All The Latest News
|
|
The Bass section
always seems to have something to sing about and so when it was
announced at Monday’s rehearsal that Paul Williams had passed his
audition and was presented with his certificate by our Chairman it
was another occasion for cheers!
Paul has become a
well known face within the chorus and has been a great addition to
the section.
Paul originally
came from the north of
Paul has enjoyed
singing all his life and apart from being in the choir at school
this is the first time he has joined a choral group. He attended our
‘Learn to Sing’ day in Chelmsford and says, “I think the real thing
that attracted me at the Learn to Sing day was the friendly nature
of the group and the obvious fun everyone was having.” He was
immediately hooked on the close harmonic style that is Barbershop. |
|
|
||||||
 |
Fewer locations
could be more charming for a singout than the lovely little
It may be cold
outside but the sun is shining and streaming through the church
windows. The church is beautifully decorated with gorgeous white
floral displays.
The guests arrive
to the pealing of church bells but inside the now muted sound of
bells is lost in another sound – the guests are welcomed with songs
by Essex Chordsmen who have been given the rare privilege of
performing from the Chancel.
It is obvious
that the guests are most pleasantly surprised and as more arrive the
atmosphere of joy and celebration grows with applause from the
congregation.
It was a most
wonderful scenario. The Chordsmen were in fine voice delivering a
well selected series of songs which blended in superb harmony
reflected within this revered church with fine acoustic
reverberation.
The Chordsmen
retired to seats in the Chancel as the Bride, resplendent in a
stunning white bridal gown, came down the aisle to the strains of
the organ playing “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” by Handel.
In the course of
the wedding service the Chordsmen swelled the voices of the
congregation with passionate renditions of the couple’s chosen
hymns.
But the most
memorable Chordsmen event was during the signing of the register
when they sang 'Unchained Melody' in a style so evocative of love
and longing that many of the congregation were emotionally moved.
Everybody felt
part of a great occasion. It was indeed, most joyously, a day to
remember! |
|||||
|
|
||||||
 |
The versatility
of Essex Chordsmen never ceases to amaze. Given any kind of venue
they seem to adapt with alacrity and immediately commence to charm
and sway the audience.
The current wave
of popularity for barbershop singing is bringing requests to perform
at an ever widening range of venues and the new style of
entertainment restaurant, Castaways of Pitsea, is an example of
enterprise and innovation to help beat the current economic climate.
So it was that
upon a return visit, with enthusiastic style and great harmonies,
the Chordsmen entertained diners at Castaways restaurant to an
afternoon menu of great songs.
Along with many
popular upbeat rousing numbers – often shared with our well fed
audience – there were Christmas carols and a great atmosphere of
festivity.
Our diary for the
new year continues to follow a trend for a wide range of celebratory
events from weddings to singing in the streets! |
|||||
|
|
||||||
The lead section was delighted to learn at Monday’s rehearsal that Peter Hays-Chown was joining the section. Chairman Tony Brothers and Musical Director Nick Allies made the announcement of Peter’s successful audition and presented Peter with his certificate. In spite of demanding family commitments Peter has worked with enthusiasm for qualification and now looks forward to gaining his red jacket and taking to the risers.
Peter used to live in the west country but has lived in Billericay 'for ages'! When time permits he can be found on the golf course so when he's not singing he's likely to be swinging! |
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
||||||
|
We always enjoy
our rehearsals but sometimes they are especially enjoyable. Just the
day before we had a long day in
The evening was
further enhanced when Chairman Tony Brothers announced the winner of
this year’s Barbershopper of the Year Award. To great applause the
coveted cup was presented to our PRO and Singout Secretary David
Worley. A well deserving winner of the members ballots because David
has worked extremely hard to place our Barbershop Chorus in the
public eye and has brought many innovative features to what is
always one of the most demanding offices on the committee.
To add to all
this a most pleasant surprise visitor was Nick Wright. Nick is our
‘senior’ member and is a sprightly 95 years old! His sweet baritone
voice has swelled the chorus lines for over 35 years and although he
has retired from the risers he has a wealth of valuable experience
and is a much loved member of our club with a life membership.
Living in his own home in |
||||||
|
|
||||||
 |
 |
|||||
|
The National
Learn to Sing Day, is held under the auspices of The British
Association of Barbershop Singers and this year Essex Chordsmen
hosted the event in
Some 50 people
attended the event which ran from
The day ended
with a rousing performance of this – a perfect end to a most
enjoyable and informative occasion. |
||||||
|
|
||||||
 |
 |
|||||
|
It was an amazing
sensation! The roar of enthusiastic applause, shouts, calls,
whistles and acclamation thundered fit to shake the very foundations
of the Brentwood Centre at each performance of the Chordsmen at this
mind blowing show by the celebrated singing group Funky Voices. Appearing on the show, by invitation of Funky Voices leader Sandra Colston, Essex Chordsmen were in top form and gave their all in a superb setting to show barbershop singing at its best.
In a contrasting
effect to that of the inimitable Funky Voices presentations the
Chordsmen demonstrated that unique style of choral harmony which
puts barbershop singing into a class of its own – much to the
delight of both the audience and the members of all the Funky Voices
choirs who were always present on stage. Their stamina and
enthusiasm were indefatigable! It was a day of mutual pleasure for
all of us who simply love to sing!
|
|
|
Five
Chordsmen attended the British Association of Barbershop Singers
annual tutorial weekend this year and Assistant Musical Director
Geoff White gives his take on what was obviously a great experience. Firstly the
accommodation and facilities are superb with en suite private rooms
and excellent meal arrangements. We really needed the sustenance as
the time table is busy but well planned. The Jubilee campus of
Each day began with
warm ups before students went to their chosen sessions and the
Chorus students were coached on the two songs that had been
distributed with the music about eight weeks earlier. Much craft
work and section rehearsals take place leading to the performing of
the songs in a Saturday night show. Certainly I am biased
about the great teaching that is on offer at For a more detailed
look on what is on offer use the link:
http://www.singbarbershop.com/harmony_college.htm
Our Musical Director Nick Allies adds: |
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
It was exactly
as the programme notes said: “A Glorious Evening of Song”.
The venue was
the superbly designed
The combined
voices of The Kidderminster Valentines – a great all female choir
– and our very own Essex Chordsmen really did make the rafters ring!
This special
concert was held in aid of the J’s Hospice and an appreciative
audience responded to this appeal with typical generosity. A superb menu of songs by both groups of singers in their distinctive styles kept the audience enthralled and entertained throughout an evening of melodic majesty.
To celebrate
this most successful joint event the Kidderminster Valentines
presented a keepsake to the Chordsmen (see photos page).
|
|
|
|
 |
|
As the song says,
it was a glorious day. (What a Wonderful World).
Naturally, Essex
Chordmen were there to celebrate the great day! We began at The
Towngate Theatre singing at the arrival of the British Legion along
with the Lady Mayor and the unforgettable Town Crier Jim Shrubb!
Next, we moved to
the shopping precinct and sang at various locations, gathering small
crowds who sometimes joined in the more popular numbers. We even
gathered a small following who trailed us from location to location!
Chief among these being the Town Crier who not only rang his
bell with enthusiasm but also demonstrated his unique dancing
abilities and on one occasion selecting our chairman Tony
Brothers out of the chorus line to dance a duet for the crowd!
Our final
rendition at the close of the day was |
|
|
|
It was Saturday
16th April and The Emmanuel Church in Billericay rang
with song and laughter all evening. Not only were Essex Chordsmen
raising the magnificently stylish high roof but the supporting acts
were also holding the crowd in the palm of their hands to great
applause!
Bob Ryall’s
colourful costume and equally colourful monologues enthralled the
audience who hung on to his every word with strident appreciation.
Meanwhile Bob
Sangwell strung them along with a witty series of songs with unusual
words to well known tunes to tears of helpless laughter.
Heartbeat Duo
Martin Bunting and Bob Ryall performed several songs from their
current album ‘Let It Be Me’ to thunderous applause!
Essex Chordsmen
presented a wide range of songs in true Barbershop style whilst
effecting changes of costume much admired by this discerning
audience. Only the Musical Director for the evening – our very own
Geoff White – outshone them in his magnificent red tailed jacket
which cunningly concealed outrageous braces below!
In short, a great
evening was had by all and the Samaritans were delighted to be in
receipt of over £600 for their well deserving cause.
|
|
|
|
Peter White, who
today passed his audition and received his certificate from Chairman
Tony Brothers, was born in
As well as his
sunny disposition Peter brings a wealth of talent to the leads
section having many years of stage experience – including the male
lead in ‘My Fair Lady’!
Peter says that
the moment he first heard Barbershop sung and saw the great pleasure
it gave to both performers and audience he knew that this was the
choral genre for him.
Other interests
include restoring classic cars and he is currently on the hunt for a
Buggatti – his dream project. (If anyone out there has got a
Buggatti rusting in the shed Peter would like to hear from you!).
Meanwhile he’s
looking forward to qualifying for the risers and his red jacket! |
It is well known
that people will travel miles to sing barbershop. Our members come
from every corner of |
|
Guests at Premier Inn (Boreham) were shaken and stirred late last Monday
evening to hear the sound of sweet harmonies drifting across the car park
from the local hostelry The Grange Restaurant/Pub.
Yes
it was us!!
Daniel Ayres, Deputy General Manager at the popular Grange, had agreed to
play host to us for an ‘afterglow’ session when we can relax and just sing
to end an evening of in- depth rehearsals held at our usual venue at nearby
Surprised patrons looked on and listened with toe tapping appreciation as
the boys made the rafters ring giving voice to a variety of deep harmony
melodies to great appreciation.
In
short, a good time was had by all and Daniel said he would be delighted to
‘have the boys round again’ in what is hoped will be a regular occasion. The
next ‘afterglow’ at The Grange is planned for Monday 9th May
|
It
was another another celebration at Monday rehearsal, 14th
February, when chairman Tony Brothers announced that Bryan Ward and
Tim Heaslip had passed their auditions
and presented
them with their certificates for membership of Essex Chordsmen which
means they are also with the British Association of Barbershop
Singers!
Both are bass
section men. Bryan returns to barbershop singing after an absence of
some two years. So, from returning to the Chordsmen and taking
audition was a speedy process.
Tim,
understandably, may have taken a little longer – but with the same
objective:
Unity of purpose
to sing in total harmony to produce that amazing sound heard only in
the barbershop format.
A busy time lies
ahead for Bryan and Tim as they tackle selected parts of the
repertoire prior to ascending the risers on their way up to their
well earned red jackets! |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
February 7th
rehearsal was an award winning evening for two of our newer members.
First off Ron
Schofield was presented with his chorus pin. Ron hails from Wickford
and has been a lifelong fan of Barbershop. Singing has always been
his pleasure so when deciding to join a group – Barbershop was the
natural choice and the baritone section his natural style. He gained
his BABS certificate some weeks ago and eagerly awaited his chorus
pin.
A delighted Ron
was overjoyed to receive it and remarked that when he comes to wear
it at the next singout he understands that the Chorus Manager, Den
Foster, will be on hand to show him exactly where to stick it! |
 |
Next it was the
turn of David Brown. David hails from |
New Year, New Song, New Spirit The final rehearsal of 2010 closed with Music Master Bob Sangwell issuing members with sheet music and a CD of our new song Nevertheless. Musical Director Nick Allies urged us all to work hard on this over the Christmas and New Year break. He was not to be disappointed.  This
year's first rehearsal, on Monday 10th January, commenced in an
atmosphere of obvious pleasure to be meeting again. The first try out of
Nevertheless showed just how
eagerly the chorus had been tackling this popular choice of song. All
sections of the chorus had indeed worked hard to bring this wonderful
arrangement to a very high standard for a first rehearsal. The evening
was characterised by an atmosphere of immense pleasure, building on this
success.The rehearsal closed with a mood of happy anticipation that 2011 held the promise of challenge and success in equal measure for all of us who are fortunate to know and love singing in that unique style that is barbershop! (Another photo can be seen on the photo page). Annual Christmas Dinner 2010 
It may have been an
icy, snowy winters night but forty-one of our fifty-two guests made it
to the New Times carvery in Tiptree for our annual Christmas dinner. It
was particularly pleasing to see, once again, some of our chorus friends
who have moved on. Once again members’ wives and partners renewed
acquaintances and the volume of social chatter was broken only as guests
tucked into an excellent array of superb dishes.
As last year, the New Times pulled out all the stops and laid on a fully
festive menu.
Our chairman, Tony, presented social secretary Valerie with a Poinsetta
and the thanks of the chorus for her exhaustive work in organising the
evening and went on to call the men to line up for a short period of
singing.
In true barbershop style the rafters rang to the strains of
Silent Night and ended in a rousing rendition of
Do You Hear the People Sing.
|
Shenfield Singout
|
On
Saturday night, 13th November; Shenfield village hall was the
place to be. The A crowded
hall clapped and cheered as the chorus packed more than twenty-two songs into
two performances; with unique renditions from our Bob Sangwell in the
half-hour between. The
chorus was back for a third visit by popular demand and it was obvious that
their popularity was undiminished as shown by the enthusiastic applause.
Supper
was delayed as Bob Sangwell held the hall enthralled with thirty minutes of
hilarious comment and comic songs with his trusty guitar. Wildlife
Trust members went wild with delight at the chorus’ rendition of Do you Hear the People Sing. Vice
Chairman, Bill Tidmas, thanked the chorus for delivering an evening of vocal
variety to remember! |
|
|
BABS Chairman calls on us!
|
It’s 8th
November and our regular Monday evening rehearsal had a buzz of excitement
about it this week when BABS chairman Alan Goldsmith was welcomed by our new
chairman Tony Brothers. In spite
of a filthy night of appalling weather conditions Alan had travelled from Alan was
soon on the risers amongst the lead section and not only joined in all the
singing but was both fulsome in his compliments whilst practical in his
suggestions. In a
typical barbershop evening of lyric and laughter his enthusiasm infected us
all! |
|
|
Singout at
Benfleet on 1st November
|
It was
another great singout; this one for the Silver Service Club members at the
Salvation Army Temple in Those
controversial polystyrene risers came into their own, putting the back row
head and shoulders above the forward voices with a totally unobstructed view
of that man of the moment our intrepid musical director Nick. A
superb touch of sartorial eminence was the skilful attachment of British
Legion Poppies to the tie of every man – thoughtfully overseen by Den. Bob
Sangwell was exceptional in the role of MC occasioning constant laughter with
his unique style of introduction of the songs whilst not telling a single
joke! This kept up the flow and momentum of almost uninterrupted singing to
the delight of both audience and singers. At one
point Salvationist Robin Bryant, obviously impressed with the vigour and
volume of proceedings, called for a long roll of applause - which was
enthusiastically delivered!! In an unusual
turnabout to end the afternoon the audience actually sang to the chorus! This
was speedily replied to with our own rendition of Irish Blessing to thunderous applause! A most enjoyable
afternoon for everyone – and Essex Chordsmen are sure to be asked to perform
there again!! It was
praise indeed at this Salvation Army Temple for a superb performance in true
barbershop tradition. |
|
|
