Joining WHC
WHC is a great way to meet friends and share a common passion: singing. We sing a wide variety of songs in 4-part a cappella barbershop style. As a member of the Sweet Adelines International organisation, we have opportunities to learn from vocal coaches from around the world. We sing, we dance, but most importantly, we have fun. What is singing barbershop like?Barbershop has a very distinctive sound, which can be produced when applying very specific vocal techniques. We work as a "unit" to make our voices match one another. Sweet Adelines has a strong emphasis on education, which helps us all to learn correct posture, the proper way to breathe and to sing words and notes the same way. The sound is based on 4 part harmony - which means that the chorus is divided into 4 sections:
- Leads - mostly sing the melody, but occasionally sing harmony. In other choirs they may range from a Soprano to an Alto in range.
- Tenors - sing a harmony part that is above the lead part similar to a descant part. Often this part has great high notes that adds the ping to the chord.
- Baritones - sing a harmony part with a similar range to the Alto part. Often this part adds character to the chord and has fun swipes.
- Basses - sing a harmony part that is the lowest part in the chord. Often this part drives the rhythm of the song and sometimes gets a second melody line.
No! Many members join not knowing how to read music and pick up what they need along the way. We have learning CDs so that you can practise your part at home. Some who cannot read music still use the music to know whether their part goes up or down.
Do I need lots of experience?
No - though you need to be able to sing in tune and "hold your part" while
others are singing a different harmony to what you are singing. Vocal tuition is
part of each rehearsal.
We have an audition process through which we help you learn to sing along with harmony
part and find out if it's right for you. Don't be put off by the process -- we are
a very helpful and encouraging group!
There are weekly fees - the first week is free then after that we ask you to pay $5 per week until you pass an audition to become a member.
Members pay $40 per month - this money goes to paying for instruction with international coaches, venue hire, partial costume subsidy, equipment (like the risers we stand on), music, director's fees, and membership in the international Sweet Adelines organisation.
Is it for me?
Really, this is a question only you can answer if you give it a go. We have all
ages of women from all walks of life who have all asked this of themselves before
they joined.
...the answer might be yes! Many of our members can be quoted saying that joining
the chorus has been the best decision they've made.
If you have a bit of spare time and a willingness to work at it, why not see if it's a good fit?
Drop by any of the rehearsals on a Wednesday night, or contact us.
