Masters of Harmony

Annual Awards Banquet Launches Contest Season, Bruce Oldham Named Barbershopper of the Year

January 10, 2004

Dan Place, Jan 31, 2004

The Masters of Harmony kicked off a new contest cycle year with a gala awards and installation banquet on Saturday, January 10, at the LAX Radisson Hotel in Inglewood. Banquet Chairman Steve Pence did an outstanding job of organizing the event. The setting was a beautiful ballroom with crystal chandeliers, and more than 200 guests were in a festive mood as they enjoyed cocktails and complimentary hors d’oeuvres prior to dinner. It was appropriate that we shared the evening with the Westminster Harmony Showcase Chorus, the Far Western District’s chorus representative at the Society’s international convention in Louisville this July. The two chapters have a very close relationship. The Masters of Harmony have provided Westminster with mentoring, coaching and advice. In turn, Westminster has given the Masters a sense of pride. The chapter, re-formed by many young Masters of Harmony members, has risen to a position of prominence as district champion in a very short time. It was a thrill to have Westminster perform at the banquet, and the Masters look forward to a long and close relationship with this fine young chorus.

Starting off the evening, guest Master of Ceremonies Lloyd Steinkamp introduced Ron Perry, who gave an inspiring invocation. After an excellent meal, the assemblage was treated to several songs from O.C. Times (Shawn York, Sean Devine, Pat Claypool, and Drew Harrah). The 2003 FWD third-place quartet seems to improve with each outing, and they will represent both the Santa Fe Springs and Westminster chapters very well in the future.

The awards portion of the evening was ably handled by Marlin Niesley, as he has done for so many years. The Jack Hines Memorial Award, presented to that member who gives time and effort to the chapter over and above the call of duty, was presented to Mick Norton by last year’s recipient, Bruce Oldham.

The Apprentice Award signifies outstanding achievement by a man with no previous barbershop experience. The 2002 winner, Rigo Fernandez, made the presentation to Greg Cherney.

The winner of the Overtime Award is that person who is willing to sing with anyone at anytime. Pat Claypool presented the award to someone he has sung with many times, fellow quartet member, Sean Devine.

The Harmony Union Award goes to that couple that has best given to the chapter of their time and talents during the past year. Andy and Jean Edwards, last year’s winners, shared reading glasses as they enumerated the many contributions of this year’s recipients, Jim and Pat Sickles.

The Alice Blue Gown Award is named after the ballad the chapter sang in their first contest with Dr. Greg Lyne. It is awarded to a Harmony Sweetheart who has given generously of her time and effort. Lois Levine presented the award in absentia to Wanda Clements, who was attending another barbershop installation banquet at which her husband, Gene Clements, was the installing officer.

The chorus member considered to be the most outstanding performer is presented the Larry Ajer Memorial Award. Front Row Captain Pat Claypool accepted the award from 2002 winner, Justin Miller.

The Journeyman Award is given to those persons who show outstanding improvement and who exhibit consistent and dependable musical contributions. Marlin Fors presented the award to this year’s winners, Martin Brown and Kirt Thiesmeyer.

The Hugh Ingraham Award for quartet of the year was presented to Top-Notch (Art Taylor, Larry Goodfried, Les Weiser, Dan Place) by Music & Performance Vice President Marlin Fors, for their efforts in representing the chapter throughout Southern California during the past year.

Mark Hale presented the Director’s Award to Glenn Hennessy in appreciation for his tireless efforts in producing the learning tapes and CDs.

Soon-to-be-past-president Bernard Priceman handed out several President’s Awards. Frank Ortega and Taylor Anderson were honored for exceptional work and assistance through the past year. Bernard then recognized that person who had allowed him to take the time and effort to lead the chapter for the past three years-- his wife, Ruth Priceman. Bernard's final presentation was to incoming president, Ken Custer, who received a gavel and base inscribed with names of all previous chapter presidents. Dolores Van Winkle, the Harmony Sweethearts President, presented the chapter with two $600 scholarships to Harmony College.

The highest honor of the year is the Master of Harmony Award (Barbershopper of the Year). Last year’s recipient, Jim Sickles, presented Bruce “I Love My Chorus” Oldham with the distinguished award. Bruce was recognized for years of devotion and hard work. Not only has he done much more than could be expected in his regular job of Vice President of Operations, he has also expended hundreds of hours of his own time on special projects for the chapter. Bruce has made it his job to make sure chapter members are informed and reminded of upcoming chorus activities. His dedication and devotion to the chapter are unsurpassed. His selection was a very popular choice.

The 2004 Board of Directors for the Santa Fe Springs and Westminster chapters were installed by Jim Clancy, the esteemed director of the Dallas Vocal Majority. Jim said, “Over the last few years the VM and the Masters have formed a kinship and brotherhood. We have so many things in common. We are both dedicated to musical excellence and we both know that work can be fun when the results are so rewarding. But now is the time to get it together. Competition time is the most exciting time for a chapter. No director can do it by himself. He needs a supporting cast. You are the secret. You are what makes it happen. This chorus will be as successful as you want it to be. Get behind Mark and give him your full dedication, and in Salt Lake City you will do something that people have never witnessed before. It will be wonderful.”

New president Ken Custer also had some words of wisdom for the chapter. He encouraged members to “think outside the box and be willing to take risks — be creative.” Ken encouraged every person in the chorus to become involved by accepting a chapter job assignment. He is looking forward with great anticipation to the coming year.

Director Mark Hale had a few words of inspiration for the chapter. He stated, “As we go forward, consider what the chorus is going to do for you this year and what you are going to do for the chorus. I will do whatever has to be done to get the chorus to where it has to be. Each member has to respond in turn and give more and try harder.” Mark closed by saying “There is no other place I would rather be than in California with the Masters of Harmony.”

The evening concluded as Gotcha! (Garry Texeira, Chris Vaughn, Alan Gordon, Jim Kline), the 2003 International Silver Medalist Quartet, took the stage and delighted the audience with several numbers. The chapter wishes them well as they go for the gold in Louisville.

It was a wonderful, upbeat night as the Masters of Harmony took the first step in their contest cycle year.