Happy Labor Day

ABC'S of singing

L = Low notes are often sung with too much airflow. Try decreasing your airflow to achieve a more natural, more relaxed tone.

By Vocal coach Yvonne DeBandi

Wisdom of the day

I was always taught, "You become what you eat."
So I only eat rich foods.
I'm still waiting...

~Mikey's funnies

Bud's Best Side

I am taking a poll.

In Sunday's 'Observer' newspaper (8/24/08), I am included in two pictures. (No, I am not on the "Wanted in Chautauqua County" list of criminals.)

On page A3, I'm facing forward in the "Dave Golando Big Band" picture (best looking trombonist 2nd from left).
On page A4, there's a picture of the Sheridan Community Chorus at the Laona Community Park with me conducting. Obviously with my back to the camera.

So...since I've already received some snide comments...
Which is my best side?
Front or back?
Come on, take your best shot!

Wisdom of the day

"Life is like a ten-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use."
~ Charles M. Schulz

Hymns for all professions...

Dentist's Hymn: Crown Him with Many Crowns
Weatherman's Hymn: There Shall Be Showers of Blessings
Contractor's Hymn: The Church's One Foundation
Tailor's Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy
Golfer's Hymn: There's a Green Hill Far Away
Politician's Hymn: Standing on the Promises
Optometrist's Hymn: Open My Eyes That I Might See
IRS Agent's Hymn: I Surrender All
Gossip's Hymn: Pass It On
Electrician's Hymn: Send The Light
Shopper's Hymn: Sweet By and By
Realtor's Hymn: I've Got a Mansion, Just Over the Hilltop
Massage Therapist's Hymn: He Touched Me
Doctor's Hymn: The Great Physician

ABC'S of singing

K = Know your limits. Don't sing too high or too low. Don't sing to the point of vocal fatigue. Never strain or push your voice. Doing so will not result in a higher or lower singing range, or a stronger voice, only a voice that has suffered undue stress.

~ Vocal coach Yvonne DeBandi

Today's funny

"If God had wanted man to play soccer, he wouldn't have given us arms."

Mike Ditka

Wisdom of the day

There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity.

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Bud's World

3 Little Piggies go to dinner

The three little piggies went out to dinner one night. The waiter comes to take their drink order. "I would like a Sprite," said the first little piggy. "I would like a Coke," said the second little piggy. "I want water, lots and lots of water," said the third little piggy. The drinks are brought out and the waiter takes their orders for dinner. "I want a nice big steak," said the first piggy. "I would like the salad plate," said the second piggy. "I want water, lots and lots of water," said the third little piggy.
The meals were brought out and a while later the waiter approached the table and asked if the piggies would like any dessert. "I want a banana split," said the first piggy. "I want a root beer float," said the second piggy. "I want water, lots and lots of water," exclaimed the third little piggy.
"Pardon me for asking," said the waiter to the third little piggy, "but why have you only ordered water all evening?"
The third piggy says, "Well, somebody has to go wee, wee, wee, all the way home!"

I was just wondering…
Can dead batteries be given out free of charge?

From the Choir Loft
The choir has the privilege of praising the Lord in song every Sunday. Our goal is to support and enhance the efforts of Pastor Molly as she teaches and encourages the congregation here at Sheridan United Methodist Church. We would be honored if you would join us. We rehearse immediately following each Sunday morning service. You’ll be home in time for lunch.

Wit or Wisdom?
“We are continually faced with a series of great opportunities
brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems.”
~ John W. Gardner
“A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing,
the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.”
~ James Dent
“The really happy man is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.”~Anonymous

Today in History August 17
1998 – President Bill Clinton was the 1st President to appear before a grand jury (re: Monica Lewinsky)
1962 – The Beatles replaced Pete Best with Ringo Starr
1961 – Construction of the Berlin Wall began
1959 – U.S.S.R. & Iraq signed a contract to build a nuclear reactor in Iraq
1957 – Alice Roth was hit twice by foul baseballs (1st in stands broke her nose, 2nd while on stretcher)
1933 – Lou Gehrig broke the record by playing in his 1,308th consecutive game
1891 - 1st public bathhouse with showers was opened in NYC

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

J = Jumping Jacks. If you are having trouble getting your body completely involved with singing, try doing some cardiovascular activities, like jumping jacks, for a few minutes before getting started again. Sometimes your instrument simply needs an airflow wake-up call.

Vocal coach Yvonne DeBandi

Today's funny

What's the difference between an in-law and an outlaw?

Outlaws are wanted.

ABC'S of singing

I = Increase your breathing capacity and control by doing breathing exercises every day. Be sure to avoid patterned breathing. Singers must negotiate phrase lengths of all different sizes, so it is important to be versatile.

By Vocal coach Yvonne DeBandi

Town of Sheridan meeting

I will be attending the Town of Sheridan meeting tonight (8/14/08) in order to thank the Town of Sheridan for sponsoring our Willowfest concert last June 28.

Wisdom of the day

"I quit therapy because my analyst was trying to help me behind my back."

~ Richard Lewis

Today's funny

The Door Stopper

Two church members were going door to door. They knocked on the door of a woman who clearly was not happy to see them. She told them in no uncertain terms she did not want to hear their message and then slammed the door in their faces.

To her surprise, the door did not close. In fact, it bounced back open.Seeing the two church members at the door frustrated her. She stormed back to the door and flung it shut.

But the door still didn't close. Furious, she grabbed the door with two hands and shoved it as hard as she could. But again, the door wouldn't shut.

Convinced one of these rude church members was sticking a foot in the door, she reared back to give the door a slam that would really teach them a lesson.

Just then, one of the church members said, "Ma'am, before you do that again, you might want to move your cat."

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