Our Musical Directors

Cam Ryle (Musical Director)

Mike Ludwig (Asst Musical Director) 

Mike joined the Gold Coast based Banana Blenders as a Baritone in 1993 and performed with that Chorus in 7 of its 8 Gold Medal National Championship wins. He has sung all voice parts and was awarded Life Membership of The Blenders in 1999. In 2003, Mike formed ESCAPADE, a quartet comprising great mates with a reputation for quality performances. ESCAPADE continues to compete nationally and in its 18th year performs gigs across Queensland. In February 2008 Mike formed High Altitude Harmony, a Toowoomba-based men's chorus with a clear focus on camaraderie, fun, improvement and entertainment. ESCAPADE was the guest quartet for the first night of High Altitude Harmony and the guys have supported HAH by featuring on many performance programs. In 2019 ESCAPADE won the BHA Seniors Gold Medal in Hobart in 2019 and Mike has also won 2 National Seniors Quartet medals singing Tenor with Electric Canoe. Mike also coaches quartets and was awarded Life Membership of HAH in 2018. He currently sings Lead in Chorus and is passionate about fostering and supporting new members.


 

Grant Van Heerden (Asst Musical Director)
Grant had never sung in public before joining HAH in 2010.  In fact, he had almost no idea of what he was walking into the first night he visited us. All he knew was that it involved music and singing. Luckily, after he got over the surprise, he was hooked and has been a key member of our chorus ever since. Grant now sings with the Baritone section in 2015 and currently serves as Deputy Section Leader. As part of our Executive Team, Grant was one of the main drivers behind the initial setup of our Facebook page in 2011 and YouTube channel in 2015, both of which he still helps to manage. Grant was elected Music Vice President in 2017 and took on the additional role of Assistant Musical Director in 2019. As A/MD, Grant is looking forward to developing his directing skills and enjoys helping to direct the chorus at gigs. Grant has competed on stage with HAH multiple times at local, state, national and Pan Pacific levels. Grant has also competed and performed with quartets Sync or Swim (2015), After Supper Project (2016 - 2017) and The Meltones (2019). During his time with the chorus, Grant has received the Barbershopper of The Year Award on 3 occasions.