The theme for article submissions in this edition of the Maple Leaf Express is “Wasn’t That a Party!”, and Westcoast Harmony Chorus has news of a momentous celebration held earlier this month. 

Our beloved Joey Minshall, master director, master music arranger, lifetime member of Westcoast Harmony Chorus and certified music therapist is celebrating her 50th year as a Sweet Adeline. We couldn’t let this milestone go by without marking the occasion and surprising Joey in the best way. 

Under the guise of needing to work on an arrangement, Westcoast Director Anne Downton asked Joey to join her in a Zoom meeting. When Joey signed on, dozens of friends and wellwishers from around the world raised a ruckus, all clamouring to wish her a happy 50th anniversary in the noisiest fashion possible. 

 At that same time, Bev Hunter, a Westcoast VIP, arrived at Joey’s home with flowers and congratulatory hugs from those on Zoom.  

Participants spent a delightful evening together, sharing Joey stories and conveying heartfelt messages of gratitude. The crowning moment was a video full of photos of Joey and messages from Sweet Adelines friends and many choruses that Joey has worked with over the years. The soundtrack for the video featured recordings of some of Joey’s arrangements performed by choruses in Vancouver, Toronto, and Geelong, Australia.  

Anne Downton, who emceed the event, said to Joey on behalf of everyone, “There aren’t enough superlatives to describe your brilliance, your musicianship, your leadership, your talent, and your servant heart. You have shaped the lives of so many musicians around the world, and I consider myself lucky to be one of them. I know I would not be who I am today, and WHC would not be the chorus it’s meant to be, without you.” 

Many thanks to Shayna Steeves and Anne Downton of Westcoast for spearheading the video project and to Susan Field for producing it. Click here if you’d like to see the video.  

Joey, we love you. Thank you for sharing your immense talents with us. Thank you for being a mentor, a coach and a cheerleader to so many musicians. And thank you for your gift of friendship.  

Congratulations, Joey Minshall, on your 50th anniversary as a member of Sweet Adelines!  

Joanne Lacroix 

Communications coordinator 

Westcoast Harmony Chorus