- A Weekend of Growth and Harmony for Fascinating Rhythm
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Date Posted: Fri, 5 Jun 2026
Ten members of Fascinating Rhythm were proud to attend LABBS Harmony College 2026, held over the final weekend of April. Joining singers from across the UK, our members immersed themselves in a weekend full of education, inspiration, friendship and outstanding barbershop harmony.
Fascinating Rhythm delegates took part in every stream except Extreme Quartets, embracing the opportunity to learn from some of the very best educators in the barbershop world. Whether attending chorus, quartet, arranging or the directors’ sessions, everyone returned home energised with fresh ideas, new skills and renewed enthusiasm for singing.
The weekend opened with an extraordinary keynote speech from guest educator Blair Brown, who sings with the BinG! World Mixed Quartet Champions, Double Date. Her presentation, From Chords to Compassion, was emotional, challenging, uplifting and unforgettable and it set the tone for the entire weekend.
Speaking with honesty, humour and vulnerability, Blair explored how authentic performance can create deep human connection in an increasingly divided world. She referenced a challenging world living in a vacuum of empathy and within an epidemic of apathy, referencing the current global climate and political tensions, including her own experiences in the USA. She reminded us that music has the power to cut through fear, isolation and negativity. She described that “music is about human impact” and reinforced that barbershop singing has the unique ability to move people emotionally because every singer is actively involved in telling the story through text, harmony and connection.
Rather than focusing purely on technical performance, Blair challenged delegates to think about why they sing and what they want audiences to feel. She spoke passionately about truth-telling through music, encouraging performers to stop “acting” emotions and instead genuinely connect to the story they are telling. One of the most memorable moments came as she described how emotion lives physically within us, in the head, heart, gut or groin, and she urged us as singers to identify where the feeling sits in order to perform more authentically.
Blair also spoke openly about vulnerability, explaining how the emotional sensitivity she once viewed as a weakness ultimately became her greatest strength as a performer. Her message was powerful: audiences are not looking for perfection, they are looking for honesty, humanity and connection.
Perhaps the most moving takeaway was Blair’s belief that barbershop performance can genuinely change lives. In difficult times, singing together creates a safe haven, a place where people feel understood, valued and less alone. She reminded delegates that performers never truly know what someone in the audience may be going through, and that one authentic performance could mean everything to someone silently struggling. She suggested that the goal of performance is not technical perfection alone, but to ask:- How will this make the audience feel?
- Will people leave feeling more human than when they arrived?
This keynote speech left a huge impact on the entire audience including our Fascinating Rhythm members, with one member commenting that “the whole audience was raring to go afterwards.” Many described it as one of the most inspiring and thought-provoking talks they had ever heard at a barbershop event.
A major theme carried throughout the weekend was authenticity in performance. Understanding the emotion, backstory and intention behind a song became central to many coaching sessions. Delegates were encouraged to think carefully about who they were singing to, what had just happened in the story and why the words mattered. By tapping into genuine emotion, singers can move beyond simply performing notes and instead create a meaningful emotional experience for the audience.
Four Fascinating Rhythm members (Brenda, Joan, Julie and Anne-marie) attended the Chorus Stream, where they enjoyed singing alongside women from across the UK who share the same passion for barbershop harmony. The chorus coaching sessions were a particular highlight, especially those led by Blair Brown, whose ability to transform a song within minutes left a lasting impression on participants.
Three members (Lesley, Kate and Carole) attended the Quartet Stream as members of Neptune. Neptune secured one of only six quartet places available, making the experience especially valuable. The coaching sessions were intensive and fast-paced, with experts from each judging category offering targeted feedback and encouragement in rapid succession. It was an experience the quartet jokingly compared to “speed dating”.
The quartet members particularly valued not only the expert tuition and support from the coaches, but also the dedicated time spent working together. They left Harmony College with a much clearer understanding of how to strengthen their overall performance.
Sophie, one of Fascinating Rhythm’s newer members, attended the Arranging Stream led by Alex De Bruin. The course provided a fascinating introduction to barbershop arranging and encouraged participants to expand their musical understanding. Although some concepts initially felt challenging, the supportive atmosphere meant everyone felt comfortable asking questions and learning together.
Inspired by the course, Sophie returned home and immediately arranged a new four-part warm-up for the chorus. This is a wonderful example of how Harmony College sparked creativity and confidence that continued well beyond the weekend itself.
Meanwhile, Fascinating Rhythm’s Musical Director Wendy and Assistant Musical Director Laura attended the Directors Stream, where they greatly valued the opportunity to delve deeper into the art of directing and to exchange ideas and experiences with other directors. Wendy said “the weekend has been fabulous, and it has really reinforced the importance of singing to the audience rather than to the director. I’ve always believed this, it is all about the audience, we sing to them and for them, bringing them into our performance to create an emotional connection.” She is looking forward to bringing the skills and ideas she has gained from the weekend to help the ladies of Fascinating Rhythm feel confident in creating an authentic audience connection through their performances.
Outside of the main streams, the hugely popular “pick and mix” elective sessions offered something for everyone, with topics ranging from vocal skills and performance craft, to music theory and directing. Several Fascinating Rhythm members intentionally attended different sessions so they could bring ideas and learning back to share with the chorus.
Later on Sunday afternoon, the showcase performances provided the perfect ending to the weekend. The choruses and quartets took to the stage to sing their hearts out in front of an enthusiastic audience, before everyone joined together for a powerful massed rendition of Gold (the LABBS Polecat for 2026) which formed the Harmony College anthem, in a packed auditorium.
For Fascinating Rhythm members, Harmony College 2026 was far more than an educational event. It was a chance to connect with the wider barbershop community, challenge themselves creatively, gain fresh inspiration and celebrate the joy of singing together.
As one member beautifully summed up:
“It was something special to be in such a big room of women with a shared passion, all singing together and cheering each other on.”
- A Harmonious Triumph in Bath
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Date Posted: Sun, 19 Apr 2026
Mid-Somerset Music Festival – 14th March 2026
What happens when two fantastic choruses join forces? Pure magic!
Fascinating Rhythm and Black Sheep Harmony teamed up in spectacular style for this year’s Mid-Somerset Music Festival in Bath. With a combined chorus of 50 singers, the stage was set for something truly special. Not since the famous “Peter Pan” novel by J M Barrie, has there been such a successful partnership between a Peter and a Wendy!
After just two joint rehearsals the chorus members gathered at the YMCA in Bath for coffee, camaraderie, and a lively warm-up before heading to the stunning St Swithin’s Church. There, in a beautiful and atmospheric setting, they took to the stage in the Ladies Choir category.
They performed Bohemian Rhapsody (LABBS polecat version) and gave a heartfelt and moving rendition of And So It Goes, arranged by Pete Nugent.
The adjudicator was full of praise, highlighting our gorgeous harmonies, excellent tuning, and overall polished performance. The result was an incredible Outstanding score of 90%!
What made the achievement even more special was that this marked Wendy’s very first time leading the chorus in competition and she did incredibly well.
Wendy Howse, Musical Director of Fascinating Rhythm, summed up the day perfectly:
“It was such a glorious day. Bohemian Rhapsody was incredible, the chorus sang it so joyfully, it felt amazing to direct. And during And So It Goes, you could have heard a pin drop, it was just beautiful. It was also fantastic to have so many new members experiencing their first competition… and they absolutely smashed it!”
A huge congratulations also goes to Jubilate Choir from Pinner, London, who took first place in the female voice choir category.
Article by Briony Elsbury
- Thirty Years of friendship, fun and harmony!
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Date Posted: Mon, 20 Oct 2025
Thirty Years of friendship, fun and harmony!
What a night we had, at our fantastic party on 18th October, celebrating 30 years of fun, friendship and harmony - which is just what Fascinating Rhythm is all about! Thanks must go to our organising team who did an absolutely sterling job - a great venue, delicious food, a fun Photo Booth and an excellent band, with lots of dancing!
It was particularly special to have three of our former directors there to celebrate, along with friends who have since left the chorus - a proper reunion! It also gave us the chance to recognise and thank two of our former directors, Wendy Elliot and Pete Nugent with a gift.
Celebrating our FR Legends Jo Thorn and Ali Jack
The event was also a more formal opportunity to say goodbye to and thank you to Jo Thorn for all the hard work and dedication she gave to Fascinating Rhythm as a singer and as our wonderful Director for 16 years. She received a wonderful speech from our current MD (Wendy Howse) and was presented with a special gift from the chorus.
Barbershop was always in Jo’s blood — from singing at just 12 years old in her grandmother’s chorus, competing with Bristol Fashion, forming Havoc quartet and winning gold in 2007, to leading Fascinating Rhythm and helping us achieve real progress. Her love for harmony, teamwork and performance has inspired so many over the years.
As our Musical Director, Jo worked so hard with us, guiding us to reach significant achievements. Every year we could see improvements and we were in the top 5 of the LABBS chorus finals for a number of years. With her trademark mix of humour, hard work, and heart, she brought out the very best in us — musically and personally.
From retreats and conventions to the challenges of lockdown, Jo kept us connected and believing in ourselves. Her leadership, patience and friendship have left an indelible mark on our chorus.
Wendy thanked Jo, for everything she has given — her passion, her energy and her love: she will without doubt, always be part of the very fabric of Fascinating Rhythm – a living legend!
Lesley Beswick made the final presentation of the evening. In recognition of our wonderful chorus manager and tenor, Ali Jack, who was one of the founding members of Fascinating Rhythm and forms the beating heart of our chorus. From the very beginning, her consistency, kindness, and quiet strength have been the foundation of everything we’ve achieved. She also helps us stay in tune by reliably blowing the pitch pipe for us before each song.
Though she’ll tell you she’s shy, Ali has always stepped up — supporting every Musical Director, guiding new singers, and sharing her warmth, humour, and calm professionalism. From her early quartet days with De-ja Vu to winning gold with Havoc, Ali has inspired us all with her dedication and love of barbershop.
Behind the scenes, she works tirelessly to keep the chorus running smoothly, organising our attendance at conventions and helping singers across the barbershop community. Her selflessness, encouragement, and musical knowledge have touched countless lives.
Les thanked Ali for her passion, her energy, and her unwavering devotion. Simply put, she is the bedrock of FR and we are so lucky to have her!
After a delicious meal, we danced the night away with music from Ride the Edge. There was much hilarity as many of us took advantage of the Photo Booth, dressing up and posing with props, we had fun, danced and sang along.
We couldn’t end the night without a song or two and Happy Together and Thank you for the Music struck the perfect note to end a fantastic evening!
Here’s to the next 30 years!
- Yate Rocks 2025: Singing Through Sunshine and Showers (Fascinating Rhythm, Junior FR)
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Date Posted: Sun, 22 Jun 2025
With all the wonderful hot weather we have been enjoying recently, we were rather dismayed when the heavens opened at lunchtime on Sunday 22nd June, just ahead of our young choir, Junior FR performance at the annual Yate Rocks extravaganza. Back for its 19th year, this fun-filled two-day event, organised by Yate Town Council, in South Gloucestershire, was as lively as ever and it’s certainly something we look forward to being part of every year.
Junior FR sheltered among the trees for their warm-up and although a little soggy by the time they took to the stage, the heavy showers passed and the sun was once again trying its best to shine. Junior FR gave wonderful performances of Avicii’s “Wake Me Up”, “Wellerman”, the popular sea?shanty, “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman, Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”, and “Skin” by Rag’n’Bone Man.
They had spent time at their recent rehearsal thinking and talking about what they love about Junior FR and enjoying performing was one of the many reasons given. And we could definitely see it, with a great show which included some beautiful solos from some of the girls. This is all testimony to the hard work they put in and to the inspirational support from Wendy Howse, the Junior FR and Fascinating Rhythm Musical Director, as well as the various helpers who support the rehearsals each week.
Wendy said:
“It was an absolute honour and privilege to be the MD of both JuniorFR and Fascinating Rhythm this year, starting with my wonderful Junior FR who got soaked while we were warming up! But this didn’t deter them, as all they wanted was to enjoy performing?—?which they did, just brilliantly!”
Raysfield School choir and Woodlands Primary School choir were also fantastic, and we loved hearing all 3 choirs join together as a finale for the junior section singing “A Million Years”? —?such a lovely song, from The Greatest Showman.
The programme continued and we enjoyed Bromley Heath Community Choir and Black Sheep Harmony and then it was our turn to take the stage and thankfully by this time, the weather was more settled, our audience were being thoroughly entertained, and burgers and ice cream were flowing!
We started our performance in a collaboration with our friends from Black Sheep Harmony, singing “Happy Together” which we loved. Their MD, Pete Nugent, directed us and his face was a picture?—?he just didn’t stop grinning from ear?to?ear!
Then it was our turn, and we wanted to take the audience on journey that showed both our skill as an A Cappella close harmony group, but also the joy of singing together. We started off with one of our newer songs, The Beatles’ “Get by with a Little Help from My Friends” which was well?received. Then we continued, singing a range of songs from our repertoire, including “Hallelujah”, “Feelin’ Good” and our newest song, Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know”. We ended our set with one of our fun favourites “We Go Together” from Grease!
We must recognise that Yate Town Council do a great job every year with this wonderful two?day outdoor event: we always look forward to singing and this year was no exception, with the added bonus of at least four of our newbies able to join us on stage on this occasion. It was a wonderful experience for them, singing outside to a large audience, from the side of a large truck.
Our MD Wendy said:
“After the event I was thrilled to share some wonderful feedback about the quality of our performance and sound, with some audience members moved to tears during our performance of ‘Hallelujah’! We must recognise and thank the sound engineers who did a marvellous job, projecting our voices with their fantastic sound system, which worked brilliantly outdoors, so despite us being A Cappella, it sounded amazing! It was such a glorious, enjoyable day of singing.”
We were then entertained by the huge Rock Choir who sounded fantastic and most impressive of all, as a grand finale, all four choirs sang a wonderful rendition of the popular Keane song, “Somewhere Only We Know”, giving us a chance to sing it again!
What a marvellous afternoon of song?—?and we can’t wait to celebrate 20 years of Yate Rocks in 2026 with what I’m sure will be an extra?special event!
- Fun at the Great Western chorus of Bristol's Open Mic night
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Date Posted: Thu, 12 Jun 2025
By Julie Macnamara
Fascinating Rhythm and Black Sheep Harmony had the joy of joining a musical evening hosted by The Great Western Chorus on Saturday 7th June at the North Bristol Rugby Club. Thanks go the the GWC Chair Mark Tedds and Steve Mowatt and their team for organising and MC-ing a delightful evening of harmony!
As the silver medallists at this year’s BABS national competition in May, GWC were proud to show off their silverware and entertain us with their winning songs ?’The Lady Must Be Mad’ & ?’You Make Me Smile’. They also sang ?Let's Live It Up, ?Summer Of 69 & ?Show Me Where The Good Times Are.
We enjoyed an evening of non-stop quality entertainment: Black Sheep Harmony followed GWC, and then it was our turn to take the stage. We were all excited as our new MD Wendy Howse was making her debut - and she smashed it as she led us through the Beatles' "Get by with a little help from my friends", and Queen's "Don't stop me now", which included a special appearance from an FR scratch quartet singing key parts of the song.
Wendy Said...
"It was a fantastic evening, and I feel so proud and privileged to stand in front of Fascinating Rhythm who sang just brilliantly!"
Our smaller group Rhythm Mix then entertained us with their current favourite "Spring Song" followed by the delightful "Somewhere out there" from the animated classic "An American Tale".
It was great to join Black Sheep Harmony singing "Happy Together" and we are looking forward to singing with them again later in the month, at "Yate Rocks in the Park" - a family fun festival event in Kingsgate Park, Yate, South Gloucestershire.
We also enjoyed listening to GWC's Quartet, In the Wings, as well as Black Sheep's quartet, Fine Apples - with engaging performances from both.
We rounded the evening off with a Grande Finale with everyone joining to sing a heartfelt rendition of the 'polecat' song, "Anthem", from the musical Chess, which the majority of us knew. Our MD Wendy was delighted to be invited to direct.
She said: "I so enjoyed the evening - so it was the icing on the cake to be given the chance to direct 'Anthem' to the whole room."
It was such a fun, happy and enjoyable event - so GWC - we thank you! We really hope we can collaborate with you to create another special evening like this again very soon!
