1. Last night's rehearsal, while reasonably well attended, was still a bit light given that we now have only SEVEN rehearsals remaining before we leave for Indy. If you're planning to sing in Indy, please plan to be at all, or most, of our remaining rehearsals.

2. Joe announced last night that, based on feedback we received from the judges who heard us on Saturday, the 2 songs for Indy will be LOVE ME and the ELVIS MEDLEY. There were several factors that went in to making this decision, not the least of which was the WOW factor in the choreo which Christine has developed for us. Obviously, we will not forget or abandon the rest of our excellent repertoire, but for the next few weeks we'll be concentrating on developing total ownership of these two great pieces.

3. The first step in developing that ownership was taken last night when CHUCK MAY created our small groups which will be working these songs over the next couple of weeks. Last night we really concentrated on words and notes, and it was clear that some of us have some work to do. Please listen to your learning CDs and make sure that you have all the proper words and notes cold before coming to next week's rehearsal.

Please pay special attention to the TRANSITIONS between songs in the Elvis Medley!

Many thanks to Chuck and all of our small group leaders for their willingness to put in this extra work. You could already hear the difference that their efforts made by the end of last night's rehearsal.

A list of all the small groups will be posted elsewhere. If your name does not appear, or if you are not certain which group you belong to, please see CHUCK MAY before rehearsal next week.

4. The Masked BACMAN sends his thanks to all who took his posting about proper pitch taking technique to heart. Please continue to observe these basic protocols as we prepare for Indy. It will really help move the rehearsal along.

5. Coach's Corner - RON MEIXSELL will be back next week, and will be assisting with the small groups. We also expect to have a clean up visit from CHRISTINE OBERK, once she's back up to speed. AND, we can expect a return visit from BAC favorite RICK LA ROSA!!

Yet another set of reasons why every rehearsal is critical from now until July.

6. The BAC welcomes home two of our snowbirds - ANDY GUERRIERO and JOHN PATRICIA, both looking hale and hearty after another season in the sun. And, we look forward to welcoming a new member of the BAC family, another heir to the Yeh fortune!! Ray and Jasmine are expecting another little boy. This will make a matched set!

7. We congratulate GREENWICH AV on making the cut for District, and Larry Bomback and ROUND MIDNIGHT, on their 4th place (in the WORLD!) finish in last weekend's A Capella Sweepstakes in California. Congratulations also go to our friends in the Westchester County Chapter on their excellent showing at the Northern Division Contest. They also made the cut for District. Well done, guys!

8. If you haven't already done so, it is now time to book your flight for Indianapolis. You also need to order your Convention Registration, which includes tickets to all contest events. If you are a new member, and this is your first International, your Registration is FREE...a $140 value!!. Registrations can be purchased on line at the BHS web site.

9. Finally, MAURICE DEBAR will be continuing with his own brand of Harmony Education as he leads our early (6:30 PM) session on the basic Barbershop repertoire....the Polecat Songs. Please feel free to join in, and equip yourself to sing with Barbershoppers from throughout the world. All you need to join in is a desire to harmonize with some of the best folks you'll ever meet. Come, sing, have fun, and enjoy the best part of our hobby!

You'll soon discover why it is so G R E A T to be a BACMAN!

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