Remember the first time you heard a barbershop quartet? I can still see, and hear, Dr. John Andrews singing with the Nor'Easters barbershop singers – that baritone voice (many of you are probably hearing it right now). It was the first time I thought of human voices as instruments. Barbershop/a cappella singing is still alive and well in the 21st century.

An excellent example of a cappella singing is embodied in Millennium Magic, an all-female group of about 30, an incredible example of the genre. Locally, Laura Fassett, whom some of us remember from the Congo Church back in the 90s when Peter Panagore was in the pulpit (or walking/standing in the aisle with us), was a choir member back then and she’s never stopped singing.

Laura contacted the Register to spread the word about an opportunity Millennium Magic (MM) has for girls aged 12 and older and women with treble voices. OK, I don’t know about you, but I didn’t really understand what a treble voice was, mostly cos, well, I’m no singer. So, it was my first question for her.

She explained a treble voice is typically the female voice (ages 12 and up) or boys before their voices change. But that barbershop style lends itself to lower women's voices, too, not just the soprano/altos.

Many of you out there who attended the Congo Church here in the Harbor back in the days of Reverends Stinson and Panagore will remember her singing her heart out in the choir. 

“I have always been a singer. My parents were professional musicians," Laura said.  "In 1999 I was introduced to Sweet Adeline's and the Barbershop style. I was a fan instantly! I joined Millennium Magic in 2017. Our barbershop community has a saying that goes ‘we join for the music, but we stay for the friendships.’ This is definitely true. Connection is everything. And to do it while singing such fun (and challenging) music makes it a really great way to spend your time and energy!”

“A great way to spend your time and energy.” Keep that in mind, readers, because Millennium Magic has an opportunity for those of you who love to sing: The group is looking for female singers, age 12 and up, to learn about the singing style and perform two songs with them during a concert here in Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church on Saturday, June 6 at 7 p.m.

Here’s a snapshot of the workshop itinerary: Friday, June 4 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the church, there will be physical and vocal warmups, learning the fundamentals of a cappella and barbershop singing and singing through the music together, for starters. On Saturday, June 5 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. there will be continued warmups, singing, learning and refining the music. The full itinerary and sign up info is at https://www.millenniummagic.org/boothbay

“Sign up will likely end May 31,” Laura said. “Participants will receive learning tracks and sheet music digitally, as soon as they sign up for the workshop.”

The goal, Laura said, is to bring the barbershop style to our local community. However, should you discover you're intersted in more than one performance becoming part of this incredible, award-winning, singing/performing group (I’ve included links to a few of their shows online –  crazy good!) it is possible to explore a further opportunity with Millennium Magic! Contact Laura with any questions about this opportunity or others at 207-329-3174 or lfassett64@gmail.com

“We are a friendly, welcoming group of women who would love to share our passion with others, who are curious about the barbershop style," Laura said.