How Do I Join?

Overview, What Part Do I Sing?, Contact Info

Each new guest spends a few minutes with Ruth Carmichael, our musical director and/or Dianne Ritz, our Associate Director. They will have you sing some scales to determine which part you find the most comfortable. This is NOT an audition, just making sure you start off in the best place for you. If, after you've tried a part for a while, and you would like to try a different one, please talk to our director or your section leader about it.

Through experience, we have found that new members adjust to the chorus more quickly if part of the first few rehearsals is spent in group vocal lessons learning about our art form. Newcomers will learn the basics of proper singing and breath support that apply to all types of music. Additionally, you' II learn the basics of singing four-part harmony, barbershop style. During these sessions, you will work with the director, the assistant director and/or the section leaders and possibly the choreographer. You will also participate on the risers with the rest of the chorus. There will be information sessions to help you understand the various aspects of chorus life. After a few weeks, you may request an audition to join the chorus.

What Part Do I Sing?

If you have never sung four-part harmony, barbershop style, you probably want to know what's so special about picking a part.

In simple terms, barbershop harmony is vocal harmony produced by four parts: lead, tenor, baritone and bass. It is different from any other kind of choral or group singing. Finding the right part for your voice is the initial step. Any woman of average singing ability, with or without vocal training, will find a part that fits her range. 

Lead is the generally the melody and is sung in the range between A below middle C, and C above middle C. 

Tenor is a harmony part sung consistently above the lead. Although tenor is the highest voice in barbershop harmony, it should not be confused with soprano of conventional singing groups.  The tenor should have a light, sweet, pure tone that will compliment but not overpower the lead voice. 

Baritone covers approximately the same range as lead. The baritone harmony notes cross the lead notes; sometimes sung below and sometimes above. Baritones must constantly adjust their balance to accommodate their position in the chord. 

For more information on joining, please contact 

Director:
Ruth Carmichael, email: ruth.carmichael@gmail.com
phone: 519.768.1340

Team Coordinator:
Maureen Marchbank, email jmarchbank@rogers.com  
phone 519.658.9038 

PR/Business Coordinator:
Greta Sinclair, email jgsinclair@sympatico.ca
phone 519.885.9002

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