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Spring 2022
December 2019
June 2018
June 2016 |
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John Rutherford directing the Muskoka Men of Song in the early 1980's |
The roots of The Muskoka Men of Song choir extend back to the early 1980s when a small group of friends, all interested in the study and appreciation of good music, gathered each week around the piano at the home of the late John Rutherford, a congenial and enthusiastic music instructor at the Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School. At the start it consisted mostly of gospel songs, eventually evolving into a more formalized structure that included other genres. The enthusiasm of those taking part was contagious and other like-minded individuals expressed an interest in participating; it wasn't long before the founding members Dave Rasmussen, Ian Turnbull, Larry Archibald and Dr. Dave Kent, mentored by John Rutherford, were joined by others and The Muskoka Men of Song was born. Regular practices were joined by modest performances in schools, churches, community concerts, as a guest performer at the popular war memorial review “Down Memory Lane” and “Happy Birthday Bracebridge”,the 125th anniversary celebration of the Town of Bracebridge held in 2000. |
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With the success of those very public events, the choir grew in popularity, continued to attract more members and requests for appearances became more regular resulting in subsequent appearances at the “Gravenhurst Opera House Annual Concert”, the “Trek to Bethlehem” in Bala and churches throughout Muskoka. |
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