Village Voice News - Community - Ladies give barbershop a sparkling makeover

If the words 'barbershop chorus' conjure up images of men in striped waistcoats singing Mr Sandman, then think again. Because a Concord-based choir is putting a new spin on the old-fashioned genre and helping women find their inner diva.

For the past 20 years the Sydney Town Chorus has been entertaining pundits at charity and corporate events, nursing homes, cultural shows and interstate conventions, performing their seamless four-part harmony arrangements of musical favourites.

Members of the 25-strong choir range in age from their 20s to their 70s, with nurses, teachers, sales people, students and retirees among its ranks.

With sparkling outfits and choreography a big part of the show, the chorus is more than just your average community choir, Five Dock resident Amy Steattor said.

"It's a show chorus, which is quite unusual. I'm not one to strut my stuff, but I really enjoy dressing up in sequins and makeup and getting into character. It's a hobby that's turned out to be quite an obsession," Amy said.

Barbershop singing is an exacting craft, according to co-ordinator Linda Watt-Smith, with the group working on each song for six weeks before taking it to the stage.

"We can't have voices sticking out, so we practise and practise. As well as rehearsals each week I listen to the songs on tape when I'm driving around. Other ladies learn the songs while walking or doing the vacuuming," Linda said.

While barbershop singing is a serious business, strong bonds have formed among members, Linda said.

"They are a lovely bunch of ladies, it's a very supportive group. People come for the singing but stay for the friendship," she said.