More 4 Fun - VLQ - (A Very Large Quartet
More for Fun is taking a sabatical for now. We thank them for all they have done and accomplished.
Starting in 1999 a quartet of fellows in the Silk City
Chorus, calling themselves “Just4Fun,” practiced just once
a month and did only two (free) gigs a year, one at Hartford Hospital during
the Christmas holidays, and one during the summer at one of the member’s
churches. When that group broke up in 2004, Carl “Doc” Braren
had the idea of forming an ensemble, which in barbershop parlance is called
a “VLQ” (Very Large Quartet). Thus was born, in early 2005, “More4Fun.” This
group was set up to continue singing "4 Fun" but have enough
singers in each part to honor all accepted gigs despite illness or scheduling
conflicts. The Silk City Chorus (SCC), through its Music Committee, has
approved "M4F" unequivocally to represent the Chorus when small
group performances are requested, and they plan to have a quartet, “Just4Fun,” available
as well.
What is unusual about this group is that it functions as a democracy, with
everyone having a say about how to sound better. There's a lot of
friendly banter during rehearsals, which were moved up to at least twice
a month in order to develop more of a repertoire.
Present members are:
Leads- Carl Braren (manager), George LaPrad and
Larry Stone
Basses- Chuck Duarte, Frank Lehninger, and Al Shufelt (Director)
Tenors- Ted Paul, “Bunker Hill,” and Gary Sandman (Coach)
Baritones- Al Shufelt, Dick Cichowski
We have performed in various venues over the years.
The highlight of our year occurs when we sing for patients throughout
Hartford Hospital, the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and
the Institute of Living during the Christmas holiday season. In
2007 “More4Fun” was honored to be asked to sing in the Chorus'
Annual Show and Afterglow and in 2008 we represented the Silk City Chorus
on 9/11 at the Veterans Tribute in Cheney Hall, Manchester.
“More4Fun” also seeks its own gigs for birthdays, anniversaries
and other special events; also, for school, church or other organization events;
and at retirement homes, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. Some
of these are done gratis for volunteer groups or when it contributes to the
good of the community
