PRESIDENT'S PEN - by Watson Holyfield, V

It is hard to believe that we have made it through the months of January and February.  We are all looking forward to the coming of Spring; although much of our weather here in Houston has been Spring-like during January and February.   It’s time to start focusing on BAGMA’s 16th Annual Spring Convention, on April 3rd and 4th.  Let’s all pray that the weather does not do a “topsy-turvy” and bring us “Winter” that weekend.

All of the time slots have been filled for the Convention.  We do have a “stand-by” list; so if you did not get on the schedule, but would like to sing, just let us know.  If a slot becomes open and you are there, we will try to put you in.  For those of you who have been on the program before, you know the routine.  We have not changed anything.  As a reminder, and for those who are new to the Association, we have included our small list of “do’s and don’ts” in this edition of The Trumpet.

I do want to make one clarification, however.  We have been asked, by several people, who is eligible to sing at the Convention.  The answer is: any Member can sing, as long as their dues are current.  Some confusion exists about the definition of “Member”.  Let me give you this example:  New Psalms is a “Member” of BAGMA and, therefore, can sing on the program.  Further, let’s assume that I wanted to sing (DON’T LAUGH – THIS IS ONLYAN ILLUSTRATION!).  Just because I am a member of New Psalms does not make me eligible to sing at the Convention.  I would have to be a BAGMA “Member” as a soloist in order to be eligible sing as a soloist.  Take Jim McDaniel as another example.  He is a BAGMA “Member” as a soloist as well as member of One Desire, also a BAGMA “Member”.  Therefore, he is eligible to sing twice; once as a soloist and once with One Desire.  I hope that I have made some sense of this.  There has never been any intention of excluding anybody from the Convention.  However, due the large membership that we have, we have to have some rules.  Please let us know if you have any questions or comments about this.

As I write this, our Vice President Joe Kotal is recovering in the hospital.  I understand that his surgery went extremely well, although it was more complicated than first diagnosed.  Our prayers are with him for a speedy and complete recovery and with Jo Ann for strength and comfort during this time.
God bless you all and see you at the Convention.