Masters of Harmony

The Masters Go International!

July 4, 2003

Marlin Fors, Jul 14, 2003

In addition to this year's International Convention being held "across the border," MOH singers had the opportunity to share the stage at the World Harmony Jamboree (WHJ) on July 4 with the only non-American chorus to have won the Sweet Adelines International (SAI) contest an amazing three consecutive times.

The women of the Toronto North Metro chorus reprised their winning performance from last year's SAI contest in Nashville-a medley from the Broadway show, Paint Your Wagon, complete with miners' outfits for all. The Masters of Harmony performed its "Dixie" set that included "All God's Children," "Dixie" (with VLQ), and our gold-medal set from last year's win in Portland. After each chorus presented its respective programs, both choruses combined for a finale with over 230 men and women sharing the risers.

Our first peek at how special this weekend was going to be, started with our joint rehearsal with North Metro on Thursday. Having both worked on our respective parts to "As The Parade Passes By," we joined together for a quick run-through to work out any kinks. Directors Mark Hale and June Dale appeared ready to give their OKs when out popped our choreographer extraordinaire, Erin Howden, to put in "a couple of moves." Twenty minutes later the song had new life with some cross-chorus movement by the women and marching formations by the men. The next day, the finale came off without a hitch to yet another standing ovation.

With this year's WHJ held in the Bell Centre, the same arena as the contest, many more conventioneers had the opportunity to see the various "world-class" talent. Some of this year's international acts included EU4IA and Phoenix Chorus from LABBS [Ladies Association, Great Britain], Absolute (SNOBS [Sweden]), Fast Forward (AAMBS [Australia]), Light Industrial Choral Society and Matrix from BABS [Great Britain], the Tokyo Barbers, Capital Chordettes and After Hours from Harmony Inc., A Cappella Gold (SAI), and Four Voices (SPEBSQSA).

This was truly a WORLD HARMONY JAMBOREE . . . and well worth the trip!