Directorial Debut at the Annual Barbershop Harmony Show

BE AFRAID, BE VERY AFRAID – it’s PHANTOM OF THE BARBERSHOP, 63^rd annual show of the Kalamazoo Barbershop Harmony Society, on March 13, 2004 at 7:30 PM in Chenery Auditorium, featuring Kalamazoo Mall City Barbershop Chorus, several chapter quartets and a special guest quartet from Ohio - THE EXCHANGE.

This show is unusual as it marks the directorial debut of Chris Fenner, who has been directing the Chorus since last September. "The chorus has made great strides in musicianship over the last few months. The men have banded together and made a conscious effort to raise the standard of quality in the chorus. I think this will be the best show we've had in quite a while," says Chris Fenner.

Chorus has been working with another WMU School of Music graduate Elaine del Pilar, who developed choreography for the Chorus. "Elaine's input has been remarkable. I've never seen the guys perform this much choreography and so much fun doing it," says Chris Fenner. Elaine was singing with The Gold Company and choreographed several of their shows

Tickets for the show can be reserved over the phone at 345-7227 or at chapter’s web site http://barbershopharmony.org. Tickets are $12 for adults ($15 at the door), $10 for seniors and students.

Chris Fenner, 23, magna cum laude 2003 graduate from WMU School of Music, has been singing barbershop harmony since 15. He has been Assistant Director of Mall City Barbershop Chorus. For two consecutive years – 2000 and 2001 Chris was selected Barbershopper of the Year, the highest award the Chapter recognizes its most active member. He was elected Vice President of Music & Performance (2001-2002) in charge of scheduling performances, selecting music, vocal training. He produced and directed several shows for the chapter.

Kalamazoo Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society was formed in 1941. Mall City Barbershop Chorus and quartets perform at numerous festivals, fairs, shows, and functions in Greater Kalamazoo area, such as the New Year Fest, concerts in Bronson Park, Plainwell, Otsego, Allegan, summer worship services in local churches, senior citizen and charity functions and Christmas programs in addition to their annual show in Chenery Auditorium