Newfound Sound's Story: Singing, Friendship, and Harmony

If you have ever been fortunate to catch the smooth sounds of the Newfound Sound Barbershop Chorus, you will quickly discover that it is not just another singing ensemble. It is a sisterhood united through harmony and friendship. 

It is also a barbershop choir of women that has entertained local and international audiences for 35 years.

According to Anna Tapper, the group's musical chair, Newfound Sound was established in 1985 by Beverly Daley, an active member of Harmony International who had just relocated to the province.

"Bev reached out to the community for women interested in singing 4-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style, and she got a great response, and Newfound Sound chorus was born.

The chorus (not referred to as a choir in the bbs genre) was formed and received its official charter in 1988 in Halifax, NS, with 22 members! Our chorus has been sharing friendship and song for over 35 years."

Tapper said Harmony Incorporated is an international women's bbs organization established in 1959. Its mission is to empower all women through education, friendship, and a cappella singing. It has over 2000 members, six geographic areas, and 65 chapters. Newfound Sound is part of Area 1, mainly the Atlantic Canada region, with nine chapters.

Newfound Sound is the only chapter in NL, and we proudly represent our province at regional and international contests and conventions whenever we can participate. We have competed in Atlantic and global women's barbershop contests. 

Currently, we are under the energetic and creative direction of Dr. Phil Roberts. We are 25 women who come together weekly to blend song with friendship and create an excellent space for learning and fine-tuning our performance craft," said Tapper.

What's So Special About Barbershop?

When learning to sing in a barbershop choir, you must understand your voice's capacities and how your vocal range complements the harmony. That is part of the reason why the barbershop style of choir sounds so unique.

Every song must be arranged in four parts: the lead sings the melody, the bass provides depth, the tenor provides the high pitch, and the baritone fills the middle. When Newfound Sound sings at a community event, corporate function or seniors' residence, the ringing harmonies bring chills from the audience.

More Than Just Singing

They are all about music, but Newfound Sound is also about community and giving back.

“We’ve been lucky to take part in some really meaningful events over the years—supporting causes like Pink Days in Bloom, Daffodil Place, and Sing for Care, and performing for the Children’s Wish Foundation and the Eating Disorder Foundation Gala. One of our favorite traditions is singing carols each year at the Commissariat House’s old-fashioned Christmas. We've performed at the stage of Government House, City Hall, the NL Folk Festival—and yes, even for the Queen on one of her visits!”

If you were to ask Tapper what special memories she holds about her singing legacy in Newfound Sound she says they are too many to list.

“Whenever we travel to a show or an international convention, we're greeted by an incredibly supportive harmony community. They understand the challenge it is for us to be able to fly (as opposed to other chapters who can simply drive), and by the time we get to that stage, the energy is amazing.”

Though competitions and conventions bring them outside of Newfoundland, they always remain grounded in where they came from, supporting causes that mean the most.

"We perform at several annual events in the St. John's area, providing after-dinner entertainment, conferences, etc. We may host our concert or appear at other local concerts. We sometimes plan trips within the province to sing at various venues. Volunteering our time to sing in seniors' homes, hospitals, and at charitable events is essential to us."

Open to All Ages

With members in their 20s to 80s, Newfound Sound more than lives up to its motto: “Young at heart, for singing keeps us young!” Whether you're an experienced singer or simply someone who enjoys singing in the shower, you're invited—no music-reading skills necessary!

"Our members currently range in age from their 20s to their 80s! All ages are welcome, but a family member or guardian must accompany minors. Youth participation is very much encouraged."

As long as you can sing along, hold your note and harmonize you could become a barber sho,p singer said Tapper. 

“During an audition you could have a one-on-one pitch test with our director to establish your vocal range—this could be singing scales or "Happy Birthday." Most newcomers start on the lead (melody) line, but you could end up singing bass, baritone, or tenor if it will suit you better.”

Tapper said when the time is right and you are ready to join the group you'll perform a part of a song in quartet form, just with the director. Sometimes it could be blended into a regular practice and you won't even realize it's your audition time!

“As a member, we've got plenty of help—weekly rehearsals, learning tracks, coaching sessions—you won't be left on your own. We're all about making our new members feel at ease and not nervous. Everyone starts somewhere!”

How to Get Involved

Whether you want to join, volunteer, or support Newfound Sound, Tapper suggests attending one of their performances, following them on Facebook, or visiting their website at 

http://www.newfoundsound.org