2009 nov-dec soundings
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Portland Downeasters Barbershop Chorus NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
November – December 2009
Downeasters
Win
Northeast District Championship Northeast District Most Improved Chorus...1st Place Northeast District Plateau AA Champion.....1st Place Overall Northeast District Champions..........1st Place Director of the Most Improved Chorus….Jack Baggs
Northeast District Novice Quartet Champions..1st Place
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President’s Column
Champs at Last – The never-say-die Downeas-
ters Barbershop Chorus swept the Northeastern
District (NED) Fall Convention Chorus Contest
held at Manchester, CT on October 24th
to win
the title of “2009 NED Chorus Champion”.
Enroute to this title, the Downeasters also col-
lected awards for “Most Improved Chorus” and
the “Plateau AA Champion”. Our Director, Jack
Baggs, received the “Director of the Most Im-
proved Chorus” award. The Downeasters have
earned the right to be the NED Representative to
the International Chorus Competition in Philadel-
phia in July 2010. This is the first time in its 60
year history that the Downeasters Chorus has
made it to the International Stage.
The above accomplishment was the result of the
dedication by the members of the Competition
Chorus (CC)to the terms and conditions of the
agreement between themselves and the Music
Team Leaders. Given the competent musical di-
rection of Jack Baggs, strong support by task-
master, Bill Peterlein, excellent coaching by
Steve Tramack, and the fine tuning by Joe Baggs
with our presentation, the CC melded itself into a
competitive unit. They believed themselves to be
“Champions” before they took the stage at Man-
chester. Following their performance, the Down-
easters knew from the audience response that
they were contenders. The countdown was excit-
ing and complete with anticipation. When Provi-
dence was announced as No. 2, the entire au-
dience erupted into an uproar of cheers and loud
applause as the announcement came – “..and now
for your 2009 NED Chorus Cham-
pion…..Portland, Maine”. The end of 60 years of
waiting was over!!
Not only did the Downeasters win awards, our
youth quartet, $1800 Dollar Shoes, won the 2009
NED Novice Quartet trophy. In this issue is an
article about this unique quartet and its award
ceremony.
Elsewhere in this issue there is a listing of the
2010 Chapter Officers. The procedure for identi-
fying these future leaders was initiated very early
in the current year by the President‟s appointment
of a Nominating Committee. Through the process
of succession planning, the incumbent officers
were each charged with identifying a chapter
member whom they considered had the interest
and potential for performing the duties of their
office. In some cases, the incumbent chose to re-
main in that office. The candidate members, and
those incumbents choosing to remain in office,
were further interviewed by one or more nomi-
nating committee members. Following the proce-
dures set forth in the Standard Chapter Bylaws,
chapter elections were held in October to vote on
the names in nomination on the Committee re-
port, or on any opposing names submitted during
the election process.
The next major challenge for the Downeasters
CC is the Battle of the Blends which takes place
on Saturday, November 7th
at the Franco-
American Center in Lewiston, ME at 7:30 PM.
This is an annual event sponsored by the Maine
Music Society. It is a competition between six (6)
invited a cappella groups from within and outside
of Maine. The Downeasters is the first male bar-
bershop chorus invited to compete in the 16 years
of this event. The “Battle” is an excellent oppor-
tunity for the public, and other singing groups, to
become better acquainted with our unique style of
a cappella music. The benefit to the winner is
„bragging rights” for that competitior‟s art form.
We will be performing our NED Championship
package plus 3 other numbers.
Continued on pg3
President’s Column continued
Current plans are to hold the banquet for installa-
tion of the 2010 Officers at the Sacred Heart
Church, 326 Main Street, Yarmouth. Mark your
calendars for Saturday, January 16th
for this
event. The program will be similar to previous
years with a potluck dinner. More info will be
forthcoming.
2009 has been a very busy year, as we envisioned
it would be; but, it also has been a tremendous
year for significant growth of the Portland Chap-
ter in many categories. The membership roles
have reversed: more than twice as many active (at
least part time) as inactive (full time). Our major
fundraising events have resulted in very positive
revenue increases, leaving the chapter in a com-
fortable position of solvency at year‟s end. More
importantly, the improvements in our singing
quality have brought us to the Top amongst our
peers in NED. Already the Downeasters are sens-
ing a level of prominence in our familiar sur-
roundings, which radiates when recognized as
Champions.
As we close out this year, I want my fellow
Downeasters and their families to know that it is
all of you who have made our successes in 2009
“our finest moments”. It has been an extremely
rewarding personal experience to work with such
fine gentlemen, from our Board down through the
organization, as your Chapter President. My sin-
cere thanks for giving me that privilege.
Ted
Nov 7- Battle of the Blends Franco
Amer. Ctr. Lewiston 7: PM
Nov 9 Guest Night Auburn (see article)
Nov 12-Board Mtg.
Nov 16 Inter Chapter Meeting 7 p.m. @ UMA
Jewett Hall Auditorium in Augusta
Dec 6 Benefit Concert for Northeast Hear-
ing & Speech 4:PM Portland
Dec 7 Concert First Parish Church Saco
7 PM
Dec 14 Concert Cancer Community Center
7 PM
Dec 21 Concert Woods @ Canco
Congratulations and Thank You
to our incoming officers.
Officers Elected for 2012 President …………………………...Bill Peterlein
VP, Music and Performance………Walt Dowling
VP, Chapter Development …………Cy Kendrick
Secretary………………………...Dave Marstaller
Treasurer……………………………..Larry Bean
Marketing & Public Relations … …Tom Liebert
Board Member At Large …………..Dave Brown
Board Member At Large ……....…....David Cole
Board Member At Large………….…..Phil Gage
A special thank you, from the Downeasaters, to
the present leadership team for all your hard
work in bringing this chapter to its full poten-
tial. Your leadership has brought us to a new
level.
Guest Night
November 9, 2009
The Downeasters are having a guest night at the
First Universalist Church 169 Pleasant St. in
Auburn, ME @ 7 PM November 9th
This venue was chosen because we feel that there
are many men in the Lewiston/Auburn area who
would love to be introduced to barbershop har-
mony. They just don't know it yet.
In light of our becoming the 2009 Northeastern
District Champion Chorus, we hope all the inac-
tive and former members as well as guests will
fill the vestry of the church with song.
A fun night is planned with chorus and quartet
performances as well as plenty of singing for all.
If you are not an active member, please come. If
you are an active member, don't miss this oppor-
tunity to make some new friends. We will need
all the "Riser Buddies" we can get. See you on
Nov. 9.
Downeasters Barbershop Chorus
Greater Portland Chapter
P.O. Box 48, Yarmouth, ME 04096 (207) 846-6841
www.downeasters.org
Downeasters Leadership for 2009
Ted Tracy………………………………………. President
Bill Peterlein….……..……...VP, Music and Performance
Cy Kendrick……..…..….………VP, Chapter Development
Dave Marstaller.……...……..…………………..Secretary
Larry Bean………………………………………Treasurer
Ted Tracy…...…..…….………..……….Delegate to NED
Carl Cappello ……………..……………....Past President
Jack Baggs……………………………………… Director
Dwight Pensiero………....……..…………....Librarian
Richard Roberge…….….…Marketing & Public Relations
Walt Dowling….……………………….Chorus Manager
Tom Liebert………………….……………….Webmaster
Dwight Pensiero………………...Board Member At Large
Dave Brown….….……….…….Board Member At Large
Al Sargent …………………….Board Member At Large
Wally Duplessie…….………Downeast Soundings Editor
4 Deer Lane, Windham, ME 04062
Word has gotten out that the Downeasters are
singing well and having a great time.
We have four new members since new members
were last reported.
Jim Curtis (Bari) of Bidgeton, ME and Bruce
Sturgis (tenor) of Minot, ME joined our ranks
in time to work with us and help us win the NED
Chorus Championship in Manchester, Ct.
Miles Hunt (lead) of Oxford, ME, and Arnie
Jordan (bass) of Greenwood, ME have recently
applied for membership and are great additions to
the chorus.
We have also had recent guests who we hope find
the Downeasters to their liking.
These guests include Bill Herlihy, Tere Porter,
Gerry Barnicle, and Hank Manseau. The
Downeasters extend a warm welcome to all these
gentlemen.
David Brown joins Back Bay Four
With his quiet demeanor an unassuming man-
ner, one might be surprised at the exciting new
sound of the Back Bay Four Quartet with David
Brown as tenor.
Earlier this summer, David accepted an invita-
tion to audition for the BB4. Robb Sorensen, Jay
Wiley, and Walt Dowling were excited, both at
the possibility of David joining and later, when
he became BB4‟s tenor.
David is an engineer, working with the Whole
Foods Company. He lives in Raymond with wife
Kathy. He has sung with the Downeaster Chorus
for approximately eight years.
Timing was perfect in terms of future commit-
ments. BB4 had qualified in the spring Granite
and Pine Division Contest to sing on the NED
District Contest in Manchester, CT in October.
There would be plenty of time for David to be-
come familiar with BB4‟s contest repertoire prior
to the District Contest.
The person who coined the phrase, “plan for the
unexpected” was wise beyond his/her years.
Shortly after joining The Four, David had a bi-
cycle accident and broke his hip. After a quick
operation to prevent further damage, David was
shelved for a few weeks.
However, David sang his inaugural concert with
BB4 October 3rd
as part of the Brunswick-
Nor‟easters Annual Show. His melodious tenor
fit right in with the quartet and caused many very
positive comments about the sound which was
created.
And finally, David has recovered sufficiently to
make the commitment to sing with the quartet on
the District stage in October. It‟s an exciting new
blend and sound.
Many congratulations, David, on your new sing-
ing position, but more importantly on your recov-
ery from a broken hip.
Welcome to the Back Bay Four.
American Harmony Wins
Best Documentary!
At the San Diego Film Festival on September 26, American Harmony, the Movie, took home the award for Best Documentary! The best part? The votes came almost entirely from regular festival attendees, as there were only approximately three barbershop-pers in attendance! The movie has also been nominated by the Independent Documentary Association for an Alan Ett Award, for "Best Musical Documen-tary of 2008," and has received the following awards: the Audience Award, Runner-up Feature Documentary, Sedona Film Festival; Winner, Golden Ace Award, Las Vegas Film Festival; and Winner, Silver Lei Award, Ho-nolulu Film Festival. Details about the movie can be found on the American Harmony website, the Facebook Fan page, and the release schedule pin map. You can also keep up with announce-ments on Twitter by following @americanharmony.
On The Go will be performing at the Waldo
Theater on Nov. 7 along with several other acca-
pella groups in what is a yearly event. The pro-
gram starts at 6:30 to benefit is for the Youth Arts
Program of Waldoboro. The quartet will attempt
to make it to Auburn in time to perform in The
Battle of the Blends, later that evening
OLD TIMERS MEET
The Over The Hill Gang met at Pat‟s Pizza in
Yarmouth on Oct. 21 for their fourth and last lun-
cheon of the year.
Attending for the first time were Bob Fow-
ler,Ed Headley, and Peter Johnson.
Also present were Dave Sweet,Marshall
Wagner,Lin Billings,Al Phillips,Al Payson, and
Dick Wheeler.
Wayne Newton,the luncheon's co-host, had to
attend an out of state funeral and was unable to
attend. He sent his regards to the troops.
Luncheons will resume in April
Submitted by "Father" Dick Wheeler
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -- Edwin Joseph 'Ed' Jud
Edwin Joseph Jud, 95 PORTLAND -- Edwin Jo-
seph 'Ed' Jud died peacefully on Oct. 12, 2009, at
the Maine Veterans' Home in Scarborough. As an
engineer, Ed worked for the Quaker Maid Food
Co. and progressed to heading up the design de-
partment at Colgate Palmolive Co. and later
worked as a manufacturer‟s rep for Colonial Iron
Works.
Ed was a member of the Harmony (SPEBSQSA)
and according to his obituary “His love for boat-
ing was matched only by his passion for singing.
From those early years in New Jersey until he
was 94 years old, he sang regularly in a Barber-
shop Quartet wherever he could find one and ap-
peared in many local productions over the years.”
He was a long time SPEBSQSA member and
with the Downeasters until about two years ago.
A memorial service will be held in Portland on
Nov. 21, 2009, location to be announced. For ad-
ditional information, please contact Jones, Rich &
Hutchins Funeral Home at (207) 775-3763, 199
Woodford St., Portland.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
INTER CHAPTER MEETING NOV 16
The Waterville Chapter is hosting an inter chapter meeting on Nov. 16 7 p.m. at the UMA Jewett Hall Auditorium in Augusta. To defray expense for rent and refreshments, we are asking $2 per member registration fee. As our music director, Dave Stevenson, will be absent that day, we have prevailed on Bangor's Russ Vanarsdale Jr. to organize and conduct the meeting. We look forward to another great singing jamboree! Chad Arms for Darrin Cates and Tim Giroux
So long and Thanks for the Ride
Writing is not my forte but I did make an effort to
motivate, inspire, and occasionally ramble, about
the virtues of Public Relations and Marketing.
Fortunately, I came in to this position as a volun-
teer filling a post that hereto-with had never ex-
isted. I had a blank palette so to speak, and a
budget to experiment, with what might work (or
not) and experiment it was. Quite an experience
too, I might add. There was the never ending ex-
planation of trying to justify why articles (which
are free press releases) did not make it to the
news media (at the editor's discretion) but ironi-
cally the paid advertising did. But the joy and re-
ality of seeing the successes in membership
growth, the contacts made on behalf of the chorus
and the real fun in designing poster art, or lining
up new venues and expanding our fan base. For
this I will always be grateful to the past and
present Boards for expressing their confidence in
me, and to all of the chorus members for the sup-
port and the honor of Barbershopper of the Year.
Now it is time to pass the baton and we are very
fortunate to have found one of our own, who is
not only an accomplished writer, but very adept
at web design, indeed having already updated our
web site to the useful tool it can be. Tom Liebert
is one of our relatively new members who has
jumped in with both feet. as your new
PR/Marketing VP and as our web page contact. I
am pleased and excited about the possibilities that
exist with Tom at the helm. I think you will be
well served, and I feel that the job of
PR/Marketing is in excellent hands. Please thank
Tom personally for taking on this responsibility
and offer your support as I will. With best wishes
to Tom, Richard Roberge (Short timer) VP PR/Marketing
Singing Waiters on Hold
The Singing Waiters program that was originally
scheduled for November will not materialize due
to scheduling issues. Instead, a concerted effort
will be made to reach out to several churches as
your present PR/Marketing guy and your next
year's Chorus Director (one and the same)
switches hats. A packet of information and a
mailing list is all ready to be mailed at the end of
the year. The gist of the mailing is to get churches
or other nonprofit groups to contact us and start
to book events for the coming calendar year.
More on this as we get into the new year.
PHOTOS SCHEDULED
I have tentatively scheduled a photographer to
take photos of the competition chorus, then the
entire chorus with all of our trophies. Quartets
have changed and any quartets needing to update
their photos with new members will also have the
opportunity to do so (This will keep our new
webmaster happy).
This would take place on Dec. 7 prior to the Saco
Food Pantry concert.
More to come, but think about adjusting your
schedules to get there at 5PM to get it done be-
fore warm up and before the crowd gets there.
Yours for great PR, Richard
Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
EDITOR NEEDED
Let it be known to all men of good character,
(Any Downeaster) that an opportunity exists to
become the official Editor for our Soundings
Newsletter
As of the beginning of the year 2010, we have
no-one to keep us abreast of news items via our
official house organ. Wally has done a superb job
for 10 years and justifiably feels that he should
"pass it on".
If you have the slightest interest, and you feel that
you might like to know more about the pleasure
of communicating with your esteemed col-
leagues, you could be doing yourself and the
Downeasters a huge favor by stepping up to the
plate.
Since this comes under the purview of
PR/Marketing please respond to me at your earli-
est convenience. Wally has indicated that he will
be happy to share the nuances of "putting it to-
gether" and have you ready for the beginning of
the year.
Fortunately, Tom Liebert is doing an excellent
job of keeping things up to date on our web site,
but there still is no replacement for the pleasures
of a newsletter for all to read, digest and act upon.
To all members: Please really consider this open-
ing as your opportunity to share in the workload,
and as a special thanks to Wally and Dick Whee-
ler who have worked so diligently to keep us all
informed to date. Richard
Cy was born, raised, and lived in Massachusetts
until seeing the light and moving to Topsham,
Maine with his wife, Gail in January of 2007. He
has been a barbershopper for 19 years and wasted
no time in finding the Downeasters after coming
to Maine. Cy is thrilled to be a part of the Nor-
theastern District Championship chorus and looks
forward to many years of fun with the chorus and
his new quartet, Four Baritones, singing with Al
Sargent, tenor, Dave Cole lead, and Carl Cappel-
lo, bari.
Cy‟s other musical experience consists of 25
years of singing with church choirs and 45 years
of listening to the classics, with a special fond-
ness for the Baroque masters, although if stuck on
an island with only one composer to listen to,
he‟d be happy with the Toscanini recordings of
Beethoven‟s symphonies.
Cy is a chemical engineer who worked for Pola-
roid (remember them?) and the US Army at the
Natick Soldier Systems Center (Natick Labs) in
Natick, MA where he worked on new technolo-
gies for chemical protective clothing. Now re-
tired, he enjoys volunteering at the Maine Mari-
time Museum, playing golf, his daily Scrabble
games with Gail, occasionally “pumping iron” at
World Gym, and long walks with Gail and their
four footed companion, Calvin the tennis ball
chasing Papillon.
VISIT OUR WEB PAGE
www.downeasters.org
We have won! We have won!! We have won!!!
I still cannot believe that we have achieved a first
in a lifetime opportunity to sing at Internationals.
It does not yet seem real, but it is!
On behalf of your Music Leadership Team, I
would like to congratulate the Portland Downeas-
ters for becoming the 2009 Northeast District
Champions! You have all worked so hard to
achieve this – please milk every ounce of enjoy-
ment you can muster out of it.
Reflecting on the journey to the top the inevitable
question came up – How did we improve so
much from the 2008 District? Did we develop
better voices? Did we become more musically
adept? Well, maybe, but I truly believe that our
success resulted from a change of attitude. Atti-
tude is defined as a state of mind or feeling with
regard to some matter; disposition. Digging a
little deeper, I believe that our positive attitude
change was induced by our sense that we had
created something special. Knowing that we had
created something special made each of us feel
special in turn. In this state of mind, each of us
was motivated to continue to enhance this spe-
cialness, making us feel even more special and
creating a loop of continual motivation to contri-
bute our very best. This is the stuff of cham-
pions.
As we move forward, let us never forget this
sense of special. Let us continually work to grow
musically as a group. Let us each commit that we
will do the very best for ourselves and for our fel-
low chapter members. Let us go onto the interna-
tional stage and be the champions that we are!
Bill
Port City Sound to represent NED at
Seniors International Convention
Port City Sound-This quartet has qualified
to participate in the mid-winter Seniors
International Convention, scheduled for
Tampa, Florida from January 26-31.
At the recent NED District Convention,
they finished in eleventh place, good
enough to be the mike testers for the quar-
tet finals Saturday evening.
It was the first appearance for Walt
Dowling as Port City Sound Lead. He had
been working with the quartet for about
six weeks prior to the Convention.
The quartet currently is working on ma-
terial for their January date in Florida.
Back Bay Four Quartet
Back Bay Four formed in early 2001 and is made up of members of the Portland Downeasters chorus, Brunswick Nor’easters chorus.
Since then the quartet has performed on the Portland, Brunswick and Waterville annual shows as well as many performances around the state.
We are the Granite and Pine Division Novice quartet for 2002 as well as the Granite and Pine Division Champion quartet for 2007. We have a lot of fun singing for church groups, festivals, fairs, health care facilities and shows. “BB4” enjoys delivering singing Va-lentines in the Portland area each February.
David Brown sings Tenor. David lives in Raymond with his wife Kathy and has two children in college. David is the tenor section leader for the Portland Downeasters chorus. David is a mechanical engineer and works for an architectural firm in Auburn. He likes
cycling, hiking, chain sawing and many other pursuits including transforming into a crazy clown whenever there is a parade.
Walt Dowling sings Lead. Walt lives in Old Orchard Beach with his wife Brenda. Walt is a newcomer to barbershop having started in 1999 with the Portland chorus and singing with the popular Oarsmen Quartet. Walt works part time at the post office and volun-teers in the Emergency Room at Southern Maine Medical Center. He enjoys his child-ren and Grand children as well as kayaking and motorcycle riding with Brenda.
Robb Sorensen sings Bass. Robb lives in South Portland and is originally from Kam-loops, British Columbia. He’s been singing barbershop since 1980 and has been a member of three registered quartets and the Portland Downeasters. Robb is a Certified Registered Nurse in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment field. He en-joys volleyball, bowling and embroidery.
Jay Wiley sings Baritone. Jay lives in Hal-lowell and has a son Nathaniel. Jay has sung baritone and tenor in a couple of quar-tets and directed the Brunswick Nor’easters Barbershop chorus for ten years. He has been barbershopping since 1991 and direct-ing since 1996. Jay is a design engineer for a company in Portland and enjoys flying ra-dio control model airplanes and he’s also a licensed private pilot.
$1800 Dollar Shoes - 2009 NED
Novice Quartet Champions
At the November 2, 2009 meeting of the Portland
Downeasters Barbershop Chorus, its youth quar-
tet, $1800 Dollar Shoes, was presented the 2009
Northeastern District (NED) Novice Quartet
Champions Trophy. This belated award resulted
from the disqualification of the quartet to whom
the trophy had been presented at the NED Fall
Competition at Manchester, CT on October 24,
2009. Shown in the above photo making the tro-
phy presentation is Curt Roberts, Associate Con-
test Administrator at the NED Fall Contest.
Receiving the trophy are (L to R) Jonas Rimku-
nas,Tenor; Mitchell “Mitch” Perrin, Lead; Ian
Hawkes, Bass; and Andrew “Andy” Ernest, Bari-
tone.
Just who are these young barbershop singers?
They are all 16 year old Juniors at Gorham
High School, who all have the distinction of be-
ing Honor Students. Their interests in singing
originated through their participation in school
musicals, and was further expanded to barbershop
when Jonas, Mitch, and Andy became involved in
private studies with Paul Stickney. Stickney was
also the Lead singer with Majority Rules, a high-
ly talented barbershop quartet in their own right.
In the Fall of 2007, the 3 students encouraged
their good friend, Ian, to join them in learning the
unique style of barbershop singing under Stick-
ney‟s tutelage. The quartet continued their re-
hearsing through 2008, and in early 2009 decided
to become members of the Downeasters in order
to enter the Granite and Pine Division Contest.
Due to a scheduling conflict, the quartet was al-
lowed to compete in the Patriot Division Contest
and scored high enough to be invited to partici-
pate in the NED Fall Contest. It was from this
experience that the quartet made an important
acquaintance with Ray Johnson, baritone singer
with Men In Black, the BHS #9 best quartet. Ray
made special trips to Gorham to coach the quar-
tet.
In preparation for the NED Fall contest, the quar-
tet attended Harmony Extreme, a 3-day seminar
sponsored by NED where they received addition-
al coaching. Next major event was their perfor-
mance in the Semi-finals Contest at the Fall
Competition mentioned above. The audience was
enthralled with their singing and gave them a
standing ovation.
The only other quartet to get a full house standing
ovation was the Championship Quartet in the fi-
nals. Some of the boy‟s family members were in
the audience for the entire contests, and we think
they‟re hooked on barbershop!!
The Downeasters are filled with pride for the
honors bestowed upon its own youth quartet,
$1800 Dollar Shoes. Their award made it a solid
“Clean Sweep” of the NED Fall Competition for
the Portland Chapter. We‟re hoping that the quar-
tet and their Coach, Paul Stickney, will decide to
join us on the risers at the International Contest
in Philadelphia in July 2010.
Downeasters Sing At
The Woods at Canco
September signifies the end of summer. It is
also the beginning of the concert series for the
Downeasters.
We kicked off this season with a concert at The
Woods at Canco on September 14th
. The chorus
performed a number of their repertoire pieces be-
fore a very appreciative audience
A number of quartets rounded out the evening‟s
activities. Port City Sound(Fred Moore, Jim
Simpson and Jack Baggs) made its inaugural
appearance with Walt Dowling as lead. The
Ancient Mariners, with Canco resident Carl
Lerman as Lead, performed two numbers along
with David Brown, Tenor, Carl Cappello, bari-
tone and Ed Headley, bass. An updated Maine
Event Quartet performed four songs with mem-
bers Dave Cole, lead, Al Sargent, tenor, Cy
Kendrick, bass and Carl Cappello, baritone.
"Placement of the following edited minutes in the Soundings is the decision of the Board of Directors as a means of keeping the total chapter membership and other interested parties informed of activities and actions happening with the Port-land Chapter."
BOD- Management Team Meeting
October 8, 2009-7:00 PM at HMS
1. Call to Order- President Ted Tracy called
the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. Also present
were Board members Carl Cappello, Cy Ken-
drick, Dave Marstaller, Dwight Pensiero, Bill
Peterlein, Richard Roberge, and non board
members Jack Baggs and Dave Cole.
2. Secretary’s Report- Dave M. reported that
Arnie Jordan and Miles Hunt, now members
of inactive Hillsmen Chorus, have both sub-
mitted applications for Dual Membership
with the Downeasters. Dave contacted Cy
Ludwig, who has stopped attending rehear-
sals, primarily because he lives at such a dis-
tance, and invited him to join us whenever
possible. B) Dave and Ted will be transport-
ing the risers to the District Competition in
Manchester, Conn. on Oct. 23. The risers will
also be rented to St. John‟s Church in Bruns-
wick on December 6 for an ecumenical sing.
C.) 27 competitors and 11 non- competitors
(wives) have been registered for the Manches-
ter Competition at $35 each ($1330). The
non-competitors fees (385) will be reim-
bursed to the Chorus for a net payout to the
District by the chorus of $945. D) Motion to
approve report (Bill/ Cy). Passed.
3. Treasurer’s Report- Larry (not present)
emailed report. A) The Finance Policies
Rainy Day Fund requires an $8000 balance.
This fund stands at $6300. Should we in-
crease it to $10,000? No decision reached. B).
No members have asked for financial aid for
the Manchester competition. Motion to ap-
prove report (Carl/ Bill) Passed.
4. Music Team Manager’s Report- A). Bill
reported that at the October 12 rehearsal, vid-
eo recordings of the competition numbers will
be made and shown so we can be our own au-
dience and adjust our choreography for max-
imum effect. B). The competition songs for
next year will be Sunny Side of the Street and
Broadway Rose. Auditions will begin as soon
as anyone is ready and end sometime in Janu-
ary. C). Planned performances: 11/7- Battle
of the Blends, 12/6 NE Hearing & Speech,
12/7- Saco Food Pantry, 12/14- Cancer
Community Center, 12/21- Woods at Canco.
D) The Christmas Song List was distributed
on 9/28. E) Motion was made to hold our
2010 Annual Show at Scarborough HS on
May 22, at an approximate facilities cost of
$1840. (Bill/ Carl). Passed. The town/ school
need proof of non-profit status and a copy of
our liability insurance certificate. Larry/ Dave
M. will provide. Motion to approve report
(Carl/ Cy). Passed.
5. Chapter Development Team Manager’s
Report- Cy is in the final editing stage of the
Chapter Handbook. He will email a final ver-
sion to Board members soon. B) The polecat
singing /star program has been refined so that
members know via email who the other quar-
tet members are and what polecat they will be
singing, at least a week ahead. C) A Guest
Night is still planned for 11/9 at the Auburn
Universalist Church. Al is working with Cy
on arrangements .D) Motion to approve report
(Bill/ Carl). Passed.
6. Marketing & PR Team Manager’s Report- Member bios needed for Nov./ Dec. Sound-
ings-Cy, Al, Dwight, Jack. B) Tom Liebert,
our new Webmaster, has already updated and
greatly improved our website. C) Richard has
already made up posters, prominently featur-
ing Acoustix, for our 2010 Show. We plan to
distribute them at any barbershop event we at-
tend, including the Manchester, CT Competi-
tion. D) Dave M. has the “Most Improved
Chorus” trophy. He will get it engraved with
“Portland Downeasters”.E) Motion to ap-
prove report (Carl/ Cy). Passed.
7. Unfinished Business-Video documentary-
Eliza Cole is being paid $46 for a bill submit-
ted for footage of the 2009 Show. The Board
has suggested that the chapter end its in-
volvement with an obligation to Cole Produc-
tions.
8. New Business- A) Waterville will host the
Fall Interchapter Sing at UMA on 11/2. Ted
to inform the host chapter that the Downeas-
ters are unable to participate – need to pre-
pare for the Battle of the Blends Competition
which takes place on Nov.7th. B) We need a
replacement for Wally Duplessie, Soundings
Editor, who is retiring after the Nov/ Dec is-
sue. Downeaster members will be encouraged
by announcements at rehearsals and email no-
tices to consider a
replacement. C) Bill will inquire about having
the installation banquet at the
Sacred Heart Church in Yarmouth again this
year. Ted will serve as MC.
D) A “Thank You” card and note was re-
ceived from Theresa Headley, Ed‟s
Mother, for the enjoyment of seeing a video
of our 2009 Show, and the benefits
she sees Ed receiving as a member of the
Downeasters.
9. Adjournment- Motion (Richard/Cy). Passed.
9:09 PM
10. Next Board Meeting- November 12, 2009 @
7:00 PM at HMS
Respectfully submitted,
Dave Marstaller, Secretary
BOD- Team Management Meeting
September 10, 2009-7:00 PM at HMS
1. Call to Order- President Ted Tracy called the
meeting to order at 7:06 PM. Also present were
Board members Larry Bean, Carl Cappello, Cy
Kendrick, Dave Marstaller, Dwight Pensiero, Bill
Peterlein, Richard Roberge, Al Sargent, and non
Board members Jack Baggs and Dave Burns,
2. Secretary’s Report- a) John Gross has applied
for membership. b) Bay Chamber Concerts of
Camden has rented several of our shells for sev-
eral concerts for a total fee of $1149.60. c) The
Fall District Convention registrations and Contest
Entry forms will be submitted prior to the Sept.
23 early bird deadline. Motion to approve re-
port- Dwight/ Cy. Passed.
3. Treasurer’s Report (Larry)- a) Bill/ Carl
moved to amend the M+P budget to use $1500
from the CF that now resides in a contingency
fund to be used at the Board‟s discretion, for six
coaching sessions. Passed. b) The previously
tabled request for a donation to the Boy Singers
of Maine will be considered along with other
charity requests at a later date. c) Rather than give
each member a certain amount of money for Con-
test, financial aid will be considered on a case by
case basis. Motion to approve report- Al/ Dwight.
Passed.
4. Music Team Managers Report (Bill)- a) New
choreography will be introduced for “Alexan-
der‟s” on Sept. 14. b) Three possible new compe-
tition songs- Broadway Rose, Sunny Side of the
Street, c) Proposed performances- 9/14 Woods at
Canco, 11/7-Battle of the Blends, 12/6 NE Hear-
ing and Speech, 12/7 Cancer Community Center,
12/14 Saco Food Pantry, 12/21 Woods at Canco.
Motion to approve report- Al/ Cy. Passed.
5. Chapter Development Team Manager’s Re-
port (Cy)- a) Final comments are solicited for
revised draft of Chapter Handbook. b) A Guest
Night is being planned for the L/A area soon after
“Battle of the Blends”. Motion to approve report-
Al/ Bill. Passed.
6. Marketing & PR Team Manager’s Report
(Richard)- a) Cy, Al, Dwight, and Jack will pro-
vide bios for Soundings Nov/ Dec issue. b) Tom
Liebert will be asked to head a task force on web-
site development, including a new webmaster.
Motion to approve report- Bill/ Al. Passed.
7. Unfinished Business- a) Shaw‟s Receipt Re-
wards will be a Secretary line item in the budget.
B) Yarmouth CF needs new chapter leadership
for 2010. c) Due to an accident, much of the Cole
digitalized video documentary was lost. We will
let Eliza know we appreciated her efforts even if
we don‟t receive the finished version, or the raw
footage we had been anticipating. d) American
Harmony is posted on Netflix. See Soundings for
details. e) Per our By-laws, the slate of officers
and other board members will be read by the
Nominating Comm. chair on 9/21 and 9/28 and
will be voted on at the annual meeting on 10/5.
Still need one At-Large member.
8. New Business- a) The Hillsmen‟s Director, Pat
Fleck, has resigned.. Future of chapter uncertain.
Some of the Hillsmen may apply for dual mem-
bership with Portland. b) Jack‟s offer to continue
as our Chorus Director in 2010 was enthusiasti-
cally accepted. c) Some of us will be attending
the Seacoast Vocal Union‟s “Opening Night” on
9/26 in Portsmouth. Al Sargent will extend best
wishes from The Downeasters. d) Richard, Dave
C., and Bill will produce posters promoting our
2010 Show for distribution at Fall Convention. e)
The entire 10/12 rehearsal will be for the CC.
9. Adjournment- Motion- Bill/ Al. Passed at 10
PM.
10. Next Board Meeting- October 8, 2009 @ 7
PM at HMS.
Respectfully submitted,
David Marstaller, Secretary