About 1940, Max Magee formed the first town choral group, the Kinsmen Modern Choir. By 1944, the Hanover Musical Society Choir was in existence, directed first by Harry Mann and later by George Downs of Walkerton. From 1946 to 1953, Bill Hill directed the group, and presented May and Yuletide musicals in conjunction with the Musical Society Orchestra. These programs consisted of both sacred and secular music. Mrs. Ruth MacMicking of Hanover continued the tradition from 1953 to 1968. Alban Knechtel, Glen Crockford and Sam Beardsley also provided interim leadership.
The Hanover Little Theatre and the Hanover Musical Society Chorus combined to stage “Guys and Dolls” under the direction of Dr. Doug Hamilton, who led the choir during the 1970’s. Dr. Hamilton was also responsible for several operettas and musical comedies, including “Mame”, “H.M.S. Pinafore”, “Trial by Jury”, and various children’s shows.
In 1975, the Grey Bruce Singers was formed and Don Miller became director after Dr. Hamilton left. The Grey Bruce name acknowledged the fact that many of the choir members were from the surrounding areas. In 1982 and 1983, Willy Wilson (who continues to be a choir member) directed two concerts. Ruth Petersen, Dolores Paterson, Ada Eby, Glen Banks, Karen Burrow-Foote, and Betty Duncan all gave of their talents as accompanists through years.
The Grey Bruce Singers’ repertoire now includes modern, four-part harmony in both sacred and secular music. Since the fall of 1980, Dianne Leith has been the musical director and Chris Patterson has been the accompanist for the choir. With their expertise and musical talents, they present programs of “moments to remember” for choir members and audiences alike at their annual Christmas and Spring Concerts. At the Spring 2005 Concerts, through song and film, the choir celebrated the dedication and talent that Dianne and Chris have brought to the Grey Bruce Singers through the years.
In the summer of 2000, the choir was invited to be a part of “Unisong 2000”. Forty-seven members travelled to Ottawa, our nation’s capital, to help celebrate Canada Day and the new millennium with choirs from all across Canada. The highlight was the almost 2000 strong voices blending in harmony to a full house in the Ottawa Civic Centre on July 1st.
With this endeavour, the choir realized they really enjoyed travelling together and singing for a wider audience. In 2001, they were again invited to Ottawa to sing on July 1st, but this time on the centre stage at the Parliament Buildings where they performed, along with a number of Canada’s stars, for thousands of people.
A highlight for many choir members in 2002 was a 10-day trip to Scotland and England where they had the privilege of singing in St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh and Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury, along with performances in other venues in both countries. This was a unique experience that many will never forget.
The choir continues to reach out to others by singing at various churches, homecomings and events in the area to help organizations in fundraising and other efforts. In 2004 they entertained at the International Ploughing Match and in 2005 they participated in the Niagara International Music Festival. The Grey Bruce Singers continue to grow and look onward to even more opportunities to present their singing to audiences over the coming years.
Revised by Marg Poste,
Stage Manager & Choir Member, 2005
Written
by Diane Brown,
Choir Member,