we formed in 2003
Ocean Harmony was formed in October 2003 by Laurence Prestage a barbershop singer with the Bournemouth Harmony Club, singing as Southern Union. Five potential singers replied to advertisements in local papers and arrived at Colbury Memorial Hall near Totton on the outskirts of Southampton for the inaugural singing rehearsal. These five members were supported by a number of established singers from Southern Union chorus.
Within 6 to 8 weeks the numbers of new singers had risen to a level allowing the supporting singers from Bournemouth to stand down. They were such a critical help with the formation of the club, now known as Southampton Barbershop Harmony Club, singing as Ocean Harmony.
A management committee was formed, with officers, a constitution and affiliation to The British Association of Barbershop Singers (BABS). An application for Charity status was successful with Officers of the club becoming Trustees.
Ocean Harmony soon became competent to sing out at local charity and private events. One such memorable and prestigious sing out was for us to entertain a number of invited guests of Lord Montague, at Palace House, on the Beaulieu Estate, supporting a Christmas celebration.
Whilst in the early days we were unable to form a chorus to go to the BABS convention, a number of singers went to Brighton with Southern Union to get a flavour of the competition, in which we were to compete in many subsequent years. In 2019 we achieved our highest ever position of 12th with a score of 67.7, based on a Mary Poppins theme.
2023 was Ocean Harmony’s 20th Anniversary and was celebrated with a concert held locally, which gave the audience a history of Barbershop as well as a musical treat. Our invited guests were the polished local A Capella choir The Queen Bees, along with former members.
