DA CAPO -- The Stairwell Carollers on Regional Contact, CJOH TV - Billings Estate

Saturday, March 4, 2017

DA CAPO -- The Stairwell Carollers on Regional Contact, CJOH TV - Billings Estate - YouTube

Leah, as "Mrs. Billings" positions a wreath on the mantle

Back in 1993, Joel Haslam of CTV's Regional Contact approached us to do a special Christmas segment in Victorian costume. Like we could say no!

Gladly, we have saved all our TV appearances. Thank goodness, since the terrible fire at CTV studios in 2010 destroyed much of their archives and all old Regional Contact episodes. Pete uploaded the segment to YouTube today for everyone to enjoy. You should see it embedded below.

This would be the second time we appeared on Regional Contact. We were thrilled that Joel got permission to film at the Billings Estate.

A group shot at the CJOH studios - lip syncing to ourselves

When we arrived, costumes were already there for us to choose from, delivered from Malabar. We all played dress-up to our heart's content. I loved my brown velvet cloak! Being the Drama teacher in the group, I especially enjoyed doing this little Victorian romp!

Lisa, John and Holly at the door to the Estate bearing the Wassail Bowl

Joel and Michelle looked great in their outfits too. Of course, they filmed the intro before we got there. Each of them did their own segments separately back then, so Michelle was not there when we did our taping.

Joel Haslam and Michelle Dubois, hosts of Regional Contact

We filmed all the interiors and the walk up to the door at the Billings estate. Everyone got a little cameo scene.

Marjorie, Lisa and Bob caroling in the parlour

Pete got to do a hilarious bit where he walked back and forth through the trees behind the estate -- so many times! He had to chop away at a little tree repeatedly till the cameraman thought the shot was good enough! They assured me it would survive the abuse.

Our director Pete, pretending to be a Woodsman

The shot where we are singing by a street lamp were done on set in the CTV studios. At that time we had a makeup person and our own dressing room. We felt like TV stars for sure!

Pete, Stairwell Caroller director, sings tenor - John sings bass

Thanks to Joel Haslam, Michelle Dubois, Max Keeping, CTV and Regional Contact for the wonderful Christmas season memories!

The Stairwell Carollers, an a cappella group, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie, has earned the distinction of being ranked amongst the best of Ontario choirs. The group took first place in both the 2010 and 2013 Ontario Music Festival Association provincial competition.

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