The Muskoka Men of Song is a choral group centred in southern Muskoka in Ontario's popular tourist region. It traces the idea for its establishment to a small music study/appreciation group composed of a local physician, two teachers, and a business administrator. It was mentored by the Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School music teacher, John Rutherford. Someone suggested singing music instead of simply "appreciating" it. That was in 1984. The idea quickly found other people of like mind in the community and when the first meeting was called, a dozen or so men from various trades, businesses, and professions showed up to sing. John Rutherford became the leader/conductor.

For the first 14 years the group met weekly on Sunday evenings in the Rutherfords' living room crowded around the piano. The music was varied. Its style was essentially "glee club" with short pieces from popular, folk, classical and semi-classical genres performed at first for the enjoyment of the members but increasingly for audiences. The Men of Song performed in schools, at church, in community concerts, and war memorial reviews such as "Down Memory Lane". They could appear as the main feature but just as often supported or were supported by other musical groups and individuals. Senior citizen residences provided a good source of audiences and semi-formal concerts were held there permitting the men to practice and entertain at the same time. Their repertoire eventually became two-parted, secular and religious. The group increased in numbers over the years to an average size of about 25 active members at any given time, but with a significantly larger membership list. This larger pool allowed the participants to absent themselves from time to time without seriously impairing the performance quality of the group.

The Muskoka Men of Song chorus has had various accompanists over the years. Of longest service are John Reynolds and Lois Cavey of Bracebridge.

In 1994, John Rutherford turned over leadership of the group to Rob Knighton, then music teacher of Bracebridge Public School, and practices were alternated between Bracebridge and Gravenhurst. The music has retained its glee club secular and religious style. Some performances have become annual events, such as the annual concert at the Gravenhurst Opera House, Bala's "Trek to Bethlehem" during the Christmas season and upon invitations to specific churches in the spring and early summer.

The Muskoka Men of Song is not an exclusive group but an open fellowship. New members are always welcome. A personal joy in learning and performing choral music are the main prerequisites.

John E. Purchase, Bass,

The Muskoka Men of  Song have committed themselves to using the funds that they raise to assist young musicians who may need financial assistance, in pursuing their musical goals and dreams.

Applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

• be a resident of Muskoka
• be pursuing advanced training/education in music, which is presently inhibited by location, distance etc.
• be recommended by someone involved with their musical training to date
• have been involved in musical performance within the community
• demonstrate a need for support