Did you ever make a late entrance to a part of a song in performance with your chorus? It may be missed by anyone in the audience, and even many of the other sections in the chorus, maybe it was even missed by your Music Director - Nawh!, not the director! It is not as bad as a solo entrance, right?! Well this is a late article. Since I go solo on these articles I can expect somebody noticed. I missed getting it out last month and I apologize, because it is a thank you, and it has some information about the Marquette, Mi, meeting. I start with the some thanks.

Thanks ...
     I must take some space to thank the men of the WUM District for the efforts they made at Marquette, MI, towards our feeling welcomed, and to accommodate our meeting needs. Bill Rowe coordinated those needs for us, on behalf of the Executive Council, and Marquette folks were most hospitable. Aside from the main road in front of the hotel being dug for remediation, there were no noticeable difficulties with any of the activities - thank you kindly for a great, eventful time and much thanks to all in the Marquette Male Chorus for a fine job well done.

Council Business ...
     The majority of business for the AMCA annual meeting of the Executive Council held in Marquette, MI, last month was to work on the Eau Claire (WI) / AMCA Big Sing scheduled for next spring. The music for this event needed to be decided to inform those planning to attend what they should prepare for. It needed to be familiar to most, as the event did not leave much lead time, being announced just last year, with the host chorus coordinating with many Music Directors. Good cooperation has been extended by those from Eau Claire and a meeting was held Saturday morning to assist the problem. Most attending choruses should know most of the music, and some rehearsals to remember all the particulars should catch them up - other music may need more attention.

Music Arrangements ...
     John Roberts is the Alternate District Representative from WUM, and attended the meeting in Marquette. He made a proposal that the Executive Council took up for discussion and acted upon. The idea is to get a list of music we would like arranged for TTBB (Male Chorus) and seek arrangers to do the job. John wrote a letter introducing his idea and I share below some portions of the letter with you:

     Approximately six years ago, at an International meeting, I made a proposal that the dues be increased and that the increase be used for new music arrangements, the arrangers to be hired directly by the Association. I was surprised and disappointed that there was no comment on my proposal at that meeting. However, at a later date, Mr. Donald Crouch stated to me that he thought it was a very good idea. I would like to re-introduce this idea at today's meeting. I want to propose an increase in the dues that would be used only for new musical arrangements.

     In support of this proposal, I would like to state that since being a member of the AMCofA, I have spoken with many members of other choruses over the years and have heard the comment that, with the exception of the International Big Sings, the association does very little, if anything, for the individual choruses. Another statement that I have heard on numerous occasions is the fact that there are very few new music arrangements for male choral groups.

     This proposal would give meaning to the AMCofA in relation to the existing choruses, and, I believe, would create impetus for the re-association of former choruses. It could also be the deciding factor in a new chorus's decision in joining the AMCofA for the first time. (Edited from original for this article-RA)

     Note: Don Crouch has been suffering a bit through convalescence after eye surgery. He expects to be fitted with new glasses soon, and is able to work at his computer now. Good wishes for a speedy recovery are extended to him at this time. Others may wish to send their own wishes.

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