BHS CHOIR INVITED TO PERFORM AT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

  

Some local young harmonizers are singing the old songs with gusto, style, and a passion that has attracted attention from around the world.

Last weekend, Brenham High School Mixed Barbershop Chorus, Maidens & Men, traveled to San Antonio to sing in the International Youth Barbershop Chorus Festival. Maidens & Men were among 20 invited choruses from across North America who competed in the ninth annual event.

The festival format included two songs in the barbershop style, and one other piece in any style selected by the group. Maidens & Men performed "Bound for Jubilee", "Shine On Me", and "I’ve Been Working on the Railroad".  The chorus received an "Excellent" rating from a panel of nine judges.

Regardless of the vintage, singers find that the music itself is just the start. According to senior, Auggie Robertson, "When we're singing together, we get to do something that no one else in the school can do. People go nuts when they hear the great, tight harmonies we make, and the big group sound is pretty impressive."

Most importantly, the group has developed a unique rapport and sense of teamwork. "Singing without instruments means we're working without a net,” said Rasheedah Stewart, a sophomore. “Everything that happens comes from our mouths and our hearts. Keeping it all together in sync and in tune means we have to listen to each other, support each other, and trust each other. It really binds us together."

The Festival is part of a broader outreach effort of the Barbershop Harmony Society, says CEO Marty Monson. "Barbershoppers have come to realize that we just can't keep this to ourselves any longer. There's a big world that's positively aching for something we take for granted -- the fellowship, the connectedness, the peace and safety of relying on one another. Our obligation - our mission -- our privilage -- is to channel our collective energy, knowledge, and resources into bringing this music to another generation. "

Maidens & Men are directed by Carol Perry, Choir Director at BHS and BJH, who introduced the barbershop style to her students over the past three years by organizing Pitch Please! (boys quartet) and Harmony Dolls (girls quartet).