Frequently Asked Questions

Membership Frequently Asked Questions
 

How much personal time will being a member of the chorus take?
In addition to weekly rehearsals throughout the year, we hold a bi-annual show. We also participate in a Sweet Adelines Regional competition in April or May each year, and have a Chorus weekend retreat to focus on preparing for competition. We perform in and around the local area for all kinds of events including festivals, business and charitable events, Holiday performances and more.

What is the cost?
There are yearly dues which can be broken down into monthly, quarterly or semi-annual payments. Competition weekends require a hotel stay.  Come visit us and our membership coordinator can give you all of the details.

What is the audition procedure?
When you visit us, we will help to determine the best voice part for you. Barbershop voice parts are slightly different than choral music, and that's one of the reasons it is so unique. You will be provided with music as well as audio learning tracks in mp3 format. The music team will coordinate opportunities for you to sing your part against the other three parts and the section leader for your voice part will help you with any questions you have. There will be a chance to sing the audition song on the risers with the entire chorus as well. You'll have up to six weeks to ready yourself to audition by singing your part with the other three parts for the Director and/or Music Team.  

How do I learn the songs?
Once you have passed your audition, you will be given access to all the music and learning tracks on our website.  You can print the music and download the learning tracks to whatever device you choose.  If you are unable to print music or download learning tracks, we have members of the music team who can do this for you. We suggest you focus on learning only one or two songs at a time.

Do I have to read music?
No. We learn new songs with learning tracks. You’ll learn quickly, whether you read music or not.

How often do you rehearse?
We rehearse weekly and sometimes add a special rehearsal for coaching or upcoming performances.

Will I have to sing alone?
Since our art form requires four parts, we rarely do anything alone! There may be a few opportunities for a soloist to sing a few lines, but most of the time, we sing together and build on each other’s voices.

Am I good enough?
Yes! If you can carry a tune, and hold your voice part against the others, are willing to learn, and have the desire to perform, you have everything you need to succeed at singing our style of four-part a cappella.

It sounds like a lot of fun---is it really?
It's incredibly fun -- and incredibly challenging! It lets you indulge your "inner diva" while you work hard to learn new skills. You'll make lifelong friends...and there are health benefits:

People who sing are healthier than people who don’t. Singing gives the lungs a workout, tones abdominal and intercostal muscles and the diaphragm, and stimulates circulation. It makes us breathe more deeply than many forms of strenuous exercise, so we take in more oxygen, improve aerobic capacity and experience a release of muscle tension as well.

---Professor Graham Welch, Director of Educational Research, University of Surrey, Roehampton, UK