The Hawkseye 

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preparations moving even with the disruption. 

The show went off according to plan. Our audiences had a good time and it showed as we greeted them at the exits. We are fortunate to have a professionally run venue to perform in and a skillful director in John Hayden. We also need to remember the organizational efforts which go into producing the show. Bob Kerdus chaired the show committee, and raised a record amount of advertising revenue. Members should not forget the generosity of Bill Cubbage and Bob Kerdus in becoming show sponsors.

In July a number of our members attended the International Convention in Salt Lake City. Fifty year membership recognition went to Lee Bendull and Buzz Brown at this convention. What an accomplishment!

The summer flew by and soon we were in the throes of contest preparation. Again, we had extra effort from Jim Erbe and his volunteers who worked up a set just for our contest music. Gary DeVries and Greg Koenigs put in extra effort to get a visual impression out to the audience.

Wendell Aldrich organized another successful and varied Gospel Concert. The audiences for those shows seem to delight in the diversity of the music. The inclusion of MetroMix Chorus was a real highlight.

As we closed the year, we finished with performing for the Christmas party at the Boys and Girls Club, followed by caroling at St. Luke’s Hospital. I hope we will be able to expand our contributions to the community by sharing our entertainment with others more often.

As we all realize, having practice recordings has really aided our chorus members in learning the music. With our investment in a digital recorder and with John Hayden’s skill at quickly learning and then recording all four parts to new music, we have a wonderful educational tool to learn music early for next year’s shows. 

The coming performances once again promise to provide lots of chuckles, as well as good singing, to our fans. We really benefit from each member who provides some extra effort in putting the show together, from those on the show 

committee to those who talk to their friends about buying tickets, to those like John Roltgen and Dean Kruse who quietly and efficiently take care of our direct mail effort.

Certainly, I want to point out that Greg Koenigs, Dave Lasley, Gary DeVries and Bob Kerdus provided warm-up leadership for no reward except for the satisfaction of knowing they are helping the chorus. Please remember to especially pat Greg on the back for the various times that he has stepped up and directed when John couldn’t make a rehearsal. 

In writing this article and review of 2005 from the Music VP viewpoint, I have undoubtedly forgotten some outstanding contributions by several members and I apologize in failing to recognize each person who deserves the recognition. Suffice it to say that I have found lots of help from many members as I coped with the Music VP position this year. 

Through the year some of our members have had reasons to move on to other things, because of job changes, or other responsibilities of life and family. We always miss our old friends but they remain our friends and we wish them well and will welcome them back to the risers when they find the desire and opportunity to return.

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