🎶 Albacappella – Frequently Asked Questions


Thinking of joining or just curious about what we do? Here are answers to the questions we’re asked most often!

🏛️ Accessibility & Venue

Q: Are Albacappella’s rehearsals accessible?
✅ Yes. Our rehearsal venue is fully accessible, and chairs are available for sitting during rehearsals and performances.

Q: You rehearse in a church – are you a religious group?
🙅‍♀️ No. Albacappella is a secular group, open to all.

🎤 Performances & Singing Style

Q: Do you perform in public?
🎶 Absolutely! We sing at:

  • Community concerts (“singouts”)

  • Music festivals

  • Local events

  • Competitions across the city and shire

Q: What is barbershop singing?
🎼 Barbershop is a style of four-part harmony singing. Popular songs (like Bohemian Rhapsody) are specially arranged to create rich, harmonic textures.

Q: Do I have to sing a solo?
🎙️ Nope! Barbershop is all about blending in harmony – no solo singing required.

👗 Costume & Presentation

Q: Do you have to dress up and wear makeup?
👚 For performances and competitions, we wear a group-agreed costume.
💄 Light makeup is recommended for stage presence but not mandatory.

🎶 Joining & Learning

Q: Is there an audition process?
✅ Yes – but this is not a scary process! The Musical Director will hear you sing privately a few simple lines just to decide which vocal section to put you in.

To join Albacappella you just have demonstrate you can learn the music to one song correctly but you will have a few weeks to do this! 

Q: What support is provided to learn the music?
📚 Lots! Members receive:

  • Audio teach tracks

  • Sheet music

  • Section practices

  • Feedback from section leaders (based on rehearsal recordings)

Q: How do you maintain high musical quality?
🎵 Every member records new songs for checking.
Our Musical Director coaches the full chorus to help us sound our best!

📅 Commitment & Expectations

Q: What’s the time commitment like?
🕒 We're pretty relaxed – we understand life gets busy.
However, for performances, we do ask for regular attendance at key rehearsals.

Q: Anything outside rehearsals?
🎧 Yes – members are expected to:

  • Learn words and notes at home

  • Use the teach tracks
    🌟 We also run fun optional social and educational events!

💰 Membership & Costs

Q: How much does it cost?

  • £30/month (as of Octoberl 2025)

  • One-off £57 registration fee for LABBS
    💃 Additional costs may apply for:

    • Performance costume

    • Travel/accommodation for LABBS convention (held every 2 years)

💌 Still Have Questions?

Feel free to contact us or pop along to a rehearsal to meet the group!

🎵 Join Us Today!

Discover your voice, meet new friends, and be part of something joyful.