Standing on the Promises

Here are the Blufftones, singing a classic hymn this morning at the Onalaska United Methodist Church- "Standing on the Promises".

Although missing two of our strongest singers, I think the somewhat "softer" sound we achieved suited the hymn very well!

I've always wanted to just get up with the guys holding the red hymnal, and sing out right from the book, simply and in a (hopefully) heartfelt manner.

The "secret" to making the hymnal work for an all men's group is to take the second or "alto" part, and sing it an octave up- this gives a wider range, and a more "barbershop" like sound.

If the quartet was mixed men and women, they could just sing through the hymnal as written...

I sure wish there was more harmony singing done, it is so beautiful!

I think Jane did a great job filming as well!

Old Mailman goes to Korea!

It is now official: in July, the old mailman will be going with a church group from Onalaska United Methodist Church to Korea! The above photo shows a group of Koreans who visited us here this past winter. (They sang us a goodbye song at the church).

The old mailman will be accompanied by his daughter, Holly, who will be home from her freshman year of college. Our Pastor Kim in Onalaska is from Korea- he is the reason and inspiration for this cross-cultural exchange. It should be very, very interesting, to say the least!

I am NOT one who loves travel, and so, anticipating a trip to the other side of the world! seems quite extreme... but, I know it will be a wonderful thing! Overwhelming, but wonderful.

Hopefully, Mark Bertrang, my singing compadre, and Pastor Kim can also do some singing over in Korea- Koreans are new to barbershop and gospel music! I'd really like to sing them The Star Spangled Banner !