Written by Jack Kile
The Oshkosh Alliance Youth Barbershop Chorus competed in the first annual International Youth in Harmony Festival/Contest in San Antonio, Texas on January 26, 2008. The event was held in conjunction with the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Midwinter Convention.
Back row left to right: Dan Jaworski, Dylan Brown, Mike Logeman, Eric Madaus, Jason Seiberlich, Gareth Junior, Matt Key, Charlie Bloom, Nick Gutierrez, Ben Jaworski, Max Singletary, Zach Thomas, Brian Key. Middle row left to right: Ben Albright, Lucas Thomas, Tyler Smith, Jon Lor, Josh Lyons, Cain Newby, Pat Stromme, Max Wesenberg, Jake Wesenberg, Jacob Oxley, Elliot Eckstein, Evan Norum. Front row left to right: Will Berendsen, Alex Berger, Ryan Lindenkugel, Steven Steinert, Ryan McGuire, Allen Mykel, Adam Marshall, Kevin Toddish, Eric Vanden Heuvel, John Simonson, Sam Schlaak. Not pictured: Seth Boyte, Nick Parsons, Sean Ciske
The chorus performed two contestable barbershop songs (“Back in Dixie Again,” and “May I Never Love Again”) and another a cappella number (“Bring Him Home” from Les Miserables). The chorus received an EXCELLENT RATING from the judges and a standing ovation from an appreciative audience. Other choruses participating were from Bellevue, Washington; West Paterson, New Jersey; Miami, Florida; San Marcos, Texas; and Wellington, New Zealand.
The unique chorus, which was created to participate in the Festival, included 39 young men ranging in age from 13-20 years with an average age of 16. The group consisted of current students and alumni from Oshkosh West High School and a few students from other area schools. The chorus included some youth with special needs who helped bring out the best in everyone.
Area schools were contacted through music educators and their students were invited to participate. The chorus had its organizational meeting September 8, 2007 and rehearsed at a church in Oshkosh on weekends. The primary organizer was Jacob Oxley, a college freshman and previous director of the Oshkosh West High School Barbershop Chorus. He received assistance from Seth Boyte, a high school senior, who is West’s current director.
While youth ran the chorus operation, the Oshkosh Winnebagoland Chapter provided logistical and financial support. Monies were raised through fundraisers, grants from foundations and donations, including some from barbershop groups. Thanks to the LOL District and to the Appleton (Fox Valleyaiers), Green Bay, Manitowoc, Plymouth, and Ripon Chapters for their financial support and also to the Harmony Foundation for paying the boys’ lodging and registration fees. Finally, a special thanks to James Estes, the Society’s Director of Student Activities, for organizing the event and to Dick Staedt, LOL’s Director of YIH, for his encouragement and support.
Fifty-four hours on the bus for the round trip to and from San Antonio was a bonding experience for the guys and chaperones as well. The chorus did everyone proud and represented themselves, their schools, and the barbershop hobby with class and distinction. The mentoring by the older youth to their younger counterparts was outstanding and there was great team chemistry. The memories of this remarkable barbershop experience will linger among these young men for a lifetime. It represented the best barbershopping has to offer and sent a message that the youth movement is alive and well.
The unique chorus, which was created to participate in the Festival, included 39 young men ranging in age from 13-20 years with an average age of 16. The group consisted of current students and alumni from Oshkosh West High School and a few students from other area schools. The chorus included some youth with special needs who helped bring out the best in everyone.
Area schools were contacted through music educators and their students were invited to participate. The chorus had its organizational meeting September 8, 2007 and rehearsed at a church in Oshkosh on weekends. The primary organizer was Jacob Oxley, a college freshman and previous director of the Oshkosh West High School Barbershop Chorus. He received assistance from Seth Boyte, a high school senior, who is West’s current director.
While youth ran the chorus operation, the Oshkosh Winnebagoland Chapter provided logistical and financial support. Monies were raised through fundraisers, grants from foundations and donations, including some from barbershop groups. Thanks to the LOL District and to the Appleton (Fox Valleyaiers), Green Bay, Manitowoc, Plymouth, and Ripon Chapters for their financial support and also to the Harmony Foundation for paying the boys’ lodging and registration fees. Finally, a special thanks to James Estes, the Society’s Director of Student Activities, for organizing the event and to Dick Staedt, LOL’s Director of YIH, for his encouragement and support.
Fifty-four hours on the bus for the round trip to and from San Antonio was a bonding experience for the guys and chaperones as well. The chorus did everyone proud and represented themselves, their schools, and the barbershop hobby with class and distinction. The mentoring by the older youth to their younger counterparts was outstanding and there was great team chemistry. The memories of this remarkable barbershop experience will linger among these young men for a lifetime. It represented the best barbershopping has to offer and sent a message that the youth movement is alive and well.
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