Testimonials

Why Do I Love Being a Liberty Belle? Here are the reasons!

The Liberty Belles is a great group to join if you love singing harmony and having fun! Although we are a Barbershop chorus, we do not sing only the type of music that you may associate with that genre. We sing everything from popular music both old and current to show tunes to holiday songs, swing and even a Latin version of a hymn.

Our experienced director and coach are both certified judges and they are constantly attending workshops to gain new ideas to help us our sing our best. We are always learning new skills to perfect our craft, which keeps our singing and our music interesting and fresh. We even have guest coaches come to help us prepare for convention/competitions.

In addition to the competitions we do frequent performances and a yearly show with our "brother" men's Barbershop chorus, The North Pennsmen. Imagine 8-part harmony; you can get goose bumps while you sing.

While we work hard on music skills, our practices and shows are full of humor and laughter. Our members are open, friendly and supportive and we love to have fun! Singing with the Belles can even turn around a bad day!” – member for 11 years

Being a Belle is A Life Changer!

“I've said this before, but the Belles actually saved my life. I was going through a mild depression due to an injury that prevented me from doing what I loved most, playing tennis. I couldn't eat, concentrate. I got on with the important things like work and being with family.

The first night I attended a rehearsal, I left with a feeling of love and compassion, something that was overwhelming. I couldn't wait each week to go to rehearsals, just to feel the love, joy and laughter that we experience each week. By rehearsing, singing and learning the songs each week my brain started to come out of it's fog, the depression lifted and I found that there was another outlet for me that grew into being something essential in my life.

Every single Belle, in their own way has brought to me the friendship that was lacking in my life and I appreciate each and every one of them.” – Cheryl, member for 4 years

Fellowship and Common Purpose!

“I joined the Belles nearly seven years ago, in 2013, in anticipation of my retirement to ensure I would have joyful activities in my future.

I always loved singing and grew up with Motown harmonies. Although I have never had any formal musical training, I found my perfect education and inspiration in the Barbershop sound of the Belles!

The Sisterhood I found was truly a bonus and more than I had dreamed of finding. The Chorus has brought a sense of fellowship and common purpose into my life. The Belles have been a source of support and comfort in bad times and of exuberant celebration in the good times..

The commitment and talents of our Music Director (Anne Bureau) and Coach (Ig Jakovac) have brought a passionate pursuit of excellence to the Chorus. They keep it forever fresh, positive, and fun. We have been part of such growth and the future is thrilling!” – Diana, member for 10 years

It's The Perfect Place to Sing!

I'm fairly new to the Belles, but it's exactly what I was looking for. I belonged to four different choirs/choruses before I found the Belles. None of them were exactly suited to me. Unfortunately, the one I did like the best, folded due to financial issues, but as much as I liked it, it doesn't compare to the spirit of the Belles.

The women in the group are so friendly and KIND; I immediately felt like I belonged and that I could learn so much in this group. Also, the unbridled joy of singing together and creating beautiful harmonies is the best part of all. Everyone is SO happy when we sing together! It's a gift. Also, Ig and Anne really know their stuff and each rehearsal is a learning experience.

I think if you love to sing, this is the right place to be. I'm grateful to have finally found The Liberty Belles. – Marsha, member for 5 years

The power of choral singing.

John Rutter, composer, explains:

"The power of choral music. It is something that goes to the very heart of our humanity, our sense of community and our souls.
You express, when you sing, your soul in song, and when you get together with a group of other singers, it becomes more than the sum of the parts. All of those people are pouring out theirs hearts and souls in perfect harmony which is kind of an emblem for what we need in this world when so much of the world is at odds with itself.
That, just to express in symbolic terms what it's like when human beings are in harmony, that's a lesson for our times and for all time. I profoundly believe that.
And musical excellence is of course at the heart of it but even if a choir is not the greatest in the worlds, the fact they are meeting together, has a social value. It has communal value. I would say that a church or a school without a choir is like a body without a soul. We have to have a soul in our lives. And everybody tells me, who has sung in a choir, that they feel better for doing it. Whatever the cares of the day, they maybe meet after a long day of school or what, but somehow you leave your troubles at the door and when you're sitting there making music for a couple of hours in the day, that's the only thing that matters at that moment You walk away refreshed. You walk away renewed and that's a value that goes just beyond the music itself...
It's not a frill. It's like a great Oak that rises up from the center of the human race and spreads its branches everywhere. That's what music does for us. And choral music must stand as one of the supreme examples."

https://youtu.be/pm-Pm1FYZ-U

"You don't have to be a professional musician to enjoy singing. People of all ages and experience levels can join singing in a choir. Singing as part of a group may have positive effects on mood, the immune system, depressive symptoms, and stress hormones. If you're interested, look for choirs near you to join"

- Johnson & Johnson Global Health Services

"If you watch this video https://youtu.be/fDjWlHwNDUE you will know immediately that this barbershop singing we do, will have an inexplicable positive impact on you and your family for the rest of your lives." (please cut and paste the link into your browser)
Anne Bureau