My name is Les, and I’m thrilled to be an oomph! profile. I’ve always been involved in music.  As a kid, I picked up the saxophone and along with my buddy Paul, (who played guitar) we formed a “garage” band.  Over the years that effort blossomed into a part time career in music that encompassed 40 years or so.  My band “The Entertainers” played clubs and private parties all over Southern California to the delight of audiences everywhere.

By day, I was a financial consultant with two major Wall Street Firms, and by nights and weekends, I was a band leader, singer, guitar player, and sax player.   Sometime around 1980 I overheard a radio ad about a barbershop chorus having auditions for new members.  Intrigued, I showed up for the audition. Almost 30 years later, I’m still involved in the barbershop “hobby.” My 130 man chorus, The Masters of Harmony, (www.mastersofharmony.org) has had the distinction of winning the Barbershop Harmony Society’s competition gold medal seven times in a row. 

For me, involvement in the chorus is like being on a Gold Medal Olympic Champion Singing Team.  We can rightfully brag that we are the best in the world at what we do.  It’s not often that a 65 year old somewhat crippled up old dude can be “the best in the world” but I am just that, along with 130 or so of my best buddies.  Our Masters of Harmony chorus consists of men from all age groups and walks of life who drive from as far as San Diego and Santa Barbara to attend our rehearsals in Santa Fe Springs.  Every Wednesday evening we get together and  work very hard at “musical excellence.” I’m also in a fine “senior” quartet, www.cacrossroads.com .  We’re 2007 Far Western District Senior champs and we enjoy performing  and competing as well.  

My barbershop singing hobby has been one of the highlights of my life, and certainly, it gives me a lot of “oomph!” I recommend the “sport” for anyone who likes to sing.  Lock yourself into a chord with three other singers and you’ll be hooked in no time.  For more information on barbershop singing and for opportunities in your area see www.spebsqsa.org for the guys and www.sweetadelineintl.org for the girls.

Les Weiser