May-Jun 2005

Reprint from “The Masters Voice” Masters Of Harmony Newsletter

By Dave Briner

A Community of Champions
Masters of Harmony and Harborlites create musical synergy

What’s the big deal?
Harborlites Chorus (HL) based in Anaheim, California, won the international championship of Sweet Adelines International (SAI) at their most recent convention, October 2004, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Pam Pieson has been their music director since 1993. The Masters of Harmony (MOH) chorus, based in Santa Fe Springs, California, has won the international championship of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) five times, most recently in July, 2002, in Portland, Oregon. Mark Hale has been our music director since 2000. How is it that these two choruses, who rehearse less than 15 miles from each other, have both achieved this coveted status? Is it an accident, a coincidence, something in the water? Certainly each chorus earned their respective titles because of the talent and dedication of their own members, but I believe that geographical proximity played a role as well

Synergy
My dictionary defines synergy as the combined action of two entities that increases each other’s effectiveness – cooperatively working together. I know of two other major cities (Chicago and Dallas) that have produced international championship choruses of both Societies (SAI and BHS), but I believe that the synergy between HL and MOH is unique. Certainly one factor is familial relationships – nine married couples have both spouses as members of these choruses, and one Master has a daughter who sings with HL. This obviously increases mutual awareness of each other’s activities and motivates mutual support and assistance. But beyond families, there is a close friendship between the musical and administrative leadership of both choruses. These ties are facilitated by mutual respect, a common interest in advancement of the barbershop harmony art form, and common artistic goals. Following are examples of specific areas in which we help each other.

Guest appearances
MOH has been a guest chorus on three HL shows, and HL has been a guest chorus on two MOH shows. Pam Pieson has been a guest soloist with the Masters at least 15 times, on self-produced shows, paid gigs, and BHS conventions. In addition to local venues, Pam has appeared with MOH in Indianapolis, Indiana and Killarney, Ireland.

A highlight of the last two MOH Christmas shows has been the finale, in which the two choruses combined to perform three numbers. For these, Mark and Pam split the directing responsibilities.

Coaching
Jeff Baker (MOH), baritone of Nightlife, has been a long-time coach of HL, and was a vital contributor to their championship victory last fall. (Of course the fact that his wife Patty was HL President may have provided additional inspiration!). Mark Hale has also worked with their chorus. Pam Pieson and Dawn Texeira (HL) have frequently coached MOH, primarily in the area of visual presentation. They have also assisted MOH in conducting front row auditions.

A particular boon is Erin Howden, principal choreographer for both choruses and a tree-time gold medalist herself with the Toronto North Metro Chorus, who visits us from her home in Toronto, Canada. We try to schedule sessions with Erin so that she can spend time with both choruses on the same trip.

Other artistic help
Doug Maddox, MOH production director, frequently helps HL plan their shows and serves as stage manager on show nights. Dave Briner (MOH), whose wife, Sally, sings with HL, has been called upon to write custom arrangements for both choruses.

Logistic support
The two choruses have shared use of their risers as well as rehearsal venues, for weekend rehearsals and retreats. Harborlites is especially appreciative of the contributions of Ron Perry (MOH) in this regard. MOH’s wooden risers, which we use for recording sessions (for acoustic reasons), will probably be used for the HL upcoming recording sessions, and the choruses are discussing options for MOH riser storage.

Directors’ comments
Mark Hale says, “I’m very happy with the way our relationship has developed over the past several years, and I anticipate it will continue and become stronger in the future. I have enjoyed the camaraderie with Harborlites, and have become good friends with much of their leadership. It’s really nice to have BHS and SAI championship choruses in such close proximity”. [Editor’s note: If MOH wins this year in Salt Lake City, the two choruses will simultaneously be current chaps for three months (July-Oct).]

Pam Pieson states, “On a personal level, I have enjoyed the privilege of observing the workings of the MOH chorus at close range – essentially from the perspective of an insider. Starting with the early days with Dr. Greg Lyne as director, I learned a lot about directing skills simply by watching his amazing technique. This learning laboratory has continued to benefit me through the tenures of each director up to the present. Beyond directing technique, I learned from the chorus rehearsal routine and riser discipline. Observing how you prepare for contests was of particular value to me, and I could take these lessons back to Harborlites and apply them in our quest for musical excellence. I never went to a Masters rehearsal without getting something I felt I could apply to my chorus.
“As a group of individuals, the Masters always make me feel like a part of their family, whether I’m there to rehearse a song (as a soloist), direct the combined choruses, or simply visit and observe. I also feel the Harborlites chorus has developed the same kind of relationship with MOH as I have on a personal level”.


Conclusion
I’d like to beg the reader’s indulgence to allow me to step aside from the role of news reporter and make this personal. I have been an active participant in the MOH for 14 years (1989-2003), winning five gold medals, and I’m continuing my involvement as an emeritus member. My wife, Sally, started singing with Pam Pieson in 1987 (in Panache Quartet), who won the gold in 1990), and has been singing with HL ever since Pam started directing in 1993. I thus have a very strong bond with Pam as an individual and with both choruses, so it’s been a great source of pleasure for me to observe the artistic growth of HL as they played “catch up” with MOH. I think it’s fair to say that synergy played a big part in this adventure, and I look forward to its continuance. Aren’t we lucky to have each other?