When the South Shore’s Seaside A Cappella chorus went to Ireland last month, as the only Canadians to compete in the International Association of Barbershop Singers Convention and Contest in Killarney, Ireland, they won gold—and an avalanche of well-deserved acclaim.
But despite all the hard work it took to achieve that win, and the justifiable delight the 65 members take in it, they will tell you that’s not the most valuable thing they get from being part of their women’s chorus.
The thing they most value, says Judy Comeau, the group’s founder and director, is “being part of such
an incredible sisterhood.” After 58 years in four-part barbershop genre music— singing, directing, teaching and coaching, and founding five choruses—Comeau says Seaside A Cappella, which she founded in 2017, is the “most extraordinary”group she’s ever been part of. She says the members’ work ethic, willingness to take direction, and devotion to music and each other are the keys.
Yvonne Rafuse, the group’s first elected president and head of the visual presentation team, says the
members “all join because they love to sing,” but the performance aspect is often a challenge: “We
watch videos, practice in the mirror, perform for one another— and kindly critique each other.”
That focus on constantly refining performance through practice, goal setting, and high- level coaching from Comeau and the rest of the team doesn’t just improve the chorus’ musical performance, the members say, but also carries over into other things.
“It has given me an extra measure of confidence,” says Heather Lockhart. Barbara Pate agrees: “Along
with the joy of singing, this chorus offers leadership development.” Above all else, the women
agree, Seaside A Cappella is about being part of a team, because singing well in four-part harmony
demands teamwork at the highest level.
Michelle Tipert, who selects a member for the group’s annual Spirit Award, says that kind of high-level teamwork requires everyone to bring their best: “I was writing down who stood out in different ways—and I had something written down beside every single name.”
“The members pour everything into the group,” says newcomer Leslie Haughn, who is just about to become a full member. “And everyone gets so much back from that.”
Betty Rhodenizer, at 93 the oldest member of the group, agrees. “This group has changed my
life,” she says. “As our director, Judy expects perfection, and I love her for it—and she is the
most perfect director.”
Comeau says the chrous is her passion. “I want to give people the same opportunity to grow that
this type of music has given me.”
Seaside A Cappella in their winning performance in Ireland.
Chorus competition doesn’t come cheap
In addition to dedication and teamwork, a competitive chorus needs cash.
“With the rights to use the music and buy learning tracks, every one song costs just over
$500,” says Judy Comeau, Seaside A Cappella’s founder and director.
Add in the cost of guest coaches, other development, clothing, registration in competitions,
and travel, and the expenses really add up. In addition to business donations, grants and
personal donations—for which tax receipts can be issued—the group fundraises all year
round through paid performances, custom birthday greetings on video, craft and bake
sales, and more.
One of the most important fundraisers is their popular annual show, this year on
November 16 at the Park View Education Centre in Bridgewater. Tickets are available at
seasideacappella.com.
There is also a four-session workshop on singing holiday music. For more information,
email jcomeau2000@gmail.com.
Judy Comeau and Yvonne Rafuse stress that these costs are essential to being able
to develop and maintain a high-level competitive chorus. Without those investments, “we
wouldn’t have brought home a gold medal from Ireland,” says Comeau.