In early 2004 there was a group of fellows who all attended the Presbyterian Church in Wardsville. Kevin Alderton was the organist, Richard Crum and Don and Hugh Nisbet were in the choir, and we're pretty sure that Don Nisbet layed the cornerstone of the church. Well the ladies in the choir decided that they wanted a day off, so these fellows got together to work on some special music for the church anniversary. They had so much fun doing it that they decided they could share their talents with more than just their church brethern. They soon recruited Jerry Vandenbrink to sing bass, and named themselves The Five Guys.
As time passed, they built up their repitoire as well as their following, and became one of the most popular choices for church anniversaries. The Rotary Club, Kiwanis, and other community organizations in the area heard them and invited them to perform at special events and fund raisers.
It seemed a shame to have such a fantastic pianist as Kevin in the group and not make use of his nimble fingers, so they added a few pieces to the listings that included accompaniment (though they still claim to be a capella).
Don has now admitted that he is no longer a spring chicken, though he still does more each day than most men half his age, but in early 2007 he decided to leave the group. Greg Simpson was recruited to fill his baritone shoes, and thankfully Don stayed on for a while to bring 'the kid' up to speed on the existing repertoire.
Hugh and his wife moved to Dorchester, and eventually the commute every week for practice became a bit too much, and he has also stepped out. Early in 2008 John-David MacTavish joined to bring us up to our advertised "Five" Guys again.
Kevin Alderton - Tenor/Alto
Though he would never admit it, Kevin is the leader of the group. His musical knowledge is second to none, and his vocal range means that he can help us all out with harmonies while learning new pieces. Along with leading us, he also records the accompaniments that we use. A farmer from outside Wardsville, Kevin's passion is music, and he also teaches piano to many of the local children.
Richard Crum - Tenor
When we've got notes up in the stratosphere, Richard is the one who rises to the challenge. His sweet, gentle tenor voice has graced many church choirs and stages since he was a kid. Most recently he has been seen on stage with the Ridge Players in Guys and Dolls and Jesus Christ Superstar. Thankfully playing our Lord Jesus hasn't gone to his head!
John-David MacTavish - Tenor
Our most recent and most distant member, John-David hails from the Kilmartin region. He brings a life-time of singing and music-making experience, including playing gigs all over Canada in his youth. Currently he's a farmer, works at Kucera Utility and Farm Supply, and is very involved in tractor-pulling all over Ontario. We're not sure how or where, but he must manufacture his own time to fit it all in!
Greg Simpson - Baritone
The youngest in the group, Greg comes to us with a history of church choirs and musical theatre under his belt. If we can only get him to loosen up on stage, he'll be just fine. With running a fledgling software development company, and two toddlers and an infant at home, we're not sure where he finds the time, but we're glad to have him.
Jerry Vandenbrink - Bass
Every group needs a foundation, and we're glad to have Jerry singing in the basement. He's a farmer turned construction contractor when he's not singing with The Five Guys. He is sure and smooth with notes that the rest of us can't imagine hitting.
Don Nisbet - Baritone and Hugh Nisbet - Tenor/Lead
Don and Hugh Nisbet from Wardsville were founding members of our group and have since retired. We owe them a debt of gratitude for helping us launch the group and miss their camaraderie.