Westcoast Harmony Chorus

Westcoast kicked off Summer 2023 with a huge party-fundraiser in support of the Sharon Steeves Legacy Scholarship. We were so happy to be able to hold this event once again after a long but necessary pause for the pandemic. This scholarship honours longtime member Sharon Steeves and funds our young members under the age of 25.

Then came a well-earned summer rehearsal break of four weeks, quite a bit longer than usual for us. We’re back at it now, in full swing for the run-up to International 2024 in Kansas City, with new repertoire and big plans for coaching and ensemble performances to get us ready for the big stage. Our director, Anne Downton, is teaching us new skills and higher levels of old skills—the learning never stops, and we are so grateful to have her expertise at the helm at every rehearsal.

We were also able to revive our tradition of honouring our VIPs with a summer garden party. The VIP Group was the creation of Carol Poole many years ago. Carol felt that retired members who had sung with Westcoast for at least 10 years should be recognized for their contribution to the chorus, so she created the VIPs and hosted a party in her beautiful garden. Several dozen of us gathered in another garden in August, to induct a new VIP, sing, and share food and stories—but mostly to honour each other, our chorus, and the memory of Carol Poole.

Westcoast wishes Region 26 and all members a very good year as we return to what we love best—barbershop in all its forms.