Steps To Membership

We want to make you feel welcome and we want to help you along the way to possibly joining with us. We know that visiting a new group can sometimes be intimidating and awkward; but we are confident that you will be made to feel welcome by everyone. We all started this way - some have been with the chorus only a month, many for years - and some members have been with the chorus since it began 26 years ago. On your first visit we will make you feel welcome by introducing you to chorus members and trying to answer any questions you may have.

What if I don't read music?

Reading music is not required. We hope that, along the way, you will learn about reading music, but you can certainly be a viable chorus member without that skill. If you can match pitches and carry a tune then you can learn the songs "by ear". Most of our songs have learning tracks available; these are music files or CDs that have your part predominate so that you can learn by listening.

What part do I sing?

Barbershop harmony is sung in four vocal parts. If you already know what part you sing that's great! If not, someone from the Music Team will help you determine where your vocal range might fit. We'll then embed you into that section so that you will have lots of support.

Is there an audition?

Yes indeed! We encourage you to attend at least three consecutive rehearsals before making a decision to audition. You will be given a short piece of sheet music and a learning CD for your voice part. Take as long as you like to learn this song. When you're ready, you, and three other members, will sing this song as a quartet in front of one or more of our musical director team.

How much does it cost?

We are a membership based society and there are local chapter and national organization dues that total about $110 per year. There is also a discounted full-time student rate. There are several types of payment plans available and credit cards are accepted!. As with any hobby, there are other incidental costs for things like performance attire, conventions, etc.

As a new member of the Stone Mountain Chapter and the Barbershop Harmony Society you will receive:

• learning CDs and sheet music for our current repertoire
• the quartely Dixie District magazine The Rebel Rouser
• the bi-monthly BHS magazine The Harmonizer