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....