Letters & Testimonials

Here's a look at our mailbag!  People say the nicest things...

"A truly wonderful group of men who sing with "spirit" and TALENT!  If you have never heard them this is a must on your "bucket" list! I have been privileged to hear them many times on the American side in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. You can not listen to these gentlemen sing without getting teared up or lifted up! They have also given of their time to sing a few times at military funerals here. As a Disabled Veteran I want to say THANK YOU to this wonderful Chorus of Men who give so freely and sing from the heart.  God Bless you all and keep on singing guys!"

John Jobes

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

March 21, 2015

"Dear Bob and members,

"Another great year and a very successful show!  I have heard from various people that attended this year about what a wonderful and uplifting experience it was to have been there.  I am sorry that I had to miss it!

 

"I wanted to send along this letter to you and you in turn can advise your members, how appreciative we are for the generous donation once again to the Foundation, Speech Pathology Fund in the amount of $5,000.  The amount of hours and dedication that each of you continue to do each and every year not only to support us with your annual show but for all of the other charitable work that you do in the community, is truly amazing.

 

"We are very lucky in Sault Ste. Marie to have such caring and compassionate people such as the members of the Northland Barbershop Chorus.

 

"I hope that you received the copy of the full page Thank You ad that we ran again this year for all of our donations from groups and businessess over $5000 and that you get the chance to share it with your members. Thank you once again for your generosity and the support that you provide to those that have such challenging issues with their speech, swallowing and other speech disorders that require the hospital's care.  "Together We Make A Difference" and you can certainly extend that to your entire membership.

 

"I wish you all a great summer and look towards next year's show which I hope to attend."

Yours Truly,

David L. Shier - Development Officer

Sault Area Hospital Foundation

Sault Ste. Marie, ON

July 7, 2014

"Dear Bob,

"I had wanted to write to you and let you know how very much I loved the "North to Alaska" show!  And it was just as remarkable the second time at Soo Theatre.  The historical theme was wonderful (esp. for this northern rough-tough woodsy part of the world).  And adding to that all of Robert Service's poetry with such a good balance of hard reality and humor really made the show extra interesting.  And let's not forget the important part... all those voices of those great guys!  So thank you, THANK YOU, for all of your energy, time and creativity!!!"

Ginny Johnson

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

July 7, 2014

 "IT WAS WONDERFUL!!! I really enjoyed myself and I know [our residents] really enjoyed your entertainment. Like I said, you got the best turnout of all of our entertainers. We look forward to you coming back!"

Kelly Pelletier | Lifestyle Program Manager

CHARTWELL Retirement Residences - Collegiate Heights

Sault Ste. Marie, ON

June 11, 2014

"We had more people in the audience on Saturday than last year, and they loved the show!  I heard so many kudos this year for both choruses.  Many in the audience especially loved the theme of the men's show and were amazed with the recitation of the Service poems (amazed that they were recited from memory).  They loved the selection of songs and the great sound your chorus produces!  Please thank all of the members of your chorus who came to perform on the Soo Theatre stage.  We so appreciate this benefit show, and hope you can make it again next year!"

Colleen Arbic, Sault Theatre Project

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

June 2, 2014

"Dear Bob and Barbershop Chorus,

"We have been fans for years and have enjoyed so many superb concerts.  Bravo for another outstanding and memorable presentation!  Thank you for so many great musical moments.  We look forward to hearing you again in the future."

Fred and Sandra Gordon

Sault Ste. Marie, ON

April 28, 2014

 "Great script... great cast... and... grand history lesson! Thank you!"

Pierre Lefebvre

Sault Ste. Marie, ON

April 7, 2014

"This group of dedicated men, who raise money each year to support the Speech Pathology Department, donate their time and talent and come together to present a fabulous show with their golden voices. They sing to support those who cannot speak!  To date, they have donated $71,750.00 since their first donation in 1995. Their generosity has provided so much support and new equipment for the staff and more importantly the patients of the Speech Pathology Department.  Please join the Northland Barbershop Chorus on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at the Kiwanis Community Theatre Centre. It always is a great show and I hope to see you there."

Letter to Hospital Staff from:

David Shier - Development Officer

Sault Area Hospital Foundation

Sault Ste. Marie, ON

March 20, 2014

"Dear Mr. Shami and members of the Northland Barbershop Chorus,

"Please accept this letter as a token of deepest appreciation for the monetary donation and continued support of the Rehabilitation Department at War Memorial Hospital.  Your generous donation was again timely and allowed the Speech-Language Therapy Department the ability to update toys and tools needed to improve the quality of services provided to our littlest patients.

 

"Our focus this year was to purchase motivating tools/toys to reinforce the skills being addressed in therapy.  Several new board games, play-dough toys and pretend play activities were purchased with your donation.  The children have been extremely excited with the new materials and continue to benefit from incorporating them into therapy sessions.

 

"Thank you again for your continued support of our department and our ability to enhance and grow our pediatric services.  We would love for you to stop and tour the department and see how your generous donations have enhanced our services.  Please don't hesitate to contact me to schedule a visit."

 

Sincerely,

Rachel Denis, M.A., CCC-SLP

Clinical Manager of Speech & Hearing

War Memorial Hospital

2472 Ashmun

Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

November 21, 2013

"Hi Bob,

"I also have very fond memories of my last trip to the Soo with Cadence! There was such a wonderful energy surrounding that whole event! Great music, great hospitality, and great people!  I'm sure that I speak for the other guys by saying that it was a privilege and an honour to take part in the chorus' 50th anniversary.

 

"Taking part in these kind of events affirms what it is that we do in such a beautiful way. There were so many strong and moving moments watching your choir interacting and singing together over these past few days. You are all so clearly joined by the love of music, and the love of each other's company. You as director are providing a wholly positive, nurturing and delightful outlet for all of the men who you conduct every week and it is clear how much each and every one of those men cherish their time with you. Kudos!

 

"Also congratulations on your first arrangement [Mansions of The Lord]. It was stunning! I can say in all honesty that my first kick at the arrangement can was a complete gong show in comparison. Keep it up! I look forward to hearing your arrangements (and dare I say compositions?) in the future.I do hope that our paths cross again in the future."

"All the best to you, and your lovely chorus, Sincerely, Aaron"

Aaron Jensen

composer/arranger/performer/clinician

[Former] Lead singer of CADENCE a cappella quartet

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

SING! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival

Toronto, ON

March 28, 2011