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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1996 THE GEORGETOWN GEMINI Barbershoppers keep the Hills alive with the sound of music BY JAMIE HARRISON The Georgetown Gemini The Royal City Ambassadors are interested in co-opting you for some harmonic con- vergence. Based in Guelph, the col- lective of barbershop singers has found that nearly 15 per cent of the group's member- ship hails from Halton Hills. The Halton connection has enabled the group to spread the word about barbershopping around Georgetown, performing shows in the area, satisfying residents that even as a small town grows, it can still hold on to some of its quaint his- tory. Paul Tamblyn, science teacher at Acton High School, stumbled upon the Ambassa- dors as they practised one evening at Acton High. "I was working (at the school) late one night. As I walked down the concourse, I could hear the music com- ing from the auditorium, so I walked in to see. One teacher suggested I join. "Tt has probably been one of the events in my life that has made the greatest posi- tive change for me, both per- sonally and for the school," Tamblyn said of joining the group in 1989. Don Lindsay has found a way to combine his love of barbershop singing with working with his daughter, Cheri Lindsay, of Cheri Lindsay's Dance Studio fame. "We do it as a hobby and to have a helluva lot of fun," the senior Lindsay said. Lindsay came to the group 15 years ago when his previ- ous singing group, The Choraliers, folded. At the time, The Choraliers were very popular, having per- formed at Expo °67 in Mon- treal. Over the past few years members of the Royal City Ambassadors have broken off into smaller quartets to per- form at more intimate gath- erings, such as singing Christ- mas carols at the Georget- own Marketplace, at the Acton Legion Hall and at celebrations like Acton's Citizen of the Year ceremo- nies. They all agreed one of the most satisfying aspects of performing is seeing the re- action of their audience. In some cases though, this is not easy, especially when per- forming in homes for the eld- erly, where many of the resi- dents suffer from debilitat- ing diseases such as Alzheimer's. Tamblyn recalled one in- cident when he and members of his quartet played at a sen- iors' home, visiting the room of a man reported to be in a vegetative state. "When we started singing, there was no response and we were sort of looking at one another, but GOODWILL AMBASSADORS: The Royal City Ambas- sadors have developed quite a following in Georgetown, largely due to the fact that Halton Hills supplies 15 per cent of the talent. (photo submitted) after a while we saw his fin- that some of these people are ger moving just a little bit," Tamblyn said. "Afterward the staff at the home said that was the first sign of life they had seen in him for years. "One of the things that happens at seniors' homes is quite sick. Once we start to sing, the heads come up, the fingers start to tap and they 'come to' for a while," 'Tamblyn said. "Music is the best com- municator in the world." Surf The Net North Halton's only dedicated internet provider. We offer professional customer service and support, free set up and installation with flexible payment options. DISKERS& i Discount CD's and Tapes WE NOW CARRY SKATEBOARDING @ | EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING E 130 Guelph Street, Georgetown 877-2868 i i $2.00 off gepghing in store with this ad i (min. $10.00 purchase) ee ee ee a | Correction In the Sept. 11 edition of The Gemini, it was errone- ously reported that the Acton Fall Fair was on the week- end of April 19-22. Of course the Fall Fair is in Septem- ber, from Sept. 20-22. The Gemini regrets the error. PERSONAL SECRETARIAL SERVICES To meet your Industrial, Commercial & Personal Needs GET CONNECTED with North Halton's Largest Internet Service provider! Test Drive The Internet Today SUPER GET CONNECTED PACKAGE 79.95 All internet Access Until MARCH 1997 (Up TO 30.Hours Each Month) Activation and Account Set Up All Necessary Software NO EXTRAS, NO HIDDEN FEES CALL 905 873 2602 NOW. GET CONNECTED WOW! Look At Our Low Monthly Rates: 7.95 15.00 25.00 10 hours per month 30 hours per month 100 hours per month Visit us on the NET: www.stn.net Letters ¢ Mail Merges Resumes ® Reports Proposals ¢ Personal Typing Forms ¢ Invoicing Correspondence 905 873 2602 CALL NOW PAT HATCH, 360 Guelph St., Georgetown Phone: 873-8240 Fax: 873-8239