Our Members

Our Members

Ellyn Hakomaki
Lead/Bass, 33 year member of the Accolades

I was born in Toronto and grew up in East York as a first generation Macedonian, the youngest of three children. I graduated from East York Collegiate in 1962 and went to Toronto Teachers’ College. After graduating, I taught in Uxbridge and Scarborough. I met my husband Harry on a blind date and was married in 1967. We moved to Vancouver in 1970 where Allison was born in 1973.

Having moved back to Toronto, I joined The Markham Melody Makers of Harmony Inc. in November 1973. My hair stood on end when I heard my first quartette, The Doh Me Soh and Sohs, sing “Athlone” in four part harmony, and was hooked on Barbershop. These ladies are still my dearest friends. When we moved to Ottawa in 1975, I transferred my membership over to the Laurentian Aires under director Bill Wilson, and we hosted the International Convention in 1977 at the Chateau Laurier Hotel. Our son Michael was born in September, 1978, and we were transferred back to Toronto in October, 1978. That was the year the Toronto Accolades hosted International Convention, including their famous Wine and Cheese Party at the Inn on the Park, and placed 10th with almost 50 members. I joined the Accolades at the end of that year. In 1980 I became part of a quartet called Sound Connection, singing tenor. We competed at AC&C the first time it was held in Toronto, and continued to sing together for 3 years. I sang tenor for 25 years, but as I got older my range went to lead and now I sing bass.

I have been a Board member almost every year since I joined the Accolades and have done every Executive position and member at large except Costume Chair. I have been President for 5 of those years (longest standing so far) and have co-chaired Area Contest and Convention.

Harry and I love Cruising, and go on Rotary and Waterproofing Conventions at least twice a year, which keeps us very busy. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband, fabulous children who live in Calgary and Owen Sound where we love to visit, and my many Accolade friends.

The Accolades have been a great part of my life and I have made many close friends. For the last 33 years we all have been through our lives’ ups and downs, but the minute we walk into the practice room “we brighten our lives with some music” (Happy Day). How fortunate we are to belong to such an exceptional group of ladies.

Melissa Lobo
Baritone, 3 year member of the Accolades

I stumbled upon the Toronto Accolades quite by accident. At the time, I lived in North York and was looking for a singing group to join. I had sung in choirs before, and studied music in high school, but I had never considered Barbershop singing. Then I came across the Accolades’ ad in the North York Mirror, dropped by during a rehearsal and was fascinated. The music itself was beautiful, but also the aura this chorus emanated was very warm and inviting.

After taking part in my first performance, I clearly remember my friend coming up to me saying “I notice you move less than the others in the chorus…”. I’m proud to say I turned that comment into a positive and am now throwing myself into choreography, facial expression and (of course) “working the sparkly outfits” that are so integral to a Female Barbershop performance.

Since joining the group I have helped out with a number of extra-curricular activities including Historian (i.e. taking pictures at major events throughout the year), putting together a scrapbook of memories for each year, getting my weekly exercise by helping to put up and collapse the risers each week, etc. The competitions are definitely a very unique time that I enjoy, because they allow me to see the many performance possibilities within the Female Barbershop craft.

This year I’ve joined Ricochet, a brand new, shiny, quartet you can read about here!

2011 ACCOLADE AWARDS

Congratulations to this year's winners! Accolade of the Year Award –Wendy Arnold Attendance Award –Normi Chinchen, Judy Clarke, Lisa Taylor 20 Year Pin –Wendy Arnold, Dorice Silverman 15 Year Pin –Jo Anne Chisholm 5 Year Pin –Cagan Balakbabalar

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Marilyn Jacobs – VP Current Members
Marlene Parker – Performance
Lynn Robertson – VP Prospective Members
Lorna Mulrooney – President
Lena Chan – Treasurer
Rose O’Brien – Secretary
Bev Jackson – Music Chair
Gail Mackey – Costume Chair
Ellyn Hakomaki – Parliamentarian

MUSIC COMMITTEE

Lorna Mulrooney – President of Board of Directors
Wendy Arnold – Director, Lead Section Lead
Bev Jackson – Music Chair, Bass Section Lead
Joy Macpherson – Assistant Director
Gail Connor – Associate Director, Baritone Section Lead
Beth Mahy – Tenor Section Lead, Asst. Lead Section Lead