Following our success in gaining a bronze medal at the National Barbershop Convention at the end of May, and wanting to entertain the people of Long Eaton, the chorus are due to perform at 3.45.pm. Additionally, they are hoping to interest the local men in joining them. “It’s great to have the opportunity to perform at the local carnival, particularly after our recent success” said Chorus member Brian Sargent. ‘We have members from all over the East Midlands and would like to get more local people involved, particularly younger ones’.

To that end, we are to hold a singing course starting on 7 September 2011 for prospective singers to sample the fun of barbershop, in a large group, without any obligation. The course is free and teach CDs are provided to learn the songs. Musical knowledge is not a priority – it’s more of a love of singing that’s needed.  We will have a stall at the Carnival where further information can be obtained.

Grand Central Chorus visited Spain in early April to appear at the Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers Convention. We were delighted to have been invited – a good time was had by all.

Here’s a selection of photos

We scrubbed up well…

and sang…

and relaxed…

and enjoyed a drink….

and the sunshine.

And we rode on the train…

with this poser…

and enjoyed another drink…

and some more sunshine…

before collapsing!

The Great British Barbershop Boys

Zac Booles was our Chorus Director and Joe Knight used to sing with us, so all of us at Grand Central are thrilled with the news that their hard work and talent has been recognised. The official press release appears below:

An award-winning barbershop quartet is tackling a new style of cut – after landing a major record deal.

The Great British Barbershop Boys, whose day jobs include working for the police and teaching, have picked up their best tip yet after signing a seven-figure deal with Sony.

Baritone Joe Knight, whose group will release an album of Christmas songs, said: “This deal is just truly amazing.”

The harmonic four-piece was talent-spotted by record bosses when they appeared at the International Barbershop Convention in Philadelphia. They took the title of British Quartet champions in 2008.

The Great British Barbershop Boys will release their debut album Christmas Time for Arista Records on December 6.

Sony Music said the group had signed a £1 million deal.

Knight, who lives in Nottingham and works for Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are just four guys earning a living and getting on with our lives.

“We have always done well with our barbershopping, but we started it as a means to socialise. This deal is just truly amazing.”

Tenor Alan Hughes, a teacher based in Warrington, said the group – who had never thought of their music as a career choice – said they were looking forward to taking the traditional sound to a wider audience.

“The barbershop sound has survived around the world but underground for years. It will be superb to see it make a proper comeback in the charts,” he said.