The Ontario District’s international representatives were sent off in style at the 31st annual Pep Rally in Mississauga yesterday evening. Eleven quartets and thirteen choruses performed in a night of celebration and fundraising hosted by the Association of Past Ontario Champions (APOC).
The evening was opened by the APOC Chorus singing “The Old Songs” and “Hello, Mary Lou” before the parade of performances, emceed by Erik Deland. The night closed with the entire hall of 450 barbershoppers singing “Keep The Whole World Singing” directed by Ray Danley.
During the event, Rob Lamont was awarded the 2016 Jeff Pritchard Outstanding Quartetter Award. The award is given to long-time district quartetters who most closely exemplify the following Jeff Pritchard attributes of true gentlemanliness, humility, pride in achievement, many years (at least 15) of active quartetting, demonstrated dedication to the goals of the BHS, and participation in competitive singing.
Three quartets and one chorus received funding from both APOC and the Ontario District to help offset the costs of representing the district at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Convention in Las Vegas in two weeks. This year, Ontario will be represented by the Toronto Northern Lights in the chorus contest, and Yonge Guns, ‘Shoptimus Prime, and Test Drive in the open quartet contest.
Draw Winners
- Draw One ($100) – Dan Locke
- Draw Two ($150) – Barry Trip
- Draw Three ($150 and Fall Convention Registrations) – Robert Tripe
- Draw Four ($300 and Spring Convention Registrations) – Ron Miller