Masters of Harmony

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 Western District’s 2014 Spring Convention was dedicated to him. But his roots in music go way back.

An experienced singer from high school, college and church, Gene Clements joined the Barbershop Harmony Society (then and still SPEBSQSA, Inc.) in 1967 as a charter member of a new Mid-Atlantic District chapter in Frederick, MD. Being a part of the Catoctones Chorus (from the Catoctin Mountains, home of Camp David) was the start of his love of barbershop. Subsequently, he became assistant musical director, then director for five years. During his tenure with the chapter, he served as president and held various other positions, including show chairman, and was named Barbershopper of the Year.

In 1970, while still a member of the Frederick, MD Chapter, Gene became interim director for a newly formed Sweet Adelines chapter (Heart of Maryland chorus), also in Frederick, and served in that capacity for 10 years.

In November 1980, he moved to Mission Viejo, California, joined the Santa Ana Golden City Chorus and, in 1981, became musical director, succeeding Bill Harper. Gene says, “Brett Littlefield joined the chapter while I was directing and I am proud that I taught him everything he knows (grin).” The Santa Ana Chapter folded in the early 1990s and later reformed, relocated, and was renamed the Westminster Chapter. We all know that a very small chorus was later latched onto by a bunch of young singers who ultimately won the international chorus championship.

Circa 1983, Gene was named musical director of the Cities of Harmony, a Sweet Adelines chorus in Garden Grove and served for three years or so, placing 6th in regional competition. According to Gene, another prideful moment was that Pam Pieson joined the chorus while he was directing. From there she went on to become lead of Panache, 1990 Sweet Adelines International Quartet Champion, and director of Harborlites, Sweet Adelines International Chorus Champion in 2005 and 2008. It was also in 1983 that Gene’s wife, Wanda, singing with the Mission Viejo Sweet Adelines, won International third-place honors in Phoenix, the family’s first chorus medal. It was then Gene vowed that he, too, would win an International medal.

In November 1987, desperately wanting a broader and more meaningful singing experience, Gene attended the first rehearsal of the then Foothill Cities Chapter (Masters of Harmony) under the direction of Dr. Greg Lyne. He joined the Masters in December and in October 1988 they won the Far Western District chorus championship and qualified for the international competition the following year in Kansas City. Singing on an international stage for the first time in July 1989, MOH brought home a fourth-place bronze medal. Gene’s vow was realized and, in fact, he now proudly owns eight of those lovely things, in gold.

Gene Clements has been a member of the Masters of Harmony for 25 wonderful years. During that time, he has served the chapter as employment manager, safety officer, business agent, makeup coordinator, mentor, nominating committee and awards committee member, and vocal techniques instructor. He also found time to serve as musical director and coach for the Saddleback Chapter (California Promise chorus) during a reorganization period.

Around 1994, Gene became an area counselor for the Far Western District and received the “Area Counselor of the Year” award in 1996. Later, he became more active in the Chapter Support and Leadership Training program and was again honored by the FWD as Chapter Counselor of the Year in 2003.

Subsequently, Gene served on the FWD’s Nominating Committee and held the position of Southeast Division Vice President for four years. During his time as vice president, he installed officers for many chapters and provided guidance on the handling of sensitive membership challenges when asked or deemed necessary.

Gene is glad he gave up his day job because he has “truly had a wonderful barbershopping life!” (For more admiring but irreverent noodlings about Gene Clements, see “War Horses of the Chorus, No. 3” in the MasterLink for July 18, 2007.)