Peter and Audrey Switzer Trophy Room

Donated By: James Medlyn Esq., St. Thomas
First Presented: 1930
Criteria: Best or Most Promising Vocalist - Changing Voice Classes

James Medlyn was a tenor soloist who had served at a number of churches in the St. Thomas area. Hollie Archer recalled that when he was 13, James was his choral director at Knox Presbyterian Church in St. Thomas. James would tell a young Holly to stand beside him and sing the same notes as he sang. Holly remembers James recounting stories about his days as a soldier in the Great War when, as a person of short stature, he had to run to keep up with the marching troops.

James competed at the Perth County Musical Festival in its early years, from 1929 through 1931. He was a tenor soloist who won the McLagan Rose Bowl in 1929 and 1930 for the top vocalist (amateur or professional) at the Festival.

This trophy was originally presented to a Male Vocalist ages 16 - 20. It has been reassigned to the Changing Voice Classes.