Musical Director Jordan Travis
The founding artistic director of Harbourtown Sound in 2003, Jordan Travis is the guiding force behind all we do. Music and teaching are his passions, especially vocal music.Jordan’s training led to a Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from University of Toronto. While there, he studied with some of the finest teachers in vocal performance, vocal pedagogy, and choral conducting. A talented singer, decorated performer and impactful coach and educator, Jordan has provided workshops, coachings, and performances around the world including being on faculty for BinG Harmony College, BABS Music Director's Academy, Harmony College in Holland, the Association Of British Choral Directors, and Harmony University in Nashville.
Jordan is the founder of The JT Community and InstaChoir, two ventures that encourage and coach all comers to become better singers and choral leaders. He is also the artistic director of A Cappella Showcase, an International Championship women's chorus, and the Golden Horseshoe Choruses, daytime a cappella choruses for both men and women.
During the pandemic restrictions in 2020/2021, Jordan’s value to our chorus showed itself to an even greater degree, as he rallied us around weekly, virtual rehearsals, and led us in several projects and challenges, such as a virtual Christmas Show, Home for the Holidays, a Singing Valentines endeavour, and our 2021 Virtual Spring Show.
Married to Liz, with two daughters, Emily and Dorothy, Jordan’s whole family is deeply involved with music.
Assistant Director Scott McCarthy
In January 2018, the board of Harbourtown Sound announced that Scott McCarthy would join the chorus as assistant music director, to work with music director Jordan Travis.
Scott has been a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society since he was 16 years old, and has sung with numerous choruses, including the Oakville Entertainers, the Scarborough Dukes of Harmony, the Burlington Roadshow Chorus, and the Toronto Northern Lights. He has also sung in quartets in 18 international competitions, where he has placed in the top ten in the world.
In addition to his singing, McCarthy has coached many quartets and choruses throughout North America, Germany, and Russia. His teaching experiences have brought immense benefit to the members of our chorus.
Performance Director Rob Ross
Robert Ross got his Barbershop start back in high school, singing in a quartet in the Kiwanis Music Festival in London, Ontario. Unaware that barbershop was an option as a musical outlet after high school, Robert was employed by “It’s Showtime Productions” and was a member of their N*Sync cover band. Music has always been a passion and has become a mainstay in his life. Roberts’ work life moved him to Toronto, at that point he knew he was going to audition for and sing with the Toronto Northern Lights, and has done so for more than 15+ years. Robert serves as the head performance coach for the Northern Lights and has won numerous international medals with the chorus including Gold in 2013. Robert has performed all over the world including China, Sweden, Germany, England, The Netherlands, USA, and Canada. He is the Bass of Ripple Effect, the three time Ontario District MBHA Quartet Champion and the 2018 3rd place World Mixed Quartet Champion. While most recently becoming the first Ontario District Mixed Quartet Champion in 2019. And Ontario District representatives to the BHS international contest in 2022. Robert is also the assistant director of the Simcoe Gentlemen of Harmony, and serves as the VP Youth-in-Harmony for the Ontario district of the BHS. He also serves on the board of directors for Sing Canada Harmony. Robert is proud to say he is now the Performance Director to the incredible Harbourtown Sound.
Robert is a sought after coach for Quartets and Choruses all over the globe, and is the 2018 winner of the Larry Dale Coach Of The Year Award. He enjoys working with all levels of performers to use their own organic feelings to build genuine, heartfelt, and believable performances, allowing them the chance to honour their music and to take the audiences on an emotional journey. Robert has achieved a major goal in barbershop by becoming and currently is a Performance Judge for the Barbershop Harmony Society.
