Greetings,

     As most of you already know I have been elected Chairman of the Executive Committee for the International Association.

     Because this is my first official communication to the group, I thought I should tell you a little bit about myself. I joined the Marshall Area Men's Chorus (now known as Southwest Minnesota Men's Chorus) in 1990. I have served the chorus as Treasurer, Vice President, President, and now as Governor. Over the years I have changed parts from lead to baritone, and now I sing first tenor. I began attending district meetings 15 years ago and have served the Upper Midwest District as Governor, Vice President and presently as President. I began attending International meetings approximately 10 years ago and have served as Vice Chairman and now as Chairman.

     I live in Marshall, Minnesota, and have worked for The Schwan Food Company for 26 years (no I can't get you free ice cream). I have been married 30 years and have 4 children and 4 grandchildren and counting, Grandpa is the best title I have ever had.

     Enough tooting my own horn, now on to business:

     Scholarship Program
     First is the Scholarship Program. Robert Torborg has chaired this committee for a number of years in exemplary fashion. He has decided to take a sabbatical to work on music arrangement. After an initial GASP by the Executive Committee, it was our feeling that the program must go on, somehow. Weldon (Willy) Wilson has graciously volunteered to chair the program in the interim. Forms and applications on the web site are now updated with new mailing and contact information. Please get out and search your local schools for qualified applicants and let your school guidance counselors or chorus director that this scholarship exists. Remember that these students are the future directors and singers of our organization and others like ours. We are looking forward to many qualified applicants. That said, if we have a lot of applicants, we need a number of Scholarship Application Reviewers. If you are interested please contact Willy Wilson, Jim Egan, or Ron Stenzel.

     Status of New York Pennsylvania District
     Second is the status of the New York-Penn District. This issue here is that in the last couple years all of the dues have not been paid. Only one chorus has paid dues, and to be considered a district you must have at least two dues paying choruses. Therefore, at this time they are not considered members and have no official representation on the Executive Committee. However, they have a district meeting coming up the end of October. The Executive Committee hopes that they will resolve the issues and return as members in good standing of the AMC of A.

I would like to hear from you with any concerns or suggestions you might have concerning the International Association of the AMCofA. Please let me know of your concerts and events. One of my goals is to get to as many of the events that I can fit into my schedule. Another of my goals is to keep the membership informed of the activities and decisions of the Executive Committee.

Ron Stenzel
Executive Committee Chairman