Chorus Group Imports Some Us Expertise
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday May 14, 2002
US vocal coach Jim Arns has made an unlikely career out of teaching women the art of barbershop singing.
The Chicago-based former high school and college teacher regularly travels the globe at the request of chorus groups.
``I always thought I would be a teacher. When my chorus won (the Sweet Adelines International competition) all of a sudden I was in demand - and I just love it," he said.
Sweet Adeline is the name given to female groups who sing acappella barbershop harmony.
Since his Chicago-based chorus, the Melodeers, were judged world champions in 1994, Mr Arns has travelled to Scotland, Canada, Sweden and Australia to coach vocal groups.
He is in Wollongong to coach the Wollongong Harmony Orchestra, which gained second place in the last national competition.
``We spent the whole weekend rehearsing, even part of Mother's Day," he said.
``We sing and dance and have a lot of fun, and I work with individuals as well."
Although he has coached choruses around the world, Mr Arns said the Wollongong Harmony Orchestra's standard compared with some of the best.
``I know what it takes, and I know what they're capable of," he said.
``For them this is a hobby, but the level gets very close to being professional.
``They were second place (in the national tournament) last time, the time before they were third, so if that's any indication then they should be up there this time."
The national convention of Sweet Adelines International will be held in Wollongong on June 7-10, the first time it has been held outside a capital city.
Wollongong Harmony Orchestra member Yvonne Kunkler said it was a coup for the region.
There are 34 choruses in Australia with 1250 members, the fastest growing region in the world, and they will converge on Wollongong for the weekend.
``The age (in the Wollongong Harmony Orchestra) ranges from people in their 20s to people in their 70s," Ms Kunkler said.
``We all love to sing, and singing in harmony is a lot of fun. (Arns) is an acclaimed world coach and we've been very lucky having him."
© 2002 Illawarra Mercury