🎶 BABS Bulletin | July I

BHS International - how the Brits got on.

For those not aware of the happenings of the wider barbershop world, last week the BHS International Contest took place in St Louis where attendees were treated to the absolute pinnacle of the art form.

The UK as a whole was aptly representing, sending over seven ensembles in total with BABS making up 4 of the groups (4.5 if you count the one with joint custody!)

It was a great showing for the Brits with Meantime Chorus achieving the highest score that a UK group has ever achieved, with an 88.2 and placing 9th in the world. The Emerald Guard (our newest inductee into the BABS Hall of Fame) cracked the Top 20, something that has only been achieved twice before by a British group, and AMI Quartet (previous BABS Youth Quartet Champions) ended up Mic Warming the Semi-Finals contest as well as placing 5th in the Next Gen Youth Contest!

The scores of all British Groups are below, and more information can be found on the BHS Website

Quartet Contest

• The Emerald Guard - 82.3% - Placed 19th
• Ami Quartet - 81.8% - Placed 21st
• Fifth Element - 81.3% - Placed 24th
• Spice Report - 81.0% - Placed 29th
• Avalon - 79.5% - Placed 43rd

Next Gen Youth Contest

• Ami Quartet - 79.2% - Placed 5th

Chorus 

• Meantime Chorus - 88.2% - Placed 9th
• London City Singers - 81.5% - Placed 23rd

Full Results Breakdown

Guest Articles

We are going to start adding more Articles to the, you guessed it, Articles section of our website. 

If you've got a topic that's related to barbershop in some way, and that you want to write a long form article about, please get in touch with us. 

We'll be slowly adding to these over the coming weeks, so please do keep checking back!

Sing 2027 - some news...

We are much further ahead with our planning of Sing2027 than we have been with previous conventions and we are on course to launch our microsite of this by the end of the month!

Following on from some requests we've had from members, we can confirm that the convention will start at 1700 on Friday, so please build that into your travel plans.  

Furthermore, we are pleased to say that we are able to squeeze in an International Guest Act this year, who will hopefully add a little zest to proceedings - but more on that in the next couple of weeks.

Club Spotlight - Full Score & The Bristol Mix

Full Score

Get ready to ‘Brace for Impact,’ because Full Score Barbershop Choir is bringing barbershop back to the Fringe! Returning to Edinburgh after a year of performing everywhere from local concerts to national competition, Durham University’s award-winning a capella ensemble is proud to bring you a brand new concert packed with crunchy harmonies and ringing chords. Showcasing both elegant quartet numbers and dynamic full chorus songs, this show features everything from musical theatre to jazz standards to Disney, all in the iconic barbershop style. Don’t miss out on their acclaimed singing—or fashionable braces and boaters—this show has something for everyone!

When? 17:45pm every evening from 17th - 22nd August
Where? Big at the Space Triplex, The Prince Philip Building, EH8 9DP

The show is family friendly and has a run time of 50 minutes. 

Buy tickets now on the Edinburgh Fringe website: 

Tickets

------------------------------------------------------

The Bristol Mix

Have you heard the news?

For months—if not years—we’ve had singers from well beyond the Bristol area asking if they could join The Bristol Mix. We’ve listened.

So, as we prepare to return to the BABS Convention stage at Sing27, we’re delighted to welcome singers from across the UK. If you’re passionate about singing, enjoy mixed genre music from John Rutter to Billy Joel, love performing at a high level, and can travel to Bristol for rehearsals, we’d love to hear from you—wherever you’re based.

While we welcome singers in all voice parts, we’d especially love to hear from more men. Whether you’re already singing in a men’s chorus, another mixed chorus or choir, or simply looking for an additional musical challenge, we’d be delighted to welcome you.
We rehearse just 6–8 times a year under the direction of our fabulous Musical Director, Linda Corcoran.

Whether you're interested in joining the chorus or would just like to spend a day singing with us, why not come along to our Big Charity Sing on Sunday 27th September at Hanham Community Centre, Bristol in aid of Prostate Cancer UK? You'll learn and perform a song in a day, enjoy great company, and finish with a well-earned drink in the bar—all while raising money for a fantastic cause. Booking is essential.

For more information about joining the chorus, or to book your place at our Big Charity Sing, contact [email protected] or visit www.thebristolmix.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

Have you got something exciting from your Club you want to share with the rest of the BABS Community? Have you got an upcoming show or event that you want to advertise? Then this is the space for you!

We'll be putting these features in each BABS Bulletin going forward, providing we get the content to fill it - and that's where you come in.

If you've got something you'd like to share please fill in the short form below.

Club Spotlight Form

Spots will be allocated based on the following criteria

• If the Club hasn't had a Spotlight spot previously
• If the content is time sensitive 
• If a specific date is requested (we will do our best to accommodate these, but can't guarantee it

Pitch In

We didn't receive any Pitch In requests this month

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you're wanting to get a message out to other BABS Members (or anyone for that matter) wanting them to "Pitch In", then this is the place for you! You can submit an advert below for a number of things, including; 

• Finding people in your area who are interested in forming a quartet 
• Seeking a new Musical Director for your chorus 
• Getting help with some of your Chorus IT or Marketing 

If you have a request, please follow the link below to our website, where you'll find more information, see existing requests, and be able to submit your own.

Pitch In

The Usual Suspects

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grants

The Grant Application Window is currently Open (Closes again 31st August)

BABS has a number of grants available to support clubs and singers.

• Recruitment
• Financial Hardship
• New club startup
• Regional events
• Support for education and international contests

More information, along with application forms, can be found below.

Grants

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BABS Official Podcast

Tune In is the official BABS podcast. Hosted by the BABS volunteer team, each episode dives into organisational updates, recaps recent events, answers listener questions, and features interviews with special guests. Whether you’re a seasoned barbershop enthusiast or a newcomer, Tune In has something for everyone!

Got questions or feedback for us? Drop them in the comments or email us at [email protected].

Listen here

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dates for your diary

Sunday 13th September - Autumn Member's Meeting (Online)

Saturday 7th November - Prelims (Tamworth) 

Friday 28th - Sunday 30th May 2027 - Sing2027 (Brighton)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Join the BABS WhatsApp Community!

The BABS WhatsApp Community is a great way to stay connected, share ideas, and engage with fellow members across the organisation. Whether you want to discuss barbershop, ask questions, or keep up with the latest BABS news, this is the place to be.

Joining is easy - just click the link below for instructions.

Join the BABS WhatsApp Community

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Is your club on our map?

Did you know that we have a Chorus Finder map on our website?

If your chorus isn't listed, or has out-of-date information, please let us know by emailing [email protected]

Chorus Finder

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BABS Council Members

Every Club has a number of Council Members who play an important role in the wider BABS decision making process. You can read more about their role, and find out who they are below.

BABS Council