LABBS Chair visit to Fascinating Rhythm
Fascinating Rhythm members were delighted to receive a visit from Natalie Feddon, Chair of the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers (LABBS), who travelled all the way from Bromley in Kent to attend their rehearsal on Thursday night at the Greenfield Centre.
Fascinating Rhythm’s Musical Director, Jo, invited Natalie to join in with an energetic rehearsal warm-up and a joyful rendition of two popular LABBS ‘polecat’ songs – ‘Lazy Day’ and ‘Anthem’.
Natalie thanked the choir for a warm welcome and complimented Fascinating Rhythm on their video of ‘This Is Me’, which had been shared with other LABBS choruses as part of this year’s Unconventional Convention. Natalie said that the message behind the song, which Fascinating Rhythm had recorded to support the charity Ups and Downs Southwest, was relevant to people in all walks of life and was a strong anthem for singers to celebrate their individuality.
Natalie said,
“It is a privilege to visit LABBS choruses and to join in their singing. It is great that we all know the polecat songs and can share our enjoyment of barbershop harmony. Singing makes me feel so happy, and I am so proud to be LABBS Chair. Hearing the diversity of Fascinating Rhythm’s music and the standard of their singing has been a real joy this evening.”
Natalie then surprised Jo by presenting her with a Long-Service Award in recognition of her 25 years membership of LABBS. Jo is a third-generation barbershopper and the fourth member of her family to be a chorus director. Having taken up singing at a young age, Jo has sung in three choruses and two quartets and has won bronze, silver and gold medals with her quartet Havoc.
Jo said,
“What a milestone! Does it make me feel old? Hell no. Any time spent with LABBS keeps you young at heart, forever learning, and continuously creative. Thank you, LABBS, for all the incredible opportunities and thank you, Natalie, for being part of this momentous occasion. But the biggest thanks to my beautiful chorus Fascinating Rhythm for the last 15 years, where you have pushed and supported me to be the very best version of myself. Believe me when I say that actual directing skills only add up to 5% of a Musical Director’s job. Barbershop is my life, and I love it.”
Fascinating Rhythm helped Jo celebrate her achievement with a few glasses of Prosecco and a cake, baked especially for the occasion by chorus member Julie.
Other Fascinating Rhythm members receiving awards and commemorative pin badges this month are Bekki and Linda, who have both been members of the choir for five years.
Fascinating Rhythm’s Chair, Iris says,
“We spent a wonderful evening with LABBS Chair, Natalie. It’s great that she was able to visit and sing with us and help celebrate our ladies’ commitment to close-harmony barbershop singing.”