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

Updated 03/01/2010

Our 59th Annual Show Photos - Click Here

Our 58th Annual Show Photos - Click Here

"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.

SCHOOL BELLE: Nassau Mid-Island Chapter "Singing Valentines" participants (left to right) Maurice Debar, John Brolly, Wayne Lazar and Hal Verity (looking spiffy indeed in their tuxes), contribute to this "class in session" involving a surprised and pleased Kathy Brolly -- the lovely recipient of two songs, a rose and special attention scheduled by hubby John during her work day at Charles Campagne Elementary School in Bethpage.

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 who tirelessly ran it, plus our musical director and chapter members that worked to make it happen.

"RIGHTS" OF PASSAGE: Officers and trustees of the Barbershop Harmony Society's Nassau Mid-Island Chapter for 2010 raise their right hands pledging "we do's," following their official installation held in early January. With the new board is chapter member and Mid-Atlantic District's Bill Ennis (far left) who conducted the ceremony.

HONORED AS BARBERSHOPPER OF THE YEAR FOR 2009 by the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society is Steve Brausa (left), seen accepting the award from Vinnie Colonna, member of the selection committee. Brausa was recognized for efforts in his capacity as the chapter's program vice president.

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" -- Maurice Debar, musical director of the Long Island Harmonizers chorus, chats with Molloy College student Curtis Haywood at a recent Tuesday evening rehearsal. Curtis, majoring in music therapy at the school leading to a master's degree, filmed chapter members happily singing barbershop-style music for a class assignment on "World Music."

"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).

CLASS ACT: Nassau Mid-Island Chapter members represented at the North Leadership Academy held in New Jersey at the Morris Plains Community Center in December were (from left) Steve Marrin, George Seelinger, Steve Stojowski, Bill Ennis, Chiz Bell, Ken Wunsch, John Brolly, Bob Heim and Bill Grieshaber. The one day of training centered on skills necessary to accomplish activities associated with healthy barbershop chapters.

"SEEIN' YA" SERENADING prior to Christmas and Channukah took the Long Island Harmonizers chorus to St. Johnland Nursing Home in Kings Park , LI for a special Sunday afternoon performance of holiday music following arrangements by chapter member Joel Fairman. The entertained seniors also listened to one of the vocal organization's talented quartets -- Long Island Express.

"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.

TRES ("TRAY") BIEN: French for "very good" -- and in any language, a nice sendoff for Dartmouth-bound Danny Freeman by his Aunt Eleanore and Uncle Larry at a recent Nassau Mid-Island Chapter rehearsal. The mustachioed twosome along with Danny's mom (Karen) and dad (Steve) were on hand to thank the chorus for Danny's musical summertime experience and to pass out food treats including cookies with mustaches, too. Steve Freeman's intention, meanwhile, while his son is on campus? To become an active member of the L.I. barbershop chapter.

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: Maurice Debar, musical director of the Long Island Harmonizers chorus, joins in some vocal fun with interested father and son Steve and Danny Freeman. The Huntington twosome -- Danny at left is a tenor; Steve is a bass -- both barbershop enthusiasts, added their voices as guests while sampling chorus repertoire.

BACH TO THE FUTURE! Bob Heim, Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's marketing and public relations v.p. gives George Seelinger, the organization's president, the first look at his one-of-a-kind T-shirt aimed at sparking inquiries about the Barbershop Harmony Society when worn in shopping malls and elsewhere. Bob's humorous approach pictures the great composer holding a pitch pipe and asking for a "standard tune up." Under the photo are the words...The "Three B's" -- Bach, B-Flat and Barbershopping.

"FIRST LADY" Pat Seelinger (the wife of our dedicated Nassau Mid-Island Chapter President) joined a large assemblage of other "first ladies" (spouses and others in the hearts of Long Island Harmonizers chorus members) at the organization's annual "Ladies' Night" dinner held in mid-June at the elegant Swan Club located in Glenwood Landing, NY, where the women received sincere thanks for their support.

FRONT AND CENTER: The 65th anniversary of the Normandy landings during World War II received special attention at a June 6th D-Day performance by the Long Island Harmonizers chorus at East Woods School in Oyster Bay, where members offered patriotic songs as well as music of the period. Here (center, left to right) Bob Heim, Vincent Colonna, Joe Massaro and Chiz Bell, among the armed forces veterans in the organization, provide the musical introduction to "God Bless America."

PLANTING THE SEEDS OF BARBERSHOP INTEREST at a mid-May "Family Day" sing-out at Bailey Aboretum on Long Island's North Shore were members of the Long Island Harmonizers chorus under the direction of Maurice Debar.

"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.

Click here for larger version of this photo. "JOURNEY-MEN"- The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's 59th Annual Show presented April 17 and 18 at Mineola High School offered a musical "Journey of Love" as expressed by members of the Long Island Harmonizers chorus under the direction of Maurice Debar.

Click the photo for a larger version.

PLEASED TO "MEAT" CHA -- (Left to right) Bill Ruth, Steve Marrin and John Brolly get into the St. Patrick's Day spirit by placing slices of tasty corned beef on soda bread during some party time set aside as part of a rehearsal night, when members of the Long Island Harmonizers chorus celebrated the traditional holiday.

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.

FOR THE "DEWEY-EYED" -- Learning about barbershop singing and the melodic pleasures it produces did not require The Dewey Decimal System at the Plainview - Old Bethpage Library in mid-December... simply "lookups" towards a stage filled with members of The Long Island Harmonizers Chorus to experience the special art form expressed in a program of holiday music and other songs. Oh that headgear worn by some? Reindeer antlers, of course.

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.

HEAR TODAY -- BARBERSHOPPER (PERHAPS) TOMORROW: The Long Island Harmonizers chorus held the rapt attention of delighted listeners including this potential member (Class of 2029?) at The City of Long Beach's annual Fall Festival. The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's quartets also performed.

REELY ADMIRABLE ACHIEVEMENT:

The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter’s AfterGloWorms will now be able to add “feature movies” to their enviable performance credits, following their participation in a movie currently in production starring Jamey Sheridan, versatile actor of stage, screen and TV (including Law & Order, Criminal Intent). The movie, with the working title “Handsome Harry” is set for release in theaters early next year. Here, Mr. Sheridan poses with our talented four.

SEPTEMBER SONG: A special surprise by father-of the-bride John Crouthamel for his daughter Mandy Lee recently attested to one the family's other great loves -- barbershop singing. At the Long Island wedding reception following the September betrothal, the radiant bride is shown with the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's You Four-A-Ya quartet after the foursome's serenading that included Daddy's Little Girl, Mandy and an arrangement of the song, Mandy Lee. Barbershopping has long been a part of Crouthamel enjoyment, with dad, among other things, once a member of the Dapper Dans of Harmony chorus (NJ) for 13 years. Brother-in-law Dick Berkshire (on hand to later join the quartet in some polecats), has been associated with barbershopping even longer -- some 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.

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER, BUTTTTTTTTTT when it reaches one hundred, as it has for Sister Mary Loyola Engel shown with "You Four-A-Ya" barbershop quartet with the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, it is excusable to pay special attention in recognizing the milestone. A July birthday celebration for Sister Mary (her dad loved to hear barbershop singing, she reminisced), took place at Villa St. Joseph convent located at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre.

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.

UNDER THE WEATHER -- in this case sizzling ninety degree temperatures produced by an unsympathetic sun -- were Nassau Mid-Island Chapter members, shown performing in (somewhat) protected comfort on grounds adjacent to Farmingdale Village Hall -- part of the community's 2008 Strawberry Festival. The mid-afternoon heat did not deter the enthusiasm of listeners that gathered to also hear selections by two of the chapter's quartets and a bit of banjo strumming/singing by Bill Hardman accompanied by bass-playing Steve Stojowski.

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."

FOCUS GROUP: Kayla Frost (second from left), producer, and Melissa Meditz, a co-producer for a Hofstra University television show entitled "Four Your Island" (FYI), join Nassau Mid-Island Chapter musical director Maurice Debar (left) and chapter president George Seelinger for discussions and initial filming at a recent rehearsal, leading up to a segment devoted to the Long Island Harmonizers chorus and the enjoyment of barbershopping. FYI -- focusing on the arts, culture and entertainment -- is the creation of Hofstra's TV production students.

HE'S "ACCEPT-TIONAL": Hal Verity (left) receives a well-deserved "Beyond the Baton" award (for noteworthy non-singing contributions) from the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. With George Seelinger, president, performing the honors, Verity was formally thanked for his wide range of "get ready" efforts relating to the organization's rehearsals and in-performance appearances during the year.

GETTING WITH THE PROGRAM at the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's annual January dinner at which the organization's officers and trustees for the new year are officially installed, is George Seelinger, incoming president for 2008

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 .

APPLE OF THEIR EYES: Joe Hunter, director of Manhattan's prestigious Big Apple Chorus, recently received the gratitude (and attentiveness) of Nassau Mid-Island Chapter members, as he offered his considerable expertise in showing how to musically heighten emotional expression in several in-rehearal songs. Carefully listening as well is Maurice Debar, director of the Long Island chorus.

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):

Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's Bill Ruth (right) recently received the heartfelt thanks of his fellow members with the presentation of the organization's first "Beyond the Baton" award, aimed at honoring distinguished non-singing contributions to the chapter. Presenting the award recognizing Bill's singout responsibilities as master of ceremonies, accomplished on behalf of the chorus "with professionalism and special humor," is Vincent Colonna, chapter president.

'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!!!

Nassau Mid-Island Chapter bass Bill Hardman shows he has far more musical talent than just his singing, as he entertains chapter members at a recent rehearsal with some folk songs while displaying his banjo skills as well.