The Hawkseye September 2006

All I want for Christmas is my Two-Hundred Man Chorus (But we’ll settle for a One-Hundred Man Chorus.....twice)

Contributed by John Donehower, East Central Coordinator

You are cordially invited to participate in the next big East Central event:

2006 Harmony Holiday

Two Holiday Shows: Saturday, December 9, 2006 at Westminster Church in Dubuque at 2:00 p.m. The second show is at the Ohnward Fine Arts Center in Maquoketa at 7:30 p.m.

What is East Central?

East Central is a regional "festival" chorus founded in 2006, by members of the Davenport, Dubuque, and Iowa City Chapters of the Barbershop Harmony Society to perform at the Spring District Contest in Iowa City. Coordinating East Central activities are Davenport Director Dean Sellers, Iowa City Director Chad Knipfer, and Dubuque Director John Donehower (plus any other Frontline Director that signs on!).

What's the deal with the 2006 Harmony Holiday Shows?

Good question! While all details have not yet been nailed down, here are the basics: The first half of the show, about 1-hour in length, will feature each participating chorus performing a set of their traditional barbershop repertoire. (The length of these sets will depend on how many choruses are on the show.) The second half of the show, about 45 minutes in length, will feature the combined East Central Chorus and quartets singing holiday music.

Can my chorus participate? Can we sing a set on the first half of the show? You bet, the more the merrier!

To perform an individual set on the first half of the show, each chorus must be representative of its typical performance size. If your chorus typically performs 20-25 men( plus Director), we need the same number on the Holiday Shows. (Even if your chorus doesn’t have enough guys to do your own set, you are still welcome to sing with East Central on the Holiday second-half.)

Each chorus must learn all musical selections at its own rehearsal. (Learning CDs will be provided to each group.)

Each Front-line Musical Director on the show (whether his chorus is performing or not) will be given the opportunity to direct East Central on the show! (Directing assignments will be made in advance.)

Can my Quartet perform on the show? Like we said, the more the merrier!

A list of potential holiday songs will be provided for quartets to choose from. One song per quartet. (Choices on a first-come basis. Choices subject to approval.)

In the interests of quality control, quartets must perform their song for either Chad, Dean, or John (or any other participating Frontline Director) before quartet will be guaranteed a spot on the show.

Can I perform with East Central even if my chorus or quartet doesn't? H ow many times do we have to say this...the MORE the MERRIER!

Individuals must learn musical selections on their own time.

How much is this going to cost me? A side from a little of your time, the cost willbe very low:

As previously stated, all participants will be expected to learn their song(s) on their own time or at their own rehearsals.
All participants will be asked to make their best effort to attend one combined rehearsal prior to performance date. (Place and time TBA.)
All participants will be asked to pay a $10 participation fee. This cost will cover music, learning CD’s, and miscellaneous costs.

Where does the profit from the shows go? (Wow, the best question so far!)

All participants will earn a share of the profits for their Chapter! For example: Profit (after expenses) total will be divided by the number of men on stage into shares: 200 men= 200 shares. 1 man earns 1 share of the profits for that man's Chapter. (Shares earned even if a Chapter isn't performing on the show!) Sorry, money can not be disbursed to individuals, quartets, or "Frank Thorne Chapter". NOTE: In the spirit of the season, $1 of each ticket will go to an appropriate local charity.

Is that all?No, we haven't even told you about the Guest Program that the Dubuque, Davenport, and Iowa City Chapters will be running in conjunction with the Holiday shows!

Each chorus is going to invite guests/potential members/past members to perform with East Central on the Holiday Show.
Guests will be provided music and learning CDs and will be asked to learn a specific number of songs.
Each chorus is going to set specific rehearsal times aside for the guests and the Holiday music.
Guests don't have to join the Society to perform. (This is a LOW PRESSURE membership campaign.) All they have to do is come to specified rehearsals, learn their music, pay their $10, and attend the combined rehearsal and performances. Hopefully a lot of them will be hooked and want to come back to visit after the Holidays! (And yes, Guests will count towards Chapter share totals!)
We will share our "Guest Program Plans" with all participating choruses once they are finalized. Why? (Boy, you ask a lot of questions!) Because your guests are welcome too!

September 2006 - page 3