For Immediate Release: Ambassadors of Harmony, UMSL Sponsor Young Men in Harmony Event - "Acappellooza!" 2005 - 9/27/2005


St. Louis area a cappella harmony received a big boost on September 27th with the holding of the annual "Acappellooza!" at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, on the UMSL campus. Sponsored by the University of Missouri, St. Louis and The Ambassadors of Harmony, and under the direction of Drs. Jim Henry and David Wright, over 400 young men from 18 local area high schools participated in a day of learning four-part harmony. Jim Henry is the head of Choral Studies at UMSL, and Director of The Ambassadors of Harmony, BHS International Champion Chorus. David Wright is the Associate Director and musical arranger for The Ambassadors, and is Chairman of the Mathematics Department at Washington University. Jim and David were assisted by section leaders Tim Waurick, Rich Knight, and Robert Ray.

This year's Acappellooza was the fourth such annual event, and has grown more successful each year. The young men were divided into four groups based on voice-part, (1st Tenor, 2nd Tenor or Lead, Baritone, Bass), and spent the day in learning two songs: "The Band Played On", arranged by Rob Hopkins, and "Sound Celebration", written and arranged by Tom Gentry. Rehearsal time was divided between section rehearsal and full chorus rehearsal, and Dr. Henry remarked that this, the largest group to attend such an event in St. Louis, was the most talented and most attentive to date. The group was treated at the end of the day to performances by The University Singers - UMSL's mixed chorale, The Naturals - UMSL's select choral group, Vocal Spectrum - International Finalist quartet, and The Ambassadors of Harmony. Dr. Henry directed both UMSL groups and the Ambassadors.

A photo review of this exciting day can be viewed at http://www.aoh.org/pics/acappellooza2005/index.htm

"Acappellooza!" events in St. Louis are part of a world-wide Young Men in Harmony (YMIH) program sponsored by the Barbershop Harmony Society. For more information about Young Men in Harmony events email RonGrooters@aoh.org. For more information about The Ambassadors of Harmony, other press releases,or their upcoming Holiday Show December 9-11, 2005, visit www.aoh.org .