On September 25, 2002, 256 young men from 11 different St. Louis area high schools participated in "A Cappella Explosion". The event’s purpose was to involve area students in singing and enjoying four-part harmony. It was sponsored by The Ambassadors of Harmony and Lindenwood University, and took place at the Lindenwood University Performing Arts Center.

Dr. Jim Henry directed the day, and several of The Ambassadors of Harmony participated as section leaders and support singers. The group spent the day learning three songs, including Ralph Vaughn Williams' arrangement of "Loch Lomond", "Bye Bye Love", and David Wright’s arrangement of "Hello, Mary Lou".

After a break for lunch and one more section rehearsal, the group enjoyed performances by Vocal Spectrum, a great new chapter quartet made up of Lindenwood students, the Lindenwood University Show Choir, and The Gas House Gang, all of whom repeatedly brought the guys to their feet applauding.

The group then sang the three new songs one last time before saying goodbye.

It was truly a great day for everyone, and will hopefully lead to many of the students pursuing their singing with greater excitement and dedication. We’re already hearing stories about some of the attendees wanting to hang around after school and sing barbershop harmony!

Click on Photos for Enlargements

Jim Henry Warm's 'em up!	Vocal Spectrum sings Demo	Baritone Section Rehearsal
		Madeleina McLaughlin tells the story of "Loch Lomond"
Parkway South Octet singing for Jim Henry	Lunch
Vocal Spectrum	Lindenwood Show Choir	The Gas House Gang