Events & Concerts

Chorus Retreat

What is it?

Chorus retreat is something that is a two day activity, taking place over the course of a weekend. We get a coach over from the US (one Rob Mance - who you can read more about here) and work on our craft - normally with a particular focus on the songs that we will be taking to the BABS Contest later in the year.

It usually involves the entire chorus having a meal and staying together, as well as two 7-8 hour sessions of learning. 

When is it?

There is no fixed date for this event, but it usually takes place between the middle and the end of February (the 2024  retreat took place during the first weekend in March)

Why do we do it?

We are a chorus that prides ourselves on our excellence and high standards, as well as our constant desire to improve and hone our ability when it comes to singing. Every year at retreat we unlock and learn techniques that help us do just that. 

It's also a great opportunity for us to bond as a chorus, and all get to know each other a little better.

How much will it cost me?

The cost  for retreat varies year on year depending on a few factors, but you can expect something similar to the below as a rough guide. 

• Individual Contribution to retreat - approximately £40

  • This is the contribution that we will ask everyone in the chorus to make to the cost of retreat. This changes year on year, but historically it has been around the £40 mark

• Accommodation Costs - between £50-£150

  • Depending on where we stay, and if you opt to share a room, your accommodation should be around this price. You will always be welcome to source your own accomodation should you wish to

• Dining Costs - varying 

  • There isn't a fixed cost on this as it has been quite varied over the past few years. There have been some occasions when the entire chorus has gone out for a meal together (approximately £25) but there have been other occasions where we have cooked a meal for the chorus for a much lower cost. All other items purchased during the trip (such as lunch and alcohol) will be at your own expense.

• Very optional extra: Rob Mance's Individual Vocal Coaching - approximately £90

  • Whilst Rob is over in the UK, there will be an opportunity to have an individual vocal session with him, held at a central London location.  This is completely optional, but a lot of members have said that they benefited massively from it.

Julie Atherton Performance Retreat 

In Spring of 2024,  we were lucky enough to have a full-day performance-based retreat with the West End star and all-round excellent human, Julie Atherton. This was in the same location as the Rob Mance retreat, but didn't involve the extra costs of accommodation.

We hope to repeat this again in the near future! Watch this space.

Christmas Concert/Winter Jam

What is it?

Every year, we have done a joint event with London City Singers (an upper voices chorus that Simon also directs) at a central London location. It usually involves a mixture of Christmas and regular repetoire 

When is it?

Given the festive nature of the concert, this is always likely to take place during one of the weekends in December

Why do we do it?

There are two primary reasons for doing this concert - promotion and financial gain. One of our charitable aims is to promote the artform of barbershop by the performing concerts to the general public, and this is a way to fulfil that aim. The concert itself has been known to generate over £2,000 for the chorus, so that's always a reason to do it. 

How much will it cost me?

In terms of monetary cost, there isn't any associated with this event - but we are always lookign for raffle prizes, and for people to contribute to the refreshements stall with baked goods!

BABS Convention

What is it?

This is the central point of the BABS Calendar, which is a weekend long event consisting of several contests, and lots of other singing to boot You can read more about BABS on the What is BABS page

When is it?

The Convention takes place on the last Bank Holiday weekend in May.

Why do we do it?

We do it because we it gives us an opportunity to compete, which gives us a good benchmark on if we've improved as a chorus. It also gives us a chance to meet and socialise with other barbershoppers across the country. In certain years, it also gives us an chance to qualify for the International competetion. 

How much will it cost me?

There are details about this on the Finances page, but anywhere between £150 and £750, depending on how long you stay for.

Other Events:

Internationals

BHS International is the pinnacle of contest in the Barbershop world, and something that the chorus may attend again in future. It is hosted in the US, and takes a lot of fundraising, but it is an unforgettable experience.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

Each year around 4,000 performers and as many as 35,000 visitors converge on this beautiful small Welsh town and its International Pavilion; to sing and dance in a unique combination of competition, performance, and international peace and friendship. The competitions climax with the prestigious ‘Choir of the World’, which determines the best overall choir of the event.  2024 was Meantime's second time attending the event.