Right after singing in York in March, we asked a few of our newest members to tell us what their first singout was like. Read their answers below!

Why do I sing? 

I’m not great at it but I can hold a tune! But that is not the reason. I cannot begin to explain fully the feeling of joy and sense of well-being after a rehearsal or concert, even a social get together. But, to be fair there is never a social gathering without a song, trust me we love to sing at any opportunity. 

This last 18 months has been tough for everyone in their own lives, and after a long hard day as a nurse practitioner I looked forward to our weekly zoom catch up and sing. It was an opportunity to forget the world and focus on joy. 

For the last month we have been singing again as a group in a garden and the delight of singing together again is truly fabulous. We are only a ‘young’ group, 3 years this month. We have to include 18 months of zoom, but we have continued and come out the other side. Our next rehearsal is inside [back at the New Clarence Pub] mainly due to the fact that by 9pm we can’t read our music, it’s too dark.

I first met Jack, our musical director, when I volunteered for the Rainbow Choir. That was great fun and he expressed his desire to start a ladies’ barbershop chorus to complete the trio of the male Humber Harmony Chorus and the University Chorus. I think if you cut Jack in half, not that I’m suggesting we do, I’m sure barbershop would run through him like a stick of seaside rock. 

I can’t praise him enough. We love Jack. 

I now sing Bass after starting out as a baritone. It is in my range, I’m comfortable and I love that my contribution adds the depth to our sound.

We are a friendly bunch and the camaraderie and fun we have is the best for emotional well-being. 

If you ever had a passing thought about trying it… Just go for it and now is the best time with our Come and Sing sessions. 

Sing your heart out

Liz, a lady bass. X

If Liz convinced you to come give it a go, have a look at our Joining Us page or send us an email at threecrownsound@gmail.com. We are also hosting a Come and Sing course in September, for more information have a look at our events page.

Hi, I’m Helen and I’ve been singing Tenor with Three Crown Sound for three years. At the time I joined, I wasn’t intending on staying. My sister, Rachel, and I saw some clips from the Humber Harmony Chorus on Facebook and both thought they sounded good – nothing like I expected, although to be fair, I don’t really know what I did expect!

When I saw that a female barbershop choir was also starting up, I thought I’d join my sister in trying it out for free. The only problem was the fact that the rehearsal nights were Tuesdays, and I was already committed to those nights with Hull Musical Theatre Company, with whom I’d been for over 9 years. However, it was August, HMTC were having a summer break and when I heard the clip from the very first rehearsal online  (Holdin’ Out For A Hero) my sister and I agreed to try it the second week.

We were both nervous (which is probably why we went along together), and there were a lot of women at that second rehearsal. Everyone was welcoming, however, and we soon felt glad to have made the effort. The best thing about that first night was the feeling of achievement and euphoria I had when we left. My sister and I couldn’t believe how much we enjoyed it. In fact, the only problem I had was that I had to make a decision, and it was quite a dilemma for me, but in the end I stayed with barbershop and took a break from the musical theatre – ideally, I’d do both, but rehearsal nights clash and my love for barbershop/a cappella singing is bigger than I could have imagined.

I think the fact that we usually learn a “tag” each week helps, too. Tags are the last section of a song, maybe 8 bars or so in length. They are usually the most dramatic part of the song – which we sometimes take advantage of!

The way in which Jack, our MD, teaches us is very encouraging, which always helps. He’s able to tell us when we’re going wrong without making us feel silly for doing so, and often uses humour to help us along. If it wasn’t for his enthusiasm, knowledge, and skill in dealing with all the different levels of musical ability that we have, it wouldn’t be as enjoyable.

Of the songs we’ve learned so far, my favourites are Hero (especially since that was the first one we learned and performed in public), If I Can Dream, Lean on Me, All I Have to Do is Dream,  The Way We Were, The Sound of Silence and Hey Soul Sister. One of the songs that I’d most like to sing in barbershop style is Music by John Miles. I’ve seen a male barbershop version of it online, but I’d absolutely love for us to have a go.

It’s so good to be singing in person together again – although despite the hatred I have for all things Zoom, we did learn a few new songs that way – and a couple of those I really like – Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Under the Boardwalk, Bohemian Rhapsody and Lazy Day.

I get so much pleasure from singing, and no matter what frame of mind I’m in, if I go to a rehearsal, I leave feeling better. I’m looking forward to being able to join forces with the male chorus to sing again, too – we’ve sung with them at each concert we’ve done, and it just adds another dimension to the sound. They are also really supportive of us!

I’ve made new friends, giggled uncontrollably at times  – particularly with my sister and Emi (sorry, Jack), developed some confidence in my singing and as we progress, I’d love to be part of an octet with some of the men from Humber Harmony!

I would urge anyone who loves singing (especially in harmony) to try us out – we welcome everyone and can guarantee you will enjoy the experience – whether you decide to stay or not!

If Helen convinced you to come give it a go, have a look at our Joining Us page or send us an email at threecrownsound@gmail.com. We are also hosting a Come and Sing course in September, for more information have a look at our events page.

I’m Shirley, I’m retired, I sing bass and I used to be a member of a big choir. I sang with the Rainbow Choir about 4 years ago for the Pride Day and Jack handed out fliers for the upcoming barbershop concert.
I went along and was blown away by the harmonies and the selection of songs in their repertoire, it was a real feel good experience so I went along to the first practice session for the ladies’ barbershop group which Jack was starting up. I wasn’t sure how it would go but quickly realised that this was something I could really enjoy. It gave me a confidence boost and I’ve never looked back.

I’ve learnt so much and made some lovely friends. Some of my favourite songs are The Sound of Silence, The Way We Were and Orange Coloured Sky, but to be honest I love singing them all. The practice sessions are very relaxed and the zoom sessions actually built up my confidence to sing my part on my own which I never thought I’d do.

Everyone is supportive, we’re a team of ladies just giving it a go and I must say we do produce some pretty good harmonies. Singing is good for the soul, it gives you a boost so now it’s part of my routine. I am looking forward to singing in public again after our long absence through covid, and to welcoming new members.

If Shirley convinced you to come give it a go, have a look at our Joining Us page or send us an email at threecrownsound@gmail.com.

After a long time in the same job I took redundancy in 2018 which gave me a few months to pause and think about my life. Personally, my family had been through a lot of bereavement; we lost my husband’s brother to cancer and experienced baby loss and whilst I found and still do find pleasure and a focus in knitting and crocheting, I felt I wanted to do something else in my spare time… something new but also familiar… sing! I had sang in school choirs and used to play the piano and remembered how enjoyable making music can be.

I had been looking up various local choirs but none really appealed and then my sister and I saw the men’s barbershop videos on Facebook and really liked them. When we saw a ladies choir was starting we knew we wanted to try it, even though it meant me missing my knit and natter night and my sister missing her choir’s rehearsal.

We went on the second week and just loved it straight away. Jack is so patient and kind and is the best music teacher I have ever had the pleasure to be taught by. He has taught me so much and he increases our confidence. He is warm, sensitive and funny, and always guides and supports us in a positive way.

Rehearsals are fun but we pack a lot in. We are given sheet music and tracks as well as singing in the group so we can learn in whichever way we prefer.

I have really enjoyed the concerts we’ve done. Although I felt very nervous it was so much fun and really felt we’d achieved something special. I love when we sing with the men as well as it is a richer sound. We sing a wide range of songs and my personal favourites are Hey Soul Sister, The Way We Were,  Can You Feel The Love Tonight, The Sound Of Silence and Lean On Me.

I’m really glad we are singing together again and can’t wait till we sing in public again.

If Rachel convinced you to come give it a go, have a look at our Joining Us page or send us an email at threecrownsound@gmail.com. We are also hosting a Come and Sing course in September, for more information have a look at our events page.

Hi, I am Janice and I sing lead (the melody line) with Three Crown Cound.

I first heard about the chorus from one of the choir members at the church choir I sing with. I really enjoy the group singing and the good natured banter with everyone. During lockdown the zoom link kept us going and singing back with the group is a joy and an inspiration.
I wanted to return as it’s great to be part of such a productive barbershop choir with our enthusiastic director Jack and a really welcoming group of singers of all ages.

We would welcome new members to swell our numbers to make an even better sound!