1. Last night's International de-briefing was both illuminating and a lot of fun. Joe was able to give us the reactions to our performance from many members of the judging panel, and we all shared our own thoughts and the reactions of many audience members. Best of all, we had the opportunity to view the DVD of our performance, which was just terrific. Note, we didn't say it was perfect, or even as good as it could have been or will be in a couple of months. But it was terrific nonetheless, and that was clearly endorsed by the audience reaction and the judge's comments.

After viewing and hearing our performance we seemed to have a better understanding of why the judges placed us as they did, as well as what we need to do over the next few months to get the package solidly into the mid to high A range. The ball is obviously in our court. We know that we have a wonderful set of songs, and a great choreo package, which is all tied together by a unique and highly entertaining vision.

It will be up to us, both individually and organizationally, to do what is necessary to fully realize that vision. We have the time, between now and District, to pay attention to those details which prevented us from moving further up the standings in Indy. Whether we take advantage of that time is now in our hands.

2. With that in mind, Joe and the Music Team came up with a couple of musical enhancements for the Elvis medley which were introduced to the chorus last night. They seemed to work well, and sing pretty easily. Please review the music you received last night so we can go forward with it next Monday.

We reviewed both Sit Down You're Rockin the Boat and Love Me Tender, and we will probably do some sectional work on Boat next week. Since the de-briefing went a bit long, we never got to Get Happy, and that will be on next week's agenda as well. The BAC is definitely NOT going to fall into the "two song syndrome", so you can expect repertoire work and review in some measure each week. We have two major shows planned for the fall, and we will not let our regular repertoire fall by the wayside in favor of contest pieces only.

3. It was wonderful to see so many guys on the risers last night, including many who did not make the trip to Indy. They will be with us in the Fall, so the BAC plans to be at full strength in Wildwood. We recognize that many guys still have family vacations ahead of them this summer. We just ask that you each remain faithful to the BAC's rehearsal schedule whenever you are in town and available. Regular attendance is a big part of proper preparation, and the time to start is NOW!

4. Among our many guests last night were two members of YANKEE DIME, Rich Garodnick and Phil Wilcox. Rich paid a visit before he and Anita head to a permanent new home in the Houston area. Phil, on the other hand, is returning to the NY area, and will be based here for the foreseeable future. He tells us he's planning a return to the BAC, and he will be a most welcome addition to the Bass section.

There were several other guests in the house who will be auditioned next week, and we hope will be ready to join the BAC for Wildwood.

On the other hand, we were saddened to learn that we'll be losing ace tenor Rob Roman to the wilds of Michigan, where he will be relocating. We'll certainly miss his musicianship, as well as his front row dancing, and we wish Rob all the best in his new endeavor.

5. Thanks again to ALL who contributed to the lively post Indy ebac discussions. The message that came through, loud and clear, is that we want to do better, and seem to be willing to do what is necessary to achieve that end. It is also clear that there is a passion and a spirit imbuing the BAC right now which is a necessary ingredient to any Championship chorus.

Above all, this is what makes it so G R E A T to be a BACMAN!

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