About Us
 

From its official inception on June 14, 1930, the mandate of the Fort William Male Choir, as stated in its Constitution, was and remains today At "promote interest in male chorus singing and in general to foster interest in the Lakehead Musical Culture". For more than eight decades, this group has done just that, and as their numbers and fame grew, their musical influence spread beyond the local boundaries to national and international spheres.

Click here to view a detailed history of the organization.

The Who's Who of the Fort William Male Choir

 

From time to time, one is asked......Who are these performers in the FWMC?  It is my pleasure to introduce you to our membership and share with you some of their personal traits or gifts. To begin, I am pleased to introduce you  the core of the choir.

Meet our conductor of over 30 years, Mr. Ken House.  Ken, a choir life member has contributed immensely over 55 + years to the life and direction of our choir. His demand for the high degree of excellence contributes to the caliber of choir performances that audiences have enjoyed world wide. Ken swims and walks regularly to maintain his fitness and energy to counter the physical demands of conducting this group. Ken has 3 grown children and many grandchildren.

Diane Crocker is the Choir's Accompanist. Diane is an exceptional musician with a very extensive background. Diane provides  imagination and energy as a performance is readied. If there is choreography, one can be certain that Diane has been involved in its evolution. Diane is the only female Life Member of the choir and has accompanied the choir over 50 years. She is a wonderful lady with a great sense of humor and we think of her as one of the guys. She has 1 daughter and 3 wonderful grandchildren.

Willard Allen is our Assistant Conductor and Ken's right hand person. In addition to assisting Ken and the music committee in developing programs for our appearances, Willard must always be ready to step in at concerts and practices as per needed to conduct the choir. Willard is a life member and sings in the baritone section and provides them with the benefit of his musical skills as they tackle new as well as old music. Along with his wife Sandi, he has 3 children. 

Gerard Tremblay, our current President,  is responsible for overseeing the business end of the choir and sings in the 1st Tenor section.

Don Harris Jr, is our Vice President,  and sings in the 1st Tenor section.

Pat Gain, our past President,  sings in the Baritone section.

Ian Hosegood is the Choir treasurer, and sings in the Bass section.

Glen McLeod is an assistant conductors of the Choir, and a director on the executive. In addition to his high energy level, Glen brings a wealth of musical experience to assist and support Ken, Diane and Willard.

John Charry is a Director on the Executive, and sings in the 1st Tenor Section. John is a Medical Radiation technologist and his hobbies include teaching Karate and travelling.

Pat Gallagher is the Choir Secretary on the Executive, and sings in the 2ndTenor Section. Pat also looks after the Choir Wardrobe and manages the Website.

Al Dokuchic is a  Director on the Executive, and sings in the 2ndTenor Section.

Senior Statesmen
Bill Greaves and Bob Loney, both "Basso Profundos", share the distinction of being the most Senior active choir members. Both have been actively involved in the choir for over 55 years. 

Bob Loney is a director on the executive, he has 3 children and enjoys spending free time at his Camp on Lake Superior. Bob continues to stay in shape actively walking or bike riding regularly.

Work behind the Curtains!
Many individuals are responsible for the way the choir productions appear before our audiences. Two of our members are responsible for the Set Designs, and Costuming and the actual building of our elaborate sets.

Please meet Paul Dudar a first tenor and our set designer, who has for over 38 years provided the ideas and research for our staging and specific costumes worn by our members during production. Paul uses his dedication to artwork, art and photography to do this. 

Nestor Chehowy, affectionally known as Chic is responsible for the coordination of the building of the sets designed by Paul. Chic has sung in the Baritone section for 27 years. Along with Mary, Chic enjoys life with his 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. Chic enjoys travelling, coin and stamp collecting as well as gardening.

  The Faces behind the Voices

Denis Garofalo, known to many as "Danny", continues to be a 2nd Tenor for the past 30 years. Danny and his wife Joy have two sons. Danny is responsible in the directing our Annual Spaghetti Sing - Along and making it the wonderful evening that people enjoy year after year.

Larry Black is our very thorough Ticket Manager. Larry & Deanna have 2 children and since retirement from work enjoys his winters south sampling wine, sun, and fine food.

Meet Bill Jessiman affectionately known as Billy Bus....Bill has been a 1st tenor for 32 years. Bill, as the choir librarian, has the responsibility of keeping the thousands of music sheets in order as readily accessible for Ken. Bill has also been responsible for driving the choir for some of its many singing engagements in the region. Bill and wife Gerri have 5 children.

New Members of the Choir