Wednesday, Aug. 1. was like any other mid-week evening at the Bridgewater Mall. The sounds of people shopping, playing games or just taking a few moments to rest and enjoy a refreshing treat was interrupted when a group of ladies, dressed in black with brightly coloured scarves, formed in the midst of shoppers in a choir ensemble. The ladies were not just regular mall customers, but members of the all-female Seaside A Cappella group who prepared a flash mob musical interlude at the mall. The group opened with Can’t Buy Me Love and followed up, much to the crowd’s enjoyment, with Rise Again, a familiar and much-loved Rankin Family song.
The group has been in existence for one year and have 35 members with 25 taking part in the mall event. The members range in age from 14 to 85 and they all share the same love for singing. The four-part harmony is an age-old type of music that is familiar to those that recognize barbershop performances. The musical director for the performance was Judy Comeau who has been associated with this style for more than 50 years. The formation of Harmony Inc. was pivotal in the expansion of this program which has a simple goal: “Ordinary women ... coming together to make extraordinary music.” Seaside A Cappella is also excited about the opportunity to compete in competitions outside the local area.
The goal for the performance at the Bridgwater Mall was to make more people aware of the organization, with hope that more ladies would be inspired to take the leap of faith and join their ranks in making beautiful music. The group wants anyone that likes to sing and would like to have someone give them the boost or encouragement to do so, to come out and take part in their Summer Sing Program on Wednesday evenings at the Dayspring & District Fire Department.
