Blue skies and warm weather prevailed when Cardinal District hosted its 2015 Leadership Academy on Saturday, February 7th in Columbus, Indiana. Representatives from seventeen different chapters from throughout the district converged upon the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center to learn more about their role as chapter officers. Classes were held for presidents, secretaries, treasurers, marketing and public relations VP’s, membership and chapter development VP’s, music and performance VP’s, and show production chairmen.
A distinguished panel of faculty members was recruited to help facilitate the sessions. Faculty members included Dave Kindinger (JAD), Jim Rosenau (CAR), John Santora (MA-D), Bob Davenport (DIX), Drew Ellis (CAR), Syl Wetle (ILL), and Mike Ehringer (CAR).
In addition to attendance at the classroom sessions, the attendees also got the chance to sing as part of the All-Academy Chorus under the direction of Mark Leimer. Over seventy persons climbed aboard five sets of risers, loaned for the occasion by the Columbus/Greenwood chapter. The chorus sang several familiar tunes including Heart of My Heart (The Story of the Rose) and Wild Irish Rose. Mark also taught a tag and explained the importance of balancing a chord and of matching the mood to the message.
Current Cardinal District Quartet Champions, Late Shift, performed a 20 minute set for a raucous audience of barbershoppers. The quartet consists of Tenor Tim Martin, Lead Andrew Myer, Baritone Bob Kendall, and Bass Adam Winans. The quartet’s final song received a standing ovation from an appreciative audience.
Barbershop Harmony Society Board Member John Santora installed the newly elected Cardinal District Officers. District officers for 2015 include president Greg Busch, executive vice-president Don Green, immediate past president Jerry Troxel, secretary Jim Rosenau, treasurer Paul Gabriel, and at-large members Roger Ford and Eric Hunstiger.
Greg Busch outlined his plans to put in place the goals for Cardinal District in 2015. The event closed with the singing of “Keep The Whole World Singing”.