Harmony Explosion
For several years now the Sunshine District has hosted a Barbershop Harmony Society program called Harmony Explosion. This 3-day yearly event is held at the same time and location as the Sunshine District Sizzle. The Harmony Explosion camp utilizes Society and professional clinicians to teach high school boys six songs in four-part harmony along with appropriate choreography. These songs are then presented to the public and the Sizzle attendees at the Saturday evening show. Helping the clinicians is a qualified young quartet who not only inspire the boys to learn but conduct the sectional rehearsals.
Chapters provide scholarships for the boys at $150 each. There is also a track for music educators. These music educators are also sponsored by chapters at $150 each. These scholarships provide the music, the clinicians, the teaching quartet, room and board for all the attendees as well as room and board for chaperones. There is a barbershop chaperone for each 10 boys who attend. The boys work very hard beginning on Thursday evening, all day Friday till 10 PM, and all day Saturday till 5 PM. The evening show and afterglow conclude the camp although the boys and music educators can stay Saturday evening and have breakfast before they leave. The Harmony Explosion camps have been a wonderful introduction to barbershop harmony for high school boys and their music educators. The high school boys always receive a standing ovation from the audience at the Sizzle show for their singing as well as their enthusiasm.
