Sing Happy in Harmony
Join us for five fun-filled weeks of making magical harmonies with the fabulous ladies of Fascinating Rhythm.
Dates: Thursdays: January 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, and February 6th
Venue: The Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne BS36 1NJ
Arrival: 7:15 PM for a warm, friendly welcome!
This is a FREE event.
What’s in store?
Over these five weeks, we’ll embark on an exciting musical adventure, learning a song in four-part harmony. We’ll dive into a different section each week, building up to an unforgettable final performance in our last session.
Every session kicks off with a fun warm-up designed to get you energised and smiling. You’ll also receive helpful tips on posture and vocal techniques to improve your singing—perfect for beginners and experienced singers alike.
With the guidance of Jo and our section leaders, you’ll find the perfect harmony part for your voice, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable. We’ll also provide teaching tracks so you can practise at home.
Dress comfortably, wear your favourite comfortable pair of shoes, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the evening.
We can’t wait to meet you and share this incredible musical experience. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or feel a bit nervous. We’re here to help, and the welcoming ladies of *Fascinating Rhythm* will make sure you feel right at home.
Mark your calendar and prepare for a harmonious start to 2025!
BOOKING REQUIRED
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Christmas Show 2024
We’re so excited to invite you to our festive showcase.
Join us for an evening filled with incredible performances, laughter, and that warm Christmas spirit we all cherish.
We’re thrilled also to feature the fabulous Junior FR, who will undoubtedly light up the stage with their energy alongside the talented local chorus, Go Vocal. Together, we will sing some chorus favourites and some Christmas numbers to get your heart singing and put you in the Christmas mood.
While you enjoy the music, you can also participate in our fun raffle! All proceeds will go to support Off The Record, a fantastic charity dedicated to helping young people in our community. It’s a great way to give back while having a great evening.
Plus, your attendance helps raise essential funds for Fascinating Rhythm, ensuring we can keep bringing you these joyful performances in the future.
Venue: St Michaels Centre, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8PD
Doors open at 7 PM, and the show starts promptly at 7:30 PM, so come early and settle in for a memorable night.
Bring your friends and family for an evening of music, joy, and festive cheer. We can’t wait to celebrate with you—see you there.
To secure your tickets, please complete the form below.
Bournemouth Bound
Bournemouth Bound: Fascinating Rhythm Brings Barbershop Brilliance
Over the weekend of October 26th and 27th, 2024, the ladies of Fascinating Rhythm delivered a heartfelt and vibrant performance at the LABBS Convention. The chorus captivated the audience and judges with a moving rendition of All the Things You Are and a lively, updated version of Anything Goes, featuring fresh, modern lyrics to reflect their experiences post the Covid pandemic. The energy and enthusiasm on stage made for a memorable performance.
The competition standard was incredibly high, and the chorus placed in a respectable 12th position. Many of Fascinating Rhytm’s members said it was their most enjoyable convention. Blessed with glorious weather, some members even took the opportunity to dip their toes in the sea, adding a touch of seaside fun to the trip.
Jo Thorn, Fascinating Rhythm’s musical director, shared her pride in the chorus, saying:
“I was very proud of our performance at the convention. The chorus gave a heartfelt and authentic performance, and standing in front of them was a joy. Over the past year, the members have worked hard to develop their vocal techniques, enhance their sound quality, and bring genuine authenticity to their performances.”
The weekend was a combination of hard work, camaraderie, and the joy of singing together—an experience the chorus will remember as they continue to grow, evolve and inspire each other.
Fascinating Rhythm is excited to be performing with GoVocal and Junior FR at their Show Ho Ho! Book your tickets here.
Off with Her Head
Off with Her Head
Junior FR have been involved in a project quite different from their usual activities.
It all began last February when a former Junior FR helper discovered a collection of Cinderella costumes in her loft and returned them to the group.
This sparked a flood of wonderful memories from 11 years ago when some of our oldest daughters, now 20, and some of our youngest, took to the stage for the first time to perform a musical version of Roald Dahl’s Cinderella – a dark and humorous retelling of the classic fairy tale.
Remembering how much fun it was the first time around, we wanted to offer this opportunity again to our current group. Only Lily and Elizabeth, who played the rats back then, were part of the original show.
The journey to reach performance day was a long one with its share of challenges, but,
“I can honestly say that my heart is bursting with pride for these incredible girls,”
said Wendy Howse, MD of Junior FR.
Seven songs were learnt in 2-part harmony, some in 3, so the girls could show off their vocal skills, and all the main characters performed solos.
“They all stepped outside their comfort zones—where we know the real magic happens. They’ve pushed their boundaries and tested their performance skills, resulting in soaring confidence and unforgettable memories.”
All the volunteers who give their time each week at Junior FR have an important role to play, from supporting the singing to organising costumes and props, writing harmonies, handling the PR for the show, and supporting in the wings.
“This has been a tremendous team effort. The adult team behind it all have been truly remarkable, and I’d like to thank each and every one of them for their contribution.”
Special recognition goes to Anna Marshall. As a mother of twins, Anna joined JFR just over two years ago to lend a hand when we were short on adult helpers.
She has truly excelled as director of this production. Her knowledge, organisation, and 1-2-1 work with the girls have been remarkable. Her contributions have been invaluable, from managing logistics and enlisting her husband for tech support to securing a grant from Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club and coordinating with Hawkesbury Upton village hall. Anna is a true superstar, and while we’re a team, we couldn’t have done this without her leadership.
Anna said,
“It has been very special to share singing at Junior FR with my girls and all the friends we’ve made there over the last couple of years – it’s been an extra delight this year to bring some of our family’s theatrical experience to the table and to contribute to such a valuable and unusual performance opportunity for all the girls. I’m so proud to have watched them all push their boundaries, embrace the experience, try new things, gain confidence and give brilliant performances under stage conditions that really showed off their talents and their hard work. I’m honoured to be part of such a strong team and also grateful as a parent for how much Wendy and her helpers put into providing opportunities for our girls. We’re all fortunate to have Junior FR.”
With the mention of the Chipping Sodbury Rotary club, thank you on behalf of everyone at Junior FR for contributing to the cost of putting this play on. We are truly grateful.
We’ve had some tremendous feedback:
“What a great production, and thank you for allowing us to watch it, and my son and his best friend twice! We had no idea what to expect, so it was an absolute pleasure to sit back and be entertained for once (I used to be a theatre producer before C19…)”.
Ed from Poppy & Boo
“Just to say, I thought the performance by the girls was excellent; we very much enjoyed it. Just as important, it was clear that the girls enjoyed performing, which was great to see. It was Cinderella, but not as we know it! The prince beheading the ugly sisters was a surprise! At least Cinderella lived happily ever after and would not go short on jam.“
Richard from Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club
“Thank you for giving the girls such precious memories. They are still buzzing.”
Proud Parent.
Here are a few quotes from the Hawkesbury Upton residents who attended:
“That was so brilliant! What talent! Thanks for bringing it to HU xx.”
“Singing was so good. So talented. Loved how much they were enjoying it.”
“So much fun. Thanks for sharing it with us and inviting the village.”
“Wasn’t expecting so much top-quality singing. What a talented bunch.”
Now it’s time for a short break over half term, and then we’ll be back ready to work hard on getting ready for Christmas – Junior FR will be performing at Fascinating Rhythm’s Christmas show on the 14th of December at St Michael’s Centre on Stoke Gifford.
If you weren’t lucky enough to see Cinderella this time, this will be your chance to see a few highlights.
Get your tickets now for the Show Ho Ho’ at
Junior FR will also be at the Big Sing on Tuesday, December 3rd, at Frampton Cotterell’s Zion Church from 6.45 pm to 9 p.m.
Gearing up for LABBS
Fascinating Rhythm Gears Up to Take the Stage at LABBS Bournemouth
The excitement is building as Fascinating Rhythm, the all-female chorus group, gears up for the LABBS (Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers) Convention, which will take place in Bournemouth at the end of October. The chorus has been honing its skills through a series of coaching sessions, engaging the community, and preparing to deliver an unforgettable performance.
In the lead-up to the convention, the chorus invited friends and community members to experience a rehearsal firsthand. Guests participated in rhythm challenges, tackled complex vocal warm-ups, and joined the singers in various singing rounds. After a productive session, participants were treated to a few of the chorus’ favourite songs, showcasing the talent and camaraderie within the group. Later, they observed the chorus being coached by Jo Thorn, the group’s Musical Director, providing an insider look at preparing for a major event.
The following weekend, Fascinating Rhythm received additional coaching from renowned barbershop coach Rob Mance. Rob is known for his ability to enhance vocal quality and authentic performance. He led the chorus through intensive exercises aimed at refining their sound and overall performance. The weekend culminated in a dress rehearsal attended by an audience of over 80 supporters, who witnessed the polished result of the chorus’ hard work.
Reflecting on the weekend, Jo Thorn expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming convention. “What a marvellous weekend of coaching we have just had. The chorus performed so well, and we are truly ready and excited to perform at the convention. Rob was able to help the chorus and me achieve an authentic performance, with each and every member producing a rich sound. It was amazing to feel as one together. We are bringing our best to Bournemouth 2024 and can’t wait.”
For those interested in experiencing the joy of singing, Fascinating Rhythm is hosting a “Sing Happy in Harmony” event starting on Thursday, January 9th. The event will take place over five consecutive weeks, from 7:15 p.m. to 9:00 pm, and is open to anyone interested in singing alongside the chorus. The program is free and offers a chance to learn about vocal techniques, explore different harmonies, and, most importantly, have fun. Visit their website for more information and to book.
As they head into the LABBS Convention, Fascinating Rhythm’s dedication and community spirit promise a memorable performance. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just looking to try something new, this vibrant group welcomes you to join their journey.
A Lunchbreak with a difference
A Lunchbreak with a difference for Fascinating Rhythm’s Charity of the Year, Off The Record, and more fundraising.
Fascinating Rhythm recently joined forces to run a singing workshop to support staff from their charity of the year Off The Record. A few of the chorus members from each section volunteered to travel down to Bristol to the OTR office and drop-in hub in Old Market, Bristol and received a warm welcome from staff, who were looking forward to a lunch break with a difference. All of the team were new to a cappella singing, though one lady sings in a Reggae Choir, which sounds like great fun. Fascinating Rhythm did a few warm-ups to get started, and then OTR joined in and, before long, were feeling “Good Vibrations” throughout the building!
The staff really enjoyed the session, and we discovered they also offer music therapy to teens and young adults who need it. MD Jo Thorn said, “We were thrilled to support OTR in this fun way—and it was brilliant how quickly they picked up the tunes and were soon singing along. With laughter and smiles all around, it was great to feel we were able to bring some fun and sunshine to their day!”
The OTR staff who attended shared a great video compilation of the event and said,
Thank you to the ladies from Fascinating Rhythm Chorus for bringing us together for a workshop of fun, laughter and singing!
We were invited to have a tour of their brightly decorated facilities which offer a safe space for children in Bristol and South Gloucestershire with mental health issues. They offer a range of support from simply somewhere to “be” to resilience workshops, a book club, 1-2-1 therapies from their mental health support team and much more.
We then enjoyed a cuppa and yummy cakes and the chance to talk more with the OTR Team about the support they give. It was heartwarming to see how dedicated and enthusiastic they are about the important roles they play in what must, at times, be a challenging job. We hope we may be able to help them further in the future, as we all know that singing is good for our well-being, our mental health, and our soul!
A delicious Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Anne-marie Collier, joint Chair of Fascinating Rhythm, joined forces with The Jolly Melodies Music Company, (the other hat she wears), to organise a Teddy Bears’ Picnic and raise some more money for OTR. Fascinating Rhythm ladies provided the cakes and treats, and a few chorus members were there to help on the two coffee mornings, which were run at the end of term. There was lots of fun and laughter and yummy cakes for the children, parents and carers who came with their teddies for a beautiful picnic. A whopping £265 was donated over the two days.
A delighted Anne-marie said,
I’m so pleased – what a truly generous amount for us to pass on to OTR.
She added,
I always worry we might not have enough cakes for these end-of-year parties, which we run every year… and every year, I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of my friends from Fascinating Rhythm, who bake such yummy cakes! I’m delighted we raised such a great amount for the Fascinating Rhythm Charity of the Year.
Written by Julie Macnamara
Keynsham Bandstand Performance
Fascinating Rhythm Keynsham Bandstand Performance
Fascinating Rhythm treated an audience on Saturday, 13 July 2024, with a performance at the wonderful Keynsham bandstand. This event was part of the Keynsham Town Council’s Bandstand in the Park Programme.
The chorus, raising funds for their charity of the year, “Off the Record,” performed a diverse setlist, including hits like “City of Stars” from “La La Land” and David Guetta’s “Titanium.” Sam and Jess did an excellent job with the collection tins.
For Isabel Carvalho, who sings lead with Fascinating Rhythm, this was her debut performance with the group. She shared, “Although I was a bit nervous performing for my first audience, I felt at ease with the chorus and thoroughly enjoyed it. I joined Fascinating Rhythm earlier this year, and I’m so glad I did. The women are incredibly supportive and talented—it’s truly a joy. I encourage anyone considering joining a chorus to come to a rehearsal and experience it firsthand.”
Jo Thorn, the musical director of Fascinating Rhythm, said, “We loved performing for such a responsive audience on a wonderfully sunny day. The bandstand is a fantastic venue, and the Keynsham community is fortunate to have such a vibrant music programme. I especially want to thank our leads, who, despite being few due to illness, delivered strong performances.”
Fascinating Rhythm are always ready to welcome new members. If there are any ladies out there looking to join a chorus, do come along to one of our rehearsals on a Thursday night, and you can get a feel for what we do. We meet at the Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne; contact us for more information.
Delighted Crowds at Yate Rocks Festival
Fascinating Rhythm and Junior FR Choruses: Delighted Crowds at Yate Rocks Festival
On Sunday, July 23rd, Fascinating Rhythm had the pleasure of performing a set of seven songs at the Yate Rocks event, held in Kingsgate Park and hosted by Yate Town Council. This Sunday event, known as the Great Choir Showcase, featured a variety of wonderful choruses.
The talented Junior FR took to the stage, performing popular hits such as “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music and “Pure Imagination” from the 1981 movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Their performance culminated in a splendid rendition of “Make Your Own Kind of Music” with Raysfield School.
Fascinating Rhythm delighted the audience with their new song, “Don’t Stop Me Now,” and concluded their set with the beloved classic “Happy Together.”
The event reached its grand finale with the senior choirs joining forces to sing “Green Green Grass” by George Ezra.
Fascinating Rhythm looks forward to their next performance on July 13th, 2024, at 11 am at Keynsham Bandstand. Stay tuned for a very special performance by Junior FR on October 19th, 2024.
To find out more about Fascinating Rhythm and Junior FR or to hire us to sing at your event, please contact us via our website or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
Off the Record Cake Sales
Off the Record Cake Sales for Off the Record Fundraiser
RhythmMix put their baking skills to great use this weekend for their first big fundraiser to support Fascinating Rhythm’s Charity of the Year, Off the Record. OTR (as it’s known) is a brilliant Bristol-based charity covering Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset. It is run by and for young people aged 11 – 25 and provides support for good mental health.
Wotton-under-Edge, a delightful town on the edge of the South Cotswolds, allows local charities to run Town Hall Teas on Sundays – and it’s the perfect place to host a fundraiser as it’s a regular favourite with locals as well as visitors, walkers and cyclists who happen to be passing on the day.
Guests were treated to an amazing range of mouth-watering cakes, from luscious fruit cake to tasty carrot cake and yummy flapjacks, to delicious lemon drizzle, squidgy chocolate brownies, and an amazing pear frangipane—shame I missed that one, but you can’t try them all now, can you?
RhythmMix were delighted to serenade visitors as they enjoyed their cakes throughout the afternoon. They played Fascinating Rhythm favourites like “Feelin’ Good,” “Can’t Take my eyes off of you,” and “We go together,” as well as a few of their own songs, “Somewhere Out there,” “Sweet Dreams,” and one that is becoming a firm favourite: an ancient song, originally written in the fifteenth century, a delightful melody called “Spring Song.”
With recent recruits to the Lead and Baritone sections, RhythmMix sounded top-notch and had many compliments throughout the afternoon. One chap, as he was leaving, asked, “Where have you been hiding?” and added, “That was amazing!” Another lady said, “I could stay and listen to you all day!” and chorus members reflected “You sounded the best yet!” So, as you can guess RhythmMix were feeling super-proud, thrilled to have their new recruits to enrich their sound and very happy to have supported the event.
It’s always lovely to see old friends from the chorus, and it was great that they could come along to support the event and OTR– as you can imagine, there was lots of catching up to do!
As well as thanking RhythmMix members, the main planners and organisers, we must thank all the wonderful bakers and give special recognition to Imogen, who is a brilliant helper (and whose Mum, Caroline, is in Fascinating Rhythm and RhythmMix), for running the tombola. It was also great that additional chorus members Sharon, Kate, Briony, and Trina gave up their Sunday afternoon to help – so grateful thanks go to them too! They also joined in one final song – “Titanium,” which the audience loved.
Sharon, Fascinating Rhythm’s Social Media Queen took lots of lovely photos and videos, so check them out on Facebook or Instagram.
Thanks to the generosity of the chorus, a fabulous range of cakes were on offer—so many that Fascinating Rhythm will be hosting a mini-cake sale at their next rehearsal and hope to increase the current total raised from a fantastic £490 to over the £500 mark.
We hope to be back at Wotton Teas next year and with all those scrummy cakes on offer, maybe next time I’ll volunteer to be the Fascinating Rhythm Official Taster!
Written by Julie Macnamara – Fascinating Rhythm and RhythmMix member
OFF THE RECORD (OTR)
Introducing our Charity of the Year 2024 – OFF THE RECORD (OTR)
All young people deserve to receive timely mental health support that is relevant to their needs, gives them meaningful choices, and equips them with tools and skills that will last a lifetime. This has never been more relevant than in our communities today and is at the heart of what Off the Record aims to provide for young people aged 11-25 in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.
They offer a variety of projects to promote good mental health and well-being and empower young people to support themselves and their communities. However, they’re not just a charity providing mental health services – they’re a social movement mobilising to support, promote and defend young people’s mental health, rights and social position. OTR is free, confidential and self-referral – they give young people a choice and a voice.
We are delighted to support OTR this year and hope to hold several events throughout the year that will not only raise funds for this wonderful cause but also hope to use our skills and knowledge to add value to this organisation. Research reveals that group singing not only helps forge social bonds but also does so remarkably quickly, acting as an excellent icebreaker and helping those feeling isolated or anxious. Community singing has also been shown to be effective for bonding large groups, making it an ideal behaviour to improve our broader social networks. This is particularly valuable in today’s often alienating world, where many young people’s social interactions are conducted remotely via Facebook and Twitter.
People feel more positive and uplifted after actively singing, and the improvement in mood comes, in part, from the release of positive neurochemicals such as β-endorphin, dopamine, and serotonin.
For all these reasons, we hope to offer singing opportunities (workshops, performance opportunities, fun sessions) for staff and young people connected to OTR during the year. We hope this partnership allows us to share the benefits of group singing and teach skills that will be long-lasting and beneficial to all involved.
Fascinating Rhythms Charity of the Year
If you would like to make a donation, please head to our Just Giving page.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/fascinating-rhythm-support-otr