Alliance was in Perth to judge the AAMBS Western Region Quartet Contest and to perform in the showcase concert this past weekend (8-9 May 2010).
The weekend began with us having a few hours rehearsal on Thursday and Friday nights. After the national contest in September last year, Alliance have been excited to start working on some new repertoire, leading to recording a second CD later this year.
Paul Roussell was scheduled to be the Music Category judge but had to withdraw at the last minute. Alliance tenor and AAMBS Chairman of Judges Ian Mulholland was available to step in, joining Richard (Presentation Category) and Dan (Singing Category). Alliance’s lead, Adrian (also a Presentation judge) participated as a competitor with “Guys & Dolls”, a mixed quartet, singing baritone.
We were impressed by the high standard and special mention must go to iCappella (Ladies Open Champion Quartet) for their stunning performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”; Petit Fours (Ladies Youth Champion Quartet); and Nexus (Men’s Open Champion Quartet). The boys from Nexus caused quite a stir by revealing a new quartet line-up with Alex switching to tenor, Ash to lead, Gordon to baritone and Ali remaining as solid as ever on bass. Everyone agreed that the re-voicing has taken them to a new level. Good job boys.
The Saturday evening show saw Vocal Evolution and Alliance join the medal winners from the contest plus hosts West Coast Chordsmen and visiting barbershoppers from South Australia – a true Western Region event! An excellent audience of around 400 filled the venue in Perth’s CBD. Alliance was very well received, singing “Good Luck Charm”, “What Kind of Fool Am I”, and “Love/Eyes Medley”. As always it was a thrill and a pleasure to perform as the current AAMBS champion quartet in front of a knowledgeable and warm audience. We were really touched by the thanks and gifts from Pender Pedler, President of the Westcoast Chordsmen, for appearing in the show.
We finished off the weekend with more rehearsal on the Sunday including recording ourselves to track our progress.
Alliance is now looking forward to shows and workshops in Hobart on May 29/30 and the Gold Coast on June 19 before linking up with long time coach and friend, Eddie Martinez from the USA, in Perth later in June.
