Sunshine District History
Historical Highlights of the Sunshine Association of Chapters
1938 – SPEBSQSA Inc. was founded in Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 11th.
1945 – Tampa Chapter was chartered on May 29th. The founder was Bob Aldrich, a Barbershopper from Tulsa who came across the Florida Four (Dick Jackson, Beal Siler, Sam and Fred Breedon) and expanded them into the first Chapter in what would ultimately become the Sunshine District. At this time the Society had 169 Chapters and 8,064 members.
1948 – The 13th District, The Dixie District, was formed on February 21st, composed of 10 chapters in 9 states. What came to be know as the Citrus Region included only Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Miami. Membership was at 424 out of 22,348 in 439 Chapters. Warren Zinsmaster of Miami became our first President and in 1949 our first International Bard member. The first Parade (show) in the South was held by the Tampa Chapter in February. Eleven quartets (8 from Tampa, St. Petersburg, Miami, and West Palm Beach) competed in the First Regional Preliminary hosted by Birmingham, Alabama on November 28th. This first Dixie Championship was won by Tampa’s Florida Knights (Kit Carson, Sam Breedon, Fred Breedon, and Bill Bond).
1949 – The Florida Knights went on to become the first quartet to represent our Southern states at the 11th International Convention, where they competed against 39 quartets in Buffalo, New York. The winning quartet was the Mid-States Four.
1951 – The Antlers from Miami (Junior Morton, Barry Brooks, Wally Swentzel, and Bill Schindler) became the first medalists, taking 4th place in Toledo, Ohio.
1952 – Sam Breedon, of Tampa was the first Citrus Region member to qualify for the permanent Judges Panel.
1953 – What became the first of many Labor Day Jamborees was hosted by the Venice Chapter, attended by 14 of 17 chapters. After dropping to 6th place in 1952 in Kansas City, Missouri, The Antlers medaled again with a 5th place Detroit, Michigan finish.
1954 – The Suncoast Chorus of St. Petersburg, directed by Glenn Boring, became the first Citrus Region chorus to compete internationally at the Society’s second annual contest, held in Washington D.C.
1955 – Miami hosted the 17th International Convention, chaired by Bill Hall.
1957 – Miami, with 188 members, became the second largest chapter in the Society.
1957 – The Citrus Region dropped it’s Southern accent by seceding from the Dixie District to become the Society’s 15th district on April 18th. It’s 15 chapters had 699 members leaving the Dixie District with 788 members to effect it’s second period of reconstruction. The birth was fathered by Joe Griffith of St. Petersburg, who was honored by our first presidency. Sam Breedon was elected to serve as Immediate Past President. The Short Cuts from Miami (Junior Morton, Charlie Johnson, Jesse Dean, and Bill Muhn) won 5th place medals at the International Convention in Chicago, Illinois. Ft. Lauderdale’s Chorus, under the direction of Bob Boemler, represented both Dixie and Sunshine Districts at the International Convention.
1961 – The Suntones (Gene Cokeroft, Bob Franklin, Bill Cain, and Harlan Wilson) of Miami and West Palm Beach, became International Champions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1964 – Joe Griffith became our first International Vice President. The Miamians, directed by Bob Boemler, took 2nd place in San Antonio, Texas.
1965 – Bob Boemler took the Miamians to Boston for a first place Trophy.
1966 – The Coastmen of West Palm Beach, directed by Harlan Wilson, became medalists in Chicago, Illinois with a 4th place finish.
1971 – Sunshine District hosted the first of many International Mid-Winter conventions via a cruise from Miami to Nassau.
1974 – After 15 years Sunshine had grown to 1,254 members and 24 Chapters in 4 Divisions, Goldcoast, Suncoast, Gateway, and the Panhandle.
1976 – The Coastman, of Palm Beach County competed in San Francisco, California. This marked an unprecedented 8th International Convention appearance in an eleven year span, all under the direction of Harlan Wilson.
1977 – Sunshine District hosted the Mid-Winter Convention in Orlando.
1979 – Sunshine District hosted the Mid-Winter Convention in Sarasota.
1980 – Hank Vomacka, of Sarasota, was elected an International Vice President.
1983 – Hank Vomacka was elected International President. Sunshine District hosted the Mid-Winter Convention in Sarasota.
1984 – Sunshine District celebrated 25 years with 33 chapters and 1,694 members in 6 Areas, Goldcoast, Suncoast, Gateway, Panhandle, Central, and Gulfcoast.
1985 – On July 31st, Sunshine District became the 11th largest district, outgrowing it’s mother district, Dixie District. If the Dixie split had never taken place, we would today be the 3rd largest district in the Society. **
1987 – Sunshine hosted the Mid-Winter convention in Sarasota.
1988 – Society and Sunshine District celebrate SPEBSQSA’s fiftieth birthday. **
1989 – The Sidekicks, (Bill Billings, Randy Loos, Harold Nantz, and Dave LaBar) medal by finishing 4th at the Kansas City, Missouri Convention. Sunshine District celebrated 30 years with 35 Chapters, 85 registered quartets, and 1778 members in 6 areas. Sunshine District’s “Mr. Barbershop” Sam Breedon passed away shortly before the Spring Convention, after 50 years singing in Harmony. Keepsake (Roger Ross, Joe Connelly, Tony De Rosa, and Don Barnick) medaled by finishing 2nd at the convention in Louisville, Kentucky.
1991 – Sunshine District hosted the Mid-Winter Convention in Tampa.
1992 – Keepsake (Roger Ross, Joe Connelly, Tony DeRosa, and Don Barnick) became International Quartet Champions in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dick Shaw became an International Vice President.
1993 – Tim Hanrahan became an International Vice President.
1994 – Sunshine District hosted the Mid-Winter Convention in Sarasota. Sunshine District celebrated 35 years with 34 chapters, 71 quartets, and 1757 members in 6 areas.
1995 – Miami hosted the International Convention in Miami Beach, chaired by Gene Cokeroft. Dick Shaw became International President. Backbeat (Harold Nantz, Sean Milligan, Randy Loos, and Bill Billings) became 5th Place Medalists at the Miami International Convention.
1996 – Tim Hanrahan became International President. The Mid-Winter International Convention was held in Jacksonville.
1997 – Tim Hanrahan repeated as International President.
1998 – Sunshine District hosted the Mid-Winter International Convention in Tampa.
2000 – Platinum (Gary Lewis, Joe Connelly, Kevin Miles and Tony De Rosa) become International Quartet Champions in Kansas City, Missouri.
2001 – Sunshine District hosted the International Mid-Winter Convention in Jacksonville.
2004 – Sunshine District hosted the International Mid-Winter Convention in Jacksonville.
2010 – Sunshine District hosted the International Mid-Winter Convention in Tampa.
2014 – The Academy (Andrew Lujan, Peter Cunningham. Kevin Mendez, Michael Skutt) wins the College competition
2013 – Sunshine District hosted the Mid-Winter International Convention in Orlando.
2017 – Main Street (Roger Ross, Tony DeRosa, Mike McGee, Myron Whittlesey) become International Quartet Champions
2018 – Sunshine District hosted the International Convention in Orlando.
2019 – Signature (Paul Saca, Daniel Cochran, Will Rodriquez, Dan Waltz) become International Quartet Champions
2023 – Sunshine District hosted the Mid-Winter International Convention in Daytona Beach
Past International Officers and Board Members
International Presidents
YEAR | NAME | CHAPTER |
1983 | Hank Vomacka | Sarasota |
1985 | Dick Shaw | Polk County |
1996-97 | Tim Hanrahan | Greater Canaveral |
2013-14 | Shannon Elswick | Clermont |
International Board Members
YEAR | NAME | CHAPTER |
1948-49 | Warren Zinmaster | Miami |
1949-50 | Sam Breedon | Tampa |
1951-52 | Harley Miller | Tampa |
1953-54 | Mert Barrett | St. Petersburg |
1954-55 | Bill Hall | Miami |
CITRUS REGION (DIXIE)
YEAR | NAME | CHAPTER |
1948-52 | Warren Zinmaster | Miami |
1952-55 | Harley Miller | Tampa |
1955-57 | Bill Hall | Miami |
SUNSHINE DISTRICT
YEAR | NAME | CHAPTER |
1959-61 | Sterling Wilson | Daytona Beach |
1962-63 | Joe Griffith | St. Petersburg |
1964-67 | Bob Dollison | Orlando |
1968-69 | Bob Boemler | Greater Canaveral |
1970-71 | Bill Oehrtman | Orlando |
1972-75 | Hank Vomacka | Sarasota |
1976-77 | Brett White | Miami |
1978-81 | Stew Nichols | Greater Canaveral |
1982-83 | Bert Warshaw | Miami |
1984-85 | Al Woodard | Palm Beach County |
1986-87 | Brett White | Winter Park |
1988-90 | Dick Shaw | Polk County |
1990-91 | Tim Hanrahan | Greater Canaveral |
1992-93 | Dave Kolonia | Ocala |
1994-96 | Ned Fogler | St. Petersburg |
1997-99 | Charlie Rose | Rocky Mount, NC |
2000 | Larry Swan | Sarasota |
2000-02 | Wayne Brozovich | Tampa |
2003-05 | Thom Hine | Kennesaw, GA |
2006-07 | Dan Brinkmann | Melbourne |
2008-12 | Shannon Elswick | Clermont |
2013-14 | Randy Loos | Frank Thorne |
2019 |
Randy Loos | Tampa |
Sunshine District Presidents
CITRUS REGION (DIXIE)
YEAR | NAME | CHAPTER |
1948-49 | Warren Zinmaster | Miami |
1949-50 | Sam Breedon | Tampa |
1951-52 | Harley Miller | Tampa |
1953-54 | Merton Barrett | St. Petersburg |
1954-55 | William Hall | Miami |
1958-59 | Joe Griffith | St. Petersburg |
SUNSHINE DISTRICT
YEAR | NAME | CHAPTER |
1959-60 | Joe Griffith | St. Petersburg |
1961-62 | Sam Stahl | St. Petersburg |
1962 | Joe Griffith | St. Petersburg |
1963 | Bob Dollison | Orlando |
1964 | Fred Breedon | Jacksonville |
1965 | Bob Boemler | Miami |
1966 | Bill Oehrtman | Orlando |
1967 | Hank Vomacka | Sarasota |
1968 | Dave Wright | West Palm Beach |
1969 | Charlie Linker | Ft. Lauderdale |
1970-71 | Ken McKee | St. Petersburg |
1971-72 | Brett White | Palm Beach County |
1973-74 | Hank Williams | Pensacola |
1975-76 | Stew Nichols | Greater Canaveral |
1977-78 | Bert Warshaw | Miami |
1979 | Dick Ott | Sarasota |
1980-81 | Al Woodard | Palm Beach County |
1982-83 | Brett White | Miami |
1984-85 | Dick Shaw | Polk County |
1986-87 | Tim Hanrahan | Greater Canaveral |
1995 | Frank Caldarazzo | Orlando |
1996-97 | Larry Swan | Sarasota |
1998-99 | Dave Parker | Greater Jacksonville |
2000-01 | Don Anderson | Melbourne |
2002-03 | Jack Brueckman | Tampa |
2004-05 | Dan Brinkman | Melbourne |
2006-07 | Shannon Elswick | Clermont |
2008-09 | Bill Billings | Tampa |
2010-11 | Keith Hopkins | Winter Park |
2012-13 | John Spang | Ocala |
2014-16 | Nick Schwob | Tampa |
2017-22 | Chuck Steiner | Tampa |
2023-24 |
Bruce Checca | Sebring, Sunrise |
Sunshine District Quartet International Champions
1961 Suntones (Miami, West Palm Beach County) (Gene Cokeroft, Bob Franklin, Harlan Wilson, Bill Cain)
1992 Keepsake (Orlando, Winter Park, Polk County) (Roger Ross, Joe Connelly, Tony DeRosa, Don Barnick)
1997 Saturday’s Heroes – Seniors (Cape Coral, Charlotte County) (Dave Wilkinson, Joe Mazzone, Neal Plum, Bob Summers)
1999 Station 59 – College (Univ. of Florida) (Reginald Mobley, Chris Coffee, Michael O”Neill, R. Scott Norman)
2000 Platinum (Tampa) (Gary Lewis, Joe Connelly, Tony DeRosa, Kevin Miles)
2014 The Academy – College (Andrew Lujan, Peter Cunningham. Kevin Mendez, Michael Skutt)
2017 Main Street (Frank Thorne, Orlando, Tampa) (Roger Ross, Tony DeRosa, Mike McGee, Myron Whittlesey)
2019 Signature (Paul Saca, Daniel Cochran, Will Rodriquez, Dan Waltz)
Sunshine District International Quartet Medalists
1949-51 ANTLERS (Miami) (Harry Morton, Barney Brooks, Bill Schindler, Hap Augsbury)
1959 Chord Cuts (Miami) (Harry Morton, Charlie Johnson,, Jesse Dean, Bill Muhn)
1987 Gold ‘N Time – Seniors (Orlando) (Bob Boemler, Ed McAvoy, Manny Higgins, Grover Baker)
1989 Sidekicks (Tampa, Winter Park) (Harold Nantz, Dave LaBar, Bill Billings, Randy Loos)
1991 Keepsake Orlando, Winter Park, Polk County) (Roger Ross, Joe Connelly, Tony DeRosa, Don Barnick)
1995 Backbeat (St. Petersburg, Tampa, Winter Park) (Harold Nantz, Sean Milligan, Bill Billings, Randy Loos)
2003-04 Fortissimo – College Daniel Cochran, Juan Amarilla, Julian Osorio, Amos Velez
2005 Fortissimo – College Daniel Cochran, Paul Saca, Juan Amarilla, Amos Velez
2006 Ebbets Field – College Matthew Feld, Paul Saca, Alex Rubin, Amos Velez
2007-09 On Demand – College Tristan St. John, Paul Saca, Jamie Breedon, Amos Velez
2013-14 The Sunny Boys – College Edward Mejia, Alberto Rico, Nick Gordon, Christian Diaz
2012-16 Main Street – Roger Ross, Tony DeRosa, Mike McGee, Myron Whittlesey
2015-18 Throwback – Paul Saca, Sean Devine, Alex Rubin, Michael Skutt
2019 Throwback – Dan Rubin, Sean Devine, Alex Rubin, Michael Skutt
2016-18 Signature – Will Rodriguez, Daniel Cochran, Matt Clancy, Dan Waltz
2019 Signature – Paul Saca, Daniel Cochran, Will Rodriguez, Dan Waltz
Sunshine District Quartets at International Competition
YEAR | PLACE | QUARTETS |
1951 | Toledo, OH | Antlers |
1953 | Detroit, MI | Antlers |
1959 | Chicago | Short Cuts |
1960 | Dallas | Short Cuts, Suntones |
1961 | Philadelphia | Suntones |
1962 | Kansas City | Gator State Four, Gladesmen |
1963 | Toronto | Counterpoints, Gator State Four, Gladesmen |
1964 | San Antonio | Gator State Four, Gladesmen, Ringmasters |
1965 | Boston | Gator State Four, Gladesmen, Sunshine Four |
1966 | Chicago | Gladesmen, Ringmasters |
1967 | Los Angeles | Interstate Four, Rebels |
1968 | Cincinnati | Interstate Four, Sunliners |
1969 | St. Louis | Interstate Four, Sunliners |
1970 | Atlantic City | Impacts, Interstate Four |
1971 | New Orleans | Impacts, Interstate Four |
1972 | Atlanta | Impacts, Interstate Four |
1973 | Portland | Right Approach, Sunshine Association |
1974 | Kansas City | New Edition, Sunshine Association |
1975 | Indianapolis | Sunshine Association |
1976 | San Francisco | Act IV, Suncoasters |
1977 | Philadelphia | Marksmen, Vocal Gentry |
1978 | Cincinnati | Gatortown Good Time Harmony 4, Marksmen |
1979 | Minneapolis | Gatortown Good Time Harmony 4, Great Escape |
1980 | Salt Lake City | Center of Attraction, Great Escape |
1981 | Detroit | Sunshine Chord Company |
1982 | Pittsburgh | Everglades Harmony Convention, Grand Central, Popular Choice |
1983 | Seattle | Grand Central, Southern Blend |
1984 | Saint Louis | Grand Central, Tenth Precinct |
1985 | Minneapolis | Cypress Chord Company, Grand Central |
1986 | Salt Lake City | Cheerful Noise, Sidekicks |
1987 | Hartford | Cheerful Noise, Sidekicks |
1988 | San Antonio | One Shot Deal, Sidekicks, Southwest Florida Road Show |
1989 | Kansas City | One Shot Deal, Sidekicks, Vintage |
1990 | San Francisco | Florida Transfer, One Shot Deal, Sidekicks |
1991 | Louisville | Cavaliers, Keepsake |
1992 | New Orleans | Keepsake, Starlight Express |
1993 | Calgary | Backbeat, Shenanigan |
1994 | Pittsburgh | Backbeat, Gotcha, Shenanigan |
1995 | Miami | Backbeat, Shenanigan |
1996 | Salt Lake City | Backbeat |
1997 | Indianapolis | Backbeat |
1998 | Atlanta | Bayside Edition, Done Deal |
1999 | Anaheim | Juke Box, PLATINUM, Wise Guys |
2000 | Kansas City | PLATINUM, Wise Guys |
2001 | Nashville | Autograph, Endeavor, Raise The Roof, Wise Guys |
2002 | Portland | Autograph, Endeavor, Wise Guys |
2003 | Montreal | Autograph, Endeavor, Wise Guys |
2004 | Louisville | Category 4, My Three Sons, Rounders, Wise Guys |
2005 | Salt Lake City | Rounders |
2006 | Indianapolis | Hot Shots, Last Call, My Three Sons |
2007 | Denver | Last Call, Rounders |
2008 | Nashville | On Demand, Rounders |
2009 | Anaheim | Attraction, Harmonious Hunks, Lucky Day, On Demand, The Pursuit |
2010 | Philadelphia | The Pursuit |
2011 | Kansas City | Flashback, Main Street, The Pursuit |
2012 | Portland | Main Street, The Pursuit, Throwback |
2013 | Toronto | Main Street, The Society, Throwback |
2014 | Las Vegas | Main Street, The Society, Throwback |
2015 | Pittsburgh | Main Street, Signature, Throwback |
2016 | Nashville | Main Street, Throwback, Signature, Rooftop Records, Vantage Point, Fuego |
2017 | Las Vegas | Main Street, Signature, Throwback, Rooftop Records, Fuego |
2018 | Orlando | Signature, Throwback, Rooftop Records, The Simple Life |
2019 | Salt Lake City | Signature, Throwback, Rooftop Records |
Sunshine District Choruses at International Competition
YEAR | VENUE | PLACEMENT | CHAPTER | DIRECTOR |
1959 | Chicago | 14th | Fort Lauderdale | Bob Boemler |
1960 | Dallas | 13th | Tampa | Sam Breedon |
1961 | Philadelphia | 15th | Miami | Grover Baker |
1962 | Kansas City | 13th | Orlando | Stan Harris |
1963 | Toronto | 12th | Orlando | Stan Harris |
1964 | San Antonio | 2nd (Medalist) | Miami | Bob Boemler |
1965 | Boston | 1st (Champions) | Miami | Bob Boemler |
1966 | Chicago | 4th (Medalist) | West Palm Beach | Harlan Wilson |
1967 | Los Angelos | 7th | West Palm Beach | Harlan Wilson |
1968 | Cincinnati | 8th | West Palm Beach | Harlan Wilson |
1969 | St. Louis | 8th | St. Petersburg | Keith Korneisel |
1970 | Atlantic City | 15th | St. Petersburg | Keith Korneisel |
1971 | New Orleans | 13th | Miami | Gene Cokeroft |
1972 | Atlanta | 9th | Palm Beach County | Harlan Wilson |
1973 | Portland | 11th | Palm Beach County | Harlan Wilson |
1974 | Kansas City | 10th | Palm Beach County | Harlan Wilson |
1975 | Indianapolis | 10th | Palm Beach County | Harlan Wilson |
1976 | San Francisco | 15th | Palm Beach County | Harlan Wilson |
1977 | Philadelphia | 12th | Miami | Gene Cokeroft |
1978 | Cincinnati | 11th | Miami | Gene Cokeroft |
1979 | Minneapolis | 11th | Palm Beach County | Harlan Wilson |
1980 | Salt Lake City | 16th | St. Petersburg | Sam Breedon |
1981 | Detroit | 16th | Palm Beach County | Harlan Wilson |
1982 | Pittsburgh | 11th | Orlando | Burt Szabo |
1983 | Seattle | 13th | Orlando | Burt Szabo |
1984 | St. Louis | 16th | Orlando | Bob Boemler |
1985 | Minneapolis | 10th | Orange Park | Chuck Griffith |
1986 | Salt Lake City | 8th | Orange Park | Chuck Griffith |
1987 | Hartford | 8th | Orange Park | Chuck Griffith |
1988 | San Antonio | 8th | Polk County | Joe DeRosa |
1989 | Kansas City | 13th | Polk County | Joe DeRosa |
1990 | San Francisco | 13th | Jacksonville Big O | Chuck Griffith |
1991 | Louisville | 10th | Jacksonville Big O | Chuck Griffith |
1992 | New Orleans | 14th | Tampa | Joe DeRosa |
1993 | Calgary | 18th | Tampa | Joe DeRosa |
1994 | Pittsburgh | 14th | Tampa | Joe DeRosa |
1995 | Miami | 15th | Tampa | Tony DeRosa |
1996 | Salt Lake City | 10th | Tampa | Tony DeRosa |
1997 | Indianapolis | 9th | Tampa | Tony DeRosa |
1998 | Atlanta | 10th | Tampa | Tony DeRosa |
1999 | Anaheim | 15th | Tampa | Tony DeRosa |
2000 | Kansas City | 13th | Tampa | Tony DeRosa |
2001 | Nashville | 12TH | Tampa | Tony DeRosa |
2002 | Portland | 14th | Tampa | Tony DeRosa |
2003 | Montreal | 16th | Tampa | Kirk Young |
2004 | Louisville | 14th | Tampa | Randy Loos |
2005 | Salt Lake City | 20th | Tampa | Roger Ross |
2006 | Indianapolis | 17th | First Coast Metro | Mike McGee |
2007 | Denver | 17th | Tampa | Bill Billings |
2008 | Nashville | 27th | Tampa | Bill Billings |
2009 | Anaheim | 24th | Tampa | Bill Billings |
2010 | Philadelphia | 19th | Jacksonville Big O | Tony DeRosa |
2010 | Philadelphia | 23rd | Sarasota | Don Clause |
2011 | Kansas City | 18th | Jacksonville Big O | Tony DeRosa |
2011 | Kansas City | 24th | Tampa | Steve Jamison |
2012 | Portland | 13th | Sunrise | Alex Rubin |
2012 | Portland | 17th | Jacksonville Big O | Tony DeRosa |
2013 | Toronto | 8th | Sunrise | Alex Rubin |
2014 | Las Vegas | 18th | Sunrise | Alex Rubin |
2015 | Pittsburgh | 9th | Tampa | Tony De Rosa |
2015 | Pittsburgh | 16th | Sunrise | Alex Rubin |
2016 | Nashville | 19th | Sunrise | Alex Rubin |
2017 | Las Vegas | 11th | Tampa | Tony DeRosa |
2018 | Orlando | 6th | Tampa | Tony DeRosa |
2018 | Orlando | 15th | Jacksonville | Jay Giallombardo |
2019 | Salt Lake City | 8th | Tampa | Tony DeRosa |
Sunshine District Quartet Champions
YEAR | QUARTET | CHAPTER | TENOR | LEAD | BARI | BASS |
1959 | Suntones | Miami, Palm Beach County | Gene Cokeroft | Bob Franklin | Bill Wyatt | Bill Cain |
1960 | Coral Keys | Miami | Nick Apoliony | Bill Tremblay | Grover Baker | Roy Dean |
1961 | Gladesmen | Miami | Rik Ogden | Steve Keiss | Dave Covalt | Bob Boemler |
1962 | Gator State Four | St. Petersburg | Jack Baker | Bob Chapin | Bill Billings | Roy Dean |
1963 | Counterpoints | Miami | Lee Ploskoff | Del Walke | Jesse Dean | Dick Franlock |
1964 | Sunshine Four | Miami | Bob Robar | Eddie McAvoy | Jesse Dean | Don Davis |
1965 | Nocturnes | Orlando | Al Ponterio | Ed Garreau | Bill Wood | Chuck Prichett |
1966 | Ringmasters | St. Petersburg | Keith Korneisel | Wally West | Joe Griffith | Wally Singleton |
1967 | Interstate Four | Orlando, Polk County | Dick Bame | Ed Garreau | Cline Clary | Irv Wells |
1968 | Sunliners | Miami | Bob Robar | Eddie McAvoy | Dave Strang | Mike Prouty |
1969 | Impact | Orlando | Al Ponterio | Dick Pinkerton | Bill Wood | Bob Boemler |
1970 | Tampa Beethovans | St. Petersburg | Mike McGarry | Keith Korneisel | T.J. Morris | Dan Priser |
1971 | Song Machine | Pensacola | Jeff Hanks | Bill Seegmiller | Bill Fox | Jeb Stewart |
1972 | Right Approach | St. Petersburg | Jim Crowley | Bob Chapin | Don Right | Dick Novak |
1973 | Sunshine Association | Polk County | Dick Bame | Dick Pinkerton | Dick Shaw | Cline Clary |
1974 | New Edition | Polk County | Barry Porter | Bill Bell | Bill Stahl | Irv Wells |
1975 | Knights of Gold | Miami, Palm Beach County | Shelly Deering | Bud Carpenter | Clint Bostick | Don Davis |
1976 | Vocal Gentry | Orlando, Polk County | Steve Culpepper | Dick Kneeland | Bob Boemler | Irv Wells |
1977 | Marksmen | St. Petersburg | Mike McGarry | Dave Brown | John Lickert | Bud Wilms |
1978 | Gatortown Good Time Harmony 4 | Gainesville, St. Petersburg | Jim Billings | Rob Lotzkar | Mike Lotzkar | Randy Loos |
1979 | Great Escape | Palm Beach County | Buddy Lauraine | Chris Crites | Brent Warner | Steve Venner |
1980 | Southern Chord Exchange | Lehigh, Sarasota, Tampa | Bob Zimny | Paul Fernando | Wally Cluett | Doug Barron |
1981 | Grand Central | Miami, Palm Beach County | Mike McGarry | Roger Van Haden | Chris Crites | Tom Ball |
1982 | Popular Choice | Orlando | Roger Ross | Marshall Webb | Dennis Aagaard | Rusty Ross |
1983 | Tenth Precinct | Polk County | Dave Kolonia | Steve Dewhurst | Steve Loftis | Mac Campbell |
1984 | Cypress Chord Club | Polk County | Tony DeRosa | Steve Culpepper | Kevin Culpepper | Randy Williams |
1985 | Cheerful Noise | Orlando, Polk County, St. Petersburg, Tampa | Gene O”Dell | Roger Ross | Bill Billings | Paul Agnew |
1986 | Sidekicks | Tampa, Winter Park | Harold Nantz | Dave LaBar | Don Barnick | Randy Loos |
1987 | High Gear | Gainesville, Winter Park | Mack Tyner | Rob Lotzkar | Eric Christenson | Scott Gross |
1988 | One Shot Deal | Polk County, Tampa, Winter Park | Sean Milligan | Roger Ross | Tony DeRosa | Tim Brozovich |
1989 | Vintage | Jacksonville Big O | Dave Byrd | Brett Cleveland | Mark Hildebrand | Dave Kinnell |
1990 | Saturday’s Heroes | Fort Myers | Walt Smith | Dave Wilkinson | Don Clause Jr. | Bob Summers |
1991 | Keepsake | Orlando, Polk County, Tampa, Winter Park | Roger Ross | Joe Connelly | Tony DeRosa | Don Barnick |
1992 | Shenanigans | Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa | Al Rehkop | Dave LaBar | Glenn Van Tassell | Tim Brozovich |
1993 | Backbeat | St. Petersburg, Tampa, Winter Park | Harold Nantz | Sean Milligan | Bill Billings | Randy Loos |
1994 | Cigar City Four | Tampa | Wayne Helbig | Andy Taft | Arnie Helbig | Steve Singleton |
1995 | Genuine Article | Cape Coral, Miami, Plantation | Marc Cammer | Kevin Ferguson | Chris Uhle | Joe Fair |
1996 | Done Deal | Tampa, Miami | Jeff Finney | John Wilshusen | George Bower | Tom Ball |
1997 | Bayside Edition | Tampa, St. Petersburg. Citrus County | Jim Billings | Sean Milligan | Bill Billings | Tim Brozovich |
1998 | Wise Guys | First Coast Metro | Mike Love | Mark Schlinkert | Brett Cleveland | Chris Connelly |
1999 | PLATINUM | Tampa | Gary Lewis | Joe Connelly | Tony DeRosa | Kevin Miles |
2000 | Endeavor | First Coast Metro | Trey Allen | Sean Milligan | Ken Delaney | Kenny Sobolewski |
2001 | Autograph | Frank Thorne, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale | Jeff Finney | Alex Rubin | Dan Rubin | Tom Ball |
2002 | Two-Timers | Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa | Dan Rubin | Tim Perenich | Alex Rubin | Tom Bronson |
2003 | My Three Sons | Sarasota | David Ditchfield | Michael Ditchfield | Nathaniel Ditchfield | Stephan Ditchfield |
2004 | Rounders | First Coast Metro, Ft. Lauderdale | Alex Rubin | Sean Milligan | Kenneth Delaney | Dan Rubin |
2005 | Last Call | Tampa | Byron Poore | Mark Schlinkert | Bill Billings | Jerry Johnson |
2006 | HotShots | Ft. Lauderdale | James Kastler | Andrew Borts | Mitch Greenberg | Paul Agnew |
2007 | Wise Guys Reunion | Jacksonville, Tampa | Chad Bennett | Mark Schlinkert | Brett Cleveland | Jerry Johnson |
2008 | On Demand | Ft. Lauderdale, Frank Thorne | Tristan St. John | Paul Saca | James Breedon | Amos Velez |
2009 | Lucky Day | Orlando, Greendale, WI, Lincoln, TX, Western Hills, OH | Roger Ross | Eric Bell | Paul Gilman | Jay Hawkins |
2010 | The Pursuit | Chad Bennett | Chris Coffee | Jeremy Conover | Paul Agnew | |
2011 | Main Street | Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Frank Thorne | Roger Ross | Tony DeRosa | Mike McGee | Myron Whittlesey |
2012 | Flashback | Winter Park, Tampa | Harold Nantz | Mark Schlinkert | Bill Billings | Bryan Hevel |
2013 | The Society | Thor Young | Andrew Borts | Kevin Mendez | Amos Velez | |
2014 | Throwback | Paul Saca | Sean Devine | Alex Rubin | Michael Skutt | |
2015 | Signature | Will Rodriguez | Daniel Cochran | Matt Clancy | Dan Walz | |
2016 | Rooftop Records | Orlando, Tallahassee, Frank Thorne | Chase Guyton | Dustin Guyton | Jamie Breedon | Jackson Pinder |
2017 | The Simple Life | Sunrise, Frank Thorne, Miami, Nashville | Andrew Lujan | Ryan Modrall | Kevin Mendez | Mike O’Neill |
2018 | Headline | Tim Perenich | Shawn Thomas | Alex Sturgill | Tom Bronson | |
2019 | Bourbon Brothers | Orlando, Tampa | Matt Nelson | Christian Espinoza | Alex Kuen | Matthew Boutwell |
2022 | Exclusive | Cherry Hill, NJ,Hershey, PA, Miami. Mount Pleasant, SC, Sunrise, Frank Thorne | Eddie Mejia | Albert Rico | Jeff Gray | Thomas Moyer |
Sunshine District Senior Quartet Champions
YEAR | QUARTET | CHAPTER | TENOR | LEAD | BARI | BASS |
1985 | Bradentones | Sarasota, Manatee County | George Hulst | Art Mould | Don Davis | Frank Folckemer |
1986 | Golden Time | Orlando | Bob Boemler | Ed McAvoy | Mandy Higgins | Grover Baker |
1988 | Yesterday’s Generation | St. Petersburg | T.C. Morris | Ed Bolander | Keith Korneisel | Bud Wilms |
1989 | Sounds incredible | Sarasota | Bill McAdoo | Hank Vomacka | Bob King | Howard Gollnick |
1990 | Old Routine | St. Petersburg | Jack Baker | Keith Korneisel | Owen Murray | Bill Frost |
1992 | Saturday’s Heroes | Cape Coral, Charlotte County | Walt Smith | Dave Wilkinson | Neil Plum | Bob Summers |
1995 | Midnight Ramblers | Palm Beach County | Al Woodard | Dick Grayson | Ron Tarr | Rildo Garell |
1996 | Endangered Species | St. Petersburg, Sarasota | Jack Baker | Keith Korneisel | Ed Hinkley | Bud Wilms |
1997 | What 4 | Palm Beach County | Woody Woodrow | Nick Emanuelle | Bruce Prince | Tom Randolf |
1998 | Panhandlers | Pensacola | Cass Phillips | Bill Flynn | Bob Kean | Jeb Stewart |
1999 | ASQ | Tampa | Ray Scalise | Dave Roberts | Bob Lang | Jim Woods |
2000 | Original Cast | Cape Coral | Walt Smith | Ron Loeffler | Bart Plescia | Richard Miller |
2001 | Sunshine Boys | Frank Thorne, Orlando | Bob Blackwood | Jim McGraw | Glenn Stockton | Fred Dryden |
2002 | Four Really Old Guys | Frank Thorne, First Coast Metro | Harry Williamson | Tim Delaney | Gary Wetherby | Jack Lang |
2003 | Fourth Quarter | Tampa | Dave Roberts | Kent Jenkins | Bob Lang | Wayne Brozovich |
2004 | The Sun-Birds | Naples | Robert Boyd | Ed Smith | Eric Ernst | Ed Aucoin |
2005 | Herald Square | Tampa | Dave Roberts | Don Shipp | Kent Jenkins | Lou Wurmnest |
2006 | Stay Tuned | |||||
2007 | SUNSET | Hernando | Doug Stewart | Paul Brazil | Bob Hannum | Chuck Swenson |
2008 | Apackalypse Now | |||||
2009 | Great Western Timbre Co. | Martin St. Lucie | Roger Smeds | Dwight Holmquist | Jack Liddell | Ron Black |
2010 | Crosstown Connection | Naples, Central Florida, Northbrook, IL | Marty Jahnel | Ralph Brooks | Don Smit | Jim Schubert |
2011 | Double Play | Tampa | Ralph Brown | Kent Jenkins | Lynn Hinemann | Charles Nelson |
2012 | OLD GUYS RULE | Sarasota | Dick Zarfos | Bob Mitchell | Jim Woods | Hank Stromenger |
2013 | Beach Street | Cape Coral | Walt Smith | Mike Suermondt | Dave Barton | Bob Brutsman |
2014 | Gulf Coasters | Charlotte County, Frank Thorne | Tim McShane | Rod Johnson | Bart Plescia | Jack Slamka |
2015 | Equinox | Jacksonville Big O, Tampa | Ralph Brown | Frank Bovino Jr. | Wm Patrick Bauer | Ed McKenzie |
2016 | Easy Street | Tampa | Paul Carter | Dave Cross | Charlie Nelson | Bryan Hevel |
2017 | Easy Does It | Naples, Central Florida | Marty Jahnel | Rob Schall | Glenn Siebert | Jim Shubert |
2018 | Gloryland Way | Cape Coral, Frank Thorne | Dave Donaldson | Rod Johnson | Steve Smith | Bob Brutsman |
2019 | Upshot! | Tampa | Bruce Cokeroft, Jr | Dave Cross | Steve Culpepper | Jack Slamka |
2023 | Right on Q | Tampa, Frank Thorne | Paul Carter | Tim Perenich | David Mills | Bryan Hevel |
Sunshine District Mixed Quartet Champions
YEAR | QUARTET | TENOR | LEAD | BARI | BASS |
2016 | BELLAS AND FELLAS | Jenifer Billings | Jamie Billings | Alex Rubin | Jamie Breedon |
2017 | Pink Flamingo | Jennifer Poore | April Qualls | Byron Poore | Aaron Ledger |
Sunshine District Chorus Champions
YEAR | CHORUS | CHAPTER | DIRECTOR |
1961 | Orange Blossom Chorus | Orlando | Stan Harris |
1962 | Orange Blossom Chorus | Orlando | Stan Harris |
1963 | The Miamians | Miami | Bob Boemler |
1964 | Suncoast Chorus | St. Petersburg | Earl Moon |
1965 | The Coastmen | West Palm Beach | Harlan Wilson |
1966 | Orange Blossom Chorus | Orlando | Mark Martorano |
1967 | The Canaveral Chorus | Greater Canaveral | Bob Boemler |
1968 | The Coastmen | West Palm Beach | Harlan Wilson |
1969 | Suncoast Chorus | St. Petersburg | Keith Korneisel |
1970 | The Miamians | Miami | Gene Cokeroft |
1971 | The Coastmen | Palm Beach County | Harlan Wilson |
1972 | Heralds of Harmony | Central Pinellas | Keith Korneisel |
1973 | Orange Blossom Chorus | Orlando | Burt Szabo |
1974 | The Coastmen | Palm Beach County | Harlan Wilson |
1975 | Citrus Capital Chorus | Polk County | Barry Porter |
1976 | Orange Blossom Chorus | Orlando | Dick Kneeland |
1977 | The Miamians | Miami | Gene Cokeroft |
1978 | The Coastmen | Palm Beach County | Harlan Wilson |
1979 | Suncoast Chorus | St. Petersburg | Sam Breedon |
1980 | Heralds of Harmony | Tampa | Roy Dean |
1981 | The Coastmen | Palm Beach County | Harlan Wilson |
1982 | Orange Blossom Chorus | Orlando | Burt Szabo |
1983 | The Miamians | Miami | Gene Cokeroft |
1984 | The Big Orange | Jacksonville Big O | Chuck Griffith |
1985 | Pride of Polk | Polk County | Joe DeRosa |
1986 | Heralds of Harmony | Tampa | Dave LaBar |
1987 | The Big Orange | Jacksonville Big O | Chuck Griffith |
1988 | Sunshine Jubilee | Winter Park | Marshall Webb |
1989 | Orange Blossom Chorus | Orlando | Joe Connelly |
1990 | The Big Orange | Jacksonville Big O | Chuck Griffith |
1991 | Heralds of Harmony | Tampa | Joe DeRosa |
1992 | Orange Blossom Chorus | Orlando | Joe Connolly |
1993 | The Big Orange | Jacksonville Big O | Chuck Griffith |
1994 | Heralds of Harmony | Tampa | Joe DeRosa |
1995 | Cape Chorale | Cape Coral | Fred Farrell |
1996 | The Big Orange | Jacksonville Big O | Chuck Griffith |
1997 | Heralds of Harmony | Tampa | Tony DeRosa |
1998 | The Metropolitans | First Coast Metro | Ed Williamson |
1999 | Sunshine Jubilee | Winter Park | Marshall Webb |
2000 | Heralds of Harmony | Tampa | Tony DeRosa |
2001 | The Metropolitans | First Coast Metro | Ed Williamson |
2002 | Sunshine Jubilee | Winter Park | Marshall Webb |
2003 | Heralds of Harmony | Tampa | Kirk Yound |
2004 | Chorus of the Keys | Sarasota | Stephan Ditchfield |
2005 | The Metropolitans | First Coast Metro | Mike McGee |
2006 | Heralds of Harmony | Tampa | Bill Billings |
2007 | The Big Orange | Jacksonville Big O | Tony DeRosa |
2008 | Sunshine Chordsmen | Ft. Lauderdale | Alex Rubin |
2009 | One Voice | Sarasota | George Gipp |
2010 | The Big Orange | Jacksonville Big O | Tony DeRosa |
2011 | Heralds of Harmony | Tampa | Steve Jamison |
2012 | THX – Total Harmony Xperience | Sunrise | Alex Rubin |
2013 | The Miamians | Miami | Alex Rubin |
2014 | Heralds of Harmony | Tampa | Tony DeRosa |
2015 | The Big Orange | Jacksonville Big O | Tony DeRosa |
2016 | THX – Total Harmony Xperience | Sunrise | Alex Rubin |
2017 | Heralds of Harmony | Tampa | Tony DeRosa |
2018 | The Big Orange | Jacksonville Big O | Jay Giallombardo |
2019 | Orlando Harmony | Winter Park | Marshall Webb |
Sunshine District Hall of Fame Inductees
YEAR | RECIPIENT | CHAPTER |
1983 | Sam Breedon | St. Petersburg |
1984 | Brett White | Miami |
1984 | Hank Vomacka | Sarasota |
1984 | Bob Boemler | Orlando |
1986 | Gene Cokeroft | Miami |
1986 | Harlan Wilson | Palm Beach County |
1987 | Rik Ogden | Miami |
1988 | Fred Anton | Tallahassee |
1988 | Grover Baker | Orlando |
1989 | Bert Warshaw | Plantation |
1990 | Cline Clary | Polk County |
1991 | Tim Hanrahan | Greater Canaveral |
1992 | Al Woodard | Palm Beach County |
1992 | Don Himmelman | Plantation |
1993 | Dick Shaw | Polk County |
1994 | Dave Kolonia | Ocala |
1995 | Burt Szabo | Orlando |
1996 | Fred Breedon | Greater Jacksonville |
1997 | Stew Nichols | Greater Canaveral |
1998 | Roger Ross | Celebration |
1999 | Forry Haynes | Orlando |
1999 | Bill Oehrtman | Orlando |
1999 | Sandy Prickett | Cape Coral |
2000 | Ned Fogler | St. Petersburg |
2001 | Robert Romaine | Pensacola |
2002 | Don Anderson | Melbourne |
2004 | Joe DeRosa | Tampa |
2004 | Bill Hall | Miami |
2005 | Joe Breedon | Ft. Walton Beach |
2005 | Wayne Brozovich | Tampa |
2006 | Tony DeRosa | Tampa |
2007 | Bill Billings | Tampa |
2007 | Don Long | Tampa |
2009 | Dave LaBar | Tampa |
2009 | Randy Loos | Tampa |
2009 | Lee Frayer | Frank Thorne |
2010 | Shannon Elswick | Clermont |
2012 | Mark Schlinkert | Tampa, Atlanta Metro |
2013 | Keith Hopkins | Winter Park |
2014 | Arne Helbig | Tampa |
2015 | Alex Rubin | Miami, Sunrise |
2017 | Jim Northrup | (inducted posthumously) |
2017 | Brian Hevel | Tampa |
2018 | Dan Brinkmann | Melbourne |
2019 | Harold Nantz | Winter Park |
2022 | Roger Smeds | Martin/St Lucie, Sunrise |
Sunshine District BOTYs
YEAR | RECIPIENT | CHAPTER |
1958 | Fred Breedon | Jacksonville |
1959 | Bob Boemler | Miami |
1960 | Joe Griffith | St. Petersburg |
1961 | Marshall Walsh | Jacksonville |
1962 | Rik Ogden | Miami |
1963 | Jesse Dean | Miami |
1964 | Keith Korneisel | St. Petersburg |
1965 | Hank Vomacka | Sarasota |
1966 | Chuck Williams | Clearwater |
1967 | Dick Ott | Sarasota |
1968 | Cline Clary | Polk County |
1969 | Jack Baker | St. Petersburg |
1970 | Bill Wood | Orlando |
1971 | Brett White | Palm Beach County |
1972 | Barry Porter | Polk County |
1973 | Burt Szabo | Orlando |
1974 | Bill Stahl | Polk County |
1975 | Bud Harvey | Martin County |
1976 | Bert Warshaw | Miami |
1977 | Fred Anton | Miami |
1978 | Stew Nichols | Greater Canaveral |
1979 | Grover Baker | Miami |
1980 | Mike McGarry | St. Petersburg |
1981 | Phil Lundeen | Sarasota/Venice |
1982 | Jim Tobin | Sarasota |
1983 | Al Woodard | Palm Beach County |
1984 | Tim Hanrahan | Greater Canaveral |
1985 | Bob Romaine | Pensacola |
1986 | Dick Shaw | Polk County |
1987 | Roger Ross | Winter Park |
1988 | Bob Ross | Winter Park |
1989 | Jim Simon | Tampa |
1990 | Frank Caldarazzo | Orlando |
1991 | Joe Breedon | Ft. Walton Beach |
1992 | Bill Fowler | Tampa |
1993 | Clair Chellberg | Ft. Walton Beach |
1994 | Al Copp | Polk County |
1995 | Gene Cokeroft | Miami |
1996 | Larry Swan | Sarasota |
1997 | Steve Aliapoulios | Palm Beach County |
1998 | Ed Williamson | First Coast Metro |
1999 | Jim Breedon | First Coast Metro |
2000 | Shannon Elswick | Clermont |
2001 | Steve Barrett | St. Petersburg |
2002 | Bill Billings | Tampa |
2003 | Bill Bernard | Central Florida |
2004 | Dan Brinkmann | Melbourne |
2005 | Dan Proctor | First Coast Metro |
2006 | Ken Carter | Central Florida |
2007 | Mark Schlinkert | Tampa, Atlanta Metro |
2008 | Keith Hopkins | Winter Park |
2009 | Bart Van de Mark | Martin-St. Lucie |
2010 | Alex Rubin | Ft. Lauderdale |
2011 | Chad Bennett | Winter Park |
2012 | Nick Schwob | Tampa |
2013 | Tony Fortune | Daytona Beach Metro |
2014 | Dave Kannberg | Palm Beach County, Sunrise |
2015 | Roger Smeds | Martin/St.Lucie, Sunrise |
2016 | Sean Stork | Orlando |
2017 | Tony DeRosa | Tampa |
2018 | Byron Poore | Tallahassee |
2019 | Chuck Steiner III | Tampa |
2022 | Paul Agnew | Frank Thorne |
Martin Rubin Award Recipients
2017 Louisa Kannberg