The Capitol Chordsmen Chorus An Overture Hall headliner!

New Chorus DVD demonstrates the barbershop experience Viewers see us "behind the scenes" 08/21/2007

Update Aug. 21: A shorter version of the DVD, running just over 14 minutes, now is available. When requesting a loan, specify which version you would like.

The Capitol Chordsmen have released a documentary-style DVD -- its first DVD ever -- to introduce the barbershop experience to others. It's ideal for those considering singing with us.

The 29 1/2-minute video takes viewers into a rehearsal for a "behind-the-scenes" look at Madison's men's barbershop chorus and the barbershop music style.

Along the way, it offers some views as Chorus members see it when singing. It's as if you were singing on the risers with us.

Brief interviews with several members of the Chorus also are included, with each commenting on why they are barbershoppers and what they enjoy about it.

There's a mix of views of long-time and new barbershoppers; one of the latter formally receives his membership credentials in one brief scene included in the video.

Chorus director and tenor Joshua Oxley explains some of the components of the barbershop sound, while Todd Fletcher, a lead, explains that audio recordings and other learning aides are made available to members to help them learn and perfect the music. He notes that being able to read music is not a requirement, nor is having had solo singing experience.

Others featured are Mike McCowin and Matt Banbury of the bass section, John Miller of the tenor section, George Frye and Jay Mulder of the lead section, and Dave Hutchinson of the baritone section.

Among their comments recorded for the DVD:

"If you're thinking about it...if you've seen it and you thought that maybe it might be something you'd like to do, you gotta come and try...It's a very welcoming environment. It's way better than I ever expected it was going to be." (Jay Mulder, a new member who recently moved to Madison from California.)

"It's just fun to sing. When I was working, it was my weekly therapy. If I came out and sang, no matter how bad a day I had, I always went home feeling better." (Mike McCowin)

"What's really unique about the Capitol Chordsmen and barbershop style music is the chord strcuture...and the close harmony and the ringing chords. Once you hear that, you get hooked." (Todd Fletcher)

"The tradition is just fantastic. The songs are written in a way that the chords ring like nothing I've ever heard before in other choral music. It's just an amazing feeling the first time you get to sing a tag with a barbershop chorus." (Jay Mulder)

"Back in Pennsylvania I sang with a group of about 70 or 80 and it was fun, but with a smaller group you get a chance to blend in....Just come out and try it...I think you'll like it." (George Frye)

"I just love it. I can't imagine my life without it." (Dave Hutchinson)

"Here's a place where people who love to sing gather and all sing together and you can let it all out." (Jay Mulder)

"We strive to improve every individual singer, not just the Chorus." (Josh Oxley)

"We also have good audio assistance, in the form of CDs or tapes, to assist us with the songs, so that tape tells us how it should be sung." Todd Fletcher

"It's the joy of getting together with people and meeting new people." (Matt Banbury)

"If you're a person who likes to sing...if he likes harmony, this is something he should be doing." (John Miller, a barbershopper for 43 years)

Taping was done over several rehearsals earlier this year as we prepared for our April 21 annual show. Our rehearsals are held Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, 6101 University Ave., in Madison.

The video closes with the Chordsmen formed in a circle singing "Keep the Whole World Singing," the traditional end to each rehearsal.

The video was produced for the Chorus by Green Earth Enterprises of Middleton, Wis., and was videotaped and edited by David La Luzerne.

To borrow a copy, e-mail us at barbershoppers@hotmail.com with your mailing address and we will send you a returnable DVD free of charge! You also can write us at Capitol Chordsmen Chorus, P.O. Box 45375, Madison, WI 53744-5375.