St. Louis area a cappella harmony was once again given a shot in the arm 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 Dr's. Jim Henry and David Wright, over 380 young men from 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 Jonny Moroni, and other members of the International Champion Ambassadors of Harmony Chorus.

This year's Acappellooza was the fifth 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: "Hello Mary Lou", arranged by David Wright, and "O Come O Come Emmanuel", arranged by Andrew Hawryluk. Rehearsal time was divided between section rehearsal and full chorus rehearsal. The group was treated at the end of the day to performances by The University Singers - UMSL's mixed chorale, Vocal Point - UMSL's select choral group, and Vocal Spectrum - BHS International Champion quartet. Dr. Henry directed both UMSL groups.

A photo review of this exciting day can be viewed at http://www.aoh.org/pics/Acappellooza2006/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 8-10, 2006, visit www.aoh.org.

A second day of Acappellooza 2006 was held on September 27th, and was attended by over 400 young women from local area high schools. It took place under the Direction of Dr. Jim Henry, assisted by members of local chapters of Sweet Adelines International. Entertainment was provided by The University Singers and Vocal Point under Dr. Henry's direction, and by Poppularity, Sweet Adeline Region Five Third Place Quartet.

For More information about the Ambassadors of Harmony, visit www.aoh.org .