By Neil Bie
On cue a group of around 20 women, all wearing black, stride across the hall and take their place centre stage. They huddle together, lean forward, and turn their full focus on the director, who with a flourish of her hand unleashes a sweet and harmonic extravaganza. Voices of Harmony belt out song after song; from golden oldies and barbershop favourites to contemporary pop and even a bit of funk. Laura Roberts, the group’s manager, explains their musical journey to Tempo…
Tempo: Wow, what a performance! Who are Voices of Harmony?
Laura: Voices of Harmony is an all-women barbershop group, composed of nearly 30 members, who sing a cappella style (without the accompaniment of musical instruments). Our name seems to best describe what we do: use our voices to create beautiful harmonies. Our musical director, Liz Melzer chooses pieces that she feels will best challenge us, but that are excellent performance pieces as well.
Tempo: Tell us more about barbershop music.
Laura: Barbershop music was traditionally written for popular standards from the jazz era from which improvised harmonies were developed. This process is called woodshedding. Each of the four distinctive barbershop parts has its own role: generally, the lead sings the melody, the tenor harmonizes above the melody, the bass sings the lowest harmonizing notes, and the baritone completes the chord, usually below the lead.
Tempo: What kind of music do you perform?
Laura: We sing upbeat melodies and ballads which include women’s barbershop melodies, popular Christmas songs and other songs that our director, Liz Melzer chooses.
Tempo: What was your biggest achievement?
Laura: We are the proud winners of Choirfest Middle East 2014 “Most Dynamic Choir of the Year Award” These contests are very rewarding and educational, and Voices of Harmony always feel elated but a bit exhausted after they are finished with the contest! As an important element of these contests, we have participated in workshops with famous a cappella groups “The Swingle Singers” and “Cadence”.
Tempo: Where else have you performed?
Laura: We have an annual spring concert called ‘Just Voices.’ We’ve performed at National Day parties for the United States Embassy, as well as at the Abu Dhabi Theatre, the Officer’s Club, the Cultural Foundation, the Emirates Palace Hotel, the Crowne Plaza and at various business luncheons and dinners. We’ve also performed at hotel events, fundraisers, and dinner parties.
Tempo: What are the challenges that you’ve encountered?
Laura: Adding in extra practices and scheduling time for choreography is challenging but they result in more polished performances. Our sectional leaders take responsibility for getting their sections up to speed and out of book.
Tempo: What’s has been the reaction of your family and friends?
Laura: Our family and friends have been supportive for years, coming to concerts and helping with photos and venues as well. We so appreciate their support.
Tempo: What are your future plans?
Laura: We’ll be performing at the Abu Dhabi Theater on the breakwater in early June at the annual ‘Just Voices’ concert, which is produced by both VOH and Blue Fever Jazz Ensemble. Aside from that, we are hoping to get some of the all-girls schools and universities to participate in workshops with our all women’s group.
Tempo: What if someone’s interested in joining your group?
Laura: Voices of Harmony are auditioning now for September membership, so if you’d like to sign up for an audition, contact us at harmonyinad@gmail.com. These are friendly auditions we assure you! A commitment to attend practices regularly is required. Our members manage their time and understand the commitment required. Many of our members have day jobs and some come straight from work. We meet on Sundays at 7pm.
The membership fee for the first year is Dh 300 and then Dh 200 per year thereafter. This covers the cost of equipment, music and costumes.
Connect with VOH on: harmonyinad@gmail.com or via their Facebook page: “Voice of Harmony Abu Dhabi”
