Long Island Harmonizers - Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society

FOR: Long Island Harmonizers Chorus
IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter - Barbershop Harmony Society
CONTACT: Bob Heim, V.P. Public Relations
E-Mail: heimbob@aol.com

LOCAL BARBERSHOP HARMONY CHAPTER PICKS FANTASY TRAIN

FOR ITS ANNUAL SHOW -- THE SINGING ORGANIZATION'S 60th

New Venue; Addition of Matinee Performance Are Changes For This Year

WESTBURY, NY -- The Nassau-Mid-Island Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society is inviting enthusiasts of this genre of music and those who wish to be introduced to it, to make tracks to Carle Place High School, April 10 or 11, as the singing group takes an imaginary train trip across the USA on a "Fantasy Express" to pay a musical tribute to major locales. Music by the Long Island Harmonizers chorus, its talented quartets as well as a guest quartet traditionally part of the entertainment, will focus on several of the country's top travel destinations from New York to California in its 60th Annual Show. A Saturday evening performance will begin at 8:07 pm with a Sunday matinee (new for this year) to start at 3:07 pm.

Among the songs in barbershop style currently being prepared for the scripted two hour show are the familiar "Give My Regards to Broadway," "On the Boardwalk In Atlantic City," "South Rampart Street Parade," "Oklahoma," and "California Here I Come," among others. Music by the organization's quartets will include "Old Cape Cod," "New York, New York, " "Deep In the Heart Of Texas," and "Nighttime In Dixieland" to name a few. The guest foursome will be "Chordhouse Steps" -- an up and coming competition-class quartet from the Hunterdon Harmonizers - a central New Jersey-based BHS chorus.

All tickets to "Fantasy Express" available at the door will be priced at $15 for regular admission. Cost if payment is received in advance by April 1 is $12 for seniors and students; $15 for others. A form for advance purchases can be found on this website (below). Carle Place H.S. is located at 168 Cherry Lane. As in previous years, a portion of the proceeds will be directed to local charities.

"Our departures this year go beyond the number of scripted places we'll leave from after singing about them in spanning the country," notes Hal Verity, this year's show chairman. "We are not only bringing our show to a new venue, but for the first time, presenting a Sunday afternoon concert following one on Saturday night to allow those, including seniors, who might find it more convenient, to attend an earlier-in-the-day performance."

The nonprofit Long Island Harmonizers chorus under the direction of Maurice Debar, rehearses Tuesday evenings at Winthrop Hall, Church of the Advent, 555 Advent Street, in Westbury from 8 until 10:30 pm. Those interested in becoming a part of the organization, largest of its kind on Long Island, are welcome to listen and apply for membership with a simple audition. For additional information call 516-378-5137.

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FOR: Long Island Harmonizers Chorus
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The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter - Barbershop Harmony Society
CONTACT: Bob Heim, V.P. Public Relations
E-Mail: heimbob@aol.com

'CHORDHOUSE STEPS' SELECTED AS GUEST QUARTET

FOR L.I. BARBERSHOP CHAPTER'S 60th ANNUAL SHOW

WESTBURY, NY -- "Chordhouse Steps" a much praised competition barbershop quartet affiliated with The Hunterdon Harmonizers Barbershop Chorus located in Flemington, NJ, has been selected as guest performers by the Barbershop Harmony Society's Nassau Mid-Island Chapter for its 60th annual show to be presented the night of April 10 and the afternoon of April 11at Carle Place High School (168 Cherry Lane). Aside from the special appearance, the two-hour show -- themed "Fantasy Express" -- will offer music by the Long Island Harmonizers chorus (largest group of its kind on L.I.) and its quartets, along with additional vocal entertainment all in the barbershop style.

"The Chordhouse Steps were formed because we couldn't come up with a good reason why we shouldn't, after coming together and assessing our blend, our commitment to barbershopping and compatibility" says Rusty Williams, its bass. "We have over 100 years of barbershopping experience in the quartet, and if you don't count our lead, Joe DiPaola (we call him "big step"), we still have almost 100. Joe, a relative 'newbie' to the Barbershop Harmony Society joined about 4 years ago. His enthusiasm is evident in his animated approach he brings to every song.

"Our 'top step,' -- tenor George Schwerdt -- began his tenure in Danbury, CT," notes Williams, "and later sang in a Division Champion quartet in Poughkeepsie, NY. In Hunterdon, he developed a music-reading class called “Barbershopping for Dummies,” which is in its third edition.

Don Reckenbeil, group's baritone, is referred to as its “instep.” He was a member of the Montclair "Dapper Dans," and became the director of the Hunterdon Harmonizers chorus in 1999. Among his other accomplishments -- singing baritone with the District medalist quartet, "Music Street."

I'm the "bottom step," says Williams. "Though I began my barbershopping as a lead with the society's Harrisburg, PA chapter, I was soon demoted to baritone. Then Hunterdon decided I was a bass. Chordhouse Steps was the next logical part of this downward spiral."

George Schwerdt, Rusty Williams, and Joe DiPaola are section leaders with the Hunterdon Harmonizers, and both George and Rusty are assistant directors of the chorus that celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. Both George (2008) and Rusty (1991) are recipients of the chapter's prestigious "Barbershopper of the Year" award.

"The 'Steps' strive to balance solid barbershop harmony with occasional parodies and whatever happens to interest us at the time (we are easily distracted), " says Williams.

” We are very happy to be a part of the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter show, and are looking forward to a great time with our fellow barbershoppers and their friends."

CHORDHOUSE STEPS (left to right) are (top step) George Schwerdt, tenor; (big step) Joe DiPaola, lead; (bottom step) Rusty Williams, bass; and (instep) Don Reckenbeil, baritone.

FOR: Long Island Harmonizers Chorus

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The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter - Barbershop Harmony Society

CONTACT: Bob Heim
E-Mail: heimbob@aol.com

LOCAL BARBERSHOP SOCIETY CHAPTER
ELECTS OFFICERS AND BOARD FOR 2010

Westbury, NY -- George Seelinger has been named president of the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the international Barbershop Harmony Society for a third term following election procedures to select the organization's board members for 2010. The newly constituted board assumes its decision-making responsibilities on January 1 following official installation ceremonies prior to that date.

Reelected to other key posts are Eugene Kammerer, as vice president - music and presentation; and Steve Stojowski who begins a second term as the organization's treasurer. Bob Heim remains as vice president - marketing and public relations, a position held in 2006, 2007 and 2009. He will also continue to serve as the chapter's webmaster. In Board changes, John Brolly takes on the responsibilities of vice president - chapter development, while Bill Ruth has been voted by the Chapter membership to assume the duties of program vice president. New secretary for the year ahead will be Ken Wunsch.

Remaining as trustees and board members at large for 2010 are Robert Miraglia, Bill Vesely, Will McCoy, Bart Peluso and Wayne Lazar, with Steve Brausa joining them as a newly elected trustee. Vincent Colonna continues on the board as immediate past president.

The chapter's delegate to the Barbershop Harmony Society's Mid-Atlantic District for 2010 becomes Hal Verity.

The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society is the largest chorus of its kind on Long Island and part of a national organization numbering nearly 26,000 members. It is one of over 800 chapters in the U.S. and Canada with affiliated organizations around the world. Known as the Long Island Harmonizers chorus, the singing group is under the direction of Maurice Debar and rehearses 8 p.m. Tuesday evenings at Winthrop Hall, Church of the Advent, 555 Advent Street, in Westbury, Long Island. It extends a welcome to new members throughout the year.

FOR: Long Island Harmonizers Chorus
IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter - Barbershop Harmony Society
CONTACT: Bob Heim, V.P. Public Relations
E-Mail: heimbob@aol.com

BARBERSHOP QUARTET TAKES YOU'VE GOT TO BE 'KID-ING' SERIOUSLY

WITH A PUPPET FOURSOME AIMED AT EDUCATING THE YOUNG (AND OLD)

WESTBURY, NY -- With a bit of glue, white socks, a few pieces of felt, fake eyes, colorful hair, red and white ribbon and a little imagination, the art and preservation of barbershop singing has four new, and what are hoped to be, powerful advocates -- sock puppets collectively called "The Handy Dandies." To be showcased by four members of The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, the puppets, with their unmistakable barbershopper look, have been created as the society seeks new and innovative ways to swell its numbers and insure a bright future.

"We wanted to take a strong hand, pun intended, in strengthening our society, now and in the years ahead," says Bob Heim, V.P. Marketing and Public Relations with the local chapter who sparked The Handy Dandies idea. "We feel certain that whether our puppets are used to educate and provide barbershop harmony through our You Four-A-Ya quartet to the very young at venues such as grade schools and libraries, or as a way to help introduce the art form to older audiences, it will be a good way to achieve attention and reap rewards."

The members of You Four-A-Ya quartet are confident that planned use of the puppets -- named Cary (tenor Heim), Palmer (lead Bart Peluso), Prince (bari George Seelinger) and Hans (bass Will McCoy) -- will produce a delightful new dimension in allowing audiences to become acquainted with barbershop singing. That said, the serious side of it all will always be a cornerstone of the presentations, they assert -- the mission to achieve awareness and generate new members for the Barbershop Harmony Society today and in the long-term future.

The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's Long Island Harmonizers chorus under the direction of Maurice Debar, rehearses Tuesday evenings at Winthrop Hall, Church of the Advent, 555 Advent Street, in Westbury from 8 until 10:30 p.m. Those interested in becoming a part of the organization are welcome to listen and apply for membership. For additional information call 516-378-5137.

FOR: Long Island Harmonizers Chorus
IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter - Barbershop Harmony Society
CONTACT: Bob Heim
E-Mail: heimbob@aol.com

GILMARTIN HONORED WITH 'BEYOND THE BATON' AWARD

WESTBURY, NY -- Dan Gilmartin, web designer of the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's Barbershop Harmony Society site at http://www.longislandharmonizers.org / has been named as the fifth recipient of the organization's "Beyond the Baton" award "in recognition of his mastery in website design and great contributions creatively focusing attention on the Chapter and its activities." The special award is presented for especially noteworthy "non singing" activities impacting on the operational elements of the chapter, its development and growth.

"This is the first time that we have gone outside our own membership to honor deserving individuals," noted George Seelinger, president. "Dan has distinguished himself by using supplied text and photos to make our website not only informative but outstandingly attractive. We are pleased to have him on our team."

Web Designs by Dan Gilmartin is a Long Island-based company that specializes in providing assistance to small businesses, that include municipal government agencies, international fire chiefs associations, fire departments, police and PBA websites, sports groups, and non-profit organizations among more than forty clients.

The a cappella nonprofit Long Island Harmonizers, led by its talented musical director, Maurice Debar, has been serving the Nassau community with its singing for over 50 years. Its chapter webmaster is member Bob Heim.

FOR: Long Island Harmonizers Chorus
IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter - Barbershop Harmony Society
CONTACT: Bob Heim
E-Mail: heimbob@aol.com

LOCAL BARBERSHOP HARMONY CHAPTER LOOKS TO

(WELL, OF COURSE) BARBERSHOPS IN SCHEDULING LIVE

'CUT TIME' PERFORMANCES TO GENERATE INTEREST

WESTBURY, NY -- They were gathering places where the love of four-part unaccompanied singing became all the rage in the early 1900s. Four or more men with one of them more likely than not holding tools of his trade -- a comb and long, extremely sharp scissors. Or maybe a lather-filled mug. A place where "sharp" often referred to music as well as use of a straight razor. It was the barbershop -- years before a society would be formed (in 1938) that today boasts close to 26,000 members (including 1,500 registered quartets), with affiliates overseas.

Now, members of the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society (largest on Long Island) intend to return to those places where its special art form gained momentum to offer a bit of serenading under a "Barbershop For Barbershops" program that will be kicked off during October. Informal performances lasting about ten minutes, will be provided to barbershop patrons and others on hand to listen -- by foursomes from the Long Island Harmonizers chorus -- all aimed at producing awareness in this kind of music, and interest in joining the organization that has been serving the local community in song for over half a century.

"We are looking forward in underscoring the historical connection between the barbershop and the joys of barbershop singing," says Bob Roth, vice president-chapter development for the Long Island Harmonizers chorus. "Under this special program, the barber pole will once again act as a beacon in attracting those who enjoy such music."

For more information about the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society continue to check its website at www.longislandharmonizers.org or call 516-378-5137.

(SEE EVENT LISTING ON UPCOMING EVENTS PAGE)

FOR: Long Island Harmonizers Chorus
IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter - Barbershop Harmony Society
CONTACT: Bob Heim
E-Mail: heimbob@aol.com

VERITY HONORED WITH 'BEYOND THE BATON' AWARD

WESTBURY, NY -- Hal Verity, a member of the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of Barbershop Harmony Society's Nassau Mid-Island Chapter for more than a decade, one of its section leaders, as well as the tenor in the chapter's AfterGloWorms and Lighthouse quartets, has been honored for his non-singing contributions as well with the organization's special "Beyond the Baton" award. Verity, the fourth recipient of the award since its inception, was recognized for continuing "get ready" efforts that include staging and sound system setups at chorus performances during the year.

"We have a good many 'unsung heroes' in our chapter that regularly perform non-singing duties to make the organization run as smoothly as it does," noted George Seelinger, president. "Hal is one of those who can always be counted on to assist."

The a cappella nonprofit Long Island Harmonizers, led by its talented musical director, Maurice Debar, has been serving the Nassau community with its singing for over 50 years.

The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter wishes to salute Steve Brausa, named the organization's "Barbershopper of the Year" for 2009 during Installation Night ceremonies held in early January 2010. In the relatively short time he has been with us, he has quickly shown himself to be an extremely devoted, thoughtful and proactive member-- and a most deserved recipient of this annual award.