Barbershoppers: Bay City Conchords’ Jim Duffield, Rod Stow and Bob Gibb tune up on Geelong’s waterfront.
By John Van Klaveren
TRADITIONAL barbershops have almost disappeared but a form of music they inspired is still going strong.
In fact, the national organisation of barbershop quartets is on a membership drive after the recent success of a male quartet on Australia’s Got Talent.
Queensland’s Benchmark Quar-tet hit the news after wowing the show’s judges and audiences.
The group reached the finals, with one judge remarking: “You guys are amazing, so fantastic to listen to and I’d love to be part of that group”.
Benchmark’s members are part of Australian Association of Men Barbershop Singers, just like Geelong’s Bay City Conchords.
Conchord president Chris Crook hopes the recognition will inspire new barbershop singers.
Singing in close four-part harmonies as part of a barbershop chorus or quartet provides a particular thrill, Chris said.
“The basic requirements are an ability to sing in tune, hold your part and enjoy performing.
“You can sing at a relaxed level or choose to participate in more advanced singing groups.”
Barbershop features a-cappella harmonies, meaning without instruments.
Novices can even have professional musical training in the style.
Every two years a national barbershop convention seeks to idenfity the best choruses and quartets in the country.
Geelong’s Conchords was founded in 1996 to sing at nursing homes and wineries.
“Many of the founder members of the chorus are still happily singing along with us today,” Chris said.
“There’s a camaraderie and sense of fun that exists within the barbershop community.”
Chris said the Conchords’ highlight so far was winning a best small chorus award at a barbershop society 2005 national convention in Melbourne.
The group finished second in the most-improved category for small choruses in 2009.
One of only two barbershop groups in Victoria, the Conchords performed at its first full concert on the Bellarine Peninsula last month at Drysdale’s Potato Shed.
Besides traditional barbershop harmony, the Conchords perform ballads, sacred music, show songs and novelty routines, backed by a range of solo performances.
Chris said anyone wanting more information could visit the Conchords’ website at www.geelongconchords.org.au or phone 5259 2255.
