Written by: CSD President, Duane Lawson

What a fantastic weekend in Wichita! We experienced the typical Kansas spring weather, including temperatures in the 70s and then snowing the next morning. I don’t think I can say enough about the Smorgaschorus, who hosted the Spring Convention. I am so proud of their talent and leadership.

The District Events, Convention, and Contest and Judging teams met many hours to consider the best and healthiest way to come back to a singing event. In addition to having people in the audience to hear our quartets live, we had performances from a local high school as well as the Smorgaschorus and the Heart of America Chorus. In place of the chorus contest, the Smorgaschorus and the Heart of America Chorus had the unique opportunity to sing and get immediate feedback during a “Coaching Under Glass” session with two of our contest judges, which also allowed the audience to observe. The district team will continue to find more opportunities for directors, chorus members, and all barbershoppers to enjoy a convention.

I think for me and several people that I spoke with, a highlight was walking down the hallway between the hotel and convention center to see and hear all the people singing tags. Time flew by as I was greeting people I haven’t seen for years and getting to sing tags with new and old friends.

We were able to broadcast the contest. I watched part of the contest on Facebook Live and in the contest venue. It was amazing to see comments that supported the quartets. I am so glad that we were able to provide that service. But the experience of hearing groups live, sharing the emotions back to the quartets and people sitting next to me will be something that I never take for granted again.

Make plans to attend the Fall Convention in Lawrence, Kan. on October 7th and 8th, and check out future events on www.singcsd.com.