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These Gentlemen just want to make 'extraordinary music'

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The Gentlemen of Harmony are looking for new members.

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Designed to be a 100-man chorus, the a cappella barbershop-style harmony group, formed over 60 years ago, currently has about 45 members. Membership has hit 80 before.

The group sings all genres of music, covering the songs by the likes of Neil Sedaka, John Michael Montgomery and Kiss, as well as Broadway show tunes.

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“If you can put it in four-part a cappella, we’ll sing it,” said Norm Jamont, the group’s president.

In 2014, the group was recognized as one of the top 10 chapters in the Ontario District of the Barbershop Harmony Society. In 2007, 2011 and 2014, the chorus was declared district champion.

The chorus performs at community and private events, with a main showcase each November.

Members come from all walks of life, from carpenters to doctors and from millwrights to teachers. Most are retired.

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Becoming a member of the group is easy.

“Just show up,” said Jamont. “We have a catchphrase we kind of use: ‘We’re just ordinary men making extraordinary music.’”

He noted that members get lots of practice and support.

They are currently on a break from practising but will be back at it on Jan. 7.

If interested in joining, attend rehearsals on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in the Old Windham United Church in Simcoe.

“This is the easiest thing I’ve ever done,” said Jamont.

“I’ve sailed, I’ve been in sea cadets, coached and played hockey, I’ve done all kinds of things will all different groups of people. This group of guys is so supportive, and that’s what makes it easy. It is honestly the easiest to get along with bunch of people I’ve ever been associated with in my entire life.”

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