June 10, 2001 - Success Achieved at Mini Harmony College
2001
If there was a measure of success that the quartets in attendance at
the 2001 Mini Harmony College (MHC) found, it would be growth. The needle
on the growth scale was "maxed" for both the Dogs Without Leashes and
Top Flight, the two quartets representing the Boonslick Chordbusters at this
year's MHC.
The college is a weekend crash course on the art of barbershopping and this year
it was held in St Joseph, MO. Quartets are subjected to round after round
of intense coaching. A tight schedule was maintained that started Friday
afternoon and continued through most of the day Saturday. Over 8 hours of
individualized instruction was given to the quartets as they moved from room to
room in one-hour segments. They met privately with outstanding examples of
successful barbershop craftsmanship.
Their coaches were none other than
the members of Nightlife, the 1996 International Champions, and 12th Street Rag,
a past District Champion and a strong contender at this year's international
convention in Nashville. The coaching covered every possible topic and was
always geared to the quartets' specific needs and direction. Just a few examples
of the kind of coaching received are: tips on making unified vowel sounds,
balance, rehearsal methods, showmanship, achieving a proper wall of sound,
and stage presence. Perhaps most importantly, the quartets found that
these coaches, who were so successful, were really just ordinary guys like
themselves. The coaches understand the craftsmanship of barbershopping and work
hard to be good examples of this fine hobby. The quartets were left with
the feeling that anything is possible with dedicated work and diligence in
effort. They were challenged not to lose sight of the fun and simple pleasure
that singing together brings, and to press for their personal best as a measure
of their individual success.
Quartetting was not the only subject of study at the workshop. For
individuals not participating in the quartet coaching the district assembled a
staff of its best instructors. So many differing classes were available
that a member could easily find topics of interest and benefit, and would be
hard pressed to see everything in one visit. The classes included Basic
Barbershop Harmony, vocal technique, music selection, introductory judging,
advanced judging qualification, tag singing, wood shedding, basic directing,
and coaching.
A chorus was formed under the direction of Freddy King
and worked up a couple of numbers as well.
Those who sang with the chorus
were given a real treat, as Freddy is a legend in the Barbershop community.
He taught them much that could be taken back and applied in their home
chorus. There really was something for everyone!
The workshop was capped off by a show on Saturday night that featured all of the
quartets in attendance, the chorus, and a spectacular performance by Nightlife.
The goals of the school are simple – to promote top quality quartetting; to
give our district membership a place to gather and share the craftsmanship of
their hobby; and to stretch the collective understanding of this proud
institution of harmony. The success meter was pegged. Growth
happened!
.jpg)
.gif)
