Newfound Sound - Women's Barbershop Chorus

About Newfound Sound

Background

Newfound Sound was formed in 1985 with just twelve members. It received charter status from its international parent organization, Harmony Inc. (www.harmonyinc.org) in 1988 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and joined the other chapters in Atlantic Canada to officially become part of Area 1 (www.harmonyarea1.ca). Today, Newfound Sound enjoys a strong membership of 20-30 active members on the risers each week. Teaching and training in barbershop harmony techniques are fundamentals of the group. Strong leadership by the Director, Elaine Galloway, along with support from the music team and all members of the chorus, provides a fun and friendly singing environment for women of all ages and backgrounds. Performances range from regular participation in the annual Atlantic Area 1 competition and convention (AC&C) and the international convention for Harmony, Inc. (IC&C), as well as other local events such as Christmas at Commissariat House. We also perform for conferences and other events with a very entertaining repertoire. Our group is very proud of the many awards that we have received over the years. Performances to support charity events, such as Sing for Care (www.singforcare.ca) and many others are commitments of great importance to us. We love to give back to the community and we often entertain patients and residents in health care facilities and seniors' homes. If you enjoy singing, helping your community, and making new friends, then why not consider becoming a member of Newfound Sound.

Director

Elaine Galloway became the Director for Newfound Sound in 2011. She has enjoyed the Barbershop style of music throughout her entire life, her father being Alex Andrews (founding member and long-time Director of the Anchormen Chorus). Since joining Newfound Sound she has been actively involved in many capacities including, but not limited to, Baritone Section Leader; Warm-up Director; Teaching Quartet Co-ordinator; and Baritone for the Teaching Quartet. In addition to coaching quartets, Elaine has sung baritone with quartets Synergy and Selkie, and has sung lead with a mixed quartet.

Elaine has been performing musically since the age of six around her hometown of St. John's. She plays the piano, guitar, djembe, and has studied voice under the tutelage of Canadian soprano Melanie Kruger. Elaine also composes music and songs for the piano, flute, and guitar.

Elaine and her husband Shaun have three children each of whom plays at least one musical instrument. Her youngest son also sings baritone with the Anchormen Chorus. In her spare time, when she's not travelling with her family, Elaine enjoys golf, watercolour painting, and hiking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much of a time commitment is needed?

Weekly practice is every Wednesday from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. A longer practice or extra practices may be called prior to performances, if necessary. If you take on committee work or an administrative position, additional time will be required.

What is the cost?

Membership is approximately $160 a year (lower rates for students). This gives you membership in Newfound Sound (www.newfoundsound.org) as well as in our parent organization, Harmony, Inc. (www.harmonyinc.org). There are incidental costs associated with stage outfits, music, etc.

Will I have to audition?

Yes. This takes place in a separate room with our director on your first or second night attending, simply to ensure that you can "hold a tune" and to assess your vocal range. You will be given a few weeks to learn a simple barbershop song and you will have an opportunity to sing in a quartet. An experienced member who sings your part will support you with this exercise. This is not necessarily a pass/fail situation. Sometimes members are given the opportunity for another audition. You won't have to pay dues until you've passed this audition and have been accepted by the board.

Do I need to be able to read music?

No. Barbershop harmony traditionally has been learned by listening. It can help if you read music, but many of our members read at a basic level or not at all. We belong to an educational organization: there is an emphasis on teaching all aspects of singing and entertaining. We provide audio learning tracks for much of our music and additional help is available if needed.

What are the various harmony parts in barbershop music?

Leads sing the melody; basses sing the lower part; tenors sing the high part; and baritones sing all the notes in between.

What kinds of activities are you involved in?

We perform at several annual events in the St. John's area. We perform for after-dinner entertainment, conferences, etc. We may host our own concert or appear on other local concerts. We sometimes plan trips within the province to sing at various venues. Volunteering our time to sing in seniors' homes, hospitals and for charities is important to us.

Do you travel?

Harmony, Inc. has six areas. We belong to Area 1, (www.harmonyarea1.ca) which covers the Atlantic Provinces. Every June, Area 1 holds its annual conference and contest and our goal is to attend and compete most years. This is optional, though most members do participate because it offers valuable training and great fun. Occasionally we will compete at the international conference - we've done so four times in twenty years. We sometimes hold fund-raisers to help pay for the costs of travel, and this fundraising is optional for each member.

About Newfound Sound

Background

Director

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Our Team

Board of Directors

Music Team

Section Leaders

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