Barbershop-style singing was first introduced into the Valley in 1991 when a mixed chorus was founded under the directorship of Bill Branch.
The singers came mainly from the Evergreen Seniors’ Centre and were called the Clef Hangers; by 1996 they had grown to 40 members. They rehearsed twice a week and, benefiting from the great enthusiasm and skill of the musical director, the chorus was able to perform at many venues. This included seniors’ homes and care units, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Comox and Driftwood malls, the Florence Filberg Centre and other venues outside the Valley.
Their greatest thrill was being chosen to sing at GM Place in December 1995, singing both national anthems prior to a Vancouver Grizzlies basketball game.
In 1998, they were able to donate a park bench at the Courtenay Airpark walkway, and in 1999, they helped raise $3,000 for the extended care unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
It is difficult to describe not only their singing ability, which they will state was due to their very knowledgeable director, but also the hours of pleasure they gave to the Valley. Unfortunately, in 2001, Bill Branch had to retire.
In 2002, Doug Sly, a musical director from Parksville, formed another Valley chorus named the Forbidden Plateau Barbershop Men’s Chorus. Some 16 to 20 members kept this going until Sly retired in 2006.
During this time, the chorus performed at many venues, including singing in their own show at Sid Williams Theatre.
Another director, Connie Nickel from Campbell River, took over. As the numbers dwindled, she introduced ladies to the chorus. A quartet was later formed, which sang at many local functions such as Comox Nautical Days, Relay for Life, RCMP Musical Ride, Valentine Days, and with the chorus, performed at many other Valley venues.
During the past four years, the chorus and quartet have been able to raise some $6,000, which has been used annually for the testing of prostate cancer. While still entertaining, they hope to be able to continue raising money for this worthy cause.
The director is retiring at the end of March this year, and it is hoped that another person will volunteer to take over, enabling barbershop singing to continue in the Valley.
At present, they rehearse on Monday evenings from 7 to 9:30 p.m. in the cancer building in Courtenay. They are also always looking for new faces to join.
For more information, call 250-890-0551.
