Bill Vermue - Bass
Bill, the youngest of nine, (and the youngest member of "Play It Again!") was born in Holland and immigrated with his family to Canada in 1953, settling in Southern Ontario. Coming from a very musical family, sing-songs, led by the big bass voice of their father, were a common occurrence.
Barbershopping did not come on to the scene for Bill until 1974, when his wife took him along to the guest night of a newly formed men’s chorus. A quick voice test and the rest is history. Prior to joining "Play It Again!" in 2004, Bill sang tenor and lead and has the distinction of having competed with both chorus and quartets in three different voice parts.
Belonging to the Canadian Air Force, Bill and his family moved around quite a lot, resulting in his membership with four different chapters. He is now a member of Ottawa’s Capital City Chorus for the second time. Five other registered quartets had the benefit of Bill's talents, prior to him joining "Play It Again!" Over the years, Bill has held numerous executive positions in several of his chapters as well as being an assistant director of three different choruses. Bill has just finished up four years as a Divisional VP for the Ontario District, and was elected Executive Vice President for the Ontario District for 2008.
Barbershop highlights are many, but topping the list was being selected as the Barbershopper of the Year in two chapters, Trenton in 1977 and Guelph in 1991.
In 2006 he was honoured by being named an Ontario Barbershopper of renown as well as being awarded the Larry Dale Coach of the year. He competed with the CCC in 1986 at the International chorus contest in Salt Lake City, and at the Senior’s International with "Play It Again!" in 2005, 6, 7 and 8, winning a Bronze medal in 2006 in Sacramento, California.
Bill"s wife, Betty Jean (BJ) is an avid Barbershop fan, coach, and Director of a Harmony Incorporated ladies chorus, "The Thousand Islanders". Also, a long time Sweet Adeline, she is the proud recipient of two Int’l gold medals, while a member of North Metro. They have two children Bill is the only member of the quartet still working full time. He is a trainer and check pilot for Transport Canada (Canada’s equivalent of the FAA). This was preceded by 21 years in the Canadian Air Force and 12 years of Airline flying.
