Every chorus needs someone who works quietly in the background, making everything run seamlessly without expecting thanks or recognition. For Viva Acappella, that person is Karen.
Karen brings an incredible sense of calm and efficiency to everything she does, stepping in to help without being asked but always with a smile. She works tirelessly for Viva Acappella all year round, taking on the mammoth task of managing hotel arrangements for retreat and convention weekends for a chorus of over 50 women -there is no one more reliable. She effortlessly coordinates catering for all our events and handling lots of behind-the-scenes details that keep our chorus running smoothly. No matter the challenge, Karen ensures every last detail is in place without a fuss. She does it all with quiet determination, never seeking recognition, just getting on with it.
She is the ultimate sounding board for our president, a trusted confidante who offers support, wisdom, positivity, and encouragement as well as a wicked sense of humour. Karen is not just the backbone of our chorus; she is its heart. She truly embodies the essence of Viva Acappella, and we can’t imagine anyone more deserving of this award.
Karen’s barbershop adventure began at 27, thanks to her music-loving parents, who stumbled upon a barbershop convention while searching for a Welsh choir. Before long, Karen found herself at a Velvet Harmony rehearsal—where she was instantly hooked.
From that moment, barbershop became a defining part of her life. A founder member of both Green Street Blues and Viva Acappella, she has sung in four quartets, earning a LABBS bronze medal with Out of the Blue and now singing with Vivacity. Through Viva’s success, Karen has had the “hardship” of traveling with a chorus of friends to International competitions in Hawaii, Las Vegas, and New Orleans—and she’s ready for the next adventure!
Outside of barbershop, Karen works in finance for a national media company. She has been happily married to Kenny for over 40 years and is a proud mum of two. Her greatest joy, however, is being grandma to Willow and brand new baby Edward.
Through all of life’s ups and downs, barbershop has given Karen some of her best memories and a second family she treasures.