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Wow , what a show !!. Perth Harmony Chorus was joined by choruses and quartets from our extended WA barbershop family. We met and performed in a musical extravaganza celebrating 40 years of joy and singing . We made so many old and new connections and some delightful new memories. This celebraion is past but PHC moves . Look for us soon at Dunsborough song fest and around Perth wherever there are christmas singers
WooHoo -We Went to Competition
Date Posted: Tue, 21 May 2024
We went to competition !!!!!!!!!
PHC have just returned from Regional Competition where our chorus and wonderful quartets Butterscotch and Lyrebirds competed against our sister quarets and choruses from all over Australia . A fun an intemse weekend in Fremantle netted the chorus a 3rd place Small Chorus medal and 4th placed Chorus overall in Australia . Our best news was by scoring over 600 points as a chorus our amazing director Jen Squires became a master director. Come and experinece what we do for yourself . We rehearse every wednesday at Nollamara Tennis club 7 pm , See you there
Following a wonderful competition in Fremantle , Perth Harmony Chorus scored an amazing 603 points which elevates our chorus director to the status of Master Director . Sweet Adelines International recognises the achievement of chorus directors by awarding this prestigious title for frontline directors who lead their choruses to a score of 600 and above .
Jen is tireless in the work and energy she brings to the chorus , a truly special educator, leader and musical talent . We are delighted to offer our congratulations to this special lady
For more details of our director check out her profile on our "ABOUT" page
Friends and Family
Date Posted: Sun, 7 Apr 2024
Sweet Adelines regional convention is being held in Fremantle in mid May this year . Perth harmony is having a pre convention sneak peek performance of our competition package along with our quartets and we are hoping for as many friends and family as possible to be a fabulous audience and help us hone our performance skills . Looking forward to wonderful evening of joy and song
Kickstart Weekend
Date Posted: Sun, 11 Feb 2024
Phew !!! what a weekend . In keeping with our annual traditions Chorus has a "kickstart "weekend where chorus gathers for a weekend of fun ,education and soldifying friendships . We had a wonderful visiting coach in the form of Lea Baker, Master director of Endeavour Harmony Chorus in Sydney , the current Sweet Adeline Australian Champions .We skilled up , stepped up and stayed up and a another year was launched for PHC. As usual we have a discussion session which covers , what are our values , what do we want to achieve, what is important to us, why did we join and why do we stay?. Our wonderful word cloud reflects our conclusions. If this reflects a chorus you would like to be part of come and check us out
Happy New Year !!!!
Date Posted: Fri, 26 Jan 2024
Perth Harmony Chorus will be 40 years old in October 2024. As it moves into its' Ruby Anniversary year it promises to be a year of growth and celebration . Sweet Adelines Regional Convention is coming west too and will be held in Fremantle in March of this year. It would be an amazing year to join us see what we do and be part of the amazing family that has developed and thrived in the last 40 years. We are looking forward to a year of coaching, competition and an awesome celebration of our chorus to round out 2024. Dont miss it !!
"Christmas Comes But Once a Year "- So dont miss a minute
Date Posted: Mon, 4 Dec 2023
Perth Harmony will be out and about in multiple venues singing Christmas Carols and favourite Christmas Songs
Check us out in these venues through the holiday season :
Toyworld Claremont 7th December
City of Lights trail on 9th and 23rd December
Two Forty St Georges Terrace on 12th December
Alluvion Building on 13th December
Kings Square on 14th December
Broadway Shopping centre on 19th December
National Convention 2023!
Date Posted: Wed, 14 Jun 2023
Hooray for harmony! Perth Harmony singers had a wonderful time sharing our music with friends from all over the country when we met in Brisbane for national convention - the first time since 2018! Songs were sung, new friends were made, and souls were fed. We can't wait for next year to be here in Perth!
Here we go a Carolling
Date Posted: Fri, 25 Nov 2022
Perth Harmony will be out and about in multiple venues singing Christmas Carols and favourite Christmas Songs
Check us out in these venues through the holiday season :
Broadway Shopping centre on 1st December
Kings Square on 7th December
Yagan Square on 10th and 17th December
Two Forty St Georges Terrace on 14th December
Alluvion Building on 15th December
Perth Harmony Chorus Sings .... Yagan Square !!
Date Posted: Sun, 4 Sep 2022
Perth Harmony Chorus were delighted to be invited by City of Perth to get involved in their pop-up entertainment in Yagan square. We fielded a small but mighty group to sing for passers-by and had a step out performance by Butterscotch, one of PHC’s quartets. We stopped people in their tracks, amused others and had photos taken may times . It was such a joy to have the opportunity for an outdoor performance with no masks so many great smiles from chorus members. Can’t wait for the next gig
Hello World! If you’ve visited our website previously, you may notice that we look a bit different! Over the past 12 months, Perth Harmony Chorus has been preparing a refresh of our look to better reflect who we are, what we do and what impact and impression we want to put out to the world! What better way to shake off covid than by re-imagining our brand to reflect the positive energy and joyful spirit of Perth Harmony. The key symbolism in our new branding is the focus on the rhythm, movement and variations of sound and harmony, to create a logo that represents music and harmonies, in a modern, fresh and subtle way that is timeless. Welcome to our beautiful “Ribbon of Sound”, which represents unifying voices and harmonies and connecting us all through learning, community and most importantly our shared love and passion for music. We LOVE our new look and hope you will love it too.
2022 Western Region Barbershop Contest
Date Posted: Tue, 19 Apr 2022
Join us from 11am on May 14th at Newman College's Marist Auditorium as we perform at this year's Regional Contest! This is the first regional contest for Sweet Adelines choruses and quartets since 2019 so we are very excited to be participating. Come and support us - cheer us on as we perform our contest set. Standard Tickets $15 Concession Tickets $10 Tickets now selling thru TryBooking: www.trybooking.com/BYRTG
NOTE: As per current WA Government COVID restrictions, proof of double vaccination and mask wearing will be required at this event.
ANCA Singing in the City Heritage Buildings
Date Posted: Tue, 5 Apr 2022
Perth Harmony is delighted to be participating in ANCA -Singing in the City Heritage Buildings Event
We will be joining other choruses on Sunday 10th April to sing at Heritage sites in Perth
Look for us at 1.30pm at Trinity Church and 2.30pm at Perth Town Hall
It's the most wonderful time of the year!! It's Christmas Carol Season! 😍🎄🎄🎄🎶🎶🎶
Perth Harmony is very grateful to have a jam packed festive season singing carols and sharing joy through music. 🎵💞🎄
Where can you see PHC? City of Perth Lights Trail - 10 December 2021
On Friday 10th December we are very excited to be singing at the City of Perth Christmas Lights Trail.
See our facebook events page for the all the details - https://fb.me/e/2QCRluPD8. We would love to see you there and share beautiful harmonies with you 💕🎶🎄
This week Perth Harmony is also singing carols for City of Belmont, City of Vincent and St Ives Retirement Village in Jolimont. Pictured here are our ladies who attended a private function for the City of Belmont earlier today 😍🎵
Last week one of Perth Harmony's amazing quartets, Butterscotch Quartet, kicked off the festive season at Broadway Fair Nedlands. They had a wonderful time entertaining the crowds.
Stay tuned for more updates or follow us on Facebook and Instagram ❤️🎶
Open Rehearsal Night - What a fabulous night we had
Date Posted: Tue, 21 Sep 2021
Love to sing?
Perth Harmony Chorus held an Open Rehearsal Night! ⭐️
A wonderful fun night for our audience and the chorus
Maybe you will be inspired to come and join us when we next open our doors to new members or come and check us out any Wednesday night at Nollamara tennis club
Look for us around Perth over the Xmas period as we share Christmas carols
See you there!.
PHC welcomes new Frontline Director - Jen Squires
Date Posted: Sat, 4 Sep 2021
Perth Harmony Chorus welcomes Jen Squires as our new Frontline Director.
Jen found her niche as a Sweet Adeline over 25 years ago and since then has embraced all that being a Sweet Adeline has to offer musically and educationally.
After founding and directing Headliners Chorus in NSW, she moved across country to Perth and became an indispensable part of Perth Harmony as member and then assistant director, leading PHC to competition in the absence of our regular director in 2018.
Jen provides a myriad of vocal, musical, and performance skills which provide scope for unlimited learning and demonstrates this to chorus diligently each week. She is a confident leader, a patient educator, and a creative force to be reckoned with. We are looking forward to the new vision and energy she brings to the chorus and feel very privileged have her lead us into the future.
Perth Harmony to sing at SingWest A Cappella Fiesta!
Date Posted: Thu, 18 Mar 2021
Perth Harmony Chorus is delighted to annouce they will be singing at April's SingWest A Cappella Fiesta! The event will see hundeds of performers from all walks of life crossing the stage at the State Theatre Centre of WA's Heath Ledger Theatre on Saturday 17 April 2021.
A ticket to this one-night-only event will give you access to the best doo-wop, gospel, barbershop, jazz and musical theatre Perth has to offer! Nearly twenty super-talented singing groups, including Perth Harmony, will knock you out with the best of the WA a cappella music scene.
So, grab some friends, get your glad rags on and enjoy some live music!
SingWest A Cappella Fiesta is presented by Barbershop Harmony Australia
Perth Harmony Supports Act Belong Commit
Date Posted: Tue, 9 Mar 2021
Perth Harmony is proud to be partnered with Act-Belong-Commit, We recognise that being active, having a sense of belonging, and having a purpose in life all contribute to happiness and good mental health.
At this weekend's rehearsal to kick off the year's singing and performing, each of the chorus wore an "act belong commit" t-shirt to promote the organisation's goals.
ACT - Stay active: mentally, physically, socially, spiritually and culturally.
BELONG - Keep connected to friends, family and your community.
COMMIT - Participate in activities that are meaningful to you.
Find out more about how you can create a sense of belonging and purpose in your own life
Happy Chorus, Happy Life!
Date Posted: Tue, 29 Dec 2020
Creating a happy chorus takes commitment. Yes, commitment on the part of the musical director, assistant directors, music team and management committee, but also commitment on the part of each individual singer.
In 2020, our happy bunch said goodbye to three of the most dedicated singers of the last 25 years. Between them, Pauline, Lyn and Jan had clocked up 79 years of singing with Perth Harmony. They are sorely missed on the risers and we know they miss us, and the role the chorus played in their lives, too.
Singing with a group like Perth Harmony is known to provide a number of positive mental health outcomes, such as decreasing stress, depression and anxiety. It makes the chorus a natural fit to support Mentally Healthy WA, and to promote its Act-Belong-Commit campaign, which has helped 1.3 million Western Australians become more open about mental health.
Through singing and performing, Perth Harmony aims to build musical excellence, promote community and enhance wellbeing. Each week, around 80 women from across Perth meet to rehearse. Drawn from all walks of life, and ranging in age from their late teens to mid-70s, most have no formal musical background - just a love of singing and a willingness to learn.
Bottles and cans piling up around your ears? Perth Harmony to the rescue!
We’re registered as a Containers for Change charity and you, your friends and family can choose to donate to Perth Harmony when you deposit your containers at a depot.
Just register with the scheme and nominate Perth Harmony as your charity of choice.
Congratulations to our very own Nan who has been with PHC for over 30 years! Here is her story:
For 30 years I have been a Perth Harmony member. My first exposure to Perth Harmony was in 1989 at a concert at Perth Modern School. I loved the sound, but it took me a year to gather the courage to go to a rehearsal. Little did I know that it would be a life changing decision. Being an introvert, I took a back seat for about three weeks until I was asked to become a pitch piper. That small step meant that some members saw me as a person who is willing to help out. After six months, I was elected to the Board of Directors and I became the Membership Coordinator. Two years later, I was elected President! There was no stopping me. Training for administration staff opened my eyes to what was possible and, since then, I have been the Baritone section leader, Team Coordinator (when we moved to a Management Team), Communication Coordinator and Events Coordinator. Taking on these roles has impacted me in my professional life as well, giving me the confidence to speak in front of large groups, and a much improved understanding of how to listen and interact with different people. Through the years, the singing has always been important to me. I never tire of learning about my voice. The willingness of the leadership of Perth Harmony to soak up the education from Sweet Adeliines International and coach us means that we are continually discovering something new to improve our sound. Over the years, I have found my head and chest voices, learned to sing with expanded ribs to hold up an imaginary barrel, found my resonating spaces, lost my waistline, learned about singing in the mask, learned to sing up and out, discovered diphthongs and how to turn them, and how to do choreography in the floor team and on the risers. I have been lucky to win medals and to travel around Australia and to the USA on many occasions. The medals are wonderful, but the journey to the competition is even better.
Finally some musings and thoughts about my time with PHC:
I now suffer from AD-OS: Attention Deficit...Oh Shiny! (those sequins really get to you over time, don't they?) People associated with Perth Harmony have come into my life for a season, a reason and a lifetime. I have stayed because Perth Harmony Chorus fills my bucket. I am Sweet Adeline.
Congratulations Heather on being part of the PHC family for over 25 years! Heather has been an active member of the chorus since she first joined with her daughter, Renee, in 1994. She is an experienced Lead who has won 7 Regional gold medals with Perth Harmony Chorus. She has also performed at 6 International Conventions. under the direction of Cathy Rainey and then Carole Macintyre. She been the face of the chorus as Membership Coordinator, a Big Sister many times over, our official photographer and pitch piper for a while - and who can forget the sweet taste of that honey from her bee hives? We wish you all the best, Heather, as you continue your journey with PHC. #actbelongcommit#iamsweetadelines
Congratulations Glenda!
Date Posted: Tue, 30 Jun 2020
We’re delighted to be able to congratulate Glenda Lloyd, Master Director of Brindabella Chorus, on being honoured with the 2020 Ann Gooch Award! We’re blessed with a number of barbershop stars in Region 34, but Glenda’s star is one of the brightest shining in the firmament of the Southern Hemisphere!
Established in 2001, the Ann Gooch Award recognises Ann’s lifelong dedication to Sweet Adelines International and the advancement of barbershop music around the world. The award is given annually to non-North American members who have contributed significantly to the furtherance of barbershop in the worldwide arena.
Glenda is an exceptionally talented arranger, director and singer (we love a tripe threat!). She is a founding member of Brindabella Chorus and, in 2019, directed them to win the Harmony Classic Division AA division. Glenda also sings bass with 2018 Region 34 Champion, Debacle Quartet. In 2018, she was a runner-up at the Sweet Adelines “Bursting with Song” songwriting competition for her song “Little Things”.
Glenda is also a member of the Sweet Adelines International Faculty Program and was a webcaster for the 2018 Harmony Classic Competition.
Clapping for Carole!
Date Posted: Wed, 10 Jun 2020
Perth Harmony singers were delighted to congratulate their wonderful director, Carole Macintyre, on 35 years as a Sweet Adeline at the weekend. With the help of Carole’s partner, Bill, many of the chorus sprung a surprise on her by clapping in the park just across the road from her house north of the river. Of course, in these times of Covid, appropriate social distancing was observed!
The Chorus gifted Carole a lemon tree, because she’s been turning lemons into lemonade for more than a decade as the chorus’s director. The singers wanted her to remember all the marvellous work she’s done each time she tends the tree and, hopefully, picks lemons in the future! Carole was also gifted her two 35-year Sweet Adelines badges; one from Sweet Adelines International and the other from Sweet Adelines Australia.
Carole has been no ordinary member of Sweet Adelines, though. She has made a huge contribution to the organisation: on the risers, as part of many quartets, and now as the Master Director of Perth Harmony Chorus, a position she has held since 2007.
Anne Gooch Award Winner!
In 2016, Carole was awarded the Anne Gooch Award by the Sweet Adelines International Board of Directors. This award recognised Carole's outstanding achievements in education and promotion of barbershop harmony singing in a worldwide region. In the same year, she led Perth Harmony to national success winning the Sweet Adelines Region 34 competition.
Away from the chorus, Carole sings lead with BroadBand quartet and has been a quartet champion in the Australian region eight times.
She is an experienced primary school music teacher and has completed a variety of courses on healthy use and improvement of the voice. She is also a highly regarded vocal coach who works with quartets, choruses and school groups throughout Australia.
In July 2017, Carole directed her school barbershop group in the Leonardo Da Vinci International Choral Festival in Florence, Italy, steering them to a silver medal. The group also attained sixth place in the Sweet Adeline International youth contest.
Everyone in the chorus would like to extend their thanks, love and best wishes to Carole on this very special milestone. We hope to see you on the risers very soon!
Perth Harrmony Chorus loved the unconventional Convention organised by Sweet Adelines Australia (SAA). So much so, that we made a t-shirt!.
And you can buy one for the bargain price of just $30! But hurry, because orders close on 14 June.
Perth Harmony goes UnConventional!
Date Posted: Mon, 25 May 2020
Perth Harrmony Chorus loved the unconventional Convention organised by Sweet Adelines Australia (SAA). The UnConvention came about after Covid-19 restrrictions called for Region 34's Hobart 2020 Convention to be cancelled.
SAA's Regional Management Team swung into action and gathered perrformances from quartets and choruses across Australia, pulling the digital content together into the day-long Unconvention!
Perrth Harmony contributed two videos, which demonstrated how the chorus is continuing to make music together during the covid crisis.
YouTube Video URL:
Rehearsals Begin on 22 January!
Date Posted: Wed, 8 Jan 2020
Perth Harmony was formed 35 years ago and is Australia’s most awarded barbershop chorus. We have around 80 members who come from all walks of life and range in age from late teens to mid-70's. Most have no formal musical background - simply a love of singing and a willingness to learn!
Love to sing? We want you!
Come and be part of the Perth Harmony community - a group of awesome women who do amazing things together!
Singing with Perth Harmony will give you the opportunity to hone your singing skills under the guidance of world class experts. Off the risers, you’ll gain lots of new friends and the chance to clock up a lifetime of fabulous experiences.
The first step is to come along to a rehearsal! And the first rehearsal this year is on 22 January.
Weekly rehearsals
Coming to a rehearsal is an excellent chance to experience Perth Harmony and see what being part of the chorus might offer you. We rehearse every Wednesday evening from Januarry to December. Rehearsals begin at 7.00pm and a typical rehearsal goes like this:
Physical warm-up - a member leads the chorus in a couple of routines that warm-up and stretch the muscles in preparation for singing (about 10 minutes).
Vocal warm-up - the director takes the chorus though a series of exercises to focus the group and ready our voices (about 30 minutes).
Rehearsal - the chorus practises competition songs and regular repertoire – with and without choreography!
So, join us, why don't you?!
Christmas is Coming! and so is Perth Harmony Chorus
Date Posted: Tue, 12 Nov 2019
Perth Harmony is super exciting to be singing a record number of Christmas gigs this season. Catch us at the Christmas Festival at the Optus Stadium, in the City of Perth or at Claremont Quarter! Lots of opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit with us and enjoy some glorious carolling. See our Events listings for more details. And Merry Christmas to all!
Our newest and youngest member
Date Posted: Sun, 1 Sep 2019
Congratulations to Sofia, our newest and youngest member, on her first performance wth Perth Harmony Chorus, on the risers at the A Cappella West Chorus Family and Friends concert. Sofia is pictured here with her proud Mum, Hemma, another welcome addition to our Chorus. Perth Harmony was thrilled to be supporting A Cappella West as they prepare to compete in New Orleans on the international stage. We wish all our singing sisters the very best of luck.
Elvis - King of the World
Date Posted: Fri, 9 Aug 2019
We are looking forward to singing on stage at the Concert Hall on 10 August. Perth Harmony Chorus sings Barbershop, but not always!
YouTube Video URL:
Join Us On the Risers in 2019!
Date Posted: Fri, 18 Jan 2019
Was your New Year's Resolution to join a choir? To de-stress? To be more proactive about your mental health? Or do you just love to sing? Well, 2019 is your year! Join us for a rehearsal - from 23 January.
The chorus has around 80 members, who come from all walks of life and range in age from late teens to mid-70's. Most have no formal musical background - simply a love of singing and a willingness to learn!
Perth Harmony was formed 30 years ago and is Australia’s most awarded barbershop chorus. With nine national titles to its name, the chorus won its latest title in May 2016, competing against 19 other groups at the Australian Barbershop Chorus Championship.
Follow Perth Harmony on Facebook and search for @perthharmony on Instagram.
Perth Harmony Chorus is a proud partner with Act-Belong-Commit, promoting positive mental health for all.
Barbershop Spring Fling
Date Posted: Tue, 18 Sep 2018
Perth Harmony Chorus invites you to our Barbershop Spring Fling! If you're looking for an afternoon (or evening!) of music, food, fun and friendship, then join us on Saturday 13 October 2018. Performances
Perth Harmony Chorus - Australia’s most awarded barbershop chorus! ShortCut Quartet - Third place at Sweet Adelines Australia Competition 2018, Gold in the invitational section at the Barbershop Harmony Association Western Region Contest 2018. Broadband Quartet - Placed 2nd, 3rd and 4th, respectively, in each of the national competitions at which they've competed. C Breeze Quartet - and small choruses drawn from members of the main chorus!
All profits go towards supporting Perth Harmony to perform at community events and on state, national and international stages. Through singing and performing, the chorus aims to build musical excellence, promote community and enhance wellbeing.
Barbershop Taster Wraps
Date Posted: Wed, 29 Aug 2018
Perth Harmony’s Barbershop Taster programme wrapped last week, with 22 singers graduating after six weeks on the risers. The programme finished with the newly-minted barbershoppers getting their first taste of performing in front of their proud friends and families. The chorus threw open its doors to newcomers in July. Any woman who loved singing and wanted to get a taste of the barbershop art form, and learn to sing four-part a cappella harmony, was encouraged to come along. No musical experience was required – just a willingness to learn! Carole Macintryre, Perth Harmony’s Master Director, said she looked forward to welcoming back many participants to complete the audition process. “They’ve met our wonderful chorus family, and have discovered the joy and camaraderie of barbershop that keeps all of us hooked!” Programme participants said that they loved the feeling of being part of the chorus and had made friends on the risers quickly. Perth Harmony partners with Mentally Healthy WA’s Act-Belong-Commit campaign, and believes that being a chorus member promotes good mental health, helping to decrease stress, depression and anxiety.
Perth Harmony is delighted to partner with Mentally Healthy WA to promote its Act-Belong-Commit campaign, which has helped 1.3 million Western Australians become more open about mental health. Mentally Healthy WA’s mission is to strengthen individual resilience and build community cohesion to enhance the mental wellbeing of people across Western Australia. The Act-Belong-Commit campaign encourages people to become more proactive about their mental health. Perth Harmony’s director, Carole Macintyre, said that being part of the chorus promotes good mental health among members. “Not only are our members part of a vibrant community of singers, but the act of singing is known to provide a number of positive mental health outcomes and improved mental health among members, such as a decrease in stress, depression and anxiety”, she said. Through singing and performing, Perth Harmony aims to build musical excellence, promote community and enhance wellbeing. Each week, around 80 women from across Perth meet to rehearse. Drawn from all walks of life, and ranging in age from their late teens to mid-70s, most have no formal musical background - just a love of singing and a willingness to learn. Find out more about Act-Belong-Commit Join PHC
A rare opportunity to rehearse and learn with one of Australia’s most awarded barbershop choruses is coming in July! For six Wednesday evenings from 18th July, Perth Harmony, an amazing Perth-based women’s singing group, is opening its doors to newcomers. Chorus director, Carole Macintyre, says, “We’re offering this exciting opportunity to women in Perth who are interested in singing in a group. No previous musical experience is required, just a willingness to try new things and a love of singing. The program will enable women of all ages to take part in an immersive experience with the chorus to enjoy the fun, education and camaraderie of the barbershop style of singing.” The program is designed to give participants a unique experience as they learn to sing four part a cappella harmony with the full chorus at their weekly rehearsals. They will meet chorus leaders and members, learning vocal production and barbershop skills along the way.
Barbershop Taster Dates: Wednesdays from 18th July to 22nd August 2018 Time: 7-10pm Location: Nollamara Tennis Club, Kindra Way, Nollamara Cost: $50 for the six week program (cash only please!)
Perth Harmony is delighted to announce that its newest competing quartet, ShortCut, won a gold medal at the weekend. The quartet, Gillian-Eve, Gina, Helen and Lauretta, sang in the invitational section at the BHA Western Region Contest and came away with gold!
The quartet will be crossing the stage in Hobart in May, when they compete in the Sweet Adelines Australia annual contest,
The longer you’re a Sweet Adeline the easier it is to forget your first impressions of preparing for and competing at a convention. October 2017 was Perth Harmony’s ninth appearance on the International stage but for 15 of the 46 members who made the journey to Las Vegas, it was their first time and the memories are fresh in the mind.
In the months leading up to Vegas, our newbies had to get used to being part of a chorus within a chorus because not all our members were able to travel to convention. This meant continuing to rehearse a wide repertoire in support of ongoing performance commitments, beginning preparations for Hobart 2018 and honing the International package. It demanded all of our members committing to rehearsals and coaching and adapting to a range of coaching styles.
And then there’s Planet Sweet Adelines! Nothing prepares you for your first International Convention. It’s a slow introduction at first: you hear a chorus here, see some sparkles there, someone flashes a stage-worthy smile your way, someone else stops you and asks which chorus you sing with. Next thing you know, everything you’re wearing has a glitter or sparkle to it! Then – wham! – our newbies are in the Grand Garden Arena wondering what it’s going to feel like when they head on stage in a couple of days.
After a whirlwind few days of rehearsing, laughing with their singing sisters and touristy tramping up and down The Strip, performance day arrives. Be up early, try to eat something, make-up check, warm up. Before they know it, they’re backstage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and making their way on to the stage – a stage on which some of the most famous acts in the world have performed – with a quick high five from our Musical Director, Carole.
Suddenly, it’s over! “Did I sing that bit?” ”Did I do that move?” “Oh no, I don’t remember doing the snap at the end!” Then the elation comes. They did it – everything their coaches asked and Carole is smiling. Phew! Now the newbies are drinking the Sweet Adelines Kool Aid! They’re already wondering what they can do better, what might happen at the next regional convention and how they can earn the right to walk across the International stage once again.
If you missed Perth Harmony performing live at this year's Sweet Adelines International Competition, don't fear! You can watch the chorus's performance right here.
Thank you to Sweet Adelines International for making our performance available, so we can share it with our friends and family.
YouTube Video URL:
Thank You and Bon Voyage!
Date Posted: Sun, 24 Sep 2017
Perth Harmony delighted in performing for their family and friends last weekend, as members continued to make final preparations for the Sweet Adelines International Chorus Competition in Las Vegas in just three weeks.
Under the direction of Master Director Carole Macintyre, the chorus performed its competition set twice, along with a number of audience favourites. Three other groups also crossed the stage to entertain the crowd at Perth Town Hall: multi-medal winning quartet, Broadband; Joynus, a casual octet drawn from across the chorus; and newly-minted quartet, The Chordettes.
Perth Harmony’s performance was underpinned by visiting coach (and Sweet Adelines royalty), Kim Vaughn. Over two days of coaching, the chorus reviewed and refreshed its competition set, focusing on getting the details right and taking individual responsibility for delivering the performance. Once again, Kim demanded excellence and kept the chorus engaged from the beginning to the end of the learning experience. Thank you, Kim, for continuing to enthuse us. We look forward to catching up with you in the States.
Amazing Chorus Members
Chorus members will begin travelling to Vegas shortly. Unfortunately, because the competition is being held so far away (over 15,000 kms and about 21 flying hours) from Perth, we will be leaving behind many talented and much-loved members. We are delighted that they have continued to play a central role in Perth Harmony during the last few months and have provided amazing support to travelling members. This was exemplified by the lovely lunch they catered during the latest coaching session and their wonderful hosting of the Friends & Family event.
To our members who can’t join us in Vegas – We’ll be thinking of you as we step on to the stage and singing our best for you.
To our friends and family - Thank you for continuing to support us in pursuing our hobby. We’re not allowed to tip you a wink from the stage, but if we could, we would!
And finally, to our director, Carole Macintyre – Thank you for everything you do for us. The inspiration, motivation and support that you offer us extend beyond weekly rehearsals and coaching sessions. Please keep away from stairs and stage edges until competition is over!!!
Lyn Cutten recently took part in her eleventh Region 34 competition with Perth Harmony! Lyn has sung bass with the chorus since July 1994 and is one of the chorus's most long-serving and cherished members.
Lyn has always loved singing. As a youngster, she sang in her school choir and it wasn’t unknown for her to crash a pub band stage and sing along with the lead singer, but she always wondered why she couldn’t reach the high notes and could only sing along comfortably with Canadian singer, Anne Murray! All that changed when she joined Perth Harmony – and she fell in love with singing bass.
This year has brought a new experience for Lyn with Perth Harmony – performing an entertainment package for the Open division! This proved an interesting experience and Lyn was keen to know how the judges would view the performance.
Perth Harmony has benefitted a great deal from Lyn’s membership. Not only has she held many Board and Management Team positions, she has also spent eight years as a Floor Team member and competed at convention in three different quartets!
During her time with the chorus, Lyn has formed many long lasting friendships, but even some of these close buddies might not know that Lyn is a fair dinkum, true blue beauty queen! Lyn won the WA Miss Scouting Queen crown in 1967 and then picked up sponsorship from a major car dealership that catapulted her to star in the Miss Australia Quest!
I wonder what other surprises members are hiding on the risers?!
Perth Convention AKA Melody’s Wedding!
Date Posted: Mon, 19 Jun 2017
As 2016 champions, Perth Harmony competed in the Open Division of the recent Region 34 competition. While the chorus wasn’t eligible to win, they took to the stage for the opportunity to get valuable feedback from the judges and to entertain a home crowd.
Perth Harmony adapted its well-received 2016 show Say Yes to the Stress for the competition stage. Chorus members reprised their hilarious roles as the bride, Melody, and her disco, festive, emo, hippy bridesmaids (liabilities) on their quest to find the perfect love song when the wedding band cancelled at the last minute. And on competition day too!
Perth Harmony relished its performance and enjoyed all the feedback. The chorus is now working hard in preparation for a number of performances during the second half of the year, as well as heading to the USA for the next Sweet Adelines challenge – representing Australia in Las Vegas at the Sweet Adelines International Chorus Competition in October 2017.
Jen Howson - A Chorus Favourite
Date Posted: Sat, 3 Jun 2017
Perth Harmony slapped on their learner plates once again at the weekend as they took to the risers for coaching. The chorus was delighted to welcome back Jen Howson – a chorus favourite!
Jen’s expertise as a choreographer and coach has positioned her as a valued member of Sweet Adelines Australia’s Regional Education Faculty. She is one of the talented bunch of educators who travel throughout the region supporting barbershoppers who want to perform at their very best. Jen also performs with Vocalescence on the Gold Coast in Queensland and with her quartet, Wildfire.
Perth Harmony are continuing to make preparations for convention, as well as working towards a number of performances in the second half of the year, international competition in Las Vegas in October – and beyond! Jen challenged us to re-think the contribution we are each making to the chorus’s performance, to embody our characters before we step on to the stage and to embrace personal choreo moves! She also dared us to up the intensity of every rehearsal.
Our thanks to Jen for inspiring us to be the best we can be. Next stop: the BHA Western Region Chorus Showcase 2017!
Find out more about the showcase here Interested in joining PHC
Lynne Smith - Effervescence Personified!
Date Posted: Thu, 13 Apr 2017
Look up effervescent in the dictionary and there’s a picture of Lynne Smith. Lynne is a full-time international showmanship coach and a full on bundle of energy, wicked humour, ninja coaching skills and, of course, killer choreo!
PHC were eagerly anticipating Lynne’s coaching sessions and she did not disappoint! Over three rehearsals Lynne engaged, challenged and cajoled the chorus into learning new up tune choreo and a refreshed new show package.
In addition to her delicious chortle and charm, Lynne is an expert at crafting choreo and extracting showmanship from an entire chorus (including this left footed wooden duck). She creates energetic, yet natural, moves that connect intrinsically with the music and dynamic plan.
Thank you Lynne. We had a fabulous time. See you in Vegas!
Lynne Smith has been a Sweet Adeline since 1974 and is a certified member of the international faculty program. She is also a member of the 2004 and 2007 International Champion Chorus, Harborlites.
Sizzling Sausages Barbershoppers!
Date Posted: Sun, 2 Apr 2017
Perth Harmony recently took on the challenge of a Bunnings sausage sizzle. It was tongs at dawn for the chorus, as they headed to Balcatta Bunnings to raise funds!
A whole host of PHC members took turns to (wo)man the barbie. Anyone in the know can tell you that a sausage sizzle is hard work before, during and after the cooking. There are onions to peel and chop (30 kilos, since you asked), snags to prepare and the post-sizzle clean-up.
There was much fun and laughter as chorus members came and went. And, when the heavens opened and tried to rain on our meaty parade, everyone maintained a sense of humour as they plugged the leaks in the tent, mopped up and moved everything out of the drip zones!
Thank you to everyone who helped make the day a fair dinkum sizzler. Thanks, in particular, go to Kerry, Suz and Jenny, who purchased all the necessaries for the big day!
Every Voice Counts
Date Posted: Sun, 5 Feb 2017
PHC welcomed barbershop royalty to Perth over the Labour Day weekend, as Kim Vaughan arrived to coach us over two days and two nights. Kim is a three-time Queen of Harmony and Champion chorus director and is one of only eight women to have won a crown and directed a champion chorus. Kim’s coaching came as the chorus continues to gear up for May’s convention in Perth and for performances at a number of events, before heading to the international competition in Vegas in October.
The coaching began with the chorus taking time to focus on an individual and chorus goal. Early on, Kim also challenged each person to take responsibility for delivering their own performance while contributing to the unit sound. Other themes that emerged were the importance of reflection time during rehearsals, sticking with the work task until we’ve delivered what is demanded and paying close attention to, well, everything. We also had to clean a LOT of grout! (aka cleaning up chords)
Yes, we remembered to listen; yes, it was hard work; but we had a fabulous time! And we learnt a HUGE amount. We also had the pleasure of listening to some brilliant stories from HRH Kim along the way.
Thank you, Kim, for the best weekend.
Finding Your Overtone!
Date Posted: Sun, 15 Jan 2017
We were delighted to welcome Jan Carley to our first rehearsal of 2017. Jan was invited to coach PHC to help re-energise the chorus after our month-long summer break (and busy Christmas carolling season).
Jan has worked with thousands of barbershoppers around the world since 2007, when she coached the Lions Gate Chorus to become Sweet Adelines International Bronze Medallists. She has also written two books; Harmony from the Inside Out and, and more recently, Finding Your Overtone.
The evening’s rehearsal began with physical and vocal warm-ups. Jan then introduced her Finding Your Overtone concept, encouraged us to think of ourselves as learners again and talked to us about ensuring our focus was on what we want as a chorus, rather than correcting deficiencies. Later in the session, Jan took us through a transformational meditation exercise that helped us connect with each other and produce a more expressive and powerful sound.
What an awesome way to begin 2017. We are lucky to welcome some of the world’s best barbershop coaches to Perth and to learn so much that guides our rehearsals and influences our performances.
The wedding of the decade took place on Saturday night - attended by many barbershop aficionados. PHC performed their latest show Say Yes to the Stress and a good time was had by all . The music, costume and performances by our lead characters were fabulous, and our audience reaction was all we hoped for and more! Our thanks go to our guest performers A Cappella West, Hi Jinx and our wonderful groomsmen quartet, Chords Against Humanity. We all want to do it again next week!
Perth Harmony Wins National Competition!
Date Posted: Sat, 1 Oct 2016
Seventy eager women travelled to Wollongong in mid May this year competing against 19 other choruses in the Australian Barbershop Chorus Championship.
In a very close competition Perth Harmony Chorus were judged to be this years winner and have the right to represent Australia in Las Vegas in October 2017 in the SAI Barbershop Chorus Championships.
Perth Harmony Chorus remains the most awarded Australian Barbershop chorus with 9 wins to its name. In thirty years of existence Perth Harmony chorus has always placed in any competition it competed in and has never scored anything less than second place.
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