Come Join Us!
Contact Diane- Are you a female who loves to sing?
- If so, we have a place on our risers for you!
- Share your voice with Newfound Sound women's a cappella harmony chorus.
- No experience required.
- Rehearsal Wednesday evening from 7-9 p.m. from September to June (Scent free please!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be able to read music?
If you read music, that's a great help. However, many members read music at a basic level or not at all. That's no problem! Barbershop harmony can be learned by listening. Our organization is education focused with emphasis on teaching all aspects of singing and entertaining. Audio learning tracks are available for much of our music. Additional help will be provided, if needed.What are the various harmony parts in barbershop music?
The four parts are: Leads sing the melody; basses sing the lower part; tenors sing the high part; and baritones sing all the notes in between.Will I have to audition?
Our audition process is simple and private. First, the director will do a pitch test one-on-one with you to determine your voice range. Usually, this happens at your first visit. It may be singing a scale or a simple song like Happy Birthday. Most singers start in the lead section because it is a comfortable voice range and the lead sings the melody. You can start in bass, baritone or tenor if it’s more suitable for your specific voice range.After you attend a few rehearsals and you feel ready, you can take your audition. You will use one of our songs (or just part of one song) and sing in a quartet setting with all four parts singing along with you. This is done privately with the director and four members who will sing the song with you. You can use your music, if needed. Sometimes, the director may use a song everyone is learning together for your audition. You may not even know the audition is happening until it's done! We try to make it as comfortable and stressfree as possible.
What happens after the audition is finished?
When you have passed the audition, you can become a member of Newfound Sound chorus! If you decide to join, you will have access to the member's website with all our music, resources and communications. You will be asked to make arrangements to pay membership dues (costs are summarized below). You will be able to participate in chorus performances and fundraisers. However, there is no pressure to perform until you are comfortable with your part. If you are not ready to join, you can continue to attend rehearsals and events as a guest. When the time is right for you, you can join us.
What is the cost?
Membership costs approximately $300 a year (lower rates for students and youth). This gives you membership in Newfound Sound (www.newfoundsound.org) as well as in our parent organization, Harmony, Inc. (www.harmonyinc.org) and our Atlantic region Area 1 (www.harmonyarea1.ca) Payment installments are available. There are incidental costs associated with stage outfits, music, etc. We have regular fundraisers and apply for grants to help with chapter expenses and membership programming.How much of a time commitment is needed?
Weekly practice is Wednesday evening from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. from June to September. More time or extra rehearsals may be added prior to a performance, if necessary. All members are expected to practice on your own between chorus rehearsals to learn your notes and words. Members also have access to audio learning tracks, videos and rehearsal recordings. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer with committee work and administrative roles if you have time to do so. Any support you can provide will be greatly appreciated!What kinds of activities are you involved in?
We perform at several annual events in the St. John's area. We offer entertainment for corporate and community events. We support many local fundraisers. We may host our own concert and may appear on other local concerts. We sometimes plan trips within the province to sing at various venues. At times, we travel outside the province (see comments below). Volunteering our time to sing in seniors' homes, hospitals and charitable events is important to us.Do you travel?
Yes, sometimes our chorus will travel within the Atlantic region to attend our annual Area 1 convention and contest. Occasionally, we may travel to the Harmony Inc. international conference, depending on location it is being held. These conventions are fun and packed with valuable learning opportunities to develop your singing craft. You can meet other women barbershop singers from all over North America and receive top-notch coaching from the experts. Friendships formed at these events can last a lifetime! Sometimes, we may travel within the province to perform or support charitable activities. We may hold fundraisers to help cover some of the travel expenses.General Information
Scent Free Policy - to provide a safe and comfortable environment for everyone, all our rehearsals, performances and events are fragrance free. Thank you for respecting this policy.
Privacy – we collect personal information including name, address, phone contact, and email. Date of birth is used to determine the appropriate fee schedule for youth or adults. Your information is used for our chapter administration, such as weekly emails, invoicing, tracking service, attendance and other chapter business. It will be given to Harmony Inc. with our annual chapter membership renewal list. Your name and email will be shared with the members in our chorus. Your other personal information is not shared outside the chapter and Harmony Inc. If you have any questions or concerns about your privacy, please contact the president or membership chair.
Social Media – our chorus uses social media (mostly webpage and Facebook) to promote recruitment and performances. Therefore, photos and member’s names will be posted from time to time. We also encourage all members to use social media to share posts and messages from our chorus pages. If you have any questions or concerns about our use of social media, please contact the president or membership chair.
