Barbershop group is seeking new singers
A BARBERSHOP company which split into separate groups for men and women are looking to return to their former glory to celebrate turning 44 years old.
In September the Leicester Barbershop Harmony Club, based in Birstall, celebrate their milestone and to celebrate this, they have decided to return the club back to where it all started by opening their doors to women as well as men.
Roy Phillips founded the club in 1974 with 14 members (eight men and four women). These numbers soon swelled and by the end of the first year there were 30 members singing four-part a capella music. The club’s numbers grew and in 1986 they got so big there was a split with the men continuing and a ladies chorus breaking away.
The ladies chorus folded in the early 1990s but the men’s chorus has continued to entertain audiences for the whole 44 years. Roy passed away some years ago but his son Ian (who was a founding member in 1974) is now the musical director.
Roy’s grandson John took over as chairman last year and is driving the initiative to bring women back to the club. To launch this the club is going to hold a 10-week return to singing course called ‘Everyone in Harmony’ and he wants to get people singing in a fun environment. At the end of the course there will be an opportunity for friends and family to come and hear what has been learnt with a concert in aid of LOROS.
A spokesperson said: “Aimed at both newcomers and those who have not sung for a while, this course is to encourage more men and women of any age to take up singing.
There’s no need to worry about reading music as the teaching methods employed are designed to help quickly learn specially-commissioned songs.
“There are many men and women who would love to sing but never get around to trying, don’t have the opportunity or maybe are too self-conscious to give it a go but the simple fact is that just about everyone can sing. Attendees learn within a group which makes it less daunting, there are no embarrassing public auditions and it has been medically proven to aid a healthy lifestyle.”
The free course will run on Monday evenings from 7.30pm-10pm at Birstall Social Club, Wanlip Lane, Birstall. More details can be found on the club’s website www.heartofenglandchorus.co.uk or you can contact the club’s secretary P. J. Hunt on 0116 2675 339 or email jansbolt@btinternet.com
The first night is on Monday, September 3. Interest can be registered on Eventbrite or any of the routes above. Once registered the music and learning tracks will be waiting from you on the first night.