What a weekend, superbly provided by the BABS education team and excellently run under the superb direction of Mike Lofthouse, Phil Mobsby and the team.

After moving to Alnwick in Northumberland, I discovered that there was no barbershop within at least 40 miles each way, so I thought I would attempt to start a new chorus. How could I do this without a musical director? Well there was only one way and that is to become a director myself.
This in its self threw up a number of problems but, to cut a long story short, it was recommended that I apply to BABS for a Harmony Foundation grant. I was successful and have just completed 'Directors College VIII'.

The college was run smoothly and efficiently from start to finish. The accommodation was excellent and the facilities superb.
I was in the novice stream to learn the basics, which indeed have been very useful. (I still stand in front of the mirror daily conducting an imaginary chorus). Information, ideas and techniques were constantly poured into our ever filling heads by an extremely patient and understanding team of very knowledgeable musical directors who formed the faculty.
All this culminated in to a 9-minute video of ourselves under the watchful eye of our mentors, directing the never waning octet who sung our every directed move. This really showed how the directors movements, however small or large will influence the chorus. Thanks guys you did a sterling job.

Not only were we taught the directing techniques but also very useful information about managing a chorus AND to be taught by the great Royce Ferguson from Westminster Chorus was purely magical.
I believe that every person who attended the college, including the faculty, left with more knowledge than when they arrived.

I also have made some useful contacts to help in the future special thanks to Stuart and Terry from Derby the newest barbershop chorus to date. I am certain that to become a certified musical director in the future will help me and many other choruses to maintain conformity of excellence that BABS will come to expect.

After such a great weekend, dampened only by the weather and a 5-hour drive each way. I am now filled with excitement for the future.

Thanks again to all who helped me to achieve that which I otherwise would have missed.

Derek Seller - Harmony Lincs (and hopefully soon to be formed Lionheart Harmony)