HARMONY RIVER WANTS
YOU
IN THIS PICTURE!
Harmony River Chorus is more than just an a cappella ensemble; it’s a family. We love getting together each
week, sharing friendships, learning, and making great music together.
If you are a woman who likes to sing, we hope you’ll become a part of our family! The first step is to visit a
rehearsal, learn more about us, and see what we can offer you. You'll have the opportunity to hear the
different voice parts, and you'll be invited to join us on the risers to experience the music, friendship and fun for
which Harmony River Chorus is known!
To quote one of our members,
“I have never been a soloist, but have always loved to sing and been able to carry a tune. It’s the love of
singing that brought me to Harmony River Chorus. It’s the enthusiasm, fun, and lasting friendships that
keep me returning week after week. I love it!”
We hope you’ll love it, too! Interested? Have questions? Check the FAQs below; then contact Shannon Axon
at shannonaxon@gmail.com for more information. She’d love to talk with you!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I notice you meet at a church. Are you affiliated with the church?
No, we’re a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, a world-wide organization of female singers. North Augusta Church
is kind enough to give us space to hold rehearsals on Thursday evenings.
How do I know if I sing well enough to be in this group?
If you’re truly tone deaf, this is not the organization for you. But some potentially great singers feel insecure because they
have untrained voices, aren’t solo material, or can’t read music. If you know you can carry a tune, and your voice will
blend with those around you, then you’re ready to begin! If you don’t read music, we’ll teach you. You’ll also learn all the
basics of good vocal production—breath-control, vowel-matching, and more.
I’m afraid my voice is too deep! I have to sing with the men in my church choir.
Fantastic! You’re a BASS—the foundation of our chorus! Yes, real women sing bass! Both the female bass and baritone
parts are written in the bass clef, but they are sung an octave higher than noted—producing the close harmony so unique
to barbershop singing!
Do I have to join if I come for a visit?
When you come for a visit, there will be absolutely no strings attached. But don’t be surprised if chorus members greet
you like a member of the family! If there’s anything Harmony River loves as much as singing, it’s welcoming new women.
And whether you climb onto the risers and sing along with the group, or chose to sit and listen, you won’t find a warmer
welcome anywhere in town—and that’s a promise!
Are guests allowed to perform with the chorus?
Generally, performances are for members only. But on occasion, the chorus will have a special performance in which
guests are invited to sing. In this case, guests and members must meet the same attendance requirements, and must be
able to demonstrate to their section leaders that they can sing words and music with accuracy.
How do you join the chorus?
We recommend that guests visit several weeks before deciding to become a member. This allows them to learn the
basics of barbershop singing, become familiar with the voice part they have chosen, and make sure that they are ready to
make the membership commitment. When you are ready, a membership committee representative will walk you through
the process, explaining membership benefits and duties. Your section leader will then help you tape two songs while
singing with the chorus on the risers. Together, you’ll review them, and she will offer suggestions for help if needed.
When you and your section leader are satisfied with the accuracy of your tape (notes and words), she’ll present it to the
music team for approval.