Member Testimonials about their SMA experiences
Mike Bedford, Director
"When I was in the 8th grade, I was invited to sing in the Cooper High School A Cappella Choir in Abilene, Texas. I was the youngest member by a year or two, but I took my place on the risers and experienced the incomparable beauty of a fine choir for the first time in my life! I've never gotten over that moment! Since that day I have been passionate about helping others experience that same joy that I experienced as a 13 year old.
"There's something about men singing together that makes people stop in their tracks and listen; especially when those men have worked hard to get it right. Our Singing Men of Arkansas have a work ethic and determination that is seldom found outside the field of sports! When you hear a really good choir, it's like sitting at the table for a gourmet meal. You may not be a connoisseur, but you know when it taste good! Our guys work hard on diction, phrasing, unification of vowels, tuning, dynamics, and blending. It shows in the performance.
"Our men are multi-dimensional. It offends me when some people equate singing in a choir with being a sissy! Some of our guys ride their motorcycles to rehearsal. Others have distinguished themselves in various sports and as leaders and officers in the military. Many have extensive backgrounds in music as professional performers and conductors. Some of our men have never experienced being in a highly trained, disciplined chorus before. I've never been associated with a more diverse and exciting group of men than Singing Men of Arkansas.
"At one time or another, most men have had someone say, "you can't sing!" Don't believe them. We evaluate every voice in private before admission to our choir. Generally, if you can hear, you can sing or at least "learn to sing."
Harry Black, Bass
"I had hoped that being a part of Singing Men of Arkansas (SMA) would provide an opportunity to sing quality music, stretch my vocal skills, enhance community involvement, and develop relationships with like-minded (or like-voiced) men. Participation in SMA has exceeded my greatest expectations and provided a wonderful experience of community, relationships, and music. "
Ken Francis, Bass
"SMA has been one of the most fun activities in my life! The choice of music honors the Lord, and Mike's enthusiastic, gentle yet firm leadership assures that the performances will honor the Lord also. Thanks for the privilege to be a part of it!
"It's an honor to be in fellowship with such an oustanding group of men. It's rare to see such a serious commitment to excellence, coupled with kindness, joy and fun in one group."
Jefff Gaddy, Baritone/Associate Director
"In only a few months, our director, Mike Bedford, has skillfully taken
a group of men with a wide range of musical backgrounds and shaped us
into a chorus with its own unique sound. I think every member would agree that Singing Men of Arkansas has exceeded our expectations, but
our goals are still much higher, and I am really looking forward to
new levels of musical excellence in the months and years to come. I
have also never sensed any battle of egos within SMA, something that
is a sadly common problem in so many music groups. That should speak
volumes to any potential member. The genuine humility I have observed
in all of our members makes for a very positive atmosphere whenever we
are together. I am sure that new members will feel welcome and very
quickly be able to make a positive contribution to our sound. Even
though rehearsals are taken seriously, there is consistently an
element of joy, and many times humor, which adds to the fun and the
fellowship. SMA rehearsals are often one of the highlights of my week!"
Steve Gray, Baritone
"My name is Steve Gray, and I have loved singing as long as I can remember. Most of my background as been with church choirs, weddings, and funerals. I have sung in a few quartets and performed roughly 20 solos.
"What I find the most impressive about our group is that we have a member who as sung on Broadway and off Broadway before. He is quite good and offers us a professional perspective.
"I shouldn’t brag but WHEN HE IS ENJOYING THE SOUND WE PRODUCE, WE MUST BE DARN GOOD."
Matthew King, Baritone
"It's satisfying to perform with a group of men who enjoy singing as much as I do while providing a challenging experience."
Jack Krodell, Second Tenor
"I have enjoyed a lot of good times in singing with my high school choir, as well as many spiritual and uplifting moments with church choirs. However, SMA has now helped fulfill an extra special enlightenment during the twilight years of my life. The quality of the men, our director, and the music selected is just outstanding! I praise God for this opportunity, to be a part of this quality organization, and look forward to several more years of musical growth."
Jerry Newman, Bass
"It is my honor to be on the Governing Council of the Singing Men of Arkansas. In the months of work leading up to the first rehearsal, I expected us to have a pretty good sound. But to my surprise, the balance of the sections, and the number of really good voices was amazing. Under the leadership of Mike Bedford, our talented Director, the Singing Men of Akansas is becoming a great choir. SMA does not settle for mediocrity, but strives for excellence. We work hard, and enjoy great fellowship. Being a member of the Singing Men of Arkansas is an awesome experience."
Jim Paul, Second Tenor
"I have enjoyed singing in SMA and making many new friends as we practice and sing together. The challenge of learning to sing a wide variety of different styles of music has been fun and is stretching and improving my musical skills. "
Will Pruett, First Tenor
"I've been singing in church choirs, University Men's Glee Clubs, Community Chorus' for nearly 60 years; I've sung solos, been in quartets, been in mixed and male ensembles but there is nothing that has given me more enjoyment, excitement and pleasure than being a part of Singing Men of Arkansas. SMA has great quality in the sound it produces beause it has quality voices - beyond what I envisioned last fall 2007. For a group of volunteer men working hard together and enjoying fellowship and singing, it is simply an awesome experience."
Johnny Tittle, Second Tenor
"In October of 2007, I was asked if I would like to become part of the foundation of men to form a men's chorus in Northwest Arkansas. With my love for music and thirty-five years of choral work, I jumped at the opportunity. We set some parameters and formed a core group to promote and organize the choir. From this came Singing Men Of Arkansas. The progress has been phenomenal and the quality has been outstanding. Our director, Mike Bedford, has challenged each member to the max. I have not been involved in the level of music we perform since college days. I have never experienced the level of fulfillment and fellowship which I have experienced with the Singing Men Of Arkansas. I am excited about starting our next semester after Labor Day."
John David True, Bass
"Being a member of the Singing Men of Arkansas has been a great joy to me. It has reminded me that there is no greater vocal sound in this world than that of an all men's choir. The relationships I have both developed and renewed has been wonderful but most important, my wife says it has improved my singing. Since this is an organization that can get a positive comment out a wife, you should join immediately."
Keith Wiggins, Baritone
"Coming from only singing in church on Sundays, this whole experience has been wonderful. I have learned techniques and styles I might never have learned otherwise. I am most definitely happy to be a Singing Man of Arkansas and look forward to singing with them into the future." |
