Join extended family says female barbershop chorus

The all-female chorus recently claimed the gold medal at the Ladies’ Association of British Barbershop Singers’ National Convention.

This is the 13th time the Leeds chorus has held the title, and the fourth time they have won it in Harrogate, the home town of several chorus members as well as musical director, Sally McLean.

The 60 performers, who rehearse once a week in a school gym in Leeds, beat 18 other barbershop choruses from across the UK.

Sally McLean said: “I’m absolutely thrilled and overwhelmed to have achieved our 13th national championship.

“Winning the title is always a confirmation that we have improved or maintained an excellent standard of singing and performance.

“I find it truly unbelievable that we continue to improve and remain the best in the country. There are always other choruses striving to be better and until the day of the competition, you just never know.”

The longest serving chorus member, Janet Tordoff, said: “The competition weekend is the one time each year I get to see people that I’ve met and become friends with over the last 30 years. Everyone is pleased for us and loves to hear the sounds that we produce. I would love more people to be involved with barbershop. It’s not just about the singing, it’s also about the friendship – being part of a chorus is like having a giant extended family. I’m proud to have been part of the barbershop revolution.”