last summer). He was one of our Singing Judges for the contest.

Some twenty different printed B Flat songs were taped up around the room. Foursomes just wandered around and sang them. It is interesting to hear a constant B Flat sound (almost) for the entire time.

Looks like John Davis (farthest from camera) is giving a visual pitch assist with his hand.

This must have been a tough song....”Rhapsody in Blue?” Guess who is wearing bifocals? It helps to be tall!

Only two choruses chose to compete. The Brotherhood of Harmony (Schaumburg) won out over the Second City Chorus (Rockford) who came on stage dressed as dogs....everyone “howled”!

Velvet Hammer led the ten competing quartets from start to finish and qualified for Toronto with a 76.3 average.

Sound Opportunity was third with Rich Hansen, Matt Trusner, Clay Martin and Dennis Grube. Both Rich and Matt started their barbershop singing experience with the CCC....many years ago.

Ringtime (CCC) finished a remarkable 5th (69.3) considering they only had three rehearsals in the last six weeks before the contest and all the personal stresses in their lives. Maybe all the visual stuff counts extra?

Clad in old time barbershop attire, the Highway 16 Four (CCC) Ken Hull, Tom Woodall, Randy Turner and Dave Clausing, finished 8th. They enjoyed looking for pitch pipes and other goodies under Randy’s beard.

On July 4, 1988, the Chiefs of Staff (1986 Illinois District Champs) won the International Championship in San Antonio. It seems like yesterday. To celebrate their 25th anniversary, they put on a great show, following our quartet contest. They will repeat it in Toronto in a few months. They can still peel some paint!

The FESTIVAL was created to provide a more diverse and creative convention atmosphere..not just a contest. Ten “acts” agreed to perform. There were high school boys quartets/octet, Sweet Adeline quartet/ensemble and eight Illinois Chapters did some cooperative singing so as to provide a unique new program of music. Chicago-Metro and Arlington combined as did Springfield and Decatur. Bloomington and Peoria put the largest group of singers on the stage.

The DSC (Down State Chorus)
For the first time ever, several down-state choruses decided to join together and perform. Coles County and Belleville dominated the group, however there were some singers from Salem, Collinsville and Florissant, MO. We met in Salem on
on March 26th, and had one hour together prior to the performance. The 18 minute presentation helped celebrate the 75th Year of our Society and it focused on the early years in Illinois (1938-49) when four Illinois quartets won the International Quartet title..they were all from the Chicago #1 Chapter.

While waiting to go on stage, several quartets formed (2 singers from Belleville and 2 from Coles County) to informally entertain. Here is an interesting foursome. (L to R) Doug Brooks started barbershopping with the CCC many years ago as a high school student. He now directs the Belleville Chorus. Ron Leathers is a co-founder of the Coles County Chorus and ABE winner in 1978, Jim Morgan is a 23 year Belleville member and faithful front row man. Mike Mueller sang with Coles County 25+ years ago when he was a college student at EIU. He is now nearing retirement as a public school teacher/coach and has sung with both Belleville and Collinsville.

The performance opened with singers coming out of the audience and informally gathering as they did on the April 11, 1938 initial gathering in Tulsa, OK. Marge Woodall controlled the 18 slide power point presentation and well known MC - long time barbershopper, Bob Cearnal narrated the program and it is not surprising that the first song to be sung was “Down Mobile”. The singers are CCC men: Eric Brucker, Jim Stewart, Denny Thomas and Jim Roll (AKA Coles County Connection). Doesn’t that attire look pretty authentic for 1938?

With the DSC guys eager to hear them sing, this Belleville Foursome (Steve Martin, Doug Brooks, Hal Maples, Dave Howe) rang some nice chords in “Bright Was the Night”.

With yellow bow tie gleaming, and some old song titles displayed in the background, narrator Bob Cearnal just couldn’t control himself. When this Belleville trio needed a bass for “Sweet Roses of Morn”, he was quick to jump in with Chris Schunemant, Bob Cearnal, Mike Dohogne and Willie Kohlenberger -- otherwise known as 2010 Illinois District Seniors Quartet Champions SrQ.

The SPEBSQSA acronym was not the first, but it “stuck” for many years. Singing appropriate lyrics to the tune of YMCA, the DSC had some fun. Two soloists sang ”revised” verses to the song while the DSC accompanied and then sang the SPEBSQSA Chorus with them.

Ken Hull (CCC) stepped out and sang about how old men should be singing barbershop.

He was followed by Hal Fletcher (former career member of the U. S. Coast Guard and now 11 year Belleville singer) who sang about how young men need to be singing barbershop.

Throughout the song, the front row guys struggled to get the letters in the correct order, but finally, the last time through, we got it right: S P E B S Q S A

Don’t try to tell these guys they weren’t having fun.

Ever try to play a string bass in the key of Bb? It ain’t easy, but Dave Clausing (CCC Secretary and quartet man) prepares to play his Christmas present (string bass) with his quartet as they try to mimic “The Mid-States Four (1949 Champs). The old metal SPEBSQSA sign was on a road side post outside of Charleston, IL some 45 years ago.

The Mid-States Four made Rural Rhythm famous and with the help of the DSC singing in the background, the Highway 16 Four (CCC's Ken Hull, Tom Woodall, Randy Turner and Dave Clausing) tried to bring back some memories for the “old timers”.

With a John Hanson (famous Corn Belt Chorus Director of the 1940s and '50s) arrangement of “You’ll Never Know the Good Fellow I’ve Been” displayed in the background, Ringtime (CCC - Tim Woodall, Bowyer, Bell, Gilbert) no doubt made the now deceased John smile as they rang the high hard tag “...the good fellow I’ve been, til I’ve gone away!”

It seemed appropriate, since David Wright (highly acclaimed arranger) attended his first ever barbershop meeting with the CCC in August of 1972, that the DSC close the program with his arrangement of “Hello, Mary Lou” Doug Brooks (Belleville) directs while the Wright Brothers (Wayne and David) look on.

With the Norman Rockwell quartet appearing in the background, what better way to end the convention than to have District President Bowyer leading the DSC and the audience in “Keep the Whole World Singing"?

The sign at First Baptist Church on Palm Sunday

Even though it took place a month after the original scheduled date, the Coles County Chorus’ 19th Annual Lenten Benefit Concert was unquestionably a success.

A freewill offering collected from the audience during the one-hour program raised nearly $2,500, all of which was donated to local charities dedicated to fighting hunger and homelessness in Coles County.

26 men of the Coles County Barbershop Chorus, helped by 18 women friends, presented a program of sacred music Sunday, April 21st at First Baptist Church in Mattoon.  An estimated 400 people attended the concert in spite of the fact that it was scheduled for Palm Sunday, a month earlier.  The March 21st performance had to be called off because of the ten inches of snow that fell that day (see sign at right).

A detailed account of the event is posted here.  The chorus extends a sincere and heartfelt thanks to the friends and neighbors who attended and gave so generously.

By Tom Woodall

LAST NIGHT

Ron Hawkins distributed Show Tickets and urged that we get  buys selling them.  They will soon be available at both Porter Auto BodyShops in Mattoon and Charleston, as well as at Coldwell Banker Real Estate in Charleston.

Roger Smith, right, presents a check to Ray Wheeler, from the Mattoon Community Food Bank

Lefty Bryden conducts “Keep The Whole World Singing”

Then, some 28 singers got serious with the show songs for June 22nd.  The theme “Music in Mayberry” is providing a diverse and enjoyable choice of songs and of course there will be some expected friends involved….Andy, Barney, Otis, Floyd, Opie etc. This will be our 44th annual summer show and it could be the best of all.

One of the singers last night, was a guest named Ramon Climaco, from Arcola.  Gery Conlin invited Ramon and we found him to be a delightful and passionate musician. He  plays numerous instruments and he has participated in a wide variety of musical endeavors.  He has already earned his BS degree from the University of Illinois and is considering continuing in Pre-Medicine…possibly following in the footsteps of his father who is a well known physician in the area.  Unfortunately, we missed getting Ramon’s photo, but hopefully we’ll get a picture next week when he returns.

There were several photo ops and both Roger Smith and “Lefty” Bryden made the most of it, getting in two pics during the evening.   Early on, Roger (our Treasurer) delivers a $1,300 check to Ray Wheeler (from the Mattoon Community Food Bank)  These were donations received from our Benefit Concert on April 21st (another $1200 went to the PADS Homeless Shelter).  Ray and his committee hope to double the amount via a Grant from the Feinstein Foundation.  At the end of the evening, “Snow Bird” Lefty (recently returned from Florida) had the honor of directing “Keep the Whole World Singing” to close the meeting.  With no voice at all, Roger dutifully sits/stands in the audience as he did throughout the evening…listening and learning.

Lefty, on the left, helps Jeff Bowyer celebrate his 59 Birthday

Every now and then one of our members has a birthday that occurs on Tuesday…our practice night.  Last night, to surprise the recipient we had a little math fun with the chorus.

Each section selected one member who would try to answer the question.   The representative from the bass section had a little difficulty, but the tenor guy was right on.  Of course all the baritones (our sharpest group) got the 2 + 2 question correct.  As the Lead representative, Jeff Bowyer was asked to provide the correct answer to the problem 8 x 7 +3.   When he said “59”, the chorus began a hardy “Happy Birthday”  Jeff was 59 years old yesterday.  Marsha had provided cupcakes /cookies for our break.   Here, Lefty, who was born long before 1930, shares some goodies with Jeff…at least 25 years his younger.

OTHER STUFF

Still no baby arrival for Tim and Nicole Woodall.  We expect some news….any day now.

Most of your received a recent email titled “The Last Chord”.  It described the recent final contest judging experience for one of our members. Though now in Florida for a few days, Floyd Phillips read the email and sent this response.  Many of us can identify with his story.

“This is interesting in that a quartet I participated with for around two years some time ago was named The Last Chord. We named it that because sometimes we would struggle through a song so bad that it wasn’t until the very last chord that we could pull it together. Some people thought is was related to The Lost Chord but I had to explain the real reason. But we usually weren’t that bad, just when trying out a new song at times.”

We recently purchased a DVD projector and screen so as to be able to show interesting and educational items on Tuesday nights and to use it at some of our community performances.  The screen has arrived but it will be a few more weeks for the projector.  The funds for the purchase of these items were provided by monies received from the Les Dawson Memorial Gifts (25 year member who passed away at age 98, last October.)   We’ll think of Les each time we enjoy these items.


May 16  Thursday   7:00 PM   Charleston Choral Concert at Charleston High School Auditorium
Juliane Sharpe as a wonderful choral program and two quartets will sing in the barbershop style.

June 3   Monday   6:30 PM    Board Meeting at the Alamo Restaurant in Mattoon

JUNE 22   Saturday  4:00 PM    44th ANNUAL SUMMER SHOW    CHARLESTON HIGH SCHOOL
Theme:  “Music in Mayberry”
Forefront (International Finalist Quartet will be featured)
6:15 PM  Afterglow Dinner and Program at EIU

JULY 2 – 6    International Convention and Contest in Toronto Canada.

A WISE MAN
Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933) was an educator, author and clergyman.  This may not be his most famous saying, but it is a good one….especially for us amateur singers who continually strive to give it our best shot.  Thanks Kevin Swartz (Champaign) for sharing.