[From the Ontario District's newsletter, The Trillium, issue 61-01, January - March, 2007 , Waldo Redekop, editor.]
Oakridge Division growing
By Al Spence, Oakridge Division Co-ordinator
Oshawa Chapter
The chorus had the pleasure of performing in a joint Christmas concert with the Durham Shores Sweet Adelines chorus in early December.
The annual family pot luck Christmas dinner party was held on December 18, 2006, at which time the 2007 chapter executive was installed by District President Chuck Alexander.
Chorus members are currently hard at work learning new music for their 58th annual show on April 28, 2007, which will feature the current Ontario District Quartet Champions, Chameleon.
The chorus will not be competing in the district chorus competition this year, but a number of chapter members are planning to travel to Collingwood to attend the convention.
Voting is now underway to select the chapter’s Barbershopper Of The Year for 2006.
Peterborough Chapter
They had the thrill of performing to a nearly sold out audience at their annual show at Showplace Theater on November 25, titled “Good Old A Capella.” Their guests were the Toronto Northern Lights chorus who got a fabulous response from those attending, and afterwards, good coverage by the local newspapers.
On December 18, the chorus performed their annual Christmas carol singing at Lansdowne Mall, together with the local Sweet Adelines chapter, The Kawartha Music Company. Media coverage was provided by CHEX TV.
The annual President’s Night dinner and dance was held on January 20, 2007, at the Peterborough Naval Club. The installation of the 2007 executive was performed by Oakridge Division Co-ordinator Al Spence.
The evening included the presentation of a number of awards. Brian Parish was voted Barbershopper of the Year for 2006, and the Gord Guse Award was presented to Fred Rapson for being the member who best promoted barbershopping during the year.
On January 23, the chapter received excellent coverage for their Singing Valentines program on CHEX TV with singing and interviews with quartet members. Several quartets participated in the program on February 14, 2007.
The chorus plans to compete in the spring district chorus contest.
Quinte Regional Chapter
They had a very busy pre-Christmas period singing in concerts at churches around the Belleville area, as well as the Festival of Trees in Tweed.
The chorus performed their annual Christmas carol singing at about 10 nursing homes and retirement homes in the area, followed by their annual Christmas party and installation of the 2007 officers officiated by District President Chuck Alexander.
Mac Dallman and his wife were also guests before moving out west.
John Hatter was presented the Barbershopper of the Year award for 2006.
The chorus is currently hard at work learning new music for their annual show in May to be held at the Empire Theater in Belleville.
The chapter is also looking forward to hosting their second annual novice quartet competition later on in the year.
The chapter has been growing in numbers and three members recently hit the “100% Club.”
Festivities are being planned to present Ray Williams with his 50-year pin in March. Watch out for more information to come. k