News

Chordsmen Prepare for August Riverside Concert

The Coulee Chordsmen perform two annual concerts each year.  The first, held in the spring, is their annual theme show, which provides income used to fund chapter and chorus activities.  The second, Harmony Under the Stars (HUTS), is held on the second Tuesday in August at Riverside Park.  The concert is free but the Chordsmen “pass the hat” to collect money for a local designated service organization.  In 2010, $938 was collected.

 Under the direction of Brian Berg, the Coulee Chordsmen Chorus will perform selections form their spring concert, patriotic and inspirational songs.  Chapter quartets—Special Export and Aces Wild will also sing selections from their repertoire. 

The 2010 Land O Lakes District Senior Quartet Champions, St Croix Crossing, will be the guest quartet.  Members of this quartet live in Eau Clair and Mondovi, WI and Minneapolis, MN.  They will perform songs that they will sing in the International Barbershop Society Quartet contest held in La Vegas in January 2011.

 The HUTS concert will begin at 7 pm in Riverside Park.  The rain site is located at the main shelter in Myrick Park.
Chordsmen Begin Search for Director

The La Crosse Coulee Chordsmen Chapter of The Barbershop Harmony Society is seeking to appoint a new director for the chorus. The director is responsible for providing the musical direction of the chapter chorus. Activities include directing the rehearsals, performances, chapter shows and competitions.

The director is expected to meet with the Music Vice President and the Music Team (once every 6-8 weeks) to participate in the planning process for chorus music events and activities. The director also participates in the planning of the weekly rehearsal schedule with the Music and Program Vice President. Several volunteer assistant directors work with the director to assist with performance activities.

The Chorus performs ten to twelve concerts a year in the region Performances are scheduled throughout the year based on the director and chorus members’ availability. The chorus also participates in a contest each March and October.

The chorus meets every Tuesday night of the year (excluding holidays) from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

For additional information and an application email the chapter at info@couleechordsmen.org or call 608-780-SING(7464)
John Staut Receives Anderson Award

John Staut Recognized for Distinguished Service Record

The annual presentation of the Robert Anderson Distinguished Service Award was made at the Coulee Chordsmen Afterglow, following their annual show on March 13, 2010. Brian Berg, chair of the selection committee, made the presentation of the 2010 award to John Staut.

John joined the chapter in 1970 and was assistant director from 1973-76. He transferred to Davenport, IA in 1976 and then moved to Waterloo, IA in 1979. He returned to La Crosse where he became active in several leadership roles. He has been a section leader for the leads, he has directed the chorus during the summer church service performances, and he has served on the chapter board, was recently the Music Vice President.

He sang lead in Vintage Plus Quartet for many years. John has been a mainstay in the lead section and a contributor to chorus programs and activities.

The award was established in memory of Bob Anderson who died 12 years ago. The award recognizes contributions related to leadership, consistency, and reliability of efforts to promote the chapter and Barbershop Music. John Staut always seeks to improve not only his singing but also works to assist others.
Youth Scholarships

Scholarships Available for Youth Music Camp

Youth CampThe La Crosse Coulee Chordsmen Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society has established a scholarship program for area high school boys who wish to attend the local camp. The $120 camp fee includes meals, housing, and music materials for each boys.

The camp begins on Thursday afternoon, June 17 and concludes with a Saturday night concert, June 19 in Cartwright Center on the UW-La Crosse campus.
Holthaus selected as Barbershopper of the Year (BOTY)

Arnie HolthausArnie Holthaus, a member of the chapter for nineteen years, was surprised when his name was announced at the Annual Meeting of the Chapter in December. For many years he has been one of the top leaders in show ticket and ad sales campaign.

He recently completed his term on the chapter board. He has served on the Annual Show Afterglow committee, and assisted with arrangements for the summer concert. Arnie has served as a substitute bass for quartets and sings bass in the chorus.