Hallmark of Harmony Taster Course September 2025
Key Details
Dates: Tuesday 23rd & Tuesday 30th September, 19:30-21:30
Location: Wesley Hall, Crookes, Sheffield, S10 1UD
Cost: Free
Sign up link: sign up here
What is it?
The Hallmark of Harmony Taster Course is a 2-week taster course for anyone interested in singing barbershop harmony in a choir. Join our rehearsals each Tuesday night and learn a new song in the barbershop style. After this, if you’ve enjoyed yourself, we would love for you to join the chorus as a full member, following our standard audition process.
Read about our January taster course here.
Who is it for?
Anyone who likes to sing! Our members range from classically trained musicians with years of singing experience right through to people who had previously only ever sung in the shower. Whatever your experience, if you love to sing in harmony, are curious about barbershop / a cappella music, or have been meaning to join a choir but never quite found the time, we’d love to see you there!
Please note that Hallmark of Harmony is a male-voice chorus, so we're only looking for singers who identify as, or are happy to be identified as, male. There are two fantastic female barbershop choruses in Sheffield: see Sheffield Harmony and Steel City Voices.
How much does it cost?
Nothing, it's free!
What song are we learning?
Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Queen). You will receive the music and the learning tracks shortly before the course begins. You don’t need to learn the music before the first rehearsal!
Do I need to read sheet music?
No, many of our members don’t read sheet music. We use learning tracks, audio recordings of each harmony part, to learn the music by ear. Everyone on the course will be given access to learning tracks for both songs to learn the music. Note that Hallmark only uses sheet music for learning; we typically perform without sheet music.
Is there an audition?
No, there is no audition for the taster course. Everyone is welcome! If you’d like to join the chorus as a full-time member, there is an informal audition process you must go through - please see our Audition page for more detail.
How do I sign up?
Please sign up using our google form. You will receive the music and the learning tracks shortly via email shortly before the course begins.
What if I can’t make one of the rehearsals?
Don’t panic! Come to as many as you can - you might just need to catch up on the music a little. Let us know which dates you can’t make on the google form and we’ll be sure to keep you updated.
I can’t make those dates! Can I audition in the future?
Of course! Our rehearsals are always open to prospective members and you’re welcome to come along and see if you like it. We rehearse at the same venue every Tuesday night. Once you’re ready, you can start the audition process. Let us know when you’re planning to come so we can expect you!
What happens during a rehearsal?
Each rehearsal starts with a short physical warm up, then a vocal warm up led by our music team. Our music team will then run a short session on vocal technique to align the chorus sound, then we’ll learn the new songs, by splitting into our respective parts to go over the music. Afterwards, we'll bring it all together to sing as a chorus. There’s a short break halfway through for a cup of tea and a chat, and afterwards we’ll head to a local pub for a drink (optional, of course).
What happens afterwards?
If you think you’d like to join the chorus after the taster course, we’ll begin our standard audition process over the following two weeks (7th & 14th Oct). The audition is to sing the taster course song in a small group. Don’t panic! We’re here to support you. See our auditions page for more details on what this involves.
Once you’ve passed your audition, you will become a Full Member of the chorus and pay a small monthly fee - see our Join Us page for more details.
What is barbershop?
Barbershop is a style of four-part, close-harmony, a cappella singing. Originating in America, you may think of barbershop quartets in pin-striped suits: the Dapper Dans or The Be-Sharps from the Simpsons. A barbershop chorus is basically one giant barbershop quartet, with lots of people singing each part!
What parts are there in a barbershop chorus?
There are four harmony parts in a barbershop arrangement: Tenor, Lead, Baritone, and Bass. The Lead sings the melody line, with the three other parts harmonising around it. For those who’ve sung in traditional choirs, this is a good translation:
- Tenor = Alto or Countertenor
- Lead = Tenor 1 or Tenor 2
- Baritone = Tenor 2 or Baritone or Bass 1
- Bass = Bass 2 or Bass 1
How do I know what part I should sing?
Don’t worry! Firstly, you’ll be given access to the music and learning tracks before the first rehearsal so you can try singing along to each part. During the first rehearsal, we’ll do some simple voice tests as a group to help you identify which part best suits your voice. Our music team is there to guide you, and you’re welcome to try out several parts during over the two weeks.
Who are Hallmark of Harmony?
Hallmark of Harmony are a Sheffield-based barbershop chorus with a mission to entertain and delight audiences. Formed in 1978, we are the six-time UK chorus champions of the British Association of Barbershop Singers, and are known for our close-harmony singing, high musical standard, and inclusive atmosphere. We perform all over the country in concerts, festivals, and competitions. We are an amateur choir, full of ordinary men from all walks of life, who love to sing in harmony. We don’t take ourselves too seriously and rehearsals are always social and fun before anything else!
Check out some videos of us singing here: https://www.hallmarkofharmony.org.uk/dbpage.php?pg=listen
