Steven Armstrong has been involved in barbershop singing since 1976, joining the Oshawa Horseless Carriagemen when he was just 13 years of age. Steve began his early directing career at the age of 19 as the director of the Oshawa Sweet Adelines, followed by the Oshawa Horseless Carriagemen and the Oakville Entertainers. By the age of 32, Steve had directed both the Scarborough Dukes of Harmony and the East York Barbershoppers into international competitions. More recently, Steve was founder of the Toronto Northern Lights and directed them for 20 years during which they won 14 medals (1 gold, 5 silver, 8 bronze). Since retiring as front-line director he continues to serve the chorus as Associate Director. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Toronto in 1984.
Steve has been a member of two Ontario District Championship Quartets (1988 “Flipside” and 1996 “Jukebox”), both of which competed at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s international competitions. In addition, Steve has been a society judge since 1987 and served as Music Category Specialist from 2017-2019. Steve has served on the judging panel at several international competitions as well as overseas contests in Sweden, Germany, Holland, Spain, New Zealand and Australia.
An accomplished barbershop arranger, coach and instructor, Steve’s skill and experience have been sought after by many quartets and choruses around the world. He has coached and taught throughout Canada and the US and he has served on the faculty of Harmony University many times.
Steve lives in Oshawa with his wife Lori and son Joel where he also serves as Director of Wosrhip at the local Salvation Army church.