Got Any Questions?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are a number of frequently-asked questions that we get:

 

How much personal time will it take?

In addition to weekly rehearsals, there are various public pereformances throughout the year. We also participate in a Sweet Adelines regional competition in May each year, and have an annual weekend retreat to focus on preparing for competition. We tend to perform in and around our area about 2-4 times per year for local festivals, business events, charitable events, as well as participating in Christmas and arts festival events.   

 

What is the cost?

When you initially join, it costs around £60 to register with the international organisation. After which you simply pay your Chorus dues (£20 a month) which covers our rehearsal hall rental and music resources. Occasionally, you will be asked to contribute to the cost of Costume and you will be required to provide your own recording device.

 

How does the Chorus fund itself?

We have an active group of ladies within the Chorus who organise various fundraising activities for us. The money raised helps pay for hall rental, music, costumes and educational events etc. Of course we love to sing too, so we perform whenever we can.

 

Is there an audition procedure?

Yes, but this is not so bad. We are there to help and encourage you to become a member of the chorus.

You have two options available to you:

• you can either sing into a voice recorder while singing with the rest of the chorus
• or if you prefer, along with three other voice parts in a quartet.

 

Do I have to be a great singer?

A chorus is made up of enthusiastic singers who learn the right notes and how to blend together, not necessarily soloists. You don't need to know how to read music as we use various forms of tuition to bring the best out of your voice, whatever your musical background.

 

How do I learn all the songs?

It’s surprising how fast we can learn with the aid of pre-recorded learning MP3 files or CDs, which feature your voice part.  We all have different levels and styles of learning songs and as a new member it can seem a massive task, but the recordings give you the confidence of hearing an experienced voice guiding you along.

We also hold section rehearsals on the last Thursday of each month so that members of each voice part can learn how to blend better as well as confirm we know the right notes, encouraging each other along all the way.

 

How will I know which part I should sing?Once you've decided Barbershop could be for you, our Chorus Director or Assistant Director will take you somewhere private and will voice test you. This is to determine which voice part is most suitable for you. In Barbershop singing, we have four voice parts.

• Lead - principally sings the melody
• Tenor - a high harmony part above the melody
• Baritone - sings a slightly complex part in a similar vocal range to the Lead part but gels the Barbershop chord together in an exciting way
• Bass - sings the lowest part in the chord. 

We also have brochures which help you understand your specific voice part.

After I become a member, what happens next?Within our chorus, we have voice part Section Leaders who are there to help you with your songs if you have difficulty with them. All Chorus members are expected to record their voice singing with the chorus as they learn a song, so that the Section Leader can check them and correct any words or notes.

 

Should I join?If you're still reading then hopefully YES!

Not only will you learn quickly to become part of our fun-loving and friendly group, you will also have the opportunity to learn more about the fun of singing and performing. Once you join, you will be given a New Member’s Pack which should answer any other questions you might have.