Most Improved Chorus in Britain

Southampton’s successful barbershop choir Ocean Harmony have been declared the most improved chorus in Britain.

The a cappella line-up proved that practice makes perfect when members achieved their highest ever British Association of Barbershop Singers placing against top quality opposition at the organisation’s national convention.

As well as winning their division at the Bournemouth International Centre, Ocean Harmony claimed the coveted accolade of the most improved chorus from 39 entries nationwide.

The result is seen as great reward for months of fine tuning the two songs they performed on the illustrious stage following tuition from professional coaches. It also comes hard on the heels of winning the barbershop section at Fareham Music Festival just weeks before.

Competing against 38 similar choruses from across the country at the BIC, Ocean Harmony had 35 singers on stage, some of whom were competing for the first time. It was the largest chorus it had taken to a convention and the increase in numbers was the result of a successful beginners’ Learn To Sing course held last autumn.

Proud chairman, John Yapp, said: “Winning the Fareham Music Festival with a distinction was fantastic and a real boost after all the hard work the singers have been putting in preparing for Bournemouth. Winning the cup for the most improved chorus at the National Convention was a great reward for our efforts.

“For the past nine months we have been striving to develop as a chorus by recruiting new members via the free Learn to Sing course and by having regular coaching sessions with recognised barbershop experts. We seem to be reaping the reward for our efforts and our focus is now on developing our singing and performance style with a view to moving further up the results table next year.”

Ocean Harmony meet every Wednesday at Colbury Hall, Ashurst on the edge of the New Forest and are always on the look-out for new members. Join us.