CONTACT US / JOIN US
We meet every Wednesday night from
7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
St. Andrew’s United Church at 253 Oak Street (at Kingsway).
Winnipeg
Click here for a map to our meeting location
For more information, email our Chapter President
Norm Silverberg or phone him at (204) 488-8597
JOIN US
In the "Barbershop Style",
the melody is sung by the "Lead" with the "Tenor", "Baritone", and "Bass" singers harmonizing
above and below the melody line creating a distinctive "ring" through the interaction of the
harmonics. You do not have to understand the technical aspects to know that it is fun for men to
enjoy the fellowship and the creation of music together. We provide all the tools for
you to meet that goal; the ability to read sheet music is not required. If you are a man
who would like to sing with a chorus that is committed to singing excellence, we welcome you.
During your initial visit, you will be given a package of
information that is yours to keep and a guest book of music to use during rehearsal.
After a simple voice test, we’ll place you next to someone of the
appropriate voice part, probably the Section Leader.You’ll be introduced to the chorus and
we’ll ask you to sign the guest register. If you like, we will add
your name to an email list to receive our weekly chapter bulletin, "Notes 4 U",
so you can stay informed of our activities.
THE AUDITION PROCESS
All prospective
members must attend at least 3 rehearsals before they request an audition.
This benefits you as well as the chorus because it gives you the
opportunity to see how we work and it gives us the chance to get to know
you.
During that time, you will be introduced to a number of barbershop
"polecat"songs - you will be required to learn one of the songs for the audition process.
When you are ready to be auditioned, the VP Membership will arrange for your audition
with Music Committee representatives. Auditions are usually held sometime during our
regular rehearsals on Wednesday evenings.
The audition process with the Music Committee representatives
involves:
1. Hearing notes and singing them back - to test accuracy in singing intervals and to determine the singer's
vocal range and voice part.
2. Learning one of our "barbershop polecat" songs and singing it accurately
in a quartet setting, you and three members of the chapter.
Upon satisfactorily completing this audition,
the prospective member can complete an application form and pay the chapter dues, approximately $150. The new
member receives a book containing the chorus's repertoire and the learning tapes/CDs for most of the songs.
Acquiring a chorus tuxedo outfit will be done through the chorus's wardrobe chairperson.
HOW MUCH IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
Rehearsals
are every Wednesday, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. We realize that members will not be able
to attend every rehearsal, but prior to contests or major performances there
might be a minimum attendance requirement so that we can be sure all performers
are familiar with the songs and the presentation. Members are also
expected to spend time during the week learning our songs (sometimes this can be
accomplished by playing the learning tape/CDs while driving to and from work) and
reviewing what was covered at the previous rehearsal. Twice a
year, the chorus competes at District conventions and there are performances at
various times throughout the year. Although members are not required to attend a specific number of events,
we do encourage as much participation as possible.
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