Harmony Explosion

I have not yet become "riser-qualified" with The Vocal Majority Chorus (that is, certified as to sufficient learning, vocal and choreographic, to perform with the group in public), but I think I'm getting close. It may even happen this week. BUT, I have to say, as anxious as I've been to perform, last Saturday night made me almost glad -- almost -- that I have not yet qualified. VM performed at the closing night of the Harmony Explosion Camp, a 3-day music camp for teens sponsored by the Southwestern District of the Barbershop Harmony Society. If I'd qualified in time, I would have performed with the group. As it was, I got to do something I'd never done before -- be in the audience for a VM performance! That's right, although I've heard the group on the radio, seen them on TV, and even been backstage a their shows, until Saturday night I'd never just sat in the audience to hear them perform!

I can't begin to tell you how awesome the group is. They performed a 30-minute set, and every song was moving, entertaining, and technically amazing. They garnered three well-earned standing ovations before reaching their last song! And their encore -- Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho -- was goosebump-inducing. I was getting misty-eyed at the amazing-ness (if that's a word) of it all. Hard to believe I'll be up there with them (soon? eventually? maybe?)!

There are several VM videos on YouTube if you want to see them perform -- even Joshua -- but nothing compares to seeing them in person. Make every effort to see them in concert some time soon -- you won't regret it! (Upcoming dates: Denver in July -- VM is performing a couple of times at the Barbershop Harmony Society international convention in Denver this coming July 2-8 -- I hope I'm with them then. Texas in September -- the VM Fall series of shows, titled "Deep In The Heart of Texas," will be held September 21 & 22. Details for all of this and more are on the VM website.)

As awesome as VM was on Saturday night, I can't fail to mention the Harmony Explosion Chorus, the 65 or so teenage guys that attended the camp. They closed the show with a set of six songs of their own. For a group that had only been together for less than three days, they were amazing, and in their own way, just as entertaining as VM. Oh, sure, they were far from technically perfect, but their performance was energetic, passionate, and a heck of a lot of fun. (I'm still smiling about their closer, "Zombie Jamboree." I'd smile more if I could get the tune out of my head!) All in all, a tremendously entertaining evening.