HAR-Missourian: Daily Bulletin of 2007 Harmony University
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Gold Medal Moments - part 5 of 5
26 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Jim, I just watched your presentation 1-thru-5. I hosted your quartet twice in the distance past. I've followed you and the GHG ever since I watched you in Calgary in 93. I don't know how you do what you do but thanks so much for being part of my life and my family's life. I don't think you'll ever know how many people's lifes you and the Gas House Gang have influenced in such a positive and spiritial way, its overwhelming and beyond words! I sit here with tears in my eyes as I write this, thankful there are people on this earth I know such as you. We love you, Brad Spencer...(Rick's Dad)
Thank you for being open to following your "heart work" and sharing yourself. It's been 9 years since I've been to St. Joe and ... it was wonderful then and you've started it wonderfully now. I've been blessed and I wasn't even on the grounds. Thank you again. In Harmony, Kira Prewitt-Wagner
I have loved knowing you since I first sang some tags with you at the Pizza Hut on Droste Rd.when you were 10 or 11 years of age You were a wonderful kid and have grown into a man that all love and respect I have been asked several times during your AOH shows why I'm not clapping. My response is "I'm so emotioally involved that I just sit there and I want to say Amen rather than clap.
I recently took my retired pastor to one of AOH's shows and after the show, he said he had no idea that he would be both entertained and ministered to.
Bless you Jim with long life and may God give back to you all the love and joy you give to us.
Jim, you've taken what all of us feel, or longingly desire to feel, and place it into words. You've easily done justice with your words. Although I'm only 20 and have been with BHS for four years, I saw GHG sing at the Buckeye Invitational/Harmony Camp Friday Night Show where I was a camper. Mike Slamka sang with you that night. I remember Mike walking off the stage and a video screen rolling down. And there was video of Rob, and the rest of you. Singing "I Still Can't Say Goodbye" with him. I can't remember a time I've wept so thoroughly. Not because it was sad, but because of the 2,500 gold medals you handed out in three minutes. GHG is the sole reason by barbershop career started, and the leading contributor as to how it has become my life, and consumed me. Barbershop is a calling. Our music ministry. And I thank you deeply, for the memories, experiences, and saying what so dearly needed to be said.
Jim, I didn't attend Harmony University this year but I listened intently to your keynote address on the net. You brought tears to my eyes several times. I've been privileged to hear the Gas House Gang and your Ambassadors of Harmony chorus in concert several times and I'm sure you walk the walk and talk the talk with the quality and pure emotion you give to us all. It's apparent that you put your all into this great "hobby". Your words are so profound and you have touched us all with your ministry. I was as impressed with your keynote address as when I hear you speak to us at our installation ceremonies in January. Thank you for your dedication to excellence and your passion to be the best at everything you do. You're truly a gift from the almighty to us all who aspire to excel. Keep the whole world singing. Tim Truesdell, Bass Masters of Harmony Chorus
Dear Dr. Jim, Thanks for saying so well what many of us have deeply felt for many years. Let us all carry the message of Barbershop Harmony to the world. Doug Smith, Illinois
Wow! That is one of the best descriptions of the value of the barbershop lifestyle. Thanks, Jim. You have put into words what many of us feel in our hearts. Thank you! Eric King
Jim, you're keynote address will become part of the sinew that holds steady, and the muscle that uplifts, our barbershop legacy. It should be required viewing for anyone that can't fathom how deeply passionate some us are about the music we sing. One question - how do I get my wife to watch it?
Thank you for sharing so openly, and more importantly, helping silence the whispers that urge us to look elsewhere when we are frustrated with our music at some point or another.
Jim, I was awed by your eloquent and inspirational words. It truly is a ministry, and I am both proud and humbled to be part of this incredible journey, and to know you personally. Your friend, Sandi Wright
Jim, I have had the good fortune to have been ministered to by Jim Henry and the GHG on a number of occasions at the International conventions I attended. I have laughed to tears hearing The Night Before Christmas recited by you personally. Even once had the chance to sing an entire song with GHG at Ruth Ann Parker's SAI chorus afterglow in Richmond VA when you all allowed me to sing Southern Roses with you, a song that City Slickers scored so well with in contest over the years. For years I have personally strived to make my way to the INT contest stage. Finally in 2003 City Slickers did so when I passed the age 55 mark and we came away with a bronze medal at that years midwinter contest. Personally I have had the chance to compete in more than 70 quartet contests and have known all these years I was doing something I loved and attempting every moment to excell at what we were doing. Until I listened on the web tonight to your keynote speech I had not taken into account all the gold medals I was giving and receiving along the way. NOW I will take even more pleasure in the tags I ring at 3am in a stairwell and take even greater notice of the gold medals I gather and redistribute along the way for the rest of my journey. In the process I know the remainder of my (gold medal) hours in this ministry of music will be even more inspired than have the first 31 years thanks to the wisdom I gleaned from your words tonight. Harmony-us-ly, BobCaldwell@email.com (lead) City Slickers (retired) 7th Street Alexandria Harmonizers
Jim, Thank you for another awe inspiring gold medal moment. I'm not sure that I've ever heard someone's heart expressed so eloquently. Thanks for saying what we've all felt and I am humbled to know you personally. Mike Lawton
I just watched Jim's presentation and I am totally moved by his words. I can remember all of the gold medal moments I have received because of this wonderful "hobby". It is because of this wonderful "hobby" I met the most wonderful man, father and husband. It is also because of this "hobby" I truly know what having a family really means. Because of this "hobby" my son will know how great his father was. Like Jim said this is so much more than a hobby. It is a way of life and I am blessed to be a part of it. I am very blessed and honored to call Jim my brother-in-law. Thanks for keeping it in perspective for us all. We love and miss you very much. Sue Henry & Ryan
Dr. Henry, Before watching your Harmony University keynote address on the web today, I never realized that those "goosebumps on my forearms" when I sing with other Barbershoppers were actually Gold Medal moments. Now I know that I may never earn a Gold Medal, but I can create many more Gold Medal moments singing in the ministry of Barbershop for the rest of my days. And without singing a single note, your keynote address has given us a Gold Medal moment for the ages. Thank you and God Bless your ministry.
Mark Erikson (Lead) Fremont Pathfinders Sarpy Serenaders Nebraska
Dr. Henry, Thank you for your willingness to be used by God in any way that He allows you. I too have felt guilty for my love of barbershop not being in church ministry. I quit my job to be in full time Christian ministry. I have worked in my church office going on 6 years now. I felt as if I was betraying my commitment to God when I looked elsewhere for singing. I found a barbershop chorus and immediately loved it. Thank you for reminding me that no matter where I go or what I do-- my LIFE is a ministry for God. I heard you refer to this in a speech a couple of months ago and I have not looked at the chorus the same since. I was renewed in my love for God and praising Him with every gift and tallent He has given me and sharing His love in every way possible. May Jehovah continue to bless and use you greatly. Thank you. Deanna Stief Hebrews 6:10
Jim, you've moved me with your singing, and you're one of the wittiest people I've ever known. I didn't think I could be any more impressed by you. But now you've moved me to tears. You've written and delivered the speech of a lifetime, with brilliant insight and a heart without limit. A minister, indeed. Love always, Hank Brandt
Dear Jim, I just watched your presentation and was moved by it. You are so right that our barbershop is more than a hobby. I have been a Sweet Adeline for many years in Columbia, Missouri, but moved to southern Oregon a few years ago. It's amazing and gratifying that we can always find barbershop music wherever we go. I have listened to your music for many years and still carry your GHG tapes in my car and listen to them often. Recently, my brothers and sisters and I buried our father and at his funeral we played your song "I Still Can't Say Goodbye"--I hope you don't mind. It seemed to fit our father as it did yours. Thank you for your contributions to barbershop singing and for your inspiring words. Nancy Freeman Ashland, Oregon
Jim, As many have already stated you have put into words what we feel in our hearts. I have been wondering how I might be able to reconcile (so others could understand) my feelings about being able to sing, and how it relates with my faith and spirituality. You have provided me the means. Thanks for your talent, insight and intellect. Donald Cain Pages of Harmony, Spokane, WA
I just watched your keynote address on line. WOW! Yep the goosebumps were there with a few tears even as I sit here at work listening to it in my cube! Thanks for the gold medal moments that you shared. I always feel proud to say that I have seen/heard you sing in the GHG and seen you direct the AOH to some wonderful performances. You are definitely an inspiration to everyone, even those not involved in a barbershop singing organization!
Thanks for inspiring me to keep on trying to provide gold medal moments for others every time I open my mouth to sing.
Kathy Riverblenders Chorus Sweet Adelines International
Every barbershop singer everywhere in the world should experience this speech and feel the spirit of what we can do through our music. Some tears, many "Amens" and a host of "thank you's" for sharing so generously the ministry of your music in such a way that all our spirits are heightened and we see the value of what we do in a very different way.
Jim, THANK YOU soooooo much for your beautiful words! As many have said before me, you have uttered the thoughts, hopes and "prayers" many of us have wanted to shout from the highest mountain top! I, sadly am inactive now as I search for my perfect "fun" chorus and seek to show what can place on their table with my 41 years of barbershop experience, not all as a full member, as my father joined the society in 1966. I've dearly missed ringing the chords and feeling the "spirit" of close harmony surround me. You've reminded me of what I miss and how I, personally, can reach out and touch others in a positive manner like no other person I know. I've had the pleasure of spending some time with Kipp singing at an afterglow back in Arlington VA, with Interstate Rivals.... Yeah, yeah, I know WAAAAYYY back but a wonderful experience none the less.
Your words have moved me to return to the barbershop "hobby?", no WORLD, and start giving back to the community and to my fellow barbershoppers the gift I've been blessed with!
Thank you for your love of the PASSION!
Rob Clawson Northern California "born again barbershopper" !!! Bay Area
I just watched your video and I was very moved by your words. I am new to barbershop and see now what I have been missing. I have just recent found Sound of Sunshine here in my area and I enjoy every minute I spend with the ladies I have the wonderful joy of singing with. You are right, barbershop is not just a hobby, it is a heart filling experience. I have always loved music but I have never experienced such joy that I feel with each note I sing as much as I do singing barbershop with Sound of Sunshine. And yes, it has already become an obsession. But if you have to have something your are addicted to Barbershop is the best one I have found. I am looking forward to many more years of being part of this obsession called Barbershop.
Dear Jim - I have just returned from another wonderful Harmony Inc. International competition where I was told of your speech at HCollege. I will be posting the site on the Harmony Connection as I want to share your speech with all of my barbershop friends. GHG was always an inspiration to me - I was privileged to meet you in Nova Scotia (yup, way up here in eastern Canada!) at Harmony Homecoming. It inspired me to quartet and then, a few years later, my quartet was fortunate to have your brother Rob as a coach in Montreal (not long after the birth of his beloved son). Those are some of my gold medal moments from the heart of GHG. I have now had expressed in words what I have always known in my soul - THANK YOU. Jane Risley, HI, Deja Vu, ScotianAires
I am also a second generation barbershopper and have been inspired by GHG and many others all my life. We never described it as a hobby; it's family. And while we undoubtedly feel obsessed by it, I know it is a passion. I believe everyone should have at least one passion and feel sorry for those who don't.
Your speech was excellent and very moving. I was especially touched by your plea that we not go to the grave with any of our notes unsung.
I have always felt that goals of winning medals and placements were misguided. There can only be one goal: for each of us to sing the very best we can.
Thank you for the inspiration and the great perspective.
Dear Jim because of the Internet I am able to follow your speech which took place months ago sitting at home in Germany. But that's a small kind of magic in comparison to the real magic of this "hobby" called Barbershop. Like for many other Barbershop friends in Germany, the music of the GHG was my entry point to Barbershop and has accompanied and enriched my life now for 18 years. I remember a lot of Gold Medal Moments of my life which I could live only because of this "hobby". Thanks for your inspiring speech and looking forward to see you in Dortmund this year!
Gregor (Bass of Inflagranti, current BING!-Champion)
26 comments:
Jim, I just watched your presentation 1-thru-5. I hosted your quartet twice in the distance past. I've followed you and the GHG ever since I watched you in Calgary in 93. I don't know how you do what you do but thanks so much for being part of my life and my family's life. I don't think you'll ever know how many people's lifes you and the Gas House Gang have influenced in such a positive and spiritial way, its overwhelming and beyond words! I sit here with tears in my eyes as I write this, thankful there are people on this earth I know such as you. We love you, Brad Spencer...(Rick's Dad)
Dear Jim,
Thank you for being open to following your "heart work" and sharing yourself.
It's been 9 years since I've been to St. Joe and ... it was wonderful then and you've started it wonderfully now.
I've been blessed and I wasn't even on the grounds.
Thank you again.
In Harmony,
Kira Prewitt-Wagner
Giant Jim,
I have loved knowing you since I first sang some tags with you at the Pizza Hut on Droste Rd.when you were 10 or 11 years of age
You were a wonderful kid and have grown into a man that all love and respect
I have been asked several times during your AOH shows why I'm not clapping. My response is "I'm so emotioally involved that I just sit there and I want to say Amen rather than clap.
I recently took my retired pastor to one of AOH's shows and after the show, he said he had no idea that he would be both entertained and ministered to.
Bless you Jim with long life and may God give back to you all the love and joy you give to us.
Dick Kury "Bird"
St. Louis Suburban and AOH
Jim, you've taken what all of us feel, or longingly desire to feel, and place it into words. You've easily done justice with your words. Although I'm only 20 and have been with BHS for four years, I saw GHG sing at the Buckeye Invitational/Harmony Camp Friday Night Show where I was a camper. Mike Slamka sang with you that night. I remember Mike walking off the stage and a video screen rolling down. And there was video of Rob, and the rest of you. Singing "I Still Can't Say Goodbye" with him. I can't remember a time I've wept so thoroughly. Not because it was sad, but because of the 2,500 gold medals you handed out in three minutes. GHG is the sole reason by barbershop career started, and the leading contributor as to how it has become my life, and consumed me. Barbershop is a calling. Our music ministry. And I thank you deeply, for the memories, experiences, and saying what so dearly needed to be said.
Daniel Breitfeller-Singing Buckeyes
Jim,
I didn't attend Harmony University this year but I listened intently to your keynote address on the net. You brought tears to my eyes several times. I've been privileged to hear the Gas House Gang and your Ambassadors of Harmony chorus in concert several times and I'm sure you walk the walk and talk the talk with the quality and pure emotion you give to us all. It's apparent that you put your all into this great "hobby". Your words are so profound and you have touched us all with your ministry. I was as impressed with your keynote address as when I hear you speak to us at our installation ceremonies in January.
Thank you for your dedication to excellence and your passion to be the best at everything you do. You're truly a gift from the almighty to us all who aspire to excel. Keep the whole world singing.
Tim Truesdell, Bass
Masters of Harmony Chorus
Dear Dr. Jim,
Thanks for saying so well what many of us have deeply felt for many years. Let us all carry the message of Barbershop Harmony to the world.
Doug Smith, Illinois
Wow! That is one of the best descriptions of the value of the barbershop lifestyle. Thanks, Jim. You have put into words what many of us feel in our hearts. Thank you! Eric King
Jim, you're keynote address will become part of the sinew that holds steady, and the muscle that uplifts, our barbershop legacy. It should be required viewing for anyone that can't fathom how deeply passionate some us are about the music we sing. One question - how do I get my wife to watch it?
Thank you for sharing so openly, and more importantly, helping silence the whispers that urge us to look elsewhere when we are frustrated with our music at some point or another.
Paul Agnew
HotShots/The GeriTones
Jim,
I was awed by your eloquent and inspirational words. It truly is a ministry, and I am both proud and humbled to be part of this incredible journey, and to know you personally.
Your friend,
Sandi Wright
Amen, brother Henry!
Jim,
I have had the good fortune to have been ministered to by Jim Henry and the GHG on a number of occasions at the International conventions I attended. I have laughed to tears hearing The Night Before Christmas recited by you personally. Even once had the chance to sing an entire song with GHG at Ruth Ann Parker's SAI chorus afterglow in Richmond VA when you all allowed me to sing Southern Roses with you, a song that City Slickers scored so well with in contest over the years. For years I have personally strived to make my way to the INT contest stage. Finally in 2003 City Slickers did so when I passed the age 55 mark and we came away with a bronze medal at that years midwinter contest. Personally I have had the chance to compete in more than 70 quartet contests and have known all these years I was doing something I loved and attempting every moment to excell at what we were doing. Until I listened on the web tonight to your keynote speech I had not taken into account all the gold medals I was giving and receiving along the way. NOW I will take even more pleasure in the tags I ring at 3am in a stairwell and take even greater notice of the gold medals I gather and redistribute along the way for the rest of my journey. In the process I know the remainder of my (gold medal) hours in this ministry of music will be even more inspired than have the first 31 years thanks to the wisdom I gleaned from your words tonight.
Harmony-us-ly,
BobCaldwell@email.com (lead)
City Slickers (retired)
7th Street
Alexandria Harmonizers
Jim,
Thank you for another awe inspiring gold medal moment. I'm not sure that I've ever heard someone's heart expressed so eloquently. Thanks for saying what we've all felt and I am humbled to know you personally.
Mike Lawton
I just watched Jim's presentation and I am totally moved by his words. I can remember all of the gold medal moments I have received because of this wonderful "hobby". It is because of this wonderful "hobby" I met the most wonderful man, father and husband. It is also because of this "hobby" I truly know what having a family really means. Because of this "hobby" my son will know how great his father was. Like Jim said this is so much more than a hobby. It is a way of life and I am blessed to be a part of it. I am very blessed and honored to call Jim my brother-in-law. Thanks for keeping it in perspective for us all. We love and miss you very much. Sue Henry & Ryan
Dr. Henry,
Before watching your Harmony University keynote address on the web today, I never realized that those "goosebumps on my forearms" when I sing with other Barbershoppers were actually Gold Medal moments. Now I know that I may never earn a Gold Medal, but I can create many more Gold Medal moments singing in the ministry of Barbershop for the rest of my days. And without singing a single note, your keynote address has given us a Gold Medal moment for the ages. Thank you and God Bless your ministry.
Mark Erikson (Lead)
Fremont Pathfinders
Sarpy Serenaders
Nebraska
Dr. Henry,
Thank you for your willingness to be used by God in any way that He allows you. I too have felt guilty for my love of barbershop not being in church ministry. I quit my job to be in full time Christian ministry. I have worked in my church office going on 6 years now. I felt as if I was betraying my commitment to God when I looked elsewhere for singing. I found a barbershop chorus and immediately loved it. Thank you for reminding me that no matter where I go or what I do-- my LIFE is a ministry for God. I heard you refer to this in a speech a couple of months ago and I have not looked at the chorus the same since. I was renewed in my love for God and praising Him with every gift and tallent He has given me and sharing His love in every way possible. May Jehovah continue to bless and use you greatly. Thank you.
Deanna Stief
Hebrews 6:10
Oh, my God...
Jim, you've moved me with your singing, and you're one of the wittiest people I've ever known. I didn't think I could be any more impressed by you. But now you've moved me to tears. You've written and delivered the speech of a lifetime, with brilliant insight and a heart without limit. A minister, indeed. Love always, Hank Brandt
A fire re-kindled. A passion re-born. A "hobby" NO MORE!
Thank you
Randy Fly
Sterling Quartet
29 year member of SPEBSQSA, Inc.
Dear Jim,
I just watched your presentation and was moved by it. You are so right that our barbershop is more than a hobby.
I have been a Sweet Adeline for many years in Columbia, Missouri, but moved to southern Oregon a few years ago. It's amazing and gratifying that we can always find barbershop music wherever we go. I have listened to your music for many years and still carry your GHG tapes in my car and listen to them often. Recently, my brothers and sisters and I buried our father and at his funeral we played your song "I Still Can't Say Goodbye"--I hope you don't mind. It seemed to fit our father as it did yours. Thank you for your contributions to barbershop singing and for your inspiring words.
Nancy Freeman
Ashland, Oregon
Jim,
As many have already stated you have put into words what we feel in our hearts. I have been wondering how I might be able to reconcile (so others could understand) my feelings about being able to sing, and how it relates with my faith and spirituality. You have provided me the means.
Thanks for your talent, insight and intellect.
Donald Cain
Pages of Harmony, Spokane, WA
Jim,
I just watched your keynote address on line. WOW! Yep the goosebumps were there with a few tears even as I sit here at work listening to it in my cube! Thanks for the gold medal moments that you shared. I always feel proud to say that I have seen/heard you sing in the GHG and seen you direct the AOH to some wonderful performances. You are definitely an inspiration to everyone, even those not involved in a barbershop singing organization!
Thanks for inspiring me to keep on trying to provide gold medal moments for others every time I open my mouth to sing.
Kathy
Riverblenders Chorus
Sweet Adelines International
Every barbershop singer everywhere in the world should experience this speech and feel the spirit of what we can do through our music. Some tears, many "Amens" and a host of "thank you's" for sharing so generously the ministry of your music in such a way that all our spirits are heightened and we see the value of what we do in a very different way.
Dixie Dahlke
Jim,
THANK YOU soooooo much for your beautiful words! As many have said before me, you have uttered the thoughts, hopes and "prayers" many of us have wanted to shout from the highest mountain top! I, sadly am inactive now as I search for my perfect "fun" chorus and seek to show what can place on their table with my 41 years of barbershop experience, not all as a full member, as my father joined the society in 1966. I've dearly missed ringing the chords and feeling the "spirit" of close harmony surround me. You've reminded me of what I miss and how I, personally, can reach out and touch others in a positive manner like no other person I know. I've had the pleasure of spending some time with Kipp singing at an afterglow back in Arlington VA, with Interstate Rivals.... Yeah, yeah, I know WAAAAYYY back but a wonderful experience none the less.
Your words have moved me to return to the barbershop "hobby?", no WORLD, and start giving back to the community and to my fellow barbershoppers the gift I've been blessed with!
Thank you for your love of the PASSION!
Rob Clawson
Northern California "born again barbershopper" !!!
Bay Area
I just watched your video and I was very moved by your words. I am new to barbershop and see now what I have been missing. I have just recent found Sound of Sunshine here in my area and I enjoy every minute I spend with the ladies I have the wonderful joy of singing with. You are right, barbershop is not just a hobby, it is a heart filling experience. I have always loved music but I have never experienced such joy that I feel with each note I sing as much as I do singing barbershop with Sound of Sunshine. And yes, it has already become an obsession. But if you have to have something your are addicted to Barbershop is the best one I have found. I am looking forward to many more years of being part of this obsession called Barbershop.
Dear Jim - I have just returned from another wonderful Harmony Inc. International competition where I was told of your speech at HCollege. I will be posting the site on the Harmony Connection as I want to share your speech with all of my barbershop friends. GHG was always an inspiration to me - I was privileged to meet you in Nova Scotia (yup, way up here in eastern Canada!) at Harmony Homecoming. It inspired me to quartet and then, a few years later, my quartet was fortunate to have your brother Rob as a coach in Montreal (not long after the birth of his beloved son). Those are some of my gold medal moments from the heart of GHG. I have now had expressed in words what I have always known in my soul - THANK YOU.
Jane Risley, HI, Deja Vu, ScotianAires
Dear Jim,
I am also a second generation barbershopper and have been inspired by GHG and many others all my life. We never described it as a hobby; it's family. And while we undoubtedly feel obsessed by it, I know it is a passion. I believe everyone should have at least one passion and feel sorry for those who don't.
Your speech was excellent and very moving. I was especially touched by your plea that we not go to the grave with any of our notes unsung.
I have always felt that goals of winning medals and placements were misguided. There can only be one goal: for each of us to sing the very best we can.
Thank you for the inspiration and the great perspective.
Dear Jim
because of the Internet I am able to follow your speech which took place months ago sitting at home in Germany. But that's a small kind of magic in comparison to the real magic of this "hobby" called Barbershop. Like for many other Barbershop friends in Germany, the music of the GHG was my entry point to Barbershop and has accompanied and enriched my life now for 18 years. I remember a lot of Gold Medal Moments of my life which I could live only because of this "hobby". Thanks for your inspiring speech and looking forward to see you in Dortmund this year!
Gregor
(Bass of Inflagranti, current BING!-Champion)
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