I have no friends

I have joined "Facebook." http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1415436298 I know, roll your eyes. Here comes another person so full of himself, he thinks people are interested in him and what he thinks.
I have found "Facebook" to be a real blow to my fragile ego. It lists your circle of friends. Visitors to your "Facebook" page have to list themselves as your "friends." So when you first create your "Facebook" account, you have no friends. (I really knew this anyway!)
So, ocassionally I log onto my "Facebook" page and think: "Facebook," "Facebook," on my computer...who's the most popular of all!"
I then find out...it's not me!

What a blow to my fragile ego!

Bud's World

In honor of the Sheridan United Methodist Church 'Blessing of the animals' service:

Goat for Dinner

The young couple invited their aged pastor for Sunday dinner. While they were in the kitchen preparing the meal, the minister asked their son what they were having. “Goat,” the little boy replied.
“Goat?” replied the startled man of the cloth, “Are you sure about that?”

“Yep,” said the youngster. “I heard Daddy say to Mommy, “‘we might as well have the old goat for dinner today as any other day.’”

I was just wondering…

Do you think a cabbie is a fare-minded person?
If you expect nothing can you ever be disappointed?
Do you think anarchy is better than no government at all?

From the Choir Loft

Special membership into the prestigious Sheridan United Methodist church adult choir is now open. Membership includes preferred parking, preferred seating, and an unbelievable after-life insurance plan. See Bud for further details. This is a limited time offer. (Offer good from 8/10/08 through…)

DOGS' LETTERS TO GOD

Dear God, When we get to heaven can we sit on your couch? Or is it the same old story?
Dear God, Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the stingray and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around? We dogs love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the Chrysler ‘Eagle’ the Chrysler ‘Beagle?’
Dear God, If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog?
Dear God, When we get to the Pearly Gates, do we have to shake hands to get in?
Dear God, Are there dogs on other planets or are we alone? I have been howling at the moon and stars for a long time, but all I ever hear back is the Schnauzer across the street.
Dear God, Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are, will I have to apologize?

TRIVIA ABOUT DOGS:

• Dogs are mentioned 14 times in the Bible.
• According to a recent survey, the most popular name for a dog is Max.
• An estimated 1 million dogs in the United States have been named the primary beneficiary in their owner's will.
• At the end of the Beatles' song ‘A Day in the Life,’ an ultrasonic whistle, audible only to dogs, was recorded by Paul McCartney for his Shetland sheepdog.
• Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not sweat by salivating. They sweat through the pads of their feet.
• Dogs' eyes have large pupils and a wide field of vision, making them really good at following moving objects. Dogs also see well in fairly low light.

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

ABC'S of singing

H = High notes require consistent and steady airflow. Many students tend to hold their breath as they sing higher. Let the air flow. Try increasing your airflow and gauge your result.

By vocal coach Yvonne DeBandi

Sheridan Community Chorus

The patriotic season in review...

I know, the first reaction is: "We still have one more concert to go!" But eight performances are behind us, and I'm trying to relax.

The patriotic concert schedule was the most aggressive series of concerts we've attempted since I moved to the "grape belt." You all have been dedicated and I appreciate it. I was impressed by the size of the chorus every night.

The comments, compliments, letters, cards, and emails have been overwhelming. Hearts were touched, audiences impressed, and I am forever grateful. Thank you from the bottom of my very shallow heart.

I would like to organize a campaign in order to purchase a sound system for the chorus. A sound system that would be capable of filling a sanctuary or an auditorium and versatile enough to use for our outdoor concerts. It would have to include an amplifier/sound board, mics & stands, main speakers/monitors and stands. I would like to find a system that we wouldn't have to borrow each and every time we are asked to sing, and portable enough so Diane can carry it.

If you would be willing to help us by serving on a committee to make this happen, please contact me by email, phone, or just stop by the house. I would like to make our need known to the local churches, communities, corporations, and to the general public. If you have any suggestions or comments, please let me know. This is a "community" effort.

Humbly (no matter what anyone thinks) yours,
Bud

Wisdom of the day

"If the Phone Doesn't Ring, It's Me"

~ Jimmy Buffett

ABC'S of singing

G = Guessing Games. Never guess the pitch you are about to sing. Hear the note in your head before you open your mouth.

By vocal coach Yvonne DeBandi

Today's funny

"My theory of evolution is that Darwin was adopted."

~ Steven Wright

Sheridan Community Chorus

Upcoming schedule...

Saturday, 9/20/08 @ 2:00 pm @ The Grape Festival
Near the gazebo in the Village of Silver Creek.
Attire: red/white/blue (stars & stripes patterns encouraged) or white/black
Don't forget little American flags, Our Flag Was Still There & Salute to the armed forces music.

ABC'S of singing

F = Free your natural voice. Don't be a slave to any music style -- even your favorite one. Learn to sing with your full and natural voice by developing your vocal strength and coordination. Then add stylistic nuances to achieve any singing style you desire.

by Vocal coach Yvonne DeBandi

ABC'S of singing

E = Elasticity of the Vocal Folds. The vocal tone is created as airflow bursts through the cleft of the vocal cords causing them to vibrate/oscillate. The vocal folds can lose elasticity due to misuse, lack of use and/or increase of age. Be sure to train your voice with vocal exercises on a regular basis to keep your voice in shape.

By vocal coach Yvonne DeBandi

ABC'S of singing

D = Diaphragmatic Support. Develop the strength and coordination of the diaphragm and become a pro at controlling the speed of the airflow released, the quantity of the airflow released and the consistency of the airflow released.

By vocal coach Yvonne DeBandi

Bud's World

Bible Puns

Q: Why did Samson try to avoid arguing with Delilah?
A: He didn’t want to split hairs.
Q: What was the secret of Delilah getting into Samson’s house?
A: She picked his locks.
Q: Why didn’t Pharaoh let the Israelites go into the wilderness after the first six plagues?
A: He was in de Nile.

I was just wondering…

Shouldn’t the boy’s bicycle be the one without the crossbar?
Will the ‘Rapture’ be called a “Separation of church and state?”
What do you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?

From the Choir Loft

What a wonderful group of singers we have in our church choir. They are a talented group, who prove just how talented they are every week. To have a choir sing 4 separate parts every week is truly remarkable. I want to thank them for their time and dedication. If you would like to join us, we would welcome you with open arms. No auditions necessary. Just see Bud and volunteer. If you can’t volunteer, at least give us a compliment.

Wit or Wisdom?
"Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want,
but the realization of how much you already have."
~ Anonymous
“A clever person solves a problem. A wise person avoids it.”
~ Anonymous
“Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end.”
~ Anonymous
A little girl asked her mother, "Can I go outside and play with the boys?" Her mother replied, "No, you can’t play with the boys, they’re too rough." The little girl thought about it for a few moments and asked, "If I can find a smooth one, can I play with him?"

Today in History August 3

1975 – The New Orleans ‘Super Dome’ was dedicated
1967 – 45,000 U.S. soldiers were sent to Vietnam by President Johnson
1958 – The nuclear powered submarine, USS Nautilus, 1st vessel to cross the North Pole underwater
1944 – At the Auschwitz concentration camp 4,000 gypsies were gassed in one day
1926 – Tony Bennett (singer) was born in Yonkers, New York
1923 – Calvin Coolidge was sworn in as the 30th President upon the death of President Warren Harding
1863 – Saratoga racetrack was opened in New York State
1492 – Christopher Columbus set sail for the “New World” from Palos, Spain

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

Quote from my father

"He is a sophistical rhetorician inebriated with the exuberance of his own verbosity."

~ Bud’s father

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

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!)

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

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