Derek Hatley 2007 BOTY
December 19, 2007
by Ralph R. Mueller,
Great Lakes Chorus 2006 BOTY
The Grand Rapids Chapter announced Derek Hatley as 2007 Barbershopper of the Year at its Annual Chapter Banquet this past December 11. Derek has been an active member of the chapter for many years, serving on the Board in several capacities, currently as Chorus Music Librarian. Derek also produces most of the learning tracks for the chorus, and does quite a bit of arranging for the chorus and for quartets of the chapter. He also plays a vital part in scheduling Singing Valentines, taking most of the orders and coordinating the times and locations for Valentines, and providing maps for the various quartets. The Grand Rapids Chapter just this year revised its procedure for selecting Barbershopper of the Year, in order to recognize contributions that are often overlooked, and to give greater weight to members’ long-term efforts to promote, preserve, and encourage barbershopping. As a previous winner of the Society’s arranging contest, and as an avid promoter of new technology in improving and refining the barbershop craft, Derek was among those receiving the highest number of votes from the membership. Derek’s participation this year in sing-outs and competitions, and his tireless work for the chapter and for barbershopping as a whole, were taken into account by the panel of the five previous winners of the BOTY Award. The Grand Rapids Chapter is pleased and proud to recognize Derek as its 2007 Barbershopper of the Year.