NORWAY – Tired of singing without acclaim or even an audience, in the car or while doing the dishes? A local chorus, trying to lure recruits, is offering four weeks of free singing lessons to anyone with potential talent.
The Hillsmen Barbershop Chorus wants men, even if they don’t read music, or know how to do abdominal-costal breathing, or for that matter, know what it is.
Patricia Fleck, who directs the chorus, said recently, “For people who like to sing, it’s a good outlet, and there are very few outlets. Singing is so good for your psyche.”
After the four lessons are through, those who have shown a knack will be invited to remain. “As long as they can carry a tune, they can be in the group,” said Fleck, who will be teaching the lessons with Wendy Bailey. Also, the males don’t have to have a voice like Elvis Presley’s.
“We don’t need singers who are making records,” Fleck said. “You want people who blend with the group, who are not stars.”
The lessons, which begin Jan. 16 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Norway, will include the basics: posture, breathing, voice placement, how to connect breathing with singing, and vowel formation, Fleck said. Singing with artistry and emotion will also be encouraged.
After the lessons end, the directors say there’s no obligation to stay with the chorus, which has suffered recently from a depletion of ranks.
Dr. Tere Porter, a local optometrist and member of the 30-year-old chorus, said, “We’re way down right now.” Ideally, the singing group would be stocked with 20 to 30 members, but due to some life changes of a few members, the troop has about nine singers now.
The students will be encouraged to put on a performance of the song they’ve learned at the end of the four weeks to their spouses and family members, Fleck said.
She said the song will likely be, “I’m Sitting On Top of the World.”
For more information, phone Porter at 743-2100 or Fleck at 647-5005.
Comments are no longer available on this story