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| The British Association of Barbershop Singers, BABS, is a charitable organisation with music education as its goal. Registered Charity Number: 1080930 | ||
An Australian ExperienceThree years ago I was in Canberra, Australia, and went to visit the local Ladies Barbershop Club (Sweet Ads). The MD had obtained permission to take part in the Christmas Festivities held in the large grassy area between the new and the old government buildings, with a ladies' group singing Christmas carols. As her club was only 30 odd strong, she advertised for singers, specifically for this occasion. She offered six lessons/rehearsals, held the first half of normal practice night, including music and teach tapes for over 20 Christmas songs, for which she would charge $30 (about £10). Expecting 20/30, she had over 200 replies, and we saw their 3rd rehearsal, with 200 ladies crammed into a hall, warming up and rehearsing for two hours without a break. In conversation with the MD (in the Irish club after rehearsal), she told us that apart from the success with the chorus, she had also made $4000 for her club, and expected to get at least 20 new members at the end of it. She was drawing on people who could sing, from many different styles, for a short time only, but it gave her the chance to introduce them to barbershop harmony. A long winded tale, but I hope of interest. Mike Peters (Bristol ) |
Site maintained by Neil Watkins. Last update 15 September 2005
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