FOUR-PART FUN TOPPING BILL AT CHORAL EVENT; BENEFIT TO AID SCHOOL PROGRAMS.

Byline: P. Catherine Shanks Community Columnist

Four-part singers will strike a sympathetic chord Saturday evening when more than 425 participants from four adult choruses and six high school choirs converge on the Oxnard Performing Arts Center.

The Harmony Oaks Chorus, Agoura Hills Harmony Chorus, Channelaire Chorus and the Channel Island Clippers will host their second annual high school choral benefit beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The Harmony Oaks Chorus is responsible for spearheading the harmonic convergence, which brings together the two Ventura County-based, all-male barbershop groups with two resident all-female Sweet Adelines choruses.

Organizers hope to infuse young singers with an appreciation for the art of four-part singing, while raising funds to help support choral music in the schools.

``We're trying to create enthusiasm in the high schools,'' said Bob Haines, board member at large with the Channel Island Clippers. ``There's a whole generation that isn't familiar with four-part singing.''

Event chairman and Harmony Oaks Chorus member Red Ehrenbach agreed that there is a lack of knowledge about the vocal art form in schools, but emphasized that the fund-raising concert is not an effort on the part of the adult choruses to recruit young singers. He and members from the other adult groups agreed that theirs is a seed-planting mission.

``On the average, people join choirs and choruses 17 to 20 years after leaving high school,'' said Ehrenbach. ``We would certainly hope that later on in life they will consider joining a group.''

``This is a way to groom the kids for the future,'' said Agoura Hills Harmony Chorus assistant director Diane Luster.

High schools participating in the event this year are Newbury Park, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Oxnard and Royal in Simi Valley. Newbury Park High School choral director Michael Bonn said his singers are looking forward to the concert.

``We get to hear some good barbershop stuff,'' said Bonn, adding that his 83-voice ensemble is also interested in hearing what the other high school groups will perform.

``In some ways, it's like a choral festival,'' said Bonn, whose choir specializes in the presentation of classical music. The singers have been rehearsing a program of well-known folk songs and a Bach piece for the fund-raiser.

Bonn said any funds raised at the event and donated to his choral music program would be greatly appreciated. He added that the purchase of 85 copies of one piece of music usually runs upward of $100.

The director said he also would like to buy a new set of risers and an acoustical choral shell in the near future.

The Saturday night concert promises more than the traditional barbershop sound and a chorus or two of ``Lyda Rose.'' Music from Bach to Broadway and back again - with a few humorous detours and serious side notes - will fill the 1600-seat Performing Arts Center.

The concert is scheduled to run more than 2-1/2 hours, including the half-hour intermission. Before and after the event and during intermission, strolling quartets will make surprise appearances.

While they are being serenaded at intermission, guests can enjoy free punch and cookies.

With huge repertoires to draw from, the adult choruses are polishing their songs for the performance.

``You can actually feel the music,'' Haines said. ``It's fun!''

Tickets for the high school benefit show are $8 for adults and $5 for students. The Oxnard Performing Arts Center is at 800 Hobson Way. For more information, call the Harmony Oaks Chorus at [phone] or the arts center box office at [phone].