Sarah Bamford, Baritone

Make-up: check. Sparkly brooch: check. Pink netted petticoat: check. I threaded my way through the roads of Warfield and Binfield towards the beautiful Victorian church of St Peter’s, Cranbourne, equipped with the shining paraphernalia of a newly kitted-out Barberette, nerves in abundance. It was 26 October, only three months after I first walked into the Woodley HQ to explore what ladies’ barbershop is all about, and there I was, heading out to sing at my first event.

Like many others, my singing experience started at school, where I found myself at home with the second sopranos (not too high, not too low). I had heard of the Barberettes through word of mouth but, despite a long unfulfilled ambition to try acapella harmony singing, I was apprehensive about the audition process. Perhaps I eventually reached a time in my life (let’s not talk numbers) where I decided that if nothing was ventured then, truly, nothing would be gained. And so I reached out. When I pitched up in mid-July, the ladies were rehearsing for what would be their award-winning trip to Provence. They sang Skyfall; it was spine-chilling. I was sold.

A few weeks later I did brave the audition and it did not justify my anxieties. Thanks to lots of encouragement from the baritone section leader, the online teach tracks and some practice at home (my husband, one evening, politely enquired if I might find the acoustics in the car to be more favourable than those indoors) I was welcomed into the fold.

That was in August – and so it began. With the Cranbourne gig (or “sing out” according to Barbs terminology) just over two months away, I set myself the challenge to learn the repertoire. Looking back, perhaps discretion would have been the better part of valour when it comes to learning 19 songs in under three months, but I was keen!

Cue some (very) last minute “movement” practice (it’s not just singing), costume changes in the vestry, and a sell-out audience, and I took my place on the risers with both pride and trepidation. We opened the Cranbourne Arts week in four-part harmony style, voices literally rising through the rafters of the intimate 19th century setting. Now, I truly feel part of the group. Was I note perfect? Well, I very much hope that no one will ever really know.

Next stop: Christmas repertoire – I’m coming for you!