Come sing with us!
Do you feel like you have what it takes to sing with us? Come try it out! We love welcoming new members and making beautiful music together!
Our unique four-part barbershop style harmony chorus rehearses every Tuesday night from 7pm to 10pm at Sharon Hope United Church, 18648 Leslie Street, Sharon, ON (click for map)
York Harmony Chorus prides itself on a high level of Barbershop Harmony. Our songs are characterized by sentimental lyrics and uncomplicated melodies harmonized with a variety of four-part chords. This is a very specific style of a cappella music to which not all voices are suited.
On your first visit to our chorus you may sit back, relax and listen to us sing, get a feel for our sound and performance levels. If you are interested in becoming a member, you may elect to audition.
VOICE PLACEMENT
Voice placement is done by the Director of our chorus. She will listen to your voice to determine in what range you are most comfortable singing. You will be asked your musical background and/or Sweet Adeline experience. Many of our chorus members are first time barbershoppers, so don't be worried if you are new to this type of singing. You will also be asked to sing part of a song. This can be as simple as Happy Birthday, or any other song you know.
AUDITION
You will be assigned to one of four singing parts, based on your vocal range, and given a selected piece of music with a learning CD. A mentor will be assigned to help you through the audition process which requires you to learn the song over a five week period and sing it in a quartet.
MEMBER REQUIREMENTS: (ONGOING)
Vocal: In order to perform in public, all members are required to qualify on all contest and performance songs in the current repertoire. Qualifying consists of singing the song with the chorus and recording your part for your section leader. You will be scored on correct notes, words and vocal production. There will be opportunities for re-qualifying and our section leaders are there to help.
In addition, York Harmony Chorus offers Personal Voice Instruction, or PVI, coaching and dedicated section rehearsals to help our members become better barbershop singers.
Choreography: Movement is a very big part of our presentation, so it is vital that our members be able to respond to music physically and rhythmically. Facial expression, movement synchronization, and the singer's posture are important when interpreting the song.
Choreographed moves are taught to enhance our performance. Extra choreography practices often help and attendance is expected.
