Photos

Rehearsals February 2009

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:02:29 -0500

There was a pickup quartet with Mike O'Donnell, James Masalskis, Curt Struyk, and guest James Ely from the Pride Of Mobile Chorus PrideOfMobile.com singing during break. Guests; Gerald Van Wieren, Denny Grabill, Greg Rhodes, Dave Chase, Ross Douse, and Tag Man Bill Edmonds. Bill also taught the chorus a tag. There was also the Singing Valentine pickup quartet with Patrick Ryan, Mike Odle, Lyle Weeks, and Leon Reisters. visitors as observers John & Renee Welsh from Thornapple Community Church. Jack Schneider drew the for the raffle ticket and Chapter Development, Bill Robbins didn't win raffle but still got to direct the chorus closer. And another night James Masalskis was directing a chorus closer.

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended

Vocal Artisans GFS Trade Show

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:32:31 -0500

Octber 7, 2009 Grand Rapids Chapter Vocal Artisans performed for the Gordon Food Service Trade Show at the Grand Rapids MI DeVos Place Grand Gallery. They had food, drinks, and every kind cooking equipment. We sang for 90 minutes at the enterance then another 90 minutes inside the Grand Gallery. It was a huge event with 20 long aisles, we sang about 2 songs per aisle.

Vocal Artisans webpage is www.greatlakeschorus.org/va

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended or click here

Untitled

Sat, 25 Dec 2010 11:55:40 -0500

B-Day Sing-Out

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 23:14:31 -0500

August 28th 2010 Saturday at 867 Reeds Hollow Grand Rapids MI. The Great Lakes Chorus and a pickup quartet performed a Birthday Sing-Out at the home of our Chapter President Doug Weaver's mother-in-law Mary Jane Bobier for her celebration. She is a long time fan and generous sponsor of the chorus.

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended.

District Prelims

Sat, 04 Dec 2010 20:05:23 -0500

District Finals

Sat, 04 Dec 2010 19:57:20 -0500

Harmony Holidays Show

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 14:33:47 -0500

December 1st & 3rd, 2006 The 10th Annual Harmony for the Holidays Christmas show with the Great Lakes Chorus, Grand Rapids Sweet Adelines, and area barbershop quartets! Performance at the Devos Center for Arts and Worship auditorium of the Grand Rapids Christian Highschool, MI. Photos from both the dress rehearsal and the show.

Our Indian Summer turned to a Winter storm but the show went on and was a big hit! It was a USO theme with a military tribute, Bob Hope impersonasion, included interviews with the vets in the audiance, Toys For Tots donations drop offs and even visits with Santa in the lobby.

For highspeed/DSL internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended.

Member Profiles

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 13:00:41 -0500

1953 Remembered

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:42:21 -0500

Saturday Oct. 16th 2010 Grand Traditions Speech Given by Pioneer Historian John.H.Baker IV

The Barbershop Harmony Society has many traditions hence the theme of our convention �Grand Traditions�. On April 11th 1938 O.C.Cash and friend Rupert Hall sent out invitations to form an organization of male singers, starting a tradition that we know today as Barbershop.

In 1939 many chapters were formed creating a tradition of individuality. ( Detroit being the 1st chapter formed in Michigan ). Then on June 8th 1940 � Saw the first District organized in Michigan creating a tradition of unity. March 9, 1941 Grand Rapids hosted the first district contest creating a tradition of competition in our society.

The early 40�s found us moving globally as Oakland sponsors Winsor who becomes a member of the then Michigan District creating a tradition of internationality with our first true international quartet champions crowned The Grand Rapids - Harmony Halls.

Jumping ahead to Indianapolis - July 1997 Ann Jarchow take the Great Lakes Chorus on stage to become the 1st women director at an international, creating a tradition of uniqueness & versatility.

And it is this uniqueness and versatility of our society that brings me to my next item.

In 1953 an invitation to all choruses was made by the society to compete in the very first chorus contest in Detroit . The competition of 16 choruses from Oregon , Ontario , Kansas , Virginia , Quebec , and states close by attended this unique event - with Grand Rapids winning this contest. Now the plot thickens!

The title of first �True� International Chorus Champions goes to Capital Singing Chorus from Washington DC in 1954. The Society deems that the Grand Rapids chapter is the International Convention Chorus Champions because of the invitation status of the 1953 convention. But 1st chorus champions they were! Just one of many �Grand Traditions� and accomplishments shared by all of our chapters in our district.

Recently with help from Roger Lewis and BHS Historian Grady Kerr, after 57 years the Society would like to recognize The Great Lakes Chorus and its surviving members Ted Wietke, Al Bytwork, and Ed Bloom on their 1953 Chorus victory. At this time I turn the mike over to Doug Weaver President of the Great Lakes Chorus and Brian Dunckel President of the Pioneer District for the next part of this presentation. -END

Excerpt from Grand Rapids Barbershop Chapter Great Lakes Chorus weekly newsletter the 4Cast by John Baker, "After a brief speech from yours truly on Grand Traditions (the convention's theme) Doug Weaver GLC President took over and in a brief ceremony said that after 57 years the Gold has come home. Brian Dunckel Pioneer District President, (to both Al, & Ted's surprise) pinned Gold Medals to their chest and congratulated them. A standing ovation then allowed from friends and family. It is the first Gold Chorus medals seen by Pioneer and recognized by the Barbershop Harmony Society. Again, congratulations Ted, Al, and Ed (Ed Bloom was unable to attend)

Update by John Baker.

It was a very emotional weekend for myself, and apologize for bumbling though my speech Saturday afternoon with the Surprise that 3 of the known surviving members of the 1953 Great Lakes Chorus - International Convention Chorus - Ted Wietke, Al Bytwork, and Ed Bloom were recognized by the Society and were given Gold Medals after 57 years. (Ed Bloom was unable to attend the convention and will receive his at a later date). These were the first Chorus gold medals seen in Pioneer, w ith "HUDGE" help from Grady Kerr Historian, and guidence from Roger Lewis - We were able to make this weekend historical. But wait! I have an extra special anouncement!! I have been given permission from the society to allow family members of the 1953 Great Lakes Chorus to purchase a (Meaning one) gold medal for their relative that participated on that 1953 Convention stage. I will need your request, and the name of the 1953 Chorus member for verification and contact information. This will be a one time order placed Dec 30th. After that there will be none available. So please past this on to others that you know had a 53 Champion in there family.

September 2010, Ted Wietke and Al Bytwork, 2 of the few surviving members of the 1953 Great Lakes Chorus International 'Convention' Championship Chorus. Here they are posing around photos and awards from that period at the Breakfast Club aka Old Tymers Breakfast Club meeting.

Al Bytwork sang in a pickup quartet at this, the 37th Annual GLC/Baker Family 2010 Corn Roast Aug 31st.

Ted Wietke gave a talk at a GLC September 2010 rehearsal about his experience in the 1953 convention.

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended.

Barbershop Breakfast Club

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 16:36:20 -0500

October 21st 2010. The Breakfast Club meets 10am the 3rd Thursday of every month at the New beginnings Restaurant in Standale near Grand Rapids for food, fish stories, and a couple barbershop tunes. New Beginnings Restaurant 4735 Lake Michigan Dr NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534 (616) 735-4902

http://greatlakeschorus.org/bbc/

I was fortunate to be able to attend the BBC breakfast for the first time and snap a few of these photos. My 9 year old Lee was a big hit:) Retired GLC Directors Chuck Buffham and Jim Johnson took turns directing polcats. Gary & Phyllis Branch announced leaving before the next BBC breakfast for snowbirding in warm Florida.

Hudsonville Reformed Church

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:24:26 -0500

October 28th 2011 Hudsonville Reformed Church 3950 Highland Dr. Hudsonville, MI 49426 http://www.hudref.org/

The Great Lakes Chorus performed for a small funtion at the church to an audience of about 50 and were very well received.

Repertoire: Side By Side, Dream a Little Dream, Under the Boardwalk, Yesterday, Wonderful Savior, Sweet Hour of Prayer, I�m Into Something Good, When I Lift Up My Head, Southern Roses and Baby Medley.

37th Corn Roast

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:14:01 -0400

August 31st 2010 Tuesday @ 7pm. 2765 Bauer Rd, 49428 The 37th GLC/Baker Family Corn Roast.

A smaller turn out this year than in past but still an enthusiastic bunch from chapters all over the district. After many boiled ears of corn and hot dogs were consumed pickup quartets formed all around the large wooded yard. After sunset there was a welcome speech from Grand Rapids Chapter President Doug Weaver and a speech of the importance of such chapter events given by District President Brian Dunckel. There was a mini chorus performance by Grand Rapids Chapter Great Lakes Chorus directed by Aaron Bouwman and a mini chorus of the Great Lakes Harmony Brigade. The Pickup Quartet Contest of over a dozen quartets was MCed by Gary Branch. Performances included registered quartet members of Lansing Chapter quartet Olde Thyme Harmony, Break Time (chapter unknown), and the Grand Rapids Chapter quartet Showtime. Also performing were all the members of GR Chapter's 1999 Senior Quartet Champs Shades Of Grey (their bass John Baker is also our host). A special treat was performances by Al Bytwork, one of the few surviving members of the 1953 Great Lakes Chorus International 'Convention' Championship Chorus.

Announcement; MEN'S Night out!! (Sorry Ladies). Come join us in song - "Rain or Shine"! 5$ for Corn, Dogs, Chips and Beverages 8:30pm - Pick up quartet show - Registered Quartets are invited and Extremely encouraged to come. Brigade guys, this is a good time to reconnect with your follow GLHB brethren. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and can of bug spray for extra protection. We sing until the tags, creek, or keg runs dry. (About Midnight normally).

Article from the Grand Rapids Chapter's newsletter "4 Cast" Aug 9th 2010 by John Baker.

Corn Roasting a GLC Tradition. Singing at Smitty's Shack and GLI Afterglow parties at the Pantland Hotel are some stories my grandfather use to tell. But none have lasted longer than the Great Lakes corn Roast. It has resided at the Baker homestead for 36 years now and counting. There was question on when it started at our home - 1973, 74, 75? Well, many of you know I took over the role of Pioneer District Historian. People began dropping off items of interest faster than I could keep up. Digging through some of these items I came across an old 1973 Great Lakes Chorus member directory and calendar. Looking it over I found the last Tuesday, August 28th 1973 - Corn Roast at Herm Baker's. So this will be the 37th year held in the backyard, and I've attended all - Well maybe not all. The first year the Baker children were sent to bed before the party started. Fortunately the boys were sent to the old "Wolf" Camping trailer parked within view of all the activities. With our noses pressed up against the windows, watching and listening to every note and joke. So yes, you could say I attended in spirit. The Corn Roast is much older than 36 years and was not always held on Bauer Rd. It was Jim Horton that convinced my grandfather to hold it on his property in Jenison, when their last place was not available. The GLC Corn Roast simply put - was created for the purpose of replacing one rehearsal night with a night for the 'guys' (hence why no ladies) to reconnect and blow off some steam before their hard work schedule for Fall Contest. It began as - Beer, Dogs, Corn and Tag singing until the cows came home. Other chapters were invited to join in the festivities of the night. Soon a pick up quartet show became the event of the evening spawning new quartets in our society, the first I can remember Black Velvet. Even registered quartets find their way here Detroit Sound Company made it one year. Some quartets we get to see even before they're crowned District Champs, or have a chance to move on as our International Representatives. Comedy quartets, we've had share - From Harmony Hounds to Fool's Gold. Reunions like the Touch of Clash and last year's guests the Extension Chords. So men mark your calendars, August 31st 7pm - bring 'your' lawn chair and appetite for fun. View past pictures from our website www.GreatLakesChorus.org Be part of Grand Rapids' and the District's longest running event, the 37th Great Lakes Chorus/Baker Family Corn Roast.

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended.

Lamar Park

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:09:28 -0400

August 10th, 2010 7pm Lamar Park 2561 Porter St. SW Wyoming Michigan 49509 Wyoming Concerts in the Park Series each Tuesday evening Presented by the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission presents free concerts to the public. The Grand Rapids Barbershop Chapter Great Lakes Chorus performs along with Sweet Adeline junior quartet Little Angels and GLC Chapter quartets Showtime, Shades Of Grey, and a Great Lakes Harmony Brigade pickup quartet made up of GLC members.

Performance broadcast on community cable WKTV (Comcast ch25, ATT Uverse ch99 see Kent Community TV)

(excerpt from the Southwest Advance story Free concert series back at Lamar Park by Herb Woerpel)

The Great Lakes Chorus will close the series on Aug. 10. The all-male barbershop chorus was established in 1947 as part of the international Barbershop Harmony Society.

Enrichment Commission co-chair Greg Bryan said the concert series draws more than 800 people each week, "It is an enjoyable event where people can come out, enjoy some great music and meet their neighbors,� he said.

The celebration is nearing its 30th year and is fully funded through donations and sponsors. This year�s primary sponsors include Roman Manufacturing, the Wyoming Senior Fellowship Club, Wyoming Community Foundation, ATL Credit Union, Marge�s Donut Den, Parkwood Pharmacy and politician Dave VanHouten.

Primary sponsor Macatawa Bank brings their Snack Shack and has been known to pass out ice cream and other goodies.

The Concerts are at the north end of Lamar Drive, bring a lawn chair or blanket, get comfortable on the lawn and listen to some great music performed live.

Photos also by Lynn Weaver

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended.

Bush League- Statewide Alert

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:04:04 -0400

August 21st 2010 Gaylord MI. Competing this year were 12 quartets. The Grand Rapids Chapter had quite a few members attend the 1st Great Lakes Harmony Brigade. Taking the extreme quartetting to another competition venue, myself Michael Baribeau, joined with Braiders Joel Klein, Tom Blackstone, and Ray Sturdy. Since we all hailed from different corners of the state we called ourselves Statewide Alert. With only 3 rehearsals together we went to compete at the Gaylord Bush League. We didn't score as well as we hoped but got lots of great support and coaching from The Party tenor Kevin Morey, and lead Toby Shaver, and Al Fisk Music Judge. Also judging was Del Sparks and administrating was Ron Eubank. Also judging were The Party members bass Wally Krause, and bari Mark Spear.

Quartets in order of performance...

Limited Edition, Happy Our, Olde Thyme Harmony Quartet, Lakeshore Four, M-66 Express, The Growlers, Windfall, By Design, Singular, Statewide Alert, Quad Pro Quo, Break Time

Gaylord Harmonie Meisters President Erv Erickson,

Bush League 2010 has come and gone. What a great weekend! Twelve quartets came to Gaylord to test their current skills in the morning contest and to receive coaching in the afternoon by Al Fisk, Del Sparks, and "The Party", all held together by Contest Administrator Ron Eubank.

When all was said and done, the quartet scoring the most points and the recipient of the Bush League Trophy was "The Growlers". Who are they? Well, if you recall hearing or hearing of "Ebb N' Flow", a Collegiate Quartet from Mt Pleasant, you would be close. Their bass could not come, so they asked an "old" experienced bass from their Chorus to stand in. TR Gerard provided the foundation and "The Growlers" wowed the audience and apparently the Judges too.

CONGRATULATIONS TO, "THE GROWLERS".

The Gaylord Harmonie Meisters want to thank the Judges and Coaches for coming North and volunteering their skills and to all of the quartets who came to allow this event to happen.

The Harmonie Meisters are looking forward to hosting Bush League 2011.

Thanks again to all involved!

"The program perpetuates the fun and informal environment of a non-sanctioned competition while allowing quartets to 'fine tune' their skills for performances and for preparation for the fall District Convention and Contest." The Bush League was begun in 1947 and now in it's 62nd year. Bush League is a baseball idiom for the minor leagues and was adopted here tongue-in-cheek for this barbershop competition also because of its restrictions for competing for The Bush League Brass �Gaboon� (spittoon) Trophy . "Quartets that have previously competed in Society sanctioned competitions and placed 3rd or higher may compete FOR SCORE ONLY. They do not qualify to win the Bush League Trophy. Along with all other competing quartets, they are eligible for coaching, craft development and other singing events. This applies also to quartets that have previously won the Bush League Trophy."

Many thanks to our Bush League hosts the Gaylord Harmony Meisters for all the hard work in organizing this affair and keeping the contest with the �Oldest Revolving Trophy in the Society.� going strong!

Porter Hills- Shades of Grey & Showtime

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:15:39 -0400

Aug 4th, 2010, Porter Hills Village Retirement Community 3600 East Fulton St Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Quartets Shades of Grey and Showtime perform for Porter Hills Annual Summer Celebration and Pig Roast.

GR Art Festival

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:19:03 -0400

Grand Rapids 41st Annual Festival Of The Arts June 4-6th, 2010. A weekend of music, dance, demonstrations, food, movies, and art in the closed off streets of downtown Grand Rapids.

On Sunday the 6th the Great Lakes Chorus with Director Aaron Bouwman and Assistant Director Peter Westers performed on the outdoor Calder Stage, named after the giant 4 story red steel monument behind it. That same weekend about 8 GLC members attended the 1st Great Lakes Harmony Brigade Rally so they also sang a couple songs as a mini chorus on the Calder Stage. All Calder Stage performances were aired live on GRTV community access cable as well as streamed online.

*Side Note; Alexander Calder 1898�1976, aka Sandy Calder, was an American sculptor and artist and inventor of the mobile. The Grand Rapids monument is know by locals simply as The Calder but is officially named the La Grande Vitesse translated as "the great swiftness" or "the grand rapids". It measures fifty-four feet long, forty-three feet high, thirty feet wide, and weighs over 42 tons.

Photos also by Lynn Weaver and Jacqueline Riegling.

Historic also as the first grant by the federal National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in its public arts initiative for $45,000 to the city of Grand Rapids.

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended.

GLI 2010

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 22:22:28 -0400

May 15th, 2010 2pm & 7:30pm The Grand Rapids Barbershop Chapter 67th Annual Great Lakes Invitational Show, Sailin' Away. Forest Hills Presbyterian Church 7495 Cascade Rd SE Cascade, MI. Tickets $15. with area barbershop quartets Fountain Street Four Collegiate Quartet, 1999 District Senior Division Champs Shades Of Grey, and 2010 International Quartet The Party, and the 2010 Chorus Champs Great Lakes Chorus.

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended.

Vocal Artisans MTA Tradeshow

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 08:52:24 -0400

Jan 27th, 2010 Vocal Artisans quartet performed at the MTA Michigan Townships Association Expo in the DeVos Place of Grand Rapids Mi at a booth for Gourdie-Fraser, Inc. construction from Traverse city. Dan Winer stood in for Doug Weaver singing bari. Dozens and doznes of booths were there regarding building and construction with large crowds moving among them. We would gather small groups as the crowds would move by and were well received. This from their Marketihng Cooridinator, "we got a lot of good comments from our booth visitors on your performance. It definitely added more "old-fashioned" flair to our old-fashioned service theme. Your group was prompt, professional and a great enhancement to our booth. Grand Rapids is a great place for events, and that goes for both the places and the people."

http://www.gourdiefraser.com

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended.

Blood Drive

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:33:50 -0400

June, 12th 2010 Michigan Blood (Grand Valley) 1036 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids MI. The Grand Rapids Barbershop Chapter held it's Singing For Life Blood Drive in conjunction with the Cruisin for Life Car Show & Blood Drive and live WGVU radio remote. Classic cars were on display, plus donors receive thank you gift and grilled hotdogs. The GLC sang both outside and indoors as people donated blood and the staff applauded for them after each song.

(Michigan Blood announcement below)

Fifty-nine people signed in to donate blood, including six first-time donors. Eleven of those people also chose to join the, Be The Match Registry, of the National Marrow Donor Program. Check out all of the classic cars below, including the Top Ten Winners and Best In Show winner Rich Verbugge's 1940 Ford Pick-up.

http://www.miblood.org/news/entry/

Also, photos of the cars at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/miblood/

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended.

Showtime At Muskegon Celebration

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:55:53 -0400

Wednesday, June 23, 2010 Muskegon Summer Celebration, Plumb's Valu-Rite Foods Community Picnic 4pm-8pm Heritage Landing Muskegon MI.

Grand Rapids Barbershop Chapter quartet Showtime performed as a wandering quartet at the carnival/picnic event in Muskegon. Also performing were Shoreline Barbershop Chorus quartets and other Western Michigan quartets including a Rockin' Barbershop young men's quartet and a chorus of the Sweet Adelines (Sweet Adelins West Shore Chorus of Grand Haven?).

(announcement excerpts below)

The Muskegon Summer Celebration is an 11 day all star music festival extravaganza complete with family fun for all ages. Located on the beautiful shores of Muskegon Lake in downtown Muskegon, the Muskegon Summer Celebration is a tradition among locals and out of town guests alike.

Plumb's puts on Muskegon's biggest and best family picnic for the 18th straight year! Come enjoy great food with ice cream for dessert at prices you could only dream of. Free games and prizes for kids 10 and under from 4:00-8:00pm. Admission is free so bring your appetite and enjoy. Also, the Shoreline Barbershop Chorus presented by the Barbershop Harmony Society, will be providing live music throughout the entire evening. Please come to Heritage Landing to enjoy this exciting event!

Showtime Webpage http://GreatLakesChorus.org/Showtime

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended.

Showtime At Zellie's Opry House

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:00:32 -0400

July 16th, 2010 Howard City, MI. Zellie's Opry House (formerly Great Northern Music Hall/Gettin' Picky Music Store) 230 E Edgerton St. about 40 minutes north of Grand Rapids. The Showtime quartet performed at their Friday night open mic. Most Friday nights they have an open mic for musicians and singers with 30min slots all night long. There is an eclectic range of music performed but is mostly bluegrass and country. It's a great opportunity for barbershop quartets to get some stage time in front of a supportive audience of other musicians and music lovers and an informal setting. Some nights there may only be 5 people in the pews and other nights can have around 40. Admission is $5 to sing or listen. There was a good size crowd of about 35 there when we sang. I stayed till late listening to the other groups. I really enjoyed the 2 and 3 voice part bluegrass harmony and banjo picking as well as acoustical guitar ballads. Photos of the quartet on stage were taken by Jim's wife Julie Johnson.

(Zellie's website excerpts below)

Welcome to Zellie�s Opry House where the musical tradition of Tennessee�s Ryman Auditorium, Home of the Grand Ole Opry, is being kept alive in Howard City, Michigan. Like the Ryman Auditorium, Zellie�s Opry House originally began as a church. Built in the 1860�s, through the years the building has experienced change; however, original architectural details remain evident, including the wooden pew seating in the auditorium.

Friday Night Fun at Zellie�s includes an open stage/open mic where the entertainment on stage periodically changes through the evening, as musicians gather to sing, pick, and share in their love of bluegrass and country music. The lower level of Zellie�s Opry House provides plenty of �jamming� space for all musicianship levels. Dust off your old guitar, dig Grandpa Jack�s fiddle out of the attic, or put new strings on Uncle Emmett�s banjo and join in the fun.

http://www.zelliesopryhouse.com/

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended.

GLC 2010 District Champs!

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:38:38 -0400

April 23-24th, 2010 Pioneer District Barbershop Convention and Competition. The Pioneer District covers all of the State of Michigan and the Western Border of Canada. The Grand Rapids Barbershop Chapter Great Lakes Chorus competed with 31 'riser rats' singing. We sang 2 songs made popular in the 60s with Dream A Little Dream Of Me sung by "Mama Cass" Elliot of the hippie pop group The Mamas & The Papas and I'm Into Something Good (the 2nd arranged by our own Derek Hatley) by Herman's Hermits. So we dressed for the period wearing tie-dye t-shirts, long wigs, etc for that hippie look. We scored a total of 802 points at 66.8% and placed 1st as 2010 District Chorus Champions! It has been 10 years since we last won this honor. It's was crowded at the top this year, we beat out Lansing at 2nd Place by only 7 points or 0.5% and they beat Detroit-Oakland by 1 point.

GLC Chapter quartet Harmony Transfer sang on stage their swan song not only as is the tradition of the last year's District Senior Quartet Champs but also for the quartet's official retirement after 16 years.

There were many collegiate quartets competing this year, GLC Chapter quartet Fountain Street Four competed both for Collegiate and District Reps to Internationals. They performed well and scored 749 points and 62.4% ranking 3 out of 5 for Collegiate. They just missed qualify for the Rep Finals but did agreed to be Mic Testers for the Finals. With the pressure off they really wowed the crowd and got a standing ovation.

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended or click here

Singing Valentines 2010

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:27:03 -0500

February 12-14th, 2010. Photos from Valentine quartets Fountain Street Friends, Great Lakes Pride, Off-Tones, and Vocal Artisans

To download your photos look for yours in the album, be sure to check all pages in the album, left click on yours for larger version, right click larger photo and to save select "Save As", select a folder to save to (ex. Desktop) or just to print select Print.

If scrolling through the photo album be sure to check all pages for more photos.

Great Lakes Pride performed at Forest Hills Eastern HS. One end of the 2nd floor lunch room where the Singing Valentine was performed had large windows over the main entrance and students started to crowd there seeing 4 guys in white tuxes walking up to the building and making there way inside. The roar of hundreds of students went completely silent as the Great Lakes Pride quartet sang for a teacher and they all applauded at the end. Great Lakes Pride then followed the Valentine sweetheart to her Biology lab to perform in front of her class of students there as well.

The pickup quartet the Off-Tones performed for about 15 residents at Waldon Woods Retirement Village of Lifehouse plus all their family and friends waiting in each room.

Vocal Artisans performed at a Rite Aid pharmacy and grocery, a salon, also for the Covenant Village Of The Great Lakes Covenant Retirement Community, and 32 residents and family at the Crystal Springs Lifehouse assisted living facility. Several of residents were sung to during lunch in the dinning one at a time among the hanging Valentine's Day decorations, center pieces, and Valentines on the tables.

Fountain Street Four with lead substitute performed for several Grand Rapids area businesses including Art Van, Jack Keller Ford, Charter cable call center, Renaissance Recovery Solutions, as well as Sunset Manor assisted living facility in Jenison. And still they made time for the quartet to sing to their girl friends over the phone. Great Lakes Chorus member Denny Grabill had a surprise for his sweetie at the line dance class in Coopersville Farm Museum. Sneaking away he substituted as bass in Fountain Street Four and sang to his lady in front of the whole dance class. He even gave a touching speech that the lyrics included the "L" word and was the first time he said it to her. They sang her another song and then he dropped to one knee and presented her with a rose. To top off the evening Fountain Street Four went to the Farm Museum's main entrance which was a cement silo for some silo singing and sang several tags and songs with substitutes Mike, Michael, and Denny, the echoes ringing at the top of the silo and lasting forever. FS4 thought they had made a new discovery until Denny informed them that it wasn't uncommon in farm country.

Fountain Street Four (plus) Video- Silo Singing click here

Fountain Street Four (trio) Video- silo singing tag click here

I couldn't find out a lot about it but here's an interesting excerpt I did find online.

Canadian Mennonite Volume 10, No. 13 June 26, 2006. Silo singing a resounding experience. Conestogo, Ont.

http://www.canadianmennonite.org/vol10-2006/10-13/localchurch.php

"He got the idea in 1999 when, as a retired farmer near Conestogo, Ont., he was recovering from knee replacement surgery. Some of their neighbouring Old Order Mennonite young people came to visit and sing for him. Then they spoke of going afterward to sing in an empty silo before the fall silo filling. Apparently, they do this each fall before corn harvest. Regarding the first silo singing five years ago, Shantz wrote in their church newsletter: 'At the end of it all, what felt like half-an-hour was really an hour-and-a-half! A Sunday afternoon in October and an autumn breeze encircles a farmyard outside of Conestogo. Thirty people of all shapes and sizes, and even a few with prosthetic replacements, wedged their way through a small ground level opening into an empty concrete silo. Any a pensive mood soon dissipated as our voices joined in harmony in this acoustical wonderment for our first silo singing.'�

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended or click here

Singing Valentine Photo Favs

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:08:15 -0500

A tuxedo-clad barbershop quartet will deliver two love songs, a red rose, a personalized card, a box of candy and a photographic memory of the event to your loved one

Anywhere in the Greater Grand Rapids Area

To order go to GreatLakesChorus.org

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended or click here

October 2009 Rehearsal

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:40:54 -0500

October 13th, 2009 rehearsal just before competition

President Doug Weaver announcing that GLC member and Private Kyle Herring kyle.herring@us.army.mil is being shipped out to Afganistan soon.

Bill Robbins presents Brandon Ciesielski and Matt Neier with their membershop packets and Director Aaron Bouwman with his first Man Of Note for Matt Neier.

Bud Kraft wins raffle

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended or click here

Christmas Show 2009

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 08:05:01 -0500

December 5th, 2009 Grand Rapids Barbershop Chapter Great Lakes Chorus 13th Annual Christmas Show Holiday Harmonies with special guests the Sweet Adeline Grand Rapids Chorus and area barbershop quartets. Matinee and evening show at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, corner of 36th St SE and 7495 Cascade Rd SE in Cascade.

Sweet Adeline Grand Rapids Chorus Director Ann Jarchow with Asst. Director Judy Westers, and Asst. Director Denise VanDyken.

Great Lakes Chorus Director Aaron Bouwman and Asst. Director Peter Westers.

A wonderful Christmas show this year! It's been a few years since we've done a show with the Sweet Adelines Grand Rapids Chorus and they were a real treat. There was a lot of positive audience feedback about how nice it is to have a holiday show with both the girls and guys choruses.

The show started with a joint chorus performance of Home For The Holidays with pianist Diane Cosby and then the girls sang the first half of the show while introducing guy quartets. About 64 of The Sweet Adelines sang mostly secular holiday songs including a beautiful song Love In Any Language which included some of their members using sign language. Some amazing numbers including the chorus split into 2 and singing 2 separate songs simultaneously under direction of the 2 assistant directors. And there was the ever cute I want A Hippopotamus For Christmas songs featuring the adorable pre teen girl quartet the Grand Rapids Singing Angels, 2 of their members' having to stand on milk crates to reach the mics.

Then the 2nd half of the show the 36 guys sang while introducing the girl quartets. The Great Lakes Chorus sang half secular and half sacred music the sacred including a short moving number with an echo quartet singing from the opposite end of the church sanctuary. There was also the traditional rowdy 12 Days Of Christmas Barbershop Parody staring the antics by GLC tenor and resident elf Paul Slack plus the new addition of grumpy FedUp delivery man (parody on FedEx delivery). Somebody please let me known his name so I can list it here, he was brilliant!

The Westers Family Quartet also performed including 11 year old GLC member Silas, sisters Abbie and Kobby (who needed the milk crates), their dad and GLC Asst. Director Peter Westers, and mom GRC Asst. Directory Judy Westers.

The show ended with Grand Rapids Chorus joining the Great Lakes Chorus on stage singing enmasse Do You Hear What I Hear. Pianist Diane Cosby

Afterglow at Brann's Steakhouse and Grille 28th St near i-96.

In order of appearance quartets that sang and some captured video clips...

Vocal Artisans- Doug Weaver, Robert Ryan, Michael Baribeau, and Patrick Ryan.

Vocal Artisans webpage is www.GreatLakesChorus.org/VA

Vocal Artisans Video Clip

Great Lakes Pride- Paul Slack, Aaron Bouwman, Bud Kraft, and John Baker.

Great Lakes Pride Video Clip

Fountain Street Four- Phil Spencer, Brandon Ciesielski, Owen Sharpe, and Dan Winer. Collegiate quartet.

Fountain Street Four webpage is www.FS4quartet.com

Fountain Street Four Video Clip

Yuletide- Patrick Ryan, Toby Shaver, Robert Ryan, and James Masalskis.

Yuletide Video Clip

Grand Rapids Singing Angels- Koby Westers, Kelsey Jarchow, Haley Wassenaar, and Eden Witvoet, ages 6-11. Their families include GRSA Master Director Ann Jarchow and Assistant Director Judy Westers.

Grand Rapids Singing Angels Video Clip

Top Notch- Jane Perrin, Marcia Shanken, Ann Jarchow, and Reath Schooley

Top Notch Video Clip

12 Days Of Christmas Barbershop Parody with 'Tag' Quartet- Patrick Ryan, Peter Westers, Aaron Bouwman, and Dan Winer.

X-position- Jeanne Martin, Linda Rozeman, Pattee Bender, and Leah Williams

X-position Video Clip

Blue Champagne- Jeanne Martin, Teresa Fuller, Pam Latus, and Leah Williams

Blue Champagne Video Clip

fLip fLop- Laura Stuber, Sandy Cheeseman, Diz Frederick, and Debbie Pfennig

fLip fLop Video Clip

While By My Sheep 'Echo' Quartet- Phil Spencer, Aaron Bouwman, Dan Winer, and Owen Sharpe.

Westers Family Quintet- Abbie, Kobby, Silas, Judy & Peter Westers.

Westers Family Quintet Video Clip

Click here for more photos greatlakeschorus.org/pics/091205/phpshow.php

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended or click here