News and Views from the
Greater Indianapolis Chapter,
Barbershop Harmony Society


THE BEAT
Winner, 2011 PROBE International Bulletin Contest
Volume 42, Issue 9

September 2011
Performing with excellence and encouraging singing within the community.
Circle City Sound is Back in Business with a BANG!
―Back In Business‖ has
been adopted by many of
us as a song announcing
that Circle City Sound is,
quite literally, back in business. We are ―back in business with a bang,‖ and we
are now realizing just how
the ―good times roll.‖
John Robinson
VP PR & MARKETING
“It’s a great time to be a member and
a great time to introduce others to the
chapter”
In the past few weeks, we
have sung the National
Anthem at an Indiana Fever
game, we were scheduled to perform at the Indiana State Fair (which was tragically closed and
prevented our performance), we sang the National Anthem at an Indianapolis Colts game, we
chartered a bus and did a full performance at Sauder Village in Ohio, and we are gearing up to
perform at the Penrod Arts Festival (dubbed ―the nicest day in Indiana‖).
Because of all this activity, we have had our name on the websites of the Indiana State Fair,
Penrod Society, and the Indianapolis Star, have been introduced in front of more than 100,000
people, and have been listed in hundreds of thousands of pieces of print media (the Indiana
State Fair program, the Scout program distributed at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Penrod program).
Trajectory [truh-jek-tuh-ree] is defined as 1) the curve described by a projectile, rocket, or
the like in its flight and 2) a curve or surface that cuts all the curves or surfaces of a given system at a constant angle.
Circle City Sound is clearly on a positive trajectory and it requires each of us to be committed
personally and as a chapter to that next higher level of everything that we do. It has meant
more and better performances – Yeah! It has yielded paid performances, and we have been
rewarded with events such as the camaraderie shared pre-game at Lucas Oil Stadium, the
chance to sing before a football-field sized flag, hear our introduction, sing, and then watch the
game or work the concessions.
It’s a great time to be a member and a great time to introduce others to the chapter. The
―Ready, Set, Sing!‖ program begins September 26th – invite male singers! The Christmas concert is still far enough off for new guys to get in and perform with us by then (I joined and had
three rehearsals before I got thrown on stage and, graciously, not thrown back off). We have
an active year planned for 2012 that you’ll want to be a part of, and you’ll want to share it with
others. Do so now!
Ready, Set, Sing!
We are also looking for additional paying performances to continue our progress. Please watch
for these opportunities and let me know whom to contact. We are already working on bookings
for 2012 and for 2013! Let the good times roll…
THE BEAT
Page 2
THE BEAT
September 2011
The View from the Risers
A Different Approach for our National Anthem?
by Tom Frank
Jerry E. Troxel, Editor
Member, PROBE (Public Relations
Officers and Bulletin Editors)
129 Yorkshire Blvd. E
Indianapolis, IN 46229
317 891-1634
[email protected]
The BEAT is published monthly by the
Greater Indianapolis, Indiana, Chapter
of the Barbershop
Harmony Society,
a proud member of
the Cardinal District.
Chapter Leadership 2011
President
Gary Garitson
VP Chapter Development
Jerry Troxel
VP Music & Performance
Duane Henry
VP PR & Marketing
John Robinson
VP Operations
Larry Anthony
Secretary
Tom Bradley
Treasurer
Paul Gabriel
Board Members at Large
Jeff Boyd, David Fouts,
Mark Lindgren
Immediate Past President
Jerry Troxel
Director
Garry Texeira
Assistant Director
Andrew Myer
Circle City Sound meets every
Monday at 7:00 p.m.
at Christ Lutheran Church
345 N. Kitley Ave.
Indianapolis, Indiana 46219
The great Walter Mitty once said, ―If you can’t do it,
dream it.‖ Imagine Francis Scott Key witnessing the
bombs bursting in air and the breaking through from the
gun smoke the embattled American flag, which at that time
had only 13 stars. What a history to come from, to be
here today and have the fantastic opportunity to sing this
embattled historical patriotic song.
Being one of the older Circle City Sound members, I
Tom Frank
remember always singing the ―Star Spangled Banner‖ before a game. Once I was at a game with two basses who
harmonized with me in singing the song, to the amazement of people around us.
We were all in the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir and had the vocal excellence to really belt a song.
Recently though, I have noticed a lack of the public engaging in singing of the
―Star Spangled Banner.‖ Once, at an event at Heritage Christian School, I was
singing along with the anthem in the midst of a non-singing group within the
crowd, and a woman in front of me turned and said, believe it or not, ―That was
beautiful; I had never heard the words.‖ Game announcers usually say, ―Please
stand as the band, chorus and orchestra perform our National Anthem.‖ Why
not say instead, ―Please join the band, chorus and orchestra and sing our National Anthem‖?
Circle City Sound might want to encourage this type of announcement, with our
director facing the fans to direct them at the start of the ―Star Spangled Banner,‖
then going to the chorus to direct the remainder of the song or keeping on directing the fans!
Walter Mitty would be out there with a huge downbeat just as the announcer
finished encouraging the fans to sing with us. In fact, through encouragement
and mentorship of the great Walter Mitty, Circle City Sound might well be known
as the chorus with whom the sports fans sing the ―Star Spangled Banner.‖ We
might even get letters and calls asking us to sing the anthem because of our
leadership in encouraging fans to sing this great patriotic song. WOW. Way to
go, Walter. God Bless America!
Watching and Waiting
The Lighter Side
A preacher was making a wooden trellis to support a climbing vine.
As he was pounding away, he noticed that a little boy was watching him. The youngster did not say a word, so the preacher kept
working. He was sure the lad would soon leave—but he didn’t.
The boy just kept watching.
Pleased at the thought that his work was being admired, the preacher finally said, “Well, son, are you
here to pick up some pointers on carpentry work?”
“Nope,” he replied. “I’m just waiting to hear what a
preacher says when he hits his thumb with a hammer.”
THE BEAT
September 2011
Page 3
Strolling Down Memory Lane
A monthly look back at our chapter’s history
by Lew Gillespie, Chapter Historian
Five Years Ago (2006)
Ten Years Ago (2001)
Terry Silke, 2006 Annual
The Indy Chapter moved to
Show Chairman, shared
a new location for recomments about the anhearsal: 650 North Meridnual show in the chapter
ian Street, the Scottish Rite
bulletin. Several BOTY’s
Cathedral. Having been at
shared
their
views:
the Broad Ripple United
―Kudos to you and your
Methodist Church for sevteam for providing us with
eral years, this new downan entertaining and retown location would have a
freshing show‖ - Harry
bigger rehearsal hall, with
Lew Gillespie
Roembke, BOTY 1985.
the auditorium and stage
―Lee and I attended the afternoon
also available to the chorus. The first
show last Saturday and enjoyed every
chapter meeting at the new location
minute of it‖ - Chuck McKinsey,
would be October 15, 2001.
BOTY 1979.
The fall convention was coming up on
October 5-7, in Columbus, Indiana.
Tom Bradley reported about his venThe chapter was proud of the followture to Harmony University: ―Now I
ing quartets competing: Keynotes,
can understand why it is recomHarmonytown, Sounds Familiar,
mended so highly. The overall ambiExpressions, Four At A Time,
ence was great and the quality of inBreakthrough, and Still At Large.
struction was first rate. I came away
In the chorus contest, The Pride of
with so much new information that it
Indy (now Circle City Sound) would
will probably take several enjoyable
compete against Kokomo, Terre
months to mull it all over and use it to
Haute, Columbus/Greenwood, Vinbecome a better singer.‖
cennes, Ft. Wayne, Valparaiso, South
Bend-Mishawaka, Muncie, and Ft.
Bob Boehmer’s “Sound Corner‖
Wayne Metro.
spotlight member of the month was
Kevin Curry. Kevin grew up in Paoli,
Indiana, and in high school joined the
Orange County Players and participated in productions of Oklahoma and
Carousel. At Purdue University he
sang 2nd Bass with the 8-Part Purdue
University Choir. In 1997, he became a full-time employee at Eli Lilly
as a Systems Engineer. His goal has
been to get his 50-year pin and continue supporting the chapter. (articles
taken from The Beat, Volume 37, Issue 7, September, 2006, R. Duane
Henry, editor).
www.harmonyfoundation.org
Dave Bjork was named the Assistant
Music Director for the chapter. Dave
grew up in Rockford, Illinois, and appeared in The Music Man in high
school. At Purdue University, along
with his engineering studies, he was a
member of the Purdue Glee Club.
He was a member of the New Haven
chapter before coming to Indy, and
his quartet, City Transfer, won the
Cardinal District Novice Quartet award
in 1999. (material taken from Inside
The Pride, Volume 32, Issue 9, September, 2001, Brad McAlexander,
editor).
Secure the future of barbershop harmony through
your generous gifts to the Founder’s Club, President’s
Council, Ambassadors of Song, and Tribute Gifts.
Calendar
of Events
Parade of Quartets
Friday, September 9
Cancelled
Penrod Arts Fair
Saturday, September 10
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
CCS performs at 12 Noon
Indianapolis Museum of Art
CCS Performance at
9/11 Commemoration
Sunday, September 11, 8:38 a.m.
Civic Plaza
Indianapolis International Airport
Ready, Set, Sing! begins
Monday, Sept. 26, 7:00 p.m.
Christ Lutheran Church
Election of Officers
Monday, October 10
At rehearsal
CCS Fall Party
Saturday, October 15
Larry and Bobbie Tolle’s house
Atlanta, Ind.
Circle City Sounds of the
Season
Sunday, November 27, 3:00 p.m.
Ransburg Auditorium
For detailed information on all
chapter performances check
our weekly bulletin,
S OUND B YTES
or go to:
www.circlecitysound.org
and visit the
Members Only section
The deadline for the October
issue of The BEAT is Friday,
Sept. 23. Send articles to:
[email protected]
THE BEAT
Page 4
September 2011
On (and along the side of) the Road
with Circle City Sound
Article by Greg Roembke, Photos by Larry Tolle, Linda Davis and John Robinson
Saturday, August 27th was Circle City Sound’s long
awaited appearance at Sauder Village. However, sometimes the journey is as much fun as the actual event, and
this was certainly one of those times.
for most of us to board the bus for the
trip back to Indianapolis.
Located
in
little
Archbald,
Ohio,
Sauder Village celebrates the way things
were 100 years ago.
One of their more
popular
events
is
―Barbershop Day,‖ and
this year it was our
turn to showcase our
style of music. This
happened only after
several years of effort
from
our
own
Sauder—Jim.
Some of our members went over to
Sauder Village for the weekend, while
others drove over for the day. However
the largest group of members, family
and friends decided to ―leave the drivGreg Roembke
ing‖ to someone else and loaded aboard
a charter bus for trip over and back. And this is where our
journey became both interesting and fun!
Before a large and enthusiastic crowd, we presented a fast
paced show that demonstrated our ability to sing songs
from all eras in a way that people can identify with. The
audience was knowledgeable and appreciative of our efforts, making our job much easier and enjoyable. Our 90minute performance included a solid and well-received set
Speaking of the bus...
Yes, we had a flat tire just
south of Fort Wayne that
created a little two-hour
delay, a drive-through
brunch from Subway and
a just-on-time arrival at
the Village that allowed
for set-up, some warm-up
and an opening curtain.
However, there were
some other interesting
and forgettable events
that made this trip one for
the chapter history books.
When Jeff Boyd says we’re leaving at 6 a.m., we
leave at 6 a.m. This turned out to be a really good
thing.
Some of our fellow passengers worked concessions at
Lucas the night before and showed up with only two to
three hours of sleep.
You can head northeast on I-69 by driving northwest
through Indianapolis. An interesting route to say the
least.
from our very own Heritage quartet. After our contest
package had the crowd on their feet, we ―set the record
straight‖ on the
sophistication of
our music with
the popular ―Sold‖
to close out the
show. After some
positive feedback
from the audience, it was time
Patrick McAlexander proved that a tall person can
successfully sleep across two bus seats
A flat tire on a bus gives off an interesting odor that
was quickly identified by Don Brown.
It takes right at two hours for a repair truck to respond
from Fort Wayne and about 15 minutes to change a
tire.
(Continued on page 5)
September 2011
Road
THE BEAT
Page 5
(Continued from page 4)
There was quick thinking
by Don, John Robinson,
Paul Gabriel and others
in arranging for food so
that we wouldn’t show up
in Sauder Village both tired
and hungry.
If the music teaching and warming up the chorus doesn’t
work out, David Zimmerman has a future in catering.
After being asked to move to the front of the bus so that
the guys could change clothes, more than one of our
female passengers was heard to say that we were assuming that there was something they’d be interested in
seeing in the first place.
It is possible to get so far off the beaten path that your
GPS will say ―go the next brown cow and turn left.‖
If we could replicate the look of sheer joy on our director’s face as the bus pulled into the parking lot, we’d
max out our presentation scores.
Ryan Rosenau was able to complete a five-mile walk
without even leaving the bus.
And in the future, always ask Jim Sauder for directions.
And I’m sure that
everyone else who
made the trip has
just as many stories
and memories of
what turned out to
be a long but satisfying day.
Garry Texeira often talks about us growing as a chorus and
moving to that next level. While a little stressful and a lot of
fun, this weekend proved that we are a resilient group that
can overcome just about anything. From the people who
showed up with
little or no sleep
after working at
Lucas, to the quick
and correct decisions that were
made, to showing
up just in time for
the curtain to rise
and putting on a
great show, we have much to be proud of. I think that as we
continue our upward path to success, we’ll be able to look
back on this weekend as an important reason.
Isn’t it amazing what you can accomplish on a three-hour
tour?
A Musical Review of our
Big Adventure
Sung to (and with apologies to) the
"Theme from Gilligan's Island"
Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a
tale of our fateful trip
Where the bus with our chorus left on
time, according to the script.
Jeff Boyd was the Skipper and he checked
the list, as he wanted to be sure
That the chorus and risers were all on
board for our three-hour tour,
Our three-hour tour.
Then all of sudden a tire went flat, and the
chorus bus was tossed
If not for the thinking of our fearless
crew, our big show would be lost,
Our big show would be lost!
Don
Brown who was our Gilligan, got to
work on the telephone
He wanted our Director to know that he
might have to sing alone.
Paul
Gabriel played the Millionaire, and
agreed to spring for lunch,
So the call went out to Subway to prepare
a mobile brunch, we had a mobile brunch.
Back on the bus we sang and dressed, so we
would be on time
As to miss this opportunity would really be
a crime.
We
made it to Sauder with little time, in
order to prepare
But it wasn't long before the sound of
harmony filled the air,
Sweet harmony filled the air.
So
join us here next week my friends,
you'll want to be around
When the story is told of Sauder Village
and Circle City Sound!
THE BEAT
Page 6
September 2011
Summer’s Nearly Over—Come on Back!
Well, another month has flown by. Summer vacations are
winding down. Schools are back in session. Now, we need
everyone back at chapter meetings and rehearsals. The last
four months of 2011 are chock-full of activities, including:
Gary Garitson
CHAPTER PRESIDENT
Chorus performance and booth at the Penrod Arts Fair
“...the last four months of 2011
are chock-full of activities...”
Kick-off of the ―Ready, Set, Sing‖ program
Mic-testing for the Fall District Chorus Contest
Initial recording sessions for the new CCS CD
The fall party at the Tolle’s (a not-to-be-missed event)
Colts’ games and our commitment at Lucas Oil Stadium
Hosting a CDWI (Chorus Director’s Workshop) for Cardinal District on October 22
Preparations (including new music) for the Christmas
program at Ransburg Auditorium
Mike’s Car Wash fund-raiser
Learning new choreography packages for many of our
repertoire songs
Stating the obvious, things are going to go a whole lot
smoother if every one of us participates to every extent possible! My words of encouragement are: ―See you Monday
night; it’s going to be FUN!‖
September Birthdays
August Guests
In August, we were pleased to
welcome eight singing guests
9/2 Gary Garitson
9/15 Dave Hawkins
9/8 Jay Thomas
9/24 Don Brown
on the risers were Andrew
9/10 Terry Silke
9/25 Ben Geesa
Ringham
9/11 Larry Klein
9/29 Dave Coleman
Wiederoder),
to our rehearsals.
(guest
of
Henry
Scott
Garcia
(Greg Emmanuel), Matt Shaw
(Scott
Indianapolis Chapter
Membership Statistics
Joining us
Wiederoder),
Piland
(Greg
David
Sanders
David
Emmanuel),
(Steve Er-
dosy), Glen Hall (Don Brown),
Michael Wilcher (Don Brown)
Chapter members as of July 1, 2011: 108
Average member age: 55.9
and Robbie
Brown
(Don
Brown).
Average years of service: 19.2
David Piland has been ap-
Number of active chorus members: 73 (68%)
proved for membership, pending audition.
September 2011
THE BEAT
Page 7
Greater Indianapolis Chapter Board Meeting Summaries
July and August 2011
The Greater Indianapolis Chapter Board of Directors met on
Wednesday July 27, 2011, in regular session. Nine of the
10 board members were present. The meeting was held at
Christ Lutheran Church. The following is a brief summary
of the business transacted at that meeting.
Secretary The minutes of the June 15, 2011, meeting
were accepted as written.
Treasurer The chapter’s checking account contained a
balance of $15,738.47 at the end of June. The board received the June financial reports.
Chapter Development ―Ready, Set, Sing!‖ is set to begin eight weeks before the Christmas Show.
Tom Bradley
CHAPTER SECRETARY
The CCS Board meets the third Wednesday of each
month at 7:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church.
All chapter members are encouraged to attend.
Music and Performance The two new Christmas songs,
―Carol Of The Bells‖ and ―Christmas Eve In My Home Town‖
are posted on the website, and the members are expected
to have them learned by August 22.
The Greater Indianapolis Chapter Board of Directors met on
Wednesday August 24, 2011, in regular session. Nine of
the 10 board members were present. The meeting was
held at Christ Lutheran Church. The primary focus was on
planning for 2012. The following is a brief summary of the
business transacted at that meeting.
PR and Marketing A VLQ performance at the Indiana
State Fair is set for August 14, and the chorus is confirmed
to sing the National Anthem at a Colts game on August 19.
Secretary
The minutes of the July 27, 2011, meeting
were accepted as written.
Operations Christ Lutheran Church continues to be the
preferred rehearsal site.
Treasurer The chapter’s checking account contained a
balance of $17,655.43 at the end of July. The board received the July financial reports.
Standing Committees The status of several standing
committees was summarized.
Fall Quartet Show: Cancellation may be necessary due to
unavailability of quartets.
Nominating Committee: The committee is seeking nominees for four board positions.
Old Business Additional discussion reinforced and clarified the board’s decision not to vie to have the chorus compete in Portland.
Good of the Order The Barbershopper of the Month for
June is Scott Hutchison for creative ideas and exceptional
effort pertaining to the 2011 Annual Show.
PR and Marketing $500 was approved for mastering a
DVD of the Annual Show.
Chapter Development
The board is pleased to announce that David Piland has been accepted for membership in the chapter (pending audition and payment).
New Business Extensive discussions of ten topics initiated planning for 2012.
Good of the Order The Barbershoppers of the Month for
July are Dan Grant, Theo Hicks, Duane Henry, Larry Klein,
Andrew Myer, Garry Texeira and Dave Zimmerman for their
extraordinary efforts in competing in both the quartet and
chorus competitions at the 2011 International Convention
in Kansas City.
The CCS Ladies and Larry and Bobbie Tolle are once again hosting our Fall Party. This year’s
annual event will occur on Saturday, October 15, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Location will be Larry
and Bobbie Tolle’s property at 4209 S. State Road 213, Atlanta, Ind., which is about 35 minutes
north of the Castleton area. There will be plenty of space for parking and for many fun activities
for all ages, including adults. Be sure to save the date and sign up now! More information will be
provided in the next issue of The Beat.
T HE B EAT
www.circlecitysound.org
Jerry E. Troxel, Editor
129 Yorkshire Blvd. E
Indianapolis, IN 46229
WANTED:
Men who love to sing!
Circle City Sound meets every
Monday at 7:00 p.m.
at Christ Lutheran Church
345 N. Kitley Ave.
Indianapolis, Indiana 46219
Guests are always welcome!
Circle City Sound Offers Free Singing Lessons
Circle City Sound will offer a series of free voice lessons to men in the community beginning September 26. This
program is titled ―Ready, Set, Sing!‖ and is intended to accomplish three primary goals: 1) to provide a community
service to men in our area, 2) to increase the exposure of our chapter and chorus within our city, and 3) to potentially
interest more singers in joining our chorus.
There will be six informative and interactive one-hour lessons covering the following topics:
 Week 1 (9/26) – Fundamentals of Breath Control and Posture
 Week 2 (10/3) – Fundamentals of Resonance and Use of the Soft Palate – I
 Week 3 (10/10) – Fundamentals of Resonance and Use of the Soft Palate - II
 Week 4 (10/17) – Fundamentals of Vowels and Diphthongs
 Week 5 (10/24) – Fundamentals of Dynamics and Range Expansion
 Week 6 (10/31) – Fundamentals of the Barbershop Style
Ready, Set, Sing!
Men of all ages are welcome to participate in these free group sessions. If you know of men who would be interested
in this program, have them contact Dave Fouts at 317-519-0044 or by email at [email protected]