NEWS RELEASE
THE OVER TONES
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GUELPH - The Over Tones, Inc., a chapter of Harmony, Incorporated, a women’s a cappella singing organization, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary of active membership in Guelph, Ontario.
Two hundred people, including past and present members, their friends and families, and others whose lives have been touched by the chorus’ half century involvement in the Guelph area packed the Royal Canadian Legion, where they were treated to an afternoon of reminiscing and lively entertainment.
Among the guests at the event was Mayor Cam Guthrie, who had the audience in stitches as he proclaimed his own love for barbershop singing and proclaimed the chorus was “hired” to sing at council meetings.
“We always look forward to bringing barbershop harmony to the community,” says Amy Chop, president of the chorus.
In addition to selections performed by The Over Tones, Inc., guest performers included The Shades of Harmony (London, ON), The Sugartones (Alliston, ON), as well as quartets Shiraz, Bluebird, BaSINGa, What 4, and Just Jump, Area Five’s current quartet champions.
Another notable element of the celebration was a tribute to Win Andrews, a founding member of The Over Tones, Inc., whose 50 years as a member of the chorus, was acknowledged through a serenade by local men’s quartet, Page 4.
In addition, a short film was produced for The Over Tones, Inc. by Angus McLellan, local videographer and storyteller, which thrilled past and present members with its emphasis on the empowerment inherent in being a member of The Over Tones, Inc.
A link to the film is available on Facebook.
The Over Tones, Inc. was founded in January of 1966 by a ‘handful of girls’ who wanted to form a competitive barbershop chorus.
The group chartered on June 11, 1966 and has competed at every area and international contest since that time.
The Over Tones, Inc. recently earned first place in their regional competition and qualified for a spot at Harmony, Inc.’s international competition in Providence, Rhode Island later this year.
The chorus consists of women from a wide range of musical backgrounds under the direction of J.J. Piccolotto.
In addition to singing traditional barbershop music from the 40s and 50s, today’s barbershop harmony singers put their own spin on contemporary songs.
The Over Tones, Inc. rehearses from 7 to 10 p.m. on Mondays at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre, 5420 Hwy 6 North Guelph, ON.
For more information, contact The Over Tones, Inc. at [email protected]
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