If anyone wondered why there were just a few risers on the stage last night, it wasn't because we were prescient about the number of BACmen who would be present, it was because we had made an agreement with another organization to use four sets of our risers on their show at Alice Tully this Friday in exchange for moving them back and forth, which saved us a few bucks in truck rental and the effort necessary to handle them ourselves, particularly when the show was over.
Those present enjoyed sharing experiences and reactions from audience members, and then it was time to move on. The mini chorus helped us get acquainted with Get Happy, and next week there will be sectionals, so it's time to take that one off the back burner, re-visit it on the web site, and off we go.
Next week's rehearsal will NOT be at Norman Thomas, which is closed for spring break. The location will be revealed to us.
Thanks to Andy Kelly for picking up the ball and reviving 50-50. Past president Bob Lozeau is particularly happy, since he held the winning ticket.
50-50 is a venerable barbershop tradition. The pot is divided in half, and the half that goes to the chorus is reserved for some activity that's not part of the chapter's normal operational expenses, but will provide some benefit to the members. Tickets are $2 each or three for $5.
Andy asked for help in doing this. One person cannot possibly contact everyone on a Monday night, and the process goes much faster if it's done be teams of two; one to handle tickets, the other takes the money. Two teams would be ideal. It doesn't take any effort outside of rehearsal, the material is all stored in the closet, and you'll be doing something good to help keep the chorus moving in a positive way. My own experience is that it's easy, and it's fun to do. You get to know people a little better, and they get to know you, and see that you're lending a hand for a good cause. Please see Andy and tell him you're willing to help.
The details of our May 1st performance at the CUNY graduate center on 34th and Fifth, just a couple of blocks away will be forthcoming soon. The size of the hall limits the number of men allowed on the stage, and the details of how that program will be handled in conjunction with our regular Monday night rehearsal will be forthcoming shortly.
Also, please make yourself available Saturday evening May 6th, when we're committed to perform on the jamboree following the Northern Division contest in New Brunswick. This will be another opportunity not only to entertain, and show the rest of our division just how good and how much fun really good barbershopping can be, but it's probably the last dress rehearsal we'll have before Indianapolis.
Early this year we talked about visions and goals. Our vision is to be perceived as the most entertaining chorus in the society, and Saturday night, which includes all the effort (visible and invisible) that went into it, is convincing evidence that we're moving in that direction. Our near-term goal is to move up a rank in international standings as determined by the judges. It's the sense of our music leadership that this is possible, but it's up to us to determine just how long that will take. If we truly want that to happen this year, then it's incumbent on each of us to do the best we can to make that happen. The BAC is not 'your' chorus, or 'their' chorus, it's mine.
The BAC Big Bucks raffle is now under way. The details will be the subject of separate correspondence.
Could there possibly be any doubt that it's truly great to be a BACman after a show like that? As Stu Radish commented at some point Saturday, can you name another chapter in our society that could even think about putting on a show like that?
Jon