Alongside the usual sound of the fire alarm, musical notes were ringing last weekend at the São Brás Fire Station where more than a dozen wannabe singers spent a day learning how to sing in four part harmony, a cappella style.
Dutch, German, English and Spanish men and women joined together for a full-on coaching day, learning about posture, breathing, vowel matching, choreography and performance.
Organised by the Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers (SABS), the day was hosted by local barbershop chorus, Bella A Cappella, and assisted by their musical director, Sylvy Hinton-Keenan.
Barbershop is sung by men’s, ladies’ and mixed choruses and all sing Bass, Baritone, Tenor and Lead (the melody) to produce the unique sound.
After a full day’s rehearsal and a short break, the barbershop ‘newbies’ returned to perform their song, ‘Feelin’ Groovy’, to family and friends, receiving rapturous applause.
As a result of the course, Bella A Cappella is looking forward to welcoming new members to their weekly rehearsals. The group rehearses in Moncarapacho every Tuesday between 7pm and 9pm.
sylvykeenan@gmail.com | www.bellaacappella.net
