Heralds Perform AND HOST Sunshine District Contest

May 2-4, 2008 Jacksonville

Brad Grabill, May 2, 2008

During the weekend of May 2-4, 2008, the Heralds had the honor of acting as the host chapter for the 2008 Spring Convention of the Sunshine District, held in Jacksonville at the beautiful Times Union Performing Arts Center.   Along with working the registration tables, serving as ushers, competitor guides and master of ceremony, the Heralds’ band of pirates also took the stage to debut their 2008 contest package for Nashville this summer.  While they were not eligible to compete in this particular chorus contest (due to holding the current title), they had the chance to get some valuable audience and panel reactions to their entertaining presentation of two tailor-made pirate songs .  And, of course, the stage was alive with a myriad of sea-worthy props and elaborate swashbuckling costumes.  (Don’t worry… all the scars and bullet holes were only temporary.)

Another highlight of the weekend was the closing performance of the Saturday afternoon contest session.  The risers on stage were packed to overflowing as the Tampa Bay Heralds were joined by the Big O chorus from Jacksonville and the massive sounds of Shenandoah and When I Lift Up My Head rang from the hall’s rafters, under the combined excellent leadership of Bill Billiings and Tony DeRosa.

Thanks to all of the HoH guys and gals who made this Spring convention  blast… and a great success!    ARGHH!