The early days saw development of the barbershop style under a number of visiting educators from the British Association of Barbershop Singers (BABS), but the club suffered from lack a of permanent Musical Director.

With a relatively stable membership the club continued its progress, carrying out a number of performances (known as "sing-outs") for local organisations.

However, in Mid-1991 the club and its leadership felt that it was in danger of stagnating.

It immediately set about tackling the problem areas that existed,and quickly drew together an experienced musical team to help raise it singing standards.

In conjunction with this ambitious move it was decided that the club should measure its progress by entering the preliminary round of the National Barbershop Championships.

So in November 1991, 18 men gathered together in Minehead to compete for Monmouth against some choruses who were many times its size, in an attempt to qualify for the finals in Birmingham in May 1992. Against all the odds, the chorus was sucessful!

As a result of this the club determined that it would continue forward and set new and exciting objectives for the future.

The first area to tackle was that of membership, as the club was at such a great disadvantage when compared to other competing choruses.

We hope that you enjoy the evening and that you are sufficiently impressed to come along to our next rehearsal night.

OBJECTIVES
The club is firmly committed to performing barbershop and other kinds of music to the highest possible level and to provide high quality entertainment.

Over a period of five years the club aims to become one of the primary a cappella clubs in the country in terms of membership and musical and entertainment standards.

ATTENDANCE
As the club itself is committed to an exciting future, regular attendance is a prime requirement at rehearsals. Whilst it is appreciated that everyone has family and other social obligations it is considered reasonable to expect attendance at 3 out of 4 rehearsals.

Sing-outs are an opportunity to perform our material before the public, and this would occur on average once or twice a month. It is generally expected that members would attend.

The club aims to continue to compete in the National Championships. To this end certain Sunday evenings are set aside close to competition to rehearse this material.

The preliminary competitions take place in November or December each year and depending location will require an overnight stay.

The Annual Convention normally takes place over the May Bank Holiday Weekend every year and it would be expected that everyone would want to attend. This is especially important when the chorus qualifies to compete. There is also an unequalled opportunity to meet and sing with other barbershop singers.

In addition, there are various educational events held during the year for which attendance is voluntary.

MUSICALLY

Members do not have to read music. The chorus uses a "teach-tape" method for learning where each persons' part is pre-recorded onto tape. This is then used as "homework" in preparation for the next rehearsal. There is also a music team to assist with areas of difficulty.

Every member will be required to undergo a simple initial test which merely helps to determine voice range and ability to discern pitch. This permits entry to the rehearsal chorus. Further assessment will be necessary to establish when members are ready to "sing-out" with the chorus, and for competition. None of this should prove difficult for anyone able to sing in tune reasonably well.

FINANCIALLY

Membership subscription is £12.00 per quarter. This includes the contribution made by every member towards the National Association, BABS.

Members are required to fund their own travel expenses toward sing-outs and to make a contribution to chorus uniform. This is not expensive.

In addition there will be accommodation expenses at Convention, and possibly at other optional events.

It is hoped that in time the club may be able to subsidise part of these activities.

Contact Mike Howley,
our Booking Secretary on:

01989 720 450