This project is a welcoming initiative designed to invite the wider singing community into the heart of the BABS Annual Convention. By utilising the traditional "Mic Warmer" and "Mic Cooler" slots, the Spotlight Chorus creates a supportive, low-stakes, and highly rewarding environment for non-barbershoppers, unattached (Don Amos) members, and singers from non-competing choruses. It offers them a unique opportunity to experience the exceptional acoustics and atmosphere of the convention stage, receive world-class coaching, and share in the joy of a rapid vocal transformation.
Key Objectives & Structure
The Saturday Journey
- Morning (The Launch): The chorus steps onto the main convention stage as the official Mic Warmers. They perform their two prepared songs, get a genuine feel for the performance space, and receive an official, constructive score from the judging panel to help guide their growth.
- Afternoon (The Transformation): An engaging, focused coaching session led by top-tier UK coaches and international guest educators. The workshop centres on immediate, tangible development in close-harmony technique, artistic expression, and healthy vocal production.
- Evening (The Showcase): The chorus returns to the stage as the Mic Coolers. Performing for a warm, deeply appreciative audience of fellow singers, they share the same two songs, showcase their musical progress, and receive a final comparative score to celebrate their achievement.
Beaking Down Barriers
- Financial Accessibility: Priced at just £60, providing an accessible entry point that includes sheet music, learning tracks, and expert coaching.
- No Membership Strings: Guest singers can participate fully without being required to pay full BABS membership subscriptions for this specific project, keeping the focus entirely on the music.
- Inclusivity: Open to anyone - from local Brighton choirs and national choral singers, to quartet singers seeking extra stage experience, and individual BABS members.
