MEMBERSHIP
LIKE TO SING? JOIN US!
The best way to see if this chorus is something you would like to be a part of is to join us at our rehearsal any Monday night. We will do our best to make you feel welcome! You can either sit and watch or grab one of the guest books and sing along with us. Our rehearsals are held at the Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church at 8250 Cypress Lake Drive, in Fort Myers, every Monday evening at 6:30pm. Here is a link to directions.
If you decide this is something you might want to be a part of, the frequently asked questions below may help answer any of your questions about learning music, auditions, cost, etc.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have weekly evening rehearsals to prepare for our 2 annual shows, one in the spring and one in the fall. In addition, we often participate in a Barbershop Harmony Society regional competition in May of each year. Throughout the year, our chorus and quartets perform in and around our area about 6-8 times. These performances may be for local festivals, businesses and charity associations including Holiday and arts festival events. Although we are active all year around, “Snowbirds” are welcome.
Members Annual Dues (in addition to a one-time $10 enrollment fee):
Member Type BHS Sunshine District Chapter Total
Regular (age 26-74) $180 $35 $15 $230
Senior (age 75+) $135 $26.25 $15 $176.25
Youth (25 or younger) $90 $0 $0 $90
For new members choosing the BHS EZDues Payment Plan, the first year fees are half price. Thus, the BHS, District and Chapter dues for a Regular new member are just $115. Normally $230
During your 1st visit to our rehearsal, the director will confirm your voice range for the part you should sing. He may ask you to repeat back to him a string of notes that he sings. He may also ask you to sing a note that harmonizes with a note he sings.
After the third rehearsal visit, you are eligible to submit your application and request an audition. You will receive a copy of the learning track for your part and sheet music for the audition song which will be decided upon by the director. We will assign several of our members to work with you and help you learn your part by forming a quartet with whom you can practice.
When you are ready and know the words and music by heart, the Membership VP will talk with the music team to schedule your audition. During your audition, you’ll be asked to sing your part in a quartet made up of members of our music team. What we want to see is your ability to carry your part all by yourself. That’s what Barbershop is all about! 😊
Not at all. Actually, the best choral singers are those who blend well with the ensemble, not great singers who may stick out. However, you do need to be able to carry a tune and enjoy singing.
We have a website called Choir Genius with the learning tracks and sheet music available to download for all the songs in our repertoire. This allows you to learn music through practice at home, in the car, etc. Our weekly rehearsals are then devoted to singing exercises, section reviews and then full chorus integration.