Height of Harmony Barbershop Chorus
Height of Harmony chorus first began as the “Rhythm & Green” chorus, which was formed in 1991 with 10 members, the name coming from the South Canterbury colours of green and black.The first musical director was John McMillan and later Wally Reynolds when John shifted to Australia. Allan Dellow took over as M.D. in 2001 and was succeeded by Rosie Staite in 2004. Ros Taylor joined us in September 2006, leaving in 2023. Our present Musical Director is Dean Roberts.
From the original chorus, a quartet called “The Southerners” was formed and gained third placing at national competitions in 1995. This was later replaced by “The Southernaires.”
The chorus changed its name following a change of dress and also precipitated by the Timaru convention in 2002 and the closeness to the Southern Alps.
The chorus has had a number of quartets, “Drawcard”, “The Four Dads”, “Summer Wine”, “Midas Touch”, ”The Four Quavers”, “Overtones” and "Silvertones".
Height of Harmony has taken part in many singing events, including competing at conventions, Concerts at the Theatre Royal, and a highlight appearance on “Praise Be” television programme, which was filmed at the Sacred Heart Church, Timaru in 2005.
What is Barbershop Singing?
Barbershop harmony is a style of unaccompanied singing with three voices harmonising to the melody. The Lead usually sings the melody, with the tenor harmonising above the lead.
The Bass sings the lowest harmonising notes and the Baritone provides in-between notes, either above or below the Lead to make chords. Specifically, dominant-type or "Barbershop" sevenths) that give barbershop its distinctive, "full" sound.
