The Chorus is currently 24-strong and made up of women of all ages from all walks of life. Most live in Guildford, but some travel to rehearsal from other parts of Surrey, and even further afield. The best way to explain how Guildford Harmony works for them is in their own words:
I looked at a few choirs around Guildford; they wanted me to audition for them and to read music. It had been a long time since I'd sung, so I really appreciated that I didn't have to audition for Guildford Harmony straight away, but could take a few weeks to get my confidence back and learn the songs. ~ Kas (joined 2010)
I hadn't sung in a choir before, so it's been challenging and fun to learn to sing in 4 part harmony. The sound is just amazing. ~ Sally (joined 2008)
I love the songs we sing and the happy welcoming atmosphere. Oh - and the laughs! ~ Mary (joined 2009)
The harmony singing, the friendships I’ve made and the whole package, still continue to make me enormously happy. ~ "Briggsy" (joined 1994)
I wish now I'd started years ago! ~Judith (joined 2006)
For me, life without this fantastic hobby - with all its fun, friendship and the experience of singing with such a great group of people - would be dull indeed. ~Jenn (founder member, 1980)
It has been a great experience to see us all developing our craft as we’ve gone along, and I feel so lucky to have found such a wonderfully fulfilling hobby. ~Isabel (joined 1985)
I still have the commitment and enthusiasm that I had at the start, and "Barbershoppers" are a great crowd of people. ~Pauline E (joined 1985)
I hadn't really done any group singing since I left university 10 years ago, and was thinking about trying to find something to get involved with. I saw Guildford Harmony by chance at one of their public "sing-outs", and was so intrigued by the music I thought I would give it a go and I'm glad I did! ~Nicola (joined 2006)
I love singing bass and look forward each year to the LABBS conventions, as I still get a thrill performing on that stage and enjoy seeing and listening to other contestants. ~Maureen (joined 1990)
From the start of that first rehearsal I was hooked. By the end of it, I felt like one of the family. ~Jean (joined 2007)
I cannot imagine life without singing, or the friendship it brings. ~Anne (founder member of GH from 1980)
I was new to Guildford and tried various organisations in an effort to meet new friends. Anne greeted me at the door with that great big smile of hers and took me under her wing. That wonderful welcome, and the friendship and encouragement from the whole chorus was the reason I joined. ~Marian (joined 1986)
Singing barbershop makes me zing, zing, zing! ~Gillian (joined 2002)
