The Simcoe Gentlemen of Harmony returned victorious from the Ontario District Barbershop Competition in Belleville earlier this month.
The 34-member chorus won the provincial title, and one of four quartets they entered won in the novice division.
“The quartet of ours that won are called What Song Are We Singing,” said chorus member George Anger. “They were nervous but didn’t show it much on stage. They sang two pole cat songs – songs known by all barbershop choruses throughout the world – My Wild Irish Rose, and Sweet and Lovely.
Members of the winning novice quartet are Benjamin Jancewicz, Alan Daly, Les Komaromy, and Terry Pond.
The Simcoe Gentlemen of Harmony also were presented the trophy as the top performer in Plateau 3, while member John Deacon received the Sandy Bell Chapter Leader of the Year Award for his work at both the Simcoe Chapter and Ontario District level.
The Simcoe Gentlemen of Harmony has existed for over 50 years, and currently are directed by Derek Stevens, along with Robert Ross as assistant director.
“Our director has only been with us for a few years, and he decided that we were doing really well with these two songs,” Anger said. “’Let’s take them to provincial and see what we can do’, he said.
“It’s a lot of work to put in for six minutes on stage,” he noted. “But it’s worth it in the end.”
The men-only group sings every Tuesday evening at Old Windham Church in Simcoe.
“We would love for more guys to come out and join us,” said Anger. “We’d love to make it 50 (voices) again.”
The Simcoe Chapter draws members from London, Brantford and Niagara and performs at community fundraising events and special church services.