Yahoo Lifestyle The barber-shop choir that can make anyone a singer
A women's barber-shop choir in the Scottish Borders is celebrating its 21st birthday by opening up to anyone who wants to have a go.
For more than two decades the 30-strong One Acchord Ladies Chorus has been practising and performing from its base in the village of Bowden.
The organisers now hope to take their range to new heights by flinging open the doors to newcomers of all ages - and abilities.
One Acchord musical director Nick Drew said: "So many people get told they can't sing - but it's just that they've never been shown how to."
Mr Drew, who also performs in barber-shop choirs and quartets in Edinburgh, has been guiding the women at Bowden village hall from absolute beginners to confident stars of the stage since he was appointed 18 years ago.
Although it has never been a closed shop, new recruits are rarely more than a handful in any calendar year.
But to celebrate One Acchord's 21st birthday, the choir is actively encouraging everyone to have a go by offering a free course teaching people how to sing.
Mr Drew believes barber-shop is the perfect place to start a musical journey.
He added: "The great thing about barber-shop is that it has a range for everyone.
"We can certainly find the correct part - whether its lead, tenor, bass or baritone - for our new singers.
"Remember, this is a community choir and the focus is on enjoyment and improvement rather than anything more."
Several university studies have found that regular singing provides benefits for both physical and mental health.
As well as improving mood and reducing stress, it can help control pain and sustain a healthy immune system.
But for most members of the One Acchord choir it is all about having fun.
Sally Wyke, who is chairwoman of the choir, explained: "We all just love singing together - it's a joyous feeling when you are singing a four-part harmony.
"I come here after a busy day and feeling tired, but then I sing and share the music with everyone I end up feeling fantastic.
"Like everyone else in the choir, I got taught how to sing and I've improved along with everyone else."
Up to the middle of March, the choir is hosting its a free harmony course every Wednesday evening and Saturday afternoon at the village hall in Bowden.
Julie Flannery joined the a cappella group 12 years ago.
She said: "I had never done anything like this before when I started - four-part harmonies and all that stuff was completely new to me.
"There's room in barber-shop for all voices - I found I was a bass.
"Singing in the choir makes you happy and also keeps your brain working as there always something to learn."
A dozen beginners joined the choir for the first night of the harmony course.
With the choir planning to perform at a competition in Yorkshire later this year, it is hoped many of the new recruits will develop into fully-fledged members.
