The Mt Pleasant Chapter of SPEBSQSA Inc. (DBA MountainTown Singers) is a non-

profit 501(c)(3) organization and is affiliated with the Barbershop Harmony Society.

The official 2016 publication from the MountainTown Singers.

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OvertonesOvertones is the annual publication is the annual publication

from the from the MountainTown Singers. It is provided MountainTown Singers. It is provided

to assist readersto assist readers to understand the scope of the to understand the scope of the

organization, its purpose,organization, its purpose, mission and values. mission and values.

Please enjoy this publication and Please enjoy this publication and feel free to feel free to

check out our Facebook page and Websitecheck out our Facebook page and Website for for

more information. more information.

We wish to thank all of the generous advertisersWe wish to thank all of the generous advertisers

in this publication. We value the relationships in this publication. We value the relationships

we have we have with them and are so appreciative of with them and are so appreciative of

their investment in our community by supportingtheir investment in our community by supporting

the MountainTown Singers. the MountainTown Singers.

We do our very best to live our purpose of improv-We do our very best to live our purpose of improv-

inging the lives of people through singingthe lives of people through singing. We focus . We focus

on groups including the area senior population on groups including the area senior population

and young singers from schools across the and young singers from schools across the

state.state.

We also thank our families and friends that en-We also thank our families and friends that en-

courage and support our passion!courage and support our passion!

Singcerely,Singcerely,

Joe McDonaldJoe McDonald

2016 Chapter President2016 Chapter President

www.mountaintownsingers.orgwww.mountaintownsingers.org

Musical Director - Jessica Thompson

Index Sing! For the Health of it……..................Page 7

Harmony Explosion Camp ……………………….Page 8

Music Therapy……………….......................Page 10

You Can Sing Too!...............................Page 12

Chapter Annual Report………..................Page 13

Singing Starts in Infancy ……………………...Page 18

“Music has blessed me in many

ways, most of all, with special

friends”. Jessica Thompson makes

new friends readily with her big

smile and friendly demeanor.

Music has always been a part of

her life.

Jessica became the third Musical

Director of the MountainTown

Singers in February of 2016. Her

background includes a broad base of

musical experience beginning well before high school

where she was her marching band’s drum major.

She was an active singer during that time and has

been since.

Like many others in our barbershop world, Jessica

worked her way up from simple leadership roles like

“Co-section Leader” and “Assistant Director” to

become the Musical Director of the Capital City

Chordsmen in Lansing where she led the group to a

district championship. She has been active in the

Sweet Adelines International since 1997 as a

performer and leader. Additionally, she sang tenor

in an accomplished mixed quartet, Sidekicks.

Jessica brings a different mindset to the Mountain-

Town Singers. Her specialty is the Performance

component of barbershop music. She is developing

a “storytelling” performance attitude among the

members and providing the guys a great weekly

rehearsal experience.

Thompson lives in Napolean, MI with her two dogs,

Sparty and Pepper. She has two adult children and

works for Consumers Energy in Jackson, MI.

"The purpose of The MountainTown Singers is to bring joy

to others through our performances by having a positive

influence on their physical, emotional, and social health."

3

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4

2016 Chapter Leadership President - Joe McDonald

Immediate Past President - Steven Marks

Secretary - Jim McMahan

Treasurer - Dave Rayburn

VP Membership - Dick Metz

VP Youth in Harmony - Jeff Rayburn

VP Music & Performance - Dale Hanson

VP Marketing & PR - Jim Whitten

Board Members at Large

Kevin Chamberlain *

Dean Deliyanides

Tom Ennis

Sherry Knight *

Freddie Phillips

(* denotes community board members)

Musical Director - Jessica Thompson

Asst. Directors - Jeff Rayburn & Jim Whitten

Chorus Director Emeritus - Dr. David Gillingham

Chorus Manager - Barry George

Webmaster - Tom Ennis

Overtones Publisher - Joe McDonald

For information regarding advertising

placement or patron sponsorship,

contact the Publisher,

Joe McDonald

joemcdonald510@gmail.com

Cell phone 989-560-6181

5

Our Mt. Pleasant

chapter is one of a few chapters in the

nearly 800 chapter Barbershop Harmony Society that has

been granted special permission to add “Community-at-Large” members to our

Board of Directors. Our two Community Directors will enjoy the same voting rights and voice as our

other “membered” Directors. We wish Sherry Knight and Kevin Chamberlain a great experience with us in

2016 and look forward to what they will add to our organization.

is an associate vice president

of university communications

at Central Michigan University.

With a team of 17, Knight

directs CMU’s marketing,

public relations and internal

and external communications

efforts. She is responsible

for advancing CMU’s brand

and identity and oversees

communications with audiences

such as prospective students,

the campus community,

alumni and donors.

Prior to joining CMU in 2012, Knight owned an executive

communications firm based in Saline, MI. Her back-

ground includes roles in corporate PR and journalism.

Sherry and her husband Jim, Director of Marketing

for the CMU College of Medicine, reside in Mt. Pleasant

with their daughter Lauren.

grew up a performer. From his first per-formance in 2nd grade he knew he was hooked. All through school he performed in choirs, quartets, in compe-titions and talent shows.

At the age of 28 he was elected Tribal Chief by the members of his tribe, the Saginaw Chippewa, and served for 2 1/2 years. Kevin followed his dream after that while working for three years in Nashville as part of a vocal trio/band under development with Warner/Chappell Publishing .

He is currently the exclusive vendor for the Soaring Eagle Resort with his on-site audio-video service, Sweetgrass Productions. He is also very active as a solo performer and front man in venues around Central Michigan.

Kevin and his wife Candy are long-time residents of Mt. Pleasant. They have two grown daughters and a young grandson.

Kevin Chamberlain

Sherry Knight

Pioneering a New Leadership Model

6

“Singing exercises the vocal cords and keeps them

youthful, even in old age. The less age-battered

your voice sounds, the more you will feel, and seem,

younger.” Graham Welch, director for advanced

music education at London’s Roehampton Institute

says that when you break into song, your chest ex-

pands and your back and shoulders straighten, thus

improving your posture. Singing lifts moods and

clears the “blues” by taking your mind off the

stresses of the day, as well as releasing pain-reliev-

ing endorphins. As you sing along, the professor

adds, your circulation is improved, which in turn

oxygenates the cells and boosts the body’s immune

system to ward off minor infections.

And “it provides some aerobic exercise for the elderly

or disabled,” Welch says. A recent German study has

shown that active amateur group singing can lead to

significant increases in the production of a protein

considered as the first line of defense against respira-

tory infections, and also leads to positive emotional

changes. “Given that every human being is, in

principle, capable of developing sufficient vocal skills

to participate in a chorale for a lifetime, active group

singing may be a risk-free, economic, easily acces-

sible, and yet powerful road to enhanced physiological

and psychological well-being.”

Singing daily for at least ten minutes reduces stress, clears sinuses,

improves posture and can even help you live longer.

Reprinted with permission

from the Barbershop Harmony

Society Website.

www.barbershop.org

7

The MountainTown Singers organize and operate annual vocal music events for

young singers, both male and female. A three day summer camp is offered in July

along with a single day workshop during the school year. Both events offer

students, ages 13-25, opportunities to learn proper vocal technique, experience a

cappella music in the barbershop style, make new friends, and

perform on stage. These students tell us that “This camp

changed my life”. We are certain this is true...and we feel that

their enthusiasm has changed our lives.

Camps and workshops are underwritten in part by Harmony Foundation International

at the national level and by the Pioneer District at the regional level. Our events would

not be the high caliber experience that they are without their support.

2012 2011 2013

8

Corner of Pickard

& Lincoln,

Mt Pleasant

“I love the camp so much! It feels

like I have family here and I barely

know these people.” Emily M.

“Literally, the only thing

wrong with this camp is,

it ends” Micah W. “This camp introduced me to the world of

barbershop, and I love it. The people

involved are incredible” Jenny K.

2014 2015

Office (989) 773-1311 Fax (989) 772-7859

9

The Etude music magazine, founded by Theodore

Presser, was one of a number of popular music

magazines published in the years prior to the

establishment of the music therapy profession in

1950. During its publication run from 1883 to

1957, over 100 music therapy related articles

appeared, including 13 on the health benefits of

singing published between 1891 and 1949.

Written by authors with diverse backgrounds,

such as the famous Battle Creek, Michigan

physician John Harvey Kellogg and Boston

music critic Louis C. Elson, the articles contained

consistent and adamant support regarding the

health benefits of singing. The advantages

described were both physical and psychological,

and were recommended prophylactically for well

persons and therapeutically for ill persons.

Although the articles varied in perspective, from

philosophical to theoretical to pedagogical, there is

a consistent holistic medicine theme that appeared

almost ahead of its time and no doubt linked to

the push for vocal music education in that era.

The importance of The Etude in promulgating

ideas that helped shape the early practice of music

therapy should not be underestimated. For much

of its publication run The Etude was the largest

music periodical in print, reaching its peak circula-

tion of 250,000 copies per month in 1924.

Journal of Music Therapy: Vol. 36, No. 2,

pp. 125–143. Singing as a Therapeutic

Agent, in The Etude, 1891—1949

Reprinted with permission from the Barbershop

Harmony Society Website. www.barbershop.org

10

Barbershoppers have Barbershoppers have

always been more than just hobbyists. From the always been more than just hobbyists. From the

earliest days, our Code of Ethics has declared “The earliest days, our Code of Ethics has declared “The

Society aspires toSociety aspires to preserve for its members and for preserve for its members and for

all future generationsall future generations of prospective members the of prospective members the

sacred right of men tosacred right of men to seek haven from the burden seek haven from the burden

of their daily caresof their daily cares through indulgence in oldthrough indulgence in old--

fashioned vocal quartet harmony.” fashioned vocal quartet harmony.”

Marty Monson, CEO

Barbershop Harmony Society

“We do this for the joy “We do this for the joy that comes that comes

from singing. from singing.

For the joy For the joy that comes from genuine that comes from genuine

friendships. friendships.

For the joy For the joy that comes from that comes from

joining together.joining together.

For the joy For the joy that comes from making a that comes from making a

difference in people’s lives. ”difference in people’s lives. ”

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The chapter is continually seeking

men with an interest in singing and

encourages them to visit our meetings

and events. We meet most Wednesday

evenings in the CMU school of Music

beginning at 6:30pm.

All Are Welcome!

Chorus members do not need to read music to

participate in and enjoy success in the group. The

chapter utilizes some modern tools and practices

that allow everyone to learn music effectively

between rehearsals. Most members are able to

memorize new songs introduced to the chorus in a

few weeks time.

Musical leadership is the key. MTS is blessed to

have a core group of members with musical

training that are always willing to contribute and

teach. Learning how to sing properly and comfort-

ably is part of our culture. The director and

assistant directors are regularly in front of the

group, but several others help behind the scenes.

Additionally, the group employs coaches and

clinicians on a regular basis to help improve the

chorus.

You can sing and enjoy the fellowship and commu-

nity service of this fine group too. Many current

members will tell you that they weren’t sure they

would fit in when they first decided to visit the

chapter on a Wednesday night. They were simply

curious. Some become involved, others don’t, but

they all agree that MTS is a great bunch of

welcoming gentlemen.

In January of 2013 a hesitant Dennis

Williams accepted an invitation from

one of our members. He had only

recently sung in a Christmas chorus

for the first time and he just liked to

sing around the house.

Here is what he has to say about

being a MountainTown Singer. “This

great group of gentleman has been

fun to be with every week and the

opportunity to add my voice in song

is pure joy”. I cannot read music,

but the learning tracks on MP3 teach me all I need to

know. I learn the rest at practice. “At age 60 I have

finally found a way to express myself musically.”

When asked, Jeff Rayburn will tell

you that he joined the Barbershop

Harmony Society at age 6. He

recently received his membership

renewal from the Society listing 40

years of service. Actually Jeff joined

at age 16 and has never looked

back. He is one of the founding

members of the MountainTown Sing-

ers. “Not only does music enrich my

life in ways words can’t describe, but

the camaraderie and friendships I

have made over the last 40 years has been immeasura-

ble to my well-being!" said Rayburn. "These guys

have become my second family, my brothers in

song"!

Jim Dunn was one of the first

students to attend our summer

camp. His experience at camp and

his interest in science brought him to

CMU where he has pursued his un-

dergrad degree in biochemistry. He

was recognized as a McNair Scholar

at CMU and will pursue his masters

degree at Ohio State in the fall.

“I came to CMU hoping to find a

group that would let me keep singing

in my life even though I wasn't a music major” said

Dunn. “MTS gave me just that and so much more than I

could have ever imagined. Being a part of this chorus

has given me support and confidence that has bled

through to every part of my life.”

“MTS has given me a family of brothers that I will

remember wherever I go in life. “

You Can Sing Too! The MountainTown Singers use

technology and talent to help every

singer improve and succeed.

12

$14,639 37%

$5,538, 14%

$5,304 13%

$4,840 12%

$3,614 9%

$3,4218%

$784 2%

$1,904 5%

Chapter Expenses

Youth Camp $ 14,639

Outreach & PR $ 5,538

Member Training $ 5,304

Raffle Prizes $ 4,840

Performance $ 3,614

Staff $ 3,421

Operations $ 784

Social Fund $ 1,904

Total Expense $ 40,044

$15,068 39%

$9,350 24%

$5,655 15%

$4,069 11%

$1,450 4%

$680 2%

$1,837 5%

Chapter Income

Youth Camp $ 15,068

Raffle Sales $ 9,350

Overtones Ad Sales $ 5,655

Donations/Grants $ 4,069

Paid Performances $ 1,450

Member Dues $ 680

Social Fund $ 1,837

Total Income $ 38,108

Beginning Fund Balance $ 5,033

Fund Reserve - HX Scholarship $ 862

Revenue Over (Under) Expenses $ (1,933)

Year End Fund Balance $ 3,962

Financial Snapshot 2015 began with an unusual but intriguing project for the chapter.

The performance team led by the Musical Director provided mentoring and coaching for the performers in the 10th annual Morey Foundation Talent Show. 16 area high school singers benefited from one-on-one and group coaching. They put on the most memorable show in the 10 year history of the contest according the show sponsor. New relation-ships were made with area choral programs and choral directors.

In April the chorus won its fourth consecutive Pioneer District Chorus Contest Championship in Battle Creek. Then in May , the first ever “Community Sing Night” was prepared and hosted at a local community center. It featured one of the chapter’s community board members, Kevin Chamberlain, as the song leader.

July featured the 5th annual MountainTown Harmony Explosion Camp at Central Michigan University. 55 young singers experienced three days of vocal training, focused rehearsals and social interactions. Top clinicians Joe Cerutti and Erin Cook were assisted by teaching quartet Double Date, the 2014 World Mixed Quartet Champions. The camp concluded with a spectacular show of barbershop in the Staples Family Concert Hall.

The chapter celebrated its 10th birthday in August with an old fashioned shrimp boil, a spectacular birthday cake and a bunch of singing with friends and family in attendance. There were also paid performances during the summer including an outdoor summer concert series appearance. Another unique opportunity for the chorus occurred in September when the chorus performed live for an on-air fundraiser on an area radio station.

A temporary setback occurred in September when the chapter’s talented young musical director, Evan Boegehold moved out-of-state for an outstanding job opportunity. The chapter rallied under the circumstance to prepare for the upcoming contest. Ben Harding became the interim director even though he lives 6 hours away. Jeff Rayburn and Jim Whitten assisted Harding to prepare the chorus for the upcoming contest. The chorus matched its highest ever district contest score at the Kalamazoo Radisson Ballroom in late October.

November and December featured a number of appearances utilizing the chorus’ holiday music repertoire.

The chorus performed a number of times for assisted living centers around the area throughout the year and made appearances at the

local senior community center at Mother’s Day and for the 4th annual chapter sponsored free summer concert provided for the senior residents of the county.

2015 Fund Balance

2015 ANNUAL REPORT

13

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John Lennon, Professor Of Vocal Performance,

Emeritus Emporia State University, says, “I

contend that singing is an inborn response in

those moments of absolute emotional tranquility.

Babies sing to themselves. The fact that we

recognize no identifiable melodic sequence does

not mean that it is not singing. Such spontane-

ous oral response has sustained emission,

rhythm, pitch variation and emotional expres-

sion. Like the infant, we sing because we feel

good and singing makes us feel even better.

When we sing to ourselves we are, in effect,

communicating with the inner-self … it may well

be counterproductive to one’s well being not to

sing.“ Preschool and kindergarten teachers have

known for a long time that children learn best

through songs. They remember the material

easier and it is easier to keep them engaged in

the activity. It could be as simple as someone

who told us that it was something we shouldn’t

do because it wasn’t pleasant to listen to or the

self-talk that says it doesn’t sound good enough,

so don’t do it. Lennon asks, “Is the logic that if

one ‘sounds better’ one ‘enjoys‘ it more? Do we

sing primarily to sound better? It is a coveted

fringe benefit, but hardly the primary reason why

we sing.”

Singing Starts

in Infancy

Reprinted with permission from the Barbershop

Harmony Society Website. www.barbershop.org

18

19

Visit: www.mountaintownsingers.org Contact our Chorus Manager - Barry George

Email: bgeorge@tm.net

Phone: (989) 832-3276

The Barbershop Harmony Society has many great resources available to assist music educators in

teaching barbershop harmony in the classroom! From warm-ups, to tags (codas), to entire songs

which you may photocopy and distribute to your students for FREE! An educator will find every-

thing they need to teach a uniquely American art-form to students in middle school, high school,

and even college!

Visit: www.barbershop.org

Visit: www.mountaintownsingers.org Contact our Camp Administrator - Joe McDonald

Email: joemcdonald510@gmail.com

Phone: (989) 560-6181

4

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increases poise, self-esteem &

presentation skills.

strengthens concentration & memory.

develops the lungs & promotes superior

posture.

broadens expressive communication.

adds a rich, more pleasant quality to speech.

animates the body, mind & spirit.

is an ageless enjoyment – you are never too young or too old.

“Singing fortifies health,

widens culture,

refines the intelligence,

enriches the imagination,

makes for happiness

and endows life with an

added zest.”

Life-Affirming Benefits of Singing

– Vocalizing Promotes Well Being

By Patty Mills

This life-changing information

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