Last night, the Association of Past Ontario Champs (APOC) held their annual Pep Rally, an event dedicated to raising funds for the Ontario District’s representatives to the International Barbershop Competition in Cleveland, Ohio, next month. This year’s rally was a spectacular blend of harmony, nostalgia, and community spirit, setting the stage for our Ontario District representatives’ journeys to the prestigious competition.
The evening began with a heartwarming performance by the APOC Chorus, who sang “The Nighthawks Say Hello” and the tag to “Brother Can You Spare A Dime.” These selections paid tribute to the legendary Ontario District quartet, The Nighthawks, who earned four consecutive medals in the International Quartet Contest between 1961 and 1964, reaching as high as 2nd place.
Robert Ross, the event’s emcee, kept the audience of approximately 300 people engaged and entertained throughout the night. The rally featured performances by seven quartets and five other choruses, each showcasing their unique blend of barbershop harmony and showmanship.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2023 Jeff Pritchard Outstanding Quartetter Award to Ted Church. This award honors long-time district quartetters who exemplify the attributes of Jeff Pritchard: true gentlemanliness, humility, pride in achievement, many years of active quartetting, dedication to the goals of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS), and participation in competitive singing. Ted Church’s recognition was met with resounding applause and admiration from the audience.
The night concluded with a powerful and unifying sing-along, led by Andrew Carolan. The entire hall joined in singing “We Sing That They Shall Speak” and “Keep The Whole World Singing,” creating a moving and harmonious end to a memorable evening.
As a result of the rally, three quartets and two choruses received funding from both APOC and the Ontario District to help offset the costs of their participation in the Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Convention. The Ontario District will be proudly represented by the Toronto Northern Lights and Hamilton Harbourtown Sound in the chorus contest, and by Detour, Smokeshow, and Empire in the open quartet contest.
The APOC Pep Rally not only provided essential support for these talented groups but also celebrated the rich history and enduring camaraderie of barbershop harmony in Ontario. As the district’s representatives prepare to take the stage in Cleveland, they carry with them the well-wishes and support of an entire community dedicated to the art of barbershop singing.