An appeal to singers, or why I am a member of Prometheus (08/01/99)

An appeal to singers, or why I am a member of Prometheus

by Zenon Izak

This article could be titled "An Appeal to Ukrainian Men, Young and Old, Who Love to Sing, Whether in the Shower, Driving, or at Any Time or Place" or "How the Members of the Prometheus Men's Chorus Take Care of Their Own."

Recently I took a brief leave of absence from the choir for what I considered important reasons. Doesn't a new retiree deserve his long-awaited rest? To be able to read those entertaining novels, Ukrainian journals, newspapers, etc.? Isn't this the time to weed the garden, plant flowers and tomatoes, and listen to the song of the birds and the hum of the bees?

I read, until 2 a.m. and almost go blind. The cars I repair are still noisy and the oil still leaks. I can't stem the unwanted growth in the garden and decide to wait for rain to make my gardening easier. The squirrels quickly devour the seed I so diligently prepared for the migrating and nesting birds.

My wife has no time for me. She's on the phone all day with her "Soyuzianky" (members of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America).

In the meantime, my colleagues from Prometheus are making their calls. (My wife is having a fit. They are interrupting her progress on important issues concerning the UNWLA!) "Zenon, why aren't you at rehearsals?" Several basses threaten to beat me to a pulp if I don't return soon. One of them, a veteran tank driver from the Korean War, is determined to point a cannon at a very sensitive spot. One of the first tenors, a veterinarian, promises a tranquilizer shot that works on cattle, dogs and cats, monkeys and even on hedgehogs. The baritones are very concerned. My absence is drawing too much attention to them from the director - I had taken enormous pressure off them in singing "Reve Ta Stohne." The second tenors, too, are worried. One of their members, the president of the chorus, is upset that the lack of my contribution at the past rehearsal/card game has left him without change for the bridge toll to New Jersey.

As a result of all this I shortened my brief vacation and returned to the chorus. Besides, thanks to my colleagues, I have my wife's blessing.

Therefore, now I invite all "young" men (kozaky) of all ages, who love to sing for the sheer joy of it, especially the enchanting songs of past and present Ukraine, to volunteer their God-given talent and energies to the continuing fame of the Prometheus Men's Chorus. Even though the chorus now performs at a very high artistic level, our future lies with you, members-to-be. Your wife, your sweetheart, your relatives and friends will immediately show you new respect and admiration. You will not regret it.

Rehearsals of the chorus are held at 7:30 p.m. every Monday (except in July) at the Ukrainian Center on Cedar Road, Jenkintown, Pa. For further information, including dates of future performances, please call (215) 672-4295, or the president of the chorus, W. Panczak, at (609) 663-1346.

Zenon Izak is secretary emeritus of the Prometheus Men's Chorus.

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