We believe that Milton Keynes needs to give more opportunity to men to sing as there is a very thriving and new population which has few outlets for artistic expression in groups.  We aim to give men the chance to share the camaraderie and friendship which group activities of this kind can engender, to capture the essence of the hobby and make it possible for the attendees to go on to sing with local groups, including our own, with some developed skills after the course ends.The course is aimed at both the newcomer to singing and the regular singer.  Regular singers may already be singing within a choir or other group or have been inactive for a while.  Newcomers may not have had the opportunity to learn how to sing.The accent of the course will help you discover your singing voice and gain confidence.  You will not be expected to read musical notation or sight read, but instruction will be given in the necessary elements so that they may progress later.  Also, harmony singing is not a normal part of singing instruction and we aim to provide the opportunity to learn the skills for this style of singing.

The course will consist of twelve 2 hour sessions in singing in 4-part harmony and include basic vocal instruction.  Teaching materials will be provided including a 'Fast-Track' voice-part teaching tape, sheet music and basic singing instruction leaflets.

The course will be run by a team of three men from MK Acapella together with guest experts.  The course materials will be delivered by Edward Kidby, a trained Estill Method vocal coach and direction will be given by the club's Musical director, Martyn Dawes.  The course will feature demonstrations by one of the top quartets in the country, a local quartet with over 4 years experience of competing at the highest level, performance evaluations on video and CD, a visiting vocal coach and coaching by professional coaches from the British Association of Barbershop Singers. Quite frankly, this will be a unique experience unequalled by anything else in the country. The final session of the 12-week course will end in a concert given to the family and friends of the course participants.

The course will be free to the attendees.

MK Acapella has always encouraged members from disadvantaged groups in society, and we would especially welcome all minority ethnic groups and disabled members. Full access for these groups would be given and reasonable adjustment made to those with disabilities.

For more info and link to the Singing for Pleasure Website, click here

MK Acapella are flushed with success after representing Milton Keynes in the annual competition organized by the British Association of Barbershop Singers, held in Harrogate over the May Bank Holiday Weekend.

Performing in front of over 1500 people from all over the world, MK Acapella not only scored their highest ever result, but also achieved the highest improvement in score of any chorus competing.

Chorus Director, Martyn Dawes stated 'this was a magnificent result for us and Milton Keynes, and a reflection of the hard work put in by everybody in the run up to the competition. We put the emphasis on having fun whilst learning, and this was reflected in our competition package, which was enjoyed by the audience and judges alike. We look forward to the preliminary rounds of next years competition, to be held in November, and welcome singers of any ability who may wish to join our growing and improving chorus'.

MK Acapella launched its new image at MK Shopping Centre on the 2nd March 2003. We attended the Community Desk from 10am until 5pm, spreading the word about the great joy of harmony singing. We unveiled our new 'walkout' gear at the same event. Walkout gear is what we would wear when attending an event informally.

The day was a great success with a lot of interest shown in our hobby.

MK Acapella are proud to announce the identity of Martyn Dawes as their new Chorus Director comencing January 2003. Martyn has been a member of MK Acapella and its earlier incarnation Harmony Union, since 2000. Martyn is thrilled to be appointed and has stated that he wants Monday evenings to be fun, educational and passionate (in a musical sense!). Come along and take a look at his unique style on inspiring a chorus.

MK Acapella are going into the community, teaching at schools, colleges and community groups.

MK Acapella will provide FREE:

1. Vocal Coaching

2. Performance Coaching

3. Sponsorship for your Music Educators to attend BABS training events such     as 'Chorus Directors College' and 'Harmony College'

All Day

Come and see us for a chat at the Community Desk in MK Shopping Centre

TBC

Fourtune competing in Quartet Prelims

TBC

Singout at Church of Christ the Cornerstone

TBC

MK Acapella compete at the Milton Keynes Music Festival at the church of Christ the Cornerstone.

Weekend

MK Acapella compete at the European Barbershop Convention, Brighton.

This is a great opportunity to sing at a major competition. Over 3000 people are expected to take over Harrogate Convention Centre, a great setting for what promises to be a fantastic event