Summer 2003

Reprint from “Way Out West” Region 21 Newsletter

The Harborlites chorus is still flying high after the thrilling Regional Competition in Phoenix. We are excited and proud to be the Region 21 Champions and were honored to share the stage with so many skilled choruses. We would like to thank everyone who shared in our celebration.

And, speaking of thanks, as our fabulous director Pam Pieson pointed out from on stage, we never could have taken home the blue ribbons without the help of our coaches: Joni Bescos, Erin Howden, Jeff Baker, and Dale Syverson. They keep us on our toes and help each one of us to improve.

After that celebration Saturday night in Phoenix there wasn't much time to relax, though — we had a performance for the City of Anaheim the Monday after contest. Driving rain, a "flexible" stage, and sprawling mic cords aside, it was a great opportunity to share our love of barbershop with the leaders of our local community.

We also performed a "mini" chorus show at the Huntington Beach library at the end of May featuring the chorus and chapter quartets, headlined by Persuasion. The crowds — including local business and government V.I.P.s — enjoyed an evening of barbershop and desserts (a sweet combination, don't you agree?).

But wait, there's something else to celebrate! We are proud to be sending three Harborlites quartets to International Contest in Phoenix this Fall: Persuasion, Forefront (the 2003 Region 21 Novice Quartet Champions), and Portfolio. As we'll be mic testing for the chorus contest, we'll be there in force to cheer on all five (!) of the Region 21 quartet contestants — including Sparx and Sequel — as well as the Enchanted Mesa Show Chorus.

Our newly installed Board of Directors, headed by President Patty Cobb Baker, has set our goal for the year: to be audacious. We think it fits the style of our chorus and of Region 21. Let us know how we're doing!