Vancouver Men's Chorus Memories I created this "web scrapbook" from my collection of photos and memories of my fun times with the VMC. This is a personal web page, not VMC's. It covers the earliest years of the Vancouver Men's Chorus from its inception in mid 1981 until late 1983. I hope it helps early members remember the fun times we had. 2021 is the 40th Anniversary of the V.M.C. Happy Anniversary!!!! Web page created by Bill Bader. Email: billbader@hotmail.com VMC's first concert was a Christmas concert at the West End Community Centre, December 14, 1981 and repeated December 16, titled "Christmas '81". "Christmas '81" song list: A Child Is Born In Bethlehem (I was honored that Willi chose my arrangement to be the very first song VMC performed in public. Thanks, Willi !) God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Hodie Christus Natus Est Once In Royal David's City Carol Of The Bells Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming Coventry Carol Joy To The World Eternal Father There was a second event during Christmas Season 1981. It was on December 20 in the church where we practiced, First United Church, 320 East Hastings. We were invited to perform as part of a worship service. We offered 9 songs. Here is the program:

Let's take it back BEFORE the first performances. I took this photo on sign-up day, the kickoff of the VMC. I think that was in late May 1981 (but possibly June) based on my collection of chorus rosters and how they were numbered and dated. Sign-up took place upstairs at the Shaggy Horse. The date that the VMC became an official entity as a non-profit society was 12 November 1981, the date we signed the Certificate of Incorporation. I was privileged to have my signature on that document.

A candid shot at one of our early rehearsals

VMC Retreat, Sunshine Coast: Full chorus in rehearsal

VMC Retreat, Sunshine Coast: Baritone/Bass sectional practice

Our third performance/second concert was in North Vancouver's Centennial Theatre on June 5 & 6, 1982.

Here are SOME of the songs we performed (personal favorites): "All Through The Night" "If I Loved You" "June is Bustin' Out All Over" "All The Things You Are" "Lili Marlene" "We Kiss In the Shadow" "Stouthearted Men"

Our next concert was another Christmas season concert, but with Broadway and Disney tunes -- much lighter, more fun to perform, and better received than "Christmas '81". There were two performances, December 19 & 20, 1982, again at the Centennial Theatre.

Here are my favorite songs from that event: "Great Day" "Give My Regards To Broadway" "It's a Grand Night For Singing" "When You Wish Upon A Star" "I'm Wishing" / "Some Day My Prince Will Come" "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" / "So This Is Love" "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" "Java Jive" "Alexander's Ragtime Band"

On Sep. 17, 1983 we tried something really different... a cabaret concert where we sat at tables with audience members and friends, then went on stage to sing. It was an amazing night with a terrific program of classic songs from the 1930s and 1940s.

I wish I could remember all the songs, because they were all great. (Feel free to email me the rest.): "Sentimental Journey" "On The Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe" "Let's Do It" "Chattanooga Choo Choo" "Begin the Beguine" "Embraceable You" "Over The Rainbow"

Our SOCIAL COMMITTEE was very active and crucial to building camaraderie in the getting-to-know-each-other stage. As Social Committee chairman, I was really pleased with the response to our efforts, from the smallest parties to our giant fundraisers. The most successful fund-raisers we came up with were the hugely popular Halloween Parties and Chorus Cruises on The Brittania, two events which always sold out quickly. Team building was accomplished with in-house socials like the Pink Party at the Pavilion and Talent Night.

The Pink Party at the Pavilion - host Bill Bader on the right

The Halloween Party at the Lotus Hotel the first year led to the hugely popular annual Halloween Party at the Aquarium. Fantastic costumes!

	Christmas Social in Port Moody		Bowling Party at the Commodore Lanes

Vancouver Mens Chorus marching in the 1981 (?) Pride Parade

Our first out-of-town and first international concert was at "GALA" in San Francisco. This was a huge gathering of gay choruses from across North America - the first mass performance of its kind. It was held in conjunction with the first Gay Games in September 1982. "GALA" stands for The Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses. This event led to the permanent establishment of the GALA Choruses Network.

Belcarra Concert - 1982 or 1983? This was our first outdoor concert.

Timeline of the early years of the Vancouver Mens Chorus 1981     May or June - Sign-up at the Shaggy Horse     Summer - Rehearsals: Mel E was our rehearsal leader. Alan M was "arranger/pianist".         July's "Roster #3" showed 56 members (41 singers plus 15 auxilliary members)         Our 1st social was a picnic in Stanley Park.     Autumn - Rehearsals at First United Church (320 E Hastings), getting organized, and getting to know one another.         By September we had 141 members! and VMC had quickly become one of Vancouver's largest organizations.         Ernest N was shown as "Director" on the roster, but he didn't register in my memory bank.         Mel E was listed as "Assistant Director". Mel directed the rehearsals that I remember.         An Executive Committee was formed, made up of the chairs of the committees:                 Ron (Board), Jeff (Costumes), Gary (Fundraising), Larry (membership), Kevin (Public Relations), Bob (Library), and Bill (Social).     October - Willi Z was hired as our official director/conductor. Willi had been a member of the Bass section.     Oct. 31 - Our 1st annual Halloween Party at the Lotus Hotel.             500 people attended, making it obvious we would have to re-locate the following year. Luckily, the Aquarium agreed.     Nov. 12 - VMC was officially incorporated under the Society Act.     Dec. 14 & 16 - Christmas Concert, the chorus' first concert. Location: West End Community Centre auditorium     Dec. 20 - The VMC sang as part of the Christmas services at First United Church, 320 E. Hastings 1982     All year the membership numbers remained in the 120s to 140s with a high of 145 (including 25-30 non-singers/auxilliary.)     Feb. 12 - Pink Party at the Pavilion     Apr.16-18 - Retreat #1     June 5 & 6 - Concert at Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver     July 25 - Chorus Cruise on the Brittania. We sailed up Burrand Inlet to the head of Indian Arm.     Sep. 2-5 - The VMC flew to San Francisco to be part of "GALA", the second National Choral Conference and West Coast Choral Festival.     Sep. 6 - VMC concert in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency, Embarcadero Center, San Francisco     Unknown 1982 dates of these socials:         Pajama Party (a.k.a. Slumber Party), Brunch at Yours and Mine, Ice Skating at the West End C.C., Bowling at the Commodore.     Oct.29 - Halloween Party at the Aquarium     Nov. 5-7 - Retreat #2     Dec. 19 & 20 - "Christmas 1982" concert at Centennial Theatre 1983     Mar.19 - Chorus Sing-Along     Apr. 24 - Talent Night at Someplace Else Restaurant     May 21 - Hoedown at Saddle Tramps     May 27 - Concert at St. Andrews United Church     June 18 - Scavenger Hunt through the West End followed by a dance at the West End C.C.     July 24 - 2nd annual Chorus Cruise on the Brittania     Sep. 17 - "Sentimental Journey" cabaret concert at the Greek Center Assembling this page brought back a lot of good memories for me. I hope viewing it did the same for you. - Bill Bader

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© 2021 Bill Bader. Contents and images are not in the public domain. Contents: Vancouver Mens Chorus, VMC, memories, history, photos, early concerts, performances, events, socials, parties, Vancouver gay history, 1980s, 1981, 1982, 1983