Newsletter of the Danbury Chapter, Yankee Division, Northeastern District of the Barbershop Harmony Society

Meeting every Tuesday, 7:15 pm, at Church of Christ, 90 Clapboard Ridge Road, Danbury, Connecticut

Volume 22 Number 3 www.madhatterchorus.org Early Spring 2015

Mad Hatters Motor to Bantam Chorus Croons in Classic Church

By John Bradley

Western Connecticut still resembled the inside of an icebox on Saturday, March 14, as 12 members of the Danbury Mad Hatter Barbershop Chorus wound their way through the Litchfield Hills to entertain the congregation of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bantam, CT. The fund raising event drew over 75 people to the over 170 year-old building. The church has hosted a number of fund raisers featuring musical talent, but this was the first time outside talent was brought in. According to Danbury music director, Joe Hudson, “The audience appreciated our performance and we may have gotten a few people interested in coming to our Annual Show.” Lacking any of the chorus’s section leaders, the group continued to work new songs into its performance repertoire, including the Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Daydream,” “Beach Boys Medley” “Blue Velvet,” and “Bye Bye Love.” As can be expected, the execution of the new songs took a few twists and turns, similar to Route 202, the road many of the singers took to get to Bantam. But, the group managed to start and end on the same key on most of them. Not only was the chorus lacking section heads, but none of the regular raconteurs could make the gig. Art Cilly was drafted into service and did a admirable job. Chorus quartet, Traveling Men, with Joe Hudson filling in at tenor. also performed. The original Saint Paul’s Church was built on the site of the current building in 1796, when the area was called Bradleyville. In 1843 a new structure was constructed “with a tower, a spire, and approximately 1,800 square feet of space, furnished with a high pulpit, reading desk, pews with doors but without cushions, deep galleries and a capacious sounding board," according to historical records.

For readers who enjoy Connecticut trivia, Bantam, with 759 residents (2010 census), is the second least populous borough in Connecticut, only beaten by Fenwick, and is the third least populous municipality in Connecticut, only beaten by Union and Fenwick.

Saint Paul’s congregation greet the Danbury Mad Hatters

Chorus Wins Grant

By John Bradley According to Mad Hatter Chorus Public Relations VP, Art Cilley, the chorus has been awarded a $720 grant from the Danbury Cultural Commission to fund scholarships for four youngsters (two boys and two girls) from Danbury to attend the Harmony Explosion Camp this August in Worcester, MA. The grant, along with the proceeds from this year’s Holiday Concert donations, will be added to the fund Terry Dunkle established in memory of his son, John, that provides financial assistance to local area high school students so they can attend Harmony Explosion Camp Northeast and experience the joy of singing a cappella music in the barbershop style which so pleased John. The chorus sought the grant originally to help underwrite its May Annual Show. “Although we can’t use the money exactly as we hoped for,” said Art, “it’s an important contribution to the chorus and an exciting opportunity for the kids. Maybe attending the program will lead to some new members for our chorus or at least help develop the next generation of barbershoppers wherever they end up.”

The Danbury Mad Hatter Barbershop Chorus

Hatter

Chatter

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This is the chorus under the direction of Anton (Tony) Gross - front row center with stache. Picture submitted by Bob Connolley

Quartet Corner

News from our chorus quartets Traveling Men – By Wynn Gadkar-Wilcox In February and March, the Traveling Men

delighted crowds of old and young alike, and occasionally themselves, through a variety of singing events. They had the pleasure of singing at a 90th birthday celebration in Bethel, and the birthday girl was kind enough to sing along to many of our tunes, such as "It's Only a Paper Moon." We benefited enormously from her in-tune singing, which allowed us to stay in key. In late March, the Traveling Men took the new Maplewood Senior Center at Stony Hill by storm, performing an hour-long set with the assistance of substitute baritone, Jimmy Hopper. The Traveling Men also thank Joe Hudson, who filled in on tenor and baritone at two sing-outs. These substitutions were necessitated by tenor Art Cilley's trip to California and baritone Wynn Gadkar-Wilcox's recent trip to Chicago. Thanks to Art and Wynn for maintaining the Traveling Men's itinerant reputation and for proving that our moniker lives up to the highest standards of truth in advertising.

Real Chemistry – By John Bradley Real Chemistry’s new tenor, Richard Schoonmaker, has been busy learning our repetoire and helping the rest of us refine our sound. Richard has made a number of appearances on the International stage, and we welcome his voice, experence and barbershop knowledge. We are hoping to have a couple of songs ready by Saturday, May 9, when we will appear at a talent show at the South Britain Congregational Church in Southbury, CT.

Repertoire Notes "Tonight" is a popular song with music written by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. It was published originally in 1956. “Tonight” was introduced in the Broadway musical West Side Story. The movie version featured vocals by Marni Nixon (dubbing Natalie Wood) and Jimmy Bryant (dubbing Richard Beymer). Many of the pieces in "West Side Story" experiment with different melodic tricks. This song is notable for its prominent perfect fourth intervals, and a theme that starts on a pentatonic scale but develops into a western key.

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Three Things After each coaching session, Mad Hatter members are encouraged to share three things they learned or were impressed

with. The following was compiled after the January 20 coaching session with John Ward, tenor of Up All Night and certified singing judge. x Correct posture, smiling, animated expressions, feeling

the story and good breathing fix a multitude of singing problems.

x Tenors - don't wimp out during the long tenor melody line of “Tonight.” Thanks to Wynn for joining us to help.

x Tenors come out on the C#'s in measures 6 and 8 of Tonight

x John Ward is the brightest guy in the room, especially when he's alone.

x “Tonight” - Excited anticipation in the background parts can be conveyed by starting each “Doo do do do do” phrase softly, then building to the next rest.

x “Tonight” - Pay attention to the “nine” chord in measure 56 just before the tag. It is the most exciting chord in the song to that point and needs to be tuned accurately right away.

x “Bye Bye, Love” - Interpretation changes during the song from a sense of loss in the beginning to recognition that there’s another pretty girl right around the corner at the end.

x “Bye Bye, Love” should be presented in a state of excited anticipation.

x Lower parts must give space to the tenor melody. x Background rhythms must be crisp and accurate. x Know where your rests are, as they add to the rhythmical

excitement! x Less is more (Singing softer and lighter allows the

overtones to ring even more!) x Singing is 90% physical, the other half is… sorry Yogi.

Set up the body, be facially involved and focused, and other issues are less likely to arise.

eMails to the Editors Please e-mail your questions and comments to either the Hatter editor, John Bradley, at jbrad1313@earthlink.net, or the Chatter editor, Dick Zang, at jezang@charter.net. If your e-mail appears, you will receive an autographed picture of our 2008 Yankee Division Bulletin Editors Award

Glad to see the Mad Hatter’s are still going strong. I had to go to inactive status with the Silk City Chorus. As you know they do a totally new show every year and my memory is no longer up to it. Moreover, I am still president of my condo (53 units) and it’s at the age when innumerable replacement and maintenance matters are cropping up.

Those matters, coupled with the incessant snow storms, have created constant Association work. The good news is my family and I are well and I have a wonderful girlfriend. We Are both thirteen year widowers and get along fine. One other bit of good news is that my eldest son, Ronald W. Keith, joined the Silk City Chorus about eighteen months ago and earned Barbershopper of the year for 2014! Ron Keith It’s good to hear you are doing well, Ron. It’s fun to hear from our former and inactive chorus members. Once a Mad Hatter, always a Mad Hatter! I hope others will contact us as well, let us know how and what you are doing.

… Now that the Major League Baseball season is underway, it is officially spring. What are your season forecasts? Bob from Bridgeport OK Bob, here they are. Just to let everyone know, I have not been right since the Cardinals beat the Yankees in 1964.

American League National League

East Baltimore Orioles Washington Nationals

Central Detroit Tigers St. Louis Cardinals West LA Angels San Diego Padres Wild Cards Cleveland Indians

Seattle Mariners Florida Marlins LA Dodgers

League Champs

Washington Nationals

Detroit Tigers

World Series Champ Washington Nationals

…

I sing with a small group of vocalists and instrumentalists on a monthly basis. Often it's in a bar/restaurant or other situations where the audience is very close to me (sometimes sitting right in front of me). Sometimes I sing solos, and I can't figure out where to direct my gaze when I do because of the closeness. Should I make eye contact with the audience, even when they're right in front of me? Pam from Patterson Pam, in a chorus we always look at the director, unless he turns and looks at the audience. When I sing in a quartet I look at foreheads or the top of people’s heads, moving from from one side to the other, right, middle, left, lingering a bit in each area. I will make eye contact if a person seems to be enjoying it, but I won’t stare – that gets a bit creepy.

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The President’s Podium

By Danny Anderson The long winter has passed and spring is before us! With spring comes warmer days,

flowers and trees blooming, all with signs of new things to come. Welcome to our newest member, Scott Colman. Scott is an excellent bass. He can sing lead as well, as demonstrated at our Bantam sing out. For the chapter spring means that our Annual Show will soon be here. Much work has gone into preparing for the show and there is much more to do. Each of us has assignments to accomplish to make sure the show is a success. In addition to the individual assignments, we are all expected to sell advertisements for our program book. These ads are important to the chapter because they go a long way to cover the cost involved in producing the Annual Show. If we sell enough ads, then the ticket sales are “profit,” which allows the chapter to continue to bring in coaches, purchase music and pay the rest of the chorus’s expenses. One of the goals before the chorus is to improve our show’s attendance and quality each year. This year, we have engaged one of the premier quartets as our guest quartet, Up All Night. They were with us a few years ago and were well received by the audience. Many of us remember both their comedy routines and their serious performances. For those members who may not know it, John Ward and Joe Hudson who have coached the chorus, are members of Up All Night. We need a “full house” for this show. We did a good job inviting people to attend our Christmas Show so we need to duplicate that effort for the Annual Show. We will be at a new venue this year on the Westside campus of Western Connecticut State University. We will be performing in their new performing arts center, which is rated as a top-ten performance venue. We need to work hard at inviting people to attend the show, to supplement the efforts of the marketing committee. Use every opportunity to talk to people about the show and find places to display a show flyer. During the chorus’s last sing out we sang several of the songs we will perform in the Annual Show. As I looked at the audience, I saw many people who were singing along with us, smiling and really enjoying the performance. That was encouraging to me because one of our goals as a chorus is to spread the joy of singing. We still have work to do toward improving the presentations of the songs, but we continue to made tremendous improvement each week. Other exciting singing opportunities are on the horizon. We have been invited to once again sing the National Anthem for the Westerners Baseball games. We have three dates selected, which will provide us with audiences that may contain potential new members.

We will be performing at festivals this year; among them are the Newtown Arts Festival, Bridgewater Fair, and The Taste of Danbury. These are great venues for us to perform at and can possibly lead to appearances where we can attract new members. The encouragement I leave with you is to practice your music, sell tickets, sell ads, and invite people to come to the show.

Director’s Den

By Joseph Hudson I want to remind everyone of the correct way to learn new music. Method: Use the "Part-Predominant" track for Step One through Three, “Part-Left” track for the first two iterations times of step Four, and “No-Part” track for subsequent times in step Four. Listening Step (One). While following your voice part notes on the sheet music (if you do not read music, follow the notes visually by contour—do not read the words, follow the notes), listen to your part without singing two to four times through depending on difficulty. Listen extra times to places that seem tough or that do not seem to match what you see on the sheet music. (The recording and sheet music are pre-checked and should match—if you do find an error, please notify the music committee). Doo-doo-doo Step (Two). Sing “doo-doo-doo” on your part two to four times through. Follow the notes with your eyes (as well as your ears) — do not look at the words. Learn to match the pitches and rhythms of the learning recording. Set the recording louder than your “doo-ing” and let it lead your learning. Again, “doo” extra times on the tough places. If there’s a place too tough to get from the recording, see your section leader — do not “shrug-off” and rehearse mistakes. On the final doo-ing pass, set the sheet music aside and let the recording lead your ears to the right pitches and rhythms. Muscle Memory Step (Three). Stand and silently mime the song two to four times through with the recording. Breathe and support as if actually singing words and notes. Form vowels and consonants with lips and tongue as if you were singing a perfect rendition. Silently create the physical throat and larynx formations for accurate pitches and freely produced tone as if singing a perfect unison duet with the recorded voice. On the final muscle memory pass, set the sheet music aside and let the recording lead your ears to the right muscle memory patterns. Full Singing Step (Four). Put it all together and fully sing with the recording. Let the recording continue to lead your learning on the first run-through or two. Then, on successive reps, gradually shift the channel balance on the stereo until you are tuning your voice to the other three parts quartet-style. This is the method we use, because it instills correct notes and words from the beginning.

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District Dirt

By Robert J. Bradley

On Censorship

When we formed the Art Center in the town I live in, one of the first problems we had was censorship. To escape the issue we formed a private 5013C company to get out from under any governmental interference. The Town provides us with a previously unused building but has no contractual rights to dictate programming. We as singers are artists. Those of us who have been with the Society for many years have seen great changes in the music that we do and the performance standards we maintain. At one time, everyone stood still, had the same highly polished shoes, wore stage makeup, looked alike and for years we sang: “I want a girl just like the girl who married dear old dad” and “I’m looking over a four leaf clover.” Times have changed, the world moves on for good or bad and sometimes both. We progress, digress or ingress. The Boston Common was, as a quartet, revolutionary. They did poorly in contest because they weren’t like everyone else. After a few years, the society moved in their direction, not the other way. They won gold medals and are Society hall of fame singers. When Real Chemistry had one of the Boston Common as a coach years ago, he told us to sing as we sing and do not try to copy anyone else. Be your own artist, do your own presentation in your own voice and be true to your sound. I must say that I hate political correctness in any form, conformity in any form and most censorship. I have learned over the years that there are many times when self-censorship is needed. Yet artists must always push against public restraints and mores. The creative line progresses from Cave paintings to da Vinci. Mozart was revolutionary, so at one time or another were most well-known classical composers. Our own Charles Ives, I still can’t understand. I have been a long time fan of Tennessee Williams and recently our art center did three of his shorter plays. He wrote great parts for women and depicted emotional conflict at a time when we were only to feel good. As much as possible, I have tried in our little art community to stay out of using my taste or that or our artistic director as criteria for performance. This is very hard to balance. We have opened the center to youth performances that are hip-hop and rap. With all of my being, I detest the “music,” the lyrics, if any, and the misogynistic tones. However, parents come to hear the kids play, the kids have a place to go and perform and I don’t have to listen to it, and have purchased a great pair of earplugs.

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A Pinch of This, a Teaspoon of That…

By Andy Bayer My how time flies!! It is incredible that almost a full year has passed since last year’s successful annual show featuring Vocal Spectrum. Enough harping on the past or even sitting on our laurels! There is still work to be done that will make this year’s show both an artistic and financial success. Feelin Groovy! will debut on Saturday evening, May 16, at 7:30 m, in a brand new venue----not just a new performance venue for our annual show; I mean, literally, a brand new concert hall venue at the just opened Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC) on the Westside campus of Western Connecticut State University off Mill Plain Road in Danbury. While many of you have not yet seen this facility, Peter and I have and we can report that it is a first class performance space. You don’t have to take our word for it; other technical experts who rate performance venues throughout the country have rated it amongst the top Ten performance spaces in the country. It will be different, and a thrill to perform there. I trust that we will no longer be able to use the excuse that the venue has distorted our sound!! The acoustics are, indeed, superb. If you have not yet had the opportunity to visit the performance space, keep in mind that our dress rehearsal on Tuesday evening, May 12, will be held at the performance site. Details to follow! What are the ingredients for this year’s, hopefully successful, show?? One large portion of nostalgia resulting from a large variety of toe tapping and “word-mouthing” hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s, (for example: “Bye-Bye Love,” “Blue Velvet,” “Breaking Up is Hard to Do,” “DayDream,” “Beach Boys Medley,” “Tonight,” etc.) added to performances by five chapter quartets singing such favorites as “Silhouettes,” “The 59th Street Bridge Song,” “Yesterday,” etc., topped off by our featured artists, the Up All Night comedy quartet direct from New York’s Big Apple Chorus featuring the likes of coaches Joe Hunter and John Ward and including the incredible bass and lead sounds of Dan Rowland and Cecil Brown. They will keep you both “in stitches” with their witty comedy presentation and in awe with their attention to detail and the balanced harmonies of their mature voices. It’s a recipe that can’t be beat!! Be sure to tell all your family and friends about the spectacular evening that awaits them on May 16. Better yet, encourage them to be your guests at this year’s show. Remember that the least expensive way to purchase tickets this year is at the box office or by phone. In fact, Dick Zang has volunteered to be our “go-to” person-----willing to pick up tickets directly at the box office on our behalf as long as you notify him early enough with the number of tickets you want to purchase.

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Pinch

Continued from the previous page

See Dick at rehearsal, email or phone him with the details of your order and how you will pay for your purchase. That takes care of family and friends…..but there are lots of other potential audience members out there!! Please ask to post our colorful fliers in businesses that you patronage and talk up the phenomenal time that audience members will have at this “not-to-be-missed” event. There are two remaining ingredients that will make for a “tasty” show: keep selling ads for the program book and practice, practice, practice (not just at rehearsal….but at home in between rehearsals). That’s the only way, so they say, to get to Carnegie Hall (without paying)!! Finally, for all of our non-active member out there who receive the Hatter Chatter, you are cordially invited to attend this spring event and relive some of the great songs that were a part of the decades when you may have been most active in the chorus. It is sure to bring back a fond memory or two! This is the precursor to next year’s 50th Anniversary Show where the Mad Hatter Playlist will be the central focus of the music presented that evening. We’ll ask you not only to attend but to join us on the risers hopefully under the direction of the many wonderful directors we’ve been fortunate to have had throughout our history! So join us this May to see how we have grown since you’ve been active and to limber up those vocal chords just a little as you hum along to the many memorable tunes that were so frequently heard on the radio way back “in the day”.

March Board of

Directors Meeting

Submitted by Joseph Hudson

Meeting called to order by Danny Anderson on April 3, 2015, at 6:13pm, Church of Christ. SECRETARY’S REPORT: The secretary’s report was emailed to the Board and was posted in the Hatter Chatter. Motion to receive by Dickson Demarche, Seconded by Walt Barlow. Motion carried with unanimous vote. TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer’s report tabled. MEMBERSHIP REPORT: Scott Colman has submitted an application to become a dual member (The Mad Hatter Chorus and Westerchester Chordsmen). Motion by Peter Daubner: as he has already sang on one of our shows, sight--‐reading a second part, and has been at each rehearsal without music following his first. His membership should be accepted.

Seconded by Art Cilley. Motion carried with unanimous vote. VP PUBLIC RELATIONS: We are looking into radio, TV and online spots to advertise for various reasons (Annual Show, guest night, etc.). MUSIC COMMITTEE: The Music Committee has begun to discuss the 2016 Annual Show and songs that we will use for the regular chorus performance and for the 50th Anniversary Reunion Chorus, where former members will be invited back to sing four songs directed by former and current directors. We have also looked at the contest and have decided to have qualifications again for the District Contest. Details forthcoming. OLD BUSINESS: Grant/sponsorship program update. We are approaching the Danbury Cultural Commission about getting a grant to help support various activities within the chapter (Annual Show, Dunkle Funds, etc.). The committee has drafted a letter that is being reviewed by John Downey and others. Show up date. The venue site is still tentative, as WCSU has not gotten back with a quote of contract. Talent is booked and ready to go. The Afterglow Committee is looking into different spots to have the Afterglow besides Nick’s Restaurant. The script and MC are set and ready. The flyer is set and ready, pending having to change it for the grant, if approved. NEW BUSINESS: Booking agent. Dick Walter will be stepping down as the booking agent for the Mad Hatter Chorus, due to health concerns. We are going to ask Nick Godano to step into this position, as he has already booked us at the Carmel public library twice. Joe’ Proposal. As a way to get more members of the NED interested in coming to our 50th Anniversary Show, we should post a question to the NED Facebook page to see who the majority of the NED would come down to Danbury in order to see. After some discussion, it was decided that there is no harm in posting the question. MEMBERS PRESENT: Joseph Hudson, Dennis Rodman. OFFICERS PRESENT: Danny Anderson, Art Cilley, Peter Daubner, Walt Barlow, Andy Bayer MEETING ADJOURNED AT: 7:03pm

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April Board of Directors Meeting

Submitted by Dr. Robert

Golenbock Meeting called to order by Andrew “This is how to run a meeting” Bayer at 6:20pm on April 7, 2015, at the Church of Christ. SECRETARY’S REPORT: In the absence of the one true Secretary, Joe Hudson reported the meeting. I can’t vouch for the veracity of his report, but there are those who do. The report was received on a motion by Dickson DeMarche, seconded by Robert Golenbock. TREASURER’S REPORT: This was a good month. Cash flow was nearly positive. Dickson commented that the Treasurer needs to know when the debit card is used so he can verify the charges. He recommended that people using the debit card should let him know by text. If he isn’t available, another member of the Board should be notified. MEMBERSHIP REPORT: There were no new members this month. We will have a Guest Night on May 19 following the Annual Show. As a reminder, the Annual Show is May 16. VP PUBLIC RELATIONS: Walt Barlow contacted radio stations. Art Cilley is sending material to websites including Whofish. We are also contacting TV stations. In our discussion about the value of spending money on advertising in the newspaper, we agreed that there is an intangible reinforcement of our brand to the public when we place a News-Times ad. The willingness of the paper to place articles about us varies from year to year. The Regional Hospice wants us to sing for them. We will be contacting them to get more specific information. MUSIC COMMITTEE: We are communicating about new songs for the 2016 show. OLD BUSINESS: Art Cilley updated us on the Grant/Sponsorship program. We have been given $720 by the Danbury Cultural Council for four HX Camp scholarships – two for boys and two for girls. This money is in addition to the scholarships we are planning to give from the John Dunkle Fund. We need to publicize our scholarships to get donations and to get scholarship candidates. Peter Daubner and Andy Bayer updated us on the annual show. We have a certificate of insurance. We officially have a facility. Parking may be a problem because of a concurrent Brew and Barbecue at the Ives Center. Our afterglow will include five appetizers, water, tea, and soft drinks at a restaurant at the corner of Ives Street next to the parking garage. There will be a show meeting next week. We are looking for someone to take over for Dick Walters as our booking agent. We need someone who can find

engagements that will bring us in front of the public. Some prospective candidates have been approached. Joe has been querying NED chapters about who would be a draw for our 50th Annual Show. He is tallying the responses. NEW BUSINESS: We asked to put on next month’s agenda the possibility of holding a benefit for Tony Nasto, who has been ill for several months and is only now slowly recovering. MEMBERS PRESENT: No members attended. On the other hand, nobody was dismembered either. OFFICERS PRESENT: A. Bayer, P. Daubner, A. Cilley, D. Demarche, J. Hopper, W. Wilcox, R. Golenbock, W. Fillmore, J. Hudson ex officio. Meeting adjourned at 7:10pm. Next meeting on 5/5/2015.

eMails

Continued from Page 3

I always look for your answers to tough questions on music and harmony and its impact on different people. I'm impressed by your depth of knowledge in many areas of music. I would like to know more about your background and training and can you give any advice to someone who would like to someday make a living from a doing what you do so well. Are you a real person or a high-power computer? Barb from Bethel. Barb, I appreciate your kind words. I do have deep knowledge and skills in many thngs. Although I’d love to meet you and illumnate your life, I’m afraid I cannot divulge my identity. If you would like to someday emulate my success, my advice to you is live your life to the fullest. Don’t be afraid to free an angry bear from a painful-looking bear trap, or shoot a cue ball out of the mouth of a man lying on a pool table. Do not drink from the Fountain of Youth unless you are thirsty and learn to speak Russian, in French. Experience that awkward moment, just to know how it feels. And, you don't always have to drink drink beer, but when you do, drink Dos Equis. "Stay thirsty, my friend.

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In Memory of Steve Isherwood

By Joseph Hudson

It is with a very heavy heart that I announce the passing of one of the greats in the Northeast District, Steve Isherwood. Steve passed after his inspirational battle with cancer. May he rest in peace and sing with the heavenly chorus of fellow barberhshoppers who have gone on before him. For those who knew him, he always

had a smile and a helping hand. For those who did not have the privilege, I am sorry, as he was an inspiration to many.

Censorship

Continued from the previous page This leads me to the point of all of this. Growing up in the 60’s there were drastic social changes taking place in civil rights, in our feelings toward authority, in arts of all kinds. As I mentioned at the April 14 chorus rehearsal, Ed Sullivan was an example of a lot that was wrong with the era. His show wanted the ratings and dollars that created by it, but censored what much of America saw and heard. Elvis was shot from the waist up as if we did not know we could wiggle. The Beatles changed lyrics that we all know. The Rolling Stones spent some time together as opposed to the night together. The Doors were told that they could not get much higher on Ed’s watch. All of this was silly. Those groups sold millions of records, had millions of fans, some screaming young ladies, and all of us knew the forbidden words. George Carlin did a routine of the words that would cause the downfall of mankind if heard by human ears. Tune in to any cable TV show today - even Carlin would be surprised. The song “Wouldn’t it be Nice” was the first song on the Beach Boys album called Pet Sounds. This was a breakthrough album in many ways. There was a concept to the work. It pushed the line on the form of rock and roll music. In 1966, many groups were “holding your hand.” Brian Wilson was dealing with his angst and letting us know that. The other songs on the album include: “I Know There’s an Answer,” “You Believe in Me,” ”That’s Not Me,” “Let's Go Away for a While” and “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times.” The album has become so iconic that in a Doonesbury cartoon, when a character was dying of aids, his death was indicated by the playing of “Pet Sounds.”

Like the Boston Common, the Beach Boys were trying something different. The Phil Spector wall of sound provided by the “Wrecking Crew” with Glen Campbell on guitar, along with harps, horns, bells, strings and an accordion were used to enhance the music. When “Wouldn’t it be Nice” was released as a single the flip side was “God Only Knows.” We should respect Brian Wilson enough that we use his words. This song and this album meant a lot to him as a fellow artist. The correct words follow. Wouldn't it be nice if we were older? Then we wouldn't have to wait so long And wouldn't it be nice to live together In the kind of world where we belong You know it's gonna make it that much better When we can say goodnight and stay together Wouldn't it be nice if we could wake up In the morning when the day is new? And after having spent the day together Hold each other close the whole night through Happy times together we've been spending I wish that every kiss was never ending Wouldn't it be nice? Brian Wilson had an idea and a concept for this song and who are we to change this. I hope that if he were on Ed Sullivan, he, like Jim Morrison, would sing the correct words. Editor’s Note: the music committee voted to change day into night in the “Beach Boys Medley.” Unanimous decision.

Baritone Deep Thought of the Month

Walking isn't a lost art: one must, by some means, get to the garage.

Great Music Education With Over 25

Courses!

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Society and District Notes

Good Bye Yahoo Division Groups The six NED Yahoo Division Groups are being retired as a form of official NED news delivery media. No other manager will be allowing posts, as such. Many thanks to Jim Dodge for establishing this system of communication years ago when the District appeared “high and dry” – far from having effective communications. He implemented a new system and spent oodles of hours, many days, months, years of maintaining the Yahoo! Groups system, managing lists and monitoring and pushing-through messages. Thank you, Jim! Wow! Hello Nor’Easter EXpress If you are a current member of the NED, you should have received, by now, a message, using our new online (web & email) messaging system/service. The new publication being pushed to all members is the NED’s new “Nor’Easter EXpress” or “NED-NEX.”

If you are a friend of the NED, not a member, then you probably did NOT just receive that new message via email. And so, for all of you who wish to remain connected with the activity in the NED, and who have not received the new “NEX” – you may sign-up right now, below, at the following LINK.

http://eepurl.com/bhDxlT

New Web Site

The NED also has a new web site, launched just a few days ago. Enjoy! (It’s REALLY cool!) There, you may contact us anytime – plus, sign up on our email list or Facebook page. Web site: http://www.nedistrict.org/home Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bhsned (FYI: the Yahoo! Group “NED” or “ned” aka the “NEDlist” is NOT an officially-sanctioned group mail list of the Northeastern District, and as such, remains a separate “general interest” list for your postings and review. It is wholly-managed by Walt Lane, former NED District President, and member of the Schenectady, NY, chapter. The NED Leadership may continue to post there, but Walt alone has the control of what appears there or not. Please contact him with

your questions or concerns. He does welcome most submissions pertaining to Barbershop Harmony interests, events, learning and fun!). Thank you for your patience, understanding and support. I speak for the entire NED Leadership Team when I say: it’s GREAT to be a barbershopper – and to have YOU as a part of our family! If there are any questions or concerns, comments or ideas, please feel free to contact me anytime. I have many email addresses now! Great to hear from you, always! Cheerio – in harmony! Sing-cerely, ~ Steve Salamin Reasons #6 & #5 to apply now to attend the New England Harmony Brigade, September 18th-20th, 2015 #6: Win a Contest Without Months of Quartet Rehearsal! It's a crazy, fun time. Friday evening, each randomly drawn quartet performs a one song set, singing a randomly drawn song that has been assigned to them. The goal? Make the top ten and move on to the Saturday evening finals. After the Saturday Show, the second round of the quartet contest is held. And now it's Show Time! (Laughing, raucous applause, banter, bribing the judges) This is serious business! The judges do whatever judges do to select the Top Three Quartets, who are awarded recognition for their outstanding accomplishment with great pomp and ceremony! The top three finalists get to have their mugs on the NEHB website for a year! #5: Find Your Quartet (or find a missing part)! Many Brigaders are members of active quartets. Singly or as a quartet, they attend to enjoy singing for fun with 'three new guys' or with long-time friends. However, more than a few quartets have formed from the magic discovered at a Rally. Four guys mix it up, and many hours later, they are still ringing like never before. We know of several great quartets discovered at Brigades; it can happen! It’s easy to apply online. Just fill out the new online application and then you can either send in your deposit, or submit your deposit via Paypal. But keep in mind that your application will not be considered until such time as your deposit is received. Go to www.nehb.net and apply now.

Lee Daum Lee Daum- President New England Harmony Brigade

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Ye Olde Joke Boarde

Submitted by the Unknown Barbershopper. With help from Nick Godano

A pair of chickens walk up to the circulation desk at a public library and say, “Buk Buk BUK.” The librarian, who is a barbershop baritone, decides that the chickens desire three books, and gives them the books. The chickens leave shortly thereafter. Around midday, the two chickens return to the circulation desk quite vexed and say, “Buk Buk BuKKOOK!” The librarian decides that the chickens desire another three books and gives the books to them. The chickens leave as before. The two chickens return to the library in the early afternoon, approach the librarian, and, looking very annoyed, say, “Buk Buk Buk Buk Bukkooook!” The librarian is now a little suspicious of these chickens. He gives them what they request and decides to follow them. The baritone librarian follows them out of the library, out of the town, and to a park. At this point, he hides behind a tree, not wanting to be seen. He sees the two chickens throwing the books at a frog in a pond, to which the frog was says, "Rrredit Rrredit Rrredit."

. . . A church's bell ringer passed away. So they posted the position and a barbershop baritone with no arms came in wanting the job. The clergy wasn't sure he could do the job, but he convinced them to let him try it. They climbed the bell tower and the guy ran toward the bell and hit it with his head. They gave him the job. The next day he went to ring the bell, tripped, bounced off the bell and fell to the sidewalk below. Two guys were walking past. One asked, "Do you know this guy?" The second guy responded, "No, but his face rings a bell." The next day, the dead bell ringer's twin brother came in for the again vacant bell ringer position. He also has no arms. They led him up to the bell tower, he ran at the bell, tripped and fells to the sidewalk below. The same two guys walked by. The first asked, "Do you know him?" The second guy responded, "No, but he's a dead ringer for the guy we saw yesterday."

. . . A barbershop baritone on the golf course sent his tee shot into the woods, then hit a few trees with his next shot, then proceeded to hit all the way across the fairway and into some other woods. Finally, he proceeded to hit into the sand trap. He noticed that the club pro had been watching him. "What club should I use now?" he asked the pro. "That depends," the pro replied. "What game are you playing?"

Current Mad Hatter Repertoire

Regular Repertoire Almost Like Being In Love It’s Only A Paper Moon I Don’t Know Why (I Just Do) Where Is Love Daydream Beach Boys Medley Happy Together) Blue Velvet Crazy Little Thing Called Love Shenandoah Bye-Bye, Love Breaking Up Is Hard To Do On The Sunny Side of the Street

If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too? Patriotic/Inspirational Amazing Grace God Bless America I Believe Impossible Dream Lord's Prayer Star-Spangled Banner This Land Is Your Land/ America the Beautiful Medley Coming Soon Blue Skies

Come Go With Me Tonight, Tonight The Long and Winding Road 50’s Rock and Roll Medley 59th Street Bridge Song How Deep Is The Ocean Moonlight Brings Memories You Can't Have Your Kate and Edith Too Contest Drivin' Me Crazy May I Never Love Again

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April Milestones Birthdays Wedding Anniversaries 11 - Robert Golenbock 14 – Fred and Vera Baran 15 – Bill Keenan 16 – Diane and Craig

Johnson 27 – Alex Zobler 28 – Don Sutherland 4 – Patricia Griffin 12 – Carl Zlamany 16 – Vivien Cheeseman 27 – Ronnie Fehling

May Milestones Birthdays: Wedding Anniversaries: 7 - Dan Griffin 1 - August and Roseann

D'Aureli 12 - Joel Knecht 3 – John and Claudia

Downey 12 - Janet Just 5 - Bill and Annellen

Gleissner 12 - Dessain Terry 8 - Bob and Vikki Bradley 14 - Gloria Keenan 12 - Pete and Jane Huester 17 - Doyle Stoppel 28 - Lyle and Patricia

LaPlante . 22 - Fred Baran 29 - Danny and Linda

Anderson 30 - Doyle and Doris

Stoppel

Angling for Angels Dear Fellow Barbershopper This year the Chorus will present our annual show "Feelin' Groovy" on May 16,2015 at the new Western Connecticut State University Performing Arts Center, reputed to be one of the finest acoustic venues in the United States. The show will feature songs from the ‘50s and ‘60s performed by the chorus, our quartets and our special guest quartet, Up All Night. As in past years, we depend on you, our Angels, to help defray the cost of production; and, this year, have two ways for you to become an Angel. The first way, as you’ve always done, is to donate $10.00 or more and be listed in our printed program as an Angel. This year we also offer you the opportunity to donate one or more show tickets, at $20.00 per ticket, which will be awarded to folks who might not otherwise be able to attend our show. These could include seniors on small fixed incomes, residents of nursing home-type facilities or music students who have never been exposed to Barbershop Music. For a donation of one or more tickets you will be listed as an Archangel in our printed program.

We know how much you love this truly American art form. We sincerely look forward to hearing from you and to seeing you at the show! In Peace and Harmony, The Danbury Mad Hatter Chorus ** Please note that, in order for your name to appear on the Angel List in the program, donations must be received by April 28th (or you may email us to let us know a donation is in the mail). ** _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ANGEL CONTRIBUTION FORM Print your name just as you would like it to appear in the Program _________________________________________________ I AM PLEASED TO SUPPORT THE Mad Hatter Chorus with this donation of $_______ toward the Annual Show. I understand that an acknowledgement of my contribution will be sent to me by email and I will be listed as an Angel in the Show Program. Please use this $_____ contribution to provide (qty.)____ ticket(s) for those who might otherwise not be able to attend the show. I understand that an acknowledgement of my contribution will be sent to me by email and I will be listed as an Archangel in the Show Program . Please include this portion of the sheet with your Angel donation made out to Danbury Chapter BHS and send it to: Danbury Mad Hatter Chorus c/o Mr. Dickson DeMarche 603 Championship Drive Oxford Ct. 06478

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The Danbury, CT Chapter SPEBSQSA

104 Lexington Blvd, Bethel, CT 06801 203-744-9480

President: Danny Anderson Musical Director: Joseph Hudson Assistant Director: Wynn Gadkar-Wilcox Director Emeritus: Don Sutherland Membership VP: Andy Bayer Public Relations VP: Art Cilley Music VP: Jim Hopper Secretary: Robert Golenbock Treasurer: Dickson DeMarche Program VP Vacant Member at Large: Peter Daubner Member at Large: Walter Barlow Member at Large: Wynn Gadkar-Wilcox Immediate Past President Robert Bradley Uniform Chairman: Andy Bayer Harmony Foundation

Chairman: Danny Anderson Music Librarian: Peter Daubner Sunshine Chairman: Don Smith Package Show Chairman: Dick Walter Chorus Manager: Robert Golenbock

The Hatter Chatter

Serving the Mad Hatter community since last Tuesday John Bradley, Hatter Editor Dick Zang, Chatter Editor 39 Beekman Drive 2 Camelot Crest Lake Carmel, NY 10512 Sandy Hook, CT 06482 Jbrad1313@earthlink.net jezang@charter.net

Proofreader: Miss Taralily

The editors of the Hatter Chatter welcome submissions from all chapter members and friends of the Mad Hatters. E-mail, mail, paper airplane us your thoughts, observations, opinions, singing tips and whatevers, and we’ll turn them into Pulitzer Prize copy

Baritone Quiz

Mark Your Calendars Annual Show Dress Rehearsal Tuesday, May 12. WCSU Visual and Performing Arts Center (43 Lake Avenue Ext/Danbury, CT). 7:15pm – 10:00pm. Annual Show Saturday, May 16. WCSU Visual and Performing Arts Center (43 Lake Avenue Ext/Danbury, CT). 5:30pm – 10:00pm. Sing Out Saturday, May 23. Meadow Ridge Senior Care (100 Redding Rd, Redding, CT). 4:00pm - 5:00pm (warm-up at 3:30pm). Danbury Westerners Baseball Game Tuesday, June 9. Rogers Park (101 Memorial Drive, Danbury, CT). 6:00pm – 7:30pm. Danbury Westerners Baseball Game Tuesday, June 16. Danbury Westerners Baseball Game, Rogers Park (101 Memorial Drive, Danbury, CT). 6:00pm – 7:30pm. Sing Out Tuesday, June 23. Benchmark Senior Living at Ridgefield Crossings (640 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield, CT). 7:00pm - 8:00pm (warm-up at 6:30pm. Danbury Westerners Baseball Game Tuesday, July 21. Rogers Park (101 Memorial Drive, Danbury, CT). 6:00pm – 7:30pm. Harmony College Northeast August 7 – 9. Worcester State University (486 Chandler Street/Worcester, MA). Info at: http://www.nedistrict.org/hcne Coaching Session with Kirk Young Saturday, August 15. Church of Christ (90 Clapboard Ridge Road, Danbury, CT). 9:00am – 4:00pm. Sing Out August 21 – 23 (Day and time to be determined). Bridgewater Country Fairgrounds (100 Main Street S/Bridgewater, CT). Details TBD. Sing Out September 19 – 20 (Day and time to be determined), Newtown Arts Festival, Fairfield Hills Campus (Trades Lane). Details TBD. Sing Out September 12 – 13 (Day to be determined), Taste Of Danbury, City Center Danbury Green (186 Main Street, Danbury, CT). Details TBD. NED Convention 2015 October 16 – 18. Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Center (870 Williston Road, Burlington, VT). Quartet Contest on Friday, Chorus Contest on Saturday.