Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much of a time commitment is needed as a member of Newfound Sound?
A: We practice one night a week, Wednesdays, from 7 – 10 p.m.
Q: What is the cost?
A: It works out to less that $4 a week. This gives you membership in Newfound Sound as well as in our parent organization, Harmony, Inc. (www.harmonyinc.org). Occasionally there are costs associated with stage outfits, music, etc., but they’re not big expenditures.
Q: What kinds of, and how many performances do you have?
A: We have some commitments every year, such as the Anchormen’s Barbershop show and the Sing for Care. We have several Christmas performances in seniors’ homes, hospitals, etc. Many of these we do on our rehearsal night, so they don’t eat up too much of our time. Occasionally we will perform for after-dinner entertainment, conferences, etc.
Q: Do you travel?
A: Harmony, Inc. has six areas. We belong to Area 1, which encompasses the Atlantic Provinces. Area 1 has an annual conference and contest in June and we usually attend and compete in it. This is optional, though most members do participate. Occasionally we will compete at the International conference (most recent to Rhode Island in November, 2009, for Harmony, Inc.’s 50th anniversary). This is the fourth time we’ve attended the international competition in 20 years. We have three or four fundraising efforts each year to help pay for the costs of travel, and this fundraising is optional for each member.
Q: Do I need to be able to read music?
A: No; barbershop harmony traditionally has been learned by listening. It can be a help if you read music, but many of our members don’t.
Q: Will I have to audition?
A: After you've attended a few rehearsals our director or assistant director will take you to a separate room to simply ensure that you can “hold a tune” and also to assess where your vocal range is. This is not intimidating. You will be given a few weeks to learn a simple barbershop song, after which you’ll be taken to a separate room again, this time to sing with others. An experienced member who sings your part will go with you in case you need some support. Again, this is not intimidating, and is not necessarily a pass/fail situation. Sometimes members are given hints, resources and time to practice for another audition. You won’t have to pay dues until you’ve passed this audition.
Q: What are the various harmony parts in barbershop music?
A: Leads sing the melody; basses sing the lower part; tenors sing the high part; and baritones sing all the notes in between.