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Page 6 InCider Press January 2009 |
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Needed.. A video production guy. By Don Thomson |
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Bart Bartholomew, our video production guy for the past 8 annual shows, has asked for someone to replace him. He and Mary want to have time available for activities, in addition to barbershopping, during the winter and spring months. So, if there is anyone out there who would like to try their hand at video production, and would like to learn from the master, please let Bart or Don Thomson know right away. Production of the video is well underway, and you can get in on the fun part, in the next couple of weeks. |
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In answer to a steadily diminishing number of requests, within this article we'll try to explain how the Manhattan Music Machine has fared over the calendar year 2008. Pete, Jim, Bob and Don have been around for quite sometime now and we suspect some are wondering what glue holds us together. First off, we are all personal friends, so getting along doesn't strain our relationship too much. We have noticed that sometimes rehearsals are more social events than work efforts, but that depends on what our upcoming schedule of performances dictates, and the latest news around town or the nation. A major component of our existence is a regular rehearsal, usually held each Monday from 11:30 to 1:00, but modified as necessary to accommodate work schedules, vacations, and other personal events. Our goal is to meet weekly at Pete Cooper's home where he provides ice water (In glasses, not in his veins!) and a pretty quiet, comfortable place with a piano not too far away. Performances come from many sources, mostly from people who know us and have an entertainment need to fulfill. We sometimes fill commitments that other chapter quartets can't fulfill, and try to return the favor when we can't accept a performance due to our not being available. |
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Reviewing our activities for 2008, Singing Valentines was a good start and we remember doing 39 valentines that day. That's not a record, but kept us old guys pretty busy. March 6 we interrupted the peace and quiet at Hale Library to sing a Birthday greeting for Kathryn Talbot. The following day we sang at Donna Beard's retirement party at Anthony Middle School, then went to Fort Riley to celebrate a grade school principal's surprise birthday party. Birthdays seem to be a popular event for us, for April 25 we sang for Vicki Larson's mom's birthday, again interrupting lunch for the fine patrons at Harry's. Then on May 7th we were in Junction City for a school principal's retirement party. We did slow down a little bit over the summer, but remember being the only organized quartet with all members at the chapter picnic. We admit that wasn't our best shot, but we quickly put together a few numbers just outside the place 15 minutes before performing them for the chapter. Luckily there wasn't any food left to throw! Manhattan Music Machine holds an annual summer picnic, alternating homes in a rotation, but we can never remember whether the rotation is by voice part or last name, and whether we go up or down the scale or alphabet! Anyway, August 31 found us at Pete and Helen's for the 2008 version where we got to socialize with Sally, our newest supporter. Our wives enjoy, or at least put up with, our singing at these events, especially since we buy the steaks. Starting in the fall, rehearsals resumed regularly again mostly talking football, and brushing up the repertoire for some 2009 obligations. Our treasury was sufficient to again contribute $50 per member to Harmony Foundation which we've done for many years. We started Christmas music early, because we had a performance for the University Social Club on December 8. December was our busiest month, but the holidays are always looking for singers and we enjoyed a trip to Nebraska City to sing for Don's mom and the folks at her retirement home. That was followed by a very nice lunch at the Leids Center hosted by Don. December 19th was the grand finale for MMM, we took the afternoon off, sang for three different groups at the Meadowlark Hills Christmas Tea. A quick stop followed at Pete's home where Helen had all kinds of goodies for us to enjoy. We then headed for Junction City to entertain the folks at Valley View care home where Gary Drake presided as Santa. The schedule was packed that day and evening for on the way back to Manhattan, we stopped at the Command Sergeant Major's Christmas social and got to throw snow on the commanding general at that event. We finished the day with our annual Christmas Party at the Rose Room at Harry's where we celebrated the season with every Christmas Song we know. We're already at work for 2009 with Singing Valentines just around the corner. Hopefully this year will again be fun and rewarding as our schedule indicates.♪ |
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2008 with the Manhattan Music Machine By Bob Swenson |