Thursday, July 31, 2008

ABC'S of singing


C = Communicate the music's message. During performance it is very important to communicate the message of the song. If you make a "mistake" don't point it out to your audience. It is most likely they did not even notice.

By vocal coach Yvonne DeBandi

Wisdom of the day


I just need enough to tide me over until I need more.

- Bill Hoest

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Katie's new toy

Retired

Today's funny


And God Created Dog and Cat

A newly discovered chapter in the Book of Genesis has provided the answer to 'Where do pets come from?'

Adam said, 'Lord, when I was in the garden, you walked with me every day. Now I do not see you any more. I am lonesome here and it is difficult for me to remember how much you love me.' And God said 'No problem. I will create a companion for you that will be with you forever and who will be a reflection of my love for you so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourself.'

And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam. And it was a good animal. And God was pleased. And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and it wagged its tail.

And Adam said, 'Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal.'

And God said, 'No problem. Because I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him Dog.'

And Dog lived with Adam and was a companion to him and loved him. And Adam was comforted. And God was pleased. And Dog was content and wagged his tail.

After a while, it came to pass that Adam's guardian angel came to the Lord and said, 'Lord, Adam has become filled with pride. He struts and preens like a peacock and he believes he is worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught him that he is loved, but perhaps too well.'

And the Lord said, 'No problem. I will create for him a companion who will be with him forever and who will see him as he is. The companion will remind him of his limitations, so he will know that he is not always worthy of adoration.'

And God created Cat to be a companion to Adam. And Cat would not obey Adam. And when Adam gazed into Cat's eyes, he was reminded that he was not the Supreme Being. And Adam learned humility.

And God was pleased. And Adam was greatly improved. And Dog was happy.

And Cat didn't care one way or the other.

The chorus did a great job last night at the Laona Playground. (Now I know where it is!)
Good turnout, good sound, crowd really loved it.
Thank you all.

Next concert: Saturday, 9/20/08 at The Silver Creek Grape Festival.
1:30 pm report...2:00 pm start near the gazebo in the middle of the village
We would like to plan a chorus picnic before the end of the summer.
We have the ability to use a park in Sheridan.
Please get back to me with suggestions (and offers of help!)

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

ABC's of singing


B = Breathing properly for singing requires the shoulders to remain down and relaxed, not rise with the breath intake. A singer will gain power to their voice by strengthening the muscles in their ribcage and back.

By Vocal Coach Yvonne DeBandi

Monday, July 28, 2008

Bud's World


July 27, 2008

Four Worms and a Lesson
A minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to her Sunday sermon. Four worms were placed into four separate jars. The first worm was put into a container of alcohol. The second worm was put into a container of cigarette smoke. The third worm was put into a container of chocolate syrup. The fourth worm was put into a container of good clean soil. At the conclusion of the sermon, the Minister reported the following results:
The first worm in alcohol - Dead. The second worm in cigarette smoke – Dead. Third worm in chocolate syrup – Dead. Fourth worm in good clean soil - Alive
So the Minister asked the congregation: “What can you learn from this demonstration?”
Maxine was sitting in the back, quickly raised her hand and said, 'As long as you drink, smoke and eat chocolate, you won't have worms!'
That pretty much ended the service.

I was just wondering…
Why do we pay tolls on a freeway?
Have you read the new book ‘The Insomniac’ by Eliza Wake?
If the TV weatherman refers to Toronto as ‘T.O.’ shouldn’t Buffalo be referred to as ‘B.O.?’

From the Choir Loft
I’m tired! The chorus is tired! We have performed at the Willowfest fireworks, Heritage Village Nursing Home, St. Columban’s on the Lake Home, Sheridan United Methodist Church, Lake Shore Nursing facility, Cattaraugus Christian Camp, and The Gowanda Nursing Home. No wonder it seems like we’ve be singing continuously since the Christmas cantata. The one thing keeping us going has been the overwhelming response from the audiences. I wish I could share all the wonderful cards and letters that have come in. Music a powerful ministry.

Wit or Wisdom?
“God takes us into deep waters, not to drown us but to cleanse us.”
~ Unknown
“Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river.”
~ Nikita Khrushchev
“A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life.”
~ William A. Ward

Today in History July 27
1996 – A bomb exploded at the Atlanta Olympic Park killing 1 & injuring 110
1990 – Zsa Zsa Gabor began a 3-day jail sentence for slapping a policeman
1974 – The Congressional Judicial Committee voted to impeach President Richard Nixon
1941 – The highest temperature ever recorded in Cleveland, Ohio (103 degrees)
1919 – Race riots in Chicago caused the deaths of 15 “whites” & 27 “blacks” with 500 injured

Church office: (716) 672-2048, Bud: (716) 934-7734, email: tubamanbud@gmail.com
For choir / chorus or church music updates:
www.frombudsworld.blogspot.com

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Sheridan Community Chorus


Sheridan Community Chorus schedule:

Tuesday, 7/29/08
6:30 pm (report) 7:00 pm (start)Laona 200th anniversary celebration @ Laona playground. On route 60 south of route 20 (just south of the Laona Transfer Station sign)

Saturday, 9/20/08
1:30 pm (report) 2:00 (start) Silver Creek's "Grape Festival" in the Village Park near the gazebo & in front of the big white church (1st United Church).

There are no chorus rehearsals scheduled until further notice (not even if you beg me!)

Upcoming plans:
Christmas (2008) concerts (Hold me back!)
We would like to form a Sheridan Community Chorus board (President, etc. for planning, advertising, fund-raising, etc.)
Would like to buy a sound system for the chorus.

Friday, July 25, 2008

ABC'S of singing


A = Airflow. Never hold your breath while singing. The airflow is what creates and carries your vocal tone, so keep it flowing. Avoid Clavicular Breathing and Belly Breathing -- instead, learn the proper way to breathe for singing, called diaphragmatic breathing. Fill the lower portion of your lungs as if you had an inner tube around your waist that you were evenly filling.

By Vocal Coach Yvonne DeBandi

Today's funny


There is no reciprocity. Men love women, women love children, children love hamsters.

~ Alice Thomas Ellis

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Today's funny


Burglar and an Elderly Woman

An elderly woman had just returned to her home from an evening of church services when she was startled by an intruder. She caught the man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables and yelled, "Stop! Acts 2:38!" (Repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven.)

The burglar stopped in his tracks. The woman calmly called the police and explained what she had done.

As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar, "Why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture to you."

"Scripture?" replied the burglar. "I thought she said she had an ax and two 38's!"

mikey's funnies

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Wisdom of the day


My definition of an expert in any field is a person who knows enough about what's really going on to be scared.

~ PJ Plauger

Sheridan/Cattaraugus Chorus (7/22 concert)


Last night, the Sheridan & Cattaraugus Community Chorus sang the patriotic musical: 'Our Flag Was Still There' at The Gowanda Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. (If they sponsored a Little League baseball team, would the nursing home's name fit on their jerseys?)

The chorus did a great job...Julie Szumigala as narrator, Jeanette Morales & Mary Borrello as soloists, and Francine Kozlowski & Diane Zanghi as 'readers.' We borrowed the sound system from Pastor Molly & Dave Golando and as usual, it did a great job.

I was encouraged to see so many from the Cattaraugus chorus at the concert last night and everyone should be proud of the job they did in our very warm enviornment. I have learned that the nursing homes are always "toasty" whether it's July or February.

I especially appreciate the set-up and tear down crews. Everyone helped, including a group who met us in Sheridan following the trip home.

Wayne Hotelling is just as helpful as he tells me he is. He hauls our equipment before and after each concert. Thanks Wayne!

Today's funny


Forrest Gump in Heaven

Forrest Gump died and went to heaven. When he got to the Pearly Gates, Saint Peter told him that new rules were in effect due to the advances in education on earth.

In order to gain admittance, a prospective Heavenly Soul must answer three questions:

1. What are two days of the week that begin with "T"?
2. How many seconds are in a year?
3. What is God's first name?

Forrest thought for a few minutes and answered:

1. The two days of the week that begin with "T" are Today and Tomorrow.
2. There are 12 seconds in a year.
3. God has two first names, and they are Andy and Howard.

Saint Peter said, "Ok, I'll buy Today and Tomorrow, even though it's not the answer I expected. Technically, your answer is correct. But how did you get 12 seconds in a year and why do you think God's first name is either Andy or Howard?" Forrest responded, "Well, January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd, and so on."

"Ok then, I give," said Saint Peter. "But what about God's first name?"

Forrest said, "Well, from the song...Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me, Andy tells me I am his own...And then from the prayer...Our Father, who art in Heaven, Howard be thy name..."

Saint Peter let him in without another word.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Sheridan Community Chorus


The Sheridan Community Chorus will be singing at The Gowanda Nursing Home (100 Miller Street in Gowanda, NY) tonight (7/22) @ 7:00 pm (Report time is 6:30 pm).
Contact person @ Gowanda Nursing Home is Rick Kozlowski (716) 532-5700.
We will be singing in the cafeteria inside the home.

Directions to Gowanda Nursing Home from Sheridan United Methodist Church (Mapquest)

1: Start out going NORTHEAST on US-20/LAKE RD/E MAIN RD/ROUTE 20 toward CR-79/CENTER RD. 0.0 mi


2: Go past Center Rd. (blinking light) toward Fredonia 1.4 mi


3: Turn LEFT onto NY-39 E. 14.4 mi


4: Turn LEFT onto NY-39/MAIN ST. 1.5 mi


5: Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto S WATER ST/CR-4. Continue to follow CR-4. 0.6 mi


6: Turn RIGHT onto BROADWAY RD/CR-4. 0.1 mi


7: Turn LEFT onto MILLER ST. 0.1 mi


8: End at 100 Miller St Gowanda, NY 14070-1530


Estimated Time: 25 minutes Estimated Distance: 18.13 miles

Monday, July 21, 2008

Bud's World


Real warning labels for those without common sense:
On a 500-piece puzzle: “Some assembly required.”
On a Frisbee: “Warning: May contain small parts.”
On a toilet bowl cleaning brush: “Do not use orally.”
On a 13-inch wheel on a wheelbarrow: “Not intended for highway use.”
On a toilet at a public sports facility: “Recycled flush water unsafe for drinking.”
On a 6 inch inflatable picture frame: “Not to be used as a personal flotation device.”
On a birthday card for a 1 year old: “Not suitable for children aged 36 months or less.”

I was just wondering…
Shouldn't there be a shorter word for ‘monosyllabic?’
Why does belly button lint not match your shirt color?
If a man is standing in the middle of the forest speaking and there is no woman around to hear him...
is he still wrong?

From the Choir Loft
6 down, 3 to go! We have performed the patriotic musical: ‘Our Flag Was Still There’ at 6 different venues, and have 3 more performances to go! Whose idea was this anyway? I hope he’s learned his lesson!

Wit or Wisdom?
“Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.”~ Albert Schweitzer
“If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.”~ Yogi Berra
"True commitment begins when we reach the point of not knowing how we can possibly go on, and decide to do it anyway."
~ Anonymous
"Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you is determinism; the way you play it is free will."
~ Anonymous

Today in History July 20
1994 – O.J. Simpson offered a $500,000 reward for evidence of his ex-wife’s killer
1977 – A flash flood caused flooding in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, killing 350
1969 – “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” - Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon
1944 – German officers planted a bomb at a meeting with Adolf Hitler attempting to assassinate him
1917 – The draft lottery went into effect in the United States during WW I
1881 – Sioux leader, Sitting Bull surrendered to troops after the battle with Custer at Little Bighorn
1868 – The 1st use of tax stamps on cigarettes
1861 – The 1st major battle of the Civil War took place in Virginia

Church office: (716) 672-2048, Bud: (716) 934-7734, email: tubamanbud@gmail.com
For choir / chorus or church music updates:
www.frombudsworld.blogspot.com

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Today's government funny


Three young boys were fighting over whose dad was the fastest. The first boy brags: "My dad is so fast he can shoot an arrow, run after it, get in front of it, and catch it in his bare hands."

The second son responds: "My dad is so fast that he can shoot a gun, run after the bullet, get in front of it and catch it in his bare hands."

The third finally boasts: "I've got you both beat. My dad works for the city. He's so fast that he gets off work at 5:00 and is home by 4:30."

Friday, July 18, 2008

Today's Clergy funny


A clergyman was walking down the street when he came upon a group of about a dozen boys, all of them between 10 and 12 years of age.

The group surrounded a dog. Concerned lest the boys were hurting the dog, he went over and asked "What are you doing with that dog?"

One of the boys replied, "This dog is just an old neighborhood stray. We all want him, but only one of us can take him home. So we've decided that whichever one of us can tell the biggest lie will get to keep the dog."

Of course, the reverend was taken aback. "You boys shouldn't be having a contest telling lies!" he exclaimed. He then launched into a ten minute sermon against lying, beginning, "Don't you boys know it's a sin to lie," and ending with, "Why, when I was your age, I never told a lie."

There was dead silence for about a minute. Just as the reverend was beginning to think he'd gotten through to them, the smallest boy gave a deep sigh and said, "All right, give him the dog."

ps BAD JOKE DISCLAIMER: We recognize that religious humor can be risky. It is our hope that by laughing at ourselves (and others) we can make this subject more approachable. If you find this joke objectionable, we apologize. Any similarities to anyone living or deceased is purely coincidental. As with most jokes, the original author is unknown --

thanks mikey's funnies

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Sheridan Chorus schedule


The remaining performances of the Patriotic musical: 'Our Flag Was Still There' is as follows...

Tuesday, July 22 @ *7:00 pm @ Gowanda Nursing Center:
100 Miller Street Gowanda, NY 716.532-5700


Tuesday, July 29 @ *7:00 pm @ Laona Playground
Route 60 (south of the 'Transfer Station') Laona, NY

Saturday, September 20 @ *2:00 pm @ Silver Creek Grape Festival
Silver Creek Village Park near gazebo & big white church (1st United Church)

* These are start times. Please report 30 minutes earlier.

Today's Funny


An efficiency expert concluded his lecture with a note of caution. "You don't want to try these techniques at home."

"Why not?" asked somebody from the audience.

"I watched my wife's routine at breakfast for years," the expert explained.

"She made lots of trips between the refrigerator, stove, table and cabinets, often carrying a single item at a time. One day I told her, 'Hon, why don't you try carrying several things at once?'"

"Did it save time?" the guy in the audience asked.

"Actually, yes," replied the expert. "It used to take her 20 minutes to make breakfast. Now I do it in seven."

Monday, July 14, 2008

Bud's World


No Male Pallbearers
An elderly woman passed away. Having never married, she requested no male pallbearers. In her handwritten instructions for her memorial service, she wrote, “They wouldn't take me out while I was alive, I don't want them to take me out when I'm dead.”

I was just wondering…
Is there another word for synonym?
Can you be a closet claustrophobic?
Isn’t a letter carrier's career a mail-dominated profession?
Why does the Indiana driver's license include in its list of possible restrictions "B" for "Blind"?

From the Choir Loft
Our poor singers! We have never had a busier schedule! Our summer schedule includes 9 (yes, nine) performances of our patriotic musical (5 retirement facilities, Willowfest, a Christian camp, Sheridan United Methodist church, & The Grape Festival in Silver Creek). If you’d like to sing with us or help us in any way, please contact Bud @ (716) 934-7734 or tubamanbud@gmail.com or www.frombudsworld.blogspot.com

Wit or Wisdom?
“Most people play a fair game of golf - If you watch them.”
~ Joey Adams
“Bad habits are like a comfortable bed, easy to get into, but hard to get out of.”
~ Anonymous
"If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room."
~ Anita Roddick
“Typos are very important to all written form. It gives the reader something to look for so they aren't distracted by the total lack of content in your writing.”~ Randy K. Milholland

Today in History July 13
1994 – O.J. Simpson, charged with murder, provided hair samples
1978 – Lee Iacocca was fired as president of Ford Motor Co. by Henry Ford II
1977 – NYC experienced a 25 hour power blackout
1967 – Race riots broke out in Newark, NJ, 27 die
1966 – Richard Speck murdered 8 nurses in Chicago
1960 – J.F.K. was nominated for President at the Democratic convention
1943 – The largest tank battle between Russia and Germany (6,000 tanks destroyed, 2,900 casualties)
1939 – Frank Sinatra made his recording debut
1936 – Record high temperatures in the U.S. (112 degrees in Michigan, 114 degrees in Wisconsin)
1900 – Philadelphia Phillies beat Pittsburgh Pirates 23 – 8 (I’m still a Pirates fan!)
1865 – Horace Greely advised his readers: “Go West young man, Go West!”

Church office: (716) 672-2048, Bud: (716) 934-7734, email: tubamanbud@gmail.com
For choir / chorus or church music updates:
www.frombudsworld.blogspot.com

Last night's (7/13) concert


The combined Sheridan/Cattaraugus Community choruses performed our patriotic concert last night at The Cattaraugus Christian Camp. We had good attendance in both the chorus and audience.
The audience loved it. My barometer is always the "feeling" I get from the audience as we perform, and the quantity and passion of the individual audience members following the concert. Both were extraordinary.
If you are one of those involved in last night's concert...thank you from the very bottom of my heart. I realize and appreciate the sacrifice of your valuable time...and the cost of travel. Thank you. All the participants should be proud.
Diane and I got a tour of the facilities of the camp following the concert and it is a beautiful camp filled with warm and friendly people. Some day Diane and I hope to spend more time there.

Today's funny


Restless

Little Bonnie became restless as the preacher's sermon dragged on and on.

Finally, she leaned over to her mother and whispered, "Mommy, if we give him the money now, will he let us go?”

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Sheridan/Cattaraugus Choruses 7/13 performance


The Sheridan/Cattaraugus Community choruses will perform the patriotic concert this afternoon (7/13) at 3:00 pm at the Cattaraugus Christian Camp.
Report time for the chorus members will be 2:00 pm.
So much for "Sunday is a day of rest!"

Saturday night in Forestville


Last night, Diane, Melanie (Diane's grand daughter), Diane's mother, my trombone, and the scooter headed off to Forestville for their 200th anniversary festival.
It still amazes me to see all the festivals and celebrations in this area.
I got a chance to play bass trombone with the Dave Golando Big Band. I had a great time playing with musicians from Pennsylvania to Buffalo.
I have to say, Melanie & Diane's mother didn't make it through the 3 hour performance, but they did enjoy it.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Today's quote


"The opposite of talking isn't listening. The opposite of talking is waiting to talk."
~ Fran Lebowitz

Friday, July 11, 2008

Today's quote


"The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority."
~ Ralph W. Sockman

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

NO REHEARSALS


Since you've all worked so hard, there are no rehearsals on the following dates...

Thursday, July 10 NO REHEARSAL
Tuesday, July 15 NO REHEARSAL
Thursday, July 17 NO REHEARSAL
Thursday, July 24 NO REHEARSAL
Thursday, July 31 NO REHEARSAL

You and I deserve the break!


Thank you for all your hard work and dedication...

Bud