Masters of Harmony

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 with his decision to retire as director, plans got underway to honor him in a unique way. That opportunity came at a timely “recognition” luncheon in Portland, just hours before Mark directed the Masters for the final time in a carefully crafted, powerfully delivered swan song set to the International Convention audience. Near the end of the well-attended luncheon, OC Times, the international championship quartet Mark had helped coach to victory, gave a musical tribute that will be remembered forever by those who heard it. Each member of the quartet became the lead singer for part of “For Good,” moving those in the room to tears. It was a fitting tribute honoring a man who touched so many lives with his seemingly boundless energy, passion for musical excellence, gregarious nature, and unpretentious willingness to share his vast musical knowledge at the drop of a hat, with anyone, at just about anytime. As they sang, pictures of his incredible 12-year tenure at the helm of the Masters of Harmony appeared on the screen, reminding attendees of some of the highlights of the journey the Masters were about to conclude with him. Before Mark made his emotionally moving final comments, he was made the 10th Hall of Fame member of the Masters.

The international audience in Portland was well aware of Mark’s decision to retire as MOH director. During the morning chorus contest session, Mark received the Joe Liles Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his numerous contributions to the Barbershop Harmony Society. Even so, at each Masters of Harmony performance – the Master Class, as part of the World Harmony Jamboree, and the final swan song set, audience members recognized the unique moments before them and responded with loud, sustained applause that showed loving appreciation for a chapter in Barbershop Harmony Society history that was coming to a close, at least under Mark’s leadership. For in-depth coverage of Mark’s 12 years at the helm of MOH, read Scott Hansen’s excellent feature article in the May/June 2012 Harmonizer. In addition, on the Masters of Harmony website, you will find another excellent review of Mark’s tenure written by MOH Hall of Famer Marlin Fors. Also on the website is an article written by Mark himself, describing his memorable moments with the Masters. Yes, Mark, so many people throughout the Barbershop Harmony Society can say with heartfelt gratitude, “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”

By the time the next issue of Westunes is published, the Masters will have chosen a new director, one who will be charged with a daunting task –– to build on the solid foundation established by Dr. Greg Lyne, enhanced by Jeff Oxley, and taken to even greater heights by Mark Hale. Difficult? Yes, but then who expected the Masters to scale the heights reached under Mark’s leadership? Stay tuned!

Shortly after returning from Portland, MOH quartet American Pastime, 2012 Southwest Division Quartet Champion (Graham Pence, Tom Moore, Scott Kidder, Joe D’Amore), sang to open the 2012 Baseball Reliquary Induction Ceremony in Pasadena. American Pastime sang a brief set that included the “Star Spangled Banner” and “There Used To Be A Ballpark Right Here,” a song that visibly moved the standing-room-only audience and resulted in thunderous applause.

It is with great sadness that the Masters note the passing of two beloved members, Stan Christman and Lefty Parasson.

Since the last edition of Westunes, Ed Churchill (bass) was welcomed into membership.