To Sing or Not To Sing Is NEVER the Question

At the end of any given day, many of us yearn for a few relaxing moments in that cozy chair, with our feet up, reading a book or watching television. Whether attempting to meet the demands of a job, carpooling the kids or just trying to get through another day, most of us experience some sort of daily stress. What we all are finding in this 24/7 society, is that it is exceedingly difficult to “get away from it all” and find time to put life into perspective.

Women of the Harbor City Music Company Show Chorus (HCMC or “the Company”) choose to spend many of their evenings releasing their stress and finding that “perspective” through music and performance. Stress experts encourage people to breathe deeply and use visualization to help them find peace or release. Singing and/or music, which requires managed breath control and using the non-analytical part of your brain, is an excellent way to release the “negatives” of your day. By becoming immersed in a song or performance, your mind is forced to take a break from your worries. Staying active also helps to reduce stress, particularly when done in moderation and that’s always a part of a Harbor City rehearsal or performance. HCMC members contend that their special blend of music helps them to escape the everyday hassles and immediately

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transports them into a peaceful, almost blissful state. This group of women, whose youngest member is 20 (the elder members chose not to release their age and suggest that they are over 39) cherish every moment of their time together learning new music, honing their individual singing skills and enjoying their many friendships.

Their special blend of music, or “barbershop—with flair,” is a mixture of exciting songs from the ‘30’s to the ‘90’s including: pop, blues, Broadway, classics and jazz. They’ve been known to put together show packages and dress the entire chorus like orphans or better yet, CATS. No idea is a stupid idea with this talented group. Some of the added “flair” comes with specially arranged music by their director, Michael Gellert. Michael is known internationally for his arrangements, many of which are sung by Sweet Adeline Championship Quartets.

Mothers and Daughters in Harmony

Imagine being able to sing and perform with your best friend? It’s not a foreign concept at “the Company,” where two mother-daughter combo’s and a mother- and daughter-in-law are singing together. Members comment that it’s “endearing to watch.” Not only do the duo’s share in the joy of singing, but they are able to spend time together while learning dance moves, going on trips, preparing for shows and competitions.

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Elizabeth and Dawn Baker hail from Baltimore, Maryland and have been with the chorus for less then a year. In that short period of time, they’ve competed on International and Regional Stage, with Elizabeth singing and dancing on the front row. Often, you’ll find #1 fan, Howard (husband and dad), providing the transportation, taking pictures to document their adventures or cheering them on during a rehearsal or performance. Think about this—it’s definitely a mother-daughter hobby, yet dad’s at their side lending support. What a concept in today’s society!

Then, there’s the Lori Bader (Severna Park) and Gale Lewis (Annapolis) duo. They’ve been sharing this hobby for nearly 20 years and don’t show any signs of giving it up! Lori, another front row dancer, recently gave birth and danced with the chorus up to five days prior to the delivery of her new son. Talk about commitment! In addition to both of them being talented, faithful members, they are also part of the costume team and can be found in front of a sewing machine designing or “tweaking” an outfit. Lori’s mom, Gale, has said that in addition to loving her “extended family” in the chorus, she cherishes the ride to and from rehearsals and performances, so that she can catch up with her daughter and her new family activities.

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“The Company” can be seen at their upcoming performances…

Wednesday, May 18^th, 2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m., Flower Festival – Mt. Vernon, Stage D, Baltimore City, MD. (Rain Date: May 19^th)

Sunday, June 12^th, 6:00 p.m. Lurman Woodland Theater, Catonsville, MD

Wednesday, June 8^th, 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Baltimore County Department of Aging, Senior Picnic, Merritt Park, Baltimore, MD

Wednesday, July 13^th, Barbershop Appreciation Day, Baltimore & Annapolis

Tuesday, August 2^nd, 7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Historic Oakland Town Center’s National Night Out Ice Cream Social, 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, MD.

Saturday, September 10^th, 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m., Chesapeake Center for the Creative Arts, Brooklyn, MD

Harbor City Music Company is an all woman’s a capella barbershop chorus. HCMC has competed numerous times in Sweet Adeline’s International competitions and recently won first place, mid-size chorus at the Regional Competition in Ocean City. Women from all over the state of Maryland and Virginia join together to sing with this dedicated, talented group. Harbor City Music Company rehearses Wednesday nights at 7:24 pm at the Chesapeake Center for the Creative Arts in Brooklyn, Maryland. For more information about “the Company,” call 800-856-9868 us or visit us on our website at www.harborcitymusiccompany.org