GIVE
US THOSE WIDE OPEN PLACES -- 
A
LUCKY SEVEN on hand (left to right) for the Barbershop
Harmony Society's 72nd Annual International Convention and
Contests held in Philadelphia, were the Nassau Mid-Island
Chapter's Steve Ritz, Bob Heim, Steve Stojowski, Ken Wunsch,
George Seelinger, Maurice Debar and Dave D'Antonio. Thrilled chapter
members there as well were Bernie Genzer, John Brolly, Peter
Kenny, Steve Marrin (and his chapter quartet Quatrain), Marvin
Goodman, plus our Lifetime Chapter Member, Joe Cerutti, not to
mention (but we'd be remiss if we did NOT mention them)
supportive wives, significant others and family members.
WELL
WOULDN'T YOU SMILE? -- Proud as he can be is Joe
Cerutti (second from left), Director of the Alexandria
Harmonizers that placed fifth as a medalist in the chorus
competition held at the 2010 International Convention in
Philadelphia. Cerutti, whose contributions to the musical
growth of the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the Barbershop
Harmony Society earned him a Lifetime Chapter membership, is
pictured with a similarly proud threesome (from left), the
Chapter's Steve Stojowski, Treasurer;
Maurice Debar, Musical Director; and George Seelinger, President.
Way to go, Joe.
A
REVOLUTIONARY APPROACH? HARDLY! -- Bob Heim, an
attendee at the Barbershop Harmony Society's 2010 Int'l
Convention in Philadelphia, knows that wherever he goes, a
little encouragement goes a long way in attracting new members
to the Society. Here, it's a uniformed "local" that supplies a
strong bass in an on-the-spot barbershop example of his
singing. (We hear that Bob and his new acquaintance began their
conver-sation by
reminiscing about their days in the service.) Whoa!
"HI"
SCHOOLERS -- It began on a New York subway with
Nassau Mid-Island Chapter member Steve Stojowski hearing two
high schoolers practicing some barbershop harmonies,
continued with his invitation for them (and the others in
their quartet) to attend a future rehearsal, and resulted in
just that. The foursome (left to right), Kevin Montevirgen,
tenor; Shawn Geller, lead; Gerald Tabaosares, bass; and
Andrew Jorquera, bari; are shown with Chapter President
George Seelinger. Called the BBQs (for Bronx Barbershop
Quartet), the teens who actively participated in the
rehearsal including performing two songs on their own, all
attend The Bronx High School of Science.
NOW,
THAT WAS EASY -- Aspiring Long Island
Harmonizers chorus member Don Bloomfield (center)
discovers that auditioning for the largest such
Barbershop Harmony Society chapter on Long Island is as
worry free as singing in his shower at home. With him
are John Brolly, the organization's VP Chapter
Development (providing the shower head to put Don in the
mood); and Maurice Debar, musical director of the Nassau
Mid-Island Chapter. The Mid-Islanders continue to add to
their expanding roster throughout the year.
MAKING
HER "POINT" -- Sr. Bernadette DeMayo, volunteer
coordinator at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St.
Dominic in Amityville, thanks the Long Island
Harmonizers chorus and its quartets for a special
hour-long Sunday afternoon performance for retired
members of their Order and guests.
"BIG
SHOT" GUEST -- Shutterbug Frank Fumelli, readies
his camera at a Tuesday night rehearsal for what will become
the "official photograph" of the Long Island Harmonizers
chorus for 2010, reflecting the group's growth in
membership. New and updated photos bearing on the Nassau
Mid-Island Chapter and its performing quartets will appear
on the Chapter's website as well as in promotional
literature produced by the organization.
THANKS
(CARTER) FOR THE MEMORIES: The thoughtfulness of
Manhattanite Carter Tyler has brought the Chapter a bit of
its long history in the form of a Souvenir Special Events
Program handed out in connection with "New York State
Barbershop Quartet Day, " held July 18, 1964, at the New
York World's Fair. The program indicates a 3 p.m. appearance
by the Mid-Island Chapter chorus -- " talented singers
ranging in age from 18 to 74 who will feature Barber Shop
singing to bring back memories of the 20's." It also refers
to two Chapter quartets on hand to perform -- The Royal-Airs
and the Dashing Dans. Displaying the now framed
program while expressing gratitude to Mr. Tyler for his gift
on behalf of a most appreciative Nassau Mid-Island Chapter,
are Stan Squires (center), 48-year Chapter member who sang
at the event long ago; George Seelinger, President
(right); and Ken Wunsch, the organization's Secretary.
REIGNING
SUPREME: Among those on hand at "Ladies' Night -
2010" to receive the heartfelt thanks of Nassau Mid-Island
Chapter members for umbrella support unhesitatingly given
over the past 12 months, were (left to right) Joan Rampola,
Mary Colonna, Kathy Brolly, Sue Johnson and Linda Trent.
This year the annual affair to honor the ladies was held at
the elegant Swan Club in Roslyn, LI.
ROLLING
OUT THE WELCOME MAT:
John Brolly (fourth from left) , VP Chapter Development for
the Long Island Harmonizers chorus offers a pleased Nassau
Mid-Island Chapter welcome to (from left) Vince Sauchelli,
Charles Muscarnera, Bill Cooper. Jon Ayers and Tom Orr at
the organization's "Guest Night" kickoff to its spring
membership drive. Thanks for coming, fellas. We wish you
many happy returns.
CHAPTER
READING: A barbershop arrangement of "Honey Little
'Lize" receives the scrutiny by a pair of new eyes, as Jon
Ayers (third from left) lends his bass voice as part of a
Nassau Mid-Island Chapter quartet also including (from left)
Bill Ruth (tenor), Bart Peluso (lead) and Bob Miraglia (bari).
Ayers was among those present at a recent "Guest Night"
helping to launch a spring membership drive underway by the
organization. 
SOMETHING TO
CELEBRATE: The Long
Island Harmonizers chorus
marked the birthday of the
Barbershop Harmony Society
(a.k.a. Society for The
Preservation and
Encouragement of Barber Shop
Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA)
72 years ago, with it's 60th
Annual Show - performing
before enthusiastic audiences
of barbershop devotees and
those new to the cherished
art form on that April 11th
date this year (as well as
the night before) at Carle
Place High School, Carle
Place, LI. 
"TIMELY" -- 
"LOGO-MOTIVE"
-- With all signals go for the appearance of its
"Fantasy Express" -- the musical train set to take the Carle
Place H.S. stage April 10-11 -- George Seelinger (left) Nassau
Mid-Island Chapter President, and Hal Verity, 2010 Chairman for
the organization's Annual Show, offered thanks on behalf of
the membership to Scott Brannon, lead with the highly acclaimed
"Our Town" quartet, with an honorary logo patch to
recognize his significant coaching help in advance of the
evening and matinee shows.
SINGING
FROM THE DIAGRAM: (From left) Hal Verity, show chairman for
the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's 60th Annual Show; discusses the
specific positioning of Long Island Harmonizers chorus members
to be placed on risers at Carle Place High School, with Maurice
Debar, the organization's musical director, as well
as knowledgeable vocal coach Ron Meixell on hand to
offer suggestions in technique at a special Saturday
rehearsal in advance of performances set for the evening of
Saturday, April 10 and the afternoon of Sunday, April 11.
MUSICAL
ARRANGEMENT: Publicity for the Nassau Mid-Island
Chapter's "Singing Valentines" program - 2010 included
cooperative interest from WHLI-Radio -- the Long Island A.M.
station that offers its devoted listeners all-time musical
favorites along with standards of yesterday and
today. Pictured at its Farmingdale studios with popular
"Morning Show" host Paul Richards (center) are (from left)
the chapter's Bob Heim, Bart Peluso, John Brolly and George
Seelinger. An on-air interview by an enthusiastic Richards
included the barbershop performance of one of the Valentine
songs, information about the three-days of presentations,
followed by an edited video regarding the segment on WHLI's website
home page (and placed on Youtube). Permit us to offer a tip
of our (barbershop) hats to WHLI 1100 and all the media --
electronic and print -- that offered such kind support to
this annual Barbershop Harmony Society fund raising event,
Joel Fairman and Steve Brausa wh
MERITORIOUS
SERVICE AWARD FOR 2009 acknowledging the "loyalty,
service and dedication" to the Long Island Harmonizers
chorus by longtime member Hal Verity (left) was
reflected in a plaque-presentation by selection
committee member Vinnie Colonna, pictured doing the
honors in early January. 
"PRESENT"
(AND ACCOUNTED FOR) -- Maurice Debar, director
of the Long Island Harmonizers chorus, received a most
deserved thank-you gift at year's end for efforts that have
witnessed both a significant increase in membership as well
as substantial musical growth in the performance of
barbershop repertoire. With Debar for the presentation on
behalf of an appreciative chorus, was the chapter's
Bob Roth.
INSTRUMENTAL in helping
to shape the musical love exhibited by his son, Brendan
-- co-principal cellist with the Long Island Youth
Orchestra -- has been his proud dad , Dan Gilmartin, web
designer for the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter. They
are pictured following the first concert of the new
season offered by the exceptionally gifted group of
young players, with Bob Heim, our chapter's webmaster.
LET
THE GOOD TIMES "ROLL" -- 
"SUITED"
FOR HIS ROLE as a gifted Santa is Joe Cerutti,
director of the Alexandria Harmonizers, the performing
arm of the Barbershop Harmony Society's Alexandria
chapter. Cerutti, who holds life membership in the
Nassau Mid-Island Chapter, made the career move to
the international champion Virginia chorus after
completing his musical schooling in Boston and, prior to
that, several years contributing his considerable
talents to our Long Island Harmonizers chorus (most
certainly, his special gift to us). 
"VOCAL"
IN THEIR ACTIVE SUPPORT OF F.A.N.S. (Friends Assisting
Nassau Seniors), and in particular the charity's Meals On Wheels
program, were members of the Barbershop Harmony Society's Nassau
Mid-Island Chapter, who again set aside part of the proceeds
from the group's annual show offered in 2009 to support the
worthwhile cause. Shown during the presentation of the check on
behalf of the Chapter to Steven Krieger, president of F.A.N.S.,
are (from left), George Seelinger, the organization's president;
Steve Stojowski, treasurer and member Dave D'Antonio.
INTER-CHAPTER
HOSTS, the Long Island Harmonizers Chorus under
the direction of Maurice Debar, had the privilege of
singing two songs to close to 100 guest barbershoppers
in attendance at its mid-October event. 
SPREADIN'
THE 'KNEWS': Invited by director Joe Hunter to
sing "New York, New York" with Big Apple Chorus
members in attendance at a recently-held Inter-Chapter
evening hosted by the Long Island Harmonizers Chorus,
were other guests on hand familiar with the barbershop
arrangement. The night's pleasures included
representation by eight choruses and eight quartets
including the recently crowned champions, 'Round
Midnight.
ANSWERING
HIS PAGE: Charles Crocco of the Big Apple Chorus,
takes a moment to test his barbershop know-how with 17
trivia questions (answers also provided), given as a little
memento to guests in connection with a successful
Inter-Chapter evening hosted by the Long Island Harmonizers
Chorus.
THE
(SHARED) "JOURNEY"
CONTINUES:
Michael Mascari, executive director of
AHRC Nassau,
takes a moment to look at the printed
program for the 2009 annual show --
"Journey of Love" -- presented by the
Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the
Barbershop Harmony Society, from which a
portion of the proceeds were earmarked
for the worthy charity. On hand
recently to present the check were (from
left) Steve Stojowski, the musical
organization's treasurer; George
Seelinger, its president; and members
Dave D'Antonio and Vincent Colonna. The
admirable work of AHRC Nassau is aimed
at enriching the lives of local-area
children and adults with intellectual
and other developmental disabilities.
POINTERS: Guest
conductor Larry Bomback (left), and Nassau Mid-Island
Chapter's assistant director, Steve Stojowski recently
"found the time" during a rehearsal break to chat about the
winning way's of the tenor's quartet -- 'Round
Midnight. "Pointers" were, in fact, what the evening was all
about. Bomback offered a number of them concerning his
conducting techniques as well as their application in the
interpretation of several practiced songs.
"RELATIVE"
PITCH: 
"FIRST
LADY" 
FRONT
AND CENTER:
|
|
"CAROUSEL-EBRANTS"
-- Official
cere-monies marking the restoration, re-location and
reappearance of the landmark Nunley's Amusement Park
carousel that operated between 1940 and 1995 in Baldwin,
LI took place in early May at its new "home" on Museum
Row in Garden City, where Nassau County Executive Thomas
Suozzi, pictured with two barbershop quartets from our
Nassau Mid-Island Chapter, was on hand for
the ribbon-cutting and the first day's riders. Providing
appropriate music befitting the occasion were (from
left) George Seelinger, Steve Stojowski, Bart Peluso,
Bob Miraglia, Hal Verity, Maurice Debar, Bob Heim and
Joe Massaro.
"JOURNEY-MEN"- 
YOU'VE
GOTTA HAVE ART: Sock puppets Cary, Palmer, Hans and
Prince -- collectively known as "The Handy Dandies" and
intended to educate audiences about the joys of barbershop
quartet singing, are held by their mentors (left to right)
Bob Heim (tenor), Bart Peluso (lead), Will McCoy (bass) and
George Seelinger (bari) -- members of "You Four-A-Ya"
quartet with the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the Barbershop
Harmony Society.
GUEST
IN THE HOUSE:
Jeff Glemboski (left), gifted bass of 'Round Midnight, was
recently on hand at a Tuesday night rehearsal of the
Long Island Harmonizers chorus to put members through their
paces with boundless energy in the brief absence of the
group's musical director, Maurice Debar. With Jeff, is the
Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's assistant director, Steve
Stojowski. 
QUITE
A SITE: Dan Gilmartin (center), with his wife Colleen by his
side, has become the latest recipient of the Nassau Mid-Island
Chapter's prestigious "Beyond the Baton" award for his mastery
in website design for the chapter, and contributions
creatively focusing attention on the organization and its
activities. Presenting the award, given for "non singing"
efforts of special note, is chapter president George
Seelinger. 
OFFERING
THANKS FOR A "MUSICAL ARRANGEMENT": George
Seelinger, president of the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of
the Barbershop Harmony Society was on hand to
present Phil Scaduto (left) and his owner son Joe of
Phil's Barbershop in Bellmore, NY with a special
award recognizing their cooperation in the kick-off of
the chapter's new "Barbershop For Barbershops" program
in which patrons and others on hand enjoy sounds
of barbershop quartet singing and better understand the
close historical connection between barbershops and that
musical art form. 
"HEAR"
CUT: The October launch of a novel "Barbershop For
Barbershops" program by the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the
Barbershop Harmony Society brought a singing foursome (from
left: Hal Verity, Bob Miraglia, Bernie Genzer and Maurice
Debar) to Phil's Barbershop in Bellmore, NY where the
entertained listeners included this delighted patron as well
as Joe Scaduto, owner of the establishment that has been
offering its services to the community for more than 40
years.
SHOWING
EXCELLENCE DURING A "FAIR" PERFORMANCE:
This year's Williston Day Craft and
Street Fair held in East Williston (Sept. 21) included a free
open-air performance by the Long Island
Harmonizers chorus and its quartets, grabbing the attention
of hundreds of listeners.
"PINCH
HITTER" -- Larry
Bomback (left), talented tenor with the highly acclaimed Road
Trip and 'Round Midnight barbershop quartets, recently accepted
an invitation by the Long Island Harmonizers chorus to "step up
to the plate" and conduct a Tuesday night rehearsal in the
absence of musical director Maurice Debar. Here, in a light
moment during a break, Bomback checks his bases, that --
in this case -- included (left to right) Bill Hardman, Ed
Andreassen and Bernie Genzer.
STREET
SMARTS -- A
"Drive For Membership" approach by the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter
takes the form of magnetic stickers bearing the words
"Singers Wanted" and the website address of the Long Island
Harmonizers chorus. To be placed on cars of members (here, Bob
Heim adds his) the stickers are expected to be an
effective vehicle in expanding the organization's current
roster. 
TIES
THAT BIND:
The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's annual "Ladies' Night" (held
this year at the Swan Club in Glenwood Landing), provided an
opportunity for the membership to express their
great appreciation to the organization's biggest fans
-- the supportive ladies in their lives. Here, Bill
McCoy's wife Mary, pictured with (from left) Bob Roth,
Bill Ruth and Bob Crochere, proudly shows that barbershop
ties involving the Long Island Harmonizers chorus most
certainly include her.
"RED-Y"
(WILLING AND ABLE) -- New for active members of
the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter are these shirts bearing the
distinctive logo of the Long Island Harmonizers
chorus. Pictured distributing the bright red shirts to Gene
Kammerer (center) and Bob Miraglia (right) is Will McCoy,
who arranged for their production. 
STRIVING
FOR PURR-FECTION
-- Songs that make up the "Barberpole Cat" repertoire
came in for Steve Stojowski review in early July when he
admirably assumed the full-rehearsal role of assistant
musical director in the absence of Maurice Debar (away
at B.H.S.'s International Convention in Nashville).
Thanks Steve.
CLASSY?
WHY, OF COURSE:
The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's You Four-A-Ya quartet (from
left) Bart Peluso, Bob Heim, Will McCoy and George Seelinger
received two full days of intensive coaching, and member Peter
Kenny benefited from a number of specialized classes in
barbershopping at Harmony College East 2008, held in mid-June at
Salisbury University in Salisbury, MD. Representing the chapter
as well (but not pictured) were Bill Ennis and Bill Grieshaber.
The quartet also performed at one of the evening shows.
HEY
- THOSE JACKETS LOOK AWFULLY FAMILIAR: Steven Ritz (left)
and Harry Forrest of The Pine Barons Chorus from Cherry Hill NJ
proudly wear bright red jackets that once served as a uniform
option in the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter, finding them a perfect
fit for their annual show with the theme "River City Reunion."
The borrowed jackets, observed Ritz (who still retains
membership status in our L.I. chapter) performed admirably
"despite being louder than the combined output of our bass
section." 
CLOTHES
ENCOUNTER OF AN HONOREE KIND:
Dave Antonio (right), whose Long Island Harmonizers
responsibilities include that of uniforms procurement and
maintenance, holds a "Beyond the Baton" award acknowledging his
hard and tireless work insuring that Nassau Mid-Island Chapter
members "uniformly look their best" at all times. Doing the
honors on behalf of the chapter is its president, Vinnie
Colonna, holding one of the organization's blue blazers now
bearing the new logo for the chorus.
MARIAN
THE LIBRARIAN?:
No -- make it Nadine Connors, Cultural Program Specialist with
the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, shown finding out about
barbershop "tags" from Long Island Harmonizers Musical Director
Maurice Debar prior to an outdoor summertime singout by members
of the Nassau-Mid Island Chapter chorus, three of its quartets,
plus the special inclusion of two songs offered by banjo- and
bass-players Bill Hardman and Steve Stojowski. 
"NET"
WORKING:
Following operating-team meetings of the Barbershop Harmony
Society's Mid-Atlantic District recently held in Roanoke, VA,
Steve Stojowski (standing at right) Events Treasurer for M.A.D.
(and member of the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter) joined (standing
from left) Lee Roth, the District's V.P. Marketing and Public
Relations; Chuck Harner, V.P. Contest and Judging; and Allan
Dean, the District's new Youth in Harmony V.P.; for some
impromptu hotel-lobby barbershopping -- and in the process, the
applause and admiration of several delighted youngsters
that had just captured a basketball State Championship for their
age group. A photo naturally ensued (with the good chance that
new fans were added insofar as our cherished art form).
A
BENNY FOR THEIR THOUGHTS:
In a musical spoof in which a bewigged Bill Ruth (left) explains
to his Long Island Express barbershop quartet that "Benny's From
Heaven," the tiny tot also takes center stage during a recent
performance at M.S. 172 (Altman Beacon School) in
Bellerose, Queens. Long Island Harmonizers and several of its
quartets entertained for about an hour .
A
"WIN, WIN" SITUATION: Chiz Bell (center) is shown
accepting the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's second "Beyond the
Baton" award from the organization's first winner, Bill Ruth, as
President Vinnie Colonna proudly looks on. The honor, which
recognizes major non-singing contributions to the chapter, was
presented with deep appreciation for Bell's "unswerving
dedication as publication editor, excellence in reporting and
writing (since 1990 with "The Voice," later called "Toosday
Toons"), and for his continued chronicling of chapter activity."
DESERVING
OF A HAND (...AND AWARD):
'PITCH'
FOR A NEW MEMBER:
It's never to young to start 'em in barbershop, right?
Three-month-old Jonathan gets into the act with the help of
granddad Hal Verity, at the Verity's annual summertime deck
party for our Mid-Islanders. Next comes some coaching in
choreography.
THAT'S
ENTERTAINNNNNNNNNNNNMENT!!! 