Academy Updates

Join us for a Holiday Concert

2008-10-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

We're looking for men who want to have fun learning and performing Christmas/Holiday music with our chorus. We're putting on a Holiday concert December 20th in Largo and we're looking for men to join us on stage!

There are lots of men out there who love to sing and the holiday season is one of the best times to spread the joy of music. Men of all levels of singing experience are welcome to join us for the show. You'd attend at least 5 rehearsals to learn the music we'll be singing in the show and we'll help you discover the fun of singing unaccompanied 4-part harmony.

We're not looking for a long term commitment - just attend at least 5 rehearsals to learn and polish the songs. (Of course if you choose to become a full-time member of our competing chorus, that's okay too!)

We'll be starting to hand out music and start learning songs on Monday October 20th.

Hope you'll join us!

No rehearsal October 13

2008-10-13T04:40:00.000-07:00

There will be no rehearsal tonight.

July 21st Rehearsal NOT at IDS

2008-07-17T07:07:00.000-07:00

This Monday's rehearsal (July 21) will be in Sun City Center as kind of a chorus visit.

Here's the details on the location, courtesy of Jon Wagner:

Redeemer Lutheran Church
701 Valley Forge Blvd
Sun City Center FL 33573

The church is on the Northeast corner of SR 674 and Valley Forge Blvd which is also the towered-entrance to King's Point on the East side of the intersection. It has green street name signs both East and Westbound and is half-way between US Hwy 301 and I-75.

Pebble Beach Blvd intersects with SR674 towards the East side of town; a divided street with traffic signal; CVS is on one corner; Walgreens on the other, of course; BP Gas on another. It's a good mile South of 674, on the left and is a large white building with blue-domed roof.

The rehearsal will be in the large room at the East side of the Church and has its own entrance.

Contacts for Questions:

Dick Paulson 813-642-9905
Jon Wagner 813-810-0283
671-0283

New rehearsal location

2008-06-30T19:53:00.000-07:00

Starting next week - July 7th - The Academy will no longer be rehearsing at The Masque, but will be at Independent Day School (IDS) near Dale Mabry and Stall in the Carrollwood area.

The address is 12015 Orange Grove Dr, Tampa, FL 33618

Mapquest

Google maps

Look for signs.....

Sun Trust fund raising

2008-06-06T12:21:00.000-07:00

Here's an update from Milt about the status of the Sun Trust fund raising effort (where we open accounts and they give us $)

"I went to my bank again today to ensure that we (the chorus) are registered with them as a non-profit organization so that we can get some donations when a new account is opened.

As near as anyone can find out we have not been registered, so in order to get registered I will need our Tax Number that has been issued by the state. In the interim please do not open a new account indicating that you are a member of SPSBSQSA or BHS because the donation may go to any one of a dozen or more choruses in the state.

Thanks,

Milt"

No rehearsal May 26th

2008-05-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

With apologies for the late notice, there is no rehearsal May 26th due to Memorial Day.
See you next week!

PolyFonix in concert

2008-05-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

PolyFonix will be appearing at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 pm
details here

The Academy makes the news

2008-05-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

The chorus was recently featured in a print and on-line article by the Tampa Tribune.
Take a look - and a listen - here

Joining the chorus

2008-05-12T15:17:00.000-07:00

Here's the "typical" process for someone interesting in joining The Academy. First you visit the chorus: once, twice or several times to get a feel for the kind of music we sing, how we run our rehearsals, and to meet the guys (some people know they want to join after their first visit, others take a few weeks to decide, and that's just fine!)
When you're ready to audition, you're given the music and a learning CD to our audition song. Once you're ready you'll sing the audition song in a quartet with our Music Team - this is done privately, not in front of the chorus. Our aim is to hear 100% correct words and notes, and we'll do our best to help you learn the song. You can audition as many times as it takes.
After the audition is successful, you'll fill in an application to join the Barbershop Harmony Society and in turn, our chapter.
That's it - then you're a member of The Academy.

Who sings Barbershop?

2008-05-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

Just about anyone. Look through the membership roster of a typical barbershop chorus and you’ll find students, teachers, lawyers, doctors, accountants, entrepreneurs, financial advisors, salesmen and government workers. You’ll find long-time singers standing beside men who’ve never before sung in an organized chorus. There will be men who can sight read any piece of music and those who can’t read a note. Some barbershop singers are trained musicians, but many more have not had any formal education in music or singing. Great soloists are typically outnumbered by men who are happiest singing in a group.

How much does it cost to join?

2008-04-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

Joining a barbershop chorus costs about the same as many hobbies. We pay an annual membership fee, travel fees to competitions and small dues for uniforms, props, etc. For the enjoyment we get from singing, it’s money very well spent!

How much time does it take?

2008-04-17T15:32:00.000-07:00

We rehearse once a week for 3 hours. Our members are expected to work on their own, putting in a few extra hours each week learning and practicing. We also hold occasional extra rehearsals as we gear up for competitions. We perform several times a year and compete twice a year in State championships.

Do I need to be a great solo singer?

2008-03-28T15:39:00.000-07:00

Yes! No, of course not! We’re happy to welcome good, confident singers. We take a group of good singers and blend them into a great sounding chorus.

Annual Show April 12th

2008-03-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

Featuring 2007 Florida Quartet Champions (and very funny guys): WISEGUYS!
Don't miss the chance to see The Academy Chorus in concert at USF!

Details and ticket info here

What kind of songs do you sing?

2008-03-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

A little bit of everything – traditional “old” barbershop, Bill Joel and even the theme from the Bugs Bunny Show. Can you say eclectic? We focus on music that is fun to sing, entertains audiences and makes for great harmonies.

Do I need to know how to read music?

2008-03-16T15:30:00.000-07:00

Although it’s great when a new member has that ability, it’s not a requirement. All we ask is that our members put in the effort to learn new songs as quickly as possible – and we provide tools such as learning tapes to help.

Back for 2008

2008-01-02T10:00:00.001-08:00

After taking some time off for the holidays, we're back at it Monday, January 7th.
Guests are welcome!

CONCERT: Sept 9th, Tarpon Springs

2007-08-13T05:05:00.000-07:00

The Academy is excited to be returning to the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center on September 9th. Don't miss this opportunity to see The Academy in concert! Tickets are available from Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center web site

No rehearsal May 28th

2007-05-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

There will not be a rehearsal on Monday May 28th.
Back the week after that!

Singing Valentines

2007-01-08T10:15:00.000-08:00

Once again this year quartets from The Academy will be delivering singing valentines on February 14th. It's a one-of-a-kind gift for your special someone. Details here

October & November dates

2006-10-16T13:30:00.000-07:00

October 16th rehearsal at The Masque Theater

October 21st - Annual show at Gaither High School

October 23rd - no rehearsal

October 30th - no rehearsal

November 6th - GUEST NIGHT, at The Masque Theater

October 16th Rehearsal

2006-10-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

Next week's rehearsal (October 16th) will be at the Masque Theater in Temple Terrace, since the IDS risers will not be available.
Here are some links for you:

Main Masque theater page: http://www.masquetheatre.net/
Directions: http://www.masquetheatre.net/box_office.htm

Address to use for Mapquest or your favorite mapping site: 8825 N 56th Street, Temple Terrace, FL 33617

Mapquest link: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?address=8825%20N%2056th%20St&city=Temple%20Terrace&state=FL&zipcode=33617%2d6203&country=US&title=%3cb%3e8825%20N%2056th%20St%3c%2fb%3e%3cbr%20%2f%3e%20Temple%20Terrace%2c%20FL%2033617%2d6203%2c%20%20US&cid=lfmaplink2&name=

or this tinyurl: http://tinyurl.com/hfwal

May rehearsals

2006-05-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

We are rehearsing as always on May 22nd (and as always, guests are most welcome)
We will not be having a rehearsal on May 29th, Memorial Day.

MAY 8th REHEARSAL CANCELLED!

2006-05-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the last-minute notice, but just found out that tonight's rehearsal had to be cancelled. Business as usual next week....

2006 Show featuring KEEPSAKE

2006-05-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

More details are coming soon, but on October 21st we will hold our annual show, with very special guests, KEEPSAKE. Out of town visitors will be able to take advantage of special hotel + tickets packages.
Stay tuned for more details....

Order flowers, make money for the chorus

2006-04-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

Use either one of these links to order flowers for Mother's Day and you'll also by helping out the chorus, as we get a small "finders fee" for each order. Thanks!!
Send Your Mom Mother's Day Flowers & Get Same Day Delivery!

Thursday April 2oth CANCELLED

2006-04-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

Guys, we don't have a rehearsal facility and Mike LeBlanc has done his darndest
trying to find something, anything, anywhere that we could have the space
enough to set up risers, but we don't have it. It's not about getting together
to work on moves, it's about doing the moves on the risers to work on spacing,
the feeling of your feet on that smaller amount of space, etc.

Sorry about that and sorry about the late hour but Mike's being trying all this
time and we wanted to keep working to find an answer. Anyway, I'm not worried.
We'll use our time wisely over the next two Mondays and we WILL be ready.
We're nearly there already. If any of the new guys have serious issues with
this decision and you really feel the need to practice the choreo moves this
extra time, then email me back and I'll try to find a riser buddy to get
together with you and work on it tomorrow or your earlier convenience, maybe
even me. If you need the extra time, we'll work it out. We have guys who are
willing to help out.

Any questions, let me or a section leader know. Otherwise, check your email
this week for a note about the coaching session.

Thanks.
Drew

Guests are always welcome!

2006-03-13T10:43:00.000-08:00

If you've been thinking about checking out this thing called barbershop harmony, wait no more! We'd be happy to have you visit us any Monday at 7pm at Independent Day School (See the main web site for details).
The sooner you try it, the sooner you'll love it, the sooner you can join and you'll be singing on the competitive stage in no time!

Coaching with Tony moved to next week

2006-03-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

From Drew:
"...Tony can't make it tonight for very valid personal reasons and we have decided to move his rehearsal/coaching session with us until next week, March 20. Then we will continue our plan with having 3 full rehearsals together before he comes back again on April 17."

Success with Singing Valentines

2006-02-17T09:15:00.000-08:00

The final numbers aren't in yet, but 3 quartets from The Academy spent Valentine's Day (and evening) delivering singing serenades all over the Tampa area.
Lots of thrilled recipents were treated to a memorable gift from their sweetheart.
We'll definitely be doing this again next year!

Singing Valentines!

2006-01-26T11:58:00.000-08:00

Treat your loved one to a special Valentine's Day Surprise: a serenade by barbershop quartet. Your gift includes two beautiful love songs, a silk rose and chocolates. All this for $50 (and up depending on the time requested etc)
We will deliver throughout the Tampa area during the day and in the evening on February 14th. Please call Steve @ 813-215-6842 to book your valentine. You can pay by check or Paypal.
(If you're not in the Tampa area, you can search here for singing valentines in other areas)
Take a look at our singing valentine page here

Tarpon Springs Performance

2006-01-09T06:35:00.000-08:00

On January 29th the Academy will be performing at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center. We'll add more details as we get them, but for now....

Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center
324 Pine Street (inside City Hall)
Tarpon Springs FL 34689

For tickets call the box office
727-942-5605

$13 ($11 members)

First Night Sucess

2006-01-03T06:54:00.000-08:00

Our first "First Night" was a success, despite the fact that our performance times got a little mixed up when they were printed in the flyer and newspapers. Still, It was a great evening performing for the nice folks in Str. Pete!

First Night Performance

2005-12-21T22:02:00.000-08:00

The Academy will be performing at First Night in St Pete, December 31. We will be singing at 8:00 and 9:00pm in an auditorium is called The Sunshine Center and the address is: 330 5th Street North.

More information on First night here

Holiday Schedule

2005-12-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

Our next rehearsal is January 9, 2006

Video clips from our show

2005-10-31T12:15:00.000-08:00

Check out these video clips from the show (sorry about the low lighting on some of the video)

No rehearsal tonight Oct 31

2005-10-31T11:17:00.000-08:00

There is no rehearsal tonight, October 31st. Next week is our Guest Night.

Guest Night November 7th

2005-10-30T07:16:00.000-08:00

Please join us for a Guest Night next Monday, November 7th. While guests are welcome to visit every week, on this night we'll be showing a video of our recent competition and there will be plenty of opportunities to try some singing. Come on out and watch, or try it out for yourself....
WARNING - singing with The Academy is about the most fun you can have, so be prepared!
Check our web site for directions.
See you there!

Competition Results

2005-10-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

With all of the chorus competitions complete, here are the unofficial results:

A total of 242 choruses competed in 16 regional competitions across North America
The Academy finished tied for 27th

We were only 19 points (or 1.6% in our scoring percentages) away from qualifying for the International competition next summer.

The average size of the top 22 choruses (that qualified for the International competition) was 66 men.
The Academy competed with 23 men on stage.

You have to look all the way down to 40th place to find another chorus as small as us!

By the way, last year we finished in 61st position!

Why not come out and experience our awesome small chorus sound?

Guest Night postponed

2005-10-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

The guest night that was scheduled for Monday October 22nd has been postponed. We plan to have our guest night on our next rehearsal night, November 7th.