Masters of Harmony

Harborlites Dances Away with the 2005 SAI Championship

Kirt Thiesmeyer, Nov 7, 2004

Finding superlatives for the Sweet Adelines International Convention recently held in Indianapolis severely taxes me. New quartet champion The Buzz, composed entirely of former gold medalists, was clearly superior to everyone (53 competitors) except Brava, the 2004 winner. The Melodeers from Northbrook, 2004 chorus champion, did a crowd-pleasing swan song set. We were happy to see our occasional show partners and 2001 champion The San Diego Chorus, under veteran Kim Hulbert's lively direction, turn in a challenging performance and wrestle stiff competition to earn fith place medals. And Channelaire from Camarillo, with numerous devoted Masters of Harmony groupies in attendance, achieved their goal of making it into the chorus finals (out of 32) and set themselves apart with marvelous singing, much better than their tenth-place finish would indicate.

It was the Harborlites Chorus from Anaheim, however, under the direction of the Masters’ incomparable soloist and steadfast supporter Pam Pieson, that swept away the competition. In winning the gold medal, the Harborlites had to hone six songs and choreography to perfection. The women are graded in music, sound, expression and showmanship, and can get bonus points for their total entertainment package.

Harborlites rehearsals were typical of their focus and commitment, when they did physical warm-ups as well as vocal, and the pent-up energy was palpable. Eschewing gimmicks, skits and busy-ness that the eye couldn’t follow, Harborlites presented two gorgeous, seamless packages of music, costumes and dynamite choreography that appeared unmatchable to my senses. This writer knew they were ahead after the semifinals (by 14 points as it turned out), but they were given the dreaded pole position for the finals, number one in the order, which set off fingernail biting up to the elbows (mine anyway). Like Nightlife at Salt Lake City in 1996, however, Harborlites set the bar so high with their final package that no one else could come close, extending their lead to 135 points and yanking the audience to their feet for three ovations on four songs. Their ballad received the ultimate accolade – seconds-long silence – before the crash of applause. The women left nothing on the stage; their energy was unflagging, their sound lyrical, and the “curse of going first” was forever dispelled.

Director Jim Arns of the Melodeers was rumored to say that future aspirants will be following "the Harborlites formula," because the face of SAI contests has been altered. Indeed, Harborlites got the maximum bonus points and won handily in every category. (They also spent eighteen months preparing for this convention, knowing that championships are won by what you do before the contest.)

As the 119 new champions went back on stage to sing their acceptance with hugs all around, Pam Pieson gave an emotional "thank you" to the audience and judges, overcome by the moment. Then she turned to the chorus and began the dazzlingly rhythmic and portentous beginning of "Something’s Coming" from West Side Story. When she faced the audience again for the initial solo, her clear, mellow soprano floated flawlessly over us. We knew she was back living in the music like the consummate performer she is. It was very special.

Premier Society arranger David Wright attended the celebratory dinner after the competition, acknowledging "a small part" in the victory (he only arranged three of the chorus’ winning songs), and said that Harborlites had distinguished themselves by their musicality.

Experienced prior winning choruses, directed by SAI’s best, sang admirably but fell short. "So what makes a champion?" this writer asked one of the new gold medal wearers. She turned down a corner of her costume to display a small red enamel pin she had worn during the performance. It was a heart.