Based in beautiful North Cornwall, North Coast Harmony are a small group of dedicated and hardworking women, who are striving to develop their voices, learn a varied repertoire of contemporary songs, and produce beautiful a cappella (unaccompanied) harmonies. We are all very different, and many of us had never done anything like this before joining, but what we have in common is a love and appreciation of music, a willingness to work at being the best we can be, and a commitment to supporting each other in that aim through friendship and teamwork. We also laugh, a lot! We sing a bit of everything, and hopefully something for everyone; from The Chiffons and Adele to Rag 'n' Bone Man and Queen, via traditional The White Rose, with pretty much everything else in between. Our Musical Director, Siân, is skilled and knowledgeable; she’s an accomplished singer and vocal coach, specialising in female vocal harmonies, and experienced in working with women who have little or no musical background. She’s a Natural Voice Practitioner, a member of The Natural Voice Network and a member of The Association of British Choral Directors. Her assistant, Mel, is a chorus singer, a member of The Natural Voice Network, and a member of The Association of Teachers of Singing. Both love what they do; meeting and spending time with women who love to sing, helping them to grow in confidence and develop their voices, and being part of a group that takes joy in creating amazing harmonies.
Fancy giving it a go? We’re always looking for committed women to come and join us. All the skills you need to learn to sing you'll gain each week in a supportive and friendly environment, with likeminded women.
There is homework, but nothing too difficult; just learning the notes and words for songs with recordings we provide, and practicing techniques that you’ve been taught with the group. Then, at our Tuesday rehearsals, we put all the harmony parts together and craft the songs in to beautiful pieces of music that we love to sing, and people enjoy listening to at our singouts.
Not only is it sociable and fun, many experts and studies agree there is a benefit to you physically and psychologically; it’s an easy aerobic exercise, benefiting your heart and lungs. It’s also been shown to help your body release natural chemicals that promote happiness, and reduce anxiety and stress.
“How do I get involved?” we hear you ask. It’s simple really; get in touch and then just come along! You don’t need to have done anything like this before, and we teach by ear so you don't need to read sheet music; the only requirements are that you’re 16 or over, love to sing and are willing, with our Directors help, to work at finding and developing your ‘best voice’.
"What do I need to bring?" You, and a smile! There’s not much that’s needed really. A bottle of water (room temperature, not cold), to help keep your vocal cords hydrated, and clothes that are comfortable and don’t restrict your lungs or diaphragm would be helpful too – perhaps leave the whalebone corsets at home for the evening!
We meet on Tuesday evenings in Boscastle, with each session costing £5, but your first week is free.