In Perfect Harmony
The Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus Celebrates 35th Anniversary
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Photo courtesy of Gina Zimmerman
The Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus have been entertaining audiences for 35 years. The group performs for many events, including for nursing homes, retirement communities, public venues like the Oaks Mall at Christmas, and the Downtown Plaza.
Determination, hard work, laughter, friends and plenty of song. With these traits working in perfect harmony, it is no wonder The Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus has stood the test of time, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.
The Chorus educates and performs in one of the oldest forms of American music -- four-part harmony, sometimes known as "barbershop style." Men began the first barbershop quartets in the late 19th century, but it was not long after when women realized they too were suited for this simple and classic type of song. "Sweet Adelines," was born in Tulsa, Okla., taking its name from the title of a favorite song of men's barbershop. Nowadays, Sweet Adelines International has some 600 choruses around the world.
The Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus carries on the simple tradition of lead, baritone, bass and tenor with women ranging in age from early 20s to late 60s and 70s. It is the perfect mix of hard work and fun, according to Lyn Gordon Trudeau, who joined the chorus in 1999.Business manager Sunny Shuping, 60, joined the group 13 years ago on the recommendation of a friend. She said she always loved to sing, and although she was not the best, the chorus welcomed her in. The rehearsals were also music lessons, and now she sings, "1,000 times better."
Although the group has "some of the best singers in this town," The Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus is open at all times of the year to females of varying ages and vocal skill level. Classes are even offered for beginning vocalists at the annual membership drive.
This is true for Stella Kim, 49, who joined last April after moving from South Korea. Brought to the group by team leader Mary Lou Merkner, 78, whom she met in church, Kim said she realized she faced some challenges at the beginning.
Growing up in South Korea, Kim was involved with a Catholic church choir and in traditional song and dance groups. Learning Christmas songs, which are familiar to most, took more practice and memorization. She said everyone in the chorus was extremely helpful, and she is always excited for Thursday evening rehearsals, singing much more confidently than before.
For those greatly gifted, the chorus also has two quartets, "Snapshot 2.0" and "The Clique," made up of regular chorus members who perform for special organizations and clubs. The entire chorus participates in a regional competition and has won many awards.
Those competitions make up some of the fondest memories of members of the group. For Cat Gowan, 22, the competitions are a time to travel and bond with the other members of the chorus. Although she is young, Gowan said she feels perfectly comfortable with the wide range of ages the chorus offers, and she would encourage others her age to join. She first joined her senior year of high school, returning this year to the group after finishing college.
Gowan said the whole southeast US comes together to compete in Florida. In the past, Orlando and Daytona Beach have hosted the event. A competition for the chorus involves "crazy makeup" and "huge hair," and typically some thematic element. A couple years ago, the women dressed as clowns. This year, the theme is reminiscent of the 1920s, but the costumes are not quite as extravagant, Gowan said. Every performance or concert offers upbeat, lighthearted and even silly songs, but the singing is high quality.
"We are a very dedicated group of women," Gowan said. "We have high standards, but we are a comforting and supportive group."
The Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus is a place for family and friends to delight in the simplicity of a cappella harmony and while making friends and supporting others. It gives baritone Melody Gromoll, 25, the opportunity to spend one night a week, "enjoying music and what barbershop has to offer," while singing like her grandmother did in Sweet Adelines. She said her grandmother used the chorus as something special for herself, as many of the members do. They get back to doing what they loved and lost the time for.
This holiday season the chorus is putting on a show titled, "Legends of Christmas," a performance to hear the harmony and learn the stories behind those many holiday traditions. It will be presented at Oak Hall School Cofrin Auditorium on December 12, at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $5 for children with their parents. Call 352-378-6837 for tickets. Additional information about the chorus can be found at www.gainesvillechorus.com. §
Jenan Eses is a student in UF's College of Journalism. She may be contacted through the editor.
