Subscriptions
The current subscription is £6 per month payable in by Standing Order or by cash to the Treasurer. £32 of this every year goes to the British Association of Barbershop Singers (BABS) of which we are all members. The rest is used to buy equipment such as the risers and music and the hall rental . In the main it is spent on the day to day running of the Club.
Joining
Becoming a member is as simple as turning up regularly on Monday nights for rehearsal, which starts at 7.45pm. After about three weeks you will be given a voice test by The Musical Director or their assistant. This is done in private and is primarily to determine which voice part would best suit your range and what sort of musical knowledge (if any) you have. You will then be asked to pay the subs. The first three weeks, while you decide whether you want to join, are free.
Organisation
The Club is run by a Committee of Officers who are appointed by ballot at the A.G.M. They attend to the business of the Club and must offer themselves for re-election annually. Membership of the Committee is open to all members. The Music Committee deals with the choice of songs for the Repertoire and the musical education of the members. It consists of the Musical Director and the Section Leaders and 2 ordinary members.
BABS
The British Association of Barbershop Singers, of which we are members, exists to promote Barbershop singing in the UK. It currently has some 2000 members in over 50 clubs around the country. It provides educators and holds an annual National Championship called Convention. In addition the Association provides insurance for its members against accidents while engaged in Barbershop activities and also publishes a free journal of activities and reports called "Harmony Express" once a month to which all members are entitled to contribute.
