I joined "Barbershop" in March this year following a free music course ran by the Harpenden club - Kings of Herts. I had soloed in my cathedral choir as a youth but had moved away from singing for many years only recently forming a small church choir.

Singing was something I did for myself that gave me enjoyment. Joining The Kings of Herts has shown me that singing as a team is so much more enjoyable, if a lot of hard work at times. I'm even expected to sing without music!! (Not that I can read sheet music properly, but it's comforting to have it). I sing lead and have a strong voice. I'm told it's an asset, however, our lead section sings very softly so I can "peak" very easily. I was approached by the club and asked if I would attend the Harmony College. As one of the "new guys" they felt I would benefit from the experience as well as bringing lots back to the rest of the chorus.

The application process was very efficient and so off to Worcester I went.

I arrived on Thursday and was very impressed by the registration team who moved me along gently until I ended up with a key. The map of the campus was confusing for a first timer but I eventually arrived at my room. A little sparse I thought, but that was before I realised that all I would do was sleep in the room!

I followed the crowd and arrived at the bar. Drink in hand, I went and thought I'd listen to the afterglow. Second wrong thought. I was immediately absorbed into the collective of leads and sang until half past midnight.

The weekend was transformed from ok to memorable the instant I met the other "Barber shoppers". The vocal warm-ups at 8:30am with Rick were memorable because of the time! And the energy that everyone brought to the lecture hall.

I was in the chorus stream and felt a little in awe when I entered the dance studio to find over 110 men and women following me. I have never sung in a choir that size and the hairs still stand up on my neck when I listen to the recordings made that weekend. Mike Taylor and the team were superb chorus directors. Their injection of humour always came at the right time and their ability to control and improve 120 plus people was impressive. They had done a lot of work prior to the weekend and it showed. As a lead, I was under the wing of Paul Cousins. He was inspirational to us and had us working as a unit in no time. He emphasised the need to be "one voice", something I hadn't realised was possible to achieve from 50 voices until I went to Harmony College.

I chose to listen to Pitch Invasion as my pic n mix sessions. Inspirational. I have now started to form a quartet with the guys in Harpenden. Watch out PI!

Conclusion

Regarding the basics, the sleeping arrangements were adequate for my needs, the food was very good and plentiful and the University campus clean and tidy.

I went to Harmony College to see if I could learn anything about Barbershop singing. I came back having been amazed at the quality of the singing, the coaching and the organisation. Well done BABS.

I now realise that Barbershop singing is all about four voices - four distinct sounds. Sounds that can be created by any number of singers but all blended to produce four sounds. Singing quietly is amazingly powerful too. Next year I hope to learn lots more.

I have already recommended to my chorus that we should all go next year, especially the new members.

There is no such thing as a stranger at Harmony College, just friends.

Erik Kerr Harpenden