Did you know that it has been demonstrated that singing is good for your health. It is also widely recognised within vocal circles that membership of a Barbershop chorus provides one of the best singing environments for the amateur singer.

To achieve the 4 voice part, unaccompanied unit sound a significant amount of practice time is spent in voice coaching which is not widespread in other forms of choral singing. Unless the average SATB choir member is prepared to pay for private tuition, it might just be a case of turn up, do a few exercises, then sing.

Our national association (BABS) produces a lot of teaching material for developing the voice which is adopted by the member clubs. Within our own chorus we have a hand book of techniques and these are reinforced at every opportunity.

Performing without using sheet music also puts emphasis on memorising the words and watching the director - then singing while moving - it all adds to the fun!

To help members improve, BABS also runs a weekend teaching college each year. This year it is at Nottingham University over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Current and budding musical directors have their own training school weekend in Coventry in January of each year. At both events guests with an interest in singing and/or directing are actively encouraged, with their costs being offset by sponsorship from the association and the host club.

If you have that interest, get in touch with one of our contact guys - we might be able to further your interest.

All in all, as a hobby it's a great singing environment!!

A very successful Burns Supper and Disco was held at Mannofield Cricket Club on the 25th January with a substantial amount of money raised for club funds. Around 100 folk packed into the function suite for the tradiational fayre and entertainment provided both by club members and invited speakers.

Late February saw us repeating our successful members training weekend format at Letham Grange, Brechin with over 20 guys well coached and encouraged by our own MD, Colin Reid and invited BABS coaches, Nick Frampton and Mike Warner, both of whom are becoming very familiar with the North-East to the extent that both attended the Singing Course concert on the following Tuesday, before returning south.

Some members attended the Aberdeenshire Singing Festival at Mackie Academy, Stonehaven in mid-March with the chorus performing in the evening show.