Masters of Harmony Homecoming a Triumph
Members, along with family, friends, and fans, new and old, near and far, came together for a “Once in a Lifetime” special night to honor each other, make musical magic, and acknowledge the life-changing place that this chorus holds in our hearts.
The setting was stellar, with a beautiful banquet hall, a sumptuous feast, and company beyond compare. Over 50 Masters who once graced the risers congregated to consecrate the hallowed occasion and, perhaps, secretly try to recapture that old familiar feeling “one MOH time.”
Helping this all happen were four of the more illustrious quartets in our storied history. The Crush (aka The Cruch) opened the show, mercifully sans subwoofers from the birthday party below, gracing us with their swan song as they head into all-too-early retirement. Following dinner, OC Times regaled us with their youthful energy, good looks, and musical ventures outside the Barbershop umbrella.
Masterpiece and Nightlife, chronological bookends for our chapter champion quartets, in addition to being “pretty darn good” singers, also represented foundational figures in the leadership of our chorus, present and past. The dynamic duo they have in common, Rob Menaker and Brett Littlefield, were honored for their innumerable contributions by being inducted into the exclusive Masters of Harmony Hall of Fame.
Joining them in this auspicious accolade was Paul Laemmle, a fellow psychologist, who received long overdue recognition for his leadership and vision in creating cohesion, culture, and community in the chorus during its challenging formative years.
The active chorus performed two sets, comprised of some cherished chestnuts resurrected from the bone yard especially for this occasion, a collection of greatest hits selected to stimulate some familiar, but seldom used, neural pathways in those present who were privileged to have been a part of their initial performances.
Perhaps the most touching moment of the evening, which is saying a lot, was watching Bill Roth, the “architect” of the Masters, moved to tears as the chorus performed “There Used To Be A Ballpark.” While what was happening in his head and heart is a deeply private matter, we might speculate if we reflect on the message of the song.
A tale of times long ago, it served as a fitting melancholic metaphor for the evening. Alluding to a former time of youth and innocence, many in the audience can keenly remember the early days of the chorus, the era of Dr. Greg Lyne, who was undoubtedly in the hearts of many during the night, when we were still finding our way, sometimes stumblingly, often gloriously. There is depth of meaning in those memories, memories that can only be understood by those who lived them, that can easily bring water to the eyes. And there is a certain sadness in the unspoken acknowledgment that they can never be recaptured.
Nevertheless, alumni and active members alike crowded the risers to close the show with two of the more iconic numbers from a long legacy of signature songs. “Let A Smile Be Your Umbrella,” replete with corny choreography, and “Love Me, And The World Is Mine,” to this day the highest-scoring song in chapter history, provided the perfect end to a night laden with nostalgia.
Finally, one must mention the ghosts in the room that night, not only of those unable to make the journey to join us, but also of those who gave of themselves for the sake of the chorus who are no longer with us, having passed into the Chapter Eternal. On nights like this, we miss them more than usual, both for themselves and for their reminder that each of us will one day step down from the risers, whether by choice or fate.
And so, like all such events, the evening served as another encouragement to appreciate each other and the amazingly privileged opportunity we have to continue to be a part of what is a unique collection of men bound together for a purpose of great importance. Blessed and humbled, may this memorable night propel us to even greater heights, to continue to touch lives and each other, to further the legacy we have both built and inherited, to honor those who have gone before, and to pave a path for the uncharted course that lies ahead.
