PITCH – Our House
P.I.T.C.H. (People In The Crowd Harmonists) and S.P.I.C.E. (Spreading Peace In Crowds Everywhere) were a group of about 256 Christians from St. Albert, Alberta. From what I know, this group put out three albums, two with the same cover (Spice – Choice Selections has the same cover, pictured above) and one simply called The Magic Ship. The good thing about these albums is that they are not choir albums. Albeit the group is large, the songs usually feature one or two singers backed by whatever arrangments are required. There are a few songs with numerous singers though, like their great version of Sprach Zarathustra (aptly named “Bah Bah Zarathustra”).
There are duds on all their albums, particularily the songs intended for children or prayer. What made this album worth buying was this rockin’ ballad Halleluiah.
As an interesting side note, when I found this album I was looking through a box of records in the corner of a flea-market with my friend and I jokingly said “this is the box, The Magic Ship will be in this box.” I didn’t know about Pitch and Spice at the time, so when I pulled it, listened, and asked around, I was pleasently surprised.
11 Comments
Release date?
I believe late 60’s, maybe 69 or 68 if I remember correctly.
This album was actually released in about 73 or 74. I was a member of this group and recall other albums we did – a great rendition of Jesus Christ Superstar was one – and Melodies des ble d’or (Melodies of the golden wheat). The group was featured at Expo 76 in Spokane Washington and toured numerous times across BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec. Several members of this group went on to larger musical careers but most of them went on to regular jobs and families – but with the wonderful experience of this group firmly committed to memory – and of course an address book full of life long friends.
The founder and director was Father Ubald Duchesneau OMI. At the time Fr. Duchesneau taught religeous studies at St. Albert High but I’d suggest his real legacy is the way he gave the members of this group responsibilty for much of what the group undertook. He kept us all off the streets and pointed in the right direction as well!
You’re right though, some of the songs were duds and others were great! In my memory though they were all fun!
i think it’s also important to note that the members in PITCH were in grades 10-12. SPICE was grade 8-9.
the group helped develop a passion for music for young teens that I am sure continues 30 years later
The Group was more about giving teens an expression, an opportunity to grow and be challenged than the artist ability. I was a member with Joe, the other poster. Even if you could not hold a note you were given the chance to ‘shine’ and stand out. I know I was one of those. The world needs more of those organizations right now. So please forgive some of the vocals and narrations (me too) and know that this group deeply affected the positive futures of HUNDREDS of youth. If we could be so lucky with our own kids today. So, listen with the thought that you are hearing tomorrow’s ife successes not the always next “American Idol”.
This was a great time in my life. I played guitar on both albums. The memories and friends I made during this time were amazing. I would really like to find a copy of the albums if anybody still has one let me know!
Greg, I found a copy of Magic Ship in an Anchorage Alaska Salvation Army store last year. Its not in the best shape but both discs play well.
I understand you are referencing the SPICE albums, but if this is just as important to own I’d be happy to send it off for the cost of shipping…
I was looking through my vinyl today and decided to look up Magic Ship–I never had a clue what it was and as far as I can tell, this blog has the only threads for these albums on the web.
Brilliant is all I can say. Amd I’m in a band called Magic Ship and we’re making our second album as I write. I wonder if I can get a good enough copy to sample a snipp of the intro?
Hello Jason I would love to get that copy!!! Drop me a line. Greg 780-909-2884
Pitch and Spice toured the Yukon and Alaska in August 1978, so I am not surprised that the Magic Ship album would have found its way into a second hand store up there. It was a fantastic trip up north where the people were warm and welcoming.
Pitch and Spice were the focus of my High School and subsequent activities. Pitch (People in the Crowd Harmonists) had previously been “Senior Choir” and SPICE (Spreading Peace in Crowds Everywhere) was the evolution of the “junior choir” Through the relentless and tireless efforts of Father Ubald Duchesneau (affectionately known by all is “Fr. Duck”), these groups moved from being the St Albert High School Choir, to approximately 260 youth. The focus was on giving back to the community, and youth leadership rather than on ‘stardom” or receiving. Funds were raised, practice attendance was mandatory, parents and community provided guidance and support. In addition to the more well known musical groups, Duchesneau also organized a youth group called “Movers” which ran various youth activities such as the Teen Centre (where present day Chateau Mission Court now stands), SEC (Social, Educational and cultural committee) HCV (Holiday community Volunteers). Fr Duchesneau had a knack of involving youth, holding them accountable, developing leadership skills, and having people commit above and beyond what anyone else seemed to be able to do. The impact of Father Duchesneau will never truly be known, but the results live on in the thousands of youth and their families who were involved in these activities. In addition to the album referred to here, PITCH and SPICE performed as the choral group for Mel Degan and Privilege’s Jesus Christ Superstar, then did their own rendition and album, and then another Fr Duck “opera” called Spellbound, along with many other musical performances. Duchesneau included everyone, whether you could sing or not, play an instrument, act as stage crew, chaperone as parent, help with the music (Fran Schuhard for one), fundraising, and a hundred other jobs that needed to be done to make it all work. A dynasty that St Albert had never seen before or since. Dynamic and life changing.