Masters of Harmony

One Voice, Two Styles, One-of-a-Kind Show

By Greg Fear, Asst. Alumni Relations Manager, University of Michigan , Nov 24, 2008

(Reprinted from Laudes, the official newsletter of the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club)

The ‘07/’08 school year had been all about Spain. For nearly all of the two years before the focus of just about every man in the Glee Club had been the promise of our oversees journey, and the experience did not disappoint. Those of us lucky enough to partake in the trip had a wonderful time performing in some magnificent places and getting to see such a beautiful part of the world while doing so. This was the first part of May, and the trip out to L.A. to perform on the Masters of Harmony “One Voice” Concert in early June came on the heels of the Glee Club’s return.

The group that traveled to L.A. was not an exact replica of the Spain crew, but there were a significant number of clubbers who had been part of the tour. While there was a level of excitement among the group headed to L.A., the expectations were limited by the knowledge that 48 hours is only a brief amount of time and that those 48 hours would be demanding. This was going to be a very different kind of trip, and in no way a “tour,” which is something so greatly cherished by members of this organization.

It became clear during our first rehearsal in the architecturally and acoustically acclaimed Disney Concert Hall in the morning of June 7 that the shows the coming afternoon were going to be something unlike anything the Glee Club had participated in before. While awaiting the men of the Masters of Harmony, a rumbling of thunder and a flickering of the lights took many in the Club by surprise. “What an interesting sound check” was the thought that crossed my mind. Little did we know at the time what the men of the Masters of Harmony had in store for their performance.

Early in the afternoon the men of the Glee Club took to the stage and performed quite successfully. We were, as always, energetic and musically well prepared. The impressively large crowd received us graciously and the performance was an affirmation of the tiresome year’s hard work. The Masters of Harmony, a multiple time world champion professional barbershop ensemble, were kind and complimentary as they prepared to take to the stage during intermission. The rather tired but very excited Glee Club members took to our seats and eagerly awaited the men of the Masters of Harmony.

The entire year, the trip to Spain, and the flight out to L.A. had all happened in a whirlwind, and for many in Club the feeling of having completed yet another concert in another new part of the world was surreal. The general feeling was that it was tough to even fathom where we were and what we were doing. As the Masters of Harmony took to the stage and sang their first note, it became immediately clear to everyone in the audience that we were definitely in Hollywood. Theirs was a show so full of spirit and intensity that it was impossible not to be completely blown away and overwhelmed. The performance was dazzling, complete with dance, lighting and sound effects, and an incredible sound fitting of a group so obviously committed to something that they love.

This experience would not have been possible without the huge efforts of Bill Niemann, an alumnus of the University of Michigan and a former member of the Masters of Harmony who put the “One Voice” Concert together. The one-of-a-kind combination of these two very different choral groups was his brainchild, and the Glee Club is very thankful to have had the opportunity to share the gift of our music in such a wonderful setting. A financial success for the Glee Club as well, it was important for the Club to see that this kind of professional engagement is both possible and incredibly rewarding.

To the men of the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club, congratulations! Last year was very impressive. To Bill Niemann and the men of the Masters of Harmony, thank you and job well done.