Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re planning your first visit or just curious about our chorus, we hope these answers help you feel confident and excited to join us.
Do I need to audition?
No. The Harmeneers do not require an audition.
If you enjoy singing and are willing to learn, we’d love to have you come sing with us. You don’t need previous barbershop experience, formal vocal training, or a prepared song.
As you get to know the chorus, we’ll help you find the voice part that fits you best and give you the music, learning resources, and support you need to grow.
Can I visit before deciding to join?
Absolutely. In fact, we hope you will.
Come spend an evening with us, meet the chorus, and see what a Harmeneers rehearsal is really like. You’re welcome to listen, sing along, ask questions, and get to know us.
There’s no pressure to make a decision. Sometimes you just need to sing a few chords with us and see how it feels.
What kind of music do we sing?
Four-part barbershop harmony is at the heart of what we do.
Our repertoire includes traditional barbershop favorites alongside ballads, upbeat tunes, patriotic music, seasonal selections, popular songs, and arrangements drawn from a variety of American musical traditions.
Whatever we’re singing, we’re looking for the same thing: good storytelling, close harmony, and those ringing chords that make barbershop so much fun.
Do I need to read music?
No.
Some Harmeneers read music well, while others learn primarily by ear. We use sheet music, learning tracks, rehearsal time, and plenty of repetition to help everyone learn their part.
Being able to read music can certainly be helpful, but it isn’t a requirement. A willingness to listen and learn matters much more.
When and where do you rehearse?
We rehearse Monday evenings in Bedford, Virginia.
The Blue Ridge Harmeneers meet at Main Street United Methodist Church, 212 East Main Street, Bedford, VA 24523. Our regular rehearsals are held on Monday evenings at 6:30 PM.
If you’re planning your first visit, we encourage you to let us know you’re coming. We’ll confirm that week’s rehearsal details, make sure someone is ready to greet you, and have music waiting when you arrive.
Come a little early, meet the guys, and stay awhile.
What if I’ve never sung barbershop before?
Then we’d be glad to introduce you to it.
You don’t need any previous barbershop experience to visit or become part of the Harmeneers. We’ll introduce you to the style, help you understand how the four voice parts work together, and give you the resources you need to learn.
And that first time you find yourself standing inside a really good ringing chord? You’ll understand why we keep coming back.
What happens during a rehearsal?
Every rehearsal is a little different, but there’s always plenty of singing.
A typical evening includes vocal warmups, working on current repertoire, learning new music, polishing interpretation and performance, and spending time on the vocal skills that help us become a better ensemble.
There’s usually plenty of conversation and laughter mixed in, too. Guests can participate as much as they’re comfortable. We’ll help you find your part, get music into your hands, and introduce you to some of the guys singing around you.
Is there a cost to join?
Visiting is always free.
If you decide to become a member, there are membership dues that help support the music, educational resources, chapter activities, and other costs of keeping the chorus singing.
We’ll be happy to explain the current dues and membership details when you visit. There’s no cost or obligation to simply come see what we’re about.
How often do you perform?
We sing throughout the year.
Our performance calendar includes our annual concert each November, Singing Valentines in February, and community sing-outs throughout the year. You may find the Harmeneers singing at local celebrations, patriotic observances, community gatherings, churches, and other special events around the Blue Ridge.
Performing gives us a chance to do what we enjoy most: share good music with our neighbors. New members have time to learn the repertoire, grow in confidence, and become comfortable singing with the chorus before performing.
What voice part will I sing?
You don’t need to know before you arrive.
Barbershop harmony has four voice parts: Tenor, Lead, Baritone, and Bass. If you already know where your voice is most comfortable, that gives us a good starting point. If you don’t, that’s perfectly fine.
We’ll sing with you, get a feel for your range, and help you find the part where your voice fits comfortably and contributes best to the harmony.
Can I visit more than once?
Of course. Come back!
You’re welcome to spend more than one rehearsal getting to know the Harmeneers before deciding whether membership is right for you.
Sing with us, meet the guys, ask questions, and give yourself time to experience both the music and the fellowship. We want joining the Harmeneers to feel like a good fit for you, too.
Why “Harmeneers”?
Harmony + men + mountains.
The name Harmeneers is a play on harmony and mountaineers, with a nod to the men who make the music. Originally founded as the Smith Mountain Lake Harmeneers, our name reflects both the four-part harmony we love and the Blue Ridge communities we call home.
What should I bring?
Just yourself!
A water bottle and pencil are always useful, but we’ll have music available for you when you visit. Come in comfortable clothes, ready to sing, meet some new people, and have a good time.
