We've started the year off with 2 dynamite coaching sessions. First our very own arranger Greg Backwell came to teach us a song.
Then Erin Howden came out to coach us on our Choreography and Performance.
2 amazing nights! 2 amazing coaches!
On Christmas Eve a double quartet from the Chorus sang at a local women's shelter, My Sister's Place. The beauty of the women at MSP came through their voices and enthusiasm during the sing-a-long. This experience made all of our Christmas's just that much more special.
The Thames Valley Show Chorus held 2 Christmas Shows on Saturday November 28. The afternoon Tea was standing room only at the Polish Combantants Hall in London. J.J. Freebird joined the Chorus and Quartets for a full evening of musics and festivities.
We celebrated recently retired member Agnes Male's 98 birthday during the Tea. It was great to see many of our past members, friends and families at both our shows. Off Beat, Everyday People, Venture and Splice quartets entertained along with the Chorus. It was exciting for our new members to perform with us for their first time as well. Can't wait for next year!!
A group from the Chorus became the "Bosom Barbershoppers" supporting the CIBC Run for the Cure. The team raised funds for the Run which in total saw 2,200 participants who raised over $415,000 for the fight against breast cancer.
The day was wet and cool, but our spirits were high as we walked or ran the 5km and 1km routes. We were especially pleased to have 2 survivors on our team.
We celebrated our eldest member's 97th birthday this past week. Agnes is an inspiration to us all. Week after week she is up on the risers singing, dancing and laughing with us all. Any night you feel a little tired, just take a look at Agnes and you are up and running again.
We had a little cupcake party for her before our guests arrived at our Show on Saturday.
For fun, here is a picture of our oldest and youngest members on Show day:
We are so excited about our Show this coming weekend. After a great full dress rehearsal last Saturday the Chorus is ready to entertain our guests and celebrate our 60th Anniversary.
We've got some extra special guest performers, including old Blue Eyes himself!
We had a great performance at the Out of the Cold Benefit concert on Saturday Oct 25. The Out of the Cold program feeds over 150 hungry people each week. It is run out of the Dundas St Center United Church and is funded totally by private donations and proceeds from this annual event. A portion of our Chorus shared the stage with the Dundas St Music Scholars, the Medway SS Jazz Band and Forest City Fire Mens barbershop chorus. The evening was a great success and we received many compliments at the post-show reception.
This performance marked the director debut of our Assistant Director Anne Marie Campbell.
This week our Chorus had the exciting opportunity to coach with Joe Connelly. His knowledge of barbershop, great ear and unique style of coaching enabled us to be the Youngest, Energetic and Engaged singers we could be! Over the 2 days he was up in the London area the Chorus had 2 evening sessions with him. Individuals and our Chorus quartets worked with him during the day. Through the magic of motivation we were able to match the tone of our unique voices to really ring those chords. We are so excited to keep practicing and perfecting our new musical plan.
