1. The BIG news this week is about MEMBERSIP! In the past few weeks we have added FIVE new members to the BAC!! Last week we told you about JOE FIORE joining the Bari Section. Following last week's rehearsal both CHUCK BEDNARCZYK (bari) and JOE VOLPE (lead) passed their auditions, AND this week, we added two more names to the list, RALPH ROSE and BRUCE BARRETT (both basses)! Their membership paperwok is in process, but please greet them all next week as brother BACMEN! Welcome aboard!!

(And, there are still a couple of more excellent singers in the pipeline!!)

2. Word from the Attache' Motel in Wildwood is that they are STILL holding a couple of rooms for BACMEN! If you have not yet made your housing arrangements for District (October 6-7) please call them TODAY at 609 729 3104. Mention the Big Apple Chorus!

3. We welcomed JOE HUNTER back from Harmony University, where he served as a Faculty member. Also attending was Maurice DeBar, who took the advanced Directing course. Speaking of advanced Directing, Joe has announced the appointment of JOHN WARD as Associate Director of the BAC. John joins SCOTT BRANNON and ROGER PAYNE as an Associate Director.

Joe reported that the BAC's performance in Indy was the subject of much positive discussion among the judges. He came back to us with a head start on a brand new, and very exciting, package for NEXT year's International in Denver. Suffice to say that it, like the Elvis package, will break new ground. We expect to begin work on the new music within the next month.

4. If you can, please make an effort to travel to the Montclair Chapter rehearsal on Wednesday night to assist with What Kind of Fool Am I. GLYNN FLUITT will be filling in for Director CHUCK MAY, who is on vacation. Fool will be a joint number when we appear with Montclair on their show in November. Directions are posted elsewhere on ebac.

5. Remember to hold Saturday, September 9 for an all-day BACTREAT at a place TBA.

6. We heard more than rumors last night from a mighty fine new Senior quartet, the aptly named Manhattan on the Rocks, consisting of Steve Dunie, Dick Prestholdt, Tom McQueeney, and Rich Galdi. Some pretty solid sounds emerging from the back room. We understand that they plan to enter the NorthEast Distrixct Senior contest this Fall. They should do very well!

7. Because we had so many guys on vacation last night, including many of our small group leaders, we have deferred the start up of small groups to next week. Thanks for your patience, and for the good work you all continue to do between rehearsals. It showed last night. Get Happy is coming along, and the changes to Elvis seems to be well incorporated. Keep up the good work between rehearsals!

8. Please see Jim Steiner if you plan to sing at District and you have ANY uniform or costume needs. He can be reached via email at Jimsie22@AOL.com

See you all next Monday!! Ain't it G R E A T to be a BACMAN!

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