Something New
When I received Dave Thomas’ suggestion that a page be established on this site to encourage dialogue between the International Office and the membership, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. It is my hope that you will react to the content and that we can engage in a dialogue that will be of mutual benefit. I welcome your comments on these ‘ramblings’ and on any other AMCA subject you would wish to pursue. When appropriate I will respond on this site and at other times directly to your email address. However, be assured that all of your enquiries will receive a timely response!

Personal Background
It might be helpful if you knew something of my background as it relates to male chorus activity in order that we can dialogue on areas where I have some experience. During my sixty-six years, I have sung with three male choruses spanning a period of about forty years. I sang with the Toronto Men Teachers’ MC until they disbanded in 1975 and then joined the Queensmen of Toronto and was with them until I retired to the shores of Sturgeon Lake, some 100 miles away in 1989. The following year I formed a new chorus in the Kawartha Lakes area of Ontario where we now live, and that chorus - the Kawartha Male Chorus is presently a member of AMCA. I am now serving my tenth year as their elected President.

Over many of those chorus years I was active at the district level and held the position of Secretary for a five year term, then President for a further four years. Currently, I am Publicity Chair for the Ontario District.

I have attended International business meetings for 23 years first as a delegate then as a Vice President (8 years), President (4 years), Historian (2 years) and for the last eight years as the Executive Secretary. During my time I have served as Chair of most major committees including: Scholarship, Common Repertoire, Constitution & By-Laws, Big Sing Supervisory, Publicity & Promotions. In addition, I worked closely as AMCA President with the Association law firm on copyright matters and have some knowledge in that area.

Contact
So that’s where I’m coming from and I can hardly wait to find out what my first column will be about - any suggestions?!

See you next month!

Bill