Article written by Charlie Reid
Before I talk about our summer, it’s probably worth talking about the last 18 months. It has been a period of breakthroughs for the Kingston Townsmen.
It started with the direction and musical coaching of Andrew Carolan who joined us two years ago from Australia where he was an international medalist in both chorus and quartet singing (Pan-Pacific Barbershop Convention). He is also a Candidate Music Judge in the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS). His ability to transfer his knowledge and skill to us has taken the Chorus to new heights in musical quality as witnessed by our second-place finish overall in the 2018 Ontario District Spring Convention in Belleville, where we also won the Plateau II Chorus Category Championship. But perhaps most importantly, the chorus was awarded the trophy for Most Improved Chorus with an unprecedented 10% increase in our overall scores from two years prior.
Why is this significant? Because it is the most objective measure of our success and Andrew’s accomplishments. We also know, however, that we can do even better. We’ve now set our sights on being the most improved chorus again in the spring of 2019. It’s a pretty bodacious goal but that’s the one we’ve set for ourselves.
Now back to our summer: our challenge was that Andrew could not be with us from July to September, leaving us with a huge goal and a big hole in musical leadership to help us maintain our momentum in learning.
To address the gap, our executive team contracted the services of four highly qualified outside coaches: Kristin Stevens, Vanessa Patterson, Amelia Charnock, and Mo Field. Kristin is a decorated chorus director currently leading the Limestone City Voices, a local women’s a cappella group (SAI & HI). Vanessa is Associate Director of that same ensemble. Amelia Charnock is an internationally-experienced, independent “Performance Category” coach. Mo Field is internationally recognized as one of the top 10 chorus directors in the world (Stockholm City Voices, SAI), is a Candidate Performance Judge in the Barbershop Harmony Society, Faculty at Harmony University, and an independent Vocal Performance coach whose client list is equally impressive.
So what do you get when you cross a group of enthusiastic men with a group of enthusiastic coaches? Magic!! That includes more and more musical breakthroughs and an energized chorus that keeps pushing itself to set the bar higher and higher.
We finished the summer with five weeks of vocal performance training from Mo including a full day Saturday session and the results were breathtaking! But breathtaking in a controlled lateral abdominal cavity sort of way (just pointing out to Mo that we were listening to the breath control bit).
I think it is fair to say that every chorus member in the Kingston Townsmen feels they are singing better, individually and collectively, than they ever have – and for some of us, that’s an improvement after 60 years of singing! Thank you, Mo!
Andrew has now returned to find his chorus is not just better – but Mo Better! And Kristin Better and Vanessa Better, and Amelia Better. But, as is the case with any form of learning: two steps forward, one step back. Coaching must continue if we are to reap the dividends and to achieve any lasting effect.
The Townsmen now have their eyes firmly fixed on again achieving the most improved chorus at the 2019 Ontario District Spring Convention and believe now more than ever that it’s within our grasp. Having recently held another highly successful guest night with potentially up to 20 new members joining our ranks, our plan is to continue seeking the support from our coaches throughout the fall, winter and into the spring to strike while the iron is hot. The Townsmen, leaders and singers alike, discovered this summer more about what they didn’t know. Knowledge is power! Indeed, but only if it’s acted upon!
If you are interested in engaging any of the coaches mentioned above, please e-mail trillium@ontariosings.com for contact info – the Kingston Townsmen are very happy customers!!