We're 300 and Holding barbershop quartet (left to right) Bill Sabina (Baritone,) Don Tautkus (Bass,) Tom Doeller (Lead,) John McDougald (Tenor) was taken this past Valentine's Day. We sold 43 singing Valentines to raise money for the chapter. We are non-profit. Funds buy music and pay other expenses.

Barbershop chorus performs in Sedona on October 19

by Robert Butterworth

Sedona, AZ - August 21, 2008 - William Congreve (1670-1729) British poet and playwright said: “Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rock or bend a knotted oak.”

And so it is with Harmony on the Rocks, a local barbershop chorus that is presenting their fifth annual show Sunday, October 19, 2008, 2:00PM at the Church of the Red Rocks, 54 Bowstring Drive.

Headlining the show is the nationally ranked quartet, “STARDUST” from Las Vegas plus the lively harmony of a quartet of lovely ladies calling themselves “ROADTRIP.” Also from Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, the exciting "N' HARMONY X" quartet.

The chorus and a quartet or two have put together a great lineup of old standards and show tunes, and one or two “Oh Yeah” tunes, tunes that during the intro you wonder what they are and then comes the refrain and a big “Oh Yeah.”

Tickets will be available at the church or from chorus members and various locations about Sedona. Adults are $15.00, Discounts available for students.

The chorus is the local chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, a uniquely American organization. The “society for the preservation and encouragement of barbershop quartet singing in America” or SPEBSQSA as it was originally known was founded April 11, 1938 by Owen Clifton Cash and Rupert I. Hall in the roof garden of the Tulsa Club atop the Alvin Hotel in Tulsa Oklahoma.

The society’s purpose is to preserve and perpetuate the old and original American institution of the barbershop quartet and to encourage fine vocal harmony and good fellowship among its members.  Initially formed via local chapters, the society expanded to districts until its popularity grew to astronomical proportions, spreading throughout the world.

The Sedona chapter was founded and chartered September 11, 2001 through the dedicated efforts of Mr. Don Tautkus. Boasting some 25 members, currently under the able direction of Mr. Charles "Charlie" Lyman, it has represented Sedona very well in two district competitions in recent times.

Charlie is a former member of the internationally renown “Vocal Majority” chorus of Dallas Texas, holder of seven international championships. The chorus has produced some 15 CD’s performed for two U.S. presidents and made two appearances in the Mormon Tabernacle. Charlie has also taken part in productions of “The Music Man," "HMS Pinafore," and "Godspell."

Harmony on the Rocks, Sedona's local chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society will be performing at the Church of the Red Rocks at 54 Bowstring Drive on October 19, 2008 at 2pm.  Adults: $15.  Discounts available for students.

Charlie’s good right arm is assistant director Mr. John McDougald. John is celebrating 52 years active membership in the Barbershop Society. He has also been active in seven chapters, practicing barbershop harmony in Ohio, Illinois and Arizona, directing five choruses. John’s credits include many chorus and quartet competitions, not the least of which was the Illinois quartet “Diminished Capacity’s” entry in the 2000 Seniors competition in Tucson. He insists he has forgotten just where they finished.

John’s musical accomplishments also include his role as Professor Harold Hill in “The Music Man" and Luther Billis in "South Pacific.” Now that’s a fine picture. John McDougald in a coconut shell halter top and grass skirt.

John likens his and Charlie’s roles with Harmony on the Rocks to that of carpenters; he puts up the framework, roughing it in and Charlie adds the finishing touches.

So, come on out and enjoy barbershop harmony at its best. By the way, if harmonizing is something of interest and you would like to get involved, come to rehearsals any Wednesday, 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Church of the Red Rocks and help us “Keep the Whole World Singing.”

It’s how I got started.

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