The Capitol Chordsmen Chorus An Overture Hall headliner!

Jim Scorgie has been chosen as the Madison Chapter's "Barbershopper of the Year" for 2006.

The announcement was made Jan. 19 at the Chapter's annual Awards and Officer Installation banquet. About 30 Chapter members, wives and guests attended.

Scorgie, a member of the chapter since 2002, also was installed as the chapter's new President at the event.

The Barbershopper of the Year Award honors a Chapter member for his outstanding contribution to the preservation and encouragement of Barber Shop Harmony.

It is the highest Chapter-level award in the Barbershop Harmony Society, or SPEBSQSA. Only one award is presented each year.

The recipient is judged to be that member who has gone above and beyond his elected or appointed duties in service to the Chapter. He's one who is an example of selfless work and determination and who has a sincere interest in promoting and preserving this hobby.

Winners are chosen by the previous recipients.

Jim sings baritone in the chapter's Capitol Chordsmen Chorus as well as the TJs quartet. (The quartet gets its name from the initial letters of the first names of its members -- Todd, Josh, Jim and John. "We have only been together for 3 months but it has been great fun working together," Jim says.

Since joining the Chapter, Jim has served as chapter secretary for the board in 2004. He then served as Vice President of Music and Performance for 2005 and 2006.

Jim has been involved with barbershop singing well before 2002, however.

"In 1952, I first sang with a barbershop show in Wautoma, Wisconsin," he said. "Fifty years later I had my second introduction to barbershop harmony with the Madison Chapter. Mike Liscum, our oldest active member, asked me to come to a rehearsal and the rest is history."

"My experience in vocal music goes back to high school when Harvard Erdman, our music director at Wautoma High School, invited me to consider singing solo at the annual high school solo/ensemble contest.

"When I was a senior I won a starred first for a solo at the state level and was invited to sing on the evening program as well as at the state fair.

"In college at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, I was accepted in the a cappella choir under the direction of Robert Holiday which was a life changing experience. In my junior andsenior years I was principal male soloist for the choir on tour."

Jim says he believes that barbershop singing "is second to none in approaching music and performance in a highly technical and rigorous fashion. I learn new things at almost every rehearsal. When it all comes together it is truly a grand moment."

He also says that one goal he has set for the chapter during his term as president is "having our chapter sponsor a Youth Festival in the Fall of 2007 at a local high school."

"We are also hoping to be able to offer tickets to our show, totally underwritten by area business, to area seniors and youth in 2007."