Sing Happy in Harmony Workshop

By Kitty Davies

The return after Christmas this year began with an exciting venture for Fascinating Rhythm that we haven’t taken on since 2008.  Instead of our annual one-day singing workshop, we ran a five-week evening course on our usual Thursday rehearsal night.  We hoped this would give delegates more time to learn the music collaboratively with our members and get to know us (and each other) over the weeks. We also hoped they would gain an appreciation of our style of music and craft and experience the friendly and supportive atmosphere.

Thanks to Labbs‘ generous support, the course was free, and we were delighted to have 30 delegates arrive on January 9th. Thanks to Anne-marie Collier and the PR team for all their work preparing and advertising the course.

The song chosen for the event was “A Little Help from My Friends” by The Beatles, whose theme we felt fit not only with the ethos of our chorus but also the aims and title of the workshop! Our incredible section leaders very ably led us and, of course, our excellent MD, Jo Thorn, who threw herself into her last few weeks with us with enthusiasm and inspired our new singers, sharing the joy of harmony singing.

On Feb 6th, the chorus and delegates performed to a receptive audience of friends, family, and previous FR members. The delegates absolutely WOWED everyone by fully committing themselves to the performance both vocally and visually. The extra time gained over a one-day event allowed us to include more craft, more awareness of blend, and an analysis of lyrics and a performance plan. Again, huge thanks to all those in FR who helped make the course run smoothly, from admin to refreshments, from music folders to WhatsApp!

We have been overwhelmed by our delegates’ enthusiasm and are absolutely delighted that at least ten have returned to us with a view to joining the chorus going forward. We can’t wait to share the next part of FR’s journey with them as they become part of our very special family.

Christmas Show – Ho Ho! – An evening of sparkle with special guests Go Vocal and Junior FR

by Julia Macnamara

The excitement had been building for weeks as Fascinating Rhythm, the ladies’ a cappella singing group, prepared for their Christmas show.

Teamwork was key as the 40-strong chorus worked seamlessly to bring the show together, which included performances from their friends in the Gloucestershire-based group Go Vocal and the wonderful Junior Fascinating Rhythm (JFR).

So much work had gone on behind the scenes to bring this kind of show together, from planning the set to managing the PR—designing posters and organising distribution, along with plenty of social media activity to raise awareness.

Joint-Chair Anne-marie Collier had great fun creating mini videos for a “12 Days of Christmas” countdown, which were faithfully shared on social media every day leading up to the big day. Anne-marie said,

“We had a fun evening dressing up and taking photos and videos for our social media campaign. It was a pleasure putting the videos together. We received so much great feedback from people who saw them—and I hope my work, along with all the other PR efforts, paid off because, on the night, we had a full house!”

Meanwhile, Kitty Davies created amazing visuals to accompany the performances. These visuals, projected throughout the evening to introduce acts and songs, encapsulated the essence of the songs and acts beautifully. The addition of a glitter ball brought even more sparkle and Christmas cheer to the event!

Thanks to Carole Waters and her team, the stage looked magnificent, decked out with lights, Christmas crackers, wonderful presents, and even a snowy fringe along the edge.

A Grand Draw and refreshments were a must, and a dedicated team worked hard to ensure snacks and drinks were available during the interval.  The Grand Draw prizes were stunning and beautifully arranged by Ali Jack, with donations from the chorus and local businesses. Proceeds from the draw amounted to nearly £700—a fantastic sum that will be donated to Off the Record, a Bristol and South Gloucestershire-based charity supporting children and young people with mental health difficulties.

Joint-Chair Jane Sawyer said,

“Well done, everyone—this was a great night with so much to be proud of. The staging looked fabulous, and so many people congratulated FR on their singing—I was even asked when the next concert would be!”

Anne-marie added,

“We are very grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make the evening run smoothly and to our audience who contributed so generously towards our fundraising for OTR.”

The first half of the show allowed Fascinating Rhythm to showcase some of their favourite songs, including the lively opener “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen, “City of Stars” from La La Land, and “Sway” by Dean Martin.

Go Vocal joined us on stage for a joint performance of “One Day Like This” by Elbow. It was no mean feat fitting nearly 100 people on stage, but the audience loved it and even joined in singing at the end—it felt almost like Glastonbury!  They then went on to sing a selection of popular songs, which delighted the audience.

Next, Junior Fascinating Rhythm (JFR) performed a shortened version of Roald Dahl’s Cinderella.  A full performance of this wickedly funny musical had been performed by the group in October.  It was directed by FR’s Deputy MD Wendy Howse, with producer support from Anna and Derek Marshall (a JFR parent).  The group delivered a magnificent performance. There’s so much talent in the group; they held the audience in the palm of their hands and left the stage to rapturous applause and a standing ovation.

Wendy said,

“What a concert—I will never forget that standing ovation. The girls were amazing; they just owned it and fed off the audience, who were laughing all the way through.”

She added,

“Anna, you are truly a legend—writing an abridged version, shortening the songs, and providing the backing track with Derek’s support for JFR and Go Vocal. We are so lucky to have you—thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

In the second half, Go Vocal opened with a moving tribute to one of their members, who had sadly passed away very recently. They performed three more songs, including Elton John and Ed Sheeran’s “Merry Christmas,” with JFR joining them for the chorus.  The audience were now well and truly warmed up due to the energy of Go Vocal’s performance and superb direction from Linda Corcoran (MD). There was plenty of audience participation, and they provided a truly sparkling performance to open the second half.

JFR then performed three beautiful Christmas songs, again captivating the audience with their harmonies.

As the evening drew to a close, Fascinating Rhythm returned to the stage for their Christmas set. They performed nostalgic carols and festive songs, including a fun rendition of “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” arranged by Jeff Funk, which involved hilariously bobbing on the word “plum.”

The chorus debuted two new carols: “Silent Night,” beautifully arranged by Pete Nugent (Nooj), and “The Holly and the Ivy,” a lively arrangement by Kirby Shaw, which had the audience tapping their feet merrily.

The evening ended with “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” sending the audience home full of warmth and Christmas cheer.

One audience member commented the next day,

“You can always tell a good concert when the evening just flies by—thank you to you and all your lovely ladies. It was brilliant!”

MD Jo Thorn summed it up perfectly, saying,

“A wonderful evening with wonderful people—well done, everyone!”

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

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: 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.

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 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

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.

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.