The Choo Choo Chorus Newsletter For February 23

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February 23, 2023

Naturalization Sing Out - 10 AM Singers

In This E-mail

Script For Thursday's Meeting
Directly Speaking
From the Secretary
Naturalization Sing Out
For the Good of the Chapter

Calendar
(Click For Details)

Chapter Meeting,Thursday, February 23, 7 PM, Ponders

Dixie Spring Convention. March 17-18, 2023. Gadsden State Community College. Details

For the Good of the Chapter

Jerry past the Gandy to the whole Baritone Section.

Naturalization Sing Out

On Thursday, February 16th the Choo Choo Chorus was invited to sing during the naturalization ceremony at the Federal Courthouse. Brainerd High School JROTC raised the colors and led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Afterward, fourteen Choo Choo Chorus members in addition to Jimmy Tompkins sang the National Anthem. Magistrate Judge Christopher H. Steger seemed pleasantly surprised and made several positive remarks after hearing us. During the 10:00 ceremony approximately 48 applicants from 11 countries received their citizenship after taking the Oath of Allegiance.

Judge Steger regaled us with a thoughtful message leading to a surprising story about a paperboy who joined the Red Cross Ambulance Corps at 16 who later came up with Mickey Mouse. He shared a list of immigrants who made America better as a way to say that hard working immigrants who pursue the American Dream make our country better.

Towards the close of the ceremony, the Choo Choo Chorus sang God Bless America. Congressman Chuck Fleishman was in attendance at the morning ceremony and took the time to shake hands with many of the chorus members and thanked us for being there. The Chattanoogan reported on the ceremony briefly. News Channel 3 played a video of the ceremony during the evening news with us singing God Bless America interspersed with video clips from the entire ceremony.

Script For Thursday's Meeting

7:00 PM - Meeting at Ponders.

The Old Songs
Georgia On My Mind
Blue Skies arr. by Clay Hine
When There's Love At Home
You Tell Me Your Dream
Let the Rest of the World Go By
It's The Music That Brings Us Together
Let's Get Away From It All
When She Loved Me
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)
Keep The Whole World Singing

Repertory: America the Beautiful, Armed Forces Medley, Blue Skies, California Here I Come, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Darkness on the Delta, Georgia on My Mind, God Bless America, Hello Mary Lou, I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World, It’s the Music that Brings Us Together, Let’s Get Away from it All, Old Folks at Home, Star Spangled Banner, Welcome Song, When She Loved Me, When There’s Love at Home, Yesterday, and You Tell Me Your Dream

Directly Speaking

Great rehearsal this past week! Even though we had several guys out, those of you there made some great sounds!

The main take away from this past week was a reminder to always sing with a correct posture. We will continue to remind each other of that as we go.

I've updated the song list for this week. We will continue to work on 3 songs for contest. (Let the Rest..., Let's Get Away..., and Blue Skies)

We'll also add back You Tell Me Your Dream and It's the Music that Brings us Together to hopefully get those in our current repertoire.

Thanks for all your hard work! Jimmy

(Also, remember to update your weekly attendance on the website - Click HERE)

Naturalization (Continued)

Several Chorus members took a very long and filling lunch at Applebee’s. Afterward headed back to the courthouse for the two o’clock session.

During the afternoon session 52 applicants from 26 countries became United States Citizens. Judge Steger’s remarks included a story about his families hiking trip to the Scottish Highlands. He gave examples of how citizens need to take responsibility to better themselves and our country.

As we exited, chorus members encouraged and shook the hands of the JROTC Cadets. All in all, it was excellent PR for the chorus as well as an opportunity to be a part of a very special day for the individuals and families who persevered to become naturalized US citizens. Daniel Randolph

It was very emotional and uplifting to witness and be a part of the proceedings. To hear and witness the pride shown to our Flag and to being a citizen in the greatest country in the world was a true inspiration. Our little part was very well received at both ceremonies and the lady over the event wants us back for all future celebrations. All in all, a great day to be a member of this fine Chorus. Thanks to all who were able to join us. Steve Grubb