To The Vocal Majority Family and Friends:

The Vocal Majority has lost a true friend and mentor with the passing of Chuck Mitchell this past week. Today we celebrated his life with his family and friends at the Highland Park Methodist Church in Dallas, TX. Chuck has been the Director of Choreography of the VM for many years and has been very instrumental in helping The Vocal Majority win 11 International Gold Medals.

As Phil McShan said at the service today, Chuck had a passion for excellence that was the driving force behind his desire to see the VM become the best it could be. He had a unique style and ability to make us believe that we could be better than we thought, and he was right. His ability to communicate that 'good enough was just not good enough' was special. He wanted us to strive for perfection, and he would convince "ever guy" that we could achieve it through hard work and dedication.

He always saw the best in every person with whom he came in contact. He touched many lives and we are truly thankful to God for the legacy that Chuck has left behind. He was a loving and faithful husband, father, and grandfather. His passion for people was far reaching, as evidenced by the many friends that were in attendance this afternoon.

We would like to invite any of you who have a special memory about Chuck to share that with us. We will be happy to pass those remembrances on to his family so they can be reminded of how Chuck's life touched us all. We also ask you to pray for Cheryl and the family that God would give them a special measure of strength in the coming days as they deal with life's challenges.

Todd E. Roberts
President
The Vocal Majority Chorus



Sunday, March 14, 2010

Chuck's passing is one of the greatest losses ever for the VM family. If you've ever seen the man work in front of the chorus, you know what I mean.

Whenever Jim would say, "Chuck, why don't you step in front and take a look..." we'd ALL snap to attention in a nanosecond. "Ever'guy" as Chuck would say in his thick West Texas drawl, would have his chest raised, chin up and face in the game by the time Chuck was done. He could explain and demonstrate how to convey emotions visually like none other. His passion for visuals was contageous and he earned our trust for 30+ years. You couldn't help but do it Chuck's way. It was the right way, every single time.

I've seen many men resist outside coaching help, in their stubborn pride, thinking that they were good enough to do it all, but not Chuck. He collaborated extremely well with EVERY VM coach, easily adapting his universal methods to fit no matter if he was working in concert with Cindy Hansen, The Calderons, or Larry Ajer. Amazing!

I just can't believe this day has come and I am beside myself with grief. My consolation is that Chuck's spirit will live on in every song that the VM sings and the audience will see his presence in the 150+ men that carry on his life's work.

Raise your buttons high,
We'll never forget your gifts,
Immortal wisdom.

Rest in peace good friend.

Mike Borts
The Vocal Majority
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