WHO WE ARE
The Abegweit Chimes, Inc. is a women's chorus that sings four-part a cappella
(without instrumental accompaniment) harmony usually in the barbershop style. We
are the only all-female group on Prince Edward Island to sing and perform this
style of music!. We love to perform for different types of audiences and we
compete yearly at our regional competition.
We chartered with Harmony,
Inc., our parent international organization, in 1982. Our membership began with
only 12 members and has reached as high as 47! We currently have 35 members and
our goal is to increase our membership to 50!
Our membership is open to
all females regardless of age who value singing as an important part of their
lives, who are committed to developing their vocal skills, and who actively
participate in the running of the organization.
Our members come from a
variety of educational, employment and musical backgrounds. We all share the
love of singing harmony, of hearing a chord ring, and of performing a song well.
Our ages range from students to retirees and represent many points along the
life journey.
- 1st place finish at Area Convention in 2006 & 2007.
- Twice in the top ten of our International Contest.
- Three-time Atlantic Bulletin Contest 1st place Award.
- International Bulletin Contest 1st place and Honourable Mention Awards
The responsibilities of the Chapter Administrative and Musical team to the members include:
- To encourage and provide opportunities for members to reach their personal goals musically and administratively.
- To provide musical leadership and training in four-part a capella harmony in the barbershop style.
- To provide legal music.
- To provide administrative leadership through a Board of Directors and various committees.
- To work within all By-Laws, Standing Rules and policies of Harmony, Inc., Area 1, and the Abegweit Chimes, Inc.
The responsibilities of the Member to the Chapter and the other members include:
As a chapter member, we hope you will always,- Contribute what you can to the group at any given point in your life.
- Attend weekly rehearsals and learn assigned music.
- Develop your vocal skills.
- Sing and perform from your heart.
- Encourage and support other chapter members.
- Share your knowledge and skills.
- Support the chapter by serving on committees and attending scheduled events.
- Keep membership dues up to date.
- Participate in Chapter and International votes.
WHY JOIN US
Because singing is our passion, we have a lot of fun and we have made friendships that will last a lifetime! There are many reasons why our current members joined and some include needing a hobby of one's own, wanting to meet new people, and wanting to develop or improve singing skills.
Requirements for membership include:- Being able to sing in tune when other people are singing different vocal parts.
- Attending four of six rehearsals prior to application.
- Participating in the Orientation Program.
- Please note that sight reading and formal musical education are not requirements.
Our youth and student members are eligible for student dues rates. Depending on the age, the youth's family may need to provide adult support and sign a consent form (click here to view form). Harmony, Inc. has a youth chorus comprised on the young women who belong to various chapters. They learn a song and then perform it together at our international convention
There are Harmony, Inc. chapters throughout Canada and the USA. If you relocate to a major city, there is a good chance there is a chapter waiting to welcome you. Instant friends and connections!
Each member has experienced the 'first night jitters' and since we want you to feel at home, we will make sure you have a 'buddy'. Our rehearsals can be very busy and your 'buddy' will make sure your questions are answered and that you are feeling okay. If you already know a chapter member, at your request, she can be your 'buddy'.
The sound produced by our chorus comes from the commitment of each individual. Each person's contribution is critical to the final product - beautiful singing. Sometimes it is easy to think we are not important; however, each person's voice makes up a percentage of what our audience hears. Now THAT is important!
HOW TO JOIN US
You can contact one of our members first or you can simply come to a rehearsal. Our membership team welcomes everyone.
Everyone considering membership participates in a six-week Orientation Program which includes:
- Group coaching in vocal sound production, vowel matching, breathing, and presentation.
- Voice placement. Our Director will work with you to figure out your vocal range and which voice part best fits your range.
- Learning a short song and singing in a quartet. You will learn the song during vocal warm-ups with the chorus, you will be given a tape with your vocal part dominant, and you will have lots of support from the other members and your Section Leader. Singing with a quartet is done in private. The song we use for this is "Heart of my Heart". You can listen to it here (click here to open an wma file). If you want to hear the indivdual parts, you can access them here as well. Lead, Tenor, Baritone, Bass.
- Introduction to our chapter and how we operate.
- Introduction to the parent organization, Harmony, Inc.
Once you have completed the Orientation Program, you decide if you want to join the Abegweit Chimes. A Membership Application form is provided for you to complete.
Upload your copy of the Orientation Program here.Your application is reviewed by the Director and President and once approved you will receive a Chapter Membership Pin. You will also become a member of Harmony, Inc.
Once you are a member of the Abegweit Chimes, we hope you will enjoy membership for decades to come!
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
When can I join the Abegweit Chimes?
Prospective members are
welcome at any time; however, we usually have a membership drive at least once a
year. During this time, an Orientation Program is provided which includes vocal
coaching.
What is a rehearsal like?
Our three hour rehearsals are very full
and include:
- A few minutes of non-stressful physical warm-ups (to prepare the body for singing).
- Vocal education that uses a variety of exercises to improve our sound production, breath support, vowels, volume dynamics, and pitch.
- Old repertoire.
- If we are preparing for a performance, we review our performance package.
- New music (always new ones on the go).
- Mid-way through the rehearsal we take a short break.
- Business meeting & announcements.
Will I learn the terminology?
Yes! As with any hobby or leisure
activity, barbershop has its own language. We encourage you to ask questions and
we try to explain the lingo and new terms as we go.
During your orientation,
you will be assigned a "buddy." This person will answer any questions you have
and provide you with that extra reassurance we all need when joining a new
group.
I don't read music, so how will I learn?
Members are encouraged to
bring a small hand-held tape/digital recorder to rehearsal. We have members who
can tape the songs for you so you can learn your part.
We also have quartets
that learn the songs first and demonstrate them to the chorus. Your tape
recorder is ideal for recording the quartet's performance.
Do I need prior musical experience?
Previous experience is always
an asset but not required. It is, however, important that you be able to sing in
tune. We rely on our ears to tune and we do not use musical accompaniment when
we perform, so it is essential to be able to sing with different sounds around
us.
Do I have to get involved in fund raising activities?
Our
operational budget is covered from the dues we collect; however, occasionally we
may have an unexpected expense which requires additional funds. Members are
given the option to participate in the designated fund raising activity (for
example a bake or yard sale) or to contribute a specific amount in cash.
Participating in personal fund raising activities to offset the cost of
attending our singing events is optional.
How will I know where I should stand in the chorus?
Our director,
Myrt, is responsible for making sure everyone has a place to stand so that she
can see and be seen. Myrt and your 'buddy' will make sure you are standing near
other people singing the same vocal part as you.
Is this the group for me?
If singing is your thing and you want
the opportunity to:
- Learn more about vocal sound production;
- Have the thrill of hearing expanded sound and overtones;
- Experience the fun of singing well;
- and perhaps sing in a quartet...
CONTACTS
Please feel free to contact any member of the Abegweit Chimes for more information. The following individuals are on our Musical and Administrative Leadership teams and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
- Membership Chair: Isabelle Christian 892-9437
- President: Mary Olscamp 436-8603
- Director: Myrt McCardle 892-2721
- Assistant Director: Eileen Braidwood 894-7589
- Section Leaders:
- Lead - Michelle Arsenault 436-1256
- Tenor - Joan MacDoanld 566-5330
- Bass - Sherry McGuigan 892-2581
- Baritone - Dawn Arsenault (506) 533-6498
I stayed for the friends!
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION
Harmony, Inc., is a vibrant international singing organization of women who are dedicated to the performance and promotion of four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style, the celebration of friendship, personal growth and development through education, and the practice of democratic principles.
Harmony, Inc. is divided into six geographic areas throughout Canada and the USA. Our chapter is in Area 1 which includes the Atlantic Provinces.
warms our hearts,
and keeps us smiling!
THE FACTS
Dues:$25 per month (10 months). Payable annually in September ($250), by monthly post-dated cheques or in two installments - September to January ($125) and February to June ($125). Student rates (23 and under) are $125 per year.
Travel: Our main travel consists of attending our yearly Area 1 Contest and Convention (AC&C). We encourage our members to attend other events; however, it is not expected that everyone will be able to do that. Member expenses may include travel, registration, food, and accommodation.
Costumes: Costumes are usually provided by the chorus; however, members may be required to have an item made. All costumes must be returned to the chapter should a member retire.
Music: Printed music and learning tapes are the properties of the chapter and must be returned should a member retire. Only legal music is purchased and distributed.
Time Commitment: Attending weekly rehearsals is a must. Learning new music and choreography may take an additional hour or two per week.
Important Events: Our chapter attends the Area 1 Contest and Convention which is the weekend of the first Saturday in June. Members are encouraged to be available from the Thursday to Sunday. The venue moves throughout the Atlantic Provinces. Every summer Harmony Intensive Training School offers all Harmony, Inc. members the opportunity to become more educated in a variety of areas.
Fund raising: To help offset the cost of attending events such as the Area or International Contest and Convention, members can choose to participate in organized fund raising activities. A 'Ways and Means' committee organizes the activities, and tracks and distributes the raised funds to the participants. Our operational budget is covered from the dues we collect; however, occasionally we may have an unexpected expense which requires additional funds. Members are given the option to participate in the designated fund raising activity (for example a bake or yard sale) or to contribute a specific amount in cash.
PERFORMANCESOur main performance and fundraiser is a major Stage Show we present every second year. All members participate in the preparation, promotion and presentation of this event. As well, our chorus performs in a variety of settings throughout the year. Members are asked to sign up for these performances before a commitment is made to the organizers of the event.
Day: Tuesdays (September - June)
Time: 7 to 10 p.m.