Our Newsletter

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

What an enjoyable evening of Quartet competition we enjoyed at our last rehearsal. It seemed that everyone participated and had a grand time. Our fearless leader was home with an illness and was missed. The Judges did a fine job determining the winners. A nice reminder that we are a society for the encouragement of quartet singing!

Let’s be working on our new Gospel song and have it ready to go on the 25th! Until next time,

For future planning, we will not meet on Thursday, July 4th. KTWWS! Steve Grubb

Thank you for your work already on Gospel Medley. Last Thursday you should have worked on section one. (The How Great Thou Art section through measure 18). This Thursday we will ADD to that the next section I Can Tell You The Time, pick up to measure 19 thru measure 36. Feel free to work ahead!

I do plan to see you next week. We'll polish up the songs for our May 23rd Spring Family and Friends concert! Jimmy Tompkins

What a night! Once again the chorus entertained one another with an outstanding contest night. The outstanding panel of distinguished judges decided that the best sounding q’tet was “Twilight” (Jesse, Morris, Jones, Wilson), the best performance was turned in by ”Baby Faces” (Malone, Randolf, Grubb, Adams); and the funniest was “Coffin and Sing In” (Wilson (also again!), McKeel, Wright, Adams (again!)). Honarable mention went to “Hide and Peek” (Whitmire, Peek, Strickland, Malone).

A big thank you for all who participated in the spirit of fun that epitomizes our hobby. Bill Slack

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

Happy Birthday to BHS! Thanks to Phylis for the cake and Bill for the nice remembrance of our origins. We have much to be proud of and great memories to hold on to! Since we are a Quartet singing Society, please plan on joining us Thursday for the big competition planned. It should be great fun. Until next week, KTWWS!

Date change: Board Meeting to Monday, April 22. Steve Grubb

Our recipient tonight is long overdue. In 1976 he sang with Music City Chorus and went to Internationals.  He directed the Tullahoma chorus for three years and then the Chattanooga chorus for 33 years. He sings with the Music City, Sound of Tennessee and Choo Choo Choruses, and has competed in many quartets. My two favorites were 'Round Mounds of Sound' and 'Half Ton of Fun' which I got to sing with him. He has two chorus bronze medals, and one of them shared with his then five year old grandson. He has served eight years on the District Board, half of that as President. He started our District Task Force many years ago and saw it to completion. His work outside of barbershop includes growing a beard and being Santa for children. I want to congratulate him as 2023 Barbershopper of the year.  David Murphree 2022 BOTY

District President, Jimmy Tompkins, then presented the 2024 Presidents Award to Lindy Blazek for fourteen years of hospitality work for contest judges.

Photograph courtesy of the Southeastern Harmony District.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

Our effort at Rock the Riverfront went quite well, I thought. We had a great turnout, an appreciative audience and some nice weather. More of us than them at times! A new song is coming to perform at our Free Concert on May 23rd! Let’s not slack off now.

Are you Treasurer material? Step up and serve your Chapter. How about Show Chairman for our Christmas or 2025 Show? We need to be working now for success then! Until Thursday, KTWWS!

Board Meeting is Monday, April 15th, 6 PM, at Ponder’s. Turn your taxes in and then show up! Steve Grubb

It’s only 10 days till the fun-est nite for all chorus members-the q’tet contest! All members names are put in 4 hats, and a name from each part is drawn and put with 3 other names. Some guys (tenors, baris) will probably be assigned to more than 1 q’tet because there are more leads and basses.

The rules are as follows:1) you may sing a polecat, repetoire, etc, as long as it’s a barbershop arrangement 2) you may hold music. 3) judges may be influenced and/ or bribed. 4) jokes, skits, stories may be part of your performance

Prizes! Will be awarded for the most entertaining q’tet; the most humorous q’tet; best performance by a q’tet.
This is a fun activity for all members. It is important that we all participate, from very experienced members to novices. It lets us all experience the absolute fun of knowing your part and harmonizing with 3 guys you’ve never sung with before.

After all, we are a q’tet ing society Bill Slack

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Below is the song list.

Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Georgia On My Mind
I'm Sitting On Top Of The World
When There's Love At Home
Let's Get Away From It All
When She Loved Me
California, Here I Come
Yesterday
Wait Till The Sun Shines, Nellie
You Tell Me Your Dream
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)
God Bless America
Keep The Whole World Singing

We are two weeks post Convention and numbers have dipped a bit. Let me encourage us all to stay committed to improving the sound and quality of our chorus. The Music Team made a great decision to have a free Spring Concert. A new song is going to be introduced soon for this endeavor and the prep work leading up to it should help keep us all engaged. See everyone Thursday. Until next time, KTWWS! Steve Grubb.

Rock the Riverfront - Saturday. April 6
Location: Chattanooga Green next to the Aquarium. Stage is on the west side of the green.

4:00 Sound check and warm up
5:00 - 6:00 Sing

Uniform - khaki pants, blue shirt (long sleeve, short sleeve weather permitting). Suggest carpooling for ease of parking and accessibility to the stage. Pete Jones

Great News! The event we all have been waiting for! The semi- occasional chapter q’tet contest! In honor of April Fool's Day. We will meet at ponders on Thursday, April 18. You may compete in a q’tet you have formed just for the contest, or be assigned to a q’tet on your arrival. Or both. Prizes will be awarded! Cash, food, trophies! Registered q’tet s are not eligible for prizes, but may be permitted to sing for the chapter's amusement. So put this fun tine on your calender, form a q’tet, and choose your costume and songs. Bill Slack

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. We will rehearse songs for April 6 sing out.

Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Georgia On My Mind
I'm Sitting On Top Of The World
When There's Love At Home
Let's Get Away From It All
When She Loved Me
California, Here I Come
Yesterday
Wait Till The Sun Shines, Nellie
You Tell Me Your Dream
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)
God Bless America
Keep The Whole World Singing

Thank you again for your excellent singing this past week! I am enjoying our journey together!

The song list has been updated, and hopefully finalized for our April 6th performance. Be sure and use our website and HarmonySite app to rehearse these songs at home. Click HERE for an article that gives us tips on "rehearsing at home."

I'll see you Thursday! Jimmy Tompkins

If anyone is interested, there is a free Tai Chi Class there that Saturday morning from 10 to 11. Beth Herring is the instructor. She has a degree in Dance from SUNY - Purchase and is active in the Chattanooga Dance Community.

Then from 2 to 3 pm there is instruction in Soul Aerobic Line Dancing! Yes, I never heard of it either! It turns dancing to hip hop and R&B hits into legitimate fun exercise for people of all ages. I understand that Strick can't wait to try it out!

Finally, at 5 pm there will be some fantastic singing starting by an Award Winning Chorus! Oh, that's us!

There is a possibility for a Quartet to sing for the Ski Club Tuesday April 2nd Business meeting at 6:30 - good timing to promote Rock the Riverfront! Just 2 songs - maybe our Convention songs. If you would like to cover this, please contact Pete or me. . Thanks, Rich Wilson

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

What an enjoyable weekend. Most of the Chorus was able to support all events and we sang pretty well to again garner Most Improved Chorus and a 2nd place finish Saturday morning. Great work by everyone!

There’s a quiet time ahead as the Board agreed to not put on an annual show in 2024, but that doesn’t mean we are slacking off. The Music Team will be presenting the feedback from the Judges and plans to make us sound even better! Don’t step away now! Until our rehearsal, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

Wow! You guys sang your hearts out this past Saturday! You can be proud of what you put on the stage! Statistically speaking our scores were similar to this past fall, although slightly lower. Our music and singing scores both average over 70. Both songs had music and singing scores from 69-72. Performance was our lowest average category with a 67.8.

This gives us some clear direction on what we can work on moving forward. Our desire is to perform in a way that tells our audience a very clear message. So we'll begin to work more on connecting the story better amongst ourselves so that we can be clearer in our overall communication to our audience!

I do sincerely appreciate everyone of you and what you did this past weekend! I look forward to continuing this journey with you! Jimmy Tompkins

In the photograph above, courtesy of the Southeastern Harmony District, Benny Malone got covered up.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Below is an updated song list.

Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Down Our Way
Keep The Whole World Singing
The Old Songs
You Tell Me Your Dream

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

We are down to the last week of preparation and anticipation for Spring Convention. Having the extra space on the risers is nice and the sound continues to improve. Hope many of you are planning to attend activities the whole weekend and get the full experience of this soon to be renamed Dixie District.

A big thanks to all of you for your patience the last few weeks as we try to settle on a new moniker. We’ll find out what that name is at the Convention. Whatever we may be designated as, we will remain men who enjoy each others’ company, ringing chords together and serving and entertaining this community. Until next week, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

Even though early bird registration has ended you can still get your tickets at the website below. There will be walk up registrations available through Saturday morning.

There will be SIXTEEN quartets singing on Friday night! That's the most we've had in a while! This will include TWO high school quartets from Calhoun, Georgia who sang at Mid-Winter this year. Be sure and be here to support all of our quartets on Friday night! On Saturday there will be seven choruses singing for our District Championship.

I'll send out a separate email with the specifics of the chorus pattern on Saturday.

After a very long process, the House Of Delegates decided that Southeastern Harmony District is the name of our District. Thank you all for walking through this as we've navigated a very difficult journey. I genuinely appreciate all who have been involved in seeking the best for our District! Jimmy Tompkins

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Below is an updated song list.

Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Down Our Way
Keep The Whole World Singing
The Old Songs
Let the Rest of the World Go By
You Tell Me Your Dream

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Thank you ALL for another GREAT evening this past Thursday. You guys made some incredible sounds and moments together. I think you can be proud of what you did.

This week's challenge will be to remember what we did and build on it from there. Take some time to go through your plan on how you will present these songs. (Not just the two contest songs but also EVERY song that we sing)

We've got TWO Thursday left before contest so I hope YOU will be at both! Jimmy Tompkins

[Photograph by David Murphree.]

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Below is an updated song list.

Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Down Our Way
The Old Songs
You Tell Me Your Dream

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Another good night of work by all in attendance Thursday. We should present an outstanding package in March. Register before March 5th to get the Early Bird Special rate.

Thanks to all for a respectful discussion about the recommendations from the District committee. I am aware this is a passionate topic for many in Dixie but do feel changing the name to Heart of the South is the best path to travel at this time. Whatever name our District is known by, I will continue to serve this Chapter and enjoy singing with you all to the best of my ability. Until Thursday, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

Come prepared this Thursday for some coaching provided by Chris Lofton. He will be working with us on our performance and we are excited to have him here.

Please be off the music on the two contest songs going forward. We are nearing the home stretch on our contest preparation, so we need these next three weeks to make them our best.

Remember that all of the things that we put into these songs work on EVERY song! The main reason, to me, for contest preparation and performance is for us to be able to perform better everywhere so that we give our audience our very best gift. You guys are singing better every week! Spend a few minutes every day singing, and it will make you feel better and will help all of us sound better! Jimmy Tompkin

Arthur "Art" Harding Southerlin, 74, of Lexington, SC, passed away on February 19, 2024. Art was a member for several years, and his quartet, Four Grand, won the Dixie District Novice Quartet award. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home in Lexington, SC. Wilbur Strickland

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Below is an updated song list.

Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Down Our Way
Keep The Whole World Singing
The Old Songs
Let the Rest of the World Go By
You Tell Me Your Dream

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

What a great week for our Chorus! Many men contributed to the distribution of right at 60 Singing Valentines! Almost 40 attended a very enjoyable Installation Dinner and saw Chuck Wilson receive the President’s Award and Jimmy Tompkins have The BOTY bestowed upon him. Both the food and service were outstanding as well.

Now, let’s turn our attention to singing our two Contest numbers to the best of every man’s ability next month. Keep inviting men to join us. Until next week, KTWWS!

Board Meeting: Monday, February 19, 6 PM @ Ponder’s. We will discuss the District’s proposal before discussions with the Chorus as a whole. Steve Grubb

Wow! What an honor. I was completely surprised at our installation dinner this past Friday night about receiving the Barbershopper of the Year award. I am so excited to be honored in this way and look forward to the days ahead for the Choo Choo Chorus!

I am also greatly encouraged by your singing! You guys are bringing it each week! We are having guests and they are contributing to our sound as well!

Remember to get registered for the convention ASAP and make sure your BHS dues are current.

I'll see you on Thursday! Jimmy Tompkins

A Big Thanks and Hats Off to all of the singers and the same to those setting up Tuesday night. Pete, once again, Thank You for coordinating another successful Valentines Day!

This is the Chorus Overview that we use for promotional purposes:

o We sing in close four part harmony over the Greater Chattanooga Area for a wide range of venues.

o We bring Joy to audiences and support local charities.

o We enjoy singing during Thursday rehearsals among a Brotherhood of Friends.

Our Officer Induction Party last Friday felt like a Celebration of our Brotherhood of Friends!

Bill, thank you for a Great Job - you did Good!

Finally, Congratulations for Jimmy Tompkins as Barber Shopper of the year! So well deserved! We all Thank You Jimmy for all that you are doing - almost 4 years now! Somehow, we seem to improve a little from one week to the next. Yet over this time period we are achieving something Truly Wonderful! All we can do is follow your lead and keep on improving, one week at a time! Rich Wilson

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Below is an updated song list.

Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Down Our Way
Keep The Whole World Singing
The Old Songs
Let the Rest of the World Go By
You Tell Me Your Dream

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Below is an updated song list.

Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Down Our Way
Keep The Whole World Singing
The Old Songs
Let the Rest of the World Go By
You Tell Me Your Dream

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

GUYS! Bring your money for the best party of 2024! It’s on February 16. Come at 6:30 to Park Place in Fort Oglethorpe. Come early to sing repetoire and tags, eat at 7, then we will install officers, tell jokes, listen to our guest from another state. The cut off date for signing up for party is this Thursday. Bill

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Below is an updated song list.

The Old Songs
Down Our Way
Yesterday
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Let the Rest of the World Go By
You Tell Me Your Dream
Lets Get away From it All
I'm Sittin' On Top of the World
Keep The Whole World Singing

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

For the Good of the Chorus. PRACTICE.
Jimmy has mentioned this several times since becoming our Director. I’ve been, to the best of my ability, doing this for years both professionally and as a chorus member.

Rule of thumb…spend at least 15 minutes a day to PRACTICE. The practicing of your music does several things for you and benefits the chorus. These are learning moments. Every time you practice you strengthen your voice and the knowledge of the song. Relax, sing comfortably and find the notes. It is the muscle memory that can make you more confident.

Repetition…as you begin finding 15 minutes a day to better hone your voice and music, you may even be able to find more time to sing, ie, in your car driving to the store, work, meeting, any time will do. The more time you spend the more benefits will be bestowed on you and the chorus, making REHEARSAL flow better.

Keep singing daily. It might even help you during warmups.
It’s up to US to PRACTICE!

The newest Harmonizer has an article on “Practice and Rehearsal. Click HERE and Please read. Dan Bullock

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Updated Song List:

The Old Songs
Down Our Way
Shine on Me
Georgia On My Mind
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Let the Rest of the World Go By
You Tell Me Your Dream
When She Loved Me
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)
Keep The Whole World Singing

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Thank you to those of you who were able to come this past Thursday. I know the weather was an issue for several of you.

I do hope that all of you are planning to get back with us this week. I have updated the song list for this week. Please review these this week.

Also, I hope YOU are looking for someone you can bring with you to go through the contest cycle with us. As we talked about Thursday, there are guys in our community that need to experience the joy, fellowship and music that we share every week. I'll see YOU Thursday! Jimmy

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

It’s party time ! Friday. Feb 16! Our annual swearing at officers/ Valintine gathering! Choose between hamburger steak or chicken breast, plus taters and beans, bread , drink, desert. All for $22. So bring your cash on Thursday and sign up for a good meal and a fun evening, singing w your friends Bill

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

What a fine turn out of singers and an enjoyable gathering of friends harmonizing once again! Singing Valentines will soon be here and Spring Competition is coming to Chattanooga in March. Let’s be working on having 50 guys on the risers. Please join us for our Awards dinner on the 16th. Until next week, KTWWS!

Board Meeting Planning Breakfast, Saturday, January 27th from 9 AM to 12 Noon. Breakfast provided. Bring your ideas and goals for the year. SteveG

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Thank you all for a wonderful 2023! We were able to accomplish a lot of great things this year.

As we start 2024 we have some great days ahead, and right away. FIRST, our spring contest will be HERE in Chattanooga at Silverdale Baptist Academy. We will be trying to get FIFTY guys on the risers to sing for the Choo Choo Chorus! We will be asking guys to sing with us at least 6 weeks starting in February. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, will be to bring at least ONE guy with you to be a part of this contest cycle. We will ask them to learn TWO songs to sing in the contest.

The music team is already looking at the spring/summer and even fall calendar. We hope to be able to pass on to you what we are working on soon!

Let's make 2024 one the best years we have seen in a while. What will YOU do to make us better?

I'll see YOU on January 4th! Jimmy

Well, sorta almost. The after Valentine party and installation of 2024 officers is tentatively set for Feb 16 at Park Place Restaurant in Fort Oglethorpe. Cost will be $22 per plate, including drink and desert. I will taking up money starting Jan 4, so bring cash or check please.

7:00 PM - No meeting until Thursday, January 4, 2024

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Twenty nine guys performed for an almost full house at Alexian plus untold people watching on Alexian closed circuit television. This was a very good performance to an enthusiastic audience. SteveW

2023 was another year that shows the strength of our chapter. As shown in the list in the left column, there were 22 sing outs plus two competitions (with our highest scores ever), two shows, Singing Valentines, sponsoring the Dixie District Senior Chorus, and a banquet. We sang to a lot of people this year.

7:00 PM -No Meeting at Ponders until January 4, 2024

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

 A big thank you for 3 Guys and a Hobby covering 12 Caroling stops for Warren & Griffin on Friday, December 15! The singers were Hobby, Pete Jones, and Johnny Jackson from the Quartet and Dan Bruns filling in.

 Then Hobby, Pete and Dan volunteered to cover next Tuesday to finish the contract along with Jimmy covering Baritone. Thanks so much for all of you!

 Warren & Griffin continues to be a strong supporter for our Chorus. Our Quartets have covered Valentines and Caroling for them for 5 years now! They also buy full page color ads for our Christmas and Annual Shows. Deep Water sang at a special Warren & Griffen luncheon at Common House last year. So, a Big Thank you for so many quartets covering all of these years! You know who you are!

 Last Valentines was a big success with 5 quartets covering 73 stops with Pete coordinating. We hope to add a 6th quartet to cover still more stops in 2024. If you want to sing with a quartet let Jimmy and Ron Weaver know - during the first January rehearsal if you are ready!

  Merry Christmas and A Happy Chorus New Year!! Rich

7:00 PM -No Meeting at Ponders until January 4, 2024

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Thanks to everyone for your contributions to a great Show. I figured around 200 were there and they enjoyed a fine performance. Full Effect, even with a fill-in baritone of some repute, was great! All of our Quartets did outstand-ing work and the Chorus really came through learning our numbers, although it sure took a while. Wendell hauled the riders, Pete pulled everything together, Ron fed us and Jimmy directed us admirably. Thanks also to our annual Christmas time singers who joined us for the Show.

Hope to see as many as possible this Tuesday and Thursday as we close out the Holiday season. If you are going Caroling Friday, sing pretty. No meeting until next year on the 4th. Until then, KTTWS! SteveG

Although our audience size was down somewhat from past shows, they produced enthusiastic applause for each of our songs performed. As stated, this show was a fundraiser for the local charity, The Candlelighters. We will be donating the proceeds at a later date once we get all monies in.

 Last but not least,  a BIG thank you to all who participated and sang and/or had a job of some sort that made this event happen. It takes everyone whether just singing or selling/taking tickets or doing media communicating or even directing! Thanks from the show Chairman,  Pete Jones 

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. We'll work on the songs for Christmas and the North River Civic Center sing out.

Jingle Bells
Joy To The World
Angels We Have Heard on High
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Mary Had A Baby
Happy Holidays - It's The Holiday Season
Little Saint Nick
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Georgia On My Mind
I'm Sitting On Top Of The World
Yesterday
The Star Spangled Banner
Armed Forces Medley
God Bless America
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)

Christmas Show Songs: Jingle Bells, Rockin' Around the, Christmas Tree, Happy Holidays, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Veni, Veni, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Mary Had a Baby, Secret of Christmas, Little Saint Nick, Joy to the World,
Angels we Have Heard on High, Audience Sing Alongs: O Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, TAG: Christmas Tag

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Lots of good work was done Monday night. Hoping the low number of tickets signed out so far simply means some have forgotten to get their allotment. Proceeds from this Show goes to the Candlelighters, so let’s not write them a less than usual check. Busy times are ahead, so let’s get St. Nick cleaned up and spread some joy this Holiday Season! Until next time, KTTWS! SteveG

The people of the Federal Court's Naturalization Ceremonies appreciate the Choo Choo Chorus singing at the ceremonies, and you can imagine how our singing affects the new US citizens. There were over 100 new citizens in the most recent Ceremony and the quartet of Benny, Paul, Bill and Fred sang in place of the chorus. Tell them thanks as it is a sacrifice. SteveW Photograph by Ashley Williams.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. We'll work on the songs for Christmas Show.

Jingle Bells
Joy To The World
Angels We Have Heard on High
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Mary Had A Baby
Happy Holidays - It's The Holiday Season
Little Saint Nick
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Georgia On My Mind
I'm Sitting On Top Of The World
Yesterday
The Star Spangled Banner
Armed Forces Medley
God Bless America
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)

Christmas Show Songs: Jingle Bells, Rockin' Around the, Christmas Tree, Happy Holidays, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Veni, Veni, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Mary Had a Baby, Secret of Christmas, Little Saint Nick, Joy to the World,
Angels we Have Heard on High, Audience Sing Alongs: O Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, TAG: Christmas Tag

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

The holiday season is officially underway with the NRCC performance behind us. An appreciative crowd was well entertained.

Posters and tickets are now available to promote the Show on December 9th. Let’s all push hard to learn Little Saint Nick! Thanks again for all your dedication to this craft and this chapter. Until next time, KTTWS! SteveG

Does anyone know of Chattanooga restaurants which have a private room with a capacity of more than 50? Looking for place for our party in the new year. Bill

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. We'll work on the songs for Christmas and the North River Civic Center sing out.

Jingle Bells
Joy To The World
Angels We Have Heard on High
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Mary Had A Baby
Happy Holidays - It's The Holiday Season
Little Saint Nick
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Georgia On My Mind
I'm Sitting On Top Of The World
Yesterday
The Star Spangled Banner
Armed Forces Medley
God Bless America
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)

Christmas Show Songs: Jingle Bells, Rockin' Around the, Christmas Tree, Happy Holidays, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Veni, Veni, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Mary Had a Baby, Secret of Christmas, Little Saint Nick, Joy to the World,
Angels we Have Heard on High, Audience Sing Alongs: O Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, TAG: Christmas Tag

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

We've got a good bit of music to cover this week because of our performance on Friday night. Come prepared to work AND have fun on Thursday!

Thank you to all of you who were able to come this past Saturday. You did great! Jimmy

RonW, New Dad Daniel, Jimmy and Drew entertain as people leave the Veterans Day Ceremony

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. We'll be working on the songs for Christmas AND Veterans Day and North River Civic Center sing outs.

Christmas Show Songs: Jingle Bells, Rockin' Around the, Christmas Tree, Happy Holidays, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Veni, Veni, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Mary Had a Baby, Secret of Christmas, Little Saint Nick, Joy to the World,
Angels we Have Heard on High, Audience Sing Alongs: O Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, TAG: Christmas Tag

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

A new song for the Christmas Show is Little Saint Nick written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love and popularized by the Beech Boys. The 'Little Saint Nick' Sled photograph above, courtesty of an Ebay seller, is the 2015 offering in the Hallmark Christmas Music Box Ornament series. RonW, our Hallmark man, no longer had one we could photograph.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. We'll be working on the songs for Christmas AND Veterans Day and North River Civic Center sing outs.

Christmas Show Songs: Jingle Bells, Rockin' Around the, Christmas Tree, Happy Holidays, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Veni, Veni, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Mary Had a Baby, Secret of Christmas, Little Saint Nick, Joy to the World,
Angels we Have Heard on High, Audience Sing Alongs: O Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, TAG: Christmas Tag

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

In 2010, Sang in my first Barbershop Quartet (Diverse City) and competed at the Dixie District Convention and Contest, finishing 8th overall.

Currently, I’m the Lead singer in Quadraphonics Barbershop Quartet, and during the Dixie District’s Fall Convention and Contest, we qualified for the Midwinter International Contest, which is being held in January 2024, New York City.

In 2019, I started sing with A.R.M.D Vasilios, a Contemporary Gospel Quartet. Most recently, had the privilege of singing at Dollywood for six weeks, during their “Harvest Festival.”

My passion is to spread the Gospel of Jesus, through Music, and being used as an instrument, drawing souls to His Kingdom!!! My favorite Bible verse: Hebrews 11:8. " By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. Blind Faith, has its reward.” Maury Morris

Maury passing the Gandy to Wendell. Photograph by David Murphree

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

Christmas Show Songs: Jingle Bells, Rockin' Around the, Christmas Tree, Happy Holidays, Santa Claus is Comin to Town, Veni, Veni, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Mary Had a Baby, Secret of Christmas, Little Saint Nick, Joy to the World,
Angels we Have Heard on High, Audience Sing Alongs: O Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, TAG: Christmas Tag

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

A big thanks to Wilbur for stepping up and filling the vacant Member Involvement position. Also, thanks to those coming off the Board this year. And, a note of thanks for the confidence you’ve shown in allowing me to serve as your President for another year. Let me encourage all Board members who can to attend the Officer Training School in November at Morris Hill. The Chapter pays your registration and much good knowledge is shared by qualified men.

Quickly, if you weren’t at Fall Competition Saturday evening, you missed Brandon Guyton acknowledging our own Ron Weaver for his efforts with Four Voices rising to the heights they did. It was low key but well deserved. Give Ron a thank you when you see him. Honor to whom honor, Mr. Weaver. Until next time, KTTWS! SteveG

Sound Decision sang beautifully at Candlelighters Annual Golf Tournament at Bear Trace Golf Club, Saturday October 14! They launched "Blue Skies" out of the park with a Huge Home Run! A Big Thanks and Hats Off to Benny Malone, William Darby, Drew Adams and Daniel Randolph! Our Chorus supported our charity with 3 players, Steve Grubb, Jimmy Tompkins, Rich Wilson and friends. Jimmy scored a birdie and "closest to the pin" award on the 4th hole par 3!

Steve Wixson sent our poster email for our Friday, November 17, North River Civic Center free show. Everyone, please forward this to your personal listings.

The Chorus will perform our free Christmas Show at The Convention Center on Saturday December 2. A great way to promote!

Some good news that our great success at Fall Competition helped secure! We have confirmation to perform a one hour show as part of "Rock The Riverfront" next spring! This festival spans 5 weekends, March/April, Fridays and Saturdays, shows at 5 and 6 pm. We are requesting a Saturday at 5.

So, Congratulations to all of us!!! Thanks, Rich

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Visitors are down and some are still MIA, but the Show is coming regardless of numbers. New songs and old favorites will make this year’s presentation just as enjoyable as those from times past. Let’s work our music and be ready when the song is called out. New officers will be in place soon for 2024! The Chorus is moving in the right direction and we’re glad you’re going with us! Until next week, KTTWS!

Board Meeting, 10:16 @ 6 PM at Ponder’s. SteveG

Thanks again guys for another great week of rehearsal. I appreciate your dedication and faithfulness!

You should have received an email from me containing the "Song Learning Method" that we discussed. Please use it NOW to learn Little Saint Nick. Our target to be "off the paper" is next Thursday, October 26th. Spend a few minutes EVERY DAY this week and next and be ready to lead your section on this song!

Also, refresh the song Joy to the World. We almost had it last year so let's get off the paper ASAP on that one as well.

I'll see YOU Thursday! Jimmy

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. CHRISTMAS SONGS (so far)...

Jingle Bells
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
Happy Holidays,
Santa Claus is Comin to Town
Veni, Veni
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Mary Had a Baby
Secret of Christmas
Little Saint Nick
Joy to the World
Angels we Have Heard on High
Audience Sing Alongs:
O Come All Ye Faithful
Silent Night
TAG - Christmas Tag

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Great job this past Sunday at the Chattanooga Market. While we only had 24 of you guys there you certainly represented us in a great way. I even had a conversation with a couple of prospects who may come THIS Thursday.

Speaking of THIS Thursday (10/12) I have updated the song list to work on this week on the website. Please spend a few minutes on a few songs EVERY day and come ready to sing your best!

AND THIS IS THE WEEK we need ALL HANDS ON DECK. If you have a guest you've been inviting someone, encourage them to come NOW!

I'll see YOU Thursday! Jimmy

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

We are making great strides in our singing, as evidenced by our recent contest scores. Keep working to improve your individual presentation of each song. Now it’s time to turn our efforts to putting on a great Christmas Show. Invite your friends and let’s get going! Until next time, KTTWS! SteveG

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

Contest Songs: Let The Rest of The World Go By; Blue Skies

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

WOW! What a great weekend! You guys were great! We achieved our highest scoring average ever with a 70.4! We had 32 guys on the stage!

Thank you for all of your hard work to get to this point. As we've stressed many times, our scores at contest are not the most important thing. What they do represent though is a point of reference for a moment in time. It gives us some feedback and our progress, or lack thereof. It can also give some affirmation of things we are working on as well as insight on things to make us better! (Which will make it better for our audiences)

What now? First is our guest night THIS Thursday. Have you invited someone? Second, we will polish up some of our repertoire this week and next week for our performance on October 8th downtown. AND, we will begin work ASAP on our Christmas performances and show on December, 9th.

I'll see YOU Thursday. I am SO excited to be a part of the CHOO CHOO CHORUS! Jimmy

Photograph by Melissa Wilson.

I am thoroughly surprised and deeply grateful for the outpouring of support for my wife and me and our first son, Beckett. Several members of the chorus have been thoughtful and giving not only physically through gifts, but helpful with the wisdom and gravitas that comes from a lifetime of experience.

Oftentimes I have found myself as an expecting father to be restless with the fear and uncertainty of the future and all of the career and life changes that will be happening very soon. I have no idea what life is going to look like when he arrives, but I certainly know that I am a member of a caring and supportive community in the Choo Choo Chorus and your generosity speaks volumes… not only to strengthen my faith in the future but to see more potential in myself.

Music has been one of the best parts of my life and you guys have been a big part of that. I know that I’m better when I’m singing with you all and I hope to do so for many years to come.

Thank You All So Much! Daniel Randolph

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Rehearsing Contest songs

Contest Songs: Let The Rest of The World Go By; Blue Skies

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

We’re heading down the home stretch! Wyatt did a great job filling in for Jimmy. A big thanks to him. If you haven’t already heard, we need to truly perform and sell these numbers to our Audience and those friendly Judges seated in front of us. Let’s all buy in to Weezul’s interpretation on Rest of the World and enjoy the fool out of Blue Skies. I am out of town Thursday, so until Oxford, KTTWS!

Board Meeting Monday @ Ponder’s, 6 PM. SteveG

A special thank you to Wyatt McCarter for leading our rehearsal this past Thursday. I understand that everything went great, as I imagined it would. I am grateful that Wyatt had the time to come and help us out!

I know that some of you will be gone this Thursday. PLEASE be here if at all possible! We will run our set, without stops, as much as possible. Come prepared on both songs as if we were performing them on Thursday. Don't wait until after Thursday to get performance ready. I'll see you Thursday! Jimmy

We still need Quartets to step up please!

o To support Candlelighters Golf Tournament - Saturday October 14, Harrison Bay, Bear Trace. We will have at least one foursome playing. You get to sing and then enjoy a free Barbeque lunch! This venue is a great place for Brand Awareness. We'll display large posters for our show at North River Civic Center and "Come Sing With Us".

o Sing for the Chattanooga Ski Club Tuesday business meeting November 7, 7 pm. The ski club is gradually coming around to support us. This is another chance for them to enjoy a quartet singing and for us to promote Christmas.

We already have Rock City 4 ready to sing at their Christmas Party on Tuesday December 12. Thanks Guys!! Rich

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Rehearsing Contest songs with Wyatt McCarter directing

Contest Songs: Let The Rest of The World Go By; Blue Skies

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

We had a really good session with Paul’s suggestions for our two numbers. Let’s keep pushing to improve on what we know we should be doing and put a smile on Jimmy’s face upon his return. Nominations will soon be shared for next year’s slate of Officers. Should you wish to know someone who is eager to serve, let Mr. Slack know. Until Thursday, KTTWS! SteveG

Thank you guys for another great rehearsal last week. Your focus on "Let the Rest..." was great. Be sure an internal the thoughts that we've discussed about both of our contest songs.

CONTEST OUTFIT:
BLACK pants, socks, shoes, Blue Short Sleeve Chorus Shirt

As soon as I get the chorus pattern I'll pass it on to you.

Be there Friday night, we will meet shortly after the quartet contest to do a quick run through of our songs. Plus, we'll be able to support our chapter quartets in the contest.

Wyatt McCarter will be with you on Thursday evening to direct our gathering. Please be here if at all possible.

I'll see you next week! Jimmy

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.Rehearsing Contest songs;

Contest Songs: Let The Rest of The World Go By; Blue Skies

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Great work on your performance this past week. If you were not here you've got quite a bit to catch up on!

We'll refresh our "visual plan" on "Blue Skies" (BK) this week as well as spend time working on how to tell the story of "Let the Rest of the World Go By"

I'll send a separate email to the chorus with the visual notes for "Blue Skies". Please review those before Thursday! Jimmy

We are supporting the Candlelighters Golf Tournament on Saturday October 14 at Harrison Bay with at least one foursome, possibly two. Any golfers wanting to play, please contact me. So far, Jimmy, Steve Grubb and I are planning to play. Chorus members play for free!

Also, we are looking for a quartet willing to sing after play during lunch. No money, but Brand Awareness and a free lunch! If you would like to support the Chorus by singing, please let me know! Thanks, Rich 423-310-5334

Originally from La Crosse, Wisconsin. USMC from '73-77. Moved to Nashville in 1982 after college graduating from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, then to Chattanooga in 1987.

I started singing in Elementary school - both in school and church, with my first solo in 5th grade. Joined my first Adult Choir in 6th grade as a Soprano. Currently sing in two church choirs every Sunday, and am a member of the Joyful Sounds Senior Community Choir. First Barbershop singing I've done. Wish I had started earlier. Dan Peterson

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Rehearsing Contest songs;

Contest Songs: Bue Skies, Let The Rest of The World Go By

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Great rehearsal this past week. Good work in the sectionals. Let's bring that sound and focus with us Thursday as well!

Wezul will be here to coach us THIS THURSDAY (8/31) at 7:00 PM. If you're planning to sing on the stage in Oxford you need to make this week's rehearsal a priority! Be here if at all possible!

After this week we only have THREE Thursdays left before our convention weekend. I hope to see you at everyone of them!

If you have not submitted your shirt size to me yet please do ASAP. I will have a list on Thursday! Jimmy

From left to right, upper to lower (Tenor, Lead, Bass, and Baritone); Three Guys With a Hobby, Ron Satterfield, Hobby Thomas, Pete Jones, and Johnny Jackson, Rock City 4,
Fred Jesse, Bill Slack, Wilbur Strickland, and Benny Malone, Four Fellers, David Murphree, Koty Swanson, Joshua Pawlik, and Mike Brunson, and Deep Water, Dan Bullock, Jim Franks, Paul Blazek, and Chuck Wilson.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Our singing at the Naturalization ceremony never fails to pull on our patriotic strings. We were well received as always.

Our post-Show rehearsal numbers were down, but we need to commit to attending the next few weeks in preparation for Fall Convention. Hope everyone will be able to join us in Oxford, AL. SteveG

Thanks again to all of you who made the show such a success. I hope we can take what we did on the show and continue to get better each week!

We have begun our preparation for the fall convention and contest. Please let me know ASAP if you CANNOT go and sing with us in Oxford in Spetember.

This Thursday we will plan to have some sectional rehearsals and some push out quartets/octets. Be prepared to join in!

Bring someone with you this week! I'll see YOU on Thursday! Jimmy

I recall the memories and the patriotic feelings of those seeking to become citizens, and the lunch at the Chattanooga Restaurant when we would sing to the waitresses, then back to sing again. Judge Collier loved us and we added GBA to end the ceremony.

The Judge invited us to his retirement ceremony to sing and remain for the reception. We were off to Atlanta for contest, but Chuck offered to stay for the reception.Rich Ptacin (Immediate Past President)

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Despite the monsoons we heard during warm-up, we enjoyed a great turn out and, in my humble opinion, a very receptive audience who enjoyed a truly entertaining show,. All who I spoke to afterwards in the lobby were very complimentary of our efforts.

A huge thanks to Pete, in particular, and to everyone else for all your help before and after the performance. It was my pleasure to serve as both Emcee and Chorus Member. Now, let’s get ready to knock ‘em out of their seats in Oxford, AL! Until next time, KTTWS! SteveG

Well, another show is in the bag! With it being the first Annual Show in three years, I think we have something to be proud of, and it takes more than most people know to make this happen. Yes, some people put more effort and more time into it than others, and that's okay. Some have the time and motivation to do just that. Bottom line is that it takes ALL of us to make it come together and give the audience what they are expecting.

Speaking of the audience, we had roughly 250 attending. That seems to be a usual good number for us. On the financial side it looks good so far. Still have ticket and/or ad monies to be collected and we should have those numbers soon. Thanks again to EVERYONE who participated and made this a success.

If you have compliments or concerns about the show, please don't hesitate to let them be known, either publicly or privately. I have an open ear. Pete [Photograph by Marek Von Czenkow]

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Rehearsing these songs;

The Old Songs
Down Our Way
Shine on Me
Sweet Adeline
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Minstrel Montage
Wait Till The Sun Shines, Nellie
Fun in Just One Lifetime
Yesterday
Darkness On The Delta
When She Loved Me
Let the Rest of the World Go By
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)
God Bless America
Keep The Whole World Singing

Annual Show Songs: Blue Skys, Darkness on the Delta, Fun in Just One Lifetime, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Minstrel Montage, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, Wait, Til the Sun Shines, Nelly, When She Loved Me, and Yesterday.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

SteveW sent our last surge of Annual Show Poster emails Monday, August 7. Please follow through and send them on to yours.

And a Big Hats Off and Thank You to Ron Weaver, Bennie Malone, Drew Adams and Daniel Randolph for singing so well at the Chattanooga Ski Club's recent business meeting! Guys, you opened with "Blue Skies", and had them right there! They really appreciated your 4 songs, ending with "Mary Lou."

Then, my friend Jim Mullinex, an influential ski club Board Member, came up to me and said "Rich, you guys have to come sing at our Christmas Party!" This is potentially great news - they will have over 200. They don't have a date yet - the best for us is December 2, a week before our Christmas Show. This may be limited to a Registered Quartet. Thanks, RichW

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Rehearsing these songs;

The Old Songs
Down Our Way
Shine on Me
Sweet Adeline
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Minstrel Montage
Wait Till The Sun Shines, Nellie
Fun in Just One Lifetime
Yesterday
Darkness On The Delta
When She Loved Me
Let the Rest of the World Go By
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)
God Bless America
Keep The Whole World Singing

Annual Show Songs: Blue Skys, Darkness on the Delta, Fun in Just One Lifetime, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Minstrel Montage, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, Wait, Til the Sun Shines, Nelly, When She Loved Me, and Yesterday.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Need to turn show program ads in this Thursday if at all possible. We need to give Steve Wixson time to get that all together and to the printer. If anyone has tickets that they don't think will be sold can turn those in Thursday also. We may have to get more printed. Pete

There will be a Celebration of Life for Barry Owens on Saturday, August 5th, at Heritage House located at 1428 Jenkins Road in East Brainerd from 12 Noon to 4 PM. This will be a come and go type gathering, but the family would like those willing to sing a song or two in Barry's memory to do so around 2 PM. More details will be shared as we receive them.

Barry Owens was born September 30, 1943 in Chattanooga, and passed away on July 26, 2023. He and his late wife, Nancy, had three daughters, Mary, Billie, and Becca, and Nancy was one of the starters of the Choo Choo Belles. Some of his jobs were U.S. Navy and Combustion Engineering for 30 years. He taught sixth-grade math for 10 years. For more about Barry's life in general, click HERE to go to his Facebook Page, and HERE for his Obituary..

Barry was a card-caring member of the Salvation Army during his youth, and that's where he started singing. He was in the high school chorus his senior year. He sang in the Navy's Bluejacket Choir while in Boot Camp.

After seeing a Choo Choo Chorus Show at the Tivoli in 1985, he came to a meeting the next Monday, and was a member ever since, except for a few years when he was a [Charter] member of the Cleveland Chorus. He was Board Member at Large within a year, and served as Program VP, Show Chair, Publicity, Program and Printing with wife Nancy, Bulletin Editor and recently as Secretary.

He had been to Harmony College several times and many International Conventions. He sung in the River Blenders quartet, Mixed Blend quartet (Dixie Novice Champs, 1981, photograph below, Barry, Bernard, the late David Collins, and Johnny), and Classic Harmony shown in the photograph above (Barry Owens, the late Dave Abercrombie, members Clarence and Chuck). Barry had several 'Men of Notes' including current members Bernard and Wilbur.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Rehearsing these songs;

The Old Songs
Down Our Way
Shine on Me
Sweet Adeline
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Minstrel Montage
Wait Till The Sun Shines, Nellie
Fun in Just One Lifetime
Yesterday
Darkness On The Delta
When She Loved Me
Let the Rest of the World Go By
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)
God Bless America
Keep The Whole World Singing

Annual Show Songs: Blue Skys, Darkness on the Delta, Fun in Just One Lifetime, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Minstrel Montage, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, Wait, Til the Sun Shines, Nelly, When She Loved Me, and Yesterday.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Twenty-eight guys sang on the stage of Hamilton Place Mall in several sets lasting almost two hours. Blue Skies rang thru the rafters so to speak and could be heard in the food court. There was a quartet formed with two men called up from the audience (who were actually known barbershoppers) plus DanB and Jimmy, and they surprised everyone with their singing. Pete set up a table with posters, business cards, and information cards for interested men. Upper photograph by Linda Jesse.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Rehearsing these songs;

The Old Songs
Down Our Way
Shine on Me
Sweet Adeline
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Minstrel Montage
Wait Till The Sun Shines, Nellie
Fun in Just One Lifetime
Yesterday
Darkness On The Delta
When She Loved Me
Let the Rest of the World Go By
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)
God Bless America
Keep The Whole World Singing

Annual Show Songs: Blue Skys, Darkness on the Delta, Fun in Just One Lifetime, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Minstrel Montage, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, Wait, Til the Sun Shines, Nelly, When She Loved Me, and Yesterday.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Details for Saturday July 22 at Hamilton Place Mall: Arrive at 1:00 pm. Sing at 2:00 pm. Uniform: short sleeve Blue shirt, khaki pants, black shoes. Enter at the food court entrance on the north end. Doors are right beside the Red Robin Restaurant.

Need 2 or 3 helpers at 12 noon to unload risers and sound equipment. Pete

Nineteen members showed up to sing the National Anthem for the Lookouts Game on Friday. Click HERE to watch it. Those who stayed got to see 10 runs scored in the first two innings. Look out to the left column to see if you recognize a former member and Lookouts employee who rehearsed with us.

From a former member: "Tthe National Anthem sung at the Lookouts game was excellent! Best I have heard, please thank everyone!" Chet Tschetter

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. below.

The Old Songs
Darkness On The Delta
Yesterday
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
When She Loved Me
Fun in Just One Lifetime
God Bless America
Let the Rest of the World Go By
Minstrel Montage
Keep The Whole World Singing

Annual Show Songs: Blue Skys, Darkness on the Delta, Fun in Just One Lifetime, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Minstrel Montage, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, Wait, Til the Sun Shines, Nelly, When She Loved Me, and Yesterday.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

WOW! We had a great BHS International last week. Music City Chorus gave us a great "Swan Set" as they sang away the trophy. I was able to sing with AVP/Heralds of Harmony and we came in 3rd place! I was also able to glean some information that will hopefully help us as we continue our journey together!

Come Thursday prepared to begin our final preparations for our August show. EVERY week between now and the show are VITAL, so please be here unless providentially hindered.

Out thoughts and prayers continue for Barry Owens! WOW! We had a great BHS International last week. Music City Chorus gave us a great "Swan Set" as they sang away the trophy. I was able to sing with AVP/Heralds of Harmony and we came in 3rd place! I was also able to glean some information that will hopefully help us as we continue our journey together!

Come Thursday prepared to begin our final preparations for our August show. EVERY week between now and the show are VITAL, so please be here unless providentially hindered.

Our thoughts and prayers continue for Barry Owens with his recent medical ailments! Jimmy

attending AVP rehearsals. I served as an assistant director for BCC during college. During my time at Shorter, I sang in the Shorter Chorale and two a cappella groups. I was briefly affiliated with the Heralds of Harmony in Tampa, FL, but covid shut things down right after I had passed my membership audition. I am glad to have settled in Chattanooga and am enjoying making music with the Choo Choo Chorus. Chris Photograph by David Murphree

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. See note from Program VP below.

The Old Songs
Darkness On The Delta
Yesterday
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
When She Loved Me
Fun in Just One Lifetime
God Bless America
Let the Rest of the World Go By
Minstrel Montage
Keep The Whole World Singing

Annual Show Songs: Blue Skys, Darkness on the Delta, Fun in Just One Lifetime, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Minstrel Montage, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, Wait, Til the Sun Shines, Nelly, When She Loved Me, and Yesterday.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Our Annual Show promotional campaign started at last Thursday's rehearsal with the printed Show Poster followed by Poster email launch. Please forward the email Poster to your personal listings.

NOTE: There is no 2 for 1 group ticket option as mentioned in an earlier version of this newsletter.

Come sing at the Friday July 14 Lookouts game! Last year we attracted an audience enjoying our warmups. We will attract more of an audience with more of us! We'll bring tickets and a stack of Posters for handout.

Next is our singing at Hamilton Place Food Court Saturday July 22 at 2 pm. This will be a full show - Chorus and quartets - about 45 minutes. This is a bigger deal than the baseball game, so please come sing! We'll display our large 'Annual Show' and 'Come Sing With Us' posters.

We'll launch our 2nd Poster email toward the end of July.

We plan to have a quartet sing at the Tuesday August 1 Chattanooga Ski Club Business Meeting. We need to have a quartet named soon since I want to get an announcement in the Ski Club's July Newsletter by July 18. If you are interested, let Pete know soon.

With our newest Baritone, Paul Faulkner directing The Chattanooga Community Orchestra to start the 2nd half of the show, we have an opportunity for a very large audience! We need to couple this with the full active support from each Chorus member! Please do all you can to sing at each opportunity, send emails, distribute posters, chat it up, sell 10 tickets and 1 Show Program Ad!

New Business cards will be available soon. Please get a few to put in your wallet. You never know when a new member opportunity might materialize! Thanks!! Rich

I joined the Sea-Tac chapter in 1980 (Sea-Tac is between Seattle and Tacoma), and I sang in the chapter show 3 weeks after joining. Over the years I served as Program VP, Membership VP, Bulletin Editor, Show Chairman, and Chapter President. My main love is singing in a quartet, and I have been in competitions with two registered quartets *John is on the left in the photograph below). I helped get a chapter started in northwest Arkansas.

With several gaps in my membership because we had moved to an area with no chapter, I am now happy to be part of the Choo Choo Chorus. I would love to be a part of a quartet. John Moselage. Top photograph by David Murphree.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Song List.

The Old Songs
Darkness On The Delta
Yesterday
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
When She Loved Me
Fun in Just One Lifetime
God Bless America
Let the Rest of the World Go By
Minstrel Montage
Keep The Whole World Singing

Annual Show Songs: Blue Skys, Darkness on the Delta, Fun in Just One Lifetime, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Minstrel Montage, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, Wait, Til the Sun Shines, Nelly, When She Loved Me, and Yesterday.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

The song Sweet Adeline has been updated with newer learning tracks. Please review them before Thursday, thank you! Jimmy Details

Reminder for Thursday, July 6. No Jimmy, so if guys want to be at Ponders at 7, we can sing the whole polecat books thru - both of them. Plus any other, non repetoire songs we care to sing. Bill 

June 15 was the Army’s Birthday and Jimmy put together a quartet to sing the National Anthem at Mission BBQ at noon. There was a veteran there who was celebrating his 99th birthday. He served in WWII in the Army and in the Korean War in the Air Force, and there were a number of Army personnel there to celebrate his birthday. He said that he couldn’t fit into his old Army uniform, but what he did have on was his Air Force one piece nylon airman’s uniform. I took the photograph. DaveF [Editor's Note: Nice photo, Dave]

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Song List.

The Old Songs
Darkness On The Delta
Yesterday
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
When She Loved Me
Fun in Just One Lifetime
God Bless America
Let the Rest of the World Go By
Minstrel Montage
Keep The Whole World Singing

Annual Show Songs: Blue Skys, Darkness on the Delta, Fun in Just One Lifetime, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Minstrel Montage, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, Wait, Til the Sun Shines, Nelly, When She Loved Me, and Yesterday.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Summer will officially be upon us soon, meaning activities and vacations for many of us. Plus International will be here in July before we know it and many of our number will be in Louisville for that. Let’s all commit to working on our Show songs so we’ll be ready to go in August. Thanks to all who took tickets and are looking to sell Ads. Until next week, KTTWS!

Board Meeting: June 19, 6 PM, Ponder’s. SteveG

Keep in mind the performance dates - July 14th - national anthem at lookouts game, and July 22 Hamilton place mall 2:00 pm.

Sell tickets and ads for the show (sSee Show Poster Above). Turn in as soon as you can. Pete

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Song List.

The Old Songs
Darkness On The Delta
Yesterday
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
When She Loved Me
Fun in Just One Lifetime
God Bless America
Let the Rest of the World Go By
Minstrel Montage
Keep The Whole World Singing

Annual Show Songs: Blue Skys, Darkness on the Delta, Fun in Just One Lifetime, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Minstrel Montage, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, Wait, Til the Sun Shines, Nelly, When She Loved Me, and Yesterday.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

BarryO presented four renewals during June, Charlie, 14 years, Pete, 25 years, DavidM, 6 years, and DaveF, 14 years. Photographs by DavidM.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Updated Song List.

The Old Songs
Darkness On The Delta
Yesterday
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
When She Loved Me
Fun in Just One Lifetime
God Bless America
Let the Rest of the World Go By
Minstrel Montage
Keep The Whole World Singing

Annual Show Songs: Blue Skys, Darkness on the Delta, Fun in Just One Lifetime, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Minstrel Montage, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, Wait, Til the Sun Shines, Nelly, When She Loved Me, and Yesterday.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

The song list for Thursday has been updated.

We've also been challenged to be "off the music" on Fun in Just One Lifetime by Thursday, June 22nd. Be working on that song, and Minstrel Montage as much as you can.

I'll see YOU Thursday! Jimmy

My stints in Chattanooga were on the music faculty of Tennessee Temple University; Music Associate at Central Baptist Church of Hixson; and 17 years as high school choral teacher and assistant band director at Chattanooga Christian School.

My lovely wife Diana and I have been married 53 years and we have been blessed to have three incredible adult daughters and five wonderful grandchildren and one great grandson!

Retired and living in Harrison, I enjoy playing golf at Bear Trace Golf Course, spending time with my family on the lake, reading, and helping my wife beautify her floral displays on our patio. Musically, I am honored to be conducting the Chattanooga Community Orchestra, serve as a backup director for the Brainerd Baptist Church orchestra and choir, and a recent member and sing baritone in the famed Choo Choo Chorus! PaulF (Photo by David Murphree)

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

Annual Show Songs: Blue Skys, Darkness on the Delta, Fun in Just One Lifetime, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Minstrel Montage, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, Wait, Til the Sun Shines, Nelly, When She Loved Me, and Yesterday.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

We enjoyed a fine Guest Night even though the turn out was iffy from the Chorus and even less so from invited guests. We gotta get them in the door to get them in the Chorus! Hope you can make it for Memorial Day at the cemetery. Our patriotic support is a big part of what makes us who we are. Heavy work ahead for our Show in August coming. Let’s be ready to make it happen. Until next time, KTTWS! SteveG

Drew passed the Gandy to Chris Elsey.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

Annual Show Songs: Blue Skys, Darkness on the Delta, Fun in Just One Lifetime, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Minstrel Montage, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, Wait, Til the Sun Shines, Nelly, When She Loved Me, and Yesterday.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Reminder - we are NOT doing the Naturalization Ceremonies this Wednesday May 24th.

We are scheduled to do the Memorial Day ceremony at the National Cemetery on Monday, May 29th. Be sure to register your availability on the website calendar. Pete

A great q’tet nite! More than 20 guys participated, some members singing in a q’tet for the first time. Attendees names were literally drawn from a hat to make up the 6 q’tet s . Practice time was about 45 minutes, giving the men a chance to pick a song all of them felt comfortable performing. 4 highly qualified judges listened w in awe to the following : LOUD AND LOOSE; 4 GET IT; TEPID AT BEST; TOUR DE 4CE; 4 SURE; and BUTTERED BISCUITS. Winners were chosen and BHS prizes and trophies were awarded. Bill

Last week Chuck passed the spike to Drew for stepping in for Dan Bullock and singing the National Anthem with Deep Water at a firefighter's memorial in Dalton.

This week Drew passed the Gandy to Chris Elsey.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. It's Quartet Night. See Bill's notes below.

Annual Show Songs: Blue Skys, Darkness on the Delta, Fun in Just One Lifetime, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Minstrel Montage, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, Wait, Til the Sun Shines, Nelly, When She Loved Me, and Yesterday.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

We had a very productive meeting on the 10th discussing our upcoming Show. The Song List and Quartet responsibilities are getting finalized. Looking forward to Paul’s group of volunteer musicians participating with us. Hope you are planning to support the next two Thursday Meetings, a Quartet Night on the 18th and Guest Night on the 25th! Until next week, KTTWS.

Board Meeting is Monday, 6 PM, at Ponder’s. SteveG

Quartet nite!  The highlight of the chorus year! All registered or sorta might- be quartets (Hobbie’s) will be asked to perform at least 1 song, which will not be judged. Other q'tets will be created by drawing names from a hat. These once in a lifetime q'tets will be judged by our highly trained judges, who can and will award prizes and trophies! If you are holding music during the performance, that will not be penalized. 

it’s a fun nite. Everyone who wants to will sing in a q’tet. I hope everyone can participate with a great attitude Bill

The Annual Show ticket is shown above and they will be available at the May 25th meeting. Pete

The Chattanooguys via Wally passed the Gandy to Chuck.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. We will work on these songs.

The Old Songs
Wait Till The Sun Shines, Nellie
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
God Bless America
Darkness On The Delta
Minstrel Montage
Fun in Just One Lifetime
Let the Rest of the World Go By
When She Loved Me
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)
Keep The Whole World Singing

Annual Show Songs: Blue Skys, Darkness on the Delta, Fun in Just One Lifetime, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Minstrel Montage, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, Wait, Til the Sun Shines, Nelly, When She Loved Me, and Yesterday.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

I hope everyone is getting excited about the Annual Show in August! We have much work to do with learning or refreshing songs already sung in the past. Some creative ideas are being offered for ticket sales and Ad Sales remain the backbone of turning a profit. Be thinking now of who you can approach for both avenues! Until next week, KTTWS!

Board Meeting: Monday, May 15th @ Ponder’s, 6 PM. SteveG

Who in our chapter has known each other the longest. In a casual conversation, Rich Wilson and Steve Wixson discovered they were in the July 1962 Army Ordnance Officers Orientation Class at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD, which was just weeks after our chapter was chartered on May 17th. The photograph above is proof, however, neither remembers the other though with last names so similar they must have stood next to each other at times and talked. Push-ups for misdoings happened frequently.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Darkness On The Delta
Fun in Just One Lifetime
Let the Rest of the World Go By
Minstrel Montage
My Wild Irish Rose
When She Loved Me

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

We will "officially" kick off our show preparation THIS Thursday, May 4th. NOW is a great time to bring a friend with you!

The song list has been updated for this week. You will see a couple of "NEW" ones we will begin to work on for the show. I will be updating the show song list frequently.

Paul Falkner received his membership card and Jimmy another Man of Note for inviting Paul. Photograph by David.

Last week The Chattanooguys got the Gandy. They were celebration his departure and were not there to pass it on.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Dear Fellow Chorus Members: I just wanted to say thank you to you all for the send-off last Thursday, the cake, and the wonderful card signed by so many. Made my day! I have many, many fond memories of my time participating in The Choo Choo Chorus. Beau (Photos by David Murphree)

Thirty guys, a modern day record turnout, sang at the 4 Bridges Art Festival. Part of the audience was seated at tables while others stopped before moving on to the First Horizon Pavilion to see the art. A good performance on a cool day. Photo by Aria Tompkins.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. We will run thru the 4 Bridges program.

The Old Songs
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
I'm Sitting On Top Of The World
Yesterday
The Star Spangled Banner
Armed Forces Medley
Georgia On My Mind
Let's Get Away From It All
When There's Love At Home
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)
God Bless America
Keep The Whole World Singing

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Hope everyone is getting excited about our Annual Show in August. We’re going to resurrect some old songs and old uniforms and, hopefully, recognize an old Director or two. Be thinking of who you can sell an Ad or tickets to as we belatedly celebrate 60 years of harmony in Chattanooga!

Also, wear your Class B long sleeve uniform Thursday as we send Beau off with a little celebration and take a photo for new business cards. Until next time, KTTWS! SteveG

Please follow through with 3 things to do to promote 4 Bridges Arts Festival and Come Sing With Us

o Forward poster emails to your personal listings

o Distribute Posters in your area

o Chat with family, friends, neighbors, church goers about the Show and to new members. Thanks, Rich

4 Bridges performance next Sunday, April, 23. Arrive 12:15 - sing at 12:45. If you are carpooling, you can turn on Reggie White Blvd from 20th street and go to the barricades to  unload passengers. This is close to the stage. Then find parking. Pete

Twenty members plus Henry Crutcher from the CCCC attended Wilbur and Mary Strickland's 65th Wedding Anniversary Party at the Colonnaide (not shown in the photograph are DaveF, Jim, SteveG, and Hobby).

Rich and SteveW shared they were in the same Army officer orientation class in July 1962, just weeks after our chapter was chatered.

PaulB gave the Gandy to BillS for no big reason.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Focus on songs for the Art Festival

The Old Songs
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
I'm Sitting On Top Of The World
Yesterday
The Star Spangled Banner
Armed Forces Medley
Georgia On My Mind
Let's Get Away From It All
When There's Love At Home
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)
God Bless America
Keep The Whole World Singing

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

o We are singing at The 4 Bridges Arts Festival on Sunday April 23, at Finley Stadium Pavilion. We will promote this just like a big show. We will have two 24 by 36 inch posters, displayed on sandwich Boards. One is an eye catching, great new look for "Come Sing With Us", created by David Murphree. The other one is for our Annual Show on August 12 at The Colonnade, Ringgold, Georgia. This will celebrate our chapter's "60 Years of Harmony!"

- We need as many singers as possible on the 23rd, so please sign up to sing!

- There will be two 8 1/2 by 11 posters available for distribution at next Thursday's rehearsal. So, please attend and pick up a few of each. One is "Come Sing With Us" and the other one is 4 Bridges.

- We will send both posters to all Chorus emails. When you get yours, please send them along to your own email listing.

- Both will be posted on social media and our website.

- Possible TV and radio exposure

- Chattanooga Times Free Press

- We will display the new large posters at the Pavilion on the 23rd

o On Saturday April 22, we will support Candlelighters Golf Tournament at Bear Trace Golf Course with at least one foursome playing. Any golfers out there to possibly create a second foursome? It's select shot. Members play for free.

- We will display the new large posters there.

- Hopefully we will have a Quartet sing and enjoy a free lunch.

o We will be making new business cards soon to:

- Correct the Rehearsal day from Monday to Thursday

- Photo shop a new picture of the Chorus in front of the Train

- Steve Grubb will announce the rehearsal night for taking the photo - Class B

- Once available, please carry a few cards with you. You never know when you might meet a potential new member!

Deep Water sang the National Anthem beside shallow water for the Special Olympics swim meet.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Work on our general repertory to get ready for our performance at the Four Bridges Art Festival.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

What an enjoyable evening was had by all who attended our Awards Party at FUM. The food was outstanding, the entertainment quite enjoyable and the two recipients of this year’s hardware were very deserving. Mr. Jones got the BOTY Award and Mary Strickland received the President’s Award. All those in absentia were truly missed. See everyone Thursday. Until then, KTTWS. SteveG

The Awards presented at the Banquet are shown below.

Fred agives BOTY Award to Pete Jones

SteveG gives Prsident's Award to Mary Strickland

7:00 PM - There is no Meeting at Ponders this Week. See Calendar for Awards Banquet.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Our weekend in Gadsden was the best of times and the worst of times. We had the most men on the stage for any chorus and received our highest score to date. On the other hand, the Judging was guarded and 4th place felt a bit disappointing. That just shows us that we are moving in the right direction! Congratulations to PaulB for getting through another contest mostly unscathed and to our own David Murphree for being awarded the BOTY for Dixie District. Well deserved, David.

Looking forward to the Awards Banquet at FUM Thursday. Hope you’re gonna be there! Until next time, KTTWS! SteveG

What is it? Chapter Awards and Valentines Banquet
When is it? This Thursday, March 30, at 6:30 PM
Where is it ? Wilbur’s church, Fairview United Methodist,
on McFarland in Rossville, GA
Why is it? Why not?

David was selected to received the 2023 Dixie District Barbershopper Of The Year because of all of the extra volunteer things he does for the District; Board Member at Large, District webmaster, takes photos at selected events at District gatherings, and many other things that the Board asks him to do. The Dixie District Board

David said it was a complete surprise. Photograph by David's father.

Jimmy gave the Gandy to PaulB, our Dixie District President, who directed KYWWS.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

What do we do now? As I said last Thursday, this past weekend was just another step in us improving. We are on a journey to be the best that WE can be, and this past weekend gave us a small barometer by whice we can use to give us some kind of measurement. WE can keep focusing on what "I" can do as an individual to make "us" better. We'll talk about this aspect more going forward.

The board will be meeting Monday, Mar. 20, and will be discussing some exciting plans for our future.

I'm glad that YOU are going to be a part of it! I'll see you Thursday. Jimmy

Dixie District 2023 Mic Testers - Jimmy, Daniel, Ron and Drew

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders. Updated Song List

The Old Songs
Caroline
I'm Sitting On Top Of The World
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Let the Rest of the World Go By
Let's Get Away From It All
When There's Love At Home
You Tell Me Your Dream
Keep The Whole World Singing

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Board Meeting is Monday, March 20th, 6 PM @ Ponder’s. Send me Agenda items beforehand. SteveG

Hey guys, thanks again for your hard work this past week.

We'll finalize our songs for contest this week as well as several other songs we'll work on. See the song list for this week.

INFO ON GADSDEN:
We'll meet at 9:15 am on Saturday, March 18th at Wallace Hall. We get in the pattern at 9:55 am.

WEAR: Black pants, shoes, socks, white regular collar shirt, red tie and blue blazer with red pocket square. (No vest)

Registration will be open at 8 am, on Saturday,  at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gadsden, 116 Walker Street, Gadsden, AL 35904. If you need to purchase a registration or change your printed Eventbrite ticket then take care of this in time to get to Wallace Hall and in the building by 9:15.

I'm looking forward to another great night this Thursday.
Jimmy

Reminder: Please make sure your dues are up-to-date for contest! BarryO

Quartet photographs by Rich Wilson

The annual chorus Awards/ Valentine Party will be held at Fairview United Methodist Church in Rossville, GA on Thursday, March 30. It will be catered by (who else?) the Choo Choo BBQ It will start at 6:30. Cost is $15 a person which must be paid ahead of time. A sign up sheet and a receipt book will be at future practices to make an accurate record of those who will be attending. Bill