A Cappella Niagara is looking for some new voices to bolster its chorus. And so, on Tuesday nights for four consecutive weeks starting Oct. 1 and ending Oct. 22, the Barbershop choral group is inviting anyone who is interested in learning to sing to come out and join them at Fonthill United Church.
No experience necessary, Gus Medina, the group’s assistant director and secretary said.
“They just have to enjoy singing, and we can provide them with learning tracks and charts so that they can actually follow along with the music.”
Currently, the group has 22 members with 15 who participate regularly, either in the main chorus or in barbershop quartets or both. Members come from across Niagara.
“If we could get up to about 30 regular members, with 20 to 25 coming out pretty regularly, that would be ideal,” Medina said.
The chorus sings in four-part harmony – tenor, lead, baritone and bass. Newcomers need not be concerned with a potential role they may play.
“Usually, we have them talk with the director,” Medina said. “And the director kind of gets a feel for their voice level. And then we normally place them.”
There are two high-profile performances for the group, one during the Christmas holidays and another in the spring.
“In between, we'll do periodic gigs,” Medina said, such as performing at events such as the Candlelight Stroll in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
“At that we usually have of people coming by and singing and staying with us,” Medina said.
Rehearsals are held Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. at the church. Rehearsals are year-round apart from the month of August.
More information on A Cappella Niagara and how to join the group or to book a performance can be found at www.niagarasingers.com or on Facebook.
