[From the Ontario District's newsletter, The Trillium, issue 60-03, July - September, 2006 , Waldo Redekop, editor.]

Interesting Joe Mic Tester Chorus

By Waldo A. Redekop, Editor/Publisher, The Trillium

Looks like the Kingston Chapter, our host chapter for the fall convention, have come up with a great plan for the mic tester chorus. Usually the Barbershoppers at the convention who are not competing are invited to join a Joe Barbershopper Chorus and be the mic tester chorus for the competition.

In August this year, the Kingston Chapter not only invited all non-competing Barbershoppers to join them, but also sent a letter to the directors of choruses and choirs within driving distance of Kingston to join them in the Joe Mic Tester Chorus. The chorus will be directed by Paul Tamblyn.

The chapters were invited by e-mail. A request was made to notify all of their members and appoint one person to act as the contact for the chapter.

The letter sent to the non-barbershop choruses and choirs invited the male members of the choir or chorus to share in a unique and exciting singing opportunity. It gave the dates of the convention and also stated the following.

“We expect a large number of world-class barbershop harmony choruses and quartets from across Ontario to be competing for top honours over the course of Friday evening and Saturday. The weekend is capped by an outstanding show, which features the top-ranked quartets and choruses on Saturday evening. For those who like men’s good, close-harmony singing, this is the premier musical/singing event to be held in the region this year, and we would very much like you and your members to be part of it.

“We are now in the process of forming a large mic-testing chorus that will actually serve as the opener for the subsequent chorus competition. This chorus will include men from various regions of Ontario, who are interested in performing and enjoying a new singing experience. The two songs selected for presentation are “If I Could Write a Song” and “I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World,” which the chorus will perform on Saturday, October 21 . . . . Both the music and learning CDs for the two songs will be sent to those who indicate they will participate.

“Two rehearsals are planned: the first, for the men within easy driving distance of Kingston, is scheduled for Monday, October 16 . . . at the Kingston Gospel Temple. The second is scheduled for all participants on Saturday, October 21, prior to the beginning of the chorus competition, again at the Kingston Gospel Temple.

“Barbershoppers are noted for their great harmonics, their friendly hospitality and their ability to have fun. We expect an abundance of all three at this event. Should you or your members require additional information, please contact us. We hope to hear from you soon.”

Seems like a great way to spread the word about barbershop music, similar to the Christmas choirs some choruses have in which they invite the public to sing with them. And, you never know when you might plant the seed and interest someone, either now or in the future, to join the Society. Should be interesting.     k