The Downeasters Barbershop Chorus from Yarmouth finished 27th among 28 choruses who competed in the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Philadelphia International Convention on Friday night.
It was the first time that the 60-year-old chorus made it to the international competition, representing the Northeast District, which includes New England, New York and the Canadian Maritimes.
“We thought we did great. The crowd loved us. The judges did not,” said Richard Roberge, one of 42 members in the chorus that includes singers from across southern Maine.
The Downeasters sang “Who’ll Take My Place When I’m Gone” and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band.”
Roberge said the competition was “unbelievable,” with the top prize going to a California chorus with about 100 younger members and a paid director and choreographer.
“it was still a great experience,” Roberge said. “We’re still fired up. We saw the competition. We saw what it takes. Hopefully, we’ll win the district competition again next year and be able to go to the next international competition in Kansas City.”
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