Hamilton John

Article By Kathleen Hay
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October 28, 2008

Williamstown -John Edward Hamilton likes M & M's. But it's 'not what you may think. Instead this Williamstown man grew up surrounded by music, and enjoyed a teaching career filled with mathematical equations.

Now the director of C-Way Sound Barbershop Chorus John grew up in Cornwall. The son of Jim and Mary Hamilton, he has one older sister, Joan Tallon. His dad was chairman of the first Kinsmen Music Festival in 1955 and young John was a gold medal winner in piano that same year. He completed his Grade 8 piano, and Grade 2 theory through the Royal Conservatory of Music, but decided to pursue engineering studies at Queen's University.

However, midway through his love for math got the better of him and he eventually graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Mathematics). This seed was planted in him one summer when he taught math, and loved teaching so much he decided to pursue it as a career. In April, 1968 be began as a "math , teacher," his preferred job title, at St. Lawrence College in Cornwall. For the next 34 years he taught Statistics, Financial Mathematics, Calculus and Introduction to Mathematics.

Twelve years ago he joined C-Way Sound Barbershop as a charter member. For the past six years, he has been the organization's director. As well, for several years, John sang with the Centennial Choir. He currently performs with the Adirondack Company, based in Canton, NY. He, is also director of St. Andrews United Church choir, in Williamstown.

When he's not calculating equations on the musical staff or otherwise, you'll find him playing bridge, golfing, making wine or gardening. He and his wife of 39 years, Pat, have one daughter, Vicky. The couple resides near Williamstown with their 3 pets Max, Nike and Cassie.

Q1 what was the most difficult math course for you?
It would have to be Elementary Mathematics. From An Advanced Point of View: It was on the final year math program. Most of the people in the class were math teachers and I had to present a two- hour class to them. That was scary being judged by your peers, There were more experienced than me.

Q 2. Which teacher made the greatest impression on you?
Louise McArthur. She taught at CCVS and was head of math there. An excellent teacher, she I treated students with respect. When I had to teach my first class, I phoned her up and she 'said, ''Come on over, John.'' She calmed me .down and got me through it.

Q3. What's your serenading song for your wife?
You Make Me Feel So Young, or Heart of My Heart.

Q4. What piece did you play for your first Kinsmen, Music Festival?
I played the Mill Wheel Told Me on the piano. I would have been 10. The Music Festival back then was hugely different. There would be 20 0r 30 kids in each age group all playing the same song. I won a gold medal for it.

Q 5. What's the silliest thing you've ever done on-stage?
Most recently I sang I Feel Pretty on-stage in drag with barbershoppers. I was performing with the Canton Goldenaires, the chorus behind Adirondack Harmony Company. They were doing a play with, musical accompaniment. As part of the act there was a magic show and when the magician made his gorgeous assistant disappear inside a large box. When she spun the box around and opened it, I came springing forth and stuck a fetching pose. Then with the chorus' accompaniment, I danced around the stage singing. I wore a full-length gown and a flaming red wig.

Q 6. Who do you think is or was the greatest mind? .
Dr. Stephen Hawking. Bright boy.

Q7. What was your fondest memory of Queen's University?
Hanging around MacNeil House in first year, then Leonard Hall another year, with the guys. The campus was dry then, you weren't supposed to have alcohol in your rooms, but we'll chill beer in the windows. Drink beer and play bridge!

Q8. What's your hidden talent?
I' am handy around the house. I do my own electrical work, plumbing and carpentry.

Q.9 How did you get into Barbershop signing?
My first exposure to it was in high school. Four of us tried to do something with it, but we didn't have adult guidance. The harmonies appealed to me. Then I started singing barbershop with Dave Irwin.

Q10. What's, the hardest thing to learn in barbershop?
To listen, I guess. And to find your place in the chord. The Lord's given you two ears and one mouth, so you should use them proportionately. You're part of a team and you, have to listen. You need to listen to hear each other.

Q11. What's the first record you ever bought?
Elvis Presley. It was a 45 rpm. I think it was King Creole. Long gone now. My mother threw things out. She was a wise woman.

Q12. If you could walk a mile in anyone else's shoes for the day, who would you choose?
At this stage of my life, I'd like to sing baritone with Keepsake. They were international champions in barbershopping. Or really any top quartet to experience that feeling.
Q13. What was your childhood ambition?
A vet. I would always strays home. When I was about six, I remember bringing home a horribly beat-up cat that was barely alive. My Dad took it to Dr George McGoewn and I think it was it. I found it on a vacant lot. I like animals

Q14. Best advice anyone ever gave you.
Learn from your mistakes, courtesy of my mother. And boy, did I ever learn a lot.

Q15. Have you ever hit a sour note on-stage? '
OH, yes! Oh, yes! Many times. I remember singing with a 'much-earlier quartet on Mother's Day and having a total meltdown. We started about three times.

Qt 16. How would you describe John Hamilton to someone who doesn't know him?
He'll be alright when he grows up!

Q 17. What's in your CD player?
Learning CDs for barbershopping, and coaching sessions.

Q18. If you could win an Olympic gold medal in any sport, what one would you choose?
Anything goes , Well, the decathlon. It's probably because they're the best all- around athletes. I see myself as a generalist. I'm interested in a lot of different things.

Q19. What would be your ultimate road trip?
Probably the Robert Trent Jones trail from one golf course to the next. I'd go from
course to course just playing golf

Q20. If you were a song, what song would you be?
I'm Sittin" On Top of the World. Life's good. What's not to like? Wonderful' career, music, play golf, I have a wife who likes me to go out and play golf!