How to Become a Member

Welcome!

Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Barrie Soundwaves! (BSW) We are always delighted to have new members. If you are a female, and at least 16 years old, you are welcome to join us at any of our rehearsals. We rehearse at the Dorian Parker Centre in Barrie each Tuesday at 7 pm. Please email membership@barriesoundwaves.com to let us know that you are coming.
 
Here are a few frequently asked questions about becoming a member.

What is the commitment to be a member of BSW?
Regular attendance is an important part of active membership. We have weekly rehearsals throughout the year; with a couple weeks off in the summer and a couple weeks off at the end of each year. These rehearsals help to prepare us for public performances and our annual spring competition. 
 
What will it cost to be a member of the chorus?
Like many other leisure activities or hobbies we choose, there is a cost to members of the chorus. Fees are established each year, with payment options available to our members. Some members choose to pay monthly, while others will do a lump sum payment. Please ask the Finance Coordinator for the current fee schedule when you come to a rehearsal.

Do I need to buy my own costume?
Costumes can vary from one performance to the next. Each chorus member pays a one-time user fee for her costumes (including jewelry and shoes). Occasionally, members are asked to purchase a unique item to complement a chorus costume. New members may also be asked to buy required makeup as a kit or individual items. 

What is SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL? 
Barrie Soundwaves is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, the world's largest singing organization for women. Its mission is to preserve and share the art of singing four-part harmony in the barbershop style. Choruses like ours can be found all over Canada, the U.S., Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, Sweden, New Zealand, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The organization is divided into 25 regions in North America and five worldwide areas. We belong to Region 16, which includes chapters in southern/central Ontario, southern Quebec, and upper New York State.
 
What part do I sing?
During the initial visit, each guest will spend a few minutes with either the Director or the Assistant Director. They will be asked to sing some scales to determine which part will suit their vocal range and maximize their current abilities. This is NOT an audition but a voice placement to determine what vocal part will suit our guest best. Occasionally, after trying it out, a new member may wish to change parts. Their Section Leader or our Musical Director would help them make this decision.
 
The four parts of a cappella singing, barbershop style are:
 
TENOR - sings harmony, usually above the lead part
LEAD - sings the melody line most of the time
BARITONE - sings harmony, sometimes above and sometimes below the lead; this part is said to be the 'glue' between the lead and bass parts and is key to the 'barbershop' sound
BASS - sings a low, full harmony part that provides the foundation for the barbershop chord
 
What do I need to do to audition?   
Each prospective member must pass an audition before becoming a full member of the chorus. We provide them with a lot of support through this process, allowing time to prepare. When they are ready, there will be a practice audition before the actual one. They will sing with a quartet, with their Section Leader providing background support.
 
What about the social aspects? At Barrie Soundwaves, music brings members together—but it’s the friendships that keep them coming back. The chorus is filled with vibrant, talented, and welcoming women who love to laugh, learn, and sing side by side. Whether someone is brand new or a seasoned singer, they’ll find connection, community, and camaraderie from day one.