PROBE Louisville 2004 News

MBNA Collegiate Contest Winners Announced

Fri, 02 Jul 2004 16:51:00 GMT

Collegiate Quartet Contest Winners Announced

Today in Louisvile the Collegiate contest took place and the winners have been announced.
Interesting observation Third Place was a tie.
Congratulations to all quartets that competed and to the winners well done..

1st Vocal Spectrum
2nd Four Score
3rd MIB - Musical Island Boys
3rd nile manski trio
5th Fortissimo

Note: No 4th Place due to a 3rd Place Tie

HOW DO JUDGES PICK THE BEST OF THE BEST?

Thu, 01 Jul 2004 08:14:00 GMT

BACKGROUND HOW DO JUDGES PICK THE BEST OF THE BEST?

Baseball has the World Series; college basketball has the "Big Dance;" horse racing has the "Run for the Roses;" and barbershop harmony has the "Big Show." But just how do the judges pick a winner from all that talent? The answer is, "Very precisely!"

Quartet and chorus competitors at the international contest have earned their spot on stage. It's not a case where they just show up to sing. Qualifying rounds in the 16 districts of the Barbershop Harmony Society determine eligibility. Judging criteria is the same at all levels.

At the international contest, a panel of 15 judges, five in each of three categories, scores the competitors. For the quartets, there are three rounds—all the quartets sing in the quarter-finals; the field is narrowed to 20 for the semi-finals and just 10 quartets advance to the finals. The quartets sing two songs in each round...without repeating a song. For the choruses, it's two songs and one contest—the finals.

Society judges undergo a rigorous three-year training process leading to certification in one of three scoring categories: Singing, Presentation and Music.

Singing

The Singing judge evaluates the degree to which the performer achieves artistic singing in the barbershop style. This is accomplished through precise, in-tune harmonizing, a high degree of vocal skill and a high level of unity and consistency within the ensemble. Mastering these elements also creates a feeling of fullness, "ring," or expansion of sound throughout the performance.

Presentation

The Presentation judge evaluates how effectively a performer brings the song to life—that is, the believability of the theme in its musical and visual setting. He responds to both the vocal and visual aspects of the presentation and evaluates everything about the performance that contributes to emotional impact upon the audience.

Music

The Music judge evaluates the song and the arrangement, as performed. He adjudicates the musical elements in the performance—melody, harmony, range, tempo, rhythm and meter, construction and form, and embellishments—and the degree to which the musical elements of the song and arrangement display the hallmarks of the barbershop style.

Who's hot?

Among the quartets, Gotcha! and Metropolis (second and third respectively in 2003) are odds-on favorites to medal again this year. But newcomer Max Q appears to be entering the contest with the highest qualifying score. Note: Champion quartets do not defend their crown. The Society's philosophy is "Once a champion, always a champion."

The chorus contest has an even tougher field. Past gold medalists New Tradition from Illinois and the Alexandria Harmonizers face some tough competition in The Northern Lights from Toronto, the Midwest Vocal Express from Wisconsin and the Ambassadors of Harmony from Missouri. Note: Chorus champions sit out for the next two years following their win and then can re-enter competition.

But the nature of Barbershoppers is to sing with one another. After a contest, you might see members of competing groups huddled in a hotel lobby or seated around a restaurant table singing a song together. Because when the contest is over, it's still all about the

Contact Reed Sampson: 800.876.7464 x8592; prmedia@spebsqsa.org

COLLEGIATE QUARTETS BRING HIGH ENERGY TO THE COMPETITION STAGE

Thu, 01 Jul 2004 08:10:00 GMT

COLLEGIATE QUARTETS BRING HIGH ENERGY TO THE COMPETITION STAGE

The focus is on young singers when 20 collegiate quartets square off in the finals of the 13th annual MBNA America Collegiate Barbershop Quartets Contest Friday, July 2, at 12 noon in Louisville's Freedom Hall.

The quartets in the event hail from the USA, Canada and New Zealand. The event is held in conjunction with the 66th annual international convention of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Like their counterparts in the Society's regular contest, these groups have come through qualifying competitions to earn a spot in the finals. Medals and trophies await the top five finishers.

"A cappella singing is the hottest thing on college campuses today," said Reed Sampson, managing director of public relations for the Barbershop Harmony Society. "The distinctive sound of barbershop harmony grabs the interest of these collegiate singers and then the competitive juices begin to flow."

The college quartet contest is judged under the same rules and criteria as regular Society quartets in international competition. Previous collegiate champions have enjoyed touring careers and continued to be active in the barbershop world. The 1996 collegiate champion—Four Voices from Lee University—went on to win the gold in the 2002 regular contest, becoming the first-ever former collegiate champion to reach the pinnacle of barbershop harmony competition.

For ticket information, call 800.876.7464 prior to June 15 or visit the Society Web site at www.spebsqsa.org/louisville. During the convention, visit the Society's special events booth in the Galt House Hotel-East.

Founded in 1938 in Tulsa, Okla., the Barbershop Harmony Society is today the world's largest all male singing organization. The collegiate contest is sponsored by MBNA America Bank, headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware

Contact Reed Sampson: 800.876.7464 x8592; prmedia@spebsqsa.org

Want More Barbeshop - Chorditorium

Thu, 01 Jul 2004 08:06:00 GMT

Want more barbershop then go to the Chordtorium

Time: Friday and Saturday nights after contests (approx 11 p.m.)

Location: Archibald Cochran Room, Galt House Hotel-West

This one’s just for fun! Hear competitors in an informal setting! No cost to attend. Cash bar.

Quartet Semi-Finals Draw

Thu, 01 Jul 2004 05:27:00 GMT

Quartet Semi-Finals Draw with approx stage time

Position. Quartet Name (approx time on stage)

Mic Testers...... Alchemy (8:00 PM)

Stormfront (8:10 PM)
Rounders (8:18 PM)
Three Men and a Melody (8:26 PM)
Sterling (8:34 PM)
Saturday Evening Post (8:42 PM)
Riptide (8:50 PM)
Wheelhouse (8:58 PM)
Rythmix (9:06 PM)
Realtime (9:14 PM)
Gotcha! (9:22 PM)
Intermission
2th Street Rag (9:45 PM)
MatriX (9:53 PM)
Finale (10:01 PM)
Metropolis (10:09 PM)
Flipside (10:17 PM)
Overture (10:25 PM)
MaxQ (10:33 PM)
Sold Out (10:41 PM)
OC Times (10:49 PM)
Q (10:57 PM)

Note: Times shown are the times in Louisville - USA Eastern

Chat Rooms are open during the Webcast

Wed, 30 Jun 2004 17:44:00 GMT

The following Chat Rooms are open during the Webcast

AIM Chat Room 1
AIM Chat Room 2
AIM Chat Room 3
AIM Chat Room 3
AIM Chat Room 3
AIM Chat Room 3
Yahoo Harmonet chat

Hot Traffic Congestion News

Tue, 29 Jun 2004 08:34:00 GMT

Traffic Congestion expected at Kentucky Fair and Exposition Centre.

Due to the large number of people expected to attend events at the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center Monday, June 28, 2004, through Sunday, July 4, 2004, traffic is expected to be heavy. Those planning to attend events at KFEC should allow additional travel time due to congestion.

Refer http://www.harmonize.com/probe/louisville/june28_july4traffic.pdf

Harmonet Gathering

Mon, 28 Jun 2004 12:13:00 GMT

For those going to Louisville, please join us at the Annual Harmonet Gathering.

Date: Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Time: After the first quartet session
Place: Food Court by Freedom Hall
Cost: Nothing, except your own food that you buy at the food court
RSVP: Not necessary. Just show up!

Here's the information I received about the location ...

The food court is in the South Wing of the fairgrounds and not the West as it was in 1991. Go out the front door of the arena and turn left to get there. There should be some directional signs. Please plan to join us if you're at the convention. Family and friends, whether Harmonetters or not, are all welcome. Dress is casual, mood is informal. Just pull up a chair and join us.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Hope to see you there!

Ann McAlexander Capital City Chorus,
Region 4, SAI Associate Member,
Area 4, HI
SPEBSQSA wife and mom
amcalexa @ yahoo.com (remove spaces)

Convention Transportation Schedule

Mon, 28 Jun 2004 11:58:00 GMT

The Convention Transportation Schedule is now Online The Probe Louisville site.

Details of the transport arrangements from hotels and venue etc are online on the PROBE Louisville Site

Check it out online now.

Airport Shutte Service

Mon, 28 Jun 2004 11:49:00 GMT

AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICE

Special convention rates available The special convention rate for airport transportation on Yellow Airport shuttle is $4 per person per transfer between the Louisville International Airport and any downtown hotel.

To schedule a transfer, call 502.315.8628.

2004-2005 PROBE Officers Nominated

Sun, 27 Jun 2004 11:07:00 GMT

The next generation of PROBE will be led by these outstanding gentlemen.

President - Lowell Shank – Bowling Green, KY
VP For Public Relations – Ted Shayle – Phoenix AZ
VP For Bulletin Editors - Jerry Kindred - Arlington, VA
VP For Membership – David Wagner – Lewisville, TX
Secretary/Treasurer - Dick Girvin - Laguna Woods, CA
Immediate Past President - Bruce Anderson - Lincoln NE

Appointed Positions

Category Specialists Content - Lowell Shank – Bowling Green, KY
Category Specialists Grammar And Style - Craig Rigg – Colchester, IL
Category Specialists Layout And Reproduction - Dick Girvin – Laguna Woods, CA
PROBEmoter Editor - John Petterson - Norwalk, IA
Webmaster - Dr. Arnold Wade - Milledgeville, GA
International Bulletin Contest Chairman - Lowell Shank – Bowling Green, KY
PROBE Hall Of Honor Chairman – Lowell Shank - Bowling Green, KY
Bulletin Exchange Program Volunteer - Lloyd Davis - Oceanside CA
Bulletin Editor Mentor Committee Chairman, Grant Carson - Gainesville, TX
Web Page Mentor Committee Chairman, David Wagner - Lewisville, TX
Advisors Grant Carson, Robb Ollett, Waldo Redekop, Dick Stuart, Jim Styer, John Sugg, Grady Kerr

PROBE Meeting Schedule – Louisville, KY

Sun, 27 Jun 2004 11:05:00 GMT

PROBE will hold it annual meetings on Wednesday Morning of Convention week. Everyone is invited to attend.

Wednesday, June 30th, 2004 The Galt House – East

8am - 9am Bulletin Editors Forum Bradley

8am - 9am Public Relations Forum Fields

These two gatherings will include editors and PR men who wish to visit with others and discuss their successes and challenges. The sessions will be lead by the two PROBE Vice Presidents from each area, Jerry Kindred (Editors) and Brian Moore (PR Men). Everyone is invited to participate.

9:30am - 11am PROBE General Session Morrow

This annual meeting will include the awards presentations as well as a special surprise mystery guest quartet appearance. The meeting will be led by PROBE President Bruce Anderson. All PROBE members are invited. Guests are also welcome.

PROBE Membership Drive

Sun, 27 Jun 2004 11:02:00 GMT

Are you a member of PROBE Yet?

It's only $10 a year. Join the most influential fraternity in the Society.
Visit our web page and join online [www.harmonize.com/PROBE]
or drop by the suite in Louisville – Galt House - West - Room 1603

Party, Rehearsal and Pep Session Schedule now Online

Sun, 27 Jun 2004 00:28:00 GMT

Party, Rehearsal and Pep Session Schedule now Online on the Probe Louisville Site.

Check it out at the Contest Triva Page on the Probe Louisville Website

Louisville Prediction Results

Sat, 26 Jun 2004 22:01:00 GMT

Harmonet Louisville Prediction Results

Giving 5 points for 1st, 4 points for 2nd, 3 points for 3rd, and so on, and splitting some points because of ties, here are my totals:

Top 5 quartets:

Gotcha! 87 pts
Max Q 86 pts
Metropolis 64 pts
Riptide 44 pts
Wheelhouse 12.5 pts

Top 5 choruses:

Toronto 69 pts
St. Charles 66 pts
Northbrook 48 pts
Alliance 29.5 pts
Alexandria 22 pts

Bryan Z

State Line Grocery Scratches for Louisville

Sat, 26 Jun 2004 21:49:00 GMT

State Line Grocery is sad to announce that they will not be singing in Louisville.

Bass, Drew McMillan and his wife Susan are expecting their first child, Olivia, on Tuesday.

They want to wish good luck to all of their Dixie brothers - Riptide, Overture, Ringside, Smackdown, Genesis, and the Big Chicken Chorus. "We know you'll make Dixie proud."

They want to thank the members of the Stone Mtn. Chorus and The Cleveland Scream Machine Chorus for all your support throughout the past year. They also would like to say thanks to Clay Hine, George Gipp, Brandon Guyton, and Cindy Hansen. State Line Grocery especially want to thank their families for all their love and support. They hope to represent Dixie in Salt Lake City next year, and will be working harder than ever to make sure that happens.

State Line Grocery - Dylan, Tim, Drew, and Heath

Reprise scratched!

Sat, 26 Jun 2004 21:42:00 GMT

This is definitely not the end of Reprise!! - According to Sean Devine - Reprise fan

The reason that the guys had to scratch from Louisville as due to some personal issues. Joel's wife recently gave birth to their first child, although severely premature. Mother and child are ok - but the little one had to spend some time in intensive care. This has been obviously quite a strain both emotionally and financially on this young couple. Tad's wife is also expecting their 2nd child July 10. After much discussion, they decided to sit out this year and spend the time with their family.

With an average age of 25, I don't think they're in a hurry with their barbershop carreer.
<personal comments and info snipped for brevity>

This is definitely not the end of Reprise... they are absolutley hooked on the barbershop style, and will be returning to the contest stage again next year.
For more info on Reprise, check out www.reprisequartet.com ...

Missing Ticket Issues

Sat, 26 Jun 2004 21:37:00 GMT

If you have not got your tickets yet there's no point in calling Kenosha, all the key people are in Louisville. So if you have to travel to Louisville and still haven't received your tickets, here's what to do.

For Special Event Tickets
Go to the Galt House and then to the Grand Ballroom on the second floor. At the far end of the room, right next to where you will make your name badge you'll find a booth with a sign that will say Special Events. If your special event tickets have not been sent, they should have them there.

Other Tickets
Go to the convention office in Galt House and the staff there should be able to assist with other registration based tickets etc.

If indeed they are still out "somewhere" in the mail, you should be able to get replacements without too much fuss.

Gospel Sing Thursday morning in Louisville 9 til 11

Sat, 26 Jun 2004 21:32:00 GMT

Watch for The Ditchfield Family Singers.
Steven, Bernice, Nathaniel, Regina, Stephanie, Michael and David.
(My Three Sons inclusive singing 40th)

A treat unlike you have heard lately I guarantee.

Ed Hinkley

PROBE Hospitality Suite Open All Week – Ya'll Come

Sat, 26 Jun 2004 20:15:00 GMT

The Galt House – West - Room 1603

This year PROBE has a very special place for all PR Men and Editors to gather and swap lies. The suite will be open during all non-events times. Each night the suite will be open to all to come by, sing a tag, and see & hear the top college, competition and gold medal quartets in Louisville.

Louisville Webcast Schedule announced

Thu, 24 Jun 2004 08:26:00 GMT

The Webcast schedule of all events at Louisville has been announced.

Check it out on the webcast page.
Test your connection in advance.
Offer your financial support.
Cheer along with everyone at Freedom Hall in Louisville.

Join those attending the International Convention by watching the events real time live.

Simply goto the Probe Louisville page and click the Webcast menu and enjoy the service.

Dr. Val Hicks Passes away

Thu, 24 Jun 2004 07:56:00 GMT

Dr. Val Hicks passed away on Tuesday, June 22. in Salt Lake City.

Val was a great arranger, woodshedder, historian and a true-blue barbershopper. Val was the editor of the Heritage of Harmony History book released for the SPEBSQSA 50th anniversary in 1988. He was a much loved member of our society and many people have written remembrances of him. Go to the Val Hicks Remembered page (http://www.spebsqsafwd.org/html/valhicks.html) to read the many comments.

As many are aware Val was also very involved with the Osmonds when they first began to sing as a family group and he was intrumental in their success.

Val will be missed by all who knew and met him.