- Central States District Moves All Contests to Fall Convention
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Date Posted: Tue, Jun 3 2025Have you heard that CSD has moved ALL of our district-level contests to the Fall Convention? That's right... every Chorus Plateau, the entire range of quartets, everything!
So, if your group has gotten used to attending in the Spring, or if you're wondering what this new lineup might bring, consider this your Official Invitation to join us this Fall.
This year's Fall Convention will be October 10-11 at the beautiful Lied Center on the KU campus in Lawrence, KS. Competitor signup will open mid-July & close mid-September. Convention registration & hotel reservation details will be updated in the next month or so on https://singcsd.com/
Of course there is always more to do at our Conventions than just the Contests... ringing tags, socializing, Harmony Platoon, dining with old friends, singing tags, making new friends, polecats, networking, woodshedding... you get the idea. If you haven't been recently, or never been at all, this is a great opportunity to come check it out.
We are sending this email to all current & recent chapter officers & contacts, trying to make sure everyone knows, so please help spread the word.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. We look forward to seeing everyone this October!
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Central States District - Contest Calendar
Spring Fall
I n t e r n a t i o n a l P r e l i m s
Quartet Int'l Prelim - [2] Seniors Chorus Int'l Prelim Seniors Quartet Int'l Prelim Chorus Int'l Prelim
D i s t r i c t C o n t e s t s
District Quartet - [2] District Chorus
Novice Quartet District Seniors Chorus
SuperNovice Quartet Plateau IV Chorus
Seniors Quartet Plateau III Chorus
SuperSeniors Quartet Plateau II Chorus
Youth Quartet Plateau I Chorus
VLQ - Very Large Quartet
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Contests denoted above by [2] are 2 rounds. All others are 1 round only.
The 10 highest scoring CSD quartets in these 2 contests advance to the Finals round.
. .Chorus 9+ on stage Any chorus (at least 9 on stage) may compete for the District Chorus Award.
Plateau IV 40+ on stage
Plateau III 30-39 on stage
Plateau II 20-29 on stage
Plateau I 9-19 on stage
VLQ = Very Large Quartet 5-12 on stage (often uses no director)
Quartet 4 on stage
Novice At least 2 quarter members have never competed in a BHS, SAI, or HI contest.
SuperNovice None of the quartet members have ever competed in a BHS, SAI, or HI contest.
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Seniors All of the members are at least 55. For a quartet, the combined age must be at least 240 (60 average).
SuperSeniors All of the members are at least 65, and the combined age must be at least 280 (70 average).
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Youth Maximum age 25.
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Next Generation Qualification for the MidWinter and International NextGen contests are via video: https://www.barbershop.org/next-gen
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CHORDially, Carter Combs
Cell: 816-914-2998 - If I don't answer, please leave a message.
BHS - DRCJ: Barbershop Harmony Society - District Representative for Contest & Judging
CSD - CJVP: Central States District - Contest & Judging Vice President
/ Keep the Whole World Singing / Everyone In Harmony / Go Chiefs! /For more information, see: singcsd.com
- Passing of Buster Baxter
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Date Posted: Thu, Feb 8 2024
Buster Baxter Obituary
Buster Baxter was born October 13, 1934 in Chickasha, OK to Clyde and Myrtle (Rader) Baxter. He passed from this life in to heaven on February 3, 2024. Buster was the youngest of 10 children. He graduated from high school in Chickasha, OK. During his high school years, he would spend his summers helping his sister and brother-in-law (Pete and Irene Bond) on their farm near Louisville, NE.
While working there, he met Dixie Shrader at the church youth group. One day he was driving the tractor down a muddy road and offered her a ride. The rest, as they say, is history.They dated for 2 years before becoming engaged. He spent 2 years serving in the Army. Upon his return, they married on March 3, 1957 in the Weeping Water Christian Church. From this union 4 children were born: Russell Allen, Marvin Wayne, Karen Ilene and Scott Duane.
He started his farming career in rural Avoca, NE in 1958. In 1962, they moved to the current residence on the farm near Murray, NE. Dixie was his first love, farming was his second. He farmed all his life; with supplemental jobs at Sapp Brothers, Transportation Supervisor at Conestoga High School and starting Baxter Auction to name a few.
Some of his favorite hobbies were: singing or leading music in church, mission trips with Carpenters for Christ, singing with Sarpy Serenaders and Yesterday’s Kids Barbershop groups and serving on committees for school, churches and the Lewiston Cemetery.
He is survived by his children Russ (Diane) Baxter, Marvin (Kris) Baxter, Karen (Brad) Roberts, Scott (Tamra) Baxter, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, sister Martha Jo Bryen, numerous nieces,
nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Dixie Baxter, parents Clyde and Myrtle Baxter, brothers Clyde Jr and David, sisters Nataleah, Clara, Annabelle, Wanda, MaryEllen, and Irene.
- Sarpy Serenaders Channel 6 interview
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Date Posted: Sun, Jan 7 2024
- Richard "Dick" Kimball
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Date Posted: Sat, Aug 5 2023
Richard W Kimball Obituary
October 7, 1932 – July 28, 2023
IN THE CARE OF
Kahler-Dolce Mortuary
Richard W. “Dick” Kimball, Sr. was born on October 7, 1932 and left this earth to join his bride in heaven on Friday, July 28, 2023. A graduate of Omaha North High School and the University of Omaha, he embarked on a career in the United States Air Force. He and his family served assignments at bases in a number of states and countries over the years. He retired to Papillion, where he worked in his own business for a time before taking a position as Executive Director of the Papillion Chamber of Commerce. His work involved him in the early years of Midlands Hospital, where he made many life-long friends. He later helped open two government-subsidized senior living apartments, Monarch Villa in Papillion and Bellewood Courts in Bellevue, again developing relationships he cherished. His company, Kimball Management Inc. (KMI) later added additional housing to their responsibilities. He loved being involved in the community, serving on the Civil Service Commission for many years, as well as directing the Papillion Days Parade. He was also a member of the local American Legion. Dick was an avid Barbershop Quartet singer, performing in a number of groups over the years. He loved participating in Sarpy Serenaders’ activities as well as quartets such as Yesterday’s Kids. It took very little arm-twisting to get him to sing a song or two…even in the ICU at the hospital! Dick was a fan of sports and played many of them at some time in his life. He especially loved racquet sports, still challenging his grandchildren to racquetball on his 85th birthday. A highlight in his later years was a trip to the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament with his daughters.
Apart from his love of music and his dedication to his job, Dick’s time was largely spent with family. He and his wife loved hosting everything from BBQs and birthday parties to Christmas Eve celebrations where he made sure “Santa” visited every year! His family was given the gift of bonus time with him these past two months and will be forever grateful.
Dick was preceded in death by his wife Patricia (Murphy). He is survived by his children, Patricia (Brian) Fosbrook of Maryland, Pam Hendrickson of LaVista, Gerard “Bud” (Brenda) Kimball of Papillion, Richard Jr. “Butch” (Penny) Kimball of Papillion, Jim (Cathy) Kimball of Papillion; grandchildren, Spencer, Jesse (Stephanie), Katie (fiancé Jen), and Tucker Kimball, Rachel (Blake) Stevens, Laura (Phil) Malcom, Cody (Aaron) Kimball, Blake Kimball, Jordan Kimball, Ryan Kimball; great-grandchildren, Layla, Sloan, And Hadli Kimball, Alivia and Sophia Stevens, Lily and Amelia Malcom, Sienna and Callum Kimball, Josie Schneidewind-Richey; sister Cindy Charles (Sisterbelle); special friend, Coco (Nick) Osborne; godson, Joe Osborne.
A visitation with family will be held on Sunday, August 6, from 5-7 pm at Kahler-Dolce Mortuary in Papillion. Funeral Mass Monday, August 7, at 10:30 am at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Papillion, with a graveside service at the Omaha National Cemetery at 1:30 pm.
Memorials suggested to the Sarpy Serenaders or the Columban Foreign Mission Society (Columban Fathers of Bellevue).
Reminisces by Dick Kimball from May 2018
What a Sweetheart
What a Sweetheart
After singing the National Anthem at the Creighton baseball game May 18th, a few Serenaders decided to take in a few innings of the game.
As we took our seats a husband and wife sitting behind us congratulated us on our singing (not unusual, as you know).
As we got ready to leave after the third inning we decided to sing “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” to the wife. The further we got into the song the more appreciative she became. She and her husband thanked us profusely as we departed.
Again, not too unusual. But how about this: A message soon appeared on our chapter web site.
“Had a wonderful time at the Creighton baseball game last Friday. I was sung to by the Sarpy Serenaders. I felt like THE ONLY GIRL IN THE WORLD!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to make an old lady happy!”
Susan A Rhodes
Ron Flock responded: “Susan: Thanks for your message of appreciation. You made our day.
Wishing you the best always, and this validates you really are a “Sweetheart.”Nuff said. Another memorable moment thanks to The World’s Greatest Hobby.”
Remembering Richard Kimball
The chorus got to visit at Richard Kimball’s house during his recent troubles, bedridden at home because of a fall which causes a broken hip. He and all of us really enjoyed singing together, particularly choosing some of Dick’s favorites. He directed us all on ‘Sweet, Sweet Roses of Morn.” He loved to draw us out with emotion and dynamics and dramatic variations of tempo and great fermatas. Only Dick could get his old “Yesterday’s Kids” gang to be so expressive.
We are all very saddened that Dick was not to overcome the assaults on his physical body of both his Parkinson’s affliction and then this terrible bone fracture, but we fervently hoped he could and marveled that his spirit was still powerfully full of life even as his physical body disappointed him.
He gave us much fellowship and artistry and great example.
We are proud to have known him and we are proud to dedicate this newsletter issue to his memory to express our thankfulness that he was our friend and colleague.
- Sarpy Serenaders Remember 9/11
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Date Posted: Thu, Sep 15 2022
For more information, see: https://x-default-stgec.uplynk.com/ausw/slices/5d0/51d61e80c20d4f009f311dfdef7a8a31/5d05168076724d77a84f2694a239e634/5d05168076724d77a84f2694a239e634_e.mp4
- Local barbershop singing group reunites after months apart
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Date Posted: Tue, Nov 30 2021
after months apart
By: Ruta Ulcinaite
Posted at 10:20 AM, May 25, 2021
and last updated 6:02 PM, May 25, 2021There's nothing quite like the notes of a song coming together in perfect harmony — and there's nothing quite like old friends coming together after a pandemic spent apart. The Sarpy Serenaders are reuniting after months apart and are continuing their love for music.
"It's the music that brings us together but it's the friendships that keep us together. It's become an alternate family,” said Christopher Bakke, President of the Sarpy Serenaders.
The Sarpy Serenaders are a local barbershop singing group made of older members with a young, vibrant spirit for the craft.
Eighty-eight-year-old Richard Kimball is one of the original members and has been a barbershop singer for 52 years.
"I have never met anyone who's a barbershop that I haven't at least tolerated, " Kimball said.
But 52 years to him is not even close to being enough.
The Sarpy Serenaders had to stop because of the pandemic. Singing was found to be a highly infectious activity and the churches they practiced in were forced to shut down. Slowly, the Sarpy Serenaders lost the music.
"COVID really hurt us because we started missing each other," said Bakke.
Their alternate family was temporarily split up.
"We had some zoom meetings, they're not as good as a rehearsal," said Gene Torrens, Director of the Sarpy Serenaders.
But now, all fully vaccinated and tired of the isolation, they're back with a newfound spirit.
One of their first in-person performances since the pandemic was another young-spirited woman's 94th birthday.
"I asked her if she would like to be serenaded by some very handsome singers and she said yes. And I said, well, I don't have any handsome singers but I have a bunch of guys that would love to sing to you,” Kimball said.
"Well it was wonderful, I didn't think 94 would be so good but it was,” said Jean Gustafson, who celebrated her 94th birthday with the group.
Gustafson celebrated her birthday and the Sarpy Serenaders finally celebrated their reunion, tapping their toes to the music and getting back to that perfect harmony that seemed so far-fetched just one year ago.
The Sarpy Serenaders will be performing at the Bellevue Memorial Cemetery Monday at 10:30am for a special Memorial Day Performance. The group says they are always looking for new members - young and old.
https://x-default-stgec.uplynk.com/ausw/slices/9ac/51d61e80c20d4f009f311dfdef7a8a31/9ac52f5bdcd24b718f94953591305301/9ac52f5bdcd24b718f94953591305301_g.mp4For more information, see: www.3newsnow.com/rebound/positively-the-heartland/local-barbershop-singing-group-reunites-after-a-year-apart?fbclid=IwAR33N8DRpm9lXMYnfpJ5rts9RflEspLsYgceCEFzE8e04PfyLy6IMaLoHGw
