Masters of Harmony

Young Men's Harmony Festival Exceeds Expectations

February 19, 2005 (Orange Coast College)

Mark Freedkin, Feb 23, 2005

The Masters of Harmony once again “raised the bar” with our 5th Annual Young Men’s Harmony Festival held at Orange Coast College on Saturday, February 19. With an attendance of 214 young men representing 34 schools and 18 choral directors, this year’s festival was the largest ever assembled. The young men were also much better singers and the most disciplined group we’ve ever had. When we announced that we were taking a ten-minute break at 3:20 p.m., all of the singers were back on the risers at 3:30. How amazing is that?

As other indications of how this program has grown, over two-thirds of the participants were first-time attendees, and we were forced to turn away some late applicants because we were completely full.

What can we possibly say about our guest quartets, including Men-So Forte (from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo) and OC Times (Shawn York, Sean Devine, Pat Claypool and Cory Hunt), who spent all day serving as section leaders, coaches and role models? The young men’s chorus underwent a magical transformation during the section rehearsal after lunch, and the improvement was wonderful. Their performance set on the evening show had an incredible effect on the entire theater (especially the youngsters themselves). We even had Gotcha! tenor Garry Texeira as an extra inspiration. In addition, Hi-Fidelity (Craig Ewing, Tom Moore, Gregg Bernhard and Martin Fredstrom) once again delivered their usual level of entertainment and quality singing that is worthy of a district quartet championship.

We were also extremely fortunate to have Society Music Educator Rick Spencer, serving as a guest clinician, to observe what we do and help spread our formula for success to other districts throughout the Society.

As with every successful activity, there is always a group of people who provide behind-the-scenes assistance, and this year’s event was no different. The following MOH men and women attended throughout the entire day to help with logistics and chaperoning duties, and provided an adult presence to help maintain discipline:

Tom Burson, Bob & Betty Cossentine, Gene & Wanda Clements, Andy & Jean Edwards, Bill Finlan, John Francis, Larry Goodfried, Glenn Hennessy, Jim Holder, Dane Hutchins, Steve Johnsrud, Joel Levitz and Jennifer Lorton, AJ Manker, Jay Morland, Bruce & Vicki Oldham, Jackie Palmquist and Jacqueline, Ron Perry, Jack Peters, Dan & Gay Place, Bill Rosica, Dan Seymour, Don & Diana Shively, Kirt & Dee Thiesmeyer, and Ron & Dolores Van Winkle

Special thanks go to Shellie Freedkin for all of her support, encouragement and tolerance leading up to the event. On the appointed day, she transported 650 Arby’s Roast Beef sandwiches for lunch and prepared and delivered a wonderful pasta dinner for the faculty and staff.

Many thanks to the entire Masters of Harmony organization for supporting this worthwhile event.