From: EveDeCuir@aol.comSession One:
Date sent: Fri, 24 Sep 1999 02:31:51 EDT
Subject: Harnonet Report Chorus Round One and Top Ten
To: BBSHOP@ADMIN.HUMBERC.ON.CAHarmony Achievement Award (Eligible must earn 960 points or more and have no more than 71 members: The winner is Pride of Baltimore Chorus
Top Ten Choruses from the Semi-Finals of International Chorus Competition, Atlanta, Georgia
(Singing order:)1. OK City Chorus
2. Sunlight Chorus
3. San Diego
4. North Metro Chorus
5. Pride of Toledo Chorus
6. Kansas City Chorus
7. Greater Nassau
8. Pride of Baltimore
9. Mission Valley
10. Mountain Jubilee
11. Mike Tester: Alamo Metro Chorus
Harmonet Report of the Chorus Semi-Finals
Mike TestersSession Two
Song of Atlanta, Region 23 Champs from 1999
Director : Becki Hine
Attire: A satin dress done in a firey red. The hem line tulip in shape, shorter in the front, longer in the back. Neckline is square but deep. Shoulders of dress are purple. Gold accents the outfit in trim and with a clasp in the front
Song #1: For the Sake of Old Lang Syne
Wonderful tone from this approximate 65 member chorus. This ballad is well done with intense softs. This group recently won the 1999 region 23 contest, no doubt, heading that line up with this powerful ballad. Well done.
(Pitch taking technique is on unison "ng" and they set off )
Song#2: You Gotta Know How to Dance Medley
Wonderful choreography with a sharp moves. The director camped funny with this fun tune while one member taught her how to dance with an interlude of "Do the Hokey Pokey.) Well done slap stick funnies with the director failing miserably at learning how dance through "the old soft shoe," and "Ballin dance." She surprised everyone with an instand costume change ito a sexy little green and purple number and then, boy, did she dance…Charleston moves, twirls, etc…! Wow.Perth Harmony Chorus - #34, Perth, WA, Australia
Director: Cathy Rainey
In Region 1998, this chorus won with 603 points and 79 singers. The last time this chorus was in international was 1995 and they placed 24th.
Attire: A Hunter Green Satin two-piece trimmed in silver with silver shoes.
Hem line below the knee.
(Pitch Taking: Energized "ng" Opened to an "ah" at announcement)
Song #1: This is What I'm Living For
I've never heard this song before but it is hilarious as the protagonist laments about having a career, the demands of family, "Am I the only one in Perth, that hasn't given birth.." Good tone, choreography enhanced this funny tune and the crowd enjoyed the amusing nature.
Song #2: If I Had My Life To Live Over
This isn't the one you're thinking off…I believe this might be an original ballad, "I'd trade my attaché case for a look at your face…" Again, new and innovative…this chorus moves well in the context of a ballad…each selling the message. Nice quiet tag.Ladies First Chorus - #30 - Dortmund, Germany
Director: Manfred Adams
This chorus won their Regional with 595 point with 19 singers on stage. It is their first International appearance. Twenty-six entered the stage.
(Pitch taking: Starting posture is in a U shape on the floor…no members on the risers. Taking pitch after the blown key on a hum.)
Attire: A Pant suit with black wide leg pants, and rich deep purple satin jacket that falls below the waist…a black lapel framing the face….V shaped neck Line…Male director is in black pants with a white dinner jacke and black bow tie.
Song #1: One Alone
Never have I heard this haunting song…and the tone coming from this chorus makes me see images of something holy and ancient….for less than 30 singers, they sound like 50 with 35 basses balance with a lead melody voice…close, close chords that are on center tune…A swarzando (spelling)….unison line center on tone…ooooooWWWWOW! Note…the group huddled like a football huddle during applause…great effect.
Song #2: One Step Dixieland Band
Choreography is all on the floor…formation into a marching band…well done with a spontaneous applause from the audience….twice…! The arrangement of this song is different but amazing…..with a clear back beat …this audience in its ENTIRETY gave a three minute standing ovation.Stockport Liberty Belles Chorus - #31 - Stockport, England
Director: Wally Saunders
This chorus won its Regional with 519 points and 59 singers on stage.This is their first International appearance. Today, the group appears with approximately 66 singers.
Attire: Black and Red Tuxedo…black pants and jackets with red shirt, cuffs and trimming. Male Director to match with white shirt, red vest, and black tux.
(Pitch taking…continuous electronic pitch with the chorus on an energized "ng" )
Song #1: There's a Broken Heart for Every Light on Broadway
Choreography is very attractive and executed cleanly. A rich bass sound…each person selling this message in this ballad with a heart wrenching message for all the dashed hopes of those that chase the dream of Broadway….A solid presentation.
(Mood Change inbetween songs.)
Song #2: Broadway Star Medley
Clearn Sharp moves with front row work…Happy Feet, Opening Night on Broadway, ( a stomp, kick front row with applause from the house) Nice job!Spokane Falls Chorus - #13 - Spokane, Washington
Director: Mike Elliot
This chorus earned 595 points in Regional with 61 singers on stage. Today, they appear with 72 singers. This is their first time International appearance.
Attire: Silver and purple…purple skirt, silver bodice trimmed in silver…front decoration around the neck alternates silver and purple v-neck. Male Director is in a gray business suit with a tuxedo, collarless shirt.
(Pitchtaking: Pitch blown and chorus is on unison, "ng.)
Song #1: Just a Cottage Small By a Waterfall
Good, clear, understandable lyrics. Good hushing effect that adds to the emotion…softs are soft, louds are loud… this interpretive plan doesn't come to a stand still. Evocative chords. Baheeyootifull use of tenor and lead duet on top of sustained bass and baritone notes. Tenor sustain on the tag and it never wavered. Peaceful resolution!
(In between mood change with happy faces…pitch pipe blown)
Song #2: Oh You Beautiful Doll
A loud attack…pulled back…interp allows for a confidentiality tone that builds ... choreography is fluid and flowing and mostly carried off with the upper body…this let's them stand and sing…(this is a singing contest, right?) Bass sustain is exciting on the tag and the group hits the pedal in increased sound production increased sound in a MEASURABLE way. This audience loved that!Blue Lake Chorus - #24 - Portland, Oregon
Director: Yvonne Whedon
This chorus earned 585 points with 60 singing. Previously, this group has performed at International in 1997 (27th), 1995 (18th), 1993 (12th), and 1990, (13th) This will be their fifth International appearance. Today, they will be performing with fifty-four.
Attire: Royal blue two-piece with matching shoes…tea skirt hem that falls at the calf.
(Pitch Taking: A pipe and a unison "ng" quietly and then a chord at announcement.)
Song #1: Broadway Baby
"Tonight" Bell chord effect…well done. I'm not familiar with this up tune…"Broadway Baby, struttin your stuff, Broadway Baby, tender and tough…think of all the hours of practice…think of all the joy and gladness….its gonna be worthwhile…cause I'm a BaRoadway Baby struttin my stuff." Great choreography with separate front row personality…tenor sustain…they drove it home..
(Mood change to the ballad is facial)
Song #2: Masquerade
This is an all time favorite and standard…"I'm afraid the Masquerade is over…" Interpretive plan give good play to the emotional parts of this song….Rich chords in the bridge re: Piachi…with a fast tempo builds to crescendo…great savoring and pull back to soft….movement is an enhancement….basses help to life this dramatic message to the tag. Well done.Pride of Kentucky - #4 - Louisville, KY
This chorus earned 607 points in Regional with 83 members. Previous appearances in International 1998 (15th), 1992, (11th), 1989, (17th). This will be their fourth International appearance. Today, they have seventy-seven on stage.
Attire: Black with silver and blue . Dress is a tea cut, hem at the lower calf…neck line is a v neck ..give this chorus a sexy look.
(Pitch Taking: Electronic pitch, "ng" unison on the octave)
Song #1: If I Give My Heart To You
There is such a softness to this opening and it bargins for and wins our attention….These phrases are savored and not rushed…A pause you can feel and the sound echoes and fills the Hall…then they are back, tender and quiet…the length of these phrases show the stamina and control of this glittering chorus….minor to a major chord at the tag with a tender, perfectly tuned tenor post…ended tenderly. Naaaahhheeece!
(In between went by in a snap, they had their key and off they flew.)
Song #2: Two Tickets To Georgia/That Sentimental Gentleman From Georgia Medly
Big sound…Jazzy tempos, finger poppin good, fluid moves that flow with energy…front row has a separate dance and then the whole chorus is in sync…transitions in this medley handled superbly when, it appears, the group relaxed through the transitions and achieved clear constrast….driving tempo didn't let down to the tag…A powerful increase in sound at the tag…and wow…it was wow. Top ten? First chorus that showed stamina.Georgia Harmony Chorus - #23 - Atlanta, Georgia
Director: Elaine Miller
(Pitch taking: Looking for it…didn't see or hear it! Slick.)
Three prior International appearances, making this their fourth. They won regional with 609 points with 71 singers. Today, 69 singers take the stage.
Attire: Red satin skirt-suits, a glittery top with a red satin skirt. The outfit is complete with a small red hat, Very elegant with a taste of the 40s.
Song #1: How's Every Little Thing In Dixie
Impeccable tempo…driving and accelerating and exhilarating. Clean fluidity it the visual plan with lots of energy.
Song #2: So Long My Dear Old Mother, Kiss Your Boy Good-bye
A touching ballad with intelligenceSan Diego Chorus - #21 - San Diego, California
Director: Kim Hulbert
This chorus won with 644 points and with 137 singers at their Regional. The group has had seven International appearances and placed 2nd in 1997. Today, 152 on stage.
(Pitchtaking: Pipe and chord)
Attire: Long, hunter green velvet dresses. Elegant.
Song #1: I Want To Go Back To That Tumble Down Shack
Sync…incredible with over 130 on stage…huge ringing sound with incredible control on the softs…Intelligent crafting….amazing stamina in this group with long, expressive and rising and falling phrases in this ballad. Basses do an spectacular job staying in balance…pause could be felt to Marietta! Beautifully pensive tag with tenor post and energized "m" on "Home" At the end.
Song #2: St Patrick's Medley
"It's a great day for the Irish," and for this chorus as they play on stage…Moves look easy, fluid and out they come with an Irish Lord of the Dance into a reel. This fare was over before we knew it and brought much of the audience to their feet…what a driving tempo. I'd lay money on top ten!St. Louis Harmony - #5 - St Louis, Missouri
Director: Sandi Wright
Won regional with 78 on stage, earning 654 points. Seven prior nternational appearance…today makes number eight. Eighty Three for this group today.
Attire: Black and silver theme with each member having her own style from pant suits to dresses, short and long, sleeveless and sleeved, ready to go out for an elegant date this evening after the contest!
(Pitchtaking: Pipes and the think system…no voice used…Slick)
Song #1: Love Me Tender
This tune, covered by Elvis Presley taken from Aura Lee…sweet love song…swarzando, Basses affectation adds to interpretation…where modern and ancient meet…it comes out warm.
Song #2: How's Every Little Think in Dixie
A triangle that moves as one in the beginning of this visual picture…front row and director facing the audience do a time step …impressive. Middle section reflective and slow and then the driving tempo returns with a snapping of fingers from the group that is right on and in sync. Strong, athletic, and feminine!!! Very Striking!
California Heartland Chorus - #11 - Fresno, CaliforniaSession Three
Director: Dede Nibler
Attire: Street length shocking blue chiffon skirts light and dark blue sequin top with a round neckline.
History: Two prior appearances in International, this makes their third. In regional, they earned 616 points with 78 singers. Today they appear in International for their third effort with 78 singers on stage.
(Pitchtaking: Pipes and then full chord at announcement)
Song #1: When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bobbin Along
Great tempo and play with the "I'm just a kid again," This group knows how to do that Grrreat Barbershop swipe and without a move, just in response to the BBS swipe, got a response from the audience.
Song#2: If I Had the Last Dream Left in the World
Beautiful crafting of the dynamic and expression plan. I've not heard this ballad before but it has all the strong elements of a solid barbershop competitive vehicle. Wonderful tenor highlights.Greater Nassau Chorus - #15 - Baldwin, New York
Director:Harriette Walters
History: Three prior International appearances, placing 8th in 1997. At regional, they scored 622 points with 95 on stage. Today, they appear with 103 singers.
Attire: Long skirt (sexy slit to show sexy legs) with creative top coat…coat's hem line is at an angle and creates a nice line…royal purple with trimming in silver. Appliqué at the neck.
(Pitch Taking: Pipe and they SING BIG!)
Song #1: Mama's Gone/Because Medley
WOW on the opener…what a BIG sound and the intro was seamless. "I'll get me a man that will stay home TUESDAY night." LOL….I think they sang this medlies of songs with one breath and a tag that fooled the whole room…bass sustained for over one full minute, the rest resolved and broke away and left the basses on the sustain…wow…then they came back for the kill. To much going on for choreography commentary but needless to say it slayed.
Song #2: You Are My Sunshine
Pretty solo first line from the lead, second line peels away with pensive, full, lasting phrase…what stamina! These gals are breathing together ( I know that sounds easy but we know how hard that is now don't we?)…an acceleration into the 2nd verse with increased intensity and bass takes the melody and interps as well as the leads…warm bass on melody….yes! Back to the chorus and full bodied til the end it is brought down to a quiet intense plea. The tag, "I will love you til my dying day…don't take the sunshine don't take my sun away…." Tenor posts as long as the basses……Incredible!Goldcoast Chorus - #9 - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Director: Iris Cokeroft
History: Earned 642 points with 83 singers in Regional. This chorus was last in International in 1995. Today makes theirs 2nd International effort.
Attire: Teal dresses with a boa trim. Gold leafing on shoulders with a round neckline. Pretty chorus.
(Pitch Taking: Low pitch pipe, Unison Ah, into singing)
Song #1: You Left Me Lonely Nights
Good sense of tempo and rhythm. Front row does several special routines…very jazzy. Sustain of leads and baritone through the long-est tag I've ever heard.
Song #2: Bundle of Old Love Letters
This song seems still very resonant in a higher key…lets the basses do some very low note tricks and plenty of power for the famous bass runs for this standard BBS ballad. Good elongation of phrases that shows off the stamina…Amazing tenor and baritone post that builds and lead and bass come in to resolve…great technique. Lead post on the tag that grows with the band! Well done.Midwest Crossroad Chorus - #3 - Joliet, Illinois
Director: Tori Hicks
Attire: Attractive mix of red and black…skirt at the calf is solid red. Top half if similar to a vest with color blocking of red and black full of sparkles. Director's outfit is same cut but reverse color scheme.
(Pitch Taking: Pipe and then sing!)
Song #1: The lonesomest Girl in Town
Intelligent expression plan. The planned pause was the longest and bravest pause yet …it let the echo die out completely before continuing on to the tag softly…
Song #2: Put Your Arms Around Me
The whole song! Not chopped and diced into a medley…great song! Powerful turn of the tempo and rhythms….great moves to touch of the whole picture.Greater Richmond Chorus - #14 - Richmond, Virginia
Director: Ruth Ann Parker
History: Today is a first time International appearance. They won regional with 612 points and 66 singers on stage. Today, they tread the boards with seventy-one.
Attire: A Can, Can Dress done in gold and black with HOT red lining the skirt…skirt is gold, bodice and arms are black with gold ballooned shoulder and upper arm. Sleeve has hand grip for a French touch.
(Pitch Taking: Pipe, Chord on an open AH)
Song #1: Daddy, You Never Told Me
A daddy song of some note. Good use of a airy H for "How could I go…" that adds passion. Good energization of singable consonants. Exciting key change that leads to Daddy…a plea that echoes off. Lead post for a long time to end softly.
Song #2: You Left Me Lonely Nights
Great uptune…this chorus is not afraid to use their hips and groove with this groovy tempo….A very sexy choreography plan. This group does a good job driving to the tag and pumping up the sound.Pride of Toledo Chorus - #17 - Toledo, Ohio
Director: Jim Shisler
History: Four prior International appearances. In regional they had 110 singers and earned 611 points. Today, they attend us with 108 singers.
Attire: Attractive two piece red outfit, skirt and top. Top has silver pattern, skirt trimmed in silver. Under skirt is in silver. Male director…traditional black tuxedo with red bow tie.
(Pitch Taking: Pipe….and they sing)
Song #1: Two Tickets To Georgia/Sentimental Gentleman From Georgia Medley
Big bass sound. Great moves and good sync on a ripple. Bigger sound kicked in on the tag. Wow.
Song #2: You're Breaking In a New Heart While You're Breaking Mine
Passionate and heartbreaking lyrics to this tune I've never heard before. "I can't blame her for falling…I would still fall for that line…" Good emotive plan that drove to the tag.Sound of New England Chorus - #1 - Bloomfield, Connecticut
Director: Marion Devokaitis
History: International visits equal two. This makes three. At regional, they earned 604 points with 98 singers on stage. Today, they sing with ninty-nine.
Attire: Red short sleeve dress that cuts at the calf….Feather shoulder puffs.
(Pitch Taking: Unison Ah and then they sing)
Song #1: Masquerade
"Your eyes don't shine like they used to shine…" Old BBS favorite. Unique phrasing but the expected climax in the first chorus. Returned capably to a soft intense 2nd verse. The bridge builds to desperation "tears…" and softens into "in my eyes…you look the same" Tag did not disappoint with a clear, ringing overtone!
Song #2: I Had Someone Else Before I Had You
Never heard this one either…Exciting lyrics….this chorus did a great job.Mission Valley Chorus - #12 - Palo Alto, California
Director: Shirley Kout
History: Nine prior International visits. Today makes ten. In Regional, they won with 660 points and 90 singers on stage. Today, they have 112 singers.
Attire: Teak and glitter and chiffon…Uni-color using texture and shape for contrast.
(Pitch Taking: Pipe continuous, no voice, and they sing.)
Song #1: The Old Songs and My Old Friends
I'm guessing at this title for what I believe is an original BBS composition. Powerful and vigorous interpretation of this ballad.
Song #2: Runnin' Wild
Very fast and very challenging tempo…they went right into a verse with the same demanding tempo and then slowed for a stomp and cranked right back out of that stomp into the demanding tempo. Best part of this was the tag, sung with abandon!WITHDRAWN *** Ijsselstein Show Chorus - #33 - Ijsselstein, Netherlands
Pride of Baltimore Chorus - #19 - Baltimore, Maryland
Director: Janet Ashford
History: First time at International. In Regional, they earned 654 with 54 singers. Today the come to the table with 68 singers.
Attire: Black and tobacco color…very classy and elegant…Swing skirt at the calf. A diagonal black and tobacco color block on the top…sharp.
(Pitch Taking: Pipe and chord)
Song #1: Big Bad Bill is Sweet William Now
Powerful, powerful sound. What a clean, accurate, ringing sound for a chorus this size…they sound like 150. A believable vamp that goes the distance. Definite top ten candidate.
Song #2: Masquerade
Again, a powerful sound…an intelligent expression plan. Terrific instincts on this tough ballad.Iowa City Chorus - #20 - Iowa City, Iowa
Director: Bev Hamilton
History: Four prior International appearances. They won their regional with 580 points and 58 singers. Today they appear with 50 singers.
Attire: Black and pink pants, black shirt, pink suspenders, black and pink hats, tie matches the pants… Gangsters…director matches in reverse…pink and black vest, solid black pants.
(Pitch Taking: Pipe and they sing a chord…then sing.)
Song #1: Oh How I Miss You Tonight
Hats a great prop for this heartfelt ballad. There is a sensitive expression to the lyric by this "dangerous" looking group…(gangster that they are!)…but they can sure sing tenderly.
Song #2: This Joint is Jumpin'
Jazzzzzzzz….great jazzy moves….sound is constant and great use of affectation with a new jersey accent on lyrics ("quarter") got a response from the audience. Again the hats are put to use effectively. Well Done.
Kansas City Chorus - #7 - Kansas City, Missouri
Director: Jo Kraut
History: Four prior International efforts…this one makes five. Regional with 120 singers and earned 628 points. Today, they come with 132 singers.
Attire: Black dresses with poofy green sleeves and a sparkly green sash.
(Pitch Taking: pipe… then ahhh… then sing.)
Song #1: Dancin' Our Way to Ireland Medley
Lord of the Dance segment and an exciting picture paying tribute to Ireland.
Song #2: Sing Me That Song Again
Reflective ballad…well done on the interpretive plan…from here, sync done well for this large chorus.Twin Cities Chorus - #6 - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Director: Judy OlsonHistory: Four International efforts, this makes five. Regional earned 615 points with 77 members. Today, they have 74 singers on stage.
Attire: Bright green satin dresses with a V of pink and gold sparkles that frame a bed of green sequins, with a can-can style pink underskirt.
(Pitch Taking: Pitch pipe, no voice, then sing.)
Song #1: You'll Never Be Mine Anymore
Nice, nice ballad. A good, solid balanced sound from this pretty chorus.
Song #2: How Could You Believe Me/It's a Sin To Tell A Lie Medley
Love this driving tempo up tune that shows no shame in telling little lies…choreography was up to pace with the tempo and the chorus showed stamina with continued, clean, supported singing. Well done.Alamo Metro Chorus = #10 - San Antonio, Texas
Director: Marcy Scofield
History: Three prior International efforts, this makes four. In Region, they scored 661 points with 102 singers. Today, they bring 96 singers.
Attire: A soft purple, hem at the calf. Upper part of the dress a flapper effect with sparling purple small tassles.
(Pitch Taking: Pipe and sing)
Song #1: They Never Told Me (It WasThree Nights a Week)
A fun spoof (well sung) on being a Sweet Adeline. Great moves and characterization…a lot of typical SA moves (stomp line, ripple) But very, very good singing. A real crowd pleaser at this convention!
Song #2: Its Time to Sing Sweet Adelines Again
An original ballad. Good crafting of the expression. A nostalgic feel about the good old days of SA….a center section with Sweet Adeline highlighted with powerful, strong, dynamic plan. Sustain by the basses through the tag.Mountain Jubilee Chorus - #8 - Salt Lake City, Utah
Director: Tori Postma
History: Ten prior International efforts, placing 4th in the medals in 1997…this makes appearance number eleven. In regional, they earned 668 points with 108 singers. Today, they have 112 singers on stage.
Attire: Longsleeve red dresses with sequins lining the neckline and continuing down into a V. Simple, yet elegant.
(Pitch Taking: Pitch, powerful ahhhh… then sing.)
Song #1: Mama's Gone Good-bye Medley
POWER on this opener! Lots of ripples and fluidity in the moves planned for this exciting up tune.
Song #2: I've Lost All My Love For You
Bell chords used in interior phrasing…beautiful. I've not heart this song and I find it tender and bittersweet, "revenge may be sweet…."East Pointe Chorus - #2 - St. Clair Shores, Michigan
Director: Diane CatellaneHistory: Five prior International appearances. In Regional, they earned 611 with 78 singers. Today, their sixth appearance in International, they have 86 singers on stage.
Attire: Brown/tobacco dress trimmed in cream.
(Pitch Taking: pipe and a strong chord prior to announcement echoes in the
room. Then announcement, pipe, and an OH chord and into the song.)
Song #1: Sing Me That Song Again
Impressive opening line…each singer giving a good performance that is convincing. Well done BBS tag.
Song #2: When That Midnight Choo Choo Leaves For Alabam'
Good contrast in volume…intensity and focus demonstrated….good moves with a time step from the front row shows BBS / Vaudeville legacy. Incredible expression line with stomp time! "When that old conductor eeeeeyyyyyyeeeellls…" great effect on the word yell with elongation….to a solid tag.Sun Light Chorus - #32 - Husby, Sweden
Director: Ase Hagerman
History: Three prior International visits. In regional, they won with 656 points and 107 singers on stage. Today, their fourth International appearance, the have 100 singers.
Attire: Bright purple, red, yellow, panted slashes of color…very bright The director in a full purple pant suit.
(Pitch Taking: Pipe, chord, sing)
Song #1: When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob Bob Bobbin Along
This song has a syrupy bass resonance to their sound. A jazzy modern treatment to this song …it reminded us that it was covered by a few rock n roll artists…even a bass percussion section at the end for emphasis…Well done.
Song #2: I Am Lost In the Heart Of My Own Home Town
Pin dropping time although no one in this audience would dare…amazing transitions from loud to softs with incredible control. Wistful ending…tenor post on the tag…great song…never heard it before.Riverport Chorus - #22 - Wilmot, Wisconson
Director: Diane Porsch
History: Four prior International appearances, placing 10th in 1997. In regional they won with 635 points and 99 singers. Today, in their fifth International bid, they attend with 103 singers on stage.
Attire: Black and teal with purple framing around the face. Sharp lines.
(Pitch Taking: Silent pitch and came full out on a chord…)
Song #1: My Buddy
A rich treatment of the 30's (or so) ballad. Very full sounding lead section with a strong bass match. A very quiet tag…lead and bass unison post and bass peels away in duet…and then off…and then soft ending with the band.
Song #2: Honey Deed I Do/Put Your Arms Around Me Medley
A Rapid tempo from the start. A challenge at this speed (maybe 110 or faster!)North Metro Chorus - #16 - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Director: June Dale
History: Ten previous International bid having won the gold in 1996. In regional, they won with 674 points and 156 singers on stage. Today, their eleventh International appearance, they have 171singers on stage.
Attire: Black satin skirt with a velvet black bodice to the dress, trimed around the neck in gold. Gold underskirt…Director has a gold satin skirt with velvet bodice to match the chorus.
(Pitch Taking: Pipe and hmm on mmm unison )
Song #1: I Will Love You Til the End of Time
Tag Unison, 2nd, to a powerful chord into a very strong BBS tag…foot stomp as a cut off…riveting song…couldn't write a thing until it was over…
Song #2: Good Ship Robert E. Lee/ Dixie, All Aboard for Dixie Medley
Rapid, clean, clear, driving tempo…very cool wave effect the chorus did…….bass post..highest tag of the night…no power lost….Standing Ovation….uh…you wouldn't believe it even if I could describe it. Impeccible rhythm, daring transitions…choreography was ethereal…breathtaking …this group transcends…what I know!Westcoast Harmony Chorus - #26 - Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Director: Elaine Cotton
History: Previous International appearances number five. In regional, they scored 596 points and had 96 singers on stage. Today, their sixth International appearance, they attend with 98 (guess) singers on stage.
Attire: Black satin two piece with silver lapels that frame the face. Siler
trim sets it off nicely. White under skirt
(Pitch Taking: Pipe and sing…no voice)
Song #1: Sweet Adeline
Leads alone and then tenor …basses and bari on "to me." This anthem for SA done well with attention to tenderness in the interpretation. They sure loved singing this song and this arrangement…the joy just bubbled out of this sparkling group.
Song #2: Sweet Georgia Brown
Sultry tempo to match sultry moves…snappy stuff goin' on…use of breath creative on the inhale makes an exciting oh my goodness effect….double time on the repeat of the chorus to the half, stomp time. Shining tag.O.K. City Chorus - #25 - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Director: Jim Massey
History: Ten prior International bids on the books. In regional, they won with 589 points and 82 singers on stage. Today, their eleventh appearance in International, they have 82 singers on stage.
Attire: Blue dress right above the ankle…a white pattern on top (shape of Ms. America Sash)..Male director in suit with dark vest and white shirt.
(Pitch Taking: Pipe….and sing…no voicing of the pitch)
Song #1: We're Last
An original tune…for the last contestant "five more minutes and we'll be done, promise"
Hilarious lyrics….
Song #2: I Miss Mother Most of All
Heartfelt ballad…solid and well done….!!! Barbershop at its best and right on center.