Did someone say 90 ???

Our regular rehearsal on March 23 was especially great because we were privileged to spend the evening with one of our own celebrating his 90th trip around the sun. Yes, Hardin King turned 90 this week, and to celebrate the event at rehearsal, he blessed us by bringing three of his daughters to share the evening in song.

Margaret, Helen Liola and KC helped to make the evening complete and allowed us to sing a few songs for them.  They were a tremendous audience and we certainly hope they’ll be back.  Two of the young ladies came from Eastern Oregon, while KC won the award from traveling the furthest – all the way from New Jersey.  It was a tremendous honor to share the evening with them, and we thank them – and Brother Hardin – for being so gracious and loving.  We hope to see them again very soon!

SenateAires Awards Dinner

On Saturday, February 18, the SenateAires Chorus members, their spouses, and invited guests met for dinner to consider the Chapter events of 2022.  Led by Chapter President Bob Cox the group reminisced over the many successes of 2022.  After introductions of the spouses present, Bob went through some of the exciting times we had last year, including the Festival in April, the blockbuster show in June, and all the great times we enjoyed bringing our craft to many of the shut-in seniors in some of the assisted living facilities near us.  Bob took time to recognize the Board Members for their contributions throughout the year, as well as the new and returning chorus members who have recently become active in our chorus.

The “Rookie of the Year” award was presented to David Russell by the chapter president.  Bob commented how David had joined the chorus late last year and had hit the ground running during his first year with the SenateAires, always looking to help wherever he could and making great strides in honing his craft.

Director Will Fox recounted many of the accomplishments we have seen in our musicality and talked about some of the great things still to come throughout the upcoming year.  He thanked the Music Team for their help during 2022, and shared some of the upcoming events the Team is working on.  Will then presented the “Most Improved Singer” award to Mark Puhlman. Since joining the chorus in mid Spring 2022, Mark has worked steadily to become the best singer he can.

Near the end of the evening, the prestigious “BARBERSHOPPER OF THE YEAR” award was handed out by last year’s recipient Don Butler.  Don talked about the award, how it was voted on by the members, and how it was a testament to the dedication of that one individual in every group who always seems to be there when there’s a project, who always drives the group forward, and who is recognized by the group as that one individual who has, above all others, made our group better by their dedication and hard work.  This year’s recipient, by a landslide vote, was Chapter President BOB COX.  Without fail, Bob has made so many things happen during 2022, and the members voted, by landslide, to recognize him for all he has done.  Congratulations Bob – and to all of the SenateAires – for another great year.

Guest Night a Success!

At our first regular rehearsal in January 2023, the SenateAires hosted a Guest Night/Open House at the Salem Family YMCA, inviting all who may be interested to join us for an evening of fellowship, learning, and singing together.  We saw several former members return to the fold as well as a number of new guests.  All present were treated to an hour of learning about our craft, learning a song and a “tag” then having the opportunity to sing it together both as a group and in quartets!  Our director led us in learning a “polecat” section by section, then singing it as a group and in quartets.  Bob Martindale, our resident Tagmaster, taught a new tag to the group, and we were able to sing it as a chorus, and also in quartets.  There were refreshments, both for the body and the soul, as our voices joined together to fill the building with harmony,

Thank You Marquis Tualatin!

Christmas Extended!  The SenateAires were scheduled to sing for the Tualatin Marquis Assisted Living residents the week before Christmas – but Mother Nature had other ideas.  Because of freezing rain, icy roads, and near-blizzard conditions at times, we were forced to postpone our performance.  However, we would not be denied the opportunity to spread some Holiday Cheer.  On January 5, the men from the SenateAires joined forces to extend the Holiday Season a bit and sang for a room full of very grateful residents.  Toe tapping, chair dancing, and all-round mirth were on the menu when the residents – ranging in age from early retirement to several very charming ladies who proudly declared they were 97 and 98 years young.  We can’t thank them enough for letting us come and share our craft.  Not sure who got the greatest amount of joy – the audience who were ear-to-ear smiles, or the singers, who were ear-to-ear smiles!

Senator and SenateAires Together

To say the day was “electric” is selling it short. The SenateAires were asked to sing a few songs for the Honorable Senator Peter Courtney’s retirement party on December 13, 2022. The event was held at the Salem Family YMCA, just steps from the Senate Chambers, and there was a buzz in the air to be sure. Festive decorations adorned the space, including balloons, party tables and, of course, lots of refreshments. The Senator was very gracious and posed for a picture with the group of SenateAires singers present for the afternoon festivities. We certainly wish Senator Courtney the very best in his retirement, and look forward to seeing him in the audience of another SenateAires performance! Thank you, Senator Courtney, for all of your service to Oregon.

Successful Show!

What a great show we had on June 25.  The Oregon Spirit Chorus joined us for a fabulous evening of a cappella harmony at the awesome Rose Auditorium at South Salem High School.  What a venue!  The brand-new theater was simply spectacular, and performing again in front of a live audience was exactly what we all needed.  Then there were the three quartets who joined the show; the beautiful Happenstance Quartet, four charming ladies who brought their award-winning vocals to the stage, there was Social Insecurity, who shared their top-quality talents with some of the funniest routines imaginable and, of course, the incomparable Midtown Quartet.  The vocals from Midtown were undoubtedly a preview of what could possibly be the next International Champion Quartet next month in Charlotte, N.C.

Audience members were simply buzzing after the show.  It was heartwarming to hear all the positive comments coming from all directions.  With the events of the past couple of years, I’m sure folks were ready to get out and have an evening of entertainment.  Based on the feedback from the audience, we were certainly successful in providing that entertainment last Saturday evening.

We are so very grateful to all who worked so diligently to make Voices In Harmony a reality.  From top to bottom (that’s Tenor to Bass, I guess), everyone should be proud of what we were able to accomplish.  In particular, we sincerely appreciate the work put in by our two directors, Kathy Scheel and Will Fox.  Their tireless guidance and driving force made it possible for us to give our best.  But, most of all, we want to thank our unparalleled audience.  Without them there is no one with whom we can share our love of music.  We are so blessed to have the opportunity to gather and share our harmony.  It’s great to be a Barbershopper!

FESTIVAL OF HARMONY

On Saturday, April 30, 2022 the SenateAires hosted the Division IV Festival/Contest where quartets and choruses were once again in front of an audience doing what they do best – entertaining! The public was invited to this event as both an afternoon of great a cappella harmony, but also as a way of helping out the Marion Polk Food Share by bringing donations of canned goods and foodstuffs to fill those barrels. The audience was treated to more than just great harmony, but the satisfaction of knowing out they were helping a great cause. The quartets and choruses had such a wonderful time entertaining, and the audience found themselves tapping their feet along with the music. All in all, the afternoon was a great success. We especially want to thank those who attended and brought food for our Food Share partner.

A whole new spin on “Playing in the Yard”

Saturday afternoon filled with friends, fun, and lots of FA LA LA. That’s what took place on December 4 in Salem when the Oregon SenateAires Chorus joined forces with the Oregon Spirit Chorus to bring the joy of music to the crowd at The Yard – a Food Park and Event Center in Salem. Locals know The Yard as a wonderful place to relax, tickle your taste buds with lots of different types of fare, and enjoy some entertainment. When Oregon Spirit Chorus, those awesome ladies of Salem’s Sweet Adelines award-winning a cappella singing group, invited us to join them for their Spirit of the Holidays show we didn’t hesitate. We absolutely jumped at the chance to sing for an audience and to spread some harmony and cheer alongside our friends and fellow choristers. In front of a crowd of a hundred and fifty or so, Oregon Spirit enchanted the listeners with their sweet melodies and harmony. After their first set, they sat back and relaxed while the SenateAires took the risers to fill the room with Holiday cheer in song. The crowd was very gracious and many remarked that they were so glad to once again watch a live performance. Fun, food, harmony, and even a little libation were the order of the day. Thank you Oregon Spirit for inviting us to share, and thank you to “The Yard” for allowing us to spread some cheer.

SenateAires do Butteville

Finally – after many months of singing for ourselves (and for ourselves exclusively!) a number of the SenateAires performed live at the Butteville Community Church Holiday Bazaar. On the afternoon of November 20, the group was able to stand in front of an audience and perform our craft. What a heartwarming feeling to finally be able to share our love of a cappella harmony with the adoring crowd. In a mix of secular and Christmas holiday tunes, the chords rang out to so many loving ears. Decked out in holiday sweaters (and a couple of jackets that were even louder than the entire bass section) the group brightened the spirits of all in attendance. We are so grateful for the opportunity to sing for Butteville Community Church’s Holiday Bazaar – and hope to be able to return next year! Now, we’re off to prepare for our next singing event in Newberg on December 2, when we’re set to lift the spirits of the residents at the Marquis Post-Acute Rehab Center. Stay Tuned!

Rehearsing outside at Riverfront Park

Why just rehearse when you can also entertain!

With the weather in the 70’s we decided to hold our regular Thursday night rehearsal in the park.  We decided to take advantage of the beautiful outdoors and avoid having to wear masks inside.  We chose Salem’s Riverfront Park, overlooking the historic Willamette Queen Riverboat.  Of course, we made sure to keep a reasonable social distance from each other.  We wandered to several areas to provide some entertainment for families who were also taking advantage of the scenic setting along the banks of the Willamette River.  Dog walkers, joggers, and even bicyclists stopped to listen to some great old songs, and even a few new ones.  Even though it was technically a rehearsal, we decided to wear our “new” casual performance outfits.  Pretty great, don’t you think?  The crowds sure loved it, with several of them following us around the park as we moved to different locations to sing.  We definitely plan to come back to this great venue in the weeks to come!

Singing at Mt. Angel Towers

Serenading Beverly

The month of August brought a chance to sing for the lovely Beverly along with her friends and fellow residents at the Mt. Angel Towers. Thankfully, the warm weather made it possible to enjoy the outdoor setting. On their beautiful patio, overlooking the manicured lawn, a group of our chapter serenaded Beverly and her friends to celebrate her special day, and then joined her in some lovingly prepared refreshments of fresh fruit, punch and cupcakes. It was truly a special time enjoyed by all.

Birthday Surprise in July

July 2021 brought with it several surprises – some great, and some that we wish we hadn’t encountered. Extreme heat in the Pacific Northwest, along with an worsening of the Corona Virus pandemic made singing extremely challenging. Neither of those, however, were going to spoil everything. On the upside of the list was a surprise birthday bash for a brand-new nonagenarian named Bob. A retired professor at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Bob was treated by his lovely wife Marilyn to a great party with family and friends. Also part of the festivities were beautiful harmonies delivered by our own Harmony Road Barbershop Quartet. The birthday boy is seen here enjoying the afternoon and the music delivered by our guys. Happy 90th Birthday, Bob – we can’t wait to come back for your 100th!

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