Schaumburg Township District Library
Audiovisual Department Newsletter -- November, 2005

 

 


Brotherhood of Harmony
Thursday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Audiovisual Department

In October 2003, a new a cappella men's chorus was formed in Schaumburg with 65 members, aged 15 to 75. Members meet for weekly rehearsals from all over Chicagoland. Some as far away as Rockford, Galena, southern Wisconsin and Indiana. The chorus is made up of men dedicated to singing fresh, new music at a championhip level while supporting the community and helping to spread the love of vocal music.
 
The chorus' first shows were during the holidays of 2004, followed by a sold-out spring show in 2005 featuring current international men's quartet champs Gotcha! and legendary quartet champs the Suntones.
  
In its first competition one year ago, the Brotherhood placed first. That propelled them into last fall's District competition for the state of Illinois where they placed second. Although their score was high enough to qualify for the Men's International Competition in Salt Lake City in July 2005, they decided instead to use this year to build their repertoire and membership. Their goal is to increase to more than 100 members. 
 
The Brotherhood of Harmony, under the direction of Dr. Greg Lyne, rehearses each Thursday from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. in Schaumburg at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 208 E. Schaumburg Road.  


Dr. Greg Lyne has been the director since the chorus was formed in 2003.  The chorus is motivated to strive for musical excellence. Dr. Lyne serves as director of Music Education and services for the Barbershop Harmony Society in Kenosha. In this capacity, he serves the music education programs of the 34,000 member Society, the world's largest all-male singing organization. Here he coordinates the music publishing program, youth outreach activities, contest and judging system, music recordings and the Old Song Library which houses over 750,000 pieces of popular early American sheet music.

Dr. Lyne came to the Society from Arizona University where he was Professor of Music and Director of choral Activities. He previously served in similar capacities at California State University - Long Beach, DePaul University, Eastern New Mexico University and the University of Washington. A published arranger and composer, Dr. Lyne is a member of a number of organizations, including the American Choral Directors Association and the Music Educators National Conference. He is listed in the International Who's Who in Classical Music and is the author/producter of a number of articles, workbooks and educational videotapes.

If you are interested in engaging the Brotherhood of Harmony for one of your functions, please contact Tom Toftey at (630) 668-9903 or visit their website at: http://www.brotherhoodofharmony.org     
McNamara & Neeley

McNamara & Neeley
Monday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.
Audiovisual Department

 
Chris McNamara and Rick Neeley have their music roots in the '60s folk revival in and around the Chicago area.  An accomplished singer, Chris has been trained in classical voice and has experience singing classical, gospel, folk,and Celtic music. Rick Neeley performs on 12-string guitar and 5-string banjo and seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary folk music with a vast repertoire of songs gathered across a forty year relationship with folk music.

Apart from lead man Rick Neeley, and Chris McNamara on guitar, we will hear John Cavalier on lead guitar, Henrietta Neeley on viola and acoustic bass-player Chris Rice.

A tremendous musical knowledge and impeccable playing characterizes Rick Neeley's talent.  Selections might range from contemporary songs and originals to traditional folk songs. In concert, these songs are interwoven with stories, anecdotes and commentary, which affords Rick an opportunity to express his appealing humorous side.  At one time, Rick was involved with the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, performing in ensemble and as a member of the teaching staff.  Rick has appeared on Chicago radio and television with appearances on the Midnight Special and Music in Chicago.

Chris McNamara will delight the audience with her warm and genuine voice as she performs Celtic, folk and original pieces that leave you feeling good.

Henrietta Neeley, violist, has been performing and teaching in the Chicago area since 1972.  Ms. Neeley is Coordinator of the Music Academy at William Rainey Harper College, where she teaches violin and viola as well as coaches chamber music ensembles.
She is a former member of the New Orleans Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, City Opera Orchestra of Angsburg, Germany and the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra in Chicago. Ms. Neeley is currently a member of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.

Classically trained guitarist John Cavalier is the second guitar player. His finger style playing helps to create the intricate arrangements for which McNamara and Neeley are known.  Chris Rice, bassist, was added to complete the ensemble.

If you are interested in engaging McNamara & Neeley for one of your functions, please contact Rick Neeley at (847) 770-0329 or e-mail him at rick@RicketyMusic.com. For additional information and booking, go to Rick's website at:
 
Chris McNamara can be reached through her website. For additional information and booking, go to:  www.chrismcnamara.org or call her at (815) 878-2693.


Midwest Ballroom with John Russell Ghrist 90.9fm WDCB Public Radio 

WDCB is a non-commercial, public radio station broadcasting continuously to northeastern Illinois. The station is known for its diverse music programming: lots of jazz, folk, reggae, world, classical and my favorite, "Midwest Ballroom," hosted by John Russell Ghrist, which is in its fifth year. It is heard Saturdays at 5 p.m. over 90.9fm WDCB in digital HD and features Chicago area big bands and musicians. The station is owned by the College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL and can be heard throughout Chicago and the suburbs, as well as on the Internet by going to www.WDCB.org.  Listeners may contact John Russell Ghrist at P.O. Box 1073 Dundee, IL 60118, ore via e-mail at midwestballroom@yahoo.com.   The show recently observed its 5th anniversary. Additional information on upcoming music events and dances can be found at www.yorkvillebigband.com.  In addition to "Midwest Ballroom," be sure to tune into "Swing Shift" at 11 a.m. with Bruce Oscar and "Those Were the Days," the station's old time radio show with Chuck Schaden from 1 - 5 p.m.

Midwest Ballroom Programs for November

      Nov. 5 - Brotherhood of Harmony Barbershop Chorus directed by Dr. Greg Lyne.  The program will feature a performance by this 65-member group as well as an interview with its president, Paul Knopp.  The chorus will present a free concert at the Schaumburg Township District Libraryon Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m.  Selections by area big bands will also be presented on the show.

      Nov. 12 - Keath Barrie, a Canadian born baritone, is featured in songs and memories of his life.  He passed away in 2004, but his music lives on through his many recordings. He wrote most of his own music, which reminds people of the "good old days."  Barrie's rich voice is often compared to Perry Como or Roger Whittaker. The program will also include interviews with the Reveliers Speak Easy band recorded this past summer at Taste of Roselle and music by other local orchestras.

     Nov. 19 - All Aboard for Railroad Songs! Matt Puralewski of the "Pullman Conductors Jazz," co-hosts an hour of train songs and railroad history featuring his group and other area bands.

    Nov. 26 - Vito Buffalo Orchestra is featured on a special segment of "summer sounds," recalling the great performances of his band and others at outdoor events in 2005. Vito Buffalo has recorded several fine CD's and appeared at the Schaumburg Township District Library Concert Series this past summer.  Other bands will be included on the show, along with interviews and music by area contemporary vocalist Rex.

Musically Yours,

Barbara R. Marik

Thank you for subscribing to Musically Yours. Your email address will be used only to send you messages from the Audiovisual Department of the Schaumburg Township District Library. Email addresses will not be sold or provided to anyone else. If you have news or questions you want to share with other Musically Yours subscribers, just drop me a line at bmarik@stdl.org. I welcome all comments. If you decide to be removed from the list of eletter recipients, please reply to me and I will take your name off the list.

Audiovisual Information Coordinator/Music Programmer • Schaumburg Township District Library
130 South Roselle Road • Schaumburg, IL 60193 • (847) 923-3186