[From the Ontario District's newsletter, The Trillium, issue 60-01, January - March, 2006 , Waldo Redekop, editor.]
Kitchener-Waterloo Chapter
celebrates its diamond jubilee
By Al Davis
Only the third chapter in the Ontario District to reach this historic milestone, November 18, 2006 will mark the sixtieth anniversary of the chartering of the Kitchener-Waterloo Chapter. Throughout these years it has consistently demonstrated outstanding strength, both musically and administratively.
The Twin City Harmonizers, the chapter’s performing chorus, has won the district championship five times and represented the district at International Competition once.
It has held its annual show every year since 1949, as well as special Christmas shows and regular community engagements.
It can also boast of having the district’s only 59-year member, George Stevens, who can be counted on to be on the risers at the appointed hour for virtually every rehearsal and performance. The list of songs sung over the years contains an amazing 273 titles.
Quartets with at least one member from the K-W chapter have won the district championship seven times, represented Ontario at International 14 times, and the Seniors International three times.
Chapter members have been prominent on the Ontario District Board of Directors and as district award winners. The chapter has sponsored Dawg House Nite with its feast of German sausages, pig tails and sauerkraut annually since 1969 and is second in terms of actual chapter donations to Harmonize For Speech out of 35 chapters in the district.
How does such a chapter celebrate? Planning began well over a year ago and includes, among others:
A Barbershop Diamond Jubilee Show at the Centre in the Square on April 29, 2006, featuring a 90-man chorus comprised of present and former members. It will be directed by six former directors as well as appearances of The Thompson Brothers, Royal Assent, Timbretones and special guests, Bob’s Yer Uncle.
Establishment of a Chapter Hall of Fame to honour past and present members who have significantly contributed to the chapter’s success over an extended period.
Publication of a 60-year-history compiled from the chapter archives and the recollections of present and former members, including a letter from the founder who was 23 years old at the time and is still singing barbershop in California.
A gala Diamond Jubilee Ball Dinner and Dance scheduled in the fall to coincide with the actual charter date.
2006 promises to be a busy year for Kitchener-Waterloo Chapter! k