HARMONY EXPRESS FEBRUARY 2019 - ISSUE 340 H E X - British Association of Barbershop Singers
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HEX FEBRUARY 2019 - ISSUE 340 The official publication of The British Association of Barbershop Singers HARMONY EXPRESS
Page 2 Harmony Express February 2019
Diary Dates
- 2019 -
23rd March BABS Board & Charity Trustees Meeting Coventry
24th March BABS Annual General Meeting Coventry
4th - 9th April SABS En Armonia Convention Calpe, Spain
10th - 12th May Sweet Adelines Region 31 Convention Cardiff
24th - 27th May BABS 45th Annual Convention Bournemouth
Editor
15th -16th June BABS Board & Charity Trustees Meeting Coventry
Shanna Wells
BABS Marketing Director 30th June - 7th July BHS International Convention Salt Lake City
Special thanks to Laurie Whittle, BABS 21st - 28th July BHS Harmony University Nashville
Vice Chairman, for all his excellent 27th - 28th July BABS Board & Charity Trustees Meeting Coventry
issues of HEX over the years. 22nd - 25th August BABS Harmony College Nottingham
14th - September BABS Board & Charity Trustees Meeting Coventry
Editorial
15th September BABS Autumn Members Meeting Coventry
Please send all articles and photos to:
harmonyexpress@singbarbershop.com 4th - 6th October IABBS Convention Killarney
11th October Guild Executive Meeting
Advertising 12th - 13th October Guild Seminar
For costs and further information
25th - 27th October LABBS Convention Llandudno
please visit singbarbershop.com or
contact: 27th October BinH Mixed Quartet Contest Llandudno
harmonyexpress@singbarbershop.com 30th November BABS Board & Charity Trustees Meeting Coventry
Change of Email? - 2020 -
Please email:
membershipsecretary@singbarbershop.com 7th - 12th January BHS Mid-Winter Convention Jacksonville
7th March Guild Seminar
The editor reserves the right to edit any material in the
interest of clarity, accuracy or suitability to fit the space 22nd - 25th May BABS 46th Annual Convention Harrogate
available, and the decision of the editor as to the
publication of any material is final. 28th June - 5th July BHS International Convention Los Angeles
BARBERSHOP Entry Limited
IN
HARMONY
to 15 Quartets
Hurry - Enter Now!
2019 Mixed Quartet Contest
Sunday 27th October - Venue Cymru, Llandudno
The Contest Entries
The 2019 Barbershop in Harmony’s Mixed Quartet These will be handled by LABBS. Entry fee is £30 per
Contest will be hosted by LABBS at their 2019 quartet plus the appropriate convention registration.
Convention in October. Winners will receive a £500 award. Closing date is
the 13th June 2019. Entry is limited to 15 quartets.
Venue
Venue Cymru is a modern seafront convention
centre in Llandudno, North Wales, positioned right
on the promenade, overlooking the beautiful bay.
Eligibility
Venue Cymru
Mixed quartet can consist of any combination of
Llandudno,
males and females. However, all singers must be a
member of one of the three Barbershop in Apply Now
Harmony organisations. Hurry, enter now through the LABBS website:
www.labbs.org.uk/convention
Barbershop in Harmony, is a collaboration between: The Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers (LABBS). Region 31(Quartet of Nations)
Sweet Adelines International and the British Association of Barbershop Singers (BABS). With a collective voice of over 6000 singers, the three
organisations are working together to promote and raise the profile of barbershop singing in the UK.
harmonyexpress@singbarbershop.com Page 3
The Chairman
Signs In!
It’s the Sunday afternoon of
2019 Executive Directors Director’s Academy and I am
& Charity Trustees reflecting on my first few weeks as
BABS Chairman whilst at
Chairman
Nottingham University’s Jubilee
Martin Baglow
T: 07769 804745 Campus (known to many of you as
E: chairman@singbarbershop.com the home of Harmony College).
The Director’s Academy, a top
Vice Chairman
Laurie Whittle quality educational event provided
T: 01606 259997 M: 07919 236561 free of charge for all front-line
E: vicechairman@singbarbershop.com BABS Chorus Directors, has been
Finance Director running smoothly all weekend
Pippa Goodall under the expert touch of our Martin Baglow
T: 07963 960019
E: financedirector@singbarbershop.com
Music Services Director Alan BABS Chairman
Hughes.
Marketing Director
Yesterday the BABS Board hosted a Teaching Assistant) I “trumped” all
Shanna Wells
well-attended meeting of Club of the infants by taking in the BABS
M: 07930 992443
Chairmen. It was a great Chairman’s chain of office. The
E: marketingdirector@singbarbershop.com
opportunity to share knowledge children were most interested in
Administration Director
and experiences with the people finding my name on the chain, as I
Pat Perridge
T: 07785 331375 who lead our Clubs, and for them tried to explain that it’s now my
E: administrationdirector@singbarbershop.com to meet our new Board. The turn to “look after” BABS as well as
timetable for the day included a this long line of people had done
Music Services Director
Alan Hughes presentation from our new before me. A long list of men who,
T: 07841 819535 Marketing Director Shanna Wells in most cases, are or were friends
E: musicservicesdirector@singbarbershop.com that I have looked up to, laughed
about Chorus Identity; a session
Membership Services Director incorporating lots of feedback from with, shared a tag with ...
Colin Roper
Choruses and individuals who had Gulp ...!
T: 07397 934012
run Time to Sing and Regional The spell was broken when the
E: membershipdirector@singbarbershop.com
Events during 2018, and the launch teacher asked if I could sing them a
Special Events Director
of our new “Can We Help?” Barbershop song and I had to
Derek Parmenter
T: 01925 637394 initiative (more to follow on this in explain that my (Baritone) part is
E: specialeventsdirector@singbarbershop.com future editions of HEX ...) really only fit for singing on it’s own
I am so proud to have been in the bath!
The British Association of Barbershop Singers
elected to serve as the Chairman of So, with 5 year old Harry’s accolade
A company limited by guarantee registered in England
and Wales.
our wonderful organisation, and am “that was the best ‘Show and Tell
Registered Office: 6 Corunna Court, Corunna Road, regularly reminded of the honour ever Mr. Baglow!” ringing in my
Warwick, United Kingdom CV34 5HQ
that has been bestowed upon me. ears, that’s all from me for now.
Registered Company No: 3823721
Registered Charity Ref No: 1080930 Earlier this week, during a class In harmony
The British Association of Barbershop Singers is affiliated to the discussion about prized Martin Baglow
Barbershop Harmony Society in America. Members of Making
Music and the Association of British Choral Directors in the UK. possessions (I am a Primary School BABS Chairman
Page 4 Harmony Express February 2019
To Sing recruitment events, to which the room was
keen to listen and discuss. Thanks go to them.
We also heard from Ian McLean (Rolling Hills) and Wilf
Pattison (Three Spires Harmony) about their roller-
coaster and character building experiences in
organising last years Regional Events, Macappella and
The Big Coventry Chorus respectively. Wilf also told us
about a new take on 'singing being good for you' that
Three Spires is running for Coventry University and
Pippa Goodall updated us on the brilliant progress in
Chairmen’s Meeting the team project to encourage Barbershop groups to
form in Universities. To round off the day, I updated on
Our first majorly successful event of 2019, the
the forthcoming Mixed Chorus Contest which for the
Chairmen's Meeting at Directors Academy on the,
first time will see a double figure number of choruses
now very familiar, Jubilee Campus of Nottingham
with the best part of four hundred singers!
University, took place at the end of January.
Shanna Wells leading the discussions about Chorus Identity
Thirty four Chairmen, or their representatives,
attended and we were also very pleased to welcome
Chairmen from some of the new clubs to be
recommended for acceptance at the AGM in March.
If your Chairman hasn't already gushed enthusiastically
about everything they heard and contributed to, then
you're already missing opportunities. And if they were
Chairmen engrossed in the presentations
not there then they need to catch up with other
During the day Martin Baglow, BABS Chairman, and Chairmen in your Regional group who were. He/she
Laurie Whittle, BABS Vice-Chairman, spoke to the has all their emails and is invited to join the closed
Chairmen and introduced the Can We Help? initiative. Club Chairmen's Facebook Group administered by
Shanna Wells, our new Marketing Director, gave a James Boyle, Chairman of MK Acapella by searching
presentation on Chorus Identity and how each chorus ‘BABS Club Chairmen’s Group’ on Facebook and
can ‘tell their story’ in their own unique way. asking to join.
Remember you can contact Shanna directly on
marketingdirector@singbarbershop.com if you have
any questions or would like to have a brainstorming
session. We also asked Steve Morris (Solent City
Chorus and Wight Harmony), Rob Evatt (Tuxedo
Junction) and John Phillips (Heart of England) to speak
to the Chairmen as they were keen to share their
experiences in holding variants on the theme of Time Chairmen at the Club Chairmen’s Meeting
harmonyexpress@singbarbershop.com Page 5
Annual Membership Return and Academy in 2017, asked the BABS board to
Subscription Invoicing encourage them to get together to organise Regional
I'm pleased to report that these new arrangements Events. The four very successful Big Chorus Days held,
appear to be proceeding according to plan for which in Huntingdon, Harrogate, Coventry and Perth, have
I'll thank all involved in our clubs on behalf of BABS provided an amazing experience with top class
MemSec Stuart Lines and the board of directors. As coaching to gatherings of 60 to 160 singers,
there will now be only one Membership Return per representing BABS clubs and other groups in their
year, in January, you need to remember to keep Stuart localities, who enjoy Barbershop Harmony singing.
up to date with new members, leaving members, club Funds are limited, so if you believe that a get together
officer changes and changes to individual contact in 2019 with clubs around you will bring benefits to
details. Please also be aware that your club's GDPR you all, the Regional Event Guidelines are on slide 56
policy carries the obligation that data is of the set your Chairman has from their meeting. Get
accurate and up to date, especially with regard to data booking!
provided to BABS on which it then relies for the
purpose of communicating with you. STOP PRESS
Two Regional Events are already being planned
Who's your local Barbershop Hero? between Harmony College and Christmas 2019!
The second winner of the award has been chosen and
will be announced at the AGM in March. In addition to
a superb framed certificate (oooohhh) they will also
receive the new BOTY Scholarship entitling them to
the full Friday to Sunday package on any stream at this MIXED
year's Harmony College. While the deadline for 2019
nominations is 31st December, remember it's not CHORUS
necessarily about what somebody has achieved in just
the year. Indeed there are no rules to what your
CONTEST
nomination should say about the member who
deserves their outstanding individual contribution to Sunday
UK Barbershop at BABS Club level to be recognised 26th May 2019
nationally by their peers.
Entries Close
Thinking about a recruitment event in
2019? 28th February
If yours wasn't one of twenty or so Time To Sing
events that BABS clubs hosted last year, then why
don’t you start planning something for 2019?
Remember there is a £200 grant, free and subsidised
marketing material, and the dots and tracks for a
suitable song at no charge all up for grabs! See the
LTS Grants & Support pdf in the Document Centre on
www.singbarbershop.com for more information.
Get together with local clubs and run a
Regional Event in 2019 45th Annual Convention
24th - 27th May 2019
Club Chairmen who attended their day at Director’s
Bournemouth
Page 6 Harmony Express February 2019
Director’s Academy: An
Interview with Jordan Travis
Over the weekend of the 26th and 27th January 2019,
60 of our Music Directors gathered at the Jubilee
Conference Centre in Nottingham for the 10th Annual
Music Directors Academy. As part of its commitment
to chorus development, BABS provides a free place at
this event for the front-line director of every BABS club
to allow them to develop their skills, and therefore the for seniors, the Harbourtown Sound - a men’s chorus I
skills of the members of their club. help found 15 years ago which has grown to over 80
This year we were joined by Jordan Travis, and we men, A Cappella Showcase - a multi-time Harmony
caught up with Jordan to find out more about the Incorporated International Chorus and 2016 HI Chorus
weekend… Champions, and of course, The Toronto Northern
Lights - a multi-time International chorus medalist and
2013 BHS International Chorus Champions. I’m also
really engaged in developing more community singing
experiences and events. On February 8th, I ran a
program named InstaChoir where participants learned
a song all together in harmony in an evening filled
with lots of fun, friendship, harmony, and maybe a few
adult beverages.
So, what topics did you cover over the weekend?
Jordan Travis and the Directors
Over the weekend, we covered a wide range of topics
First of all, please can you tell us a little more focussing on the many facets of being a director.
about your directing and singing experience? Everything from being a great leader, healthy vocal
production, leveling up - developing improvement
Wow - this is a big question. I joined the BHS (then
strategies, gesture and directing techniques, rehearsal
SPEBSQSA) 25 years ago after being taught a tag in a
and warm up strategies, and expanding our tools. We
quartet, with my Dad. The moment those chords
also had some time to have open discussions about
rang, I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.
challenges we were facing. It was a wonderful
I joined our local chapter, The Oakville Entertainers,
weekend of learning, but also creating a stronger MD
and after a few years, the director (still a good friend
community.
of mine) noticed my enthusiasm and asked me to do
warm ups. This experience led me to want more
leadership opportunities and this led to becoming
Lead Section Leader, then Assistant Music Director,
and after he had to leave, Music Director of the
chorus. I cut my teeth on directing 20 years ago and
since then, have received a formal music education
from the University of Toronto in Vocal Performance.
Now, I am MD and Artistic Director of multiple
organizations (as my career) working with the Golden
Jordan Travis
Horseshoe Choruses - a daytime harmony experience
harmonyexpress@singbarbershop.com Page 7
Over the weekend the delegates worked on ‘If I
Can Dream’, the song which you directed to an
International Gold Medal with the Toronto
Northern Lights. How did it feel to be working on
this song again?
The moment we started in, so many memories
flooded through me. It actually has been many years
since we’ve performed the piece with the Toronto
Northern Lights so it was a real treat hearing and
Alan Hughes, Martin Baglow and Jordan Travis
working on it again. This song has always “spoken” to
me because of it’s powerful message meshed with a
Directors Academy will return in January 2020 – make
stellar arrangement. Needless to say, I was elated to
sure your director keeps their eyes peeled for more
work on it, and hear the song come alive again.
info, it is a weekend they will not want to miss!
What did you think of the standard and
commitment of our Music Directors?
What I loved most about my experience at Music
Director Academy was observing how all of the Music
Directors were engaged, learning, and growing. I
believe that life-long learning is incredibly important
and I truly felt everyone was taking away something -
whether it be re-affirming beliefs and skills, or learning
new ones. The commitment to growth across all of
the Directors was incredible and lasted far past the
classroom, as we continued to discuss concepts and
ideas at breaks, in the evening, and now over email.
What do you hope are the main things that our
Music Directors will take away from the weekend?
A leadership guru that I love, John Maxwell says,
“People don’t care how much you know until they
Save the
know how much you care.” The idea that building
relationships is such an incredible force to building
strength in our organizations is key. By focussing on
Date!
relationships, we focus on the culture, and by
focussing on the culture, we can build strategies for
improvement and growth.
41st Harmony College
Needless to say, Jordan was a huge hit with our Music
Directors, who provided very positive feedback about 22nd - 25th August 2019
the weekend as a whole. If you have noticed that your
director has been trying out some new ideas over the
last few weeks, they may well have picked them up
from Jordan at Directors Academy! Jubilee Campus, Nottingham
Alan Hughes
Music Services Director
Page 8 Harmony Express February 2019
Introducing Tag Corner!
This segment of HEX used to be a way of sharing
classic tags. This revamp, under the Time To Sing
initiative, will bring new tags to you all, with a brand
new tag each issue. We want this segment to invite
you to sing a tag or two, to introduce you to new
music and to showcase the amazing arranging talent
we have within our society some known to you and
some who you will get to know. We ‘tagged’ in Zac
Booles, a tag guru, to come on board and get us parts, making this accessible to all. This, for me, is key
going. (no pun intended). A tag should be as accessible as
possible and in my opinion, be written as though it
“Hello all! It’s a real pleasure to be asked to bring
ends a whole arrangement. Members of my chorus will
back this segment of HEX. But before we talk about
confirm that most of our recent contest repertoire
tags, here’s a bit about me.
started with the tag!
I’ve been in BABS since the age of 16, joining the
If you are interested in learning some of the old classic
Grand Central Chorus on their journey to Gold in
drop me an email at zacboolesarranging@gmail.com
2003. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of directing the
If you have a song/lyric you think would make a great
chorus for 6 years and winning gold twice in quartet
tag, feel free to get in touch and I’ll see what I can do
with Monkey Magic (2008) and The Locksmiths as
- who knows, your idea may make the next issue of
current champions.
HEX!
Tags were where I started applying my barbershop/
Zac.”
a capella knowledge as a short and sweet way to test
my ideas on unsuspecting singers! It definitely gave
me a better understanding of singable music in 4 Zac’s tag for this issue is ‘It Is You (I Have Loved).
It Is You (I Have Loved)
Recommended Ladies Key: F Zac Booles
It is you I have loved, all a - long.
° bb 3 œ œ œ œ œ ˙ ˙™ ˙˙ ™™
Tenor
Lead & 4 Œ œ∑ œ Ó˙ ™ ˙™ ˙™ Œ ˙ ™™ ˙™
All a - long.
‹ b3
? œ œ œœ œœ œ ˙˙ ˙™ b ˙˙ ™™ ˙˙ ™
Baritone
¢ b4 ∑ Ó œ œ œ Œ ™
Bass
It is you I have loved, all a - long.
"It Is You" was performed by Dana Glover for the 2001 animated film "Shrek". This tag does not need to be tempo driven,
with a slight rall leading to the "loved" chord. The baritone part features the original melody of the song in the opening
words. If challenged by the final jump down, the bass could sing the final "all a-" an octave lower.
If you are an arranger and would be interested in becoming part of the ‘Tag Team’ please email Shanna Wells,
Marketing Director, on marketingdirector@singbarbershop.com
harmonyexpress@singbarbershop.com Page 9
BABS is Recruiting!
Vice Chairman Trainee
Could this be you or a barbershop colleague?
Convention
It’s a strategically important role, as if you are
Manager
appointed you will be expected to step up into the
Chairman’s job, when Martin Baglow ends his term in We are seeking applications from individuals who feel
December 2020. they have the skills and abilities to get involved with
running future BABS Conventions.
It’s a job right at the heart of BABS, leading the future
direction of this vibrant organisation for the benefit of The intention is that the trainee will gain experience
its members. Committee experience in your club is during the 2019 convention in Bournemouth and
helpful, as is experience gained elsewhere in being shadow the convention management team in the
part of a successful management team. planning of the 2020 event.
If you’d like to know more, see our advert on the Given that they show the capability during the training
website or Facebook, speak to any director or call Pat period, they will be expected to be appointed
Perridge, Administration Director 07785 331 375. Convention Manager for the 2021 Convention.
INTERESTED?
Applications with a CV and any appropriate background/experience
should be emailed to:
Vice Chairman Position - Pat Perridge, BABS Administration Director.
administrationdirector@singbarbershop.com
Trainee Convention Manager Position - Derek Parmenter, BABS Special Events Director.
specialeventsdirector@singbarbershop.com
Share Your Story Through
Harmony Express
Next Issue: 7th May 2019
Copy Date: 6th April 2019
BABS 45th Anniversary
Join the Celebration
in Bournemouth
24th - 27th May 2019
An Unmissable BABS EventPage II SING2019 Convention Supplement - Harmony Express February 2019
EXTRAORDINARY
Three High Quality Shows
These shows are of the highest quality, a true celebration of BABS 45th Anniversary.
Each one is unique in its content, making them an unmissable part of Convention.
FRIDAY SHOW - 8.30PM
The Friday show features a great line up of high
quality Barbershop quartets and choruses. An
entertaining start to convention weekend.
Choruses appearing on the show are the current
BABS champions, the Cottontown Chorus and
the BQC Chorus. Quartets include Fortuity,
One Foot in the Stave, Northern Quarter and
The Locksmiths.
SATURDAY SHOW - 9.00PM
Featuring The Real Group
This acappella group from Sweden have gained
an international status with worldwide concert
tours, recordings, published scores and
educational mentoring.
The Saturday show also features the fabulous
Cheshire Chord Company, the LABBS 2018
chorus champions.
SUNDAY SHOW - 8.30PM
Starring Crossroads
Award winning quartet with vocalists; Jim Henry,
Brandon Guyton, Mike Slamka and Fred Farrell.
Also performing on the Sunday show will be
Avalon - the LABBS 2018 Gold medal quartet,
the 2019 BABS Mens Chorus Champions, the
new BABS Mixed Chorus Champions and the
BABS 2019 Gold Medal Quartet.
All Three Please Note
Category Friday Saturday Sunday Everyone attending, or wanting to enter the convention
Shows
centre, must either register and pay a registration fee or
Adult £60.00 £18.00 £25.00 £25.00 purchase a separate show ticket as appropriate.
The purchase of a show ticket gives limited access for
Youth £35.00 £10.00 £15.00 £15.00
a period of 30 minutes prior to and immediately after a
Junior £20.00 £ 5.00 £10.00 £10.00 show for the selected show only. Access to any other
event(s) or activity is not permitted.SING2019 Convention Supplement - Harmony Express February 2019 Page III
EXHILARATING
Celebration Convention
SING2019
24th - 27th May - Bournemouth
CONVENTION MANAGER UPDATE
Only a few months left now until the risers between the changing room and the
biggest barbershop event outside North warm-up room. To explain, there are minimal
America! I am sure you are already planning sales from the riser-posed photographs,
your visit to Bournemouth, but if not, then making the photographer’s cost of taking of course the second headline show in the
it would be good to start thinking about it. them disproportionate and not cost effective. evening followed by our tribute band party
There are a few changes this year: Removing these during the contest cycle and a fabulous Afterglow.
Contestants to Register by 31st March will significantly improve viability. Convention Party
This is because in past years we have found The photographer has new equipment which Back in 2014 for our 40th anniversary
delegates queuing at the BABS reception will enable higher quality photographs on convention, we introduced a tribute band
desk in a panic, because they are in a rush the contest stage, so there should be as party on the Sunday following the show, and
to register and get into the contest cycle good a selection as ever for those who do an ABBA tribute was our guest performer.
with their fellow contestants. It also means want them. This went down a storm and since then
that all contestants will be able to take Great Headline Shows we have had Freddy Mercury, the Bee
advantage of the significantly discounted pre- It is our 45th anniversary, to celebrate we Gees, the Jersey Boys and a Motown duet.
event prices. There will be an emergency late have two great headline shows. On Saturday Due to popular demand, and following the
entry competitor registration available for we will be entertained by internationally recent release of the Mama-Mia! Here we
any new members who join a chorus after acclaimed The Real Group from Sweden, Go Again film, and the resurgence of the
31st March. and on Sunday we will experience the talent Mama-Mia stage production, this year, for
New Two Day Option of the 2009 International Quartet Champions, our 45th anniversary convention, we are
There is now a two day option of Friday Crossroads. Look out for times and locations bringing back an ABBA tribute band. It’s a
and Sunday, for those who only wish to for the workshops from both of these great opportunity for those who have spent
participate on the quartet days and have headline performers. all weekend sharing our barbershop hobby
no interest in seeing the chorus contest. Each one of our three shows will highlight to let your hair down for 90 minutes and
New Family & Friends Session Ticket British barbershop talent with our retiring dance or sing-a-long to the unique sounds
The Family & Friends contest session ticket chorus and quartet champions, our current of ABBA.
is for those who only wish to enter the youth and senior champions, as well as the Have you Registered Yet?
auditorium to see one performance within new 2019 chorus (both mens and mixed) Don’t be the one to miss yet another action
a time slot. These will cost £15 each on and quartet champions. It will also be a packed event. If you have not yet registered,
the day and are available from the BABS pleasure to welcome the chorus and quartet you have the option of a full weekend or
reception desk at the event. Don’t forget champions from LABBS. I am sure you will choose any of the two-day or one-day
children can get a full day pass for £5 so appreciate that with these packed shows, options. What I can say is that however
they would not need a session ticket. there will not be time to include the 2019 long you come for, you are going to have a
silver chorus and quartet medallists this year. great time.
I feel it is important to explain here that
this is not a show, it is a convention with Don’t Miss Super Sunday The new online booking system is up and
contests and the event is not cheap to run, It is really encouraging to see that the running and you can find all the links with
it is the registrations that pay for the hire world of mixed chorus singing is developing prices and options at www.sing2019.com
of the venue, the auditorium, changing rooms, rapidly and this year’s contest will have a
couriers, judges, sound and lighting technicians significantly increased number of entries.
etc. etc. If we chose to allow visitors to To date we have 10 choruses signed up for Alan Bithell
enter without charge or for minimal charge, the contest with the closing date being on BABS Convention Manager
then those coming for the weekend would the 28th February.
have to subsidise them. This has made our timetable on Sunday Following last year’s event, I did advertise
New Unallocated Show Seats extremely busy, and a day not to be missed. that a rather expensive piece of camera
The seating for all three shows will not be If you are used to only attending our event equipment had been left behind. If this was
allocated seating, unless you purchased the for the Saturday, why not consider being yours, please contact me with details and I
special Early Bird Plus package in Harrogate part of this action packed Sunday which will arrange its return.
last May. includes our interdenominational Church
Service, the Mixed Chorus Contest, the
No Pre-contest Photograph Risers
Quartet Final, Workshops, Tag Hour and
This year there will not be any photographPage IV SING2019 Convention Supplement - Harmony Express February 2019
EXCLUSIVE
Events To Enhance The Weekend
Convention is more than just about contests. There’s over 50 hours of enjoyment
time, with plenty of events from morning until night, to enhance your weekend.
EXTENSIVE PROGRAMME
Conventions are a great time to socialise, meet up with old friends and more importantly
make new ones. If you’ve not been to convention before, or haven’t been for a few
years, we can promise you a weekend that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
The weekend is packed full of events, there’s so much to do and so much to enjoy.
You can get involved with; masterclasses, workshops, tag singing, polecat singing, the
legendary afterglows and the Convention Party on Sunday night.
EXCLUSIVE EVENTS
It’s BABS 45th Anniversary and we are planning to make the Sing2019 Convention an
exceptional and unforgettable one. These are just some of the events we have
planned and there are others in the pipeline.
* Convention Interview - The Real Group SUNDAY PARTY
* Two Workshops with the Real Group with
* Workshop with Crossroads Planet ABBA
* Friday Polecat Chorus with Guest MD
* Sing-a-Tag with Crossroads
* Social Media Workshop
* Interdenominational Church Service
* Sunday Tag Hour
* Sunday Party with ABBA Tribute Band
* Exclusive Preview Screening of 2019 Champions Planet ABBA has established themselves
* Monday morning cool down session. as one of the UKs leading tribute bands.
Their show encapsulates the sights and
* Three fabulous Afterglows sounds of ABBA and the endless stream
* Food served all day. of unforgettable hits.
* Late night bars and food. Don’t Miss it!
New! Family & Friends Contest Session Ticket
Only available to buy on the day at Convention. Cost £15.00.
Entitles an individual to enter the session in which the competitor they want to watch is performing.
The badges will be clearly marked for security purposes, and only applies to that particular session.
The ticket holder will be expected to leave the auditorium and the Conference Centre at the end of
the session. Entry to other events is not permissible.
Visit www.sing2019.com for the latest details on
The Biggest Barbershop Event outside North AmericaSING2019 Convention Supplement - Harmony Express February 2019 Page V
EXPECTATION
A Full Timetable To Enjoy
OUTLINE TIMETABLE
These are the initial times of the key events, all subject to change, others will be added
to the timetable as they are finalised. Friday morning through to Monday morning,
Convention offers over 50 hours of singing, socialising, entertainment and fun!
Friday 24th May Unmissable
0930 BABS Reception Open
1110
1200
Interview with The Real Group
Body and Vocal Warm-up Session
Barbershop
1215 Polecat Singing with Guest Director
1400 - 1800 BABS Quartet Semi-Final Contest SUPER CONTESTS
1500 - 1600 Workshop with The Real Group Friday
2030 - 2230 Friday Show BABS Quartet Semi-Final
2230 - 0100 After Glow with food and bar service
Saturday 25th May Saturday
0800 - 1800 BABS Reception Open BABS Mens Chorus Final
0950 - 1830 BABS Mens Chorus Finals Sunday
1100 - 1200 Workshop with The Real Group BABS Mixed Chorus Final
1400 - 1500 Workshop - Topic to be confirmed BABS Quartet Final
2100 - 2230 Saturday Show featuring The Real Group
2230 - 0200 After Glow with food and bar service
Sunday 26th May
Unforgettable
0900 - 18.00
0930 - 1030
BABS Reception Open
Sunday Tag Hour with David Tanner
Weekend
1000 - 1030 Interdenominational Church Service
1030 - 1030 Quartet Finalists Briefing SUPER SUNDAY
1130 - 1430 BABS Mixed Chorus Contest Action
1200 - 1300 Workshop with Crossroads
1445 - 1545 Workshop - Social Media Packed Day
1600 - 1830 BABS Quartet Finals Full of activities, contests,
2030 - 2215 Sunday Show featuring Crossroads entertainment,
2230 - 0200 After Glow with food service and bar workshops, partying,
2245 - 0015 Convention Party with ABBA Tribute Band and afterglow.
Monday 27th May Don’t Miss it!
0930 - 1015 On Demand Preview (Exclusive viewing of all contest
medal winners)
1015 - 1130 Tea and Coffee lounge and Photo Sales Join in the
1030 - 1045 Body and Vocal Cool-down Session
1045 - 1130 Polecats and Tags Celebration
Visit www.sing2019.com for the latest details on
The Biggest Barbershop Event outside North AmericaPage VI SING2019 Convention Supplement - Harmony Express February 2019
EXCITING
Register Online to Celebrate
NEW ONLINE BOOKING
For 2019 we are operating our own BABS Box Office, which we hope will simplify the system.
The new box office is purely an online system and there is no limit to the number of names on
one booking. Payments will be made through a secure server and all bookings will be confirmed
immediately by email.
Registration Options
As well as the great value full weekend option, there is a two-day option (Fri/Sat, Sat/Sun or the
new option of Fri/Sun) and a one-day option (Fri, Sat or Sun). Under 5’s are free.
Show Tickets
Seats for all shows will be unallocated. This has always been the case for contests, but now the
shows will be the same. The only exception will be those delegates who paid the premium price for
the ‘Early Bird Plus’ package in Harrogate.
HOW TO REGISTER
Register now for BABS Convention 2019, and buy your show tickets, in 6 easy steps (read through
the process before you start).
STEP ONE
As with every registration process, preparation will make it so much easier. Have beside you a list
of who you need to register (or buy show tickets for), what days they are registering for, and, if
applicable, which age bracket they fall into.
STEP TWO
On the first page of the online system, select the number of each category of registration you are
ordering from the list. Adults are listed first, followed by youth, junior and under 5’s.
STEP THREE
On the same page, select the number of each category of show tickets you are ordering. Again,
adults are listed first, followed by youth and then junior. Then press "next" to proceed.
STEP FOUR
On the second page, there will be a summary of your order. Check you have ordered the
correct number of registrations and show tickets (as any changes following checkout may
incur an admin charge).
STEP FIVE
Now enter your contact details followed by the names of all those for whom you have registered,
along with the chorus or quartet whom they will be representing (if they are in both they may need
to make a choice to allow a fit within the 30 characters). Once you are satisfied that all details are
correctly entered, click "next" to proceed.
STEP SIX
Enter your payment details and click "next" to complete your order. You will then see a summary
of your order and an automated email will be sent to you. You and your party are now registered
and you can await your admission badge and show tickets by post in due course.
Visit www.sing2019.com for the latest details on
The Biggest Barbershop Event outside North AmericaSING2019 Convention Supplement - Harmony Express February 2019 Page VII
EXCEPTIONAL
Enjoy Your Stay in Bournemouth
EXCEPTIONAL VENUE
The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC ) is a purpose
built convention centre, with plenty of room for everyone.
REGISTER
The auditorium is airy with tiered seating giving good views
of the stage. There are ample bars and plenty of food options.
NOW!
EXCEPTIONAL SAVINGS www.sing2019.com
There are great savings to be made against registering at
Convention. The cost of a full weekend registration bought
at Convention is £85, against £70 in advance, saving £15.
Registration Prices
If bought before 30th April 2019
EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE OF HOTELS
There is a great selection from 4-star hotels to friendly B&B’s, Full Two Day One-Day
Category
Weekend Admission Admission
the choice is yours. BABS does not offer a hotel booking service,
but if you need help contact Business Events Bournemouth, the Adult £70.00 £60.00 £45.00
officially appointed accommodation agent for the BIC. Visit Youth £52.00 £47.00 £32.00
their web site www.bebres.org.uk/SING19/index.html
Junior £15.00 £10.00 £ 5.00
EXCEPTIONAL SEASIDE RESORT
For those who like to add something extra to their weekend Shows Ticket Prices
away, there is a wide choice of restaurants and shops within Unallocated Seating
easy walking distance. The beach and pier are close by so
take the opportunity to get some fresh sea air or grab an ice Category
All Three
Friday Saturday Sunday
cream! Shows
Visit the website to register and for all the details, plus links Adult £60.00 £18.00 £25.00 £25.00
to hotel accommodation and tourist information. Youth £35.00 £10.00 £15.00 £15.00
Junior £20.00 £ 5.00 £10.00 £10.00
Join in
the Celebration!
Make a
Weekend of it!
It’s
Your Convention!
Don’t forget that all contestants have to
have bought a Convention Registration by
31st March 2019 SING 2019Page VIII SING2019 Convention Supplement - Harmony Express February 2019
EXPANDING
Advertising Opportunities
We are expecting 2,500 people to attend the BABS 45th Anniversary Convention in Bournemouth.
You can reach this influential group by advertising your chorus, quartet or business.
Programme and Guide CONVENTION PROGRAMME
A5 Full Colour Brochure
Issued free to delegates, the cost of advertising is as follows:
1/8th page: £20 1/4 page: £35 1/2 page: £50 Full page: £90
To advertise email conventionmarketing@singbarbershop.com
ADVERTISING POSTERS
A new addition to the marketing opportunities at Convention. We will print
and display two A2 posters (from artwork supplied) within the convention
centre for the full weekend. Cost £30
24th - 27th May 2019
Bournemouth International Centre For further information
British Association of Barbershop Singers email: conventionmarketing@singbarbershop.com
45th Annual Convention
CONVENTION EXPRESS
CONVENTION Four Daily Editions
EXPRESS
Advertising
FRIDAY
Si meliora dies, ut vina, poemata reddit, scire velim, chartis
pretium quotus arroget annus. scriptor abhinc annos cen-
Welcome to Bournemouth Publication size A4, and will be printed daily in colour.
tum qui decidit, inter perfectos veteresque referri debet an
inter vilis atque novos? Excludat iurgia finis, “Est vetus atque
probus, centum qui perficit annos.” Quid, qui deperiit
minor uno mense vel anno, inter quos referendus erit?
Veteresne poetas, an quos et praesens et postera respuat
The cost of advertising in a single issue is as follows:
1/8th page: £20 1/4 page: £35 1/2 page: £50
aetas?
“Iste quidem veteres inter ponetur honeste, qui vel mense
brevi vel toto est iunior anno.” Utor permisso, caudaeque
pilos ut equinae paulatim vello unum, demo etiam unum,
dum cadat elusus ratione ruentis acervi, qui redit in fastos
et virtutem aestimat annis miraturque nihil nisi quod Libitina
sacravit.
Ennius et sapines et fortis et alter Homerus, ut critici
dicunt, leviter curare videtur, quo promissa cadant et som-
USEFUL INFORMATION FOR DELEGATES
Si meliora dies, ut vina, poemata reddit, scire velim, chartis
pretium quotus arroget annus. scriptor abhinc annos cen-
Advertising space is limited, so book your advert early at
conventionmarketing@singbarbershop.com
nia Pythagorea. Naevius in manibus non est et mentibus tum qui decidit, inter perfectos veteresque referri debet an
haeret paene recens? Adeo sanctum est vetus omne inter vilis atque novos? Excludat iurgia finis, “Est vetus
poema. ambigitur quotiens, uter utro sit prior, aufert atque probus, centum qui perficit annos.” Quid, qui deperi-
Pacuvius docti famam senis Accius alti, dicitur Afrani toga it minor uno mense vel anno, inter quos referendus erit?
convenisse Menandro, Plautus ad exemplar Siculi properare Veteresne poetas, an quos et praesens et postera respuat
Epicharmi, vincere Caecilius gravitate, Terentius arte. aetas?
Hos ediscit et hos arto stipata theatro spectat Roma “Iste quidem veteres inter ponetur honeste, qui vel mense
TRADE STANDS
potens; habet hos numeratque poetas ad nostrum tempus brevi vel toto est iunior anno.” Utor permisso, caudaeque
Livi scriptoris ab aevo. pilos ut equinae paulatim vello unum, demo etiam unum,
dum cadat elusus ratione ruentis acervi, qui redit in fastos
The Real Group et virtutem aestimat annis miraturque nihil nisi quod
Libitina sacravit.
Ennius et sapines et fortis et alter Homerus, ut critici
There is a limited number of display areas available. Table and chair
dicunt, leviter curare videtur, quo promissa cadant et som-
nia Pythagorea. Naevius in manibus non est et mentibus
haeret paene recens? Adeo sanctum est vetus omne
poema. ambigitur quotiens, uter utro sit prior, aufert
Pacuvius docti famam senis Accius alti, dicitur Afrani toga
convenisse Menandro, Plautus ad exemplar Siculi proper-
are Epicharmi, vincere Caecilius gravitate, Terentius arte.
Hos ediscit et hos arto stipata theatro spectat Roma
potens; habet hos numeratque poetas ad nostrum tempus
provided.
Livi scriptoris ab aevo.
Interdum volgus rectum videt, est ubi peccat. Si veteres ita
miratur laudatque poetas, ut nihil anteferat, nihil illis com- Costs: Full weekend: £120 Saturday & Sunday: £90 One Day: £60
Convention Express Articles
Si meliora dies, ut vina, poemata reddit, scire velim, chartis
pretium quotus arroget annus. scriptor abhinc annos centum
qui decidit, inter perfectos veteresque referri debet an inter
vilis atque novos? Excludat iurgia finis, “Est vetus atque
Food Hub
See back page for details For further information email: conventionmarketing@singbarbershop.com
probus, centum qui perficit annos.” Quid, qui deperiit minor
Look out for Special Offers!
CLUB STANDS
Join in the These are available for BABS club’s to display their publicity material. Sales of
CDs, DVDs, Show Tickets or any promotional items etc. is not permitted. A
Celebration £30 donation to BABS Barbershop Charity will be expected. For further
information email conventionmarketing@singbarbershop.com
Please Note
It’s Your No other advertising material or leaflets is allowed to be distributed in
the convention centre. All unauthorised material will be removed.
Convention
An Unmissable BABS EventPage 18 Harmony Express February 2019
MAESTRO SOUGHT BY
HARMONY OXFORD
Are you looking for an exciting new opportunity? Do you have the
skills to lead an aspirational and motivated group of women who sing
four part A Cappella and to help us hone our musical and performance
talents? If the answer is ‘Yes’, we would love to hear from you.
We are Harmony InSpires (http://www.harmonyinspires.org), an
enthusiastic, ambitious and friendly forty-strong women’s chorus who
aim to build on the work achieved over seven years with our current
MD who leaves us in October to pursue other ventures.
We recently celebrated our 10th Anniversary and increasingly compete
in Music Festivals including the annual Convention of the Ladies
Association of British Barbershop Singers where we have steadily
improved our score. We are proud of our ability to entertain and greatly
enjoy supporting local community events.
The chorus is looking for an energetic and dedicated Musical Director
to share HI’s ambition to fulfil its potential. We rehearse on Wednesday
evenings, year round, in Appleton Village Hall near Oxford from
7.30–10.00pm.
If you would like to discuss this opportunity please get in touch with
Lesley Maitland (lesley_maitland@yahoo.co.uk).
Need a New Pitch Pipe? Sheet music, theory books and
much more available from the
Kratt Harmony Store
F-F
www.singbarbershop.com
£22.00
Tombo
E-E
Need advice on any music matters?
Use the BABS Music Advice Service
£18.00 musicadviceservice@singbarbershop.com
Comes with Zipped Pouch
BUY ONLINE NOW WITH FREE POSTAGE - WWW.SINGBARBERSHOP.COMharmonyexpress@singbarbershop.com Page 19
Barbershoppers represent at
London A Cappella Festival’s 10th Anniversary!
Sound Hypothesis were delighted to make an
appearance at this year's London A Cappella Festival.
The boys sang a 15 minute set in the foyer at King's
place, and in the run up to convention they're keen to
get as much performance practice as possible!
Arran Bayliss-Chalmers, the group's tenor had this to
say "We love London A Cappella Festival and being Sound Hypothesis
based in the big smoke we try and attend as many of
the performances as we can. It's great to finally see
some barbershop in amongst the mix!"
You can catch them next with Viva Acapella and
Avalon Quartet on the 16th of March at St John's
Church in Welling!
Meantime Meantime singing in the Foyer
Meantime Chorus were lucky enough to be what they like when it comes to a cappella music!
selected to soak up some of the atmosphere and
Looking further ahead, we hope that one year we get
perform in the foyer for people milling around the
the privilege to perform in the main auditorium. We’d
festival venue. We’ve been looking for more
wholeheartedly recommend anyone thinking about a
opportunities to perform to new audiences and when
showcase slot in the foyer to look out for the
we saw the applications for foyer acts we thought it
opportunity on the festival website and Facebook
was the perfect opportunity.
page. It’s a great day out and a nice way to reach
Beforehand we didn’t really know what to expect from people who appreciate the kind of music we do.
a performance in the foyer, fully prepared for people
For Meantime Chorus it’s back to the grindstone. We
to be busy dashing between different offerings on the
have a year packed full of other competitions and
site, but we were delighted that there was a really nice
performances, including Manchester Amateur Choral
crowd that stopped to listen to us. Whilst we love
Competition, Llangollen Eisteddfod and of course
performing to family and friends, it was especially nice
BABS. We very much look forward to seeing everyone
to be so warmly received by an audience who know
at BABS or possibly sooner!Page 20 Harmony Express February 2019
On the 26th January, The Cottontown Chorus took listen as our voices continued to ring after the cut off
the 200 mile journey South to sing at the London at a poignant crescendo. The chorus just stood in
Acapella Festival. Taking place at the purpose built awe of the amazing acoustics."
King's Place, the Chorus were delighted to be asked
Naturally the day didn't end with the closing of the
back following their debut back in 2012.
concert. The chorus stayed around to support a
stunning performance of Ebb Tide from Meantime
Chorus in the atrium, with one audience group
cancelling their dinner plans to stay around for the
extended afterglow.
The Cottontown Chorus getting ready to sing
From the moment they arrived there was a buzz
around the venue, with Sound Hypothesis drawing
large crowds before the show and setting the stage
for an audience ready to enjoy a bill that included SAI
favourites London City Singers, as well as the
acclaimed Single Singers. Cottontown would have to The Cottontown Chorus at the afterglow
be at their best to impress the knowledgeable
We'll leave the last word to The Ruby Troubadour,
audience.
"Brilliant @CottontownC but caution, white men
dancing. #LACF2019 #lookslikefun."
The Cottontown Chorus in rehearsal
Reviving their well received LABBS set, Cottontown
performed a show stopping opener, The Music Man,
followed by their 2018 gold winning contest set,
before ending with their crowd pleasing interpretation
of Justin Timberlake's 'Can't stop the feeling'. The
audience reaction said it all, both at the time and on
twitter afterwards, "Totally blown away by the
This year’s convention was a
@CottontownC at the @Londonacappella festival! sellout and En Armonía 2020
promises to be even better with
Seeing people love what they do that much is truly 2019 Sweet Adelines International
2-5 APRIL 2020 Quartet Champions, ClassRing.
As always, places are limited
inspiring." because of hotel and theatre
Calpe capacity, so make sure you book
early to avoid disappointment.
Likewise, the chorus appreciated the venue, "The hall
Email us for full information:
was built for acapella and the reverb was astonishing. NOT TO BE MISSED!
registrations@sabs.es
At one point during the practice, we had to stop andharmonyexpress@singbarbershop.com Page 21
What A Christmas Show from Grand Central Chorus!
Image credit- Karen Searson
Grand Central Chorus held their 2018 Christmas Show for his outstanding contribution of Barbershop
at Trent College, Long Eaton on Sunday 16th singing) As always, Len introduced and linked the
December. various acts together with his unique, and very dry
sense of humour and timing!
We were extremely fortunate that our guests were The
Locksmiths, the 2018 British Association of Barbershop The success of the show was due to the hard work of
Singers Quartet champions (whose baritone, Zac so many members of the chorus, their wives and
Booles is also of course our MD) and local soprano Lily partners. Thanks to our Vice Chairman, Bryan Smith
Taylor-Ward, whose performances were extremely well who oversaw all the show planning and then worked
received by the large audience which included the tirelessly on the day to organise both the sound and
Mayor and Mayoress of Erewash Borough Council. lighting. Bill Traynor and Martin York did their usual
great job in transporting the risers and thanks also to
The Locksmiths delighted the audience with their Mike Flint, who supervised ticket sales and to Mike
varied and humourous set, and as one of the very McWhinney and Wendy for pulling together a superb
highest-ever scoring UK quartets, delivered a raffle, as they always do, and which contributes so
performance of international quality. much to the financial success of these events. We are
Lily Taylor-Ward’s wonderful soprano voice, provided a also very grateful to all those wives and partners who
very pleasing contrast to the four-part harmonies of helped by selling raffle tickets, selling tickets in the
barbershop-style singing, and again proved to be a door and organising the refreshments during the
very popular, particularly her final and powerful song, interval.
the classic “Nessun Dorma”. This Show marked the end of another hugely
The full Grand Central chorus, with over 50 singers, successful year for the Chorus, winning silver medals in
performed twice, both opening and closing the show both the SABS International Chorus contest in Malaga,
and delivered a performance which included a range Spain in April and then also at the BABS Chorus
of our current repertoire, including two new songs “All contest in Harrogate in May. This success is due not
is Well” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”. This only to the hard work and effort of every individual
Queen song incorporated some unique moves and member of the chorus, but also to both the Music and
interaction from the different sections of the chorus, Performance team, whose leadership, creativity and
designed and developed by our Performance coach, imagination drive the innovative contest sets for which
Peter Tatham and which both the chorus, and the the chorus is now well known as well as the Executive
audience really enjoyed. Committee, whose work ensures the foundations of
the organisation are in good order, both now and for
The MC for the show was the inimitable Len Matthews future years.
(one of only three honorary life members of our chorus
and who is also a member of the BABS Hall of Fame, Nelson Blackley
PRO - Grand Central ChorusPage 22 Harmony Express February 2019
White Rose Chorus Say Goodbye The Belles making Three Spires
Lock and Ring!
On the 17th of December our musical director, Hazel
Jiggins, officially retired from her position as Photo courtesy of Jimmybush
our musical leader. For the past twelve years she has
worked unceasingly to improve and inspire
our members, keeping alive the Barbershop traditions
and ethos, both musically and socially. Her
connection with Barbershop began with the early
foundations of the White Rosettes. Her quartet
The Conchords, becoming gold medalists in 1980.
Since then she has fronted a few choruses as
she moved around the country, finally arriving at the
Big County Chorus (Leeds and Bradford) now
the White Rose Chorus. Club Chairman Peter Wilson with April on his right and Lucy
on his left.
Not only directing the chorus, she was seamstress,
wardrobe adviser, and hostess at her home Three Spires Harmony in Coventry have recently
countless times, we never went home hungry. For the appointed a new MD and Executive MD, both of
last few months hazel has struggled with whom come from their sister chorus in Coventry, the
various replacements of necessary ‘bits’ but never Belles of Three Spires.
complained or let it affect her dedication to the Executive MD Lucy Guess has been the MD of the
chorus. She encouraged quartet activity, sometimes in Belles for the last 6 years. Under her leadership the
the face of a certain amount of apathy...but Belles have twice won Most Improved Chorus and are
never lost hope. She is a much respected life member now among the top ten LABBS choruses.
of the chorus and has promised to visit us
when she can. April Stevens first came across Barbershop when she
joined what she thought was just a ‘normal’ singing
However, lately Hazel decided that it was lime to call it group in February 2013. She quickly became hooked
a day, and retire, sadly we accepted her and went on to become section leader for the leads
decision, and gave her a great send off at our and later an Assistant Director.
Christmas party...with a presentation of a momento
or two. The chorus must now move on, but will forever After a break from Convention, Three Spires are again
be grateful for the competing this year, April says: “I feel very lucky and
hours of work she privileged to be part of this adventure and am so
did on behalf excited to be working with these guys. My only regret
of the White Rose is not having discovered the world of Barbershop
Chorus....we wish years ago”.
her every happiness
as she takes a well
earned rest. We will We would love to hear about
miss her!
your club news!
Harry Ambler
Chairman, White Please send all articles and photos to:
Rose Chorus harmonyexpress@singbarbershop.comharmonyexpress@singbarbershop.com Page 23
Wayne accompanied us right through the pattern to
A Clean Sweep...? the stage. It was an unbelievable feeling to be
stepping out in front of such an appreciative
Well, not quite. But we had a ball!
audience at the famous Grand Ole Opry, with a circle
Trigger's Broom Quartet was privileged to represent of the original Ryman Theatre stage boards carefully
BABS in the Seniors Quartet Contest at the recent integrated into the stage. We sang as well as we could
2019 BHS Midwinter Convention in Nashville, and were very pleased to score 67.2% which put us in
Tennessee. 20th place. In doing this, we achieved our contest
objectives - namely, having the experience of a
We were fortunate to have a local contact (Wayne
lifetime, performing on one of the most famous stages
Jackson, former BABS judge and former member of
in the world and importantly - not coming last!!
Yorkshire's Spirit of Harmony Chorus) who is currently
singing with Music City Chorus based in Nashville. Our grateful thanks are due to BABS for
Wayne had kindly agreed to give us some coaching supporting us in this venture, to the Major Oak Chorus
and also invited us to attend a Music City rehearsal (our parent chorus) for their encouragement and
where we received a very warm welcome indeed. It financial support, to Kirsty Williams and Doug
was fascinating to watch the 5th best chorus in the Harrington for their patience, wisdom and coaching
world at work and we had the opportunity to perform expertise and to our respective wives who supported
our contest set for them. us throughout our preparations and our trip.
And remember - "Look after your broom!"
Paul, Andy, Steve and Adrian
Monkey Magic monkey
around at Christmas
In what has become an annual tradition for the
quartet, here is Monkey Magic, dressed in very festive
jumpers, with their families at their Christmas Meal in
December. This year it was Duncan and Ellie’s turn to
host, and naturally, the quartet sang some Christmas
songs to entertain the children.
We had plenty of opportunity to visit downtown
Nashville, including a trip to the BHS
headquarters (it was closed) and were able to soak up
the Nashville atmosphere before the contest. Our
preparations were further enhanced by an excellent
session of vocal coaching from Steve Scott, Music
Education Specialist at the Barbershop Harmony
Society. He is an incredible teacher and we learned a
lot about breathing and breath control from him.
On contest day, we were on 2nd in the draw andYou can also read
