Montreal City Voices
(formerly The Montreal Chapter of Harmony, Inc.)
Our Roots...
Harmony, Inc., an organization promoting 4-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style, was founded in 1959 with initially 5 chapters in Orillia, Ont., Chicago, IL, Burlington, VT, North Adams, MA and Providence, RI. The following year, on June 4th, 1960, under the name of The Happy Tones, the Montreal Chapter with only 12 members, received its charter. In 1987 "The Happy Tones" was changed to Montreal Chapter, Harmony, Inc. In 2005, the chorus once again voted on a name change, this time to Montreal City Voices.
In the early years our members were very active in helping Harmony, Inc. to grow. Two of our charter members, Marg Tait and Ilene Findlay, served as Presidents on the International Board. Other members also held various positions including Daphne Everett who was International Historian and Catherine Kelly who served in various offices. When Harmony, Inc. grew, it was necessary to form Areas and several of our members served on the Area 2 Board. Harry Findlay, Ilene's husband, was the one who suggested the idea of an International Chorus which is still a popular event at Convention every year.
The Chapter has hosted two International Conventions-in 1961 and 1973- and many Area Contests, the last one in April, 2004 at the Laval Four Points Sheraton. They have also won awards for the Bulletin Contest, top honours for their History Book, a trophy for the Most Improved Chorus in 1974 and 4th place at International in 1990, under the direction of Linda Janes.
Entertaining at various events over the years in Montreal, including opening an Expos baseball game singing the American and Canadian Nationals Anthems, has kept the chorus busy. They have also held many fundraisers as a means to help chorus members attend Contests and Conventions.
Montreal City Voices is a part of an International non-profit organization. A warm welcome has always been extended to visitors and guests.
Their membership is currently made of women of all ages and represent a variety of backgrounds, nationalities, races and creeds. They truly believe in their motto "A Blend With Friendship."