Deep South Chorus
THE DEEP SOUTH STORY
Hobart, Tas
Tasmanian Region
THE DEEP SOUTH STORY
The first Tasmanian barbershop chorus, The Wellingtones, was formed in 1993. At the national contest in 2005, the chorus flopped for the third time in a row. On a scoring scale that had 60 per cent as a pass mark, the group scored less than 50. It was at the bottom of the national pile.
That year, the pain was palpable. Within a month, a chorus leader challenged members to lift their standards or disband.
A few stepped away without rancour, forming the recreational chorus, The Silvertones.
The remaining men stepped forward to take up the challenge of building a chorus to make the island proud. And the island home inspired the name of the new chorus - Deep South.
These men had strong connections, a camaraderie built over a decade, and a shared commitment to achieving success.
Coaching and personal voice instruction began. Members put in the relentless effort required to achieve success.
At the 2007 national contest, mainland contestants again expected little of the Tasmanian chorus. But the hard work produced satisfying results. Deep South was Australia’s Most Improved Chorus, scoring 63 per cent.
That was only the beginning. At the contest in 2009, Deep South scored 71.9 per cent, placing fourth, just outside the medal winners. Then, in 2011, Deep South won Australia’s Best Small Chorus, again in 2013, with a score of 71.8 per cent.
During the following ten years, the chorus has rested on its laurels, with scores fluctuating in the 60s.
With younger men joining and older men retiring, the chorus must strive for the excellence achieved in past years while relishing the joy and satisfaction of the barbershop art form. This is part of our continuing story.
Refining our craft in Barbershop Harmony and enjoying the camaraderie of singing together, Deep South Chorus comprises passionate men from all walks of life singing songs from lively up-tunes to emotional ballads. These lovable gents bring a musical style for everyone.
The first Tasmanian barbershop chorus, The Wellingtones, was formed in 1993. At the national contest in 2005, the chorus flopped for the third time in a row. On a scoring scale that had 60 per cent as a pass mark, the group scored less than 50. It was at the bottom of the national pile.
That year, the pain was palpable. Within a month, a chorus leader challenged members to lift their standards or disband.
A few stepped away without rancour, forming the recreational chorus, The Silvertones.
The remaining men stepped forward to take up the challenge of building a chorus to make the island proud. And the island home inspired the name of the new chorus - Deep South.
These men had strong connections, a camaraderie built over a decade, and a shared commitment to achieving success.
Coaching and personal voice instruction began. Members put in the relentless effort required to achieve success.
At the 2007 national contest, mainland contestants again expected little of the Tasmanian chorus. But the hard work produced satisfying results. Deep South was Australia’s Most Improved Chorus, scoring 63 per cent.
That was only the beginning. At the contest in 2009, Deep South scored 71.9 per cent, placing fourth, just outside the medal winners. Then, in 2011, Deep South won Australia’s Best Small Chorus, again in 2013, with a score of 71.8 per cent.
During the following ten years, the chorus has rested on its laurels, with scores fluctuating in the 60s.
With younger men joining and older men retiring, the chorus must strive for the excellence achieved in past years while relishing the joy and satisfaction of the barbershop art form. This is part of our continuing story.
Refining our craft in Barbershop Harmony and enjoying the camaraderie of singing together, Deep South Chorus comprises passionate men from all walks of life singing songs from lively up-tunes to emotional ballads. These lovable gents bring a musical style for everyone.
| Club: | Hobart Men's Barbershop Harmony Club Inc |
| Web site: | www.deepsouthchorus.com.au/ |
| General public contact: | Trevor Rootes 0488 967 904 |
| Music Director: | Kieran Slicer |
| Rehearsal day and time: | Wednesdays, 7pm |
| Rehearsal venue: | Library Undercroft @ Elizabeth College 256 Elizabeth Street, Hobart (Entrance off Warwick Street) |