The Ontario District gathered on Tuesday for Pep Rally, a night of celebration hosted by the Association of Past Ontario Champions (APOC). Barbershoppers from across the province celebrated being together for the first in-person version event since 2019. The occasion showcased the talents of seven quartets and seven choruses, all coming together to raise funds for Ontario District competitors representing the district at the upcoming International competition in Louisville, Kentucky next month. Hamilton Harbourtown Sound will be proudly representing Ontario in the chorus contest, while Detour and Maple Reserve will showcase their talents in the highly competitive open quartet contest.
The event commenced with a remarkable performance by the APOC Chorus, enthralling the audience with their rendition of “There’s A New Gang On The Corner.” This powerful tribute paid homage to the iconic Ontario District quartet Canadian Heritage, celebrating the 50th anniversary of their debut on the international stage in 1973. The quartet delighted audiences across Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Western Europe. Notably, they appeared in numerous television commercials for esteemed brands such as Edge Shaving Gel, the Ontario Provincial Lottery, Dominion Stores, Labatt, Pittsburgh Paints, and Trans Canada Telephone. Their memorable conference call commercial aired on national networks for over two years. Between 1973 and 1979, Canadian Heritage represented the Ontario District at International seven times, reaching the semi-finals on six occasions and achieving their highest placement of 12th in both 1976 and 1978. Although they officially retired in 1980, the quartet frequently reunited over the ensuing decades for APOC events, CAN-AM Nights, and a special tribute celebration honoring George Shields hosted by The Speech Foundation Ontario in 2007. Tenor Ed Russell, lead Wayne Atkinson, baritone Ray Danley, and bass Bob Wiffen were all in attendance at this year’s Pep Rally as the guests of honour.
Amidst the festivities, Bill Wells was presented with the prestigious 2022 Jeff Pritchard Outstanding Quartetter Award. This distinguished honor is bestowed upon long-time district quartetters who embody the exemplary qualities of true gentlemanliness, humility, pride in achievement, many years of active quartetting, demonstrated dedication to the goals of the Barbershop Harmony Society, and active participation in competitive singing. Wells’ commendable contributions were duly recognized, marking a significant highlight of the evening.
Toward the end of the evening, the district’s chorus representative and two quartet representatives each received funding from both APOC and the Ontario District’s Onta-Fame fund to alleviate the financial burdens associated with representing district at the upcoming Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Convention. The grand finale of the night featured over 300 barbershoppers in attendance filling the hall with resounding harmonies, collectively singing “We Sing That They Shall Speak” and “Keep The Whole World Singing” under the direction of Harbourtown Sound director Jordan Travis.
Pep Rally 2023 truly epitomized the spirit of camaraderie and musical excellence within the Ontario District. The gathering of barbershop enthusiasts, emceed by District Immediate Past President Michael Black, marked a joyous occasion that highlighted the rich heritage and promising future of the barbershop community in Ontario.