We participated in the 16th Annual Cumberland Radio Days fundraiser for local charities today, June 12, 2007. Jim Kreiger, Rotary President, contacted Ellie Batchelor regarding the Ladybirds’ willingness to be a part of the fundraiser by singing on air for approximately 15 minutes and by answering interview questions for another 15 minutes.

The Ladybirds On The Air at WCBC Radio

We had only a short while to prepare, but we made the best of our time. Ellie asked Jim West to attend our rehearsal on June 7th, and he very graciously did so. He helped us rehearse seven songs, plus a spare should one be needed. He predicted that we’d do fine, and that we did!

Listen to the Rotary Radio Days broadcast with The Ladybirds, recorded from WCBC Radio, approximately 21 minutes in length (MP3 format, 192 Kbps, 28.7 MB).

Jackie Gillis, our costume chairman, decided we should dress alike, even though we wouldn’t be seen on the radio. At least people saw us coming and going, and the Rotarians and radio staff people saw us dressed in our festive white slacks and “sing and be happy” shirts!

Ellie had prepared interview questions and answers and an agenda with introductions for each song. When we arrived at the WCBC Radio Station, we met Barbara Buell, a Rotarian, who said she was to handle the interviews for our presentation, and so we gave her a copy of our “script,” if you want to call it that. She was very friendly and thanked us profusely for participating in their program. She literally got tears in her eyes when we sang the songs Heart of My Heart and God Bless America. She talked very casually with us and we were not surprised at all by any of the questions. Mary Schaver, Liz West, and Ellie Batchelor handled the interview, and each lady introduced herself by saying her name and her part sung in the chorus.

Barb Buell Interviews The Ladybirds

We are very happy to have a new member, Jennifer Bennett, who contacted us after she read an article that Betty Twigg, our publicity chairman, had placed in the Times/News. Jennifer has a wonderful music background; she sings, sight-reads and plays the piano. After we heard her sing the one practice she has attended, we invited her to sing with us for the next two gigs, knowing full well that she would be an excellent asset. Indeed, Jennifer boosted the sound of the lead section and blended nicely into the group. Thanks for coming, Jennifer, and for participating on such short notice!

Jim West also attended the gig on Monday night at Hobo’s so he could monitor Ellie’s directing and bring the chorus in for each selection to help us keep proper timing during Tuesday’s broadcast. In the meantime, Ellie was singing the bass part in the absence of Shirley Carson and Margie Mouse, who were both out of town on the 12th of June. Again, thanks, Jim for your help and support and encouragement!

During the interview with Barb Buell, the topics covered included where we practice, how long we’ve been singing, how we originally got interested in barbershop music, how barbershop music differs from other choral music, what instruments we use (or do not use), and where have we entertained over the years. Barb also pointed out that the age range of the Ladybirds in attendance was 48-92!

The Ladybirds Practice Before The Show

Everyone seemed to enjoy participating in the show, which was also enjoyed tremendously by the listeners. Hopefully, the Rotarians raised lots of dollars to help out The Salvation Army, the Western Maryland Food Bank, and many other local charities.

After the show, the majority of the chorus went to the Texas Grill House for a meal, friendly chat and celebration of a job well done! Thanks, ladies!

Listen to the Rotary Radio Days broadcast with The Ladybirds, recorded from WCBC Radio, approximately 21 minutes in length (MP3 format, 192 Kbps, 28.7 MB).