By Ron Larson, Staff Writer
The Masters of Harmony continued its bridge-building work on behalf of its host community by supporting two major events commemorating Veterans Day. On Monday, November 7, Director Alan Gordon led a VLQ consisting of nine chorus members in performing "The Star-Spangled Banner." On Friday, November 11, MOH chapter quartet Six Feet Off Bass (Mark Travis, Eric Emmons, Willie Daw, and Chris Garrett subbing for Leonard Jensen) sang in the opening ceremony at City Hall. They opened with the national anthem and closed the program with a stirring patriotic medley.
Thanks to an excellent effort by Bart Halberstadt and his marketing team, the Masters of Harmony Christmas show, titled "Christmas Every Day," gave the sold-out audience one of the best performances in MOH history! For the first time, the holiday event was staged at the Bonita Center for the Arts in San Dimas, a theater with an intimate feel, good acoustics, satisfactory sight lines for all in attendance, and adequate parking for both groups. The show opened with a faux radio drama from the 1940s. The Masters opened with "Masters in This Hall," followed by "We Three Kings," and "Like It's Christmas." Next came traditional Christmas songs "Joy To The World," "Mary, Did You Know," "Silent Night," and "Christmas Every Day."
After intermission, the Harborlites Chorus, under the direction of Pam Pieson, sang "We Need a Little Christmas," "The Secret of Christmas," "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, and "O Holy Night." Her chorus then joined the Masters on stage, and the combined choruses sang "Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth Medley" under Pam's direction and the "Hallelujah Chorus" under Alan's direction and backed by a Masters of Harmony brass ensemble. Two Masters quartets also performed during the show – Last Place (Larry Icenogle, Cole Dawson. Bob Hartwig, Robert Shelton) and See You at Six (Phil Wolf, Jim Ernsberger, Maurice Freleaux, Gary Krall).
On Saturday, December 10, the Masters of Harmony and guest chorus Pacific Coast Harmony from La Jolla returned to one of its favorite audiences for the third consecutive year at the Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. The sold-out audience was treated to the beautifully resonant sound of both choruses, several quartets, and soloists amplified by the church's incredible acoustics in an interior surrounded by beautiful, religious mosaics. As with the San Dimas show, the performance finished with the rousing "Hallelujah Chorus." Undoubtedly, both performers and audience alike will be looking forward to continuing this Christmas tradition.
On December 14, many members of the MOH family met at The Garden Room in La Habra to install its elected officers and to present awards to outstanding members for 2022. In his keynote address, Dr. Jim Kline reflected on MOH success and challenged the chorus to continue introducing Barbershop harmony to young people. Blair Brown, Society board member and two-time world mixed quartet champion, installed the recently elected board of directors. President Craig Hughes thanked the extended Masters family for a joyful 2022 despite having to face the pandemic and chapter financial needs. One of the most heartwarming events of the evening was a tribute paid to Jackie Palmquist. For decades, Jackie worked tirelessly envisioning, crafting, washing, and preparing our tuxes and costumes. To honor her many years of helping chorus members look their best on stage, Joe D'Amore presented her the Distinguished Service Award. Charles Carothers chaired the awards ceremony. The major awards were presented to the following recipients:
Charles then followed by announcing the winners of the silent auction consisting of 38 items donated by members of the MOH family. Those participating in the auction contributed over $4,200, funds that help defray the cost of the event.
Under the leadership of Chapter Development VP Ronan Hill, about 20 guests got to sample four-part Barbershop harmony. Each guest was issued a packet of songs that would be covered during the evening along with a souvenir pin – "I Sang With the Masters of Harmony." Dr. Chris Peterson, Royce Ferguson, and Grant Goldstein conducted warm-ups that demonstrated our core values that foster quality singing. Seventh Variety entertained those in attendance with several songs. Following them, Alan led the MOH in "Unclouded Day" and "Something's Coming," using the songs to demonstrate how the chorus goes about learning and perfecting a song. During the evening, Alan taught all two tags – "Ireland, I'm Longing For You" and "Goodbye My Love, Farewell My Love." Following the activities, guests were invited to hang around, try some tags, and enjoy refreshments provided by the Harmony Sweethearts. Members were encouraged to follow up with their guests by inviting them to experience a regular rehearsal.
Since the last issue of Westunes, the Masters of Harmony welcomed Nate Reed (bass) and Aaron Wagner (bass) into membership.