Holiday Chorus Concert - November 30, 2023
At the beginning of November, the chorus welcomed 15 enthusiastic women who took up our invitation to come out and learn some Holiday songs with us in four-part harmony. We were excited that several women chose to join each of the harmony parts, as well as several choosing to sing the lead or melody part. After four rehearsal evenings, we put on a performance featuring the Toronto Accolades and highlighting this year's "Holiday Chorus". Special guest performers were the North Toronto Songbirds children's choir and two terrific quartets -- brand new Belles and Whistles and Silver Medalists in this year's Ontario Men's Competition, Constructive Criticism. The venue at Earl Bales Community Centre was filled to capacity by an enthusiastic audience of friends and family of chorus members and our special holiday chorus singers.
Area Contest and Convention - May 26 to 28, 2023
The End of May brought our annual Area 5 Contest and Convention, held at the Sheraton North Toronto at Hwy 7 and Hwy 404. After an evening watching the Quartet Competition, which included several mixed quartets this year, we were eager to compete in the Chorus Contest the following day. Our chorus included four new members to the Accolades, one of whom was completely new to barbershop. We were pleased that we were able to take what we had learned and rehearsed and deliver it on the contest stage. Later that evening, we gathered in the Grand Ballroom for dinner and entertainment, glamorously dressed according to the evening's theme of "A Night On The Red Carpet".
Installation and Coaching Day - May 6, 2023
The Accolades took time out during a pre-contest coaching day to recognize their outgoing Board of Directors and welcome their new Board in our annual Installation Ceremony. Jane Drummond, a 47 year member of the Toronto Accolades, represented the members during the ceremony, while Marilyn Cappuccitti returned to act as our Installing Officer. Marilyn, who was a 42 year member of the chorus, is still a life member, helps out at chorus events, and continues to host our annual June pool parties! Besides the installation of the new Board, certificates were given out for years of membership and Gail Connor received her 45 year certificate. We also recognized our four new members who have joined the chorus this year. The celebration was not complete until Fatima served her homemade cake, a work of art that tasted as good as it looked.
