tidelanders leadership HISTORY
1980 - 1999
In 1980, under Jim Sikorski, the Tidelanders placed 5th in Salt Lake City. In 1981, 1983, and 1984, with John Devine directing, Houston placed 4th, 4th, and 5th, in Detroit, Seattle and St. Louis, respectively.
John Devine decided to step down as Director in 1988. Rick Serpico became Director and led the Tidelanders from 1988 through 1991. In 1992, Tracy Shirk agreed to serve as Interim Director until a new Director could be found.
In early 1993, the Director search effort located an obvious choice. There was a candidate in Houston who (1) Was a recognized A-level chorus coach, (2) Had won a Quartet Gold medal, (3) Had directed a chorus to a Gold medal, (4) Was currently directing a 4th place International-level chorus, and (5) Had served as President of a Barbershop singing organization of approximately 30,000 members. There was a problem, however. The Barbershop singing organization was Sweet Adeline’s International, the quartet and choruses were part of the SAI organization, and that obvious choice was a woman! The Houston Chapter, recognizing her incredible talent, decided to hire Betty Tracy as the Tidelanders’ Director, even though the Society rules in effect at that time did not permit women serving in that role. Tracy Shirk, Assistant Director, led the Tidelanders to another 2nd place finish, behind the Vocal Majority, at SWD competition in 1993.
Through the tireless efforts of several Tidelanders, including International Board Members John Schneider and Joe Liles, and others interested in improving the Society, the rules pertaining to Non-member, Female Musical Directors were changed in 1994. The Society retained its identity as an all-male singing society, yet it allowed individual choruses to take advantage of all available leadership talent, regardless of gender. Betty Tracy subsequently led the Tides to 1994 District competition in Tulsa, with 75 men on stage. She brought home Tidelanders’ first SWD Chorus Championship since 1984.
Just prior to the Salt Lake City contest in 1995, Betty Tracy submitted her resignation to the Tidelanders’ Board. That event prompted a new era in the history of the Houston Chapter. An “open” Chapter meeting was held on July 15, 1996, just after the International Contest. Members voiced their concerns and ideas for the future. The Chapter Board appointed a committee to conduct a new Director search was organized. Tracy Shirk was appointed Director.
With few exceptions, the 1997 Board of Directors, headed by President Wayne Hardin, agreed to continue their respective jobs for 1998. In mid-year 1998, Wayne Hardin resigned as President to take a new job in Dallas. Keith Kauffman replaced him. In 1999, Keith Kauffman continued as Chapter President.