Fred Transition & 1980s
The Mysterious Moo
by Nancy (Goetz) Jones
A Melange of Thankful Memories
by Hank Knerr
Late Seventies Thoughts
by Steve Gold
So You Think Your Hosts Were Strange?
by Laurie Lesher Lockcuff
A Common Memory
by David Carlyle
When You Gotta Go . . .
by Laura Van Velthoven
Memories of the 80s
by Leah Miller
Christmas Thoughts
by Donna Hollenbach Zinn
"Cornerstone" Duo
by Cathy Pickett
The
Mysterious Moo by Nancy (Goetz) Jones
I believe it was 1976 during a regular rehearsal.
I was always a 'good' girl, never caused any trouble. Someone handed
me one of those cow cans that moo when you turn it over . . . I
periodically made it moo during rehearsal. Dr. McIver kept pointing
his finger at the usual pranksters in the choir, but he never suspected
me.
A
Melange of Thankful Memories by Hank Knerr
Travelling 22 states and 7 countries—all for
free. Being the first co-recipient with Dave Hoffman of the Walter
McIver Award; working closely with Mrs. McIver and serving on the
search committee that hired Fred Thayer; all the hundreds of great
hosts, thousands of audience members, and dozens of fellow choir
members, Cyrano and Roxanne, the great music, the tasteful and not
so tasteful array of parties. The great reunions we've had, knowing
Walter and Beulah McIver continues to be a shining spot in my life.
Late Seventies Thoughts
by Steve Gold
Many of my fondest memories of Lycoming involve the
choir or choir members. I don't have any specific event in mind
but here are some tidbits to jog your memories or pique your curiosities.
In NO particular order . . .
1. Sunburned feet in Puerto Rico
2. Meeting at Fred's to build the Homecoming floats
3. 1st Volleyball-a-thon to help with expenses to Puerto Rico
4. Binoculars in the front row at the Kentucky School for the Blind
5. Singing in my home churches in Ickesburg, PA
And after graduation . . . I helped arrange for the choir to perform
in West Springfield, MA, when I lived there, and in Rehoboth Beach,
DE, when we lived there.
So You Think
Your Hosts Were Strange?
by Laurie Lesher Lockcuff
I remember a sense of awe every time we performed
the Lutkin Benediction! I remember 18-hour volleyball sessions to
raise money for our travels as well as bake sales, etc.
On tour, I remember playing a type of card game from Puerto Rico
with Jorge Gonzalez and his patience trying to teach us all the
game. (I still have that deck of cards although I don't remember
how to play!) Sorry Jorge. While on the bus, I remember impromptu
singing/harmonizing sessions that actually sounded pretty good.
I remember staying in a house in New England that was
filled with all sorts of strange and scary objects such as stuffed
snakes and leopard heads, voodoo masks, spears, armadillo basket,
top hats, band hats, any hats, a clear plastic leg (can you tell
I still have pictures?!) We had a great time "playing around"
with these until we ventured into the attic (by invitation) and
came face to face with a photo of Dracula! Needless to say, none
of us slept well that night.
I remember a planeful of people applauding our Barbershop Quartet
on our way to Puerto Rico.
I remember most the laughter, fun, friendship, respect, and sense
of belonging to a wonderful institution. My years in the Lyco Choir
were a blessing that I will always treasure.
A Common
Memory by David Carlyle
I don't remember where or when, I just remember some
concert where Fred came tumbling off his podium...
When You Gotta
Go . . . by Laura Van Velthoven
As everyone I'm sure can appreciate, there is usually
very little time between dinner being finished and the concert starting
each evening when you're on tour. Well, one particular evening in
Sanibel, FL went right along with tradition. Simply, I had to go
and the ladies room had its usual line. John Little graciously agreed
to watch the door as I decided I better use the men's room or I
was just plain going to be out of time not to mention other things!
So, I went with John meticulously on guard. What I didn't know was
that while I was busy, so was John. He had managed to round up most
of the guys in the choir who proceeded to serenade me when I came
back out of the men's room.
Another – while on tour, each selection is usually introduced
by a choir member. We were on tour in New England and Dave Schneider
was to introduce a piece with accompanist Margie Overly. When Dave
introduced Margie, he unfortunately got a little tongue-tied and
announced that Margie "Ovary" would be the accompanist.
Even Fred had to take a step back off the riser after that one.
It turned out to be the funniest serious piece we performed the
entire tour!
Memories of the 80s
by Leah Miller
Choir memories—
Traveling by bus . . . playing cards . . . singing "Hall and
Oates" songs . . . "I can't go for that—No can do!"
The places—
Lexington, KY . . . Churchill Downs . . . Disneyworld and the "Tomorrowland"
stage . . . the church at Fort Myers Beach (the upside-down Noah's
Ark) . . . Looking for shells at 6:00 a.m. on Sanibel Island . .
. "Watch out for alligators!" . . . Clarke Chapel . .
. Christmas services
The people—
parties at Larry Estes, Mike Burger, and Marty Kutney's rooms .
. . Let's see—Sunday is "James Bond" movie night,
Monday Night Football, Tuesday . . . Betsey Halsey (best friend
from Freshman Orientation through graduation—and beyond) .
. . Fred Thayer!
Performing—
Trying not to laugh when Marty Kutney changed the words on his solo
. . . or when Julie pulled up the pants legs of any male choir member
standing on the riser behind her. . . . And that chill that went
up our spines when it all worked and the sound was beautiful!
Christmas
Thoughts by Donna (Hollenbach) Zinn
One of my most memorable times in choir was at the
Christmas Concert. It was a very special moment in my life.
"Cornerstone"
Duo by Cathy Pickett
I have many fond memories of Lyco Choir. My fondest
Lyco Choir memory, however, was performing Richard Lakey's "Cornerstone"
with Richard at the piano and Fred Thayer directing. Absolutely
Splendid Duo! Now . . . everyone, Hum a D.
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