Taranaki Harmony Chorus
FAQ's
1. What is barbershop harmony?
View the demonstration video at right.
Barbershop harmony is unaccompanied, four part close harmony singing. Although barbershop style music is usually built on simple melodies and is relatively easy to sing, the a cappella style and the ear training necessary for independent part singing make it one of the most challenging and rewarding accomplishments of a vocal ensemble.
The four parts comprise:
Lead: Sung in the range between A below middle C, and C above middle C. Generally has the melody line.
Tenor: A harmony part sung consistently above the lead. Although tenor is the highest voice in barbershop harmony, it should not be confused with the soprano of conventional singing groups. The tenor should have a light, sweet, pure tone that will complement but not overpower the lead voice.
Baritone: Has approximately the same range as lead. The baritone harmony notes cross the lead notes; sometimes sung below and sometimes above.
Bass: Bass singers should have a rich, mellow voice and be able to sing the E flat below middle C easily. Bass should not be confused with the alto of conventional groups.
2. What type of music do you sing?
We sing a variety of NZ songs, love songs, popular songs, ballads and uptunes, mostly from the 40’s through to the 90’s. Examples from our current repertoire include Pokareana, Come Fly with Me, California Dreamin’, Mood Indigo, All My Loving, One Fine Day, Dancing Queen.
3. What if I want to join?
Fantastic! You will be invited to come along on chorus nights at no cost for four weeks, during which time you will be voice placed and given sheet music and learning CD of a song to learn. If at the end of 4 weeks you want to continue, you may do so at a cost of $10.00 per week until you are ready to audition. Once successfully auditioned we will formally sign you up with Sweet Adelines International.
4. Will I have to sing on my own
No. This is a group activity. Some people enjoy singing as part of a quartet, but that is entirely free choice.
5. I don’t know where I sing best. Will I get advice?
Yes. You will be voice placed by our director.
6. When do I get voice placed?
Not long after your first visit.
7. How do you decide if I am good enough?
After you have been learning the audition song for a few weeks and feel ready to audition, you will sing with the chorus and record yourself at the same time. Your Section Leader and the Director will then listen to your recording and let you know if there is any need for correction in words or notes. No need to worry - you don't have to pass the audition first time up.
8. I have no experience. What can I expect?
The sky is the limit. You will have access to weekly training on chorus nights, help and advice from your section leader and opportunity to take part in regional coaching sessions a few times a year. As a group we enjoy entertaining at public singouts several times a year. Every second year our chorus competes in the NZ Sweet Adeline competitions. Taranaki Harmony Chorus won Most Improved Chorus at this event in Christchurch in 2012!
9. I am musically experienced. What growth opportunities are there?
Many, in whatever direction you would wish to take. There are opportunities to take up music leadership or administrative roles within your own chorus or nationally. You can sing as part of a quartet with other like minded women for fun or to compete at National level. Some of our members have sung with the National chorus called He Tangata and have travelled throughout NZ and to Hawaii and Australia, to perform at national and/or internationally run events. As chorus members, we have access to regular regional educational events and visiting coaches to our Chorus.
10. How do I know if I am doing the right thing?
If you are unsure, just ask your section leader. We are a group and it is in our interest to have everyone enjoy success. There is no such thing as a dumb question.
11. How much will it cost?
Once formally signed up, it will cost $45.00/month.
12. When does THC meet and how do the nights run?
Each Wednesday night at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Liardet Street, New Plymouth - opposite the fire station. We start at 7.00pm with physical warm-ups followed by vocal exercises then move to work on our current or new songs, ending with supper at about 9.30pm.
13. I can’t be there once a month. Is that OK?
That is fine. We are all busy and have to juggle chorus with other commitments in our lives. Just be sure to advise us the week before or call, text or email your section leader if you find you can’t be there unexpectedly.
14. I am keen to car pool. How can I do this?
We have members who travel from Normanby, Inglewood, Oakura, Urenui & Waitara and it would be an easy matter to link you with a member from these areas to share the travel with.
15. How does Taranaki Harmony Chorus fit into the American system?
We are affiliated to Sweet Adelines New Zealand which is part of Region 35 Sweet Adelines International, a highly respected worldwide organisation of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance. This independent, non-profit music education association was founded in 1945 and is one of the world's largest singing organisations for women. Members number more than 30,000, belonging to more than 500 choruses and 1,200 quartets extending over 14 nations and 5 continents.
MOTTO: "Harmonize the World".
Affiliation to Sweet Adelines International provides our chorus with access to educational programmes, high calibre coaches, regular newsletters and a large library of music.
and hit that harmony
HIGH
