News from the Masters of Harmony

Read all about what's been going on with the Masters of Harmony. The articles on this page describe a rich history of musical excellence -- we hope they inspire you to come and see us soon!

Masters of Harmony Update - Summer 2018

Posted by Ron Larson on Apr 24, 2018

“You’ll Never Go Wrong With A Song” This is the title of the new Masters of Harmony
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Masters of Harmony Update - Spring 2018

Posted by Ron Larson on Jan 25, 2018

MOH Honors Host City Generosity A strong spirit of gratitude for generosity extended to the Masters of Harmony by the City of Santa Fe Springs was much in evidence this past holiday season. For over 30 years, the host city has provided its excellent rehearsal hall at no cost to the...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Winter 2017

Posted by Ron Larson on Oct 24, 2017

The first performances for the Masters of Harmony after winning their first gold medal in San Francisco in 1990 and their ninth in Las Vegas in 2017 were for faith-based audiences. In 1990, the Masters performed a show titled “It’s a Grand Night for Singing” for the Sisters of...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Fall 2017

Posted by Ron Larson on Jul 24, 2017

When the Masters of Harmony were offered the opportunity to host the Southeast/Southwest Divisional Contests at El Monte High School in early May, we accepted the challenge even though we had not hosted a convention in years and had less than the usual allotted time to prepare for it. ...
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Jeff Baker: A Friend In Deed

Posted by Brian Philbin on Mar 7, 2017

In Barbershop circles, the Internet has been a flurry of activity over the past five days about our friend, Jeff Baker. He's been ever-present in the minds of many of us since late in 2015 when he was diagnosed with an illness that took his life last week. ...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Spring 2017

Posted by Ron Larson on Jan 18, 2017

In the second half of 2016, the Masters of Harmony took part in two memorable 75th anniversary events. The first was the 2016 Far Western District competition at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside in mid-October. It was the Masters’ first opportunity to put on display vocal techniques...
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The Masters of Harmony Helps Commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor

Posted by Ron Larson on Dec 21, 2016

On Monday, December 5, members of the Masters of Harmony gathered in Honolulu to take part in ceremonies honoring those who died as well as those who survived the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. The idea for this memorable weeklong trip began two years ago with research...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Fall 2016

Posted by Ron Larson on Jul 21, 2016

The Masters of Harmony recently took several steps to make barbershop music available to an ever-wider audience. Thanks to John Loftus and Gary Stone, the MOH posted a new two-minute promotional video on its website. Viewers can see recent videos of MOH performances narrated by Ron Andreas, whose infectious enthusiasm...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Summer 2016

Posted by Ron Larson on Apr 21, 2016

Many barbershop singers are unapologetic romantics who will break into song about love and romance at just about any opportunity. A great way to share this passion is with Singing Valentines. This involves delivering a single red rose and a personalized Valentine’s Day card to a usually surprised but very...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Spring 2016

Posted by Ron Larson on Jan 18, 2016

For the first time in its history, the Masters of Harmony performed two shows at different locations on the same day. The first stop was Shepherd’s Grove Church in Garden Grove. When the Masters performed When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder and O Holy Night, the congregation responded with...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Winter 2015

Posted by Ron Larson on Oct 26, 2015

Thirty years ago, a small group of barbershop singers decided to pursue their vision of musical excellence by forming a new chapter, one where they could push the envelope of excellence as far as it would go. Thanks to invaluable help from Lloyd Steinkamp and then Far Western District...
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Masters of Harmony Homecoming a Triumph

Posted by Scott Hansen on Sep 23, 2015

Milestone birthdays and anniversaries offer us an opportunity to take stock of our lives, to carefully consider where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. At our 30th Anniversary Homecoming gala, the Masters of Harmony extended family gathered together to reflect, to reminisce, to reconnect,...
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The Road to Nashville 2016

Posted by Ron Larson on Aug 23, 2015

In July 2014, the Masters of Harmony, eight-time international chorus champions, traveled to Las Vegas to compete in the Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Chorus Contest. The chorus’s stunning performance produced an instant standing ovation all over the MGM Grand Hotel from audience members who literally roared their approval. ...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Fall 2015

Posted by Ron Larson on Jul 20, 2015

The Masters of Harmony’s 30th Anniversary Year continues to be a year of memorable events as well as reflection on past successes, what made them possible, and thoughtful reassessment of what it will take to continue performing at the highest possible level. The Masters 2015 mantra “You Have What It...
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Gary Stone - A Man of All Seasoning

Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on May 6, 2015

Five years ago, I wrote a profile of a new brother, quiet, unassuming, self-effacing Gary Stone. Now he�s the Barbershopper of the Year 2014 and a household word! How did he get from lowly lead singer to the top of our annual banquet distinctions in such a short...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Summer 2015

Posted by Ron Larson on Apr 20, 2015

The 2015 Awards Banquet and Installation of Officers was held at Khoury’s Restaurant in Long Beach. President Ron Andreas and keynote speaker, MOH charter member and Hall of Fame member Joe D’Amore, described how the Masters of Harmony developed from a handful of men determined to achieve musical excellence to...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Spring 2015

Posted by Ron Larson on Jan 24, 2015

Last November, the Masters of Harmony returned to Port Hueneme�s Oceanview Pavilion for a Sunday afternoon show that featured a unique mix of current MOH repertoire and holiday favorites. The Armed Forces Medley, always an audience favorite, was especially well received in this historic military town. Upon hearing the MOH�s...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Winter 2014

Posted by Ron Larson on Oct 22, 2014

Shortly after returning from the 2014 Las Vegas International Convention, the Masters of Harmony family was deeply saddened to learn that Doug Maddox had passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Doug was the epitome of the maxim �A life well lived,� an enormously gifted man who used his...
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Masters of Harmony Update – Fall 2014

Posted by Ron Larson on Jul 30, 2014

In the weeks before the International competition in Las Vegas, Chapter President Ron Andreas’ visionary plan for success moved into high gear. With the Masters of Harmony singing third in the chorus contest, our music leaders set a 6 AM call time. To simulate the experience, MOH Hall of...
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Doug Maddox and the Masters of Harmony: The Early Years

Posted by Bill Roth, Emeritus and MOH Hall of Fame on Jul 22, 2014

Most chorus members are well aware of the tremendous contributions Doug Maddox made to the Masters of Harmony over the years, particularly in the area of performance production. He created the position of production director at the Masters of Harmony, and then went on to implement the concept for...
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Masters Leave Everything on the Las Vegas Stage

Posted by Joe D-Amore on Jul 22, 2014

Our performance on the International stage in Las Vegas on July 4th was a most memorable and satisfying experience. I doubt that I am alone in feeling this way. On a personal level, I experience our moments on the stage that early morning each day – from the vigorous applause...
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Masters Take Silver in Near Flawless Contest

Posted by Bob Lally, Emeritus on Jul 22, 2014

Having been an active singer in the Masters of Harmony for 12 years including five international contests, and following the chorus’s progress as an emeritus member, I had no doubt that they would be putting their best foot forward in Las Vegas this year. This feeling was totally enhanced...
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The Long and Winding Road

Posted by Ryan Wisniewski on May 18, 2014

It is a little hard to believe that The Newfangled Four is already halfway into our reign as Far Western District quartet champions! In less than six months, we’ll be handing the trophy away to another quartet in Fresno, yet it hasn’t felt even close to the end of...
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Masters of Harmony Update – Summer 2014

Posted by Ron Larson on Apr 29, 2014

The Barbershop Harmony Society’s Midwinter Convention is a showcase of barbershop harmony talent and the 2014 Midwinter, which was no exception, featured some of best groups ever assembled for the event. On stage were the current International Quartet Champion, Masterpiece, as well as other 2013 International medalist quartets, Seniors...
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Emeritus Gene Clements Polishes His Legacy

Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Apr 7, 2014

Navy veteran, family man, retiree from State Farm Insurance (but not yet ready for the state farm), bent over with eight international champion chorus gold medals and a barbershopper to his toes, Gene Clements dazzles us with his energy, longevity and accomplishments. These were recently recognized when the Far...
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President Ron Andreas Wins Barbershopper of the Year

Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Mar 25, 2014

After 27 years in the Masters of Harmony, President Ron Andreas was awarded the Barbershopper of the Year (BOTY) award for 2013. This is the highest level of our annual banquet awards and only the second time a sitting president of the chapter has been so honored. The...
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Masters of Harmony Update – Spring 2014

Posted by Ron Larson on Feb 1, 2014

The Masters of Harmony love taking barbershop harmony to new audiences. In November, the Masters traveled to Port Hueneme for a Sunday afternoon performance at the Oceanview Pavilion. As the stage manager listened to the chorus warm up, the glow on her face was priceless. Her obvious...
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Masters of Harmony Qualify for 2014 Showdown in Las Vegas

Posted by Ron Larson on Oct 27, 2013

One of the major reasons for the success of the Masters of Harmony is the cadre of men who have brought their passion for excellence to the chorus since it was founded in 1985. These men created an organizational model that other chapters look to for guidance. Working within this...
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Barbershop Champions Promote University of La Verne’s 3rd Street Sound

Posted by Ron Andreas on Oct 2, 2013

On Monday, September 30, 2013, Ron Andreas and Joe D’Amore of the 8-time international chorus champion Masters of Harmony attended the rehearsal of the University of La Verne’s 3rd Street Sound, an ensemble comprised of 20 young men who have a passion for barbershop music. The Sound’s director, Carol...
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Masters of Harmony: The Early Years

Posted by Frank Ortega on Jun 4, 2013

It seems so long ago since the curtain closed on the 1990 International Convention in San Francisco, when we won our first gold medal as International chorus champions. Now, more than 20 years later, the chorus has amassed eight consecutive chorus titles and myriad memories that only a handful...
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Third-time Charmer Joe D-Amore Barbershopper of the Year

Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Jun 4, 2013

Our bass brother Joe D’Amore, one of the original Founding Eight, first co-music director and former president of the Masters of Harmony, former and current Vice President for Music & Performance and member of the MOH Hall of Fame, garnered a hat trick at the 2013 Annual Awards Banquet ceremony...
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A Seemingly Seamless Transition

Posted by Marlin Fors on Jun 4, 2013

I used to wear contact lenses, but periodically needed a pair of bifocal lenses to read up close. As my eyes are particularly sensitive to light, I also needed a good pair of sunglasses the minute I went outside. Now I have this great pair of glasses that...
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Masters of Harmony Update – Spring 2013

Posted by Ron Larson on Apr 30, 2013

The Annual Young Men’s Harmony Festival held at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa and now in its 13th year has long been regarded as one of the nation’s premier choral music festivals. For years, the event has been co-sponsored by the Masters of Harmony and the Southern California...
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Another Special Year for Youth in Barbershopping

Posted by Mark Freedkin, Young Men In Harmony Chairman on Feb 21, 2013

The Masters of Harmony and Southern California Vocal Association co-sponsored the 13th Annual Young Men’s Harmony Festival this past weekend. We had 204 young men from 26 high schools and three middle schools attending this year’s event, and the feedback from students, parents and teachers indicates that this was...
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Masters of Harmony Update – Winter 2012

Posted by Ron Larson on Jan 20, 2013

The 2012 holiday season marked Justin Miller’s debut as director of the Masters of Harmony. It quickly became apparent that the baton had been passed to someone of uncommon musical leadership qualities. When the curtain opened at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach for a show titled “The...
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Spectacular show in Long Beach kicks off holiday season

Posted by Lou Tedesco on Nov 28, 2012

The Masters of Harmony returned to the acoustically friendly venue of the Carpenter Performing Arts Center this past Saturday, November 24, to present our annual Christmas show titled “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!” The program featured songs from the MOH’s seasonal repertoire — both holiday standards from our...
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Masters of Harmony Update – Fall 2012

Posted by Ron Larson on Oct 30, 2012

Early in 2012, Mark Hale stunned the Masters of Harmony family with his decision to retire as director. Realizing that Mark’s brilliant, innovative skills would still be available for five more months, MOH singers took a collective deep breath and proceeded to develop what turned out to be a...
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Masters of Harmony Share Glory at Far Western District Convention

Posted by Bernard Priceman on Oct 17, 2012

The 2012 Far Western District Fall Convention took place in Mesa, Arizona, this past weekend and, as usual, was a busy event for many of our Masters of Harmony members. First and foremost, the dedicatee for the entire convention was our own Mark Freedkin. His many years of...
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Far Western District Dedicates Fall Convention to Mark Freedkin

Posted by Far Western Disrict (adapted) on Oct 17, 2012

Mark Freedkin joined the Barbershop Harmony Society in 1977 after graduating from the University of Illinois with degrees in Industrial Engineering and Computer Science. Although he grew up in the Chicago area where there are at least a dozen chapters, and only 40 miles from then-Society headquarters in Kenosha,...
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In Memoriam: Gale Sherrodd (1947-2012)

Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Sep 29, 2012

The eulogy that follows was presented by Kirt Thiesmeyer at the memorial service on 29 September at the First Methodist Church of La Mirada, California. Good morning, my name is Kirt Thiesmeyer. I am a member of the Masters of Harmony, a men’s championship chorus -- and I am here...
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Return of a Master!

Posted by Bill Roth on Sep 19, 2012

At the August 2012 meeting, the board of directors of the Santa Fe Springs, California Chapter unanimously approved the recommendation of the Director Search Committee to appoint Justin Miller as the new music director of the Masters of Harmony! In many ways this was a true homecoming. The son of...
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Masters of Harmony Announce New Music Director

Posted by Masters of Harmony on Sep 7, 2012

Santa Fe Springs, CA (September 7, 2012) – The Masters of Harmony, a men’s premier a cappella chorus “Dedicated to Musical Excellence,” announced the selection and appointment of Justin Miller as the new music director, effective August 22, 2012. Justin is already well known to the Masters, having joined...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Summer 2012

Posted by Ron Larson on Jul 25, 2012

For the last several years, Masters of Harmony performances have included an emotionally moving song titled “For Good,” a song that featured Mark Hale as soloist. The song helped the Masters pay tribute to those who have helped them achieve musical excellence. When Mark stunned the Masters family...
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Hail to Mark Hale - 10th Entrant Into Masters of Harmony Hall of Fame

Posted by Marlin Fors on Jul 17, 2012

For the last three months, most of us have been in preparation for our eighth “swan song” set to be performed in Portland. Yet we also knew that there would be a bittersweet moment when we finally reached that last performance with Mark Hale at the director’s helm. ...
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Mark Hale: Musical Master

Posted by Scott Hansen on Jul 3, 2012

Shortly after the turn of the Millennium, Mark Hale loaded up the truck and moved to Beverly (Hills, that is!). Swimmin’ pools, movie stars. And while his culture shock in relocating from Kentucky to Cali might not have been as extreme as the Clampetts, it was probably pretty close....
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Where Has the Time Gone?

Posted by Mark Hale on Jun 30, 2012

Where has the time gone? It feels like hardly any time has passed since I loaded up a truck and headed from my southern Indiana digs to the large social experiment called Southern California. That journey took about three days and I could only speculate what kind of...
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Honoring Those Who Helped Build a Champion

Posted by Marlin Fors on May 24, 2012

One of the changes that I had the privilege to oversee during my presidency, in addition to the change in the chapter name from Foothill Cities to Santa Fe Springs, was the addition of a new classification of membership. The Board approved the “Emeritus” classification of membership in December...
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Masters of Harmony Update – Spring 2012

Posted by Ron Larson on Apr 26, 2012

The Masters of Harmony’s latest CD, “The Dream Is Carried On,” honors a relationship that spawned and nurtured The Westminster Chorus. Westminster took that spirit further when a group of its members, led by Joey Buss, decided to create an even younger youth-oriented chorus. Joey’s music team recruited...
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Youth Festival Garners Highest Praise . . . Again!

Posted by Mark Freedkin on Feb 22, 2012

The Masters of Harmony and the Southern California Vocal Association co-sponsored the 12th Annual Young Men’s Harmony Festival this past weekend. We had 203 young men from 19 high schools and one middle school attending this year’s unique musical event, and the feedback from students, parents and teachers indicates...
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Mark Hale Retiring as Masters of Harmony Music Director

Posted by Joe D-Amore on Feb 16, 2012

On Wednesday, February 15, Mark Hale announced his retirement as music director of the Masters of Harmony chorus effective July 8, 2012. Mark will pass the baton immediately following their swan song performance at the International Convention in Portland this July. During his 12-year tenure as director, Mark has inspired, guided,...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Winter 2011

Posted by Ron Larson on Jan 26, 2012

The Masters of Harmony kicked off a busy holiday season by returning to Riverside’s beautifully renovated Fox Theater for a Christmas show. Many in the capacity audience were hearing the Masters for the first time and they joined returning fans in loud, sustained applause throughout the show. Despite...
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2011 – A Year of Victories!

Posted by Mark Hale, Director on Jan 4, 2012

What an amazing year we have just completed, where we accomplished our outstanding eighth chorus championship win along with a series of very exciting show performances and lots of great memories along the way. The past year has been full of opportunities and challenges…some ups and downs . ....
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Marlin Fors: A Decade of Devotion

Posted by Joe D-Amore on Nov 8, 2011

It’s interesting how things work out, isn’t it? Some say that turnabout is fair play. For me, the events that have led me to the point of writing this article have me wondering, “What in the world was I thinking?” Right around this time in 2001, I remember having...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Fall 2011

Posted by Ron Larson on Oct 25, 2011

In October, members of the Santa Fe Springs Chapter elected 13 men to serve as their 2012 Board of Directors. These men plus Immediate Past President Kirt Thiesmeyer will direct official chorus responses to the unique challenges of an International Championship year, a year that will include hosting the...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Summer 2011

Posted by Ron Larson on Jul 29, 2011

In 1985, a small group of men decided they wanted a more satisfying barbershop experience. They formed the Masters of Harmony, a chorus “Dedicated to Musical Excellence.” In November 1987, barbershop icon Dr. Greg Lyne became their director. Twenty months of his leadership produced such remarkable improvement...
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Another memorable performance in San Diego

Posted by Lou Tedesco on Jul 27, 2011

On Sunday afternoon, July 24, 2011, the Masters of Harmony performed at the First United Methodist Church of San Diego. This was the second time we set up our risers and performed for their appreciative SRO audience. Mastering the tight performance stage was every bit the challenge that...
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Contest set flawless after Greg Lyne visit

Posted by Lou Tedesco on Jun 16, 2011

You could have heard a pin drop on the stage of the Daniel Recital Hall at Cal State Long Beach on Thursday evening, May 26, as Dr. Greg Lyne, arguably the greatest barbershop coach and technician in the Society, began to critique the Masters of Harmony’s contest set. We...
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Kiwis: A close encounter

Posted by Skip Farrar on Jun 16, 2011

What a treat for the Masters of Harmony to have a few up-close and personal moments with some gifted aliens brought to us by the “MIB”! I suppose you could call this a “Close Encounter of the Third Kind,” complete with the basic language and appeal of music just...
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San Gabriel Mission Playhouse hosts Masters of Harmony triumph

Posted by Martin Brown on May 25, 2011

“What a fantastic show!” This was just one of numerous wonderful comments I received from enthusiastic audience members as they left the auditorium last Saturday after the Masters of Harmony’s annual spring shows at the historic San Gabriel Mission Playhouse. The shows, titled “The Dream is Carried On,”...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Spring 2011

Posted by Ron Larson on Apr 12, 2011

Over the years, the Masters of Harmony have appeared many times at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center on the campus of California State University, Long Beach. Most of those performances were Christmas and spring shows. Early on, dating back to 1994, the quality of the...
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Setting Goals as We "Go For the Gold"

Posted by Scott Hansen on Apr 6, 2011

When one is going for the gold for the eighth consecutive time, where does one find the inspiration to do it “one MOH time?” For the better part of two decades, the Barbershop Harmony Society dreamed about what would happen if the two “super choruses” should ever meet in competition. ...
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Sowing Seeds of the Future and the Barbershop Style

Posted by Mark Freedkin, Young Men In Harmony Chairman on Feb 16, 2011

The Masters of Harmony and the Southern California Vocal Association co-sponsored the 11th Annual Young Men’s Harmony Festival this past weekend. We had 195 young men from 30 high schools and one middle school throughout Southern California attending this year’s unique musical event, and the feedback from students, parents...
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Masters of Harmony Returns to Long Beach Concert Series

Posted by Jussi Ratsula on Feb 1, 2011

“Good to be home,” greeted Ray Johnson jovially in the beginning of his speaking bid during the Masters of Harmony performance at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center on the campus of California State University, Long Beach. That is exactly what it felt like last Sunday; invited...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Winter 2010

Posted by Ron Larson on Jan 28, 2011

In October, the Masters of Harmony put the finishing touches on a new recording to be released in May 2011. Entitled “The Dream is Carried On,” it will feature religious, patriotic and other inspirational songs performed by the Masters of Harmony, The Westminster Chorus and both choruses combined. In...
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Masters of Harmony - State of the Chorus

Posted by Bill Rosica, President on Jan 6, 2011

With housing on the decline, unemployment at one of its highest levels and the economy a little bleak, the Masters of Harmony had a banner year. I took a look at my calendar for last year where I keep my mileage and found there were 66 events (including rehearsals)...
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What Is an Off Year?

Posted by Mark Hale, Director on Jan 6, 2011

Now that 2010 is in the history books, it’s amazing to look and see how much we accomplished during what some people refer to as an “off year.” Okay, here goes... ♫ We enjoyed a full show schedule with our regular Calimesa and youth festival performances followed by another...
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Masters of Harmony Update -- Fall 2010

Posted by Ron Larson on Oct 27, 2010

On July 31, members of the Masters of Harmony family celebrated “Family Appreciation Day” at the Palomar Observatory for a guided tour of the facility that houses the historic 200-inch Hale Telescope. At the end of the tour, the group assembled for a picture beneath the giant telescope and...
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Masters of Harmony 25th Anniversary: A Founder Reflects

Posted by Joe DAmore on Oct 19, 2010

In January of this year, I returned to the Masters of Harmony as an active singing member. The “calling” was clear and, since I’ve learned there are no coincidences in life, I decided to take the plunge once again. I didn’t realize that being back among my MOH...
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Goodbye, Dixie, Goodbye

Posted by JD Ahmanson on Aug 19, 2010

“A young man shows up, the last year of high school or so, kind of a shy guy, stands over in the baritone section and we know that he’s John Miller’s son. But lately, John Miller is known as Justin’s dad.” Those words by President Bill Rosica aptly describe Justin’s...
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Masters of Harmony Update -- Summer 2010

Posted by Ron Larson on Jul 26, 2010

On May 1, 2010, the Masters of Harmony made a long-awaited return to Pasadena’s Ambassador Auditorium for its spring show. In November 1999, before the Masters had become well known, they shared the Ambassador’s acoustically perfect theater with the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra. The Ambassador has been compared favorably...
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Westminster Wins!

Posted by JD Ahmanson on Jul 14, 2010

As soon as they opened their mouths to sing, it only took a moment for The Westminster Chorus to prove that the “Choir of the World” was the Barbershop Harmony Society’s 2010 International Chorus Champion. The much-anticipated rematch of the 2006 contest in Indianapolis pitted the young chorus against...
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The Westminster Chorus and Masters Quartets Carry Far Western District Hopes to Philly

Posted by Bernard Priceman on Jun 24, 2010

Like many of you, I attended the “Go for the Gold” Show last Saturday night. For 27 years this has been a way for the quartets qualifying for the upcoming International Quartet Contest to showcase their contest sets and entertain the crowd. And what a crowd they were!...
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An Elegant Evening at the Ambassador

Posted by Paul Sandorff on May 7, 2010

In their return to Ambassador Auditorium after 21years, the Masters of Harmony were at one with their Pasadena venue Saturday evening as they presented their 2010 Spring Show, “Music In the Air.” Both the Masters and Ambassador Auditorium were elegant. For the past several shows that I’ve...
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Masters of Harmony Update -- Spring 2010

Posted by Ron Larson on May 1, 2010

On February 20, the Masters of Harmony hosted the 10th Annual Young Men’s Harmony Festival. This year’s event drew 230 young men from 26 Southern California high schools. Joining Event Coordinator Mark Freedkin as vocal clinicians were Chris Peterson, Dave Tautkus, and Brian Philbin. OC Times’ members...
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Doug Maddox Joins Far Western District Hall of Fame

Posted by Jerry Fairchild on Apr 5, 2010

Far Western District Hall of Fame Presentation Reno, Nevada, March 20, 2010 By Jerry Fairchild, Hall of Fame Chairman ------------------------ “The barbershopper I am going to introduce to you began his barbershop career in the Pasadena Chapter from 1973 to 1977 – then Atlanta (1977 to 1981), Detroit #1 (1981 to 1984) and Dallas...
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Masters Win District Chapter of the Year Award

Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Mar 31, 2010

At the Far Western District Spring Convention House of Delegates meeting two weekends ago in Reno, Nevada, FWD Immediate Past President Bob Lally presented the district’s Chapter of the Year award for 2009 to the Santa Fe Springs Chapter and our chorus, the Masters of Harmony. Among the chapter’s...
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The Masters Raised the Roof of the New Fox Performing Arts Center

Posted by Gary Ewald on Mar 2, 2010

For most of us, the performance is the payoff for all the time spent practicing, the time away from home and family, and all the other sacrifices made on behalf of this hobby. Each of us loves to sing for the sake of singing (and ringing), but when we...
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2009 Barbershopper of the Year Bill Rosica: The Man, the Mystery, the Myth

Posted by Skip Farrar on Feb 24, 2010

On a recent Wednesday evening, I spent a pleasant hour over dinner with Bill Rosica, our 2009 Masters of Harmony Barbershopper of the Year (not to mention the 2010 President). I thought it would be fun to get to know what makes him tick. In Bill’s typical fashion,...
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Young Men’s Harmony Festival Scores Another High

Posted by By Mark Freedkin, Chairman, Young Men In Harmony on Feb 24, 2010

The Masters of Harmony and the Southern California Vocal Association co-sponsored the 10th Annual Young Men’s Harmony Festival this past weekend. We had 230 young men from 26 high schools throughout Southern California attending this year’s unique musical event, and the feedback from students, parents and teachers has been...
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Youth and Seniors Enliven Midwinter Convention

Posted by J.D. Ahmanson on Feb 3, 2010

The presence of the Masters of Harmony was keenly felt at the 2010 International Midwinter Convention in Tampa, Florida. Appearing on stage with 2009’s quartet medalists was the 2009 Bank of America Collegiate Quartet Champion The Vagrants, while Doug Maddox fulfilled backstage duties. Enjoying the festivities were MOH...
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Masters of Harmony Update -- Winter 2009

Posted by Ron Larson on Jan 25, 2010

In November, the Masters of Harmony returned to a Christmas show date of the Saturday after Thanksgiving, to stunning success. In anticipation of seeing both the seven-time International champion Masters of Harmony and The Westminster Chorus -- named “Choir of the World” in international competition in Wales last summer...
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The 00’s—A Decade of Change, Challenge and Celebration!

Posted by Mark Hale, Director on Jan 6, 2010

Ten years ago next week I flew into Southern California on a Wednesday evening for the daunting opportunity of auditioning for the directorship of the Masters of Harmony chorus, current international champions and certainly already one of the best that had ever been. I had no way of knowing...
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Masters of Harmony Update -- Fall 2009

Posted by Ron Larson on Oct 26, 2009

Over the years, Young Men in Harmony Chairman Mark Freedkin has helped make the Masters of Harmony's annual Young Men’s Harmony Festival a great success and a model for similar programs in other parts of the country. On September 19, Mark took part in the Southern Arizona Youth Festival, an...
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Masters of Harmony Update -- Summer 2009

Posted by Ron Larson on Aug 9, 2009

On May 30, the Masters of Harmony presented their annual spring show, “Together Wherever We Go,” at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. Joining the Masters on stage were 2008 Quartet Gold Medalists OC Times and 2008-2009 Far Western District Quartet Champion Masterpiece. Two weeks later,...
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Another Mission Impossible!

Posted by Bill Roth on Aug 8, 2009

As an emeritus and Hall of Fame member, I receive (and actually read) the MasterLink and Masternet. Therefore, I was somewhat aware of what the Masters of Harmony were planning in Anaheim and knew that Mark Hale had told the chorus “there really is going to be a three-way...
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Marlin Fors Inducted Into Masters of Harmony Hall of Fame

Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on May 13, 2009

With teary-eyed daughter Dana and proud wife Nancy Kraus by his side, Marlin Fors became the ninth member in the 24-year history of the Masters of Harmony to receive the Hall of Fame Award in a ceremony at the Santa Fe Springs Town Center Hall. Growing from a long-ago...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Spring 2009

Posted by Ron Larson on Apr 30, 2009

Spring is a season for new growth, new possibilities and new opportunities, and indeed, it has brought all of those to the Masters of Harmony family. On January 31, the Masters performed their Nashville contest set at the 2009 International Midwinter Convention in Pasadena’s historic Civic Auditorium. OC...
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Dr. Rob Campbell hitches his remarkable wagon to the Masters of Harmony

Posted by Lou Tedesco on Apr 30, 2009

It is always a highlight to introduce new members to the Masters of Harmony. The event is even more pleasurable when the new member is a music educator with impressive credentials. To say that Rob Campbell’s resume is extraordinary would be a literary “under shoot.” He joined SPEBSQSA in...
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Justin Miller Named "Barbershopper Of The Year"

Posted by Sean Devine on Mar 11, 2009

Each year, the chapter presents the Master of Harmony Award (Barbershopper of the Year) to an outstanding Master for exemplary service and significant contribution throughout the year. This year’s recipient is an integral part of the Masters of Harmony family. He is a valued member whose resume and...
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Great Barbershop Oaks From Little Acorns Grow

Posted by Les Weiser on Feb 25, 2009

This little tale comes under the heading of “It’s amazing what happens when you talk to people about the Masters of Harmony.” Almost exactly 10 years ago, while working as a financial consultant for Merrill Lynch, I took a ride out to Malibu to visit Michelle. She was one of...
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Young Men's Harmony Festival: Nine Years and Counting

Posted by Mark Freedkin on Feb 25, 2009

The Masters of Harmony and Southern California Vocal Association co-sponsored the 9th Annual Young Men’s Harmony Festival this past weekend. Over 200 young men from 24 high schools throughout Southern California attended this year’s unique musical event, and the feedback from students, parents and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive....
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John Miller: A Legend In His Own Time

Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Feb 11, 2009

For the story of a “typical” Masters of Harmony achiever, two-time quartet champion and three-time chorus champion bass John Miller, his special and supportive wife Sharon, and their multiple chorus champion sons, Justin and Jon-Michael, click here. [Reprinted from the Association of International Champions Medallion, February 2009, with permission]
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Conventioneers Thrilled by Midwinter and the Masters

Posted by Rich Owen on Feb 4, 2009

“Midwinter” in Pasadena is, of course, unlike midwinter anywhere else. But it was as if the audience had been frozen to move as one. With the last ringing of the last chord of “Yona From Arizona,” the entire assembly jumped to their feet in a grand expression of...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Fall 2008

Posted by Ron Larson on Jan 24, 2009

On December 6, the Masters of Harmony followed several Santa Fe Springs youth choral groups to an outdoor stage and performed in their host city’s annual Tree Lighting ceremony. One week later, the Masters staged the annual Christmas show at Cal State Long Beach’s Carpenter Center. For the...
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Masters of Harmony: 120 Beautiful Voices Add Harmony and Warmth to the Joy of Christmas

Posted by Joseph Sirota, Entertainment Reviewer on Dec 15, 2008

Which is more important in holiday entertainment? – Great Quality or Great Quantity? How about adding Great Variety to the choices? Happily, this holiday show offered all of these, plus fun, joy and a warm sense of the special spirit this time of the year. As for...
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One Voice, Two Styles, One-of-a-Kind Show

Posted by By Greg Fear, Asst. Alumni Relations Manager, University of Michigan on Nov 24, 2008

(Reprinted from Laudes, the official newsletter of the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club) The ‘07/’08 school year had been all about Spain. For nearly all of the two years before the focus of just about every man in the Glee Club had been the promise of our oversees journey,...
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Crowds Aghast at Daring Choice of Younger, Dynamic Banquet Speaker

Posted by Kirt Thiesmeyer on Nov 24, 2008

The dribbles had barely dried on last year’s tux shirt when the search began for a Masters of Harmony keynote speaker to grace our 2009 Awards Banquet and Installation of Officers. I knew it must be someone with the wit and vivacity of David Wright, Jim Henry, Peter Feeney,...
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Masters of Harmony Update - Summer 2008

Posted by Ron Larson on Oct 25, 2008

Ambassadors of Harmony Director Jim Henry once said that our music can be a ministry to others, that we are privileged to be able to give gold medal moments to the people for whom we sing, and that our music can change lives and feed souls. The truth of...
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The Road to Nashville

Posted by Ron Larson on Jul 22, 2008

Every chorus pursuing an international championship knows the road to Gold will not be easy, nor should it be. Accepting tough challenges is the signature of would-be champions in any arena of competition. They realize that the greater the challenge, the greater and longer lasting is the sense...
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