PIO Plays Wildcard

Finals

(click image for album)

SEP of Central Texas Corridor, Federal Way, Frank Thorne, and Greater Toronto for Southwestern District with tenor Scott McCarthy, lead Allen Gasper, bari Bobby Gray, and bass Tom Wilkie scored 1952 qualifying as a SWD International Quartet Representative.  They ventured from the standard barbershop repertoire afterwards and sang a very moving ballad from Les Miserables.  In 2007 due to a member change they changed their name from Saturday Evening Post to SEP.  Website SEPquartet.com

There was only one entry this year for the 2008 Pioneer District Seniors Quartet Champion which was won by Resisting-A-Rest of Grosse Pointe, Hillsdale, Lansing, Mt. Pleasant, and Pontiac.  But this was no mere rubber stamp performance for this 1 year young quartet as they showed off the talent that also won them Silver in this past International Senior Quartet competition at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Midwinter Convention in San Antonio.  Tenor Bruce LaMarte, lead TC Connor, bari Steve Warnaar, and bass Phil Haines had scored 862 points which was as high as the prelim scores of the top Pioneer quartets competing for International Rep. 

There were two collegiate quartets both with members from Central Michigan University, home of Mount Pleasant Mountain Town Singers directed by CMU professor David Gillingham.  It was inspiring to see youth of such great talent carrying on the barbershop tradition.  Harmony 101 of Central Michigan University and Saginaw Valley State University with tenor Nathan Masterson, lead Garrett Gillingham, Bari Kevin Dunckel, and bass Mark Spring scored 721 and were named 2008 Pioneer District Collegiate Quartet Champion and qualify for the Bank of America Collegiate Contest in July 2008.  9th Chord Plateau of Central Michigan University put in a strong performance for 616 points. 

Performing for Friday April 25th preliminaries were 11 competing District quartets, plus the mic test quartet Weekend Agenda, and the three out-of-District quartets.  Semi-Finalists included Singing With Dad, Full Throttle, and Barbershop Style. 

Society Representative was Judd Orff.  Speakers included the Battle Creek Host Chapter Chairman Jeff Woodworth who introduced Battle Creek Mayor Mark Behnke.  Also up to the podium was District Housing and Raffle Administrator, and Past District President Roger Lewis, District Judges Services Administrator Al Fisk, and Judge Administrator David Kannberg.

Prelims
(click image for album)

After another long Winter the weather warmed up just in time for the 2008 Pioneer District Spring Convention in Battle Creek Michigan.  Hosted by the Battle Creek Barbershop Chapter the convention took place April 25th-27th in the McCamly Plaza Hotel while the quartet and chorus competitions themselves were at the newly renovated W.K. Kellogg Auditorium.  It was a beautiful 10 minute walk from the hotel to the auditorium along parks, blossoming trees, charming buildings, and an idyllic view crossing the Battle Creek River bridges.
 
Temperatures on the 25th reached a record high for this time of year of 81°F / 27°C but it wasn't just the weather that was hot.  It's here, in their bright red two piece suits, black turtlenecks, and saddle shoes that 2004 District Quartet Champs Wildcard had their day and won as the 2008 Pioneer District International Quartet Representatives with 1735 points.  Grand Rapids Chapter members tenor Peter Westers, lead Dave Miller, bass James Masalskis, and bari Curt Struyk performed a favorite rendition of Time After Time with smooth intensity and the fun upbeat You Make Me Feel So Young with a little dance debut by the 'senior' baritone.  For more information on the quartet see print Troubadour 2006 May article, QCA Profile: Wildcard, 2004 Champs Share Stories page 8.  Website Wildcard4.com 

Pioneer had the honor of hosting three Out-of-District quartets that competed for scores to be applied to their own Districts.  There was a real taste of Internationals this weekend as all three out-of-District quartets also qualified to go to Nashville.  Another bonus for the PioD was two of the quartets have members with roots in Pioneer. 

Metropolis of Santa Fe Springs for Far Western District with tenor James Sabina, lead Robert Hartley, bari Kelly Shepard, and bass Brian Philbin scored 2053 qualifying as a FWD International Quartet Representative.  A great comedy quartet, we won't soon forget that hysterical hypnosis routine.  Both Robert and Brian are from Pioneer quartet Ivy League fame.  They also treated us to an Ivy League classic, The Lion Sleeps Tonight.  Website harmonize.com/Metropolis

Crossroads of Frank Thorne, Macomb County, Cleveland, and St. Charles for Central States District with tenor Fred Farrell, lead Michael Slamka, bari Brandon Guyton, and bass Jim Henry scored 2045 qualifying as a CSD International Quartet Representative.  Although a brand new quartet each member is an International Gold Medalist and have a powerful blend of voices.  Michael is from Pioneer's much beloved and newly retired quartet Power Play.  Website crossroadsquartet.com