The Atlantic provinces, also known as “Area 1” in the international organization Harmony, Incorporated (Harmony, Inc.) boasts ten women’s a cappella choruses (also known as chapters) with a total enrollment of over 360 chapter members and associates.  It’s a big ship to steer and Area 1 is welcoming a new hand at the tiller, ScotianAires chorus member Linda McMaster. 

Linda first joined the Halifax based ScotianAires chorus in 2006.  Jan Coffin from Island A Cappella (at that time known as Abegweit Chimes) introduced Linda to her quartet and chorus when they were both working with the National Research Council.  It was love at first sound bite!  Linda was enamoured by the four-part harmony and the making of music with so many talented women, not to mention the challenge and joy of experiencing her own growth along the way.

The chorus benefited from the addition of this enthusiastic lead and it didn’t take long for them to also take advantage of Linda’s administrative expertise.  Prior to retirement, Linda worked as Strategic Advisor for the Nova Scotia Departments of Community Services and Justice.  Within the ScotianAires, Linda stepped up to co-chair the Ways & Means Committee, served the board as a member at large followed by two terms as Vice-President and two terms as President, and also served as Membership Chair.  She is proud to have begun the annual membership survey that helps make sure all voices are heard in chorus decision making.  Linda currently serves as Past- President and developed and chairs the chapter`s Strategic Planning Committee.

Linda soon found many new friends and mentors in the Harmony, Inc. organization including well known trail blazers and leaders such as Jeanne O’Connor.  “Many years ago Jeanne explained how she started in the organization with no or very little musical background” Linda recalls. “She convinced me that I didn't have to read music to be a credible, contributing member of the chorus.” And within the chorus women like tenor section leader Nan Bowlin provided support to Linda and other chorus members like her, helping to guide them through new and old repertoire.  More recently, Linda Brehaut, past Area 1 Director taught Linda a tremendous amount about Area 1 and Harmony, Inc.  “Every week there is someone on the risers or someone out front who inspires me”, Linda adds, “including of course, our fantastic directing team!”

Linda is absorbing more and more about her new role as Area 1 Director.  The key functions are representing Area 1 at all International Board functions and ensuring that the Area 1 Council understands and meets the needs of its chapters and quartets. Overseeing educational functions and events such as AC&C (Area Convention and Contests) are a big part of the role.

And in case her role as Area 1 Director doesn’t keep her busy enough, Linda has two granddaughters and one great grandson who, in her words, “I love to pieces! ”.  She is also an avid curler, beginning out of the Mayflower Club in Halifax and for the last ten years, with her club in Dartmouth.

It’s the 60th year for Harmony, Inc. and this year’s vision is “Harmony. Stronger”.  There is no doubt that Linda McMaster will continue to lead Area 1 down that path of strength.  Along with all her sisters in Harmony, we welcome Linda into her new role as Area 1 Director!