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June 23 additions
June 24 additions
June 25 additions
June 27 additions June 28 additions June 29 additions Dr. Val Hicks Remembered
June 22 - The Great Val Hicks Has GoneI'm sorry to have to be the first to report that another icon of our great Society has passed. Dr. Val Hicks passed away last night in Salt Lake City. I have no details. He was a great woodshedder, historian and a true-blue barbershopper. He was the editor of the Heritage of Harmony History book released for our 50th anniversary in 1988. As J. Carl Hancuff wrote, " ... the Society has taken another step backwards". He will be greatly missed but long remembered. Grady - Dallas I still have and will always cherish my autographed copy of Val's wonderful arrangement of the Star Spangled Banner, a handwritten one used at Harmony College the year he arranged it and before it was put into print those many years ago. From helping the Osmond's get started to developing a brand new course he would have taught at this year's Harmony College, he has contributed much to our hobby and will be greatly missed. Paul Shannon Just talked to Carl Hancuff, who advise that Milt C called him saying that Val had been staying with his sister in Salt Lake City and reported not feeling too well last night--thinking maybe a touch of pneumonia?. When she went to awaken him this morning she found that he had passed away peacefully in his sleep. More details to follow as received.
Dick Girvin I cannot begin to describe the reaction I am having over this sad news. Dr. Val Hicks (who always insisted I simply call him "Val") was such an inspiration and one of my mentors. He encouraged me to write music and write lyrics... using his simple, stern, direct and loving manner which always seemed to say, "Just do it! I know you can do it... why don't YOU know you can do it?!" Many of my classmates in songwriting (and other classes) at Harmony College can attest to his gentle, yet firm encouragement. I was SO looking forward to seeing him again at HC this year, where he was finally going to unveil his new class about the six roots to barbershop harmony... complete with a minstrel show!!! He was so excited about it! I remember the day after I first certified as a Music Judge... Val congratulated me, then said, "Raymond, let's have lunch together... I'd like to talk to you." Of course, I agreed... and he proceeded to engage me in a wonderful discussion about his concerns about the direction of the Society and the music we were or weren't embracing. He was truly interested in my opinions and made his own plainly known. We sat there for three hours -- and, yet, it seemed like 30 minutes. He taught me about music, in general, and the barbershop style, specifically. He encouraged me to explore my own musicality and help others find theirs. He showed me ways to embrace the music... how it was much more than just ink on paper... how it was connected with life -- like breathing -- so real... so visceral! And he showed me that it was ok to care about whether or not people understood this wonderful style.
A man of small stature, but a giant amongst us musicians.
I miss you, Val... The music in Heaven will now take on a new ease of delivery... and simple melodies will float around in abundance, embracing the angels with joy, encouraging them to sing more of those wonderful overtones! And we will know that Val is smiling! I haven't felt this way since my own father passed away... I am truly saddened... and honored to have been graced by his knowledge, his talent, his love. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
This really hurts... Raymond (and all)-- Thanks for your moving tribute to Dr. Val Hicks. Just to add a note - Last year I mentioned to Raymond that I was working on writing a song, and he encouraged me to contact Dr. Hicks. I did so, and enjoyed two great phone conversations with him. He was every bit the insightful and encouraging helper that Raymond said he would be. It became clear to me that as much as he loved barbershop music, he loved barbershoppers even more.
Shane Scott Barbershop Legend, Style diplomat, arranger, Mentor, friend, Val Hicks Rest in Peace & Harmony Beatnik Mike I was saddened to hear that Dr. Val Hicks died last night. He was another treasure right up there with Lou Perry. He became a good friend after he coached my quartet several years ago and helped us with our arrangements. It was amazing to watch him make changes on the spot and then write lyrics for a second verse within a span of a few minutes. He helped give the Osmond Brothers their start with coaching and arrangements. He was also a historian and collected barbershop recordings from the vaudeville days prior to the founding of the Barbershop Society. Anbody who knew him was in awe of this gentle, talented little man. I last saw him at the Spring Convention in Reno and he was overflowing with ideas as usual. He wrote many of the Society's best arrangements (Alice Blue Gown, Star Spangled Banner just to name two) and will be missed by all. I'm sure there are many great stories to be told by other quartet men and Society members.
Roger Perkins 22 June 2004 Hi All Harmonetters & Friends! So very saddened and with deepest regret of the passing one of our greatest shining Icons in all our "World Of Barbershop Harmony", DR. VAL HICKS, one of the FINEST GENTLEMEN we have ever known. Needless to say, all who have crossed the paths of "Mr. Val", will never be forgotten......EVER! To note: Kim and I were away for the weekend, and we arrived on this Monday, June 21st, and listened to our phone message machine. One of several messages received was one from VAL on Friday, 6:13 p.m., on June 18th stating: (Val passed away in his sleep on Saturday morning.) "Hi Kim & Jerry! Good evening.....this is Val Hicks calling from So. Utah. Just wanted to thank you for your news letter/bulletin {MHBQA} that arrived today, I always look forward to that. And, ah.....I hope Jerry's health is okay. Anyway, I've just been thinking about you....thanking you for that. Bye Bye." God Bless you always, Val, dearest friend and mentor. " The light of a thousand stars could not equal the light on the moon." Jerry and Kim Orloff One of my greatest heros is gone. The man of patience and understanding. The gentlemen that always had time to say hello and discuss the future of our Society. Val and I had many wonderful moments together as we held forth on the issues confronting the Society today. I have been talking with him off and on for the past several months about his idea of a "Classic Contest" that was to take place at the Mid Winter convention in Louisville. Val's idea was to have a contest which would invite all of the current District Champions and maybe a few others to a limit of 20 quartets. The contest would be judged on the five category system; Arrangement, Voice Expression, Harmony Accuracy, Balance and Blend and Stage Presence. Plans called for cash awards to the top three quartets. This would not be a Society sponsored contest it would be an entirely different function much the same as some of the other activities that take place at International Contests. Val had chosen a wonderful committee of great barbershoppers to put this activity together. Gene Cokecroft, Buzz Haeger, Hank Hammer, Kenny Hatton, Lynn Hauldron and myself as Chairman of Judges. There will be a meeting in Louisville to see if the committee proceeds without Val. Let's hope that they will decide to continue Val's dream and bring it to reality at the Midwinter in Jacksonville in January, 2005. It would be a great tribute to one of the greatest men our Society has ever known. Howard Mesecher Until a few years ago I was always a bit intimidated about approaching and talking to some of the greats of our Society (yes, I actually am shy with people I don't know in person, honest!). I missed some grand opportunities to gain great knowledge from the likes of Earl Moon, Larry Ajer, and Lou Perry. So it was an honor for me to know Val Hicks. I first knew him as the director of the Santa Rosa Chapter -- well, I didn't know him I knew OF him and saw him direct on stage. It wasn't until a few years ago that I really got to know Val. It started at one of the FWD conventions when Val pulled me aside to let me know how much he enjoyed the performance of The Peninsulaires that year. I tell you that when Val Hicks pays you a compliment, you take notice. That was the first of many conversations we had at conventions, Harmony College, FWD schools, and via email. I only wish I had more opportunities to do so. My last best memory of Val is riding with him from the dorms to the classes at the FWD Music Team Seminar in Hayward a couple years ago. We exchanged emails since then, but nothing is the same as talking face-to-face with someone. The greatest gift we have from Val and the others who have gone on before him are the lessons they taught us, the stories, the history... It is our job to pass that along to one another and then on to the next generation of barbershop singers. In this way, Val and Earl and all the rest will continue to live on. Barbershop immortals all. I trust that Val received a very warm welcome last night to his new home. And I hope to see him again some day there. Thanks Val for all you gave us. We will miss you very much.
In harmony, What a tremendous loss this is not only for Barbershop but for the world at large. A kinder, gentler person did not exist than this wonderful man. I will always consider it a great honor to have know and shared time and stories with Val. I miss him already. Dave Duncan I am so sorry to hear about the Passing of Val Hicks. Val was my voice teacher at Santa Rosa Jr. College in Santa Rosa California in the Late 70s and the early 80s. I sang in his mixed double quartet called Harmony Connection for a year or so and he took us on a singing tour to many High Schools in the Reno Nevada area, we sang everywhere we went. He even invited me to sing at his church which I did. He loved his Barbershop music. As he introduced me to Barbershop I remember him telling me about this Woman's Barbershop chorus called Sweet Adelines in Santa Rosa, he told me I needed to join it and the Director was this tiny awesome lady with so much energy, he always spoke very highly of her. A few years later I ran into Val and he asked me if I had joined the Santa Rosa Chorus and I said yes and now that Santa Rosa Chorus is The Pacific Empire Chorus and we still have the same awesome director Jan Gervais. Thanks to Val, I have been singing Barbershop for almost 20 years now. Thanks Val for sharing your Love of Barbershop with all of us. Your memory will be with me forever.
Paula Murphy Vance Added June 23, 2004 I'll never forget his kindness and enthusiasm for barbershop music and quartets in particular. Mike Spencer and I sang together in the 1994 FWD Qt. Champ, Western Union and Val invited us to sing on their show in Santa Rosa, CA. Between Saturday shows, he invited Western Union over to his house and opened his treasure chest of arrangements, and sat down at his piano. We sang, while he played through at least 20 songs that he had arranged. We thought we had hit the jackpot! We walked out with about 5-6 songs as if we were kids who just stole chocolate from a candy store. While we had grins from ear to ear, he seemed even happier. It was his gift to us! We have all been dear friends since. That, my friends, sums up what Val was all about. Goodbye Mr. Hicks. We'll see you again soon.
Mike Lawton I first met Val when I sang in Santa Rosa. I was very young in my barbershop career, but still knew who Val was in his many arrangements. I learned so much under his direction. He was one of many that continued to push my singing levels and dedication higher and higher. I am saddened to have heard of his passing but know that he is singing in a wonderful chorus where he is now. Probably singing his own arrangements! Richard Kolar Casey Remembers Val I took arranging classes from Val, a District school held at UC Davis. Val arranged the music and wrote lyrics to songs for the Howard & Joanne Donley wedding, I did the learning tapes and we had regional rehearsals - it was a fabulous event with male, female & mixed choruses members from all over the SF Bay area. Val was the music master. He was known for his articles in the Harmonizer Like "The Dangers Of Sophistication". I have his latest list of the best harmony songs & their key notes. Val was a real woodshedder, not like those Woodshedders In Name Only (WINO). He made it a point to spend some time in the AHSOW room and teach us new (old classic) songs, AHSOW The Society and AHSOW have lost a giant in the barbershopping world, with the passing of Dr. Val Hicks. Val easily qualified for AHSOW a few years back at the Pioneers Fallbrook (he was inducted by Earle Holt - on the ground floor, as he had difficulty with stairs.) Professor Hicks made (vocal) arrangements for the young Osmond Brothers quartet. He instructed at Harmony College and at District schools. I studied arranging with him. Val was busy planning for the auxiliary (Classic) quartet contest using the original 5 category system at the 2005 Salt Lake City convention. I hope this continues as a tribute to Val. Rest in Peace. Casey Parker You can only imagine the gasps around Harmony Hall when the news came of Val's passing. Shock... disbelief... sadness... and of course, joy for a life well lived. Harmonetters unfamiliar with Val's life may want to read a brief story on him that appeared in The Harmonizer a few years ago -- "The paths of three legendary arrangers -- Perry, Latzko, Hicks" -- online at http://www.spebsqsa.org/ID_047493 . Val Hicks was working on a greatly condensed version of "The Six Roots" for publication in The Harmonizer, and I was pleased to have been assigned as staff editor for the piece. Likely it will be in the November issue. Val and I spoke about it just three weeks ago... And now I can't hear his stories anymore. My personal joyous note. Last night, saying prayers at bedtime, I told my four-year-old that I had had a hard day, because a friend had died. "How do we feel when someone dies, honey?" "Sad, because we'll miss him... But happy, because he'll be in heaven with God," he replied. "Buddy, you're right. And you know what? I'm happy, because the last time I talked with him, I got to tell him that I was glad I knew him. Every conversation can be the last. Always end yours with love." Silence. Thinking. Then, "Good night, Dad. I love you." Thanks, Val, for one more lesson.
Brian Lynch In my Barbershop life I've had many contacts with Val Hicks, through the years, so maybe I can add my voice to the comments on his untimely passing. He is one of the greatest Barbershoppers our hobby has produced. So long Val, have the happy trip you so richly deserve ! Bruce Guthrie Dr. Val Hicks was also instrumental in the success of The Dapper Dans of Disneyland in their early years as an arranger, coach and advisor, having worked with the Osmond Brothers intimately as well. In recent times he would visit the park several times a year and stop and visit and take a listen. We still perform many of his arrangements everyday at Disneyland for thousands of appreciative guests. He was a true gentleman and a gentle giant of our Society who will be missed. Thankfully we have his legacy of friendship and his gift of music to cherish and pass on. Regards,
Jim Campbell Added June 24 A sad hello to all - - The barbershop world has lost another of its titans. Our hobby will not see his like for a long time, if ever. How well I remember my long visit with Val at his home in St. George, among the beautiful red rocks formations of southern Utah. We spent three days discussing the history and state of barbershop, visiting Zion National Park and Cedar Breaks, discussing music in general, what makes a great barbershop song/arrangement, and on and on. What precious memories! Val Hicks was one of that first group of Arrangement Category judges that included Lou Perry, Greg Lyne, Dave Stevens, Jack Baird, Mike Senter, Fred King and numerous others - some now gone from us. We agreed on many things and thoroughly enjoyed discussing our differences - a finer group of gentlemen there never was. Val was a man in love - - in love with his life, in love with his church, in love with music, in love with barbershop, in love with his backyard garden where he had a mini vineyard. We kidded about his setting up a mini winery. A few years ago I wrote a song - "Goodbye, Old Friend". The lyric is worth repeating here. It's always hard to bid Goodbye, the words never easy to say.
Burt Szabo Added June 25 I can't claim to have had as close a contact with Val Hicks as some - but I do have a few special memories of this soft-spoken, kind-hearted man. Both stories might seem like I'm bragging, but in truth, they wouldn't be as special without Val Hicks. #1. I got to contribute to his 50th Anniversary History Book. I got my name in there as a contributor. It was Val's book ... his personal contribution to our Society. I don't think he ever really got as much credit as he deserved for that hard work. That's probably true in most of his projects. He didn't really seem to care about getting the credit. One of my treasured possessions is an autographed copy of that book with a photo of Val and me standing at the entrance of the 1988 50th anniversary Historical Exhibit at the San Antonio Int'l. Having him there as my guest was an honor. 2. I'm not sure which Harmony College it was but everyone knew that Dr. Bob Johnson was about to retire and he made it clear he was going to finish his official duties as Director Of Music Services for the Society at Harmony College as dean (his favorite part of the job). This was known the year before and I had an idea. I KNEW there was gonna be some short of send off for Bob Johnson and I discussed it with Val. Val was a longtime faculty member of HC and I told him about this idea as we sat in the sunken Student Center lobby (if you've been there, you know the place i mean). I told Val about THE song that should be sung to Bob as he retired. It was from the movie White Christmas. You remember the scene, don't you? There's a mix up and the General's suit is at the cleaners so he has to wear his dress uniform. He appears at the door of the ball room, the spot light hits him and the command is given . . . "Attention!" To his surprise the General is applauded and led to his table. Off in the distance, quietly at first, men are heard singing . . . "We'll Follow The Old Man Where Ever He Wants To Go . . .". Crosby and Kaye appear with all the General's men marching out and singing in tribute to their leader. It was always my favorite part of the movie. Well, I described this scene to Val who was apparently unfamiliar with it. I sang him the melody line, he made some notes and he thought it might be workable. I wasn't able to make it the next year to the Harmony College where Bob Johnson retired, but I sure heard about it. It turned out Val arranged this song, put a nice barbershop tag on it and coordinated the "attack". With the help of the faculty, Val saw to it this song was learned by the ENTIRE student body that year. I understood there were "guards" outside the doors of the classrooms when this secret plan was being hatched. That Saturday night, as planned, Bob was about to close the show with a speech. It was his final time and emotions were high. He excused the faculty from the stage and was prepared to say his final farewell to the troops. The faculty refused to leave the stage. Bob Johnson, not accustomed to being disobeyed, was taken aback. The faculty SAT down on the stage and refused to move. Johnson knew something was up, but didn't have a clue what. I believe, so I was told, a few members of the faculty started the song quietly. The rest of the faculty joined in gradually. By the time they got to the chorus the ENTIRE student body had joined in. I wish I could have been there to see it happen in person. Of course, the "General" Bob Johnson was completely overcome. Bob was one who was prone to show his emotions and never afraid to show tears. At this moment he was just a puddle, he was not in control, completely surprised, and was loving it. It was a moment those there will never forget and a fitting tribute to such a dedicated man. Val was the one who arranged it. Now they are both gone. How lucky I was to have known them. As we discuss the changes in our Barbershop Society, remember . . . Val will still be there as will many others. No matter what. I know because as long as I'm there, they will be too. Thanks Val. You made a difference. Grady - Dallas I had just returned to the society in 1993 after a 5 or 6 year absence and was eager to do a few things I had not taken the opportunity to do before. A very dear friend of mine, Gene Canny, invited me to go to Harmony College with him and his son Curt and I accepted. As with most freshmen, I was in awe of the whole Harmony College experience, but on Wednesday night at the barbecue Gene and I ran into Val and struck up a conversation. I had never before attended a function where there were so many of the society giants in attendance and here Gene and I were with one of the absolute pillars of our organization talking, laughing and discussing everything from barbershop to events in our lives. It was then that it came to me just how wonderful a fraternity this truly is. It was also one of those Kodak moments when I should have had my camera. Gene was taken from us in a tragic car accident just 2 years later. I could never thank him for all of the miles, smiles and the chords we rang while quarteting together and none of us could ever thank Val enough for all of the great things he did for our society. Memories like these are the most precious things we collect throughout our lives and we should hold them near and dear to us forever. Thanks again Val and Gene. Two of my personal barbershop giants.
Randy Davis When I think of Val, I think of his total commitment to the style and the things that make us different. Next, I remember an evening when he and the venerable Joseph Liles were moved, for some reason, to tell the most embarrassing moments in their lives. It was just the three of us, as I recall, in a dorm room at some school we were teaching somewhere. I'll retell some of the stories that Val told (in the appropriate venue), but NONE of the ones Joe told. I promise, Joe. :-)}
Bill Biffle Hello friends, I'm trying hard not to sound like a "me too" poster and truthfully I have no real right to sound as such anyway. Dr. Hicks spent a week here with me in early May working on his Six Roots class materials for Harmony College. Everyday I picked him up at his hotel and brought him to my computer lab where we would scan pictures all day. I'm glad my boss was gone most of that week because I was in no mood to work. Every minute was a gift to me and i hung around him like a school kid, which, in fact, I was. You never know just how lucky you are until too late. This is just another example of why I wish I had discovered Barbershopping earlier. God Bless you, Val.
Bill Milhoan I was so sorry to read about Val's passing on the FWD List. Larry and I have known and worked with Val throughout our 31 years in the society. I remember his outstanding "History of the Barbershop Style" classes at Harmony College and all of his great arrangements. Earl Moon used to speak of him often during our Wednesday night Whittier Choralaires meetings. Larry and I were flattered to be a part of his keynote address at Harmony College in 2000. I remember we sang a special composition of his toward the end of his address. In the most recent years he would call Larry and I when he was in town and we'd have lunch at the local Marie Calendar's restaurant in La Habra. I think the last time I saw him was a couple of years ago in Bakersfield at the FWD Convention. He had a love and respect for barbershop history. I can identify with him in that regard. Larry and I have collected the Old Time Radio shows as well as the recordings we have made of the memories of those who did the shows. Val did the same thing with quartets and legendary icons of our society. I will miss him so very much. He was one of our giant icons. He along with such legends as Earl Moon, Lou Perry, Bob Johnson and Dave Stevens are now gone and we will never see their likes again. John Gassman My story on Dr. Hicks is short, but sweet. Just after the Four Voices won the college Championship, I received a call while I was at work. My son informed me a guy from Utah called and would call at midnight to chat with me. I had no idea who it was, but figured it was someone wanting a way to book the "Voices." Sure enough it was Dr. Hicks. He greeted me warmly and proceeded to let me know he got my number from headquarters. As I pulled myself off the floor, he asked me how the boys came to be. I asked him if he had a day or two to spend on the phone, which he asked me to condense the punchline. After about an hour of great conversation on kids, and teaching, He asked me to mail him a note describing how I conduct my Harmony Explosion class. I told him I would mail him a video of an actual demonstration. He thanked me, as I him, and sent the tape two days later. The next weekend I received another call from the great one. He said nothing but nice things about my class, except, he wanted to know why I didn't mention more about the Society and membership. I told him that I was in their environment, as their guest, and didn't wish them to think I was there to sell them anything. Besides, I usually saved that information for a later "invitation." Like a guest night at my or the local ladies Chapter. That was the last from him until about a year ago. He called me again, just after I wrote something about my ownership of a Hallmark Store. He called to ask if I knew anyone who could get him clearance to use the words he found on a Hallmark card, to be put to music. I made a few calls, Called him with a few numbers. And the last I heard? He was going to work on it. I hope, Val, you got it. I also hope, I can help be a part of something that will bring joy to folks, the way he brought joy to us. Ron Weaver Added June 27 Val Hicks was a gold mine of barbershop history and tradition, and a key collaborator in our early efforts to get the youth outreach movement going. In 1987, with the 50th anniversary of the Society at hand, we put together a barbershop history slide show, with tapes and pictures of early quartets from the turn of the last Century. For example, from his archives, we could show not only what the Avon Comedy Four looked like, we could listen to an early recording of them singing. We presented that show at several chapters and at a district convention. The money or interest never developed to make that slide presentation into a film, which is probably what we'd do today. I still have that slide show, somewhere. In 1992 we decided to do something to re-establish community singing at our conventions, on our shows, and in our communties, something that had pretty much disappeared. So Val and I scoured old Girl Scout handbooks and other sources and came up with 350 songs that people used to know and sing. The Far Western District Board authorized me to offer this project to the Society, and suggest that the Society ought to publish a singalong songbook--but if they didn't, the FWD would. The Society decided to do it. Burt Szabo went through all those 300-plus songs and narrowed it to 100 that were public domain or Society owned, and the Society published the Singalong Songs handbook which is still offered in the Harmony Marketplace today. Most recently Val spent a lot of time in the National Archives coming up with photos and information about early Black quartets, and trying to organize a barbershop history symposium with several academics and authors, which would have been a major opportunity to recognize barbershop as a significant part of American music culture. This is the guy the Smithsonian turned to to write the chapter about barbershop in a history of American music. He was a national treasure. We will miss him very much.
John Krizek I have been reading all of the tributes and vignettes posted by people who knew Val, and I can truly say that I have also experienced these same qualities of Val's that have been so eloquently described - his musianship, dedication, friendliness, helpfulness, scholarly authority, and quiet sense of humor. Another admirable aspect of Val's life was that he kept up with his old friends, especially after they became ill and in need of his friendship. Here are three examples: Ron Browne was one of the original Dapper Dans of Disneyland, and Val helped them as an arranger, coach, and advisor. Ron also sang many years in "Yer Fadder's Mustache", and was on the faculty of Harmony College. After Ron was diagnosed with terminal cancer, Val would visit him at his home when he came to Southern California. He took me along on one of these visits, where we reminisced about old times. When Ron passed away, Val drove down from Ivins UT to Anaheim CA for the funeral, where he gave an eloquent eulogy. Lou Perry is well known to all barbershoppers, and when Lou was on his death bed Val drove from Ivins to Cherry Valley CA, picked up Howard Mesecher, and then drove to Tucson AZ to say his last goodbye. (All 4 of the Boston Common were also there that day, but that's another story.) Jim Arnold was the baritone of the hilarirous Crown City Four, 1955 FWD Champs, and great entertainers on the show circuit for the next decade or so. For years Jim has been confined to his bed, but mentally sharp. Val paid frequent visits to Jim on his trips to SoCal, and last June 10 Val called me in the morning and invited me to go along with him. I had a high school commencement ceremony to attend that day, so I said "next time." Sadly, that was Val's last visit with Jim, - there will be no next time. I'm sure there are more examples that I am not aware of, but these stories illustrate the extreme humanity and caring of Val. Would that we would all follow Val's example and do the same for our friends. Aside from Val's songwriting skills, I have long been in awe of his beautiful poetry, and I'll quote from my favorite composition of his:
"...throughout the winter and spring we ran, then into the summer we flew.
I never could tell you 'I love you' that summer of long ago.
What a beautiful soul we have lost. Dave Briner Added June 28 Many of us who knew Val Hicks, were shocked and saddened by his untimely death. The Barbershop community has come together to mourn his loss and to pay tribute to his memory. To my knowledge, this is only the second page to be created in order to honor the memory of one of our Barbershop icons. The other page was in tribute to Earl Moon, after his death in March of 1996. In 1973, my twin brother John and I joined the Whittier California chapter, and grew up along side barbershop icons like Earl Moon and Emmit Bossing. We heard stories about many other legendary barbershoppers like Lou Perry, Bob Johnson, Joe Liles, Dave Stevens, and Val Hicks. It was our great honor to meet these wonderful people and to count them all as our dear friends. One of the first stories I actually remember hearing about Val came to me from Earl Moon. Our chapter was learning the Star Spangled Banner at the time, and Val's name is on the sheet music as the arranger. I remember Earl telling us that Val and many other arrangers were in a school somewhere many years ago. Bob Johnson and several others spoke about the fact that it was so sad that the Barbershop society did not have a singable version of "The Star Spangled Banner. They all went on with their meeting. When it was time to go on to the next activity, Val walked up to Bob and said, "Will This Do"? He handed Bob the arrangement of "The Star Spangled Banner", which he had been working on while the meeting took place. This feat is even more amazing when you realize that Val often arranged without benefit of a piano. He heard the chord progressions in his head and was able to note them down on paper. I was fortunate to organize tributes to Earl Moon both at Harmony College in 1990, and for our chapter in that same year. In the course of planning and working on both events, the aid from Val Hicks was invaluable. Val was a very kind and giving man. He never failed to call when he was in town, or to come up and say hello when we found ourselves at a Barbershop function. John and I were honored to be asked by Val to help with his keynote address at Harmony College in the year 2000. We sang, "Through The Eyes Of Love", in the later part of Val's Address. When my then fiance , Melinda Johnson heard us sing the song over the internet, she broke in to tears, and told me that she wanted me to sing the song at our wedding, which would take place on June 23, 2002. I sang the song as she came down the spiral staircase with my quartet which would eventually register and come to be known as: Four Fifteen. Melinda and I credit Val with the idea for the song which the quartet would sing at our wedding. In the last few years, Val would make the commute on a regular basis between Utah and Southern California. His schedule was always full, because he made it a point to keep in touch with so many of his friends while he was here. But he always made it a point to call and to make time for John and me to go take a leisurely lunch with him. We would talk about Barbershop, the many people we knew in our wonderful hobby, and just things in general. Val was so very special and had no pretenses about his enormous talent. He shared himself with everyone. He was a team player and always thought of people first. Years ago when John and I were being saluted by the Whittier Chapter, Earl Moon once said, "Music is the bond which draws us all together, but it is the people in our society which make our time together so very special and so very worth while". Aside from my wife Melinda, I don't believe I've ever met anyone who was so generous with his time in putting other people first. He loved people and made everyone feel that they were extra special in his life. Qualities such as these are so very rare in our society, and it was such a pleasure to know Val and to be counted as one of his friends.
Larry Gassman
Suffice to say that I first met Val (and Dave, Unkalloyd,
Lou Perry, Walt Latzko, Burt Szabo, Dave Stevens, Freddie
King, Jack Baird ... and some dozen other giants of BBShop)
in Racine, WI, at the first Harmony College.
It began a wonderful association and life-long friendship
that surely benefitted me much, much more than Val. He
greatly expanded my harmonic education - as had my earlier
lessons at the feet of SK Grundy and Floyd Connett.
That Heavenly congregation of Barbershoppers will be
even more Blessed when Val and Lou Perry get together.
What a party!
I tip my battered old straw hat,
Dick Johnson
I have often thought that if I were to found a new chapter, I would have
everyone buy a copy of "Heritage of Harmony Songbook," and there would be no need
for a music library.
Grant Carson
http://www.thespectrum.com/news/stories/20040628/obituaries/735472.html
Val J. Hicks
We will all miss this man very dearly,
Helen Giallombardo
Keith Hopkins
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Val J. Hicks died from pneumonia June 22, 2004. He was born
to Inez Holdaway and Val Dunn Hicks in Provo, Utah, February
6, 1933. He had many years of paralysis beginning age 8, so
his life has not been easy.
Val is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and
Brandon Jensen and three grandchildren Tanner, Zachary, and
Megan. He is also survived by dear friend Hoda Katicha;
siblings Jo Ann Hicks, EuDonne and Ray Warnick, Gary and
Robin Hicks, Kathy and Greg Cherry; many nieces and nephews;
aunt Clista Holdaway (age 95), and numerous cousins.
Everyone Val met became a friend, and he has thousands of
friends throughout the world. He was a good man and will be
missed.
Dr. Hicks was an active alum of South High School, graduated
from the University of Utah with a bachelor's degree, then a
master's degree from University of Southern California, and
obtained a doctorate in music from the University of Utah.
Val loved music, thanks to his musical mother, Armont
Willardsen at South High School, and SPEBSQSA.
Val began a teaching career in Granite School District where
he also served as president of Granite Education
Association. His final years of teaching were at Santa Rosa
Junior College, Santa Rosa, California. Val served in many
capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints.
At age 18 he became a member of SPEBSQSA (barbershop quartet
singing). Val sang, directed choruses, served as an
international judge, and coached quartets. He was invited by
the Smithsonian Institute to create a special music section
on barbershop quartet singing. Val composed many songs and
also arranged thousands. (His arrangement of The Star
Spangled Banner has been performed at the Super Bowl and
elsewhere.)
Val's latest endeavor was to research then write a book on
the history of quartet singing, especially barbershop
quartets. The book was being finalized for publication at
the time of his death.
A memorial service will be held in Ivins, Utah (where Val
resided) Thursday, July 1 at 7 p.m. Ivins Utah Stake
Center -- 240 E. 1060 S., Ivins, Utah.
The funeral service will be Saturday, July 10, 1 p.m. at
Rose Park LDS Stake Center, 760 North 1200 West, Salt Lake
City. Family visitation will be July 9 at Larkin's, 260 East
So. Temple, 6-8 p.m. and at the church Saturday prior to the
service, 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Interment at Larkin's Sunset
Gardens.
Donations in Val's memory may be made to Perpetual Education
Fund, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
University of Utah Music Dept. scholarship, or Primary
Children's Hospital.
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