OAMC News Notes

Herb Kroschel memorial on March 19

2011-03-02T22:48:00.000-08:00

The memorial service for Herb Kroschel will be held on March 19 at 4 p.m., at the East Salem Seventh-day Adventist Church, 5575 Fruitland Rd. NE, Salem, OR. Get directions.

Peggy Kroschel and the boys are recovering at her parents' home in Vancouver, Wash.

OAMC website: www.oamc.org

A Sad Farewell

2011-02-21T10:43:00.000-08:00

By Lou Wildman

As most of you know, the Kroschel and Wilson families met with a tragic accident Sabbath afternoon on the way to La Pine for the second concert of the day with the Salem Adventist Men's Chorus.

It is with great pain and sadness that I report we have lost our beloved brother, Herb Kroschel. At the request of the family and on the recommendation of the medical staff, his life support was removed earlier today.

You will all want to know how the others are doing.

Peggy is grateful for your continued prayers and support. She had an injury to her back. The doctors performed surgery to stabilize it and were pleased with the results.

Pierce has a broken arm and Harrison is under observation for a bruised spleen. The doctors are confident of their recovery.

Leland, Tami and Trent were released from the hospital late Saturday night and are all experiencing significant muscular-skeletal pain and discomfort.

My heart is very heavy tonight. I trust God to show us the light, and as He does, I am prepared to stay the course.

Lou

News link to the story.

You may also follow the latest on Facebook at facebook.com/oamchorus.

Local news report of Saturday's accident

2011-02-20T11:51:00.000-08:00

Hwy. 97 Crash Injures 8, One Critically
Three-Vehicle Crash Near Sunriver Ties Up Traffic

OAMC News Notes first posting of this accident here.

Urgent Call To Prayer - OAMC/Salem men's chorus accident yesterday in Central OR

2011-02-20T10:49:00.000-08:00

(Also posted on our Facebook page at facebook.com/oamchorus.)

Please pray for Herb and Peggy Kroschell and their two boys, Pierce and Harrison. They and the Leland Wilson family were involved in a traumatic auto accident yesterday afternoon while traveling between concert engagements at Bend and La Pine, OR.

The lead vehicle, the Suzuki Samurai the Kroschell's were traveling in was hit by a pick-up truck traveling in the opposite direction, and tumbled down an embankment estimated at 25-30 feet. The compact SUV the Wilsons were in was also struck. The four Kroschell's and four Wilsons, Leland, Tami and Trenton, were transported to S. Charles Medical Center in Bend.

Herb was the most critically injured. This morning Lou Wildman reported that it's looking rather grim for Herb and is in most urgent need of prayer. Peggy was scheduled for surgery this morning to have rods inserted into her back. The boys appear to be doing fairly well.

Please join us in prayer as we ask God's intercession in the lives of our precious brothers and sisters. Please invite others to join us in prayer as well, and share this posting.

Please post your prayers, thoughts and well wishes on our Facebook page.

Here is the email note Lou sent to members late yesterday:

Dear OAMC Family,

THIS IS AN URGENT CALL TO PRAYER FOR THE HERB KROSCHELL AND LELAND WILSON FAMILIES.

At about 3:00 p.m. this afternoon, the Salem Adventist Mens Chorus was on the way to La Pine, Oregon for a concert, after singing for church at Bend. The temperature had been below freezing all day, and a light snow was falling.

Just past the exit to Sunriver (about halfway between the two cities), Highway 97 goes down a hill. Herb & Peggy Kroschel and their young sons, Pierce and Harrison, were leading in a Samurai, and Leland, Tami, and Trenton Wilson were following in a compact SUV.

A light pickup from California, with summer tires, lost control as it was headed up the hill (northbound). It spun out and slammed broadside into both the Kroschel and Wilson vehicles, instantly launching the Samurai up and over the guard rail and into the ravine (our guess is at least 25-30 feet below).

At the time of the accident, Bonnie Stathem was on the phone with the Wilsons when she heard the impact and screaming. The Wilsons told Bonnie what had happened, and she called 911.

Herb is the most seriously injured, and is currently in surgery. Peggy may also have sustained serious injuries. Our understanding is that the two boys and the Wilsons are less seriously injured, but all are still being evaluated. We will send more information when we have it.

All seven were transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend.

We are hurting. We are strong in faith. Please join us as we hold up these families in prayer.

Lou

OAMC 2011 Season Kick-off Rehearsal

2010-11-21T13:17:00.001-08:00

1120101646a
Originally uploaded by oamcsinger

OAMC held its kick-off rehearsal at East Salem SDA Church on Nov. 20. It was great to see many friends, and start making some new ones among the many young men from about five SDA academies. We're looking forward to seeing these young men at future rehearsals and performances.

We're looking forward to our traditional spring concert festival, as well as concerts early in the year at Milo Adventist Academy, in Days Creek, Oregon, at Walla Walla University later next year, and plans are just beginning for a mission to South Africa in 2012.

Let There Be Praise III: Oregon Adventist Men's Chorus in Concert This Weekend

2010-07-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

OAMC will present a short concert this weekend, Saturday evening, July 17, at 7 p.m. at the Sunnyside SDA Church,10501 SE Market St.., Portland, as part of their "Super Summer Sabbath". Check here for the full day's schedule.

Watch it streamed live here.

Pictures of Singing in Atlanta

2010-07-10T00:29:00.001-07:00

IMG_1513
Originally uploaded by oamcsinger

A few photos from our Atlanta performances and experiences have been posted here.

Chorus' Georgia Dome performance and interview in video

2010-06-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

The Church's North Pacific Union Conference Communications folks are hard at work covering participants from the Northwest.

Here's a video with our Friday evening performance in the Georgia Dome and an interview with conductor Lou Wildman. The performance and interview are toward the end of this 12-minute video.

Or link to video here.

You can follow GC reports pertinent to Northwesterners via the Gleaner Online here: http://www.gleaneronline.org/

Friday night GC session rebroadcast 8-10 pm for Pacific Time Zone

2010-06-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

Hope TV is rebroadcasting this evening's General Conference session, 8-10 pm Pacific (in other words, right now!). You can watch the streaming video here and see OAMC sing after the sermon... if you missed it first time around.

OAMC photos from last week

2010-06-24T20:44:00.000-07:00

A lot has been happening in the last several days. Here are some photos from last week.

W traveled to Salem on Wednesday, June 17, to a packed house. On Thursday we travel to Auburn, stopping at the Johnson Ridge Observatory at Mt. St. Helens. That evening we had a wonderful concert with a number of community and student musicians. It's been a delight to have some terrific youthful musicians playing for use.

On Friday we traveled from Auburn to Walla Walla, stopping by the Native American Tamastslikt Cultural Institute in Pendleton, Ore. Then to Walla Walla area for a Friday evening of relaxation, recreation, dinner and a shared communion service.

More photos to come as we're able to load them up. Of course, you'll find a few photos as we go on our Facebook page.

First Atlanta Rehearsal photos on Facebook

2010-06-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

A few photos from today's first rehearsal in Atlanta at the Glenn Memorial Auditorium are posted on Facebook.

Link to them here.

Romanian men's chorus sings at Romanian SDA Church tonight

2010-06-22T18:08:00.001-07:00

IMG_5971
Originally uploaded by oamcsinger

The Adventist Men's Chorus of Romania will appear at 7:30 p.m. at the Portland Romanian Adventist Church, 16070 Northeast Halsey St., Portland, Oregon.

Directions here.

Tune in to Hope Channel on Friday evening

2010-06-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

You may be able to watch us online or via satellite when we sing in Atlanta's Georgia Dome this Friday for the Seventh-day Adventist World Church meetings.

Tune in to the Hope Channel via satellite or online streaming. We're scheduled to sing on Friday, June 25, between 6:30 and 7 p.m., and 8 and 8:30 p.m. (Eastern U.S. time zone).

Hope Channel's TV coverage of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Go directly to Hope Channel's broadcast schedule (PDF)

General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Session Schedule

As I reviewed the broadcast, it appears that our first appearance between 6:30 and 7 p.m. may not be included in the broadcast. However, I encourage you to tune in at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday afternoon concert showing online and Charter Cable in E. Washington

2010-06-17T23:38:00.000-07:00

The OAMC/CBAR concert in Walla Walla on June 19, 4 p.m., Pacific, will streamed on the web and broadcast on Charter Cable in areas of Eastern Washington.

For live, online streaming, go to the Upper Columbia Conference website at www.uccsda.org.

The concert will also be broadcast on Charter Cable across much of eastern Washington.

Digital Broadcast 21, 31, 36

Charter Cable - Channel 13: College Place, Walla Walla

Charter Cable - Channel 179 Digital Basic for English

Tri-Cities (including Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, Burbank and Finley)
Hermiston
Yakima (including Union Gap, Selah, Grandview, Toppenish, Wapato, Zillah, Granger, Moxee, Sunnyside, Mabton, Prosser, Kittitas and Ellensburg)
(including Cashmere, Rock Island, Leavenworth and East Wenatchee)

Romanians do some sightseeing, evening reunion on first day in America

2010-06-17T01:48:00.001-07:00

IMG_5644
Originally uploaded by oamcsinger

After arriving in Portland and having lunch, the Romanians hopped on a bus and took in the beauty and splendor of the Columbia River Gorge, where they visited Crown Point (Vista House) and Multnomah Falls. See all the photos.

Photos of Romanians' arrival on Monday

2010-06-16T16:11:00.001-07:00

IMG_5571
Originally uploaded by oamcsinger

Take a look at some photos of the Romanian's arriving and the group of OAMC members meeting them.

Video clip of Tuesday's rehearsal with Vancouver Symphony

2010-06-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

Here's a short video clip of the Tuesday evening rehearsal with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Our first "performance" is Wednesday evening in Salem, Ore.

Video clip of Tuesday's rehearsal

2010-06-16T13:13:00.000-07:00

Here's a short video clip of rehearsal on Tuesday, June 15, with both choruses and the pipe organ of Sunnyside SDA Church.

Most Romanians arrived today

2010-06-14T16:06:00.000-07:00

One flight of Romanian singers and family members arrived yesterday, June 13. Most of the rest arrived today.

Here are some pictures from today's arrivals.

Now the Romanians along with some members and staff of OAMC are out sightseeing: Multnomah Falls and Crown Point, where the familiar Vista House is located.

Radio interview this morning

2010-06-14T16:05:00.000-07:00

OAMC conductor Lou Wildman and Vancouver Symphony Orchestra executive director Scott Milam met this morning at All Classical radio's studios for an interview with host Brandi Parisi.

Visit this Facebook album to see a couple of studio shots.

The interview and music of OAMC will be part of the Northwest Previews program, that airs 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 17, 6-7 p.m. at 89.9 FM or at AllClassical.org.

Romanians Arriving!

2010-06-13T23:48:00.000-07:00

The first group of Romanians arrived today, Sunday, June 13. The largest group is arriving on Monday, June 14.

New, Easy Link to Facebook Page

2010-06-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

We now have an easy link to our Facebook Fan Page. It is: www.facebook.com/oamchorus

Share this with your family, friends, co-workers and anyone else who you think might be interested in following OAMC and the Romania chorus over the next two weeks as we rehearse and prepare for our NW tour and jaunt to Atlanta.

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/oamchorus.When Facebook is updated, you'll get a tweet. You read or follow Twitter on your mobile device, or on the web via HootSuite or dabr, which you can also view on your mobile as a web page.

Join the email list to receive news notes: http://groups.google.com/group/oamc-new.When you join this list, you'll receive an email when this blog is updated.

And check our website for Concert updates and such: www.oamc.org

Final rehearsal before the Romanians arrive next week

2010-06-06T21:45:00.001-07:00

IMG_5430nj
Originally uploaded by oamcsinger

It was great to get together again for rehearsal yesterday afternoon, June 5, our final one before the Romanians arrive next week. Enjoy these pictures of the rehearsal.

Then imagine the stage filled with more OAMC members... and 60 Romanian singers!

We'll post more pictures next week.

YouTube - Experience the Inspiring Power concerts in Vancouver USA

2010-06-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

Come join us for an inspiring and moving experience. Join with family, friends, co-workers and others.

See the Oregon Adventist Men's Chorus reunited with the Adventist Men's Chorus of Romania, joined by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Sunday, June 20, 3 & 7 p.m., Skyview Concert Hall. Visit www.oamc.org for complete details.

2nd group of Romanians have visa interviews Tuesday night, West Coast time

2010-05-17T23:47:00.000-07:00

The second group of Romanians returns to the U.S. consulate in Bucharest for visa interviews on Wednesday morning, Romania time. That's Tuesday night, U.S. West Coast time.

Please pray for those in Romania who will be interviewed. OAMC members will be gathering Tuesday evening, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., in the Portland and Walla Walla areas to pray.

The Romanians’ airline payment deadline was Monday, and some of the Romanian singers are still hoping and praying for a miracle. They also need our prayers. Many of our singers who went to Romania last year remember this walk of faith, not knowing whether the money would be available in time.

Please pray that all of our hearts will be ready to carry out the Mission that God is entrusting us.

Explanation of Romanians' visa challenges

2010-04-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

Edi "Pastor Eddie" Ciobanu, a young pastor from Romania now in Oregon, knows firsthand of the challenges the Romanians face in applying for and obtaining visas. The visa interview is the key.

Eddie explains:

"Statistically, one in four Romanians that apply for a US visa are denied. We pray that statistics will not apply here.

"Theoretically, Romanians have to prove they have solid reasons for returning back home after the US trip - family, job, property, money. What about the young man who just graduated from high school, does not a have a job, is not married and has no money in the bank? We pray that God would intervene.

"The law leaves it completely with the officer at the window to interpret the facts and make a decision - a totally subjective approach. We pray that those officers have a very good sleep tonight, have no fights with their spouses or major personal crises that could affect their "objectivity". God has His plan.

"The interviews are conducted individually, yet they are going there as a group. As a group they have more chances of getting a visa, as separate individuals they are potential immigrants. We pray that music will prevail!

"We pray for those whose visa request will inadvertently be denied - that the Lord will take away quickly the disappointment they cannot be with us, the frustration of being robbed of $130 - the interview fee - without being given a fair chance, the feeling they are second class, the puzzling task of processing how a denied visa is part of God's plan!"

EC

Please keep these brothers and sisters in your prayers.

Romanians need our prayers Sunday and Monday

2010-04-19T15:09:00.000-07:00

You may have heard that more than 100 Romanians are taking a step of faith to come to America by applying for visas. Most of this group are singers who plan to join OAMC for this summer's "Walk of Faith -- Mission to America."

The combined chorus is scheduled to sing at the camp meetings of Washington and Upper Columbia Conferences in Auburn and Walla Walla, respectively, as well as at least a festival concert with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in the Portland-Vancouver area before heading to the General Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

This Sunday and Monday evenings are critical times when the interviews will be held. I understand that the interviews are "sudden death." The decision is made right then and there, and there is no appeal process.

Lou Wildman sent the following message to OAMC members:

---
Prayer Time for our Romanian Brothers

Our Romanian brothers have their Visa interviews Monday the 19th and Tuesday the 20th from 9 – 12 a.m. Romanian time. (11:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. our time, both Sunday and Monday nights). Please pray for them and their interviewers.

Prayer meetings will be held in Walla Walla and the Portland-Vancouver area.
---

Wherever you are, we ask that you pause to pray for our Romanian brothers, too.

Thank you and God bless.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter

2010-04-16T01:14:00.000-07:00

We're working on some new channels for communicating with you.

Check out our new Facebook fan page here.

You can also follow us on Twitter at @oamchorus.

If you're not familiar with Twitter, it allows you to follow others and communicate on your mobile device. It's the channel that's been taking the world by storm in only 140 characters. "Tweets" are limited to only 140 characters, so it's kind of like a quick "headline" way of communicating and pointing people to more information.

However, you can also follow online the "old-fashioned" way in a web browser at Twitter.com, Hoot Suite, at dabr.co.uk, TweetDeck and others.

Here's an example of how Twitter can be useful: When an entry is made on Facebook, a tweet is automatically sent to anyone "following" @oamchorus. If you're following on Twitter, you can click a link that takes you to the post on Facebook where you can read the rest of the post.

Sign up and it out!

And share it with your friends and family!

OAMC Kicks Off New Season

2010-04-04T23:33:00.001-07:00

OAMC singers met in Salem to kick off the season
Originally uploaded by oamcsinger

Members of OAMC renewed friendships and made new friends as singers gathered at Lincoln Academy in Salem, Oregon, for the first rehearsal of the year.

We're anticipating that this year will be an exciting one, as the Lord has presented several opportunities to sing to new audiences.

First, we're especially excited that a number of Romanians, who sang with us while we were in Romania last year, will be joining us for two weeks in June. A few miracles need to happen for this all to come to fruition as they face the challenges of obtaining visas, as well as funding their travel. Please pray with us that doors will open for our Romanian brothers to be able to join us for our June singing engagements.

We're anticipating singing for the Washington Conference and Upper Columbia Conference camp meetings in Auburn and College Place, Washington in June.

An exciting opportunity to reach new audiences in the Portland Metro area is a planned concert with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, a door that has opened because our Romanian brothers will be singing with us.

We will also be singing at the General Conference session on June 25. With the Romanians and others we're inviting to join us from other parts of the U.S and the world, we plan to present an international chorus as a reflection of the world church.

Watch this blog and the OAMC website at www.oamc.org for updates as they become available.

Recording session preps for 2010 season

2010-03-20T19:02:00.001-07:00

See the recording session photos
Originally uploaded by oamcsinger

Every year, OAMC prepares new repertoire for member singers. This starts with recording learning tracks, which are then incorporated into voice-part learning CDs.

On January 30 & 31, the OAMC "recording group" -- about 16 men, four on each part -- met at Sunnyside SDA Church to create these learning tracks.

These sessions started with a "reading session" in which the singers sang through prospective music pieces being considered to be added to the repertoire. Each singer was asked to rate each piece of music on how well they liked the piece, and how difficult they felt the piece was for the average singer. At least one piece, "Go, My Children, With My Blessing," was added to the 2010 repertoire.