Back in the 1980's, when Niagara Frontier Chord Authority was born in Amherst, NY, four ladies got together to create the quartet, "IMAGES". Little did they know that this quartet would still be going strong 10 years later! They've made some changes over the years, but they are still "IMAGES".
The personnel of the original quartet included Lynda Mason (tenor), Sue Trenchard (lead), Betsy Fay-Walits (Bari) and Betty Showalter (bass). We had fun singing for Area 3 at contests and shows, and for International Contests. We were always placing 5th or 6th at International, and ALWAYS 3rd place at Area!! This combination was proud to be the first quartet to represent Harmony, Inc. at the winter barbershop extravaganza in the Catskills called Harmony Holiday in 1991.
In 1992, Betsy decided that her many activities as a professor at Niagara University, law school, running a bed and breakfast, and raising a family were not conducive to singing and the schedule of a quartet. The three other "IMAGI" were not about to give it up, and Lynda's daughter, Carol Zeffiro, was available to sing with us. (She said YES!) They've been singing all over Western New York ever since.
No strangers to the competition stage, they celebrated their first Area 3 win in 1993. They went on to earn their first International Medal in Chicago (4th Place Green velvet!) in bum outfits and sneakers! Needless to say, they decided to change to something more "suitable" for the Medalist Reception! The sneakers were a good thing when they were racing to the stage, high-fiving everyone on the way (Well, it WAS Harmony's Olympics!)!
"IMAGES" went on to the capture the Area 3 championship for 4 more years. They are also proud to have represented Harmony, Inc. as their 4th, 3rd, and 2nd (two years in a row!) place medalists, and currently as the 1997-1998 HARMONY QUEENS. In 1996, we were second place to our dear friends, FOR HEAVEN SAKE, who have since become our Harmony Queen Big Sisters. (They presented us with the Traveling Crowns!!) Part of our history is staying up until all hours singing whatever we can with this very talented quartette, that we've known ever since we started in Harmony.
Soon after receiving the crowns, Bass Betty Showlater decided to leave "IMAGES", hopefully to travel and possibly relocate to Florida. Karin Kirkham graciously agreed to become our new bass and help us to represent Harmony, Inc. in the years to come. She is from Ridgeway, ON, which makes us a true "International" quartette! Karin has earned many Area and International medals.
We have many future performances; check out our new sound and our schedule!
Throughout our life as a quartette, there has been a constant, and that is the coaching and support from Ron Mason. (He is Lynda's husband, Carol's father, NFCA Co-director, and a great friend!) Throughout our contest and show preparations, he has been there to coach, guide, council - making sure we stay on the right track. We take this small space to offer a GREAT BIG THANKS to an extremely talented and sensitive man. We couldn't have done this without you, RON!
"IMAGES" lives on and loves to share the magic of Harmony, Inc. and song wherever they travel. It is amazing that the quartette that started back in 1987 would be known as Harmony Queens. We promise to promote our organization and hobby to the best of our ability (an easy "job" for us!).
Our next adventure? A CD/tape to call our own!
We'll keep you posted on the progress!
