Join Us

What do I need to consider, and do, in order to join the Heralds of Harmony?

Some things you should know 

  • Please plan to arrive at rehearsals by approximately 6:45 p.m. on most Monday evenings.
  • All guests are asked to check in at our guest table before the rehearsal starts.  
  • Until you become a member, guest songbooks are provided with all current repertoire. 
  • Please be certain to return your guest songbook at the end of the evening. 
  • While in “guest status” you will be placed on our risers next to a seasoned member of our Chorus who will help you have a great experience.  Please ask him a lot of questions. 
  • Attending rehearsals is the best way to get to know other Chorus members and for them to get to know you. Of course, consistent rehearsal attendance is also the best way to learn the music. 

Attending your second rehearsal is where things really start to happen. 

  • After your second visit, you will be asked to participate, privately, in a very simple voice placement exercise that will help us know what section (i.e., Lead, Tenor, Baritone, or Bass) would benefit most from your vocal talents. 
  • This voice placement is the very first step in the audition process, evaluating your basic  vocal skills - range, pitch matching, etc. No preparation is required.  This voice placement is not a permanent decision. 
  • Based on your interest AND the results of your voice placement, you will be invited to audition for a spot on the risers. The audition process will be fully explained to you at this time. 
  • Within a day or two, you will receive an email with all of the materials and tools you need to successfully audition for a spot on the risers with the Heralds. 

Sing along with the Heralds of Harmony every week ~

  • Keep coming to rehearsals and join in the fun!

General Comments on the Audition process. “Don’t sweat the small stuff!” ~

  • Relax!  The audition is not difficult. Remember, we’re all committed to helping you succeed!
  • The primary objective is to ensure that you will be a good fit in the Chorus, that you can learn music in a set timeframe, and can perform basic choreography. 
  • During your audition, you will be asked to perform your part "on your own" accompanied by a full mix tape in front of one or two members of our Music Team.  We will also video-record your audition to share with all members of the Music Team
  • We will provide you with multiple learning aids: The printed music, an audio track of the full mix (meaning all four parts), an audio track that highlights your part, and a video clip of the simple choreography moves we will ask you to demonstrate. 
  • You will be given several weeks  (typically 5 weeks from the date of your voice placement) to learn and perform your audition from memory.  This time period is the normal time period we give to our Chorus members to learn and qualify on new songs, so this is a real-world example for you of what it will be like in learning music at the Heralds. 
  • We will also offer you one-on-one coaching during the audition process to answer any questions and  to suggest ways for you to improve your presentation, if necessary.  Previous auditioners have found that these one-on-one coaching sessions, with your Section leader, are an invaluable part of the audition process.
  • Your Section Leader will check proficiency of words, notes, rhythms, and general vocal production as part of the evaluation process. 

There is a lot to know about what it means to be a member of the Heralds.  How can I learn about the obligations, costs, expectations of membership before I decide? 

  • An important step in the new member process is a face-to-face discussion with a member of the Membership Team.  Not only will we get to know you a little better, but we will also present information on what is required of all members to be a Herald. We want to make sure all of your questions are answered, up front.
  • This is your best opportunity to understand financial obligations, uniform requirements, performance and attendance expectations for both rehearsals and performances. We know this is a lot of information, but it is information you need to know to make an informed decision.   You need to feel comfortable with your decision to join us, so this meeting is a mutual win/win! 
  • But feel free to ask questions at any time of your Section Leader or any member of the Music or Leadership Teams.

Membership application ~ 

  • Once you have successfully auditioned, the Music Team will notify the Board of Director’s that you are eligible for membership.
  • At that point, our Chapter Secretary will do several things with you at this point to fully explain membership dues that support Chorus/Chapter activities and expenses, District events, and Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) functions. 
  • He will also help make certain your BHS membership application is completed correctly. 
  • Once he has your signed application with membership fees, he will formally present your name to the Board for final approval.
  • Once the Board of Directors approves your membership, you will be notified and a permanent riser placement will be awarded to you. You’re IN! A wonderful musical journey awaits you! 

Participate, perform, have fun, contribute ~  Congratulations, you made it!  WELCOME to the Heralds of Harmony!  We're glad to have you!