2012 Officer Installation Dinner

Much of the evening was spent trying to match up a list of chorus members with a list of their hobbies and interests. We learned, for example, who enjoys riding his bicycle backwards...

Jim Stewart (light shirt at left) shares a laugh with his son, Kelley; Dwight Tell (behind Jim) and his wife, Dana; Denny Thomas (to Kelley's right), who contributed his competition-level pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and bacon brownies (!) to the post-dinner party; and Eric Brucker.

President Jim Tidwell delivers his annual State of the Chorus Address. He looked back over the previous year with an analysis of 2011 by the numbers, starting with 0: "The number of high-tech devices which Tom Woodall has used successfully."

During his presentation, Jim Tidwell gifted Ron Hawkins with a souvenir from the infamous 2009 "Incarcerated Rhythm" show--the "Governor Blagojevich" wig.

After a wonderful dinner at Yoder's Kitchen and president Jim Tidwell's address, the Coles County Connection made its entrance--under cover of darkness--to kick off the entertainment.

After the lights came on, you can see why the Coles County Connection needed stealth. They sang a couple of parody songs: "After Dark" and the "Money/Little Lies Medley". Behind the masks (L-R) is Tom Woodall, Jamie Stewart, Denny Thomas, and Jim Roll.

Coles County Connection sounded a little light on baritone during their first song. When the lights came on, we saw why: Jim Roll's ski mask was rotated about 45 degrees to starboard and he was looking out through the left eyehole. His partners in crime fixed his mask and they continued on with proper balance.

President Jim Tidwell presents Coles County Connection with plaques for winning the 2011 Illinois District Novice Quartet Championship.

Keyless was the next quartet to perform. L-R: Brad Smith (tenor), Bob Jones (lead), Ron Hawkins (bass), and Steve Blucker (baritone).

Keyless sings "I'm Alone Because I Love You".

RingTime sings about the charms of New Orleans in "Tin Roof Blues". L-R: Tim Woodall (baritone), Jeff Bowyer (lead), Mike Bell (bass), Derek Gilbert (tenor).

Derek Gilbert served as "counsel for the defense" as the chapter officers were "installed by jury". He lost his case, and the 2012 slate of officers were sentenced to a year at hard labor of love.

The 2012 officers of the Coles County Chorus.

Front row: Ron Hawkins (VP Membership), Tom Woodall (Co-Director and Youth Outreach Director), Dave Clausing (Secretary), James Tidwell (President), Jeff Bowyer (Chorus Manager).

Back row: Tim Woodall (Co-Director), Eric Butler (Board Member at Large), Bob Jones (Program Vice-President), Roger Smith (Treasurer), Jim Roll (Immediate Past President), Derek Gilbert (Publicity/Webmaster).

Brad Smith presents the nominees for the 2011 Barbershopper of the Year award.

The three nominees for 2011 Barbershopper of the Year: Bob Jones, Ron Hawkins, and Roger Smith.

Roger Smith accepts the 2011 Barbershopper of the Year.

Chapter Treasurer Roger Smith thanks the chapter for his selection as the 2011 Barbershopper of the Year.

About 2/3 of the chorus, including long-distance member Rich Hansen (who mainly sings with the Bloomington Sound of Illinois Chorus these days), attended the installation dinner.

2011 Barbershopper of the Year Roger Smith leads the chorus in the traditional closing song, "Keep The Whole World Singing".

After the dinner, the chorus retired to the home of Jeff and Marsha Bowyer, who set out additional refreshments (including Denny Thomas' awesome bacon brownies!) and a "Tag Chamber" -- complete with Lunch Break Quartet Memorial Squirrel!

Roger Smith, Eric Brucker, Jim Tidwell, and Tom Woodall ring some chords in the Tag Chamber.

RingTime steps into the -- squirrel! (This only makes sense if you're familiar with Lunch Break's "Old MacDonald's Deformed Farm".)

Brad Smith, Ron Hawkins, Clark Niepert, and Dave Clausing take their turn in the Tag Chamber.