Masters of Harmony

A Memorable Weekend at the Far Western District Fall Classic in Bakersfield

October 3-4, 2003

Bernard Priceman, Oct 8, 2003

Far Western District conventions have not been too well attended in recent years. A general reluctance to travel, declining barbershop numbers, poor marketing, and perhaps the location of the conventions are among the reasons known. Well, the fall convention in Bakersfield this past weekend sure bucked the trend. Thanks to the marketing efforts of FWD Webmaster Keith Eckhardt and the word of mouth encouragement to barbershoppers all over the District, registrations were way higher than of late, with an estimated 2,100+ attendees.

As always, the men of the Masters of Harmony were visible in good numbers, covering many aspects of the weekend. Although I may have missed a few brothers, I counted 35 active members, 29 inactive or Emeritus members and most of our current membership "pipeline" guests. Of course, some were just there for the fun of watching, but I counted 13 active and 16 inactive/Emeritus members competing in one or more of five choruses and six quartets. In addition, we were represented by Music judge Mark Hale, two FWD Board members (John Krizek and yours truly), Stage Manager Doug Maddox, Housing & Advertising Chairman Bill Rosica, FWD Historian Don Shively and last year's FWD Quartet Champion Sam's Club (Ken Potter, Sean Devine, Sam Papageorge and Kelly Shepard). Quite a complement, you will agree.

And how did our competing brothers fare in Bakersfield? Very well, thank you. First, there was the chorus contest. It seemed to me that any one of six choruses could have won, and every single chorus on stage was entertaining. But the energy and polish of the Westminster Harmony Showcase chorus clearly got the judges' vote (though youth and good looks didn't hurt) and for the second year in a row, they beat all comers. It was an emotional victory for us all and just great to see so many familiar faces in the chorus. Louisville is going to be a wondrous pilgrimage for each of them. La Jolla's Pacific Coast Harmony chorus came in second, with six inactive/Emeritus MOHers among them. Rincon Beach's Pacific Sound chorus, with several inactive/Emeritus members, took sixth.

The quartet competition was also very keenly fought, with some great performances. Q took first place, in "dark horse" fashion to some, though they gave excellent and emotional performances. In second place was Hi-Fidelity (Tom Moore, Gregg Bernhard, *Craig Ewing and Martin Fredstrom), eliciting standing ovations each day, and in third place came O.C. Times (Pat Claypool, Sean Devine, *Drew Harrah, and *Shawn York). The biggest laugh of the weekend was in the quartet contest, though not from a quartet itself. Late Night Barbershop had just finished their Saturday night set in which they each appeared riding huge stuffed horses. When the quartet walked off stage, on came Doug Maddox with brush and pan … to clean up the poop!

Most attendees agreed that this was the best FWD convention in years. It probably was. There were more events, more singing, more attendees, great contests and a chance to see Honolulu's Sounds of Aloha Chorus. For me personally, it was a little frustrating not to have been competing, but the consolation was being able to watch everything! I couldn't help wanting to say to everyone around me, "Wait 'til next year."

So, to all MOH brothers who were there, I say thank you for helping to make this a very memorable weekend.

*Member of a neighboring chapter