A Guide to Getting Started with Penrith Harmony
Qualifying for Membership
The barbershop style of harmony singing is produced by four voices singing a cappella. It is important that prospective members feel comfortable in this style of singing.
The basic member qualifying criteria is to be able to:
- Hold pitch in a song, and
- Hold your part against other parts.
To this extent a qualifying period of 5 weeks has been set aside to allow prospective members the opportunity to hear and participate in the barbershop style of singing with a personal audition in a quartet in the presence of the Music Director (MD) at the end of that period.
A handbook is available which contains the procedures which will be followed over the 5-week period before audition as well as a list of the responsibilities and financial commitment of membership.
If you don’t fully qualify on the first attempt, don’t worry. The MD will discuss with you what you need to work on and set some further training so that you can have another go.
Do not hesitate to ask your mentor any questions to help you learn and enjoy Barbershop Harmony singing.
Remember this is a hobby for all of us. RELAX and ENJOY!
Responsibilities of Membership
- Attends rehearsal regularly
- Contacts Membership Manager if unable to attend rehearsal
- Is open to constructive feedback from section leader, MD or your nominee on personal aspects of singing
- On request, presents riser recordings to section leader for analysis
- Endeavours to apply advice to singing
- Maintains a regular schedule of home practice (and recording) of current pieces and seeks further help if needed
- Responds fully to the Presentation Coach to improve personal movements
- Contributes to discussion on ways in which overall singing presentation and administrative operation may be enhanced
- Maintains a positive and enthusiastic attitude to singing preparation
Financial Commitment of Membership
Barbershop singing is a relatively inexpensive financial commitment compared with many other hobbies and sports.
Overall ongoing membership costs amount to only about $5.00 per week (payable in quarterly instalments of $60.00).
This helps to defray many ongoing Chorus expenses which includes sheet music, training tracks, copyright fees, rehearsal hall hire, external coaching, costumes, public liability insurance as well as registration with National and State bodies (Penrith Harmony is a member of Barbershop Harmony Australia which also has its own Eastern Region of which we are also members).
In addition, members are expected to contribute $1.00 per week to cover supper costs.
Who's Who
These are the people you should familiarise yourself with as soon as possible, once you've decided to join Penrith Harmony...
Executive
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| Music Director: Peter Fragar Will assess your singing ability as a prelude to starting your 5 week qualification program. |
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Music Team
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| Music Director: Peter Fragar Will assess your singing ability as a prelude to starting your 5 week qualification program. |
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View the full list of Penrith Harmony Office Holders