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Please learn the URL and access the AMCA web site through the AMCA Front Door = http://amcofa.net - It's easy to remember and it works from any computer! If you use your bookmarks/favorites only (the lazy person's ;-) way of doing things) you may miss the "headlines" and easy access links on the Home Page! |
AMCA Website Reduction/Removal
The need for and interest in this web site seems to have diminished greatly. Leadership attention has turned to more pressing issues of "survival" following the "failure" of the International Big Sing in Lansing, MI. One district has already left AMCA and intends to "go it alone" and that same independent (and more localized) attitude seems to permiate the actions of other districts as well.The local chorus activities seem to receive primary attention for AMCA leaders/members and there appears to be little focus on the needed intensity necessary to support an "International" organization. The more localized districts are functioning fairly well as a unit beyond the local chorus but the International organization appears to have outlived it's day.
As the International "fades into the sunset" so will this web site. Reduction of pages and Removal of items will happen gradually with the intention of dissolution of the site by the Late Summer / Fall of 2004 (when payments become due for server space and domain names). Thanks for viewing our pages and for any support you offered the past 10 plus years. I hope some of it has been worthwhile/interesting/informational for you. For me it has been a labor of love. Unfortunately, sometimes dreams, plans, visions, and efforts do not lead to lasting applications/effects. (AMCA Web Manager)
Site Navigation Choices (A word from the web manager)
I have tried for a looooooooong time to see if I could assist casual users of this web site in their attempts to access/find items. This site is a large site and does have a "learning curve" that should be worthwhile for serious AMCAers. It may be "intimidating" for the casual user though. I suggest that the casual user focus attention as indicated below.
Casual Users
- Basic Pages
The casual user should probably stick with the basic pages linked on the navigation bar near the top of most pages. These linked web page areas are the "heart" of the AMCA web site. There are many sublinks within each area. These main areas are also linked in the footer on each of these pages:
___
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- Topical Pages
There is set of "topical" links on the AMCA International pages (for example) for quicker direct access to International Items:Activities
- There are also "topical" links on the Music Pages for a focused browsing of music items:
- The Password / Members Only area is only accessible to AMCAers.
- The Search tool on all pages does not search the members only (password) files.
(The following have all been withdrawn as options on the site.)
Advanced Users - Users that care to take the time and come back periodically.
There are three ways/systems/options to access ALL of the AMCA web pages (make a choice and find your favorite way):
This NO FRAMES version is intended for people with smaller monitors and slower computers/connections. (NO FRAMES means only one page is viewed at a time.) Other pages are accessed via the hyperlinks included on the pages themselves. Shortcuts to all of the pages are available by using the Javascript Buttons.
This FRAMES version is intended for those that like a little music while browsing and like to have all the pages conveniently linked in a "traditional" Locater column (second page) at the left of the page. (You click on a link in the left Locater Page and the page opens in the right WINDOW page.) The Locater provides a convenient tool for jumping around by just clicking the correct hyperlink. All pages will open in the frame window.
This SPLIT_FRAMES version has taken quite a bit of development time and requires more resources on users computer. Users with slow computers, small monitors, and slow connections should probably not attempt to use this system -- the larger the monitor, the better the results. (I have also had varying performances with different browsers on Macs and Windows computers. Let me know how this one works for you if you try it out.) Each page that has the menu layers embedded takes a little longer to load but menus should appear with a mouseover on the Locater items in the top frame. (Not all pages have the menus embedded -- yet -- so they may not appear on all pages -- yet.) (Experimental - 23 Nov 2003)
A Technical Note for those that care
I have installed a nice detailed (IMHO) set of drop down menus on the FRAMES version of these AMCA pages. I think the "drop down menus" (using a layer technology) make it possible for some detailed selections and searches for specific items right from the left side LOCATER.(This FRAME system is accessed by starting at the HOME page - always the recommended way to access the AMCA web site - and clicking on ENTER.)I worked for hours on this project (css and layers) and made sure it worked in both Internet Explorer and Netscape and felt very proud when finished. Then I accessed the installed system with my PC and a more advanced version of Netscape ---- didn't work ---- and asked a friend to access with the newest Mac browser Safari ---- didn't work ----- so I was crushed and felt like my hours were wasted.I found a way to make all the titles in the LOCATER column "click-a-buuuul" links for the non-working browsers so there is a halfway fix for now. I recognize that most of the world probably uses Internet Explorer anyway so I decided to leave things for now.
Recommendation: Use Internet Explorer (as much as I hate to say that since I am a Netscaper user) or one of the nice Netscape 4 versions for accessing these nice drop down menus.
*This also works in my version of AOL since it is Internet Explorer based. I would be interested in hearing from some of you AOL users on this topic - does it work for you too?
(Side Note: I have greatly delayed using some of the more advanced web building tools and I tend to stick with basics since most of the advanced tools do not work EVERYWHERE and only cause access problems. I have tried to keep the AMCA web site working the same for ALL BROWSERS and have broken my own rules here.)
The short of this explanation is that if you have not accessed the AMCA web pages in some time or just allowed your Bookmarks/Favorites to do your thinking or have not updated hyperlinks on your referring pages in some time, you may end up with the inability to access the AMCA web pages after November 1, 2003. For those of you that have "been alert" and pay attention to detail, the change should be not problem. For others, good luck! I've done all I can do! There have been "redirection" links on the UMN server for over a year in preparation for this change.
25 October 2003
University Of Minnesota Server (umn.edu)
Pages will get errors
(The following is provided in keeping with my policy of providing you with information.)
On or about November 1, 2003, I will no longer be paying for my original AMCA server at the University of Minnesota in MPLS. I have had this server since the early (internet) days (about 1994) but have made changes with the AMCA web site and decided to cut my expenses involved with this web site.
(AMCA pays for some expenses but not all and not for my services. This web site has grown as has my desire for and my "vision" of better AMCA communications over a widespread geographical area seems to require and as a "labor of love" for AMCA. There has been no financial gain on my part and the web site has involved many hours and hours of labor for AMCA. I'm not sure what the future of AMCA holds for the web site but "I will be here for whatever services AMCA wishes to use".)
-Early on, I established an easy access Domain Name system (August 1999) for consistent homepage (and special topic areas) access.
-I continued in transition by installing a Mirror Site (Sept 2001) for all the AMCA pages (located on the UMN server) on a new server at Data Realm (www.serve.com) and assigned a Domain Name to it (amcofa.org).
-This has been expanded to include other servers (more than you want to know).
-I placed a CONSTANT REMINDER on this page for those of you that need that.
AMCA Changes/Evolution/Resolution/Dissolution
Are you aware of what is happening? Minutes for Jun 2003, Task Force 2003, Agenda for Oct 2003
What should be the future of AMCA?
A Task Force 2003 on Reorganization of AMCA following the failed Big Sing 2003 in Lansing, MI was formed to present ideas to the International Board at the Fall Meeting in October of 2003. Doug Farley heads up this Task Force. (It was decided that this material is for "AMCA Members Only" so you will need your Username and Password to access the documents.)
Task Force Proposal - Adobe Acrobat Version
Archived Comments by AMCAers
Constitution Revision (Draft) - Adobe Acrobat Version
By Laws Revision (Draft) - Adobe Acrobat Version
New Web Site Items Available In Several Places
I am not sure if this page (New Web Site Items) is being utilized so I am debating my support of it. I like the "history aspect" of this page but I have added other "recent items" tools to the web site and they may be utilized more by browsers.1- It is suggested to check the Archived (AMCA Highlights) Events for some previous items.
2- View the two tools added to most pages to help in finding recent items - the AMCA Highlights Bulletin Board on each page and the AMCA Headlines (located on the home page and the JavaScript Tool on most pages) for newest items.
3- It is hoped that a some of you will start to submit new items so I can also use the "Hello World" displays on many pages.
AMCA Web Site Map
The AMCA web site has evolved so there are many items on these pages. To a newcomer it can be somewhat overwhelming. There is an organization to the pages and this web site map may help in "grasping" the system and "locating" specific items within the system. I hope you find it of some use.
There is definitely a "learning curve" required so frequent access of the web site can assist in locating items easily. Each of you will have different interests so look for the main areas that attract you. (International Items, Big Sings, Chorister, Choruses/Districts, Music Contest, Music, AMCA Resources, AMCA Scholarships, Members Only Items, etc.)
Use the navigation Tools that allow quick access to newest items located on most pages.
International Minutes & Reports for Meeting in Milwaukee on Jun 14, 2003 (Bates) are available with your Username and Password. This meeting has many ramifications for the future of AMCA. ALL AMCAers should be aware of the happenings at this meeting.
Task Force 2003 for AMCA Reorganization
There were events at the International Meeting in Milwaukee, WI on June 14 that inspired the International Board to appoint a Task Force to explore AMCA Reorganization. You will probably hear more about it and you can get current information releases by the committee on the web site. You will need your AMCA Username and Password to access this MEMBERS ONLY web page.
AMCA International has a new International Executive SecretaryJohn T. Fleming
Granger, IN
Photo -----> About: John T. Fleming
The Marquette (MI) Male Chorus has a new web site.
AMCA Members Shortcuts Page
This page make take a little explanation. I hope you will read the explanations and use this very handy system for accessing the AMCA information available online. First of all you will need your username and password..... Then go to the explanation page (unless you think you can follow your intuition on using this system)....
Chorister Issue - Spring 2003
The new Chorister Issue for Spring 2003 includes items on two retirees (from AMCA), Previous Old Award Winners, Bill Bates "Last Report", some Scholarship responses, and music advice from Don Crouch. Access it from the Chorister Page on the web site or wait for your printed copy to arrive via regular mail. (It is a pdf file which requres Adobe Acrobat to access.)
AMCA's Status - Spring 2003
Final Interactive Article by the "retiring" Bill Bates, AMCA International Executive Secretary.How many of you aware of the devoted work Bill has done for AMCA over many years? Read this article and follow the arrow links to many other articles that Bill has contributed though 37 issues. These articles only represent a small portion of the devoted effort Bill has consistantly offered to AMCA.
NYP District Minutes Sp03 are now available online from NYP District Secretary, Tom Farley.Web Managers Viewpoint: From my point of view, it would certainly be great for AMCA communications and awareness if all District Secretaries were as conscientious and detailed as Tom Farley. His report is detailed enough so we REALLY GET A FEELING of what is happening in the NYP District. These excellent minutes provide a valuable resource to anyone with interests in and concerns for AMCA International and with some interests in anything beyond their own local chorus activities. I hope others could follow his excellent example and consistent work. Thanks so much Tom, I really appreciate your work!
A Brief Word About Cookies (Yummmmmmm....)
Don't fear them: Some (alert and conscientious) AMCAers have noticed a recent addition to the AMCA web pages. I hope you don't feel that you are being spied upon when you see the appearance of "You have visited this page ___ times." Have no fear! This information is stored in a "cookie" on your own computer when you access web pages that use cookies. It is not someone prying into your own personal life.Very brief explanation: Cookies are used all over the internet (especially on commercial websites). Cookies are bits of information that are saved on your own computer. (Most individuals are totally unaware of these items.) Information in these cookies can be printed to the web page that you view (which is what I have done with two of the AMCA web pages - the HOME page and the MEMBERS ONLY page). There are several ways of loading the HOME page and each one is counted separately. (i.e. Access by using http://amcachorus.org will bring a different count than accessing using a bookmark/favorite like http://amcofa.org/index.shtml).
You can see the cookies stored on your own computer quite easily if you use Internet Explorer by accessing them in the Preferences.
My Purpose: I decided that cookies could provide a good (but gentle) reminder for each person to visually see how many times they have accessed these important pages on the AMCA web site. I collect nothing from these cookies and do not intend to collect any of the information stored in the cookie on individual computers. I have not placed them on other AMCA pages and do not intend to do that at this point.
Many commercial web sites will not let you access their pages unless you let them place a cookies on your computer. I have not placed the same requirement in these cookies. (With the choices you place in these commercial cookies, the site may automatically construct a personal web page for you when you return to their pages again based upon your previous preferences. They have very sophisticated software and servers that I do not have.)
I just want people (AMCAers) to be reminded how frequently they access these two pages on the AMCA web site (HOME page and MEMBERS ONLY page). There is no sneaky or ulterior motive behind my use of them and I am collecting no information from them - only delivering a gentle reminder for each individual that accesses these pages.)
Question for you: How high is your personal (cookie) counter (really! - these will not add to your cholesterol or to your waistline). Does your cookie counter register only 1 (one visit). Hmmmmmm.... how about paying a little more attention to AMCA on the web! Come back a bit more often and stay "in touch"!
I continue to recommended accessing the AMCA web site with the domain name http://amcofa.net to arrive at the "Front Door".
Big Sings No Longer Supported
Accurate Big Sing information has been almost impossible to assemble. District and Chorus managers obviously are working very well in their own domain and do not share their work with me (and as a result with other Districts). Because of this lack of cooperation in AMCA (Big Sing managers and others that have information) to supply information about Big Sings, it is my opinion that the Big Sing page is not needed and has been removed from regular access. I have receive cooperation from a few AMCA Big Sing Managers but I have only received scanty or no information from most. The web site will no longer attempt to be a source/resource for Big Sing information. (27 May 2003) Thanks! Web Manager, David Thomas: Web Manager if you care to respond to this.Please note that this involves the Big Sing Page on the web site and trying to keep current with each District/Chorus host. I reiterate that I am still willing to "HOST" a web site for "YOUR BIG SING" if you want to work with me. (See: Web Guide for Big Sings.)
Convenience tool for Simple Searches of the data base
A convenience tool has been added on several of the AMCA web pages so one does not have to proceed to the Password Site to look up a single address, email address, telephone number, etc. for individuals. This tool also allows one to add, edit and delete items in the data base (AMCA Addressbook) in these remote locations also. The full tool and the directions are not included. Directions are generally for "first-time" users or for "infrequent" users. I would suggest that you use the Password Site AMCA Addressbook the first time gain familiarity with necessary technics and terminology. "Intuitive" users may have success the first time with the convenient/simple search/entry tool.
Contact Information Help:
Click BUTTON (above)
Click on EMAIL
or MAILING
or TELEPHONE
or ALL CONTACT
TYPE "last name" (in LAST NAME
_OR_
Click MAKE INFO CHANGES
Click on EDIT
or DELETE
or ADD
TYPE "last name" in LAST NAMEI have found it necessary to shorten the button name in some locations but it accesses the same procedures. You WILL need your AMCA Username and Password to use this tool. I hope you find it a convenience to change information while still keeping the page you noticed needed correcting on you screen.
Notes From Don (AMCA International Music Reviewer)
Don has given us something to think about in two new "NOTES". See: AMCofA: What Can You Do For Me? and The Three "M's" of Learning New Music. They are worth your time!!! Just give them a "click"!
AMCO Meeting Agenda - April 2003
The meeting takes place on Saturday, April 5, 2003 in Etobicoke, Ontario........
Sing 2003 in Munising, MI
The Wisconsin Upper Michigan District is also offering their version of a Big Sing (call it a "Minising in Munising") as an alternative event for the cancelled International Big Sing in Lansing, Michigan.
Upper Midwest District Meeting Agenda - April 2003
The meeting takes place on Saturday, March 29, 2003 at Blue Heron Supper Club, 305 5th Ave. So, Cold Spring, MN
........
The Gentlemen Songsters of Detroit, MI have a new web site!
Big Sing 2003 in Eagan, MN
An Upper Midwest District event to take the place of the cancelled International Big Sing 2003 in Lansing, Michigan.
Chorister Issue for February 2003
Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 21:41:40 -0500
Hello Dave: The Chorister will be printed tomorrow and mailed on Saturday. Thanks Dan
Jim Egan has placed the Upper Midwest Big Sing Guidebook on the password site for AMCA Reference. Thanks Jim!!!
AMCA Music Reviewer, Don Crouch, offers an POSITIVE alternative to Big Sing 2003. How about trying a"Three-Sing" with some other choruses?
Big Sing 2003 Canceled
Bill Bates Interactive Article for February 2003 deals with Big Sing 2003 Cancelation and provides a way for AMCAers to "Input" their concerns and questions. Read the article and PLEASE leave some comments!!! (You will need a username and password to read the complete article.)
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Anyone going to Big Sing 2003 needs to see this
Joseph Francis McSweeney has made available MP3 recordings for the Massed Chorus Selections for Big Sing 2003. All the Big Sing Selections are included in the CD's. Order a copy for your chorus or individuals may order copies to aid in learning the Massed Chorus Selections. Check this out and download a sample of the materials available.
MP3 Recordings for Learning the Music
Chorister Issue for January 2003
Hello Gentlemen:
Happy New Year! The January 2003 edition of the Chorister is available. I will be taking it to the printer tomorrow and mailing out on Tuesday. Thanks, Dan (Plunkett)
Update 11: Gayle Pohl has requested that a Frequently Asked Questions Page be added to the Big Sing 2003 web site. Enter your Question/Comment/Suggestion/Input and Gayle will respond on this page. Check the page to see if your question about the Big Sing 2003 in Lansing has already been answered.
An Organization In Crisis!
President Norm Goodling indicates "...this is not the column I intended to write..." as he encourages AMCAers to support (and attend) the Big Sing 2003. Is your chorus attending?
Do you know of someone that is interested in and capable of handling the job of Executive Secretary for AMCA (Bill Bates is retiring after the Big Sing 2003).
Highlights of the Fall 2002 Meeting
"If you would find an informal summary of the AMCA October 26 meeting highlights of use rather than the more detailed meeting minutes, please visit my web column Interactive With the Executive Secretary. This article could be printed and used as a report for district and chorus meetings as well as for your general interest.I would appreciate hearing any comments you might wish to make regarding the content of the meeting. Place them on the "Comments" section at the end of the article." (Bill Bates, AMCA Executive Secretary)
Chorus Contact Persons / District Contact Persons
Would you help us (Bill Bates and I) keep the AMCA Email and Mail Address Online Data Base up-to-date by "volunteering" to make the updates directly online for your Chorus or your District? This expanded Online Data Base can be a very handy search tool for locating a fellow AMCAer. It will be most valuable if it is up-to-date and as complete as possible so a person that accesses the Data Base can count on getting (relatively) current information.If you haven't checked out the possibilities of the Online Data Base (the "Manager" has the most advanced search), it is hoped you will do so soon. There can be many possibilities of possible print-outs from this data base - there are a few now. Make some suggestions of what you would like to see added or something that would make the data base more convenient for YOU. (Contact the Web Manager.)
Want to be notified about Official Items?
If you are interested, you can be notified when any of the official files on the password site (specifically: District and International Agendas and Minutes and International Directory) are updated if you add your email address to the Notification List on the Password Site. There are separate NOTIFICATION LISTS for the International and District so make your entries appropriate to your desires.
Upper Midwest District Minutes
The Fall Minutes for the Upper Midwest District Meeting are available from William Seipel (Roger Kees), District Secretary.
International Meeting Minutes Minutes
The Fall Minutes for the International Board Meeting are available from Bill Bates, Executive Secretary.
In Memoriam
Ab Foreman, long time member of the Winnipeg Male Chorus in the Upper Midwest District passed away on his birthday, November 1, 2002.
Obituary from Winnipeg Free Press
Scholarship Application for 2002 is now available on the AMCA Resources Page (Click on "Scholarship" if your browser does not automatically load correctly.)
Remembering "Veterans Day" on November 11, Robert Woodland contributes an article on AMCA Choruses In Wartimes in his Snippets From Our Past series.
Recruiting Brochure
Doug Farley of the NYP District has offer his talent in creating a Recruiting/Informational Brochure for AMCA Choruses. Print it and mail it out to prospective members with an invitation to join your chorus. Print it and hand it out at your concerts. Let people know about AMCA. Thanks Doug for your work on behalf of the choruses of AMCA.
New York / Pennsylvania District Minutes
The Fall Minutes for the New York / Pennsylvania District Meeting are available from Tom Farley, District Secretary.
Lock City Glee Club Newsletter
Doug Farley has sent us the Lock City Glee Club Newsletter for September 2002. See what is happening in this AMCA chorus in New York.
The Scholarship Issue of the Chorister for October 2002 is now available online. (Dan Plunkett)
Big Sing 2003 - Update 9
From: Gayle Pohl
Date: Tue, 8 Oct 2002 12:16:48 -0400
Subject: Big Sing Registration Book
Registration Book
Here is the registration book. Don Peterson and I will be bringing 1300 of them with us to Milwaukee (International Board Meeting) to distribute to each member of each chorus. I hope there will be a representative from each district that can take them back with them. Would you also be willing to send an email message to your AMCA list that it is now on the web? Let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely, Gayle
1. Complete Registration Book (minus the forms below)
2. Big Sing Registration Form (to be mailed in to Lansing)
3. Hotel Reservation Form (to be mailed in to the Lansing Hotels)
4. Choral Performances Form (to be filled out and mailed in)
The Registration Book and Forms are available on the web site. Click UPDATES and look at Update 9. http://amcofa.net/bs2003/registrationbook.shtml
Ontario District Minutes - Fall 2002
Available online with your username and password..........
I (Almost) Never Sang For My Father (Goodling)
I believe that every AMCAers should read this inspirational message from the AMCA International President, Norm Goodling. I wonder how many of you have some meaningful/inspirational/personal experiences with your singing and music that you can share with the rest of us. It is very much appreciated that President Norm would "take a chance" that AMCAers would "understand" and "connect" with his current expression. (You can enter your responses/comments using your username and password - read the column and click on "View Feedback".)Thanks so much Norm for your "moving" column! (DT)
Upper Midwest District Agenda/Minutes
Roger Kees and William Seipel have combined to submit the Minutes of the Upper Midwest District Meeting at Eau Claire in March, 2002 and the Agenda for the Fall meeting at Minneapolis in October, 2002.
Agenda for the International Meeting
Bill Bates, AMCA Executive Secretary, has published the Agenda for the International Meeting on October 26, 2002 in Milwaukee, WI.
Password Protection
I have been directed to password protect specific email addresses, addresses, and telephone numbers information. The only "criticism" that had been voiced about the web site was the availablilty of material like this for public access.
Change 1:
1- The pages that contain "more sensitive material" that might be best available to AMCAers only were the Contact Choruses page, the Officers page, and the Districts page. These pages are now under password protection. All you have to do is remember your username and password (it is the same one for all places on the amca site that requires such). It's a simple operation to do and places these items away from prying hackers and spammers.
Change 2:
2- I have also places all the "comments" pages under the same type password protection so we don't get the "silly" and "playful" "Kids" (this is not a chronological age reference) sending "bogus messages" to people signed up to receive such. (For example: If you go to a comments page, you can see the comments but you cannot enter a comment without a password ---- protection from bogus messages).
--- Remember your Username and Password:
Please remember your username and password for the AMCA site and things should work fine for you. This password system is the same one all over the amca web site.
--- Email Addresses:
If you are looking for current email addresses, I would suggest that you familiarize yourself with the password site and the email data base available for you. That is the place to go if you have forgotten an email address. It is the most up-to-date information that we have available to us and is updated immediately upon receiving a change from someone. The addresses can be printed or accessed as a file for your addressbook also. Check it out!
AMCO Notes
Dan Plunkett contributes his AMCO Notes for choruses and amcaers in the Ontario District. This is preliminary to the District Meeting and has information about the Fall AMCO Big Sing in Lindsay, ON.
Liability, Incorporation, and Other Issues
AMCA Executive Secretary, Bill Bates, continues on the topic of Liability, Incorporation, and Other Issues in his September 2002 "Interactive" Column.
September 2002 Chorister
The new September 2002 Chorister is now available. Read it online (before you receive it in the mail) and make a comment to the Editor, Dan Plunkett.
August Music Reviews
This "August Review" is a summary of a summer of looking for new music. There will be a Christmas review "coming to a theater near you" in September, but I thought I should get this out first. I have had suggestions from directors, singers, music reading workshops, going through bins of samples (Minneapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee) and preview copies sent by publishers. There isn't a lot of new material--much of it is re-issued with a new date on it, or it is being sent out again with the hope we will pick it up second or third time around. However, the one thing is that I think I've found some of the best new music in several years. No big blockbusters, but music which is very useable, has many venue possibilities, and fairly quick to learn. There are a couple of good patriotic songs, and there are some for funerals which I have not been able to find before. There are a couple of great secular "fun" pieces which almost any chorus would enjoy. I hope you can find at least one piece to add to your repertoire. If you have any ideas, send me titles, or a copy by snail-mail. (I don't have a fax machine.) Let me hear from you if possible. (Don W. Crouch, AMCA Music Reviewer)
The Scholarship Pictures of the winners for school year 2002-2003 are now available for viewing (courtesy Tom Rayner, outgoing AMCA Scholarship Chair).(fr Tom Rayner) Once the 2002 Winners page is finalized would you kindly post a notice on the Home page to draw folks to see these outstanding winners. This particular group of winners is an incrediby talented group. I have been advocating with the Lansing organizing committee to plan a venue in which some or all of these multi-talented young people could perform. This would be a real boost to our Scholarship program. Hopefully this will happen, since the new Chair, Don Peterson, is also on the organizing committee!!!!!The Scholarship notice is posted on the AMCA Highlights Bulletin Board and on the AMCA Quickstart Opening Page. One can also access the pictures from any of the Scholarship pages with the link in the "header" or "Scholarship links". (Web Manager)
NOTE: If any of you are still "bookmarking" or "favoriting" pages that are located on the UMN server (www.tc.umn.edu/~thoma075) now would be a good time to switch. The UMN server will be DOWN for about 12 hours on Saturday, 24 October 2002. Just change the server to (amcofa.net) and the web pages should work. Good time to update your "bookmark" or "favorite" files.
AMCA Contact Choruses, AMCA Districts, AMCA Officers and International Board
- Redirection - This page has moved!
Some of the AMCA will be placed under password protect to try avoid "Spammers" and "Bogus" viewers of the AMCA site.
You will see the following message when you access some AMCA pages:AMCAers that have their Username and Password should have no problem accessing these pages. The UN and PW is the same for all AMCA web pages. Just request your password, remember it or place it in an easily accessible place, and use it when you encounter an need for it.I have been directed to place the information on this page under password.
If you have a username and password, just click the link (above) to be taken to the new location.
If you need a password Click HereClick your BACK button to leave this page.
Scholars In Touch
Each year AMCA Music Scholarships are awarded to students. If you are an AMCA Scholarship Winner you are a special person to the members of AMCA. It would be nice to know how life is going for you and to know if you accomplished some of your intended musical goals. I hope you will make an entry for us!It is hoped that AMCAers that know Scholarship Winners will point them here! Thanks!
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Sheet Music vs Memorization
The controversy is not new. Robert Woodland gives us some past reactions from the 1936 records of the Keynote. We've added a "voting" tool. Have some fun with it! Read Robert's article and cast your "votes(s)"!
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See: Woodland Column (You can "vote" for only one item at a time - there is nothing to stop you from "voting" more than one time though if you wish to choose more than one answer.)
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Male Bonding
Every AMCAer should read this and (hopefully) shake their heads in agreement. Read this recent column by Norm Goodling, AMCA International President, and let him know that you have read it and "are inspired" by this terrific expression of a reason for "being" in AMCA Male Choruses. Read it!!
Update #8 - International Big Sing 2003 - Summer (2002) Brochure
The biggest update yet! Gayle Pohl has provide a publicity brochure/booklet for everyone to read. This has been published in hard copy and distributed (many of you probably have already seen it) and now it appears on the web site (coded by Gayle Pohl herself). You should read this for the latest perspective on the "happenings" and "progress" in development of LanSing Big Sing 2003. "2003 Singers in 2003" - WOW! You can easily refer others to it by just telling them the URL for the Big Sing web site.This update is so important that I have installed it as the first item you see as you access the Big Sing 2003 Web Site. It will remain there for an appropriate length of time. Have a look!!! Let Gayle know that you have seen it and appreciate her work on the Comments Page.......
...Together...
How is AMCA to grow and flourish? How do we do it? George Pecor has an inspiration in his "Rambling" column for July 2002 ......
Summer Activities
International President, Norm Goodling, gives some suggestions for Summer Activities for choruses in his "Notes From Norm" Column for July 2002.(Web Managers Note: It would surely be nice to see choruses recording some of their activities on the AMCA Web Site, Highlights, AMCA Calendar TOO!!!!! Why not add your chorus activities to the web site?)
LanSing: Here We Come!
Bill Bates (Interactive - number30) is enthusiastically encouraging you to "look forward to" and "to attend" the International Big Sing 2003 in Lansing, Michigan.
International Minutes of Spring Meeting 2002
The minutes are now available on the Password Site for AMCA Members.
http://amcofa.net/amcadirectory/files_intl.shtml
"mmm--ing 'n' "ooo--ing"
What is all of this? See the new Notes from Don - Jun 02, AMCA Music Reviewer. It looks like the beginnings of a continuing series of "Choral Technics and Hints". Check back to see if there are more!
Michigan District Minutes
The Michigan District Minutes for January 2002 completes the roster of District Minutes on the Password Site. Minutes and/or Agendas are available for ALL AMCA Districts now. I hope the District Secretaries will keep this communication system going. This can be a very important resource for AMCA information. See what is happening in other district - be informed.......
Notes From Norm
AMCA International President initiates his new column, "Notes From Norm". Check it out and follow his further/future columnns on the web site.
Big Sing Facilities, Lansing, 2003 Bill Bates has provided some pictures as the AMCA International Board toured the Lansing (East Lansing) facilities for Big Sing 2003 during the AMCA Board Meeting on June 8, 2002.
Notes From Don
Don Crouch, AMCA Music Reviewer and a Music Clinician for Big Sing 2003, has added some NOTES FROM DON about one of the Festival Massed Numbers ("Green Grow The Lilacs") and some suggestions on "How Do I Look?". Maybe a whole new series of "helps and hints" are starting......
Watch the Music Reviews page for further installments from Don Crouch.
First Place Hamilton Male Chorus 60th Anniversary Concert
Bill Bates has written about the special concert in his Interactive #28 and has provided a copy of the concert program. The concert program will take a little while to download but I hope you have patience.
I would be wonderful to receive more concert programs like this so we can share what is happening (music) in AMCA.
International Organization
Robert Woodland, AMCA Historian, searches the historical archives and delivers a piece on how AMCA developed into an "International Organization". It is interesting to following the progression and Robert feels that the AMCA founder, Clayton W. Old, had visions for this International scope of the fledgling organization that began AMCA in 1924.
Compiled Reports 2002
Delegates to the International Meeting in Lansing, MI on June 7-8, 2002 have responded very well in delivering their reports for reading/sharing/study prior to the International Meeting. There is not always time in the meeting for each delegate to deliver his/her full report and the minutes (that come out afterward) sometimes only carry a greatly shortened version of the reports. Many of these reports have previously been futile efforts that are never seen by anyone (except the secretary).If you access this page (of course it takes an AMCA username and password - easily obtained) I think you will be delighted to read some of the concerns and ideas of delegates. There are some common ideas and by sharing like this, we may be better able to bring to fruition some of the wonderful ideas and thoughts of YOUR delegates (hopefully they reflect the concerns and desires of the AMCA general populace).
Here is your FIRST CHANCE to see what they are talking about in the meetings. Hopefully this excellent response is just a start (many still have not made their reports available but when have we ever hit 100% in AMCA?).
Wisconsin / Upper Michigan District Minutes - Spring 2002
Steve Butz writes very thorough minutes of the proceeding in the WUM district meetings. You could be interested in the quite thorough "Individual Chorus" Report which gives a great deal of insight into the many activities in the WUM.
Liability - Chorus/Individual
What happens if someone gets hurt at a Big Sing or Chorus Concert, or.......... Bill opens some ideas, questions, observations on this area of Liability. Do YOU need legal protection?
Music Publishers of Male Chorus Music
Don Crouch, AMCA Music Reviewer, has added another Music Resource to the web site ..... a list of music publishers for male voices. I have had many requests on how to contact, or where to contact, different publishers so I have put together as complete a list as I can. This has come from several sources. I have not been able to find many telephone numbers, however, some publishers are now including e-mail addresses and I think this is a big plus. Thanks. Don Crouch
http://amcofa.net
AMCA has another URL for convenience in accessing the AMCA web pages (I also needed more server space and decided to free up some of my own personal server space which I use for AMCA items). Many of the pages that were formerly located on the University Of Minnesota server (www.tc.umn.edu/~thoma075) have been moved to the Data Realm servers at amcofa.org or amcofa.net. More will be moving.The names are shorter and more convenient. If you cannot find a page you have "bookmarked" or "favorited", just change the name of the server or start at the home page of AMCA to find what you want. I leave pointers and redirects whenever I can but those will not last forever. Change your "bookmarks" or "favorites" or learn to access the AMCA pages though the home page - http://amcofa.net . It is easy to remember and you can do it from any computer. It is the starting point for any page on the site (located on any server).
The location of the "Music For Male Chorus" has changed. If you use the links on the web site the change should be transparent. If you use bookmarks/favorites, you may need to adjust.
My next project is to move the "Password Site" from one of my own personal servers where it has been all these years to the new amcofa.net server. Again the change will be transparent if you access the web site from the home page. Bookmarks/Favorites may have to be adjusted by you. This project will take a few days. Let me know if you experience any problems.
Other sites will gradually be moved from my personal servers to the new amcof.net server as I get around to it. Please don't panic..... the links should all work if you access AMCA through the Home Page.
REMEMBER:
http://amcofa.net
Access the home page of AMCA.
Ontario (AMCO) District Minutes Spring 02
Available on the Password Site.........
International Agenda Spring 02
Available on the Password Site.........
President Goodling's Message
A call for volunteers for International Committees.
Wisconsin / Upper Michigan Director's Talk
A talk site has been established for the Wisconsin / Upper Michigan Directors. The request was: "We would like to have somewhere that we could leave messages, ideas, directions, etc. which would just be for the 6 of us. (Of course, others could read it, but it would not be out to the general public, just to those with the password.)".You will need your AMCA password to access the site. I hope this answers your request! The site can be access from the index page of the password site. http://amcofa.net/password/
ACDA Honor Choir in New York City
ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) has invited AMCA member to participate in their Honors Choir that will perform at their February, 2003, Convention in New York City. Please bring this to the attention of your singers if you are looking for interesting musical adventures. It is close to the International Big Sing 2003 time so it may be a good "warmup" experience. (More Info).
Upper Midwest District Agenda
Upper Midwest District Agenda for March 23, 2002 is online.
Snippets From Our Past
AMCA Historian, Robert Woodland, has released his first web column. Click on the link above to access the current column .....From Robert Woodland, "...I am hoping that this column will become a regular means of communication with our members through this website and possibly The Chorister as well. Perhaps it will help generate further information from members about our past and in so doing, stimulate pride in our Association and its accomplishments. I intend to draw on our Archives for articles, stories, programs, reports, photographs, etc. to fill this column, with some personal comments accompanying them from time to time..."
New Server
You may have noticed that the web pages are gradually being moved to a new server that may be taken over directly by AMCA and a new web manager. Please change your bookmarks/favorites to reflect the new server! - amcofa.net - (See Also)
Upper Midwest Big Sing 2002 in Eau Claire, WI.
The Submit Registration Form and the Submit Music Information form are now both online for Upper Midwest District Choruses that are going to the District Big Sing 2002 in Eau Claire, WI in April, 2002. Submit your registration and music information with the online forms that will be sent directly to Eau Claire. (You will have to send your check or your music (hard copies for the judges) via regular mail or bring them to the District Meeting on March 23, 2002 in Eau Claire.)
Ramblings by George
George Pecor, AMCA 2nd Vice President, has initiated a regular (monthly) column on the AMCA Web Site. Have a look at Ramblings by George!
Email NOOZ
For the those that are interested, due to lack of response, the production of the monthly Email NOOZ has been discontinued.
For some aside-type interest, I have added a JOKES page. It is linked in the header of all AMCA pages. Just clickand read some or add some humor to the web site.
(NOTE: This link was removed on 10 October 2002 due to little traffic on the page........)
"Grass Roots" AMCA:
I would like to encourage the attitude that the material/information on the web site is the RESPONSIBILITY of those people that USE the web site (like YOU since you are here). Please help!!!When you enter a page that asks you to enter information or submit corrections (or if you notice incorrect or out-of-date information anywhere), if you are a chorus member that just happened to click in to that location, YOU can enter the information. YOU do not have to wait for an official Chorus Officer or Big Sing Organizer or International Officer to enter information. PLEASE go ahead! If your information is not complete, submit it anyway. Some information is better than nothing. Later, I hope you will go back to the site and enter the rest of the information when you have obtained it. Thanks very much. (DT)
In Memoriam - Ron Nelson
The Minutes of the Fall 2001 meeting of the AMCA International Board Of Directors is available online.
AMCA International Delegates should book your rooms for the Spring 2002 Meeting in Lansing, MI....
Ontario District Agenda for Fall 2001 Board meeting is now online (from Dan Plunkett).
Mirror Site for AMCA
Many AMCAers that I know refer to our Associated Male Choruses of America organization as "aye emm see uvv aye" so I thought I would try to make it easier to find "aye emm see uvv aye" on the web and to make it a bit more "natural" to give directions to other people on "how to find us".To do this, I have purchased another domain name and have set up a "mirror site" that works just the same as the original server on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis. These mirror site web pages are the same as the original (in fact, I really don't know which ones to call the original anymore). There are several additional reasons for setting up this mirror site but I will not go into them here. You may ask if you wish and I will "talk with you" about them.
AMCofA or "aye emm see uvv aye dot net" can now also be accessed on the web by merely typing:
http://amcofa.net/Alert internet users will notice differences in the way each server acts and each of you will develop your own preference on "which one to use" consistently. I guarantee you that the files will be the same on each.
The Password Protected site does not change. That still remains:
http://amcofa.net/password/You may like to access it with one of the two "redirection" pages that I have put in place. Both of the following will work:
http://amcofa.org/security.html
http://amcofa.net/password.html
AMCO (Ontario District) Minutes for Spring 2001 are available (from Dan Plunkett).
October 20, 2001, AMCO Fall Meeting and Workshop information and "submit numbers" form (from Dan Plunkett).
AMCA International
The Agenda is available for the Fall Meeting of the International Board of AMCA on the Password Protected website.
Upper Midwest District
The Minutes of the Spring Meeting 2001 and the Agenda for the Fall Meeting 2001 are available on the Password Protected web site.
The Scholarship Winners' Pictures 01 are now online. Have a look at the students that are receiving AMCA support for their college education.
Email Updates
Are there certain places on the AMCA web site that you would like to "be notified" when they are updated? Some of the AMCA pages now have that possibility. Look for the "Email Notification" link on some pages or go to the master page to choose your personal notification sites.I expect that this will be a handy feature (especially on some of the pages where the new "comment" is also sent via email) for those people that only use email and do not access the web. If you have a friend like, enter his/her email address (with his/her permission of course) so they can be part of at least some AMCA email updates.
If there are other pages on the AMCA web site that you would like connected with this update feature (some do not work well for this), send me an email with the suggestion and I will see if it is practical. David Thomas, AMCA Web Manager.
A Highlights Call for web masters
Include the "AMCA Highlights Bulletin Board" on your chorus or district web site to share latest event information within AMCA. I hope Webmaster will look at this and make the quick install to help us share information within AMCA. Any event or item entered on the "AMCA Highlights Bulletin Board" would immediately be displayed on each page that subscribes to this service. (20 July 2003 - The AMCA Headlines has also been added to this service provided to AMCA Webmasters.)
In Memoriam
Frank E. Brown, long-time member/leader of the Minneapolis Knights of Columbus MC died last Sunday, July 29, 2001 at age 81, of complications from diabetes, cardiovascular and heart problems. He will be missed by all his AMCA friends.
Email NOOZ There is an online archive for the Email NOOZ that is sent to all AMCAers with a known email address. You can request to be added to the mailing list to receive this monthly Email NOOZ.
Minutes
The Minutes of the AMCA International Board Meeting on June 9, 2001 are online and can be accessed with your password.
Meeting Report
Bill Bates has reported on the "Blueprint for Progress" meeting in Milwaukee on June 8, 2001. ("Interactive", June 2001, Number 18)
In Memoriam
Robert Anderson, Sr, former AMCA President and long-time AMCA member, died June 1, 2001 at Age 87. He will be missed by all his AMCA friends.
AMCA New York / Pennsylvania District Meeting Minutes for the Spring meeting, 2001, are available with your username and password.
AMCA International Agenda for the Milwaukee Spring meeting, 2001, is available with your username and password.
AMCA Scholarship Winners for school year 2001-2002 are announced by AMCA Scholarship Chair, Tom Rayner
Notable Items
Bill Bates has a new web site "bulletin board" to point out special interest items for AMCAers. He will draw your attention to items that cross his desk that should be of interest to AMCAers. Check in on this page often (is is linked in the "header" of all AMCA pages). You never know when a new and interesting new item may appear. Stay informed!!
The AMCA Password Site has the most up-to-date information!
The public AMCA web pages are manually updated by me (DT) and will be updated when it is convenient. (Really, I don't work "full-time" on this web project!) Bill Bates and I have worked out a system to keep most email addresses, contact names, chorus names, etc. updated for AMCA members on the AMCA Password site.AMCA Directory
The whole AMCA web site was started as an expansion of the AMCA Directory (You will need a Username and a Password!). There have been attempts to initiate/incorporate other uses for the web site but it still is basically just an expansion of the AMCA Directory. As a "Directory", I do not try to keep up with all the current changes on the "Public web site" for those that need the most current items. The most up-to-date items will always be in the AMCA Directory (periodically updated by Bill Bates, AMCA Executive Secretary as a function of his AMCA position). If you need "up-to-date" stuff, please find it there. I will update the "Public web site" pages when it is convenient and will not try to be "always current".Email Online Data Base
Email addresses are kept current (using an online data base) by Bill Bates and myself (these are probably even more current than the AMCA Directory items, for those of you that need "up-to-date" information, since we update this data base immediately upon receiving information from members). Please access the online data base for these "up-to-date" email addresses. (You will need a Username and Password to access this!)Member Address Data Base
I have this db assembled on my own computer but it is not yet online. It would again be a way of keeping these items current for access by AMCA members. (I even have the dream that chorus representatives could have manager passwords to update items in this data base as AMCAers begin to use the web site a bit more.)General Access Passwords for AMCA Members
It is recommended that AMCA members request a Username and Password to access the AMCA Password Site for "up-to-date" information.Manager Passwords for chorus representatives to enter info.
This is not yet a reality but the mechanics have been set up. Only Bill and myself have this type of access yet. The AMCA leadership will need to initate this type of access for it to become working.
Blandin Big Sing 2001 Friday Recital Schedule is Online!
blandin/FriNiteSched.htm
Submit Forms Now Active for Blandin Big Sing 2001
Larry Nixon has agreed to "receive" the info that choruses submit for the Blandin Big Sing in Grand Rapids, MN in April of 2001. The forms are available on the Blandin Big Sing Web Site. Upper Midwest Choruses may now submit their registration information via the web. Thanks Larry!.
Morton Music Resources
Check out the continuing resources for music materials on the Morton Music web site. (This is an Austrialian publisher but they have certainly supported a global interest.) Some of the lists and biographical references are really worthy of your browsing. Any musician should be aware of this dynamic web site for choral music.
AMCA Talk site is "dark
The AMCA TALK site has gone "out of business". There is a new AMCA TALK that can be accessed with the Domain Name URL http://amcofa.net/talk/ that I hope can "fill the void". Please access it and share your ideas about AMCA!
Songs of the Century
This list is compiled by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) and NEA (National Endowment for the Arts) for the 20th Century. It is intended for educators but is a nice list for each of us to see "how many songs do we know" of those deemed to be the best of the 20th century.
Upper Midwest District Fall 2000 Minutes are online!
Upper Midwest District Spring 2001 Agenda is online!
AMCA Talk Update
The AMCA Talk web site provided by "Inside The Web" will be terminated on March 5, 2001. "Inside The Web" is "going out of business". AMCAers have not used AMCA Talk very much anyway so I guess it is not a big loss. For any of you AMCAers that still wish to partake in this type of communication, I have set up my own version of an AMCA Talk. You may contine to enter your opinions or comments on this new page. Thanks!
The New AMCA Talk is at http://amcofa.net/talk/
Esko Resigns
Bob Esko resigns as International AMCA 3rd VP and Historian. Bob states his reasons in his last "Reflections" article. (Web Managers Note: Use the "Respond" hyperlink on the "Reflections" page to give Bob some support for his excellent work for AMCA.)
AMCA International Minutes - Fall 2000
Minutes of the AMCA International Meeting in Kalamazoo in October - 2000 are online. You will need a username and password to view these minutes.
AMCA Leaders Journey To Kalamazoo
Bill Bates took some photos of AMCA Leaders at work on AMCA business at the International Meeting in October, 2000.
AMCA Response web sites! Have you been to any of them?
Read messages others have left here and add your own. Let us know what your AMCA Chorus is doing. Any interesting events? Any special music you sing? Any special fund raising activities? Any ideas that have worked well in your chorus? Any special awards/achievements of your chorus or individuals? Start a "thread" on any topic. This all happens on AMCA TALK!!!!!
(NOTE: Some select "threads" from AMCA TALK have been archived.)Some focused area of "TALK/Comment/Response" have been added (12 Nov 00). You may wish to check these also!
Bates, Big Sing, Blandin, Crouch, Esko, Lansing, Love, Plunkett, Scholarship, Survey
Millstream Chorus Tour to Washington DC
Terry Emrick, Director of Millstream, arranged a tour last summer (2000) through Music Celebrations International, L.L.C., 1440 S. Priest Drive, Suite 102, Tempe, AZ 85281-6905 and had some unpleasant experiences that they would like to share with AMCA choruses that have intentions to have a tour planned by a "professional" touring organization.Terry's letter is on the Password Protected web site (available to any AMCAer).....
See also Chorus NOOZ
New York / Pennsylvania District Minutes - Fall 2000
The New York / Pennsylvania District adds their Minutes to the "growing" list of available items on the "Password Protected" web site for AMCAers. Get your username and password and read the current minutes "online".
Web Sounds/Music
Some of you may notice that some MIDI sounds have been added to the Frames version (Normal Start Page) of the AMCA web site. Music selections, selected randomly from a source file, should be different each time you access the AMCA web site (frames version). The music will continue to play as you use the frames system by clicking in the links on the "Locater" at the left side of the page. The music stops when the left "Locater" frame is no longer on your computer.MIDI sound files have been used and should play automatically if your computer is configured for such. If you need help on this, go to the Crescendo web site. Apple QuickTime will also play these file automatically on any Mac or PC computer if QuickTime (a must for any serious computer user interested in sound, music, or video) is installed on your computer.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) files are used rather than analog sounds because they use much less server space, bandwith, etc. and they WORK for everyone. (Many other web sound systems require much upgraded computers and browsers before they work.)
The web sounds can be turned off using the icon at the bottom of the "Locater" (left) window in the frames version.
Every Click
Every Click Counts has ended. A thank you to the few that "supported AMCA" in this way. We didn't make a significant difference because we "didn't have the number of supporters" to make this effective but thanks anyway. (DT - 2 Oct 00)
Video Tape Recommended by Stan
Stan Carlson, Director of Staples Male Chorus, former AMCA Reviewer, author of Music for Male Chorus, and recipient of the 1988 AMCA Clayton W. Olds Award, offered on the AMCA Talk site a resource for directors of male choruses. Stan says this one helped him a great deal. Check it out!
Feedback / Comment / Talk to Bill Bates and Don Crouch
Click the hyperlinks on Interactive With The Executive Secretary to "Feedback" to Bill Bates and on the Music Page to "Talk to" Don Crouch (Music Reviewer). They would appreciate hearing from you.Remember, a web site is potentially interactive (all it takes is you) and it is possible to have input (unlike the TV, radio, and other printed material). I hope you will make use of these tools to say "HI Bill" or "Hi Don" or whatever......
Niagara Men's Chorus, Niagara Falls, ON have a new web site.
Do you have a favorite male chorus selection you'd like to share?
Here is a chance to:
...submit the title of a male chorus selection for use on the Director Favorites page or the Singer Favorites page...
...send a suggestion of a music selection to the AMCA Music Reviewer for a possible written review...
...send an new male chorus selection to Stan Carlson as he considers an upgrade to Music For Male Chorus...
...contribute a selection (or more) to the Shared Libraries...JUST DO IT!
AMCA Choruses Shared Libraries
Joe Gretak (Lake Erie District) several years ago requested chorus libraries from AMCA choruses and proceeded to create a data base of these libraries. Only a few choruses responded so the project includes small number of entries (and, of course, the entries are old - middle 1990's). This data base has been in the Bill Bates' computer archives until I requested them recently to see what we could do with them on the web site. This "Shared Libraries" web site is the beginning.If AMCA choruses/directors find a value in this data base, it is hoped that more choruses will submit their library listings (assuming the libraries are in electronic form and not just on a piece of paper) so the listing can be updated and expanded as a reference (and possible sharing system) for AMCA choruses/directors.
Agendas The Agenda of the Upper Midwest District Fall 2000 Meeting is available on the "password" web site. See a "technology discussion" that proposed by the Cold Spring Maennerchor to expand use of email and the web site for District business. The meeting will be in BloomingtonThe Agenda of the AMCA International Fall 2000 Meeting is available on the "password" web site. This meeting will be held "East of the Lake" (Michigan) instead of in Milwaukee in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
An AMCA Website Poll
Please access and enter your responses on An AMCA Web Poll. The results of the Poll are immediately available to you and you can keep coming back to see how others have responded. There is a place to "make comments" about AMCA and the AMCA Website.Take a few moments to let us know how we are doing!
(Just close the new window when you are finished!)
Meet the AMCA Scholarship Winners for 2000-2001 with pictures and writeup by Tom Rayner, AMCA Scholarship Chair.
Links are available from the Scholarship page and the Chorister page also.
Queensmen of Toronto, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada have a new web site.
BRAND NEW and JUST PUBLISHED MUSIC for Male Chorus:
Don Crouch, AMCA Music Reviewer, has just reviewed 23 new selections for Male Chorus!! If you are a director of a chorus, you have to see this review. If you are a singer, you should print this list and bring it to your director. EVERY CHORUS and EVERY CHORUS DIRECTOR is ALWAYS LOOKING for NEW MUSIC.See the review at: amcofa.org/reviews/!
AMCA Site Search Tool
This new search too, compliments of Atomz.com, gives new possibilities of finding things on the enlarging AMCA web site. It will not search the "Password Protected" pages since they are on a different server but will search all pages that are located on the University of Minnesota server (which is the location of almost all of the AMCA pages). Give it a try - type in your name, for example, and see if you are referenced anywhere on the AMCA public web pages. You will find the Search Tool on several of the main AMCA pages and in the Locater in the Frames system for these pages.
In Memoriam
Russell Fleharty, former AMCA Executive Secretary and long-time AMCA member, died on on June 14, 2000. He will be missed by all his AMCA friends.
Do You Have An Email Address?
Do You Have An Interest In AMCA?
Add Your Email Address To The AMCA Mailing List
At times there are significant AMCA items that should be brought to the attention of AMCAers or "People interested in AMCA". This mailing list will be used to inform you of these items so you don't have to constantly keep checking the AMCA web site for updates.Submit your name to the AMCA Mailing List. (Yes, there will be a way to "Remove yourself" from this list when/if you choose to do so!)
Bookmarks/Favorites vs Domain Name
I know many of you probably "Bookmark" your favorite web sites and access them that way. It doesn't take alot of memory power to do that but I suggest that you may be missing something by doing that. What do you do when you go to a different computer or try to tell someone how to find AMCA?I recommend typing the Domain Name (domain names are so simple and so common now) so you can access web sites from any computer and not just your own. (Do you memorize telephone numbers or always have to look in your "little black book"? - Domain Names are easier that the abstract telephone numbers.)
Most browsers today will handle abbreviated versions of Domain Names - Use them!
Type in the AMCA Domain Name and you get a much more convenient start to the site!
amcofa.net - is short and will work in most browsersTry it - Learn the URL address of AMCA and use it rather than just the "lazy way" of a bookmark! Learn some of the other URL's!
http://amcofa.net - is a little longer and may be required by some browsers
http://www.amcofa.net - this full URL rarely has to be typed
Music Resources
Several Music Resources and suggestions have been recently added to the AMCA Music Items Page!-Recommended to send an email to Morton Music and join their mailing list
-Notice the recommendation for use of J. W. Pepper for your music needs!
-Several web resources for music are listed!
-The Americafest International Singing Festivals are also linked!
-There is a link to the fabulous/famous "king'singers" web site!
-Do you know about the possibility of terrific "Chanticleer" appearing at Big Sing 2003?Keep Up with the Music Page!
30 July 2000
AMCA International Big Sing 2003 in Lansing
Gayle Pohl, director of the Greater Lansing Orpheus Male Chorus, has started a web site for the International Big Sing 2003 in Lansing, Michigan. The "Kalamazoo Male Chorus" and the "Men of Orpheus" are combining their resourses and talent pool to create an experience worth attending. You are making your chorus plans to attend in April of 2003 aren't you?Gayle will be using this web page to keep you "up-to-date" on the planning processes. Later, registration forms, etc. will appear on these pages also. Keep checking back to see how things are progressing. If you happen here by chance, inform your chorus leaders about this web page for Big Sing 2003.
Purchase Music Items and Benefit AMCA
Want to buy sheet music, songbooks or guitar tabs? Try Sheet Music Plus. They have over a quarter million titles to choose from, and you can order online. AMCA will benefit with any purchase you make here but you must start by clicking one of the logo-links on our web pages. (Click either image at the right where you see them).Every purchase you make on these sites will benefit AMCA if you go there from our web pages. Give it a try and Support AMCA!!
NOTE: The "every click counts" program ends on Sep 30, 2000Benefit AMCA
Start your online shopping or surfing at a place that will benefit AMCA with every click and every purchase. Go to the site and Bookmark the site or just click the icon on one of the AMCA web pages to begin.(Click the image at the right or the image below.)
I recommend to go to this page and make this page your browser startup/home page and click through here to get to Yahoo, Alta Vista, MSN, AOL, etc. web sites and benefit the AMCA General fund at every startup of your web browsing.
All it takes is one extra mouse click if you have the "4mycommunity" page as your startup/home page. It only takes two mouse clicks if you go through the AMCA web pages and click through to "4mycommunity". What simplicity, one or two extra mouse clicks and YOU can MAKE A DIFFERENCE for AMCA!
(12 Jul 00) A Girl Scout Troop in Arizona just earned $5000 for their troop activities using this system. Each click counts but it will take many of us to make a significant difference!!! Support AMCA!!!
Minutes of International AMCA Meeting - Spring 2000
The Minutes of the International Meeting of the AMCA Board are available on the Password protected web site. You must have requested a password to access these. (Request Password)
Quotes
I hope you like the addition of the various "quotes" on many of the AMCA web pages. They are all "javascript" items which will, of course, require one of the newer browsers. If you are still using America Online 3 (not javascript enabled) it is time to upgrade to AOL 4 or 5 to view the web in a more modern way. The web really requires "javascript" by now. Get with us! Internet Explorer is at version 5 and Netscape is at version 4.7 by now! They are all free downloads!
Choral Webring
AMCA is now a part of the Choral Webring which will allow other browsers interested in choral topics to access our web site easily. Many choruses are linked in this "circle" of support! You can choose several options for viewing other choral web sites (next one in the ring, previous one in the ring, randomly chosen site, next 5 sites, or ALL of the choral sites). Several of the AMCA web pages contain the following links to the Choral Web Ring:
AMCAers: Check out some other Choral Sites!!
AMCA is part of - Choir and Choral Music Webring - Hosted by Stockholm Webmusic.
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Male Chorus Singing!!
Check out the Male Chorus Festival at St.John's University in June, 2000. What a wonderful place to experience Male Chorus music. The King's Singers are even there! (No AMCA Choruses are performing??)
In Memoriam
Carl Guile, long time governor of the Milwaukee Male Chorus in the Wisconsin Upper Michigan District, long time supporter of AMCA and delegate to the International over many years, passed away May 14, 2000.
What happens at an Upper Midwest District Big Sing?
Read some reactions to the Winnipeg Big Sing 2000 on the Wrap-Up page. Joe Love, AMCA President; Bob Esko, AMCA Historian; and Ron Felsch, former Editor of Chorister and Editor of the 3M Clarion, have contributed their personal accounts of the Big Sing.
Reflections - Past, Present, Future
Bob Esko, AMCA 3rd VP/Historian, has submitted his first column essay, "Sing Your Way to Winnipeg, eh?", as a "Reflection" on the recent, successfully completed, Upper Midwest Big Sing in Winnipeg, MN.
"Singing Statesmen"
The Singing Statesmen from University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire have been added to the membership roster of the Upper Midwest District as a student chorus. Director is Gary Schwartshoff.
Scholarship Winners for school year 2000-2001
Tom Rayner, AMCA Scholarship Chair, has submitted the list of student names that are scholarship winners for next school year (2000-2001). (Are these the first recipients of the new millenium or do we have to wait for next year? How about that you purists!)
The NEW Chorister is here!
WOW!!! The NEW Chorister is online. Dan Plunket, who replaced Ron Felsch as editor of the Chorister in January 2000, has submitted his inaugural issue of the Chorister - Volume 23, Number 1. Read it online in Adobe Acrobat form or in Browser form.
Upper Midwest District Spring 2000 Meeting Minutes
The minutes of the Upper Midwest District Spring Meeting 2000 in Winnipeg are online!
Agenda for International AMCA Meeting - Spring 2000
The agenda for the spring meeting is available online on the "Password Protected" web site!
AMCO (Ontario District) NOTES
The April 2000 issue of the "AMCO NOTES", published by Dan Plunket, are available on the AMCO web site.
Music For Male Chorus - Stan CarlsonIn 1985, with sponsorship of AMCA, Stan Carlson published a listing of Male Chorus Music that quickly "sold out" and was one of the most popular items at the AMCA information booths. There are many copies of the book in print but none are currently available for purchase.
Stan has given me permission to place the original book materials on the AMCA web site. I have placed the list of music materials and some search tools to aid in browsing the book on the AMCA web site. I hope you will look at it and give us some reactions.
The Music For Male Chorus has not been updated since the original publication but Stan may have some interest in renewing this project if there is interest in this book. Contact him at to let him know you support future updates and to encourage him in this project.
AMCA - Who Are We?There have been two editions of an AMCA information pamphlet that I found interesting reading and I have been in AMCA for more than a decade. I scanned the pamphlet and have made it available on the web site. There may still be some printed versions available somewhere that you can acquire and give to potential members.
Some of the old timers may have many more interesting stories to tell, of course, but new members (and maybe some of the long-time members) may be interested in reading this pamphlet that identifies AMCA - Who Are We?. Show this to someone that is interested in AMCA or someone that may be interested in joining a chorus.
Are you like me and are sometimes fascinated by the names (and personality) of those that formed and nurtured the AMCA. There is a list of the AMCA Presidents and AMCA Executive Secretaries here also. The history of AMCA is still to be written but this is a good thumbnail sketch.(DT)
Previous AMCA Scholarship Recipients
Where are they now? It would be interesting to "track" the successes of some of the AMCA Scholarship Winners - Keep In Touch - but one would suppose it begins with knowing "Who They Were!" too. 
There are some holes in the file since some of the archived Chorister issues are missing, but after a search through the available issues I have assembled a Scholarship Recipients Data Base so the winners can at least be recalled. If you can help me "fill in some open area" or "correct some mistakes" it would be appreciated. Send an email to me - David Thomas.
Another chorus is "online". H. Bill Way, an Eagan chorus member, has designed a web page for the newly named Eagan Men's Chorus. He says the page is in "beta" version so the location URL may change yet. (I'll try to keep the links correct on the AMCA pages.) Look for some wonderful developments here as Bill's programing skills and materials have an "imaginative" beginning!
Concerts/MiniSings/BigSingsHave you checked the latest schedule or announcement of concerts/minisings/bigsings. The Minneapolis Knights of Columbus Male Chorus is hosting a joint concert including Eagan Men's Chorus, South St. Paul Male Chorus, Apollo Club of Mpls, Zuhrah Temple Canters. (Email from: Bill Lundholm, Contact)
The Milwaukee Male Chorus has scheduled a Spring Concert Event. (Contact Bob Russell)
Other concert information is available on the AMCA Calendar and Chorus Notes pages. Some events are also announced on the AMCA Talk site.
Toccata Of Praise Music Review
Don Crouch, AMCA Music Reviewer, has added another review to the AMCA Music Site. He reviews the Toccata of Praise by Joseph Martin.
Milwaukee Male Chorus
The Milwaukee Male Chorus has begun their web site. Web manager Robert Russell has given us a "flavor" of Milwaukee Male Chorus "humor"! Visit and "smile" with them!
Winnipeg 2000 Big Sing
Doug Whaley, Upper Midwest District Big Sing 2000 Manager, has established a web site for the "Winnipeg 2000" Big Sing. Information on Winnipeg sites, Maps, Information on Big Sing Activities, Music Lists, Online forms for submitting information, and more are all available. This site will be updated as new information becomes available so keep checking back!
You may contact Doug Whalley directly if information you need/want is not on the web site.
"Love Notes" with Joe LoveJoe Love, AMCA International President, begins a new cyber column to communicate with AMCA members. The AMCA President is elected by the International Board. Joe has been a "dedicated and quality member" of the Board for many years. Joe's experience with AMCA activities at the International level qualifies him for this position. Joe expresses a desire for a "Singing North America" as the AMCA founders visualized!
Joe would welcome your communications and your reactions to items initiated. I hope that the his column will become a regular! (DT)
"Interactive" with Bill BatesWe begin the new Millennium with a new feature on the web site. I hope you will check out the new column being written by the AMCA Executive Secretary, Bill Bates. Bill has been strong advocate for AMCA for many years and provides a consistent quality leadership for AMCA as the new Millennium opens. Dialogue with Bill as we look for ways to keep AMCA a vital organization in support of Male Chorus singing.
Bill would appreciate your reactions to items initiated and I hope that the column will become a regular monthly(?) feature! (DT)
A Christmas Music "Quick Fix" has been added to the Music Reviews page by AMCA Music Reviewer, Donald W. Crouch, Director of the Milwaukee Male Chorus. Don has designated some Christmas selections "that work" for him in the busy Christmas season.There are other music lists on this page also.....check them out!!
New York / Pennsylvania Big Sing 1999 - Here is a link to Bruce McCausland's web site pictures.http://members.xoom.com/fortbruce/AMGC/mansfield/mansfield.htm
TALK - A new conversations/chat/message/threads page has been added to the AMCA site. Why not stop in and offer an idea or thought to fellow AMCAer's. We do have alot in common with our love of male chorus singing. Share a thought or idea with other AMCAer's and maybe find a friend in another chorus. You can just read what others are saying or get involved yourself. How can we help AMCA survive in the new millinium? Do we need to change to excite the new generation of male singers? What is so special about AMCA?Just click here to get started! Take me there!
NOTE: This site went dark on 5 March 2001. Please change your link to http://amcofa.net/talk/!
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