Masters of Harmony

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 many talents and infectious smile to make life better for anyone who came in contact with him. At his standing-room-only service in September, some of the far-reaching appreciation for friendship and work Doug did so willingly to help others was obvious in the glowing tributes offered. The service featured live performances by Masterpiece, the Harborlites Chorus, and the Masters of Harmony plus a taped tribute from The Vocal Majority, with whom Doug had won a gold medal before he won eight with the Masters.

The first opportunity for the Masters of Harmony to perform as the Barbershop Harmony Society�s 2014 Silver Medalist chorus was in Lake Arrowhead. It was also the first chorus performance without Doug�s experienced hands guiding backstage preparations. However, the sylvan setting, perfect southern California summer weather, and a stage setting that put the audience practically at the feet of the first row came together as if Doug�s spirit was overseeing it all. Lake Arrowhead resident and Masters stalwart Arbe Kraft did much of the legwork for this open-air concert. Most concerts held in this venue have been rock groups appealing to the under-40s set. However, this audience took to the Masters� repertoire, the wacky comedy of The Velvet Frogs, and the smooth sounds of American Pastime with enthusiasm, and rewarded each group�s performance with thunderous applause and long, loud standing ovations.

President Ron Andreas continued two traditions he started as ways to honor those who have chosen to make the journey to musical excellence with the Masters of Harmony -- two badge ceremonies and an emeritus ceremony. The badge ceremonies honored new members Grant Goldstein and John Loftus. The emeritus ceremony recognized Gene & Wanda Clements. Gene has been active in barbershop circles since 1967. He was director or assistant director for five choruses and a successful Far Western District administrator. Since joining the Masters in 1987, Gene served in many administrative roles and helped his brothers as a vocal teacher and coach. Gene�s wife Wanda was one of the original members of the MOH Sweethearts. Wanda served on many committees, worked the MOH CD tables at shows, and helped with the important task of applying stage makeup. Many thanks to Gene and Wanda, for their years of tireless work on behalf of MOH!

Ron asked his brothers to create a unique gift of community outreach when he asked them to honor the memory of Covina Police Officer Jordan Corder who was killed in a tragic traffic collision while in the line of duty. The Masters men recorded a 20-second message of condolence to Jordan�s wife followed by singing �Dedication� as our heartfelt tribute to a fallen hero.

On the weekend of October 10-12, barbershoppers from all over the Far Western District gathered in Fresno for the 2014 Fall Convention and to honor the memory of Doug Maddox. On Friday evening at the convention, Nick Papageorge presented a Golden Broom in Doug�s memory. It will be present at all future district contests, and will be used to sweep the stage as Doug did for many years. In addition, a plaque honoring Doug will be at the podium for all future FWD contests. The Masters of Harmony provided their own tribute to Doug with a moving rendition of �Dedication� and reprised their contest package from Las Vegas to the delight of those who missed a performance that will be talked about for years to come. As for the contest itself, special congratulations go to the men of The Westminster Chorus who dazzled the audience as they qualified for the 2015 International Contest in Pittsburgh; to our quartet performers from American Pastime (Graham Pence, Tom Moore, Matt Swann, Joe D�Amore) for winning the quartet competition; to Flightline (Oscar Sotelo, Daniel Huitt, Cody Littlefield, Kyle Williamson) for placing second, to The Velvet Frogs (Les Dergan, David Livingston, CJ Sams) who won the Seniors Quartet competition as well as the Lloyd Steinkamp �Standing O� Award.

From the �Celebration of Life� program honoring Doug: �When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.� Rest in peace, our beloved brother in harmony.