The Jaffa Shrine

Jaffa Chanters
Text from 100th Anniversary Book

2012 Jaffa Chanters Officers
President
Richard H. Simonis	1008 N. 3rd St. Altoona, PA 16601-5622	814-381-4168
Secretary
Donald E. Grove	710 E Caroline Ave, Altoona, PA 16602	814-944-9550
Treasurer
Donald E. Grove	710 E Caroline Ave, Altoona, PA 16602	814-944-9550

 

The Chanters reached out to various Shrine Clubs through the 1970’s and 1980’s, performing in Sunday evening concerts, under the capable leadership of Howard ‘Pop” Lindaman, Francis Wood and Frank Smith. Upon the death of Frank Smith, Howard Earl Walters was selected to direct the Chanters. Tom Barber, master of the keyboard, has done all the accompanying for the past 52 years (1950-2002). Tom is from Sidman, and travel considerations have forced his retirement at age 98!

The personnel of the Chanters has changed drastically over the years. Normally 40 members would be present for concerts and parades. In the 1990’s, our roster was reduced to 25 men.
With fewer Chanters, the big trailer was retired and a new, smaller one was put into service. Roy Stern from Martinsburg has served as Wagon Master for over 35years.

A change in repertoire also came about, most notably, in the 1980’s and 1990’s. The personnel adapted more easily to gospel hymns and Broadway tunes, replacing Bach, Brahms and
Beethoven.

Jack Stevens, President in 1989, introduced the first of the “gimmicks” at the M.A.S.A. Convention Parade. The variation on “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” brought the Chanters a first- place trophy, their first in many years. This innovation of “gimmicks” (departure from formal presentation) produced winning performances eight more times in the 1990’s at M.A.S.A. Parades.

The slate of Officers remained the same from 1991 through 2000: Richard “Dick” Nedimeyer, President; Ernie Sheppard, Vice President; and C. Kim George, Secretary/Treasurer. Presently Bob Hewitt (elected in 2001) is the President with Dick Nedimeyer. Vice President: C. Kim George, Secretary/Treasurer; and Pat Wakefield (a Chanter since 1963) is the chaplain.

The Chanters also assist in Christmas Carol singing at nursing homes and participate in the Shrine Thanksgiving Services.

 

Continue To Other Units
Concert Band	Calliope Clowns
Patrol/Director Staff	String Band
Chanters	Color Guard
Highlanders	Greeters
Drum and Bugle Corps	Motor Corps
Legion of Honor	Mounted Patrol
Oriental Band	Lil' Vettes
Provost Guard	ATC
Cycle Corps	Shrine Band