FAQs

Membership

  • Choose comfortable clothes that let you move and breathe easily—nothing too hot or restrictive. We are a scent-free environment to support members with sensitivities. Since we stand for much of rehearsal, wear supportive, comfortable shoes. In the winter, please bring clean indoor shoes to change into when you arrive.

    Pro tip: layers are your friend! The room can feel cool at first but warms up quickly once we’re singing.

  • Please bring a water bottle, and a pencil!

  • We rehearse in the Atco Performing Arts Centre, Penner Studio. 1371 Hastings Cres, SE Calgary. There is plenty of street parking in the neighbourhood. Find more details about our rehearsal location and download a map here. Our rehearsal space is on the main floor and is accessible for all. When you come in the front door, head to the back and slightly left. Our door is at the base of the back staircase. Please arrive by 6:40 pm to allow us to check you in. 

  • Be sure to RSVP and let us know you're coming. Our New Member team will be standing by to greet you in Penner Studio. We'll answer questions and guide you through your visit.

What to expect at rehearsal

Guest Music

We'll check out a Guest Music binder for you to reference during rehearsals. Please be sure to return yours at the end of the night. You'll also receive a Guest Log in to access a special section of our Members Only website for music and learning tracks. 

Participate in Rehearsal

The best way to experience our music and culture is by jumping right in! You'll be placed on the risers near a helper who sings the same vocal part.

Vocal Assessment

We'll share some background about the qualities and structure of vocal parts in barbershop music, and conduct an informal, private vocal assessment to help identify which part may be the best fit with your range.

Enjoy a Short Performance

​If you visit during a Guest Open House, we'll invite you to take a seat in the audience so that our singers may perform a few of our favorite numbers for you to enjoy. This is a great way to get a sense of our overall sound and how music and movement work together.

Warm Ups

We begin every rehearsal with stretching and gentle body movement to physically prepare our bodies for singing and alignment. It's a great way to shake off the day, stretch out tired muscles and prepare for excellent posture on the risers. After physical warm ups our focus shifts to guided vocal warm ups.

Pathway to Membership

Ready to take the next steps? We're here to help every step of the way! Learn more about how our vocal assessment and audition pathway work. Our year-round, supported audition process allows you to move at your own pace and includes lots of opportunities for help - just ask!