[From the Ontario District's newsletter, The Trillium, issue 59-01, January - March, 2005 , Waldo Redekop, editor.]

Ontario District chapter historical highlights
— Historical Collection 2004

Gathered by Dave Daniels, Ontario District Historian

Barrie Chapter - County Chordsmen

The summer evening cruise on the Island Princess on Lake Couchiching. The combined 2004 COTS/Top Gun Program (first in our district topped by our chorus singing “Lida Rose” with two female BBS choruses on the evening Opera House Show.

Brockville Chapter - Melodymen

Raising of $1,000 for H4S at our June 1 annual Garage Sale, on top of $1,400 to the Early Language Dev. Program (General Hospital) presented in April. Appointment of Joe Murray as interim director which has led to successful shows and many new recruits.

Burlington Chapter - Roadshow

The great team effort by our members in recovering from yet another membership loss and keeping us alive for 2005 and beyond. Our active membership in and support of a local organization, Performing Arts Burlington (PAB), including our spring performance of “Sound of Music”.

Cornwall Chapter  - C-Way Sound

Enabled director John Hamilton to attend Harmony College and enjoying so many benefits upon his return. Ran  a membership recruitment program titled “Men Discover Your Voice” which yielded 60 guests and 14 new members (with a big assist from Ottawa).

East York  Chapter - East York Barbershoppers

Appointed Pat Haddon (Peterborough) as new chorus director and experienced his many talents, including teaching all four parts. Held our spring auction which was a big fund raiser for the chapter and H4S.

Etobicoke-Mississauga Chapter - Humber Express

Successful annual show. Good response to our efforts to recruit new members.

Greater Toronto Chapter - The MegaCity Chorus

Sang  back-up to comedian Tom Green on 2004 Walk of Fame Awards Show on TV. Qualified again to sing as the wildcard entry at the next International in Salt Lake City.

Grimsby Chapter - Knights of Harmony

Experienced the positive impact of director Bob Pyper who repeated his many contributions to be selected again as the BOTY. Successfully hosted of the CanAm Night on October 29 which was well attended by the men of the Peninsula Division.

Guelph Chapter - Royal City Ambassadors

Two successful shows in March. Sang at the dedication ceremony at the 60th Anniversary of D-Day at the Royal Canadian Legion.

Hamilton Chapter - Harbourtown Sound

Entered the April contest and won the district championship. Singouts at CanAm Night and Dawg House Night stag brought excellent responses from both audiences who sensed the coalescing of our new chorus.

Huntsville Chapter - Muskoka Music Men

Staged our annual show for first time in June rather than in August. Completed nine nursing home singouts successfully (and intact) on one day in December spreading Christmas cheer.

Kingston Chapter - Townsmen

Had bass Chris Whyman named the winner of the Best Town Crier of the Year Award [ED: see Trillium, 2004, 58-03]. Used a song written by secretary Stan Crawford as our annual show opener.

Kitchener-Waterloo Chapter - Twin City Harmonizers

A highly successful show in April. Hosted yet another highly successful Dawg House Night program in early November to a sellout crowd.

London Chapter - Men of Accord

A very successful annual show. An increase in chorus size making possible a successful spring competition performance.

Markham Chapter - Men of Harmony

Our Singing Valentines program was very successful this year. We had many successful singouts throughout the year with more planned in the future.

Midland Chapter -Huronia Harmonizers

The chapter celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a fantastic Sunset Cruise on Sept. 27, 2004. Set a record with 38 public performances in 2004, leading to record donations to H4S.

Mount Forest Chapter - Harmonaires

Had highly successful two-day shows this fall in Mt. Forest. Had another banner year for our quartets raising money for H4S led by Rural Route Four.

Nepean Chapter - Northern Stars Chorus

Had significant growth of the chapter membership this year. Had very successful chorus performances in both spring district contest and our annual show in June.

Newmarket Chapter - Upper Canada Chordsmen

Won the Most Improved Chorus award at spring convention. Had  a sellout crowd in October featuring Budda Boom Budda Bing quartet and the Cameo Jazz Band with Shalina Clement as soloist.

Niagara Falls Chapter - A Capella Niagara

Had successful show “Jukebox Showers” in November. We participated in a singout in early December featuring a candlelight walk at Niagara-on-the-Lake.

North Bay Chapter - Gateway Harmony Company

Raised over $1,500 from Valentines Day singouts which totaled 80 performances. Held a successful joint show in May with the local Harmony Inc. chapter gals.

Oakville Chapter - Entertainers

Completed the incorporation process and received our certification in the spring. Launched a highly successful member recruitment program at mid-year.

Oshawa Chapter - Horseless Carriagemen

Brought FRED back for a very successful return appearance to the city in April. Provided support to the Men in Vests boys chorus and their notable singouts during this year.

Ottawa Chapter - Capital City Chorus

Performed on Cornwall’s two February shows, bringing our annual total to 17 public appearances plus 120 Singing Valentine appearances (earning $4,000). Placed third as a chorus this past fall and had five competing quartets with Play It Again winning the seniors contest and Wellington Street the novice contest.

Owen Sound Chapter - Encore

Obtained beautiful new uniforms from the Stoney Creek Chapter upon their decision to fold up operations and generously donate uniforms and equipment to other chapters. Participated in a Tri-Chapter Show on October 23 featuring our newly named chorus Encore plus the Owen Sound and Thornbury chapters of Sweet Adelines, along with our own Celebration quartet.

Peterborough Chapter - Aces of Harmony

Sang with the Peterborough Concert Band this spring. Opened the Special Olympics program in Peterborough on June 10.

Quinte Regional Chapter - Trentones

Delivered a very successful annual show in May. Are working with the help of the Kingston Chapter to obtain a Trillium grant for new uniforms and equipment.

St. Catharines Chapter - Singing Saints

Welcomed new chorus director Diane Nicholson. Participated in a large number of community singouts during the past year.

St. Thomas Chapter - Elginaires

Hosted the Chorus Director Workshop Intensive program this fall featuring Paul Tamblyn and Mac Dallman, and we acted as the demonstration chorus. Sang on Christmas concert which raised $1,000 for the Caring Cupboard food hampers program.

Sarnia Chapter - Bluewater Chordsmen

The sixth annual “Celebration of the Musical Arts” showcasing area school choirs and bands in April was one of the biggest yet with over 300 young people on stage raising $3,300 for scholarships and purchases of equipment. The annual show “Remember Radio” held in November was a huge success with the chorus receiving a “Standing O” and again on September 25, when we performed the two national anthems at a memorial gardens dedication ceremony under the Bluewater Bridge at the flag plaza.

Scarborough Chapter - Dukes of Harmony

Celebrated our 50th year with many special events highlighted by a lake cruise in September. Joined forces with about 150 other former Dukes in concert at the fall convention presenting a memorable 50th reunion chorus presentation on Saturday after the chorus contest.

Seaforth Chapter - Harmony Kings

Hosted the Western Division Novice Contest in February, including evening meal and concert. Had a successful and entertaining fall show in September with The Fixx as guest quartet. Simcoe - Gentlemen of Harmony Continued to grow large scale with highly successful recruiting programs this year. Had a very successful year in district competitions.

Strathroy Chapter - The Vocal Federation

Held two sold-out shows last spring. Entertained for at least 2,000 people attending the Middlesex Pork Producers annual barbecue in the summer.

Stoney Creek Chapter - Monumental Chord Company

After a difficult decision-making process the chapter reluctantly decided to cease operations with many members transferring to other Peninsula Division chapters. We have made donations of uniforms, risers and equipment to three other chapters — Owen Sound, Simcoe and Hamilton. We wish them and all Ontario Barbershoppers great success in the future.

Toronto Chapter - Northern Lights

Competed again representing Ontario at the July International and encountered incredibly good competition which resulted in another second-place medal. Presented a unique Christmas Show program extravaganza in December.     k