This past weekend the Ontario District of the Barbershop Harmony Society hosted its highly anticipated Spring Convention in Belleville, showcasing a robust display of barbershop harmony and camaraderie.
The competitive spirit was high with fifteen quartets and four choruses vying for top honors. On Friday, attendees enjoyed a hospitality room courtesy of Harmony Ranch, which provided a great environment for relaxation and socialization. The convention was wrapped up with a vibrant closing event on Saturday night hosted by the Oakridge Division, capping off the festivities with great cheer. Saturday afternoon was filled with fun activities for all attendees, including district trivia, a woodshedding room for impromptu harmonizing, and a delightful wine tasting event, all provided by the District.
The Harmony League from Barrie made an impressive first appearance, winning the Chorus Contest, while the Liftlock City Aces of Harmony were recognized with the Most-Improved Chorus Award. The Barrie County Chordsmen received the Chorus Encouragement Award.
In the quartet categories, Zoomers won both the District Novice Quartet award and the District Youth Quartet Championship. Mix Dup captured the title of MBHA Ontario Mixed Quartet winners, and Whiplash claimed the District Seniors Quartet Champions title. Empire emerged as the Nighthawks Trophy winners, securing a spot in the International Quartet Competition in Cleveland this summer. Additional qualifiers for the international stage included Smokeshow and Detour, with Oxford Comma narrowly missing qualification and remaining hopeful for a wildcard invitation.
The convention also served as a platform to honor notable members of the barbershop community. Brian Tracey was awarded the Dilly ‘Sandy’ Bell Award for his exceptional chapter dedication and leadership. The prestigious Barbershopper of Renown awards were presented to Ken Dodge, Rob Dunbar, Augusto Medina, and Robert Ross for their significant contributions at the Chapter, District, and International levels.
Further enhancing the event’s significance, it was announced that Steve Armstrong will be inducted into the Barbershop Harmony Society Hall of Fame at the upcoming international convention, recognizing his outstanding contributions, particularly in the contest and judging system and as music director with the Toronto Northern Lights. Steve will join George Shields, Greg Backwell, and Ray Danley and become the fourth member of the Ontario District ever to receive the Society honour.
The District’s Spring Convention not only highlighted the exceptional musical talents of its participants but also reinforced its commitment to enriching the barbershop harmony experience. We look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence and fellowship.