Mayor and Council declare May 10/11 as “Celebration of Harmony Weekend” in CBRM

On April 23, 2024, The Cape Breton Chordsmen were invited to open that day’s Council session for the Cape Breton Regional Municipality with a four-part harmony a capella version of “O Canada”.

After the performance, Councillor Steve Gillespie introduced a proclamation that was unanimously accepted by Mayor Amanda McDougall-Merrill and Council:

PROCLAMATION

Celebration of Harmony Weekend

Whereas in 1969, a Barbershop chorus called the Novatones came to Cape Breton from Truro to sing for a charity fundraising event which caused a stir and some locals in Sydney decided it was time Cape Breton had a Barbershop chorus; and

Whereas Bill Anderson of CJCB TV promoted the first meeting of The Cape Breton Chordsmen which Ken Clark was its first musical director, and on March 20, 1972, the official charter document for the New Cape Breton chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society was signed; and

Whereas The Cape Breton Chordsmen chorus has always been made up of many moving parts, from one large chorus singing lead, tenor, bass and baritone, and some break off into quartets as well; and

Whereas from the beginning quartets like The Eastern Gentlemen (gold medalists), to the current award-winning quartet Quattro have represented the Chordsmen; and

Whereas The Cape Breton Chordsmen still regularly meet every Monday at 7 pm to sing and hold court and to welcome new singers at the United Heritage Church at 500 Charlotte St., Sydney.

Be it therefore resolved that CBRM Mayor Amanda M. McDougall-Merrill and Council proclaim Friday May 10th and Saturday May 11th, 2024, as “Celebration of Harmony Weekend” in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

Councillor – Steve Gillespie CBRM District #4

April 23, 2024