"SING FEST"
Spring 2010 Is A HIT
Seneca Junction Chorus led off the SING FEST-ivities by singing "Overture" and "Wrote Them In The Good Ole Days". During the first song Nate Bell stepped out and introduced the Emcee of the show, Mr. Kenny Hatton, Lead singer of the legendary "Bluegrass Student Union Quartet", to a thrilled audience. Once Kenny was introduced, he stepped right in with the chorus and finished up the song with SJC.
The afternoon was filled with "non stop" singing for nearly 3 hours. There were 22 performances scheduled for the afternoon and the audience had the time of their lives watching about 280 performers take the stage. The SING FEST was brought to life by Pete Carentz, President of Seneca Land District, as a way to bring a "convention atmosphere" to what would normally be considered a "weekend competition".
Pete wanted this to be something that would "unite" all brothers that wanted to sing, but didn't have the outlet to do so, without competing. He asked Skip and Susan Berenguer to take on this lofty task, to make SING Fest 2010 a memory for everyone that loves to sing. That goal was accomplished and then some. Thanks goes to Skip and Susan Berenguer who orchestrated and gave those choruses and quartets, who would normally not appear on stage, a chance to do so. A HUGE "standing ovation" for Pete, Skip and Susan. What a way to bring "FUN" back to Seneca Land. We look forward to seeing everyone back on stage in the near future.
One of the "highlights" of the afternoon was when one of SLD's favorite quartets, "Cornerstone", hit the stage as a tribute to Chuck Wert. Chuck has been battling illness and found the strength to serenade the audience with "brothers" Andy Nazarro, Barney Johnson, and Bobby Coant. Chuck wanted to "thank" all those that had given so generously to aid in his recovery by singing. He felt the best way to do that was to get on that stage "one more time". At one point, Chuck addressed the crowd, couldn't find the words to express his gratitude and love of harmony, when someone from the audience yelled, "We love you Chuck". With that sentiment, "Cornerstone" went on to sing one of their wonderful "parody" songs involving "invisible umbrellas". Many in the audience howled in laughter and you could tell by the look on Chuck's face, that singing again had touched his heart. Thanks to the Men of "Cornerstone"; Andy Nazarro, Barney Johnson, Chuck Wert, and Bobby Coant, for that once in a lifetime opportunity to be heard again by everyone in attendance. Chuck, we wish you all the best in your fight. Our prayers are with you.
After the show many of those that performed said how excited they were to be on stage and looked forward to being a part of the next show and or convention. That is what "Keeps The Whole World Singing". Kenny Hatton sang that very song at the end of the show, a cappella, while the members of the audience hummed along. It was a moving tribute to a wonderful lady named Chilton Price that Kenny had the privilege to visit every Tuesday night for 8 years. He found that she loved Barbershop harmony to her core and had created many scores of music specifically for four part harmony. Kenny spent countless hours at her home talking and singing the wonderful songs she had written out of love for four part harmony. Just the thought of Kenny spending that kind of time with someone whose love of Barbershop was more than his own, was emotional to listen to. As a testament to her love of Barbershop, Chilton gave her entire collection of music to Kenny and the Barbershop Harmony Society. We are forever in her debt.
We certainly thank Mr. Kenny Hatton for appearing as the Emcee of the first ever SING FEST- Spring 2010 in Seneca Land. It was a HUGE success! Thanks to Pete, Skip and Susan Berenguer for taking the lead in this wonderful day. Just to end this....as Kenny says (or sings) "Keep The Whole World Singing....All Day Long".
The afternoon was filled with "non stop" singing for nearly 3 hours. There were 22 performances scheduled for the afternoon and the audience had the time of their lives watching about 280 performers take the stage. The SING FEST was brought to life by Pete Carentz, President of Seneca Land District, as a way to bring a "convention atmosphere" to what would normally be considered a "weekend competition".
Pete wanted this to be something that would "unite" all brothers that wanted to sing, but didn't have the outlet to do so, without competing. He asked Skip and Susan Berenguer to take on this lofty task, to make SING Fest 2010 a memory for everyone that loves to sing. That goal was accomplished and then some. Thanks goes to Skip and Susan Berenguer who orchestrated and gave those choruses and quartets, who would normally not appear on stage, a chance to do so. A HUGE "standing ovation" for Pete, Skip and Susan. What a way to bring "FUN" back to Seneca Land. We look forward to seeing everyone back on stage in the near future.
One of the "highlights" of the afternoon was when one of SLD's favorite quartets, "Cornerstone", hit the stage as a tribute to Chuck Wert. Chuck has been battling illness and found the strength to serenade the audience with "brothers" Andy Nazarro, Barney Johnson, and Bobby Coant. Chuck wanted to "thank" all those that had given so generously to aid in his recovery by singing. He felt the best way to do that was to get on that stage "one more time". At one point, Chuck addressed the crowd, couldn't find the words to express his gratitude and love of harmony, when someone from the audience yelled, "We love you Chuck". With that sentiment, "Cornerstone" went on to sing one of their wonderful "parody" songs involving "invisible umbrellas". Many in the audience howled in laughter and you could tell by the look on Chuck's face, that singing again had touched his heart. Thanks to the Men of "Cornerstone"; Andy Nazarro, Barney Johnson, Chuck Wert, and Bobby Coant, for that once in a lifetime opportunity to be heard again by everyone in attendance. Chuck, we wish you all the best in your fight. Our prayers are with you.
After the show many of those that performed said how excited they were to be on stage and looked forward to being a part of the next show and or convention. That is what "Keeps The Whole World Singing". Kenny Hatton sang that very song at the end of the show, a cappella, while the members of the audience hummed along. It was a moving tribute to a wonderful lady named Chilton Price that Kenny had the privilege to visit every Tuesday night for 8 years. He found that she loved Barbershop harmony to her core and had created many scores of music specifically for four part harmony. Kenny spent countless hours at her home talking and singing the wonderful songs she had written out of love for four part harmony. Just the thought of Kenny spending that kind of time with someone whose love of Barbershop was more than his own, was emotional to listen to. As a testament to her love of Barbershop, Chilton gave her entire collection of music to Kenny and the Barbershop Harmony Society. We are forever in her debt.
We certainly thank Mr. Kenny Hatton for appearing as the Emcee of the first ever SING FEST- Spring 2010 in Seneca Land. It was a HUGE success! Thanks to Pete, Skip and Susan Berenguer for taking the lead in this wonderful day. Just to end this....as Kenny says (or sings) "Keep The Whole World Singing....All Day Long".
