News from the Masters of Harmony
Read all about what's been going on with the Masters of Harmony. The articles on this page describe a rich history of musical excellence -- we hope they inspire you to come and see us soon!
Masters of Harmony Update - Winter 2011
Posted by Ron Larson on Jan 26, 2012
The Masters of Harmony kicked off a busy holiday season by returning to Riverside’s beautifully renovated Fox Theater for a Christmas show. Many in the capacity audience were hearing the Masters for the first time and they joined returning fans in loud, sustained applause throughout the show. Despite...
(Full Story...)
2011 – A Year of Victories!
Posted by Mark Hale, Director on Jan 4, 2012
What an amazing year we have just completed, where we accomplished our outstanding eighth chorus championship win along with a series of very exciting show performances and lots of great memories along the way. The past year has been full of opportunities and challenges…some ups and downs . ....
(Full Story...)
Marlin Fors: A Decade of Devotion
Posted by Joe D-Amore on Nov 8, 2011
It’s interesting how things work out, isn’t it? Some say that turnabout is fair play. For me, the events that have led me to the point of writing this article have me wondering, “What in the world was I thinking?”
Right around this time in 2001, I remember having...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony Update - Fall 2011
Posted by Ron Larson on Oct 25, 2011
In October, members of the Santa Fe Springs Chapter elected 13 men to serve as their 2012 Board of Directors. These men plus Immediate Past President Kirt Thiesmeyer will direct official chorus responses to the unique challenges of an International Championship year, a year that will include hosting the...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony Update - Summer 2011
Posted by Ron Larson on Jul 29, 2011
In 1985, a small group of men decided they wanted a more satisfying barbershop experience. They formed the Masters of Harmony, a chorus “Dedicated to Musical Excellence.” In November 1987, barbershop icon Dr. Greg Lyne became their director. Twenty months of his leadership produced such remarkable improvement...
(Full Story...)
Another memorable performance in San Diego
Posted by Lou Tedesco on Jul 27, 2011
On Sunday afternoon, July 24, 2011, the Masters of Harmony performed at the First United Methodist Church of San Diego. This was the second time we set up our risers and performed for their appreciative SRO audience. Mastering the tight performance stage was every bit the challenge that...
(Full Story...)
Contest set flawless after Greg Lyne visit
Posted by Lou Tedesco on Jun 16, 2011
You could have heard a pin drop on the stage of the Daniel Recital Hall at Cal State Long Beach on Thursday evening, May 26, as Dr. Greg Lyne, arguably the greatest barbershop coach and technician in the Society, began to critique the Masters of Harmony’s contest set. We...
(Full Story...)
Kiwis: A close encounter
Posted by Skip Farrar on Jun 16, 2011
What a treat for the Masters of Harmony to have a few up-close and personal moments with some gifted aliens brought to us by the “MIB”! I suppose you could call this a “Close Encounter of the Third Kind,” complete with the basic language and appeal of music just...
(Full Story...)
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse hosts Masters of Harmony triumph
Posted by Martin Brown on May 25, 2011
“What a fantastic show!” This was just one of numerous wonderful comments I received from enthusiastic audience members as they left the auditorium last Saturday after the Masters of Harmony’s annual spring shows at the historic San Gabriel Mission Playhouse. The shows, titled “The Dream is Carried On,”...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony Update - Spring 2011
Posted by Ron Larson on Apr 12, 2011
Over the years, the Masters of Harmony have appeared many times at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center on the campus of California State University, Long Beach. Most of those performances were Christmas and spring shows. Early on, dating back to 1994, the quality of the...
(Full Story...)
Setting Goals as We "Go For the Gold"
Posted by Scott Hansen on Apr 6, 2011
When one is going for the gold for the eighth consecutive time, where does one find the inspiration to do it “one MOH time?”
For the better part of two decades, the Barbershop Harmony Society dreamed about what would happen if the two “super choruses” should ever meet in competition. ...
(Full Story...)
Sowing Seeds of the Future and the Barbershop Style
Posted by Mark Freedkin, Young Men In Harmony Chairman on Feb 16, 2011
The Masters of Harmony and the Southern California Vocal Association co-sponsored the 11th Annual Young Men’s Harmony Festival this past weekend. We had 195 young men from 30 high schools and one middle school throughout Southern California attending this year’s unique musical event, and the feedback from students, parents...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony Returns to Long Beach Concert Series
Posted by Jussi Ratsula on Feb 1, 2011
“Good to be home,” greeted Ray Johnson jovially in the beginning of his speaking bid during the Masters of Harmony performance at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center on the campus of California State University, Long Beach. That is exactly what it felt like last Sunday; invited...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony Update - Winter 2010
Posted by Ron Larson on Jan 28, 2011
In October, the Masters of Harmony put the finishing touches on a new recording to be released in May 2011. Entitled “The Dream is Carried On,” it will feature religious, patriotic and other inspirational songs performed by the Masters of Harmony, The Westminster Chorus and both choruses combined.
In...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony - State of the Chorus
Posted by Bill Rosica, President on Jan 6, 2011
With housing on the decline, unemployment at one of its highest levels and the economy a little bleak, the Masters of Harmony had a banner year. I took a look at my calendar for last year where I keep my mileage and found there were 66 events (including rehearsals)...
(Full Story...)
What Is an Off Year?
Posted by Mark Hale, Director on Jan 6, 2011
Now that 2010 is in the history books, it’s amazing to look and see how much we accomplished during what some people refer to as an “off year.” Okay, here goes...
♫ We enjoyed a full show schedule with our regular Calimesa and youth festival performances followed by another...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony Update -- Fall 2010
Posted by Ron Larson on Oct 27, 2010
On July 31, members of the Masters of Harmony family celebrated “Family Appreciation Day” at the Palomar Observatory for a guided tour of the facility that houses the historic 200-inch Hale Telescope. At the end of the tour, the group assembled for a picture beneath the giant telescope and...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony 25th Anniversary: A Founder Reflects
Posted by Joe DAmore on Oct 19, 2010
In January of this year, I returned to the Masters of Harmony as an active singing member. The “calling” was clear and, since I’ve learned there are no coincidences in life, I decided to take the plunge once again. I didn’t realize that being back among my MOH...
(Full Story...)
Goodbye, Dixie, Goodbye
Posted by JD Ahmanson on Aug 19, 2010
“A young man shows up, the last year of high school or so, kind of a shy guy, stands over in the baritone section and we know that he’s John Miller’s son. But lately, John Miller is known as Justin’s dad.”
Those words by President Bill Rosica aptly describe Justin’s...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony Update -- Summer 2010
Posted by Ron Larson on Jul 26, 2010
On May 1, 2010, the Masters of Harmony made a long-awaited return to Pasadena’s Ambassador Auditorium for its spring show. In November 1999, before the Masters had become well known, they shared the Ambassador’s acoustically perfect theater with the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra. The Ambassador has been compared favorably...
(Full Story...)
Westminster Wins!
Posted by JD Ahmanson on Jul 14, 2010
As soon as they opened their mouths to sing, it only took a moment for The Westminster Chorus to prove that the “Choir of the World” was the Barbershop Harmony Society’s 2010 International Chorus Champion. The much-anticipated rematch of the 2006 contest in Indianapolis pitted the young chorus against...
(Full Story...)
The Westminster Chorus and Masters Quartets Carry Far Western District Hopes to Philly
Posted by Bernard Priceman on Jun 24, 2010
Like many of you, I attended the “Go for the Gold” Show last Saturday night. For 27 years this has been a way for the quartets qualifying for the upcoming International Quartet Contest to showcase their contest sets and entertain the crowd. And what a crowd they were!...
(Full Story...)
An Elegant Evening at the Ambassador
Posted by Paul Sandorff on May 7, 2010
In their return to Ambassador Auditorium after 21years, the Masters of Harmony were at one with their Pasadena venue Saturday evening as they presented their 2010 Spring Show, “Music In the Air.” Both the Masters and Ambassador Auditorium were elegant. For the past several shows that I’ve...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony Update -- Spring 2010
Posted by Ron Larson on May 1, 2010
On February 20, the Masters of Harmony hosted the 10th Annual Young Men’s Harmony Festival. This year’s event drew 230 young men from 26 Southern California high schools. Joining Event Coordinator Mark Freedkin as vocal clinicians were Chris Peterson, Dave Tautkus, and Brian Philbin. OC Times’ members...
(Full Story...)
Doug Maddox Joins Far Western District Hall of Fame
Posted by Jerry Fairchild on Apr 5, 2010
Far Western District Hall of Fame Presentation
Reno, Nevada, March 20, 2010
By Jerry Fairchild, Hall of Fame Chairman
------------------------
“The barbershopper I am going to introduce to you began his barbershop career in the Pasadena Chapter from 1973 to 1977 – then Atlanta (1977 to 1981), Detroit #1 (1981 to 1984) and Dallas...
(Full Story...)
Masters Win District Chapter of the Year Award
Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Mar 31, 2010
At the Far Western District Spring Convention House of Delegates meeting two weekends ago in Reno, Nevada, FWD Immediate Past President Bob Lally presented the district’s Chapter of the Year award for 2009 to the Santa Fe Springs Chapter and our chorus, the Masters of Harmony. Among the chapter’s...
(Full Story...)
The Masters Raised the Roof of the New Fox Performing Arts Center
Posted by Gary Ewald on Mar 2, 2010
For most of us, the performance is the payoff for all the time spent practicing, the time away from home and family, and all the other sacrifices made on behalf of this hobby. Each of us loves to sing for the sake of singing (and ringing), but when we...
(Full Story...)
2009 Barbershopper of the Year Bill Rosica: The Man, the Mystery, the Myth
Posted by Skip Farrar on Feb 24, 2010
On a recent Wednesday evening, I spent a pleasant hour over dinner with Bill Rosica, our 2009 Masters of Harmony Barbershopper of the Year (not to mention the 2010 President). I thought it would be fun to get to know what makes him tick. In Bill’s typical fashion,...
(Full Story...)
Young Men’s Harmony Festival Scores Another High
Posted by By Mark Freedkin, Chairman, Young Men In Harmony on Feb 24, 2010
The Masters of Harmony and the Southern California Vocal Association co-sponsored the 10th Annual Young Men’s Harmony Festival this past weekend. We had 230 young men from 26 high schools throughout Southern California attending this year’s unique musical event, and the feedback from students, parents and teachers has been...
(Full Story...)
Youth and Seniors Enliven Midwinter Convention
Posted by J.D. Ahmanson on Feb 3, 2010
The presence of the Masters of Harmony was keenly felt at the 2010 International Midwinter Convention in Tampa, Florida. Appearing on stage with 2009’s quartet medalists was the 2009 Bank of America Collegiate Quartet Champion The Vagrants, while Doug Maddox fulfilled backstage duties. Enjoying the festivities were MOH...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony Update -- Winter 2009
Posted by Ron Larson on Jan 25, 2010
In November, the Masters of Harmony returned to a Christmas show date of the Saturday after Thanksgiving, to stunning success. In anticipation of seeing both the seven-time International champion Masters of Harmony and The Westminster Chorus -- named “Choir of the World” in international competition in Wales last summer...
(Full Story...)
The 00’s—A Decade of Change, Challenge and Celebration!
Posted by Mark Hale, Director on Jan 6, 2010
Ten years ago next week I flew into Southern California on a Wednesday evening for the daunting opportunity of auditioning for the directorship of the Masters of Harmony chorus, current international champions and certainly already one of the best that had ever been. I had no way of knowing...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony Update -- Fall 2009
Posted by Ron Larson on Oct 26, 2009
Over the years, Young Men in Harmony Chairman Mark Freedkin has helped make the Masters of Harmony's annual Young Men’s Harmony Festival a great success and a model for similar programs in other parts of the country. On September 19, Mark took part in the Southern Arizona Youth Festival, an...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony Update -- Summer 2009
Posted by Ron Larson on Aug 9, 2009
On May 30, the Masters of Harmony presented their annual spring show, “Together Wherever We Go,” at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. Joining the Masters on stage were 2008 Quartet Gold Medalists OC Times and 2008-2009 Far Western District Quartet Champion Masterpiece. Two weeks later,...
(Full Story...)
Another Mission Impossible!
Posted by Bill Roth on Aug 8, 2009
As an emeritus and Hall of Fame member, I receive (and actually read) the MasterLink and Masternet. Therefore, I was somewhat aware of what the Masters of Harmony were planning in Anaheim and knew that Mark Hale had told the chorus “there really is going to be a three-way...
(Full Story...)
Marlin Fors Inducted Into Masters of Harmony Hall of Fame
Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on May 13, 2009
With teary-eyed daughter Dana and proud wife Nancy Kraus by his side, Marlin Fors became the ninth member in the 24-year history of the Masters of Harmony to receive the Hall of Fame Award in a ceremony at the Santa Fe Springs Town Center Hall. Growing from a long-ago...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony Update - Spring 2009
Posted by Ron Larson on Apr 30, 2009
Spring is a season for new growth, new possibilities and new opportunities, and indeed, it has brought all of those to the Masters of Harmony family.
On January 31, the Masters performed their Nashville contest set at the 2009 International Midwinter Convention in Pasadena’s historic Civic Auditorium. OC...
(Full Story...)
Dr. Rob Campbell hitches his remarkable wagon to the Masters of Harmony
Posted by Lou Tedesco on Apr 30, 2009
It is always a highlight to introduce new members to the Masters of Harmony. The event is even more pleasurable when the new member is a music educator with impressive credentials.
To say that Rob Campbell’s resume is extraordinary would be a literary “under shoot.” He joined SPEBSQSA in...
(Full Story...)
Justin Miller Named "Barbershopper Of The Year"
Posted by Sean Devine on Mar 11, 2009
Each year, the chapter presents the Master of Harmony Award (Barbershopper of the Year) to an outstanding Master for exemplary service and significant contribution throughout the year. This year’s recipient is an integral part of the Masters of Harmony family. He is a valued member whose resume and...
(Full Story...)
Great Barbershop Oaks From Little Acorns Grow
Posted by Les Weiser on Feb 25, 2009
This little tale comes under the heading of “It’s amazing what happens when you talk to people about the Masters of Harmony.”
Almost exactly 10 years ago, while working as a financial consultant for Merrill Lynch, I took a ride out to Malibu to visit Michelle. She was one of...
(Full Story...)
Young Men's Harmony Festival: Nine Years and Counting
Posted by Mark Freedkin on Feb 25, 2009
The Masters of Harmony and Southern California Vocal Association co-sponsored the 9th Annual Young Men’s Harmony Festival this past weekend. Over 200 young men from 24 high schools throughout Southern California attended this year’s unique musical event, and the feedback from students, parents and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive....
(Full Story...)
John Miller: A Legend In His Own Time
Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Feb 11, 2009
For the story of a “typical” Masters of Harmony achiever, two-time quartet champion and three-time chorus champion bass John Miller, his special and supportive wife Sharon, and their multiple chorus champion sons, Justin and Jon-Michael, click
here.
[Reprinted from the Association of International Champions Medallion, February 2009, with permission]
(Full Story...)
Conventioneers Thrilled by Midwinter and the Masters
Posted by Rich Owen on Feb 4, 2009
“Midwinter” in Pasadena is, of course, unlike midwinter anywhere else. But it was as if the audience had been frozen to move as one. With the last ringing of the last chord of “Yona From Arizona,” the entire assembly jumped to their feet in a grand expression of...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony Update - Fall 2008
Posted by Ron Larson on Jan 24, 2009
On December 6, the Masters of Harmony followed several Santa Fe Springs youth choral groups to an outdoor stage and performed in their host city’s annual Tree Lighting ceremony. One week later, the Masters staged the annual Christmas show at Cal State Long Beach’s Carpenter Center. For the...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony: 120 Beautiful Voices Add Harmony and Warmth to the Joy of Christmas
Posted by Joseph Sirota, Entertainment Reviewer on Dec 15, 2008
Which is more important in holiday entertainment? – Great Quality or Great Quantity? How about adding Great Variety to the choices? Happily, this holiday show offered all of these, plus fun, joy and a warm sense of the special spirit this time of the year. As for...
(Full Story...)
One Voice, Two Styles, One-of-a-Kind Show
Posted by By Greg Fear, Asst. Alumni Relations Manager, University of Michigan on Nov 24, 2008
(Reprinted from Laudes, the official newsletter of the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club)
The ‘07/’08 school year had been all about Spain. For nearly all of the two years before the focus of just about every man in the Glee Club had been the promise of our oversees journey,...
(Full Story...)
Crowds Aghast at Daring Choice of Younger, Dynamic Banquet Speaker
Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Nov 24, 2008
The dribbles had barely dried on last year’s tux shirt when the search began for a Masters of Harmony keynote speaker to grace our 2009 Awards Banquet and Installation of Officers. I knew it must be someone with the wit and vivacity of David Wright, Jim Henry, Peter Feeney,...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony Update - Summer 2008
Posted by Ron Larson on Oct 25, 2008
Ambassadors of Harmony Director Jim Henry once said that our music can be a ministry to others, that we are privileged to be able to give gold medal moments to the people for whom we sing, and that our music can change lives and feed souls. The truth of...
(Full Story...)
The Road to Nashville
Posted by Ron Larson on Jul 22, 2008
Every chorus pursuing an international championship knows the road to Gold will not be easy, nor should it be. Accepting tough challenges is the signature of would-be champions in any arena of competition. They realize that the greater the challenge, the greater and longer lasting is the sense...
(Full Story...)
The Message of the Myth: My First Time Out With the Masters of Harmony
Posted by Dr. Chris Peterson on Jul 8, 2008
As the former director of an international medalist chorus, I have always been curious about what other choruses do to prepare for the big stage. Over the years I have seen other top choruses rehearse, and I always take the opportunity to pick the brain of a fellow director...
(Full Story...)
A Day in Vocal Paradise
Posted by Lou Tedesco on Jun 12, 2008
After an uneventful drive from San Diego to Los Angeles last Saturday morning, I followed my singing brothers into the prestigious Walt Disney Concert Hall, a cultural icon and home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. I suspect the facility did not get my e-mail requesting my own dressing room...
(Full Story...)
SCVA Honors Masters of Harmony Pioneer
Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on May 14, 2008
At their meeting on Sunday, May 4, the Executive Board of the Southern California Vocal Association established the new officer position of Vice President of Barbershop Harmony Festivals and appointed Mark Freedkin as the holder of that new office in recognition of his contributions to that organization as volunteer webmaster...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony Update – Spring 2008
Posted by Ron Larson on Apr 26, 2008
Thanks to Youth in Harmony Chairman Mark Freedkin’s meticulous planning, this year’s Young Men’s Harmony Festival at Orange Coast College in February was regarded as the best festival ever by the choral music directors who attended. Mark commended OC Times and Gotcha! quartets for being positive role models while...
(Full Story...)
Once Again, Into the Fray!
Posted by Scott Hansen on Apr 23, 2008
This summer in Nashville, Tennessee, the real fireworks on the 4th of July are going to be going off inside the Sommet Center as the Masters of Harmony once again take on the world’s best in their latest quest for gold.
After securing six consecutive international championships, some might wonder where...
(Full Story...)
Champions Emerge Anew
Posted by Dan Place on Apr 8, 2008
What do you get when you take a piece of Gotcha!, a piece of Michigan Jake and you add a couple of pieces of Nightlife? Of course, the resulting mixture is one of the chapter’s newest quartets, Masterpiece. The quartet consists of Rob Menaker, tenor, and Brett Littlefield,...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony Presents Masters University
Posted by Jon Hoekema (updated by Don Shively) on Apr 2, 2008
Masters University is a program designed for new members as an introduction to the Masters of Harmony way of life and the barbershop style. Each new member is required to take a four-week course consisting of classes on Vocal Production, Basic Presentation, Member Etiquette, and History and Organization. ...
(Full Story...)
The Masters Head for a July 4th Showdown in Nashville
Posted by Ron Larson on Mar 31, 2008
The 2008 International Chorus Contest in Nashville this July promises to be one of the most competitive in years. The Masters of Harmony will be seeking to win a seventh consecutive chorus gold medal, something done previously only by the Louisville Thoroughbreds and exceeded only by Dallas’ Vocal Majority,...
(Full Story...)
Rise of The Crush Has Handicappers Hopping
Posted by Jonathan Friedman on Feb 18, 2008
The Crush was formed in October of 2006 when four friends from the Westminster Chorus got together to sing through some songs they all knew. The foursome hoped to form a quartet that would represent Westminster (now the Masters of Harmony) in Far Western District competitions and, hopefully, at...
(Full Story...)
Littlefield Wins Barbershopper of the Year Award
Posted by Dan Place on Feb 11, 2008
When Brett Littlefield’s name was announced as Barbershopper of the Year at the 2008 Awards & Installation Banquet, he received a well-deserved standing ovation. Brett’s long and dedicated service to the Masters of Harmony earned him this prestigious honor. He has served the chapter as bass section leader,...
(Full Story...)
War Horses of the Chorus, No. 6: Brett Littlefield
Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Jan 20, 2008
No. 6 in an erratic series preserving the history of the Masters of Harmony and highlighting the contributions of illustrious members most in need of preservation.)
Brett Littlefield: The name is redolent with baseball, the pursuit of excellence and a rumbling and pervasive bass sound that has anchored the Barbershop...
(Full Story...)
The Dream Team Cometh
Posted by Mark Hale on Jan 17, 2008
“The amount of satisfaction you get from any achievement is directly correlated to amount of sacrifice and effort it took you to achieve it.” -- Unknown
What an exciting time to be a member of the Masters of Harmony! With new faces and enthusiastic former members flocking back to the...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony: Road to Phoenix
Posted by Ron Larson on Nov 11, 2007
The last time the Masters of Harmony sang in Phoenix was 1998. Late in 1997, Jeff Oxley of The Vocal Majority had accepted the daunting challenge of following a competition trail blazed by Dr. Greg Lyne, who had led the Masters of Harmony to three consecutive gold medals. ...
(Full Story...)
Long Beach Community Concert Series brings back the Masters of Harmony
Posted by Andy Edwards on Nov 8, 2007
Fresh from winning the chorus contest in September at the Far Western District Convention in Phoenix, the Masters of Harmony launched its preparation for two very different upcoming performances, the Long Beach Community Concert Series at the end of October and the annual Christmas show at the end of November....
(Full Story...)
Tradition crashes, hopes soar with announcement of banquet speaker
Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Nov 8, 2007
The Masters of Harmony broke with tradition in announcing that the prospective keynote speaker and installing officer for the annual awards banquet on January 12 will be the 1985 International Quartet Champion, The New Tradition.
The New Tradition perhaps better known to thousands of barbershoppers as the Marx Brothers’ clones won...
(Full Story...)
"War Horses of the Chorus" Series, No. 5: Bernard Priceman
Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Nov 1, 2007
(No. 5 in an erratic series preserving the history of the Masters of Harmony and highlighting the contributions of illustrious members most in need of preservation.)
Bernard Priceman, another one of the people who have been shaping the chorus in their image, is more like a polo pony. He started...
(Full Story...)
"War Horses of the Chorus" Series, No. 4: Doug Maddox
Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Aug 14, 2007
(No. 4 in an erratic series preserving the history of the Masters of Harmony and highlighting the contributions of illustrious members most in need of preservation.)
Doug Maddox, the only living member of the Masters of Harmony Hall of Fame that is still on the risers, has been honored so much...
(Full Story...)
"War Horses of the Chorus" Series, No. 3: Gene Clements
Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Jul 18, 2007
(No. 3 in an erratic series preserving the history of the Masters of Harmony and highlighting the contributions of illustrious members most in need of preservation.)
Gene Clements, a Golden Oldie in the Barbershop Harmony Society (35 years or more – now 41), and holder of six gold medals with the...
(Full Story...)
The Masters of Harmony Raises Consciousness in San Diego
Posted by Lou Tedesco on Jun 28, 2007
It was not the Terrace Theater or even the much smaller Carpenter Center at Cal State Long Beach. But for the afternoon of Sunday, June 24, the Linder Hall at the First United Methodist Church in San Diego became the latest venue in a long list of successful performances...
(Full Story...)
"War Horses of the Chorus" Series, No. 2: Ron Andreas
Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Jun 11, 2007
(No. 2 in an erratic series preserving the history of the Masters of Harmony and highlighting the contributions of illustrious members most in need of preservation.)
Ron Andreas, that handsome, bright-eyed, smiley fellow at the stage left end of the front row horseshoe, usually sporting a hockey or football jersey, carries...
(Full Story...)
"War Horses of the Chorus" Series, No. 1: Les Weiser
Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on May 22, 2007
(No. 1 in an erratic series preserving the history of the Masters of Harmony and highlighting the contributions of illustrious members most in need of preservation.)
Les Weiser, tall – one might say, hulking – occupies the front spot, top row, stage right, of the baritone section, from which he has...
(Full Story...)
Santa Fe Springs Finds Gold, Too!
Posted by Ron Van Winkle on May 16, 2007
The City of Santa Fe Springs continued their year-long 50th Anniversary Celebration with an event-filled weekend of family fun festivities. The three days of activities included a parade, carnival with games, giant midway, international food court, and a variety of live entertainment for the entire community.
The...
(Full Story...)
Aaron Dale: Arranger Extraordinaire
Posted by Dan Place (wth assistance from Samantha Dale) on May 15, 2007
The Masters of Harmony owes a great deal to arranger Aaron Dale who has supplied the chorus with some outstanding charts. Songs such as “For Good,” “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” “Into The Fire,” “Masters In This Hall” and “Yona From Arizona” show off the creative talent of...
(Full Story...)
Briners Make Hall of Fame History
Posted by Andy Edwards on May 7, 2007
The month of March 2007 was extra special for Dave and Sally Briner. Dave (one of our emeritus members) was honored with the Hall of Fame award for the Far Western District of the Barbershop Harmony Society at the FWD Convention March 17, 2007, in Reno. Sally received...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony Member Receives Far Western District Honors
Posted by Frank Ortega on May 7, 2007
At the SoCal East-West Division Convention on Saturday, May 5, Far Western District President Bill Cale presented the highly prestigious President’s Award to Mark Freedkin for his ongoing work with the Young Men In Harmony Program. The award was presented immediately before the Masters of Harmony sang for their...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony to Offer Music Education Scholarships
Posted by Mark Freedkin on May 5, 2007
It has become well known throughout Southern California and the entire Barbershop Harmony Society that the Masters of Harmony has organized and sponsored young men’s harmony festivals and other youth-related activities over the past nine years. More recently, the MOH has established a Music Education Scholarship program that provides...
(Full Story...)
Chapter President Named Barbershopper of the Year
Posted by Ron Larson on Feb 13, 2007
The 2007 Masters of Harmony Awards and Installation Banquet featured one of the most moving keynote addresses ever delivered at this event. Most in the audience will never know how tirelessly President Kirt Thiesmeyer worked to convince Jim Henry, director of the 2004 International Chorus Champion Ambassadors of Harmony,...
(Full Story...)
Kiwis Storm Masters of Harmony
Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Jan 18, 2007
The Musical Island Boys from Wellington, New Zealand, visited the Masters of Harmony on Wednesday night, January 17, and showed why their lilting and synchronized sonorities captured the 2006 International Collegiate Quartet Championship. Mixing English and their native language, they thrilled the gruff and jaded - but enthusiastic -...
(Full Story...)
The Master's Voice: Frank Ortega Attains Hall of Fame
Posted by Marlin Fors on Nov 13, 2006
In a fitting ceremony last Wednesday, November 8, Frank Ortega was inducted into the Masters of Harmony Hall of Fame. In the 21-year history of the chapter there have been only seven previous recipients - Joe D'Amore, Jack Hines, Dr. Greg Lyne, Bill Roth, Dan Fullerton, Wayne Mendes and...
(Full Story...)
Ambassadors of Harmony Leader to Head Festivities at Annual Banquet
Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Oct 26, 2006
The mystery can be revealed at last. Searching for someone to inspire both the chorus and our quartets, I found Jim Henry, Associate Professor of Music at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and, incidentally, director of the 2004 chorus champions and 2007 competitors, the Ambassadors of Harmony, bass of...
(Full Story...)
A Convergence of Legends at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre
Posted by Ron Larson on Oct 25, 2006
1927-The New York Stock Market soared toward the economic stratosphere. Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs and his New York Yankees, with a lineup called "The Murderer's Row," swept the World Series. Charles Lindbergh made his historic solo transatlantic flight. Vaudevillian Al Jolson appeared in "The Jazz...
(Full Story...)
Big Face, Little Face
Posted by Lou Tedesco on Oct 11, 2006
It's Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. and Ken Potter is standing in front of the six-time international chorus champion Masters of Harmony. He is fluid, demanding and confident. The energy level is “spooling up” and Ken is a large part of the preparation for an intense rehearsal. When...
(Full Story...)
Masters Make Memories
Posted by J.D. Ahmanson on Jul 20, 2006
For the second time in history, the Masters of Harmony returned to Indianapolis to retire a championship earned in Salt Lake City. And once again, the Masters’ influence was felt among the many competitors from the Far Western District. This year, the District sent three choruses, eight quartets,...
(Full Story...)
A Celebration of Champions: Channelaire and the Masters of Harmony
Posted by Rick Veder on Jul 3, 2006
Shout it from the rooftops and let there be absolutely no doubt in anyone’s mind that on Sunday, September 17, 2006, the town of Thousand Oaks, California, will be the “hottest” of all places to be. Yes, folks, that’s right! Some of the best four-part a cappella harmony...
(Full Story...)
The Masters of Harmony Produces Excellence at Every Season
Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Jun 17, 2006
What is it about wine, cheese and quartets getting better (riper) with age? With the concentration on youth and Indy drowning out nearly every other activity – I expect to hear the Westminster Chorus announced as replacing the clown for the next kindergarten birthday party in upscale Pasadena –...
(Full Story...)
Every Audience Knows
Posted by Lou Tedesco on May 19, 2006
The Terrace Theater is not a baroque masterpiece. There are no Rococo gargoyles or glitzy panels on its walls. This is a no-nonsense performance hall, a full production theater used year round for performing arts. The Terrace is the centerpiece of the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment...
(Full Story...)
The Masters Return to Indy
Posted by Scott Hansen on May 19, 2006
While many Midwesterners will be marking midsummer with festive celebrations on the 4th of July, those in the know realize that the real fireworks will start when the Masters of Harmony arrive the following day in Indianapolis for three amazing performances at this year’s International Convention.
When the chorus last...
(Full Story...)
Harmony Festival Triumphs
Posted by Mark Freedkin on Feb 27, 2006
The Masters of Harmony once again supported the Society’s Young Men In Harmony program by hosting our 6th Annual Young Men’s Harmony Festival at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa. About 30 MOH men and sweethearts were on hand to take care of registration, serve lunch and supper, and...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony: Creating a Championship Performance, Building Bridges to the Future
Posted by on Feb 4, 2006
Two major articles appeared in the Nov/Dec 2005 issue of The Harmonizer, the Barbershop Harmony Society's official publication. We are pleased to be able to share them with our readers "courtesy of the Barbershop Harmony Society www.barbershop.org. Used by permission."
...
(Full Story...)
Hi-Fidelity: 2005 Kings of the Far Western District
Posted by Rick Veder on Jan 13, 2006
The Place: Pasadena, California
The Date: October 13-16, 2005
The Event: Far Western District (FWD) Convention
My name is Rick Veder, and I was the “Man on the Street” (or in this case, the “Man in the Auditorium”) on hand to witness one of the most satisfying events in recent Far Western District...
(Full Story...)
The Expanding MOH Membership
Posted by Bill Roth, Emeritus on Jan 11, 2006
President Ken Custer reported to the board of directors in December (MasterLink 12/22/05) that the Masters of Harmony is now the second largest chapter in the Society, with 206 members! The #1 chapter (the long-running Alexandria Harmonizers, founded in 1948) has only six more members, with 212, but the 10-time...
(Full Story...)
Christmas 2005 - The Best MOH Show Ever?
Posted by Dane Hutchins on Dec 6, 2005
No doubt the Masters of Harmony has presented many excellent performances over the years. But fans in the Carpenter Center audience for our November 26th program would have us believe that this one was easily our best.
In preparation for the show, the production team and designer Gerry Papageorge had...
(Full Story...)
Masters of Harmony Applauds Westminster Chorus Win at District
Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Nov 5, 2005
Pasadena, California --- Ken Custer, president of the retiring Far Western District champion Masters of Harmony, sent heartfelt congratulations to Justin Miller, president of the Westminster Chorus (and an international double gold medalist with the MOH himself) for Westminster’s stunning victory at the District chorus competition at the Pasadena Civic...
(Full Story...)
Mark Hale Receives Far Western District President's Award
Posted by Dane Hutchins on Nov 3, 2005
At the 2005 Far Western District Convention in Pasadena, in recognition of his years of excellent service to the District and to the Barbershop Harmony Society, FWD President Peter Feeney presented Masters of Harmony Music Director Mark Hale with a special FWD President’s Award.
The inscription on the beautiful plaque...
(Full Story...)
College Quartet Delights Conference Crowd
Posted by J.D. Ahmanson on Jul 27, 2005
Masters of Harmony college quartet Afternoon Delight lived up to its name as it captured the fourth place bronze medal at the MBNA America Collegiate Barbershop Quartet Contest at the LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 8, 2005. With a total double-panel score of 908,...
(Full Story...)
Salt Lake City 2005 - Passion Wins!
Posted by Dane Hutchins on Jul 17, 2005
July 9, 2005; 12:45 p.m. After giving the performances of their lives, the men of the Masters of Harmony were back in the audience, closely watching each chorus that followed them onto the LDS Conference Center stage, each man now wearing his judging hat, privately evaluating every challenger to...
(Full Story...)
Another First - The MOH Music Scholarship Grant
Posted by Mark Freedkin on Jul 17, 2005
The Masters of Harmony continued its support of music education in our schools and communities by awarding a college scholarship to a deserving student from a local high school. A check for $500 was presented to Michelle Juarez, a resident of Santa Fe Springs and a recent graduate from...
(Full Story...)
Terrace Talent Targets Tabernacle
Posted by Dane Hutchins on May 5, 2005
Many hours of preparation for the Masters of Harmony Spring Show paid off handsomely at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach on Saturday, April 30th. Two large audiences paid the highest compliments sought by stage performers by first buying tickets to our show and then by responding to our...
(Full Story...)
Hugh Brown: Keeper of All the Keys
Posted by Dan Place on Feb 26, 2005
For many years Hugh Brown has been the man in the middle of the chorus to whom the director points when he wants the pitch. We asked Hugh what it takes to be the pitchman for the Masters of Harmony.
MV: How did you first become involved in blowing...
(Full Story...)
Young Men's Harmony Festival Exceeds Expectations
Posted by Mark Freedkin on Feb 23, 2005
The Masters of Harmony once again “raised the bar” with our 5th Annual Young Men’s Harmony Festival held at Orange Coast College on Saturday, February 19. With an attendance of 214 young men representing 34 schools and 18 choral directors, this year’s festival was the largest ever assembled. ...
(Full Story...)