Our Newsletter

7:00 PM - No Meeting - Song list for January 8th meeting is below.

Georgia On My Mind
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Can You Feel The Love Tonight
A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet
Yesterday
Gospel Medley
When She Loved Me
When There's Love At Home

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Happy New Year to everyone! Hope all are excited about 2026. A casual lunch was held Tuesday the 6th with 6 interested members and good discussion and suggestions were offered. We may have a solution to our meeting place. More to be shared Thursday. Singing Valentine’s will be here before we know it. Volunteer to join a Quartet or help Pete out in some other way. Until then, KTWWS!

Board Meeting: Monday, January 12th, 6 PM, at East Ridge Church of Christ. Steve Grubb

7:00 PM - No Meeting - Song list for January 8th meeting is below.

Georgia On My Mind
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Can You Feel The Love Tonight
A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet
Yesterday
Gospel Medley
When She Loved Me
When There's Love At Home

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Let's get 2026 started off right! Our first rehearsal will be on January 8th! The song list is on the website and above.

Join us and be ready to sing! Jimmy Tompkins

Photograph by AJ Hanson

7:00 PM - No Meeting - Have a Merry Christmas

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Another successful year behind us. Our Holiday events and a well attended Christmas Show will help us to build our reserves back up a bit. Great job by everyone at Chatt State! And, I think we’ve established a new tradition with the Poinsettias give away. Thanks to all who brought the seasonal plants. Wish you and healthy and happy season as 2025 winds down. See everyone on January 8th of 2026! Until next year, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

Upper Photograph by AJ Hanson

Wow! I am so thankful for all of you! I thought the show went very well! And also, all of your extra performances for the month were "extra" special!

Also, I thought your efforts on "Go Tell it on the Mountain" paid off well. Thank you for all of the extra effort on that song. It WILL be on next year's show, so here's your sign!

Our next rehearsal is Thursday, January 8th! The location is TBD but unless otherwise specified we will continue to meet a Morris Hill!

I appreciate ALL of you! Jimmy Tompkins

This is my last message as your Marketing and PR VP. A Big Congratulations to Pete who will take over as VP in 2026! Well deserved, and I am sure that Pete will be successful - just like everything he's always done for us!

Over the years I've had wonderful support from Steve Grubb and Jimmy! There is one gentleman I would like to thank so much in particular! He's been a tremendous help for me, creating posters, being a sounding board for fine tuning our promotional efforts and his creation of our Christmas Video with our Chorus singing It Came Upon a Midnight Clear!

Steve Wixson, my good friend, thanks so much for all that you have done making good things happen!

No matter what the Board may approve, let's all continue to improve our Singing Performance! Every now and then, each Section sounds like One Beautiful Voice - Barbershop!

Thanks Guys! It's been Fun! Rich Wilson

7:00 PM - Martin Boyd Sing Out. See Calendar

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

2025 is almost behind us and I feel it’s been a successful year. We’ve done our usual compliment of performances and put on another entertaining Christmas Show. My wish is for everyone to have a great time with friends and family and come back January 8th ready to become a better singer and Chorus member than you’ve ever been before. Until next year, KTWWS!

First Board Meeting of 2026 is slated for Monday, January 12th.

Our beloved Jack Cook passed away Decrmber 10th. Visitation and Services are on Friday, December 19, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Lane Funeral Home on Ashland Terrace . Steve Grubb

7:00 PM - Meeting at Morris Hill Baptist Church

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Your individual impact on this Show will be reflected in how many Ads and tickets are sold and how great we sound entertaining our loyal audience. Let’s give them the best we got to make their investment worth their while. Until next time, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

I have Ad forms if needed to sell ads. They need to be turned into me by Thursday, December 11 as the Program Booklet goes to the printer on Friday the 12th. Jim Chappell 

7:00 PM - Meeting at Morris Hill Baptist Church

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Busy times are ahead and I hope everyone is able to make all the gigs scheduled for December. A successful Show on the 16th musically and financially is in your hands. Please do all you can to help us have a great Holiday season.

No Leadership Academy this year, but your newly elected Officers are ready to make 2026 another banner year for the Chorus. Please encourage them as they serve you. Your efforts to better respect each other and Jimmy as we rehearse is really appreciated. Keep up the good work into next year.

Our last time together as a Chorus will be the 18th at Martin-Boyd. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and harmonious New Year. Until next time, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

In a few minutes after receiving this newsletter, Steve Wixson will send you an email with the Christmas Show Poster that you can forward to friends and family. And to make it better, add a personal note above the Poster.

And please strive to be more actively involved than ever in selling tickets, Program Ads, and for the first time, selling our Christmas Video which can be bought on our choochoochorus.org website! Thanks, Rich Wilson

7:00 PM - Meeting at Morris Hill Baptist Church

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Our Holiday Season is off and running for 2025. A good number of folks at the North River Civic Center were pleasantly entertained by a great turn out of guys [Shown above are Rock City 3 and the Parson singing a parady of Side-by-Side]. This coming Monday’s rehearsal will be our only chance to clean up some numbers before we go up the mountain a week from Tuesday for the folks at Alexian. Go Tell it! Go Tell it!

The success of our Christmas Show both musically and financially resides in our efforts the next three weeks! Polish up that music and sell those tickets and Ads! Until next week, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

7:00 PM - Meeting at Morris Hill Baptist Church

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Another good week of work on Go Tell it! Keep polishing this one up. Also, encouraged yet again by behavior exhibited on the risers. Be thinking of who you can approach about buying an Ad for the program and who you can sell tickets to also! The musical and financial success of the Show is in your hands! Until next week, KTWWS!

Board Meeting: Monday, 11/17, at East Ridge church of Christ, 7 PM. Note the time, please. Steve Grubb

The set for the 2022 Christmas Show included a video screen that showed short videos without audio of each song sung by the chorus and quartets. I am a collector of religious stamps and used them in the videos including It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. The audio came from Paul Blazek's Christmas Show CD. Steve Evans was a short time member who worked on the James Webb Telescope project and inspired using one of the first images in the video. This video turned out so good that I uploaded it to the internet with Paul getting permission from Jim Clancy to use his arrangement. Rich Wilson loves it and wants to sell it this Christmas season. Click the link below to view it. Note that this address is valid for about one week. Steve Wixson

https://stevewixson.net/itcameupon.mp4

When I leave the chorus to take a newsletter photograph, I get to see and hear outstanding performances. I was proud of the 25 singing brothers who thought enough about our country to spend a half day`honoring veterans which include some of us. Steve Wixson

7:00 PM - Meeting at Morris Hill Baptist Church

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

A huge thanks to everyone who worked so hard on our reclamation project, Go Tell it on the Mountain. It lives to see another day. Don’t slack off now but keep pushing to nail it down.

Also, an even bigger ‘Atta Boy for the behaviors exhibited last week as we rehearsed. We were focused and respectful of each other and Jimmy! Keep that practice going from here forward! It will serve us well in performance.

Board Meeting, Monday, 11/17, 6 PM at East Ridge Church of Christ. Enter through Door # 8. Steve Grubb

The Poster for the Christmas Show is above and was a team effort with Steve Grubb, Bill Slack, Rich Wilson and Jimmy Tompkins all making significant contributions. Steve Wixson

7:00 PM - Meeting at Morris Hill Baptist Church

Jingle Bells
White Christmas
Winter Wonderland
Go Tell it on the Mountain (Johnson)
Joy To The World
Mary Had A Baby
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Christmas Tag

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

This is our last shot at salvaging 'Go Tell it on the Mountain' for this year. Let’s all commit to learning this challenging but enjoyable number for our show next month.

Many challenging thoughts were shared Thursday about our rehearsals and practice time together. Please ponder on these and help us become the Chorus we are able to be when we put our minds to it!

More importantly, let’s all agree to show Jimmy the respect he deserves as he directs us each week. Until next time, KTWWS!

Board Meeting, November 10, 6 PM @ East Ridge church of Christ. Steve Grubb

7:00 PM - Meeting at Morris Hill Baptist Church. Songs to work on:

Angels We Have Heard on High
Go Tell it on the Mountain (Johnson)
Happy Holidays - It's The Holiday Season
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Joy To The World
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
Silent NIght
We Need a Little Christmas

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Many details are being nailed down for our Christmas Show, but the most important aspect of that is the members of the Chorus nailing down all the words and notes! Especially Go Tell it on the Mountain! Let’s all do our outside practice and manage to learn this number.

Last week was a rough one as regards practice time and respect for Jimmy and the Chorus. We all are guilty from time to time, so we all have the opportunity for improvement. No side conversations, questions directed to the man most likely to have the right answer and support of one another whenever we are singing. Let Jimmy do the correcting and encouraging. We’re all in this together.

Finally, we still need men to step up and serve on the Board. Give it a try! Until next week, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

7:00 PM - Meeting at Morris Hill Baptist Church. Songs to work on:

Happy Holidays - It's The Holiday Season
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Winter Wonderland

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

7:00 PM - Meeting at Morris Hill Baptist Church

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Bill Slack & Linda Jesse working the Quartet Registration table

Tony & Iva Burns working the doors.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Morris Hill Baptist Church

Work on the two Contest Songs and organize for the Convention.

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Great job again this past Thursday! And we were glad to see Henry Crutcher back to sing with us for the Christmas program!

Monday night will be focused mostly on our preparation for our convention weekend. Come ready to tell the story of both songs in an engaging way to captivate the audience.

Be sure and let Steve G know how you plan to serve during our convention. We NEED YOU! Jimmy Tompkins

RC4 is ready to work the SHD Convention wearing the sleeveless version of Ron Weaver's t-shirts.

Photoshop A.I. was used. There are no sleeveless t-shirts.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Morris Hill Baptist Church

Christmas Songs (in show order):

Jingle Bells
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
Happy Holidays - It's The Holiday Season
Little Saint Nick
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
We Need a Little Christmas
Joy To The World
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Angels We Have Heard on High
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Mary Had A Baby
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Silent NIght
Christmas Tag

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Great work again this past Thursday! One big take away is that when we are singing, we are ALWAYS performing. Don't let a moment of your rehearsal time be wasted with "just going through the motions" of singing. Get into it, tell the story! All of that will make the music better!

Remember that NEXT week is convention week! Tell Grubb WHERE you will serve! And practice net week is on MONDAY because we will have a gathering at the convention hotel next Thursday.

Thanks for continuing to give your best each week! Jimmy Tompkins

7:00 PM - Meeting at Morris Hill Baptist Church

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

No new words of wisdom from me, but I do place a request for all to volunteer and serve during Convention in October at Silverdale Baptist Church. Thank you. Steve Grubb

Gentlemen, I need help backstage at the Convention at Silverdale. If we don’t do a good job conducting the Friday and Saturday Contests, it embarrasses this proud chorus, and a poorly run contest is the fault of what happens backstage.

I need 2 men to sit at a table where the quartets sign in. After checking in, the quartet will be assigned to and escorted to their warm up room. I need 3-4 men to go fetch the quartets when they are due to go on stage and escort them to their warm stage. I need 1 man to sit on stage left and help quartets off stage and into the audience after they have sung. This job is not physically challenging.

If I don’t get volunteers, I will just start picking out guys from the chorus. Remember, backstage is an easier job than setting up risers. Bill Slack

The working title for our 2025 Christmas Show is, "Christmas Memories, Does This Ring a Bell With You?" What is your favorite Christmas Chorus memory? For Johnny Jackson and Steve Grubb it is 'Hunch and Grunch" from the Hansel & Gretel skit in the 2003 Show (see below). For me it was from the 2011 "The Children of Christmas" Show when the stage was full of children (Click HERE to watch it).

What is your favorite Christmas Show memory? Email it to me by return email, and it might make it into this years' show as well as the Christmas Poster that I need ideas to complete. Thanks, Steve Wixson

For past Christmas Show highlights, click 'Archive' at the bottom of the left column and search "Old Show Programs."

7:00 PM - Meeting at Morris Hill Baptist Church

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

No new words of wisdom from me, but do place a request for all to volunteer and serve during Convention in October at Silverdale Baptist Church. Thank you. Steve Grubb

7:00 PM - No meeting this week

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

7:00 PM - Meeting at Morris HIll Baptist Church

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

WOW! With 32 men crammed on the risers and Jimmy doing his usual fine job directing, I felt we gave the approximately 150 Friends & Family attending the show a really good hour of entertainment. They enjoyed us to the tune of $887 placed in our buckets! Well done by all.

Keep reviewing the notes Jimmy has provided and let’s clean up the spots we seem to repeat each week! We’re better than this.

A total of 8 gents helped get everything out of Ponder’s and moved to my workplace on Ty Hi Drive. It was all done in a little over 3 hours! Many thanks for your assistance. We will be at Morris Hill for at least the next few weeks. Don’t let our new digs keep you from attending rehearsals. Christmas will be here before we know it. Be inviting men to join us.

Board Meeting, Monday September 8th, at East Ridge Church of Christ, 6 PM. Steve Grubb

7:00 PM - Performance at East Brainerd Church of Christ

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Our numbers were down for our most recent rehearsal I’m bc sure for a wide variety of reasons, but we’re still committed to putting on a great F & F Show this Thursday! Please review the notes Jimmy sent out and come prepared to entertain our supporters.

The foreseeable future will have us rehearsing at Morris Hill due to water damage at Ponder’s. Once a date has been settled on to move all of our equipment and belongings out of the storage rooms, a call will go out. Help us if you can. Hopefully, this disruption will be brief. Until next time, KTWWS! Steve GRubb

We had a great rehearsal this past week for those of you who were able to be there! We did miss many of you!

I will be sending a separate email with notes for most of our songs. It will highlight at least one thing that I repeat often for that specific song. Please study these before Thursday and come prepared to sing and perform your very best for our friends and families!

Speaking of that, have YOU invited all of your friends and family? I sure hope so! Wouldn't it be great to sing for a large crowd this Thursday? We can if you will do your part to get folks there!

Be there at 6:15 pm ready to sing! Come warmed up. We will start in the sanctuary and then move to the smaller room at 7 pm so that we can open the doors.

I'll see YOU Thursday! Jimmy Hompkins

We were at the Read House singing to a group of people in town for the Outdoor Writers Association of America. The Chattanooga Tourism Group asked for a quartet to be there for a bit. Their theme was about trains and the Choo Choo, the reason for the quartet name "The Engineers." Pete Jones

We now have a JPG picture made, prior to the performance . There were enough members who wanted a picture that I will have them made at Walmart for $3.00 each. If persons were not there that night and want a picture please let Jim Chappell know . E-mail : jimwchappell@verizon.net or text me at 804-937-9876 . We have to pay Walter Murphree $50 for making the picture , so any additional help on defraying that cost would be appreciated. Jim Chappell

7:00 PM - Meeting at ???????.

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

A really good performance at Garden Plaza! This week will address areas that need to be cleaned up before the F & F Show on the 28th.

All the rooms at Ponder’s suffered water damage and a bunch of boxes and materials were lost. Probably at least a week away from meeting there again. We will meet at Morris Hill Baptist Church this Thursday. Until then, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Let’s do some work from home and be uber ready for the performance this week at Garden Plaza! Turn your face on and don’t let it dim; shape those vowels and blend with your section. Most importantly, have fun and sell the songs!

Much good work is being done and new guests are finding their way to us! Friends & Family is two weeks after the GP Show. Posters are coming out via Email to share with contacts and fill the Auditorium at East Brainerd church of Christ. Until next time, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

Great work this past Thursday! Please continue to work on the little things we talk about each week. It will make us all better!

We have been having guests regularly lately! Thank you for inviting your friends to join us! Also, thank you for welcoming them and being outgoing. We hope to see many more guests in the coming weeks! I'll see you Thursday! Jimmy Tompkins

Anyone capable of helping with risers this Thursday at Garden Plaza meet at 5:15 Pete Jones

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

How exciting to see 3 Guests at our recent rehearsal! All of the men seemed to enjoy themselves and should be back. Thanks for making them feel welcome as the flowers in May!

Sorry I missed the MBCH performance but I had a Board Meeting to attend. We’re sounding good and, hopefully, looking better engaged. Friends & Family night will be here later this month. Be inviting guests. While this is a freebie, we do hope to pass the hat and refill the coffers a bit. Until next week, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Here's another Chorus VIP reply! Rich Wilson

" As long as I can remember, the Choo Choo Chorus has been the key in our chapter's Christmas Gala Dinner. They bring so much Christmas Spirit to the hearts and souls of our MOAA members that I don't think Christmas would be the same without them. If you have the opportunity to hear this wonderful group of talented folks, it will become part of your Christmas tradition as well."

Ray Mitchell, President, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  Songs for this week:

Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Georgia On My Mind
Can You Feel The Love Tonight
A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet
I'm Sitting On Top Of The World
Yesterday
Sweet and Lovely (That's What You Are To Me)
When She Loved Me
Let's Get Away From It All
Gospel Medley
When There's Love At Home
God Bless America
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)
Keep The Whole World Singing

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Well, we've all seen mug shots before, here's 4 more! But don't focus on the MUG. Pay attention to the outfits. These are our standard uniforms for a performance depending on surrounding conditions and particular needs for the event. These will be referred to when announcing the details of a performance. Also, they will be posted during our meetings. Hopefully, this will deter any mix matching of uniform parts.
Yours in UNIFORM HARMONY, Pete Jones

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  Songs for this week:

The Old Songs
Can You Feel The Love Tonight
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet
Gospel Medley
Sweet and Lovely (That's What You Are To Me)
When She Loved Me
When There's Love At Home
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)
Keep The Whole World Singing

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

A good rehearsal this past week! Upcoming performances are on the horizon, so please be polishing up our repertoire! May I implore everyone to take to heart the 10 characteristics of a great performer Jimmy reviews each week and apply them to your performance? We need to sale what we’re presenting and give our audiences our best each time we sing. If you’re committing the same errors each week, please recognize and clean it up! We owe it to each other and to our fine Director. Until next week, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

GREAT WORK this past week! Succes can be determined in small steps, and we are seeing those each week. You can help by reviewing our current repertoire songs each week. If YOU will spend 10-15 each day vocalizing and working through four or five songs the chorus WILL be better!

I've updated the songs list for this week. You can also see the list for the Martin Boyd performance on July 28th. Come prepared this week to sing in a quartet on "Sweet and Lovely"

I'll see you Thursday! Jimmy Tompkins

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Seems the mountains weren’t the only things high in Denver last week. The scores from International were up there as well! The Vocal Majority won the Chorus contest with an overall score of 95.9! Nashville finished 2nd with a score of 94.9. SNOBS’ Lemon Squeezy won the Quartet contest with a score of 93.9 and Full Effect came in 4th with a score of 90.9! Not too shabby, huh?

Thanks to the 19 members and 2 Guests who were here last Thursday. A special commendation to Jimmy for being there after just hitting town a few hours earlier from Denver. Our visitors seemed to enjoy themselves and hopefully will return. Contact them or someone you haven’t seen in a while and let’s get our numbers back where they belong. Until next time, KTWWS!

Board Meeting, July 14th, 6 PM @ Ponder’s. SteveGrubb

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

You've still got time to register for Lakeside Harmony, scheduled for July 18-20 at beautiful Furman University! Here's the link:
https://lakesideharmony.org/ Jimmy Tompkins

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

A HUGE thank you to Ron Weaver and others who came last Thursday and had some time singing together! My voice seems to be almost back completely, and I should be fine this Thursday. One of the things we generally try to work on during the summer is fundamentals. Each week is important as we build on last week. (You get bonus points if you can name more than 3 of the Ten Expectations of a Champion that we've been looking through)

Also, we need to keep improving our repertoire numbers so that we can be ready at any moment to perform them. I'll see YOU Thursday! Jimmy Tompkins

Ten dedicated members showed for a relaxed meeting. We also had a Guest, who said he'd be back next Thursday. We had a little warm-up and casual choral singing, some singing knowledge shared, a little barbershop history, a famous barbershopper's Pitch Pipe was given to a deserving member, and the best event of the night? Krispy Kreme Donuts at Break!
Thanks to the men who showed! I hope you left with something good for your efforts! Ron WEaver (The "WE" is capped for a reason!)

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

We are hopeful of finding more performance opportunities the remainder of the year to replenish what we’ve contributed to worthy causes the last couple of years. Our Friends & Family event will be in August and the annual Christmas Show in December. If enough will step up, we’ll return to an Annual Show in ‘26.

Please try to keep your availability up to date so Pete and Jimmy can more quickly determine whether we can accept an offer to sing. Committing to the10 things that make a Champion we review each week and putting them to practice can’t help but make our performances even more appealing to our audiences. Until next week, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

From the left, Bernard Peek, Dan Peterson, Judd Jadoobirsingh, Steve Grubb, Wendell Whitmire, Pete Jones, Paul Colman, and Daniel Randolph.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

June is here and we are already feeling the effect of lower numbers. This is a great time to invite that friend you’ve been wanting to ask and introduce them to our hobby and this great group of men. Friends & Family Show is around the corner, so keep brushing up on your music.

Board Meeting: Monday, June 9th @ Ponder’s, 6 PM. Please attend if possible. All members welcome anytime. Until next time, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Twenty three men sang for the 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Cemetery. We sang Heart of MY Heart as warm up song in the formation shown above meaning everyone present could hear us. The wife of one of the military officers sang the National Anthem unaccompanied with the audience joined in. Later we sang The Armed Forces Medley and God Bless America.

The picture to the left shows the 5 basic vowels we have practiced in warm ups in the last few weeks. We demonstrated that the polecat “down our way” can be performed using only these target vowels before turning the diphthong at the end of the word . For example, sing "dah—-nah—-r—weh, bo—-thnah—-eh—-ndeh." Try doing this exercise thru the entire song, stretching the vowels to feel how sounds.

Then try using these vowels on "bloo—-skah—-smah—-ehng—-eht—-mee." If the entire chorus stretched these vowels and turned the diphthongs together, the results would be WOW! Bill Slack

As I mentioned Thursday night, Please consider a QCD (Qualified Charitable Distribution) from your Regular IRA to the Chapter. You can reduce your gross income by the amount you give the chapter. The Treasurer (JWC) will write you a letter you can use for your tax records . Questions, please ask me. Jim Chappell

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

It was great seeing Maury with us a week ago; I should have mentioned his visit in my last note but failed to do so. Please try to call to memory the weekly reminders we receive from Jimmy and apply them so he can find something else to expect of us! Memorial Day performance is upcoming, so get that medley down cold. Until next week, KTWWS! Steve GrubbPhotographs above are from the May/June 2025 Harmonizer

As I mentioned Thursday night, Please consider a QCD (Qualified Charitable Distribution) from your Regular IRA to the Chapter. You can reduce your gross income by the amount you give the chapter. The Treasurer (JWC) will write you a letter you can use for your tax records . Questions, please ask me. Jim Chappell

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Thanks to everyone for their hard work at the last rehearsal, especially to Paul and the excellent job he did directing us. We maintained pitch on every song we sang and managed to only lose 1/2 step on the key change for God Bless America. Let’s carry that momentum over when Jimmy returns this week. Bill is planing another night emphasizing Quartet Singing on May 22nd. Please plan now to attend. Until next week, KTWWS!

Board Meeting: Monday, May 12th @ Ponder’s, 6 PM. See all who are able to attend. Steve Grubb

A very special THANK YOU to Paul for filling in for me at the last-minute last week. I needed to make an urgent trip to visit my son in South Alabama, I heard GREAT things about the rehearsal so thank YOU for keeping up the good work!
Let's be ready this Thursday to polish our songs for Memorial Day. Be sure and confirm your participation ASAP.
Jimmy

The quartet of Dan Bullock, Judd Jadoobirsingh, Pete Jones, and Ron Weaver sang for two Naturalization Ceremonies last Thursday. Below are quotes from the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Full story is at http://timesfreepress.com/citizens Photograph courtesy of the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Matt Hamilton, photographer.

1. "After a charismatic performance by four members of the Choo Choo Chorus singing the National Anthem in barbershop-esque harmony, ...."

2. "Before the candidates were presented with their certificates of citizenship, the Choo Choo Chorus quartet — donning rich blue suits with bright red ties and pocket squares — performed God Bless America."

the singers the following year. While at UTC, I performed in the “King and I” as supporting male lead. I also sang in other productions at the Tivoli Theater, and numerous events at First Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga under the direction of Dr. Glenn Draper. Other singing activities included numerous church choirs, seasonal productions, albums, and CD productions. I sang tenor, baritone or bass or any part that was needed at the time.

I married my wife Cay in 2003, and we have two sons Wesley and Ben. We are retired and are enjoying pursuing our individual interests and hobbies. She enjoys sewing and is an excellent seamstress. She makes unique and smart custom dresses. I enjoy restoring muscle cars, classic cars, construction projects, robotics, running heavy equipment, and playing my role as Santa for the wonderful children at Christmas.

I was invited to attend the Choo Choo Chorus in the fall of 2024 by Dan Peterson. Dan and I are members of the Tri State Santas. I enjoyed the visit so much that I decided to join the group. I recently got to sing in a quartet with a wonderful group of guys (Ron Weaver, Pete Jones, and Dan Bullock) at the Naturalization ceremony at the Federal Court House in Chattanooga. It brought back a lot of memories with me being one of the ones standing there 47 years ago being sworn in as citizens of The United States of America. It was a very special event for me to be able to give back and to acknowledge the new citizens. Barbershop is still an all new adventure for me, and so far it has been a blast. I can still say that truly in this county anything is possible. Judd is second from left in the photograph above.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Hope everyone is watching the Alexian video and trying to improve your presentation. Jimmy is working hard on emoting and telling the story. Let’s work to improve this aspect of our performances. Also, let me challenge all of us to remember at least one aspect of our singing that we have to be reminded of each week and correct it before we start rehearsal. It might put a smile on your face and Jimmy’s as well! Bill’s in Alaska, so find your own way to the risers before 7 PM this week.

Congratulations to Rich Wilson for being awarded BOTY for 2024! He is much deserving of this recognition. Not every idea he has is followed up on but that does not deter him from finding new ones almost weekly. He truly wants to get our name out to everyone in the Chattanooga area. Until next week, KTWWS. Steve Grubb

 Looks good. I have already noted things I should add/change. This really helps. Thanks!!! Dan Peterson

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Despite a disappointing warmup, we gave a fine performance to the folks on the mountain last night. With Grandpa Wixson videoing, we will no doubt be seeing evidence to support my feelings. Yikes! Thanks to all for fighting traffic and weather to support this effort. Until next time, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

Got this email about Thursday night's sing out at Alexian Village. Jimmy Tompkins

Hi Jimmy (If I may!). Our Alexian residents who were with us last evening for your Concert so enjoyed it. Great variety with favorite hymns and especially “God bless America.” We are blessed that your group shares it’s time and talents with those of us who live in this beautiful retirement village, and I know all will agree by saying we eagerly await your next concept here. Blessings, Carolyn Stringer

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.   Song list:

Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
I'm Sitting On Top Of The World
Georgia On My Mind
A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet
Yesterday
Let's Get Away From It All
Can You Feel The Love Tonight
When There's Love At Home
Gospel Medley
God Bless America
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Good to see so many at our last rehearsal. Let’s eliminate having to repeat or relearn suggestions from Jimmy every week! We go to Alexian Thursday night (Long Sleeve blue shirt!) and sing on Memorial Day at the cemetery as usual. Serving and entertaining our community is what we’re all about. See everyone Monday evening! KTWWS. Steve Grubb

We are on a Mission to significantly improve our Marketing skills to make Choo Choo Chorus Brand much more recognized across the Greater Chattanooga Area! We have a Plan!

For this to succeed and attract 300 people to this year's Christmas Show, we need to have the entire Chorus actively participating to make it happen! This includes an average of 8 tickets sold per member - a 50% increase from last year!

The Key is to have up to 10 Music Team Approved videos of Chorus and Quartets to use in a variety of ways. Some may be past Competition videos downloaded from YouTube. More importantly for us, the rest will be new videos.

We begin with videos from our Show at Alexian Village this Thursday April 24! Are you ready? All of us need to sing better than ever using all of the traits of a great singer encouraged by Jimmy Tompkins! Can You, Do It?

Let's Do It! Rich Wilson

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Let me encourage you all to read the latest Harmonizer magazine. The article concerning what collegiate choirs can learn from BHS singers (Sing in tune, Move as you sing, Listen louder than you sing, Sing the meaning of the text and Sing like you love it) are great reminders of who we strive to be while the five thing we can learn from professional choirs (Know your music, Early is on time and On Time is late, Be flexible, Be on task and Don’t Talk, Sing like you are Performing) are all practices we would all do well to improve upon at each rehearsal. I feel we’ve heard all of these encouragements before! Until next time, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

Typing this message on April 11, the day 87 years ago when O C Cash met with some men on the Rooftop Garden of the Tulsa Club. Of course they had no written music back then, but the first 4 men to arrive all knew the old song, Down Mobile, which they sang and we sang last Thursday.

Cash was a lawyer who represented several different company’s. He would travel to their headquarters, staying for several days at a time. He would put an ad in the newspapers in each town, inviting men who wanted to sing in the barbershop style to come to the hotel at a certain day and time. Soon he had groups in several cities, and decided that these groups should be organized under a single name. Making fun of the federal government putting initials on every new deal program, Cash came up with our society’s SPEBSQSA name. Keeping with the ”have fun” idea, the first president was Rupert Hall, not Cash. When Hall was elected, he was in the bathroom and didn’t know he was nominated. More fun! Billl Slack [Tulsa is Steve Wixson's home town and he has been to the Rooftop Garden.]

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

It’s good to be back in Chattanooga and working on repertoire again. Putting the disappointment of Knoxville behind us will help us come together more as a Chorus Singing in the shotgun format is a new experience that I trust will benefit our overall performance.

Thank Jim for all he is doing to get us back on track from a financial standpoint. We are again recognized as a valid business by the state of Tennessee. An audit is soon to completed and a budget will follow soon after, we hope.

Our Music Team will be announcing an upcoming Friend and Family Show for later this summer. Plus, it’s never too early to start working on our Christmas Show. When asked to help out in any way, step up and take action. Until next time, KTWWS!

Board Meeting: Monday, April 14th, 6 PM @ Ponder’s. Steve Grub

A QCD is a distribution from your individual retirement account (IRA) to a qualified charity of your choice. The "Q" stands for qualified charity.

To make a QCD in 2025, you must meet the following requirements:

You must be age 70½ or older
You can donate up to $105,000 ($210,000 if married spouses)
Have a traditional IRA, inherited IRA, or inactive SEP/inactive SIMPLE IRA?

So you may have your Trustee make a check to The Choo Choo Chorus and inform Jim Chapel where you would like your contribution to go. For Example, Youth In Harmony (instead of putting cash in the basket) or general Funds to be used by the whole chapter. Thanks. Jim Chappell

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

We'll continue to work on our current repertoire this week. I hope to have the song list posted by Tuesday evening.

We also begun laying the foundation for TEN EXPECTATIONS of a CHAMPION last week. I'll be sharing those with you over the next several weeks. We covered the first two last week. Does anyone remember what they were?

I'll see you Thursday! Jimmy Tompkins

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Placing 30 men on the risers made for a great weekend in Knoxville. The local chapter was very appreciative of the District’s support Thursday night. The convenience for travel and venue used were both great. Music City Chorus (92%) and Full Effect (88%) both will represent SHD well in July.

Our scores suffered greatly from recent contests (down 6 points) but it seemed the Judges were tough on everyone. During evaluations from the three judges, we spent time with seemingly contradictory evals from them, in my opinion. Regardless, this bump in our journey should not derail the progress we have made to this point. Let’s pull together, work harder, spend time rehearsing away from Ponder’s and put on a great performance Tuesday night. Until next time, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Spring Contest Songs: Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away from it All

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Looking forward to seeing everyone this Monday for rehearsal. Also, please make your way to Knoxville on Thursday to support the Chapter that sponsored our joining BHS 62 years ago! Then, just stay over for Spring Convention to sing with the Chorus and support our 3 Quartets competing.

Jimmy seemed pleased that his “smiling” experiment caused us to sing so well this week. Maybe we should take it to heart and emote all the time! Just saying. Be sure to watch the training videos this week. Until next time, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

Hey guys! Thanks for a GREAT rehearsal this past Thursday. You are continuing to improve!

One BIG take away one "sing thru a smile." When you do it sounds much better! (Google it for more info)

Our "call time" for Saturday will be 9:15 in the lobby of the school theatre. We will start the pattern at 9:25..PLEASE BE ON TIME.

I'll see you on Monday night! Jimmy Tompkins

Due to the effort of Rich Wilson with help from Daniel Randolph and Steve Wixson, the chapter has the large screen TV shown above. The initial purpose is self improvement from looking at ourselves sing, but there are other uses to try.

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Spring Contest Songs: Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away from it All, and/or A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet

Annual Show (title Songs: A little Street Where Old Friends Meet, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Down Our Way, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou, I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Old Folks at Home, Shenandoah, When She Loved Me, When There's Love at Home, You Tell Me Your Dream. Learning Now: A Little Street Where Old Folks Live, Old Folks at Home

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Hey guys, I've updated the calendar to reflect the change of rehearsal during our district convention week. We will meet on MONDAY, March.17, and NOT Thursday, March 20..

This will be our last rehearsal BEFORE our convention AND our performance on Mar. 25th. So be here if at all possible!

Do you plan to attend on Monday? You can go to the website and check your availabiity. Please let me know ASAP, thank you! JimmyTompkins

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Spring Contest Songs: See Directly Speaking Below

Annual Show (title Songs: A little Street Where Old Friends Meet, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Down Our Way, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou, I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Old Folks at Home, Shenandoah, When She Loved Me, When There's Love at Home, You Tell Me Your Dream. Learning Now: A Little Street Where Old Folks Live, Old Folks at Home

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Thanks to all for the hard work that has been put into learning Little Street as it is still in the running for the Knoxville Convention now.

We have gained two new members in the Baritone section, Dennis and Todd and one in the bass section Tony.

Wilbur Strickland is planning a Chorus outing for the Spring that we hope everyone will participate in. Hope all are also planning to be in Knoxville in a couple of weeks for the Spring Convention. Until next time, KTWWS!

Board Meeting: March 10th, 6 PM @ Ponder’s. Steve Grubb

Wow! We had our two new guests back this past week and both sang baritone!

As always, thanks for your hard work each week! It is certainly paying off. We will give "A Little Street..." one more week to see if we can get it "contest" ready. If not, our two new contest songs will be "Let the Rest of the World Go By" and "Let's Get Away from it All." I am thankful for each one of you!
Jimmy Tompkins

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  Song List:

A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
Can You Feel The Love Tonight
Georgia On My Mind
God Bless America
Gospel Medley
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)
Keep The Whole World Singing
Let the Rest of the World Go By
Let's Get Away From It All
When She Loved Me
When There's Love At Home
Yesterday

Spring Contest Songs: Let the Rest of the World Go By and
Let's Get Away From It All

Annual Show (title Songs: A little Street Where Old Friends Meet, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Down Our Way, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou, I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Old Folks at Home, Shenandoah, When She Loved Me, When There's Love at Home, You Tell Me Your Dream. Learning Now: A Little Street Where Old Folks Live, Old Folks at Home

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Spring Contest Songs: A little Street Where Old Friends Meet, Blue Skies.

Annual Show (title Songs: A little Street Where Old Friends Meet, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Down Our Way, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou, I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Old Folks at Home, Shenandoah, When She Loved Me, When There's Love at Home, You Tell Me Your Dream. Learning Now: A Little Street Where Old Folks Live, Old Folks at Home

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Here are the Singing Valentines statistics for 2025. There were 5 Quartets who made 50 deliveries around Chattanooga,  Cleveland, Dalton and Soddy Daisy. Pete Jones

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Spring Contest Songs: A little Street Where Old Friends Meet, Blue Skies.

Annual Show (title Songs: A little Street Where Old Friends Meet, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Down Our Way, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou, I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Old Folks at Home, Shenandoah, When She Loved Me, When There's Love at Home, You Tell Me Your Dream. Learning Now: A Little Street Where Old Folks Live, Old Folks at Home

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

A good rehearsal last week with all the Chorus back together. Keep working Little Street and let’s put the music down! Hope you are selling and participating in Singing Valentine’s as much as you can. Pete and Rich are working hard to make it a success.

If all works out, we may soon be doing some impromptu video recording during our rehearsals for members to watch and learn from. Please plan to bring a dish and attend the Installation Dinner on the 27th! Social time together grows a stronger Chorus.

Finally, let me plead once again with all of us to listen to what Jimmy is sharing and actually apply it before his head explodes! Riser etiquette when rehearsing; don’t talk with your neighbor during a song or as instructions are being shared by our Director; work on your music away from rehearsal; engage your face whenever you sing; if you’re singing, you’re performing; and DON’t HUM THE PITCH WHEN THE PIPE IS BLOWN!! Until next time, KTWWS! Seve Grubb

It's Time for SINGING VALENTINES!

Singing Valentines is right up there with our Annual and Christmas Shows in terms of earnings and public awareness. Thanks to Pete and all of our singers for putting together 4 Quartets on Valentines Day Friday and 2 on Saturday! This took some time!

Now the challenge for all of us is to make sure they are busy! Counting 20 stops for Warren & Griffin, we have just a little more than 30 sales so far. We usually have 60 and more! Pete has arranged for 2 radio spots and 1 for TV this week which will help.

By now you have your Poster email from Steve Wixson. Please:

•Send the Poster to all of your "Usual Suspect" email listings and more.

•Distribute any hard copy posters you have to good locations.

•Get on your phone and talk it up with family, friends, neighbors.

•Armed with paper Poster copies and order forms, stop people on the street. You never know if you don't try! (I once tried to sell show tickets to 3 guys in a moving elevator. Didn't work, but I tried!)

•If you need order forms, and convenient, stop by at Ponders a little before 6 this Monday. We are having a Board Meeting. Otherwise, just direct buyers to choochoochorus.org.

•If you have any club meetings this week, take advantage!
Thanks for all of your efforts! Rich Wilson

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  Be off sheet music for: A Little Street Where Old Folks Meet

Spring Contest Songs: A little Street Where Old Friends Meet, Blue Skies.

Annual Show (title Songs: A little Street Where Old Friends Meet, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Down Our Way, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou, I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Old Folks at Home, Shenandoah, When She Loved Me, When There's Love at Home, You Tell Me Your Dream. Learning Now: A Little Street Where Old Folks Live, Old Folks at Home

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

We had a great time in San Antonio! The Seniors Chorus sang well, and Silver Ring was pleased with what we put on the stage. But as always I'm glad to be home!

On Thursday we will focus on being OFF THE MUSIC on "Little Street... Please come prepared on that song. We'll also begin working on Old Folks at Home this week. It's on the website so please give it a look before Thursday!

A special thanks to Ron Weaver for helping us get prepared for Valentine's Day! I'm looking forward to Thursday! Jimmy Tompkins

The Chapter Officer Installation/ Valentine party will be on the evening of Monday, February 17, at Oakwood Baptist Church, Benny's church. Time to be determined. Bill Slack

Thanks to the members who participated in the extra Rehearsal for Valentines! You worked hard (and smart) for two hours and had coaching from a Gold Medal Champion! Exposure and time spent with such skill is priceless! ! Ron Weaver

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Spring Contest Songs: A little Street Where Old Friends Meet, Blue Skies. Learning Now: A Little Street Where Old Folks Meet

Annual Show (title Songs: A little Street Where Old Friends Meet, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Down Our Way, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou, I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Old Folks at Home, Shenandoah, When She Loved Me, When There's Love at Home, You Tell Me Your Dream. Learning Now: A Little Street Where Old Folks Live, Old Folks at Home, and Shenandoah

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

About half of the Chorus will be away in Texas for Midwinter, but let me encourage those remaining in town to gather Thursday and work on the Valentine’s songs and solidify Quartet formation ahead of the big day. The more, the merrier. It’s a great event to participate in for sure. Hopefully, we will have shiny ? to show off upon our return

Until we all gather again, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

It’s official! Put it on your calender that our chapter officer installation/ Valentine party will be on The evening of Monday, Feb 17. Time to be determined.

Pot luck, so bring enough for more than just yourself. It’s in the chapter bylaws that Baris bring deserts; Tenors bring salads; Basses bring veggies; and Leads bring casseroles or a meat dish. Of course if you have a specialty out side these parameters, that will be acceptable. Plates, utensils ,cups, beverages will be provided.

More details to follow. Bill Slack

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Spring Contest Songs: A little Street Where Old Friends Meet, Blue Skies. Learning Now: A Little Street Where Old Folks Meet

Annual Show (title Songs: A little Street Where Old Friends Meet, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Down Our Way, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou, I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Old Folks at Home, Shenandoah, When She Loved Me, When There's Love at Home, You Tell Me Your Dream. Learning Now: A Little Street Where Old Folks Live, Old Folks at Home, and Shenandoah

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Board Meeting: Saturday, January 25th, 9 AM-12 PM @ Ponder’s. All are welcome but especially the new 2025 Board. Biscuits, Donuts, Fruit, Tea, Orange Juice & Coffee might make an appearance! Plans for our upcoming year to be discussed. Steve Grubb

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.  

Spring Contest Songs: A little Street Where Old Friends Meet, Blue Skies. Learning Now: A Little Street Where Old Folks Meet

Annual Show (title Songs: A little Street Where Old Friends Meet, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Down Our Way, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou, I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Old Folks at Home, Shenandoah, When She Loved Me, When There's Love at Home, You Tell Me Your Dream. Learning Now: A Little Street Where Old Folks Live, Old Folks at Home, and Shenandoah

Repertory: Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, Can You Feel th Love Tonight, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Let's Get Away From It All, My Wild Irish Rose, The Old Songs, The Star Spangled Banner, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday, You Tell Me Your Dream

Thanks for a great start to 2025! You guys are singing well. We'll spend some time this month reminding ourselves of some basic fundamentals. The new year is always a good time to do that!

As we announced this past Thursday, we are planning for a late Spring show around the theme of Love and Home. We'll hopefully know the date soon! (We're waiting to see if we can get a guest quartet and then find a venue)

MARK YOU CALENDAR for March 21st thru 22nd. We will participate in our SHD Spring convention and contest in Knoxville. More details later!

I'll see YOU Thursday! Jimmy Tompkins

7:00 PM - Rehearsal at Ponders.

Repertory:
Blue Skies, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Wait Till The Sun Shines, Nellie, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday

Two Words - GET READY
Get ready - to start weekly rehearsals again.
Get ready - IF you are going to be in a Valentine quartet.
Get ready - to start working on songs for Spring Contest.
Get ready - to participate in an Annual Show.
Get ready - to participate in upcoming singouts.
Get ready - to do your part, whether it's just singing or also in leadership.
KTWCS - Keep the whole Chorus singing! Pete Jones

7:00 PM - No Meeting this Thursday

Repertory:
Blue Skies, Georgia On My Mind, God Bless America, Gospel Medley, Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart),I'm Sitting On Top Of The World, Keep The Whole World Singing, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Wait Till The Sun Shines, Nellie, When She Loved Me, When There's Love At Home. Yesterday

Twenty four guys sang for the MOAA Christmas Dinner including those trapped in an elevator who were rescued by the Chattanooa Fire Department (Photograph by Daniel Randolph). Santa Claus in the form of Dan Peterson joined us on the risers as we sang our program of songs.

7:00 PM - No Meeting this and next Thursdays

We ended the year on a high note with our performance at Alexian before our usual appreciative audience there. Let’s enjoy the remainder of the year with friends and family and come back in 2025 ready to grow and improve as a Chorus and a unit of dedicated singers. Until next year, KTWWS! Steve Grubb

WOW! What a year! 2024 has proven to be a full year for the Choo Choo Chorus! We've seen the addition of several new members and had the opportunity to sing for many groups! And EVERY time it seems that you guys keep getting better and better! 

2025 promises to be more of the same and even greater! We WILL be adding back our Annual show this year as well as some other exciting opportunities! I'll see YOU on January 9th! Bring a friend with you! I am SO grateful to be on this journey with you! Jimmy Tompkins

A Big Thank You and Hat's off to our two great quartets who went caroling for Warren & Griffin last Friday! Three Guys with a Hobby (Hobby, Pete, Johnny and Dan) sang on Friday. Then Ron, Steve G, Drew and Daniel sang Friday and also on Saturday for a test run of caroling for free! All round it's been a great year! 

Thanks to Jimmy we are singing better than ever, bringing still more joy to audiences throughout the entire Chattanooga Area! And thanks to all members for what you do year-round! Just showing up for rehearsal and singing in shows and events as often as you can is vital! Every extra voice makes our Chorus sound that much better! Merry Christmas and A Very Happy New Year to you and yours!!. Rich Wilson