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Dave "Hutch" Hutchinson, the Capitol Chordsmen's Chorus Manager for the past two years, was the recipient Jan. 26 of the Madison Chapter's highest award -- Barbershopper of the Year. The award was announced and presented at the Chapter's annual awards and officer installation banquet. Individuals can be considered for the award only once every 10 years; this was Hutchinson's first. "Dave was chosen for his incredible record of getting public performances for the chorus as chorus manager," said Jim Scorgie, President of the Madison Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society which sponsors the Chorus. Scorgie, last year's award receipient, said: "We have appeared 47 times in 2007 and reached 41,500 people through chorus, quartet and Christmas Carolers appearances. "Not only has Dave gotten us well known, he also has personally carted equipment, risers and assorted other things to our many appearances. "Dave holds an important part in the baritone section of the chorus but is one of those singers who can easily move into another part if needed." Dave was selected by the previous winners of the award who are currently active with the group. Dave has sung with the Chorus for eight years and also is an original member of the Heartsong quartet which is affiliated with the Chorus. He has been a member of the international Barbershop Harmony Society for nine consecutive years. Dave will tell anyone, with much enthusiasm: "Singing barbershop is a blast!" "I have cherished the barbershop style of music since I was a kid, and am just plain enjoying singing with others that consider it special also." He was introduced to barbershop music by his father in the mid-1950s at home in New Hampshire. "he very first time I sang 'Down by the Old Mill Stream' it was with him, with me singing harmony." "Fast forward to…oh, 1973…when Jim Dalton of the 'Chordvettes' took me to the Chordsmen rehearsal at MATC downtown where I was warmly welcomed and had a great time singing some of the 'old songs' that I already knew. I did not return because, well, I was a young bachelor with more important things to do in my spare time than learn old songs (or so I thought). "In December 1999, a bunch of obviously thirsty guys burst into Angelo's on Monona Drive about 9:30 p.m. and began to sing. My sister-in-law was there and was quite vocal in her appreciation! "Then she said: 'You guys sound great! The only way you could sound better is if my brother-in-law were singing with you'. Well, one of those guys was Cran Bliss, a bass with the Chordsmen, and he took the time to get her brother-in-law's address and send me an invitation to join the Capitol Chordsmen at a Thursday rehearsal. The rest is history." |
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Singing the Songs that Touch America's Heart!
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