Community Through Song

The Drumbo Men's Choir

Men's Choir practice at the Willis United Church in Drumbo (photo by June Flath)

They meander in; greet each other then get to work. First, breathing exercises, a few stretches, a yawn or two, add music to the yawn and suddenly the warm up is song and the Drumbo and District Men’s Choir practice is underway.

The healing benefits of singing have been recognized since ancient times. Modern studies have proven that singing reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, boosts the immune system, improves breathing, reduces pain, provides comfort, motivates and empowers. None of this would surprise the men of Drumbo. Neither would the news that people who sing regularly have fewer doctors’ visits and take fewer medications. Beyond that, it’s just plain fun. And fun and fellowship have always been the priority.

The choir was formed at the urging of Rev. Stephen Shantz. Arriving at Drumbo’s Willis United Church in 1985 the Reverend had a musical vision: a men’s choir to sing for the upcoming Mother’s Day service. Eight men took up the challenge, some shy, others nervous, all singing their first tentative notes together. Jake Morrison was one of those charter members. He says,

“I had no idea what I was getting into.”

The men sang for that Mother’s Day service and kept right on rolling. Initially they only sang occasionally at their own Drumbo church but word spread and before long they were being invited to sing at other churches, and other rural functions. Of their over 200 plus performances, most were local, some further away-Sarnia, St. Catharines, Dresden. One highlight for many of the members was performing with the Walters Family at the Sanderson Centre in Brantford.

Roy Milton the Choir's accompanist (photo by June Flath)

Choir membership sits at approximately twenty, the men ranging in age from 50-mid 80s. Most of the members have rural ties. Jake explains.

“Most of the men are farmers, farmer’s sons, or wannabe farmers. At one time or other in their lives they have been connected to farm life.”

Other original members still with the group include accompanist Roy Milton, who, rumour has it has never missed a practice, and Larry Balkwill. Larry, a farmer/equipment salesman retired from Vincent’s Farm Equipment in 2004 after a 45-year career. He meshed that world with farming 500 acres on the family farm.

His farming roots reach as deep into the soil as his genetic connection to singing. Larry’s dad, Herb Balkwill, played guitar and sang with a band that performed live every Saturday night for a Stratford radio station during the 1930s and 40s. This was a time when celebrations and gatherings included a piano, a few musicians pressed into service, and everyone singing.

Larry says none of the men have professional training,

“Most of us never took lessons, we just sing.”

As to the longevity of the group, he says, “I had no idea it would last this long, sure glad it has though.”

Larry also raises his voice in song with the Simcoe Gentlemen of Harmony and for many years was a member of a barbershop quartet.

Jake Morrison, one of the founding members of the Drumbo Men's Choir (photo by June Flath)

Initially Roy Milton, directed the group while playing the piano, but eventually a director was needed. Says Bruce Stevenson, “We needed someone down front.” Bruce tried on that hat and wore it for twelve years. The choir’s philosophy, he says was to keep enjoyment as a high priority and to stay true to their roots.

“We never tried to be more than who we were as a group.”

When Bruce retired, the group searched for a new director. Raised locally Carol Cowan declined when offered the role. With a background in music that included piano, singing, directing city choirs, and serving as church organist in churches in Ottawa and London she was a very likely candidate however she had just returned to the Drumbo area with plans to make a go of the family farm and she felt her cup already runneth over with challenges.

Larry finally won her over though. He said, “Carol, I’ll cut your wood for you.” She agreed to fill in while they continued looking for someone on a permanent basis. That was four years ago.

The choir gathers every Monday evening for practice at the Willis United church in Drumbo. The hum and harmony of their voices expands filling the space reaching up into the balcony and beyond the rafters. Carol says,

“They sing out of love and enthusiasm for music, for the exercise it provides, for the socialization.”

And she stays on, “out of a love of community and a deep respect for them.”