Tune In

In this episode of Tune In, Peter Bryant and Alistair Lamyman discuss Alistair's recent appointment as Chair of the British Association of Barbershop Singers (BABS) and the various initiatives and challenges facing the organisation, particularly regarding the upcoming convention and financial governance. The conversation covers upcoming events in the British barbershop community, including the return of Harmony College, the introduction of the British Open event, and the importance of participation in competitions. The hosts discuss the logistics and excitement surrounding these events, emphasising community involvement and the opportunities they present for singers.

Takeaways
Alistair's vision for BABS
Financial challenges of conventions Exciting events in barbershop
Community engagement is key

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and New Beginnings
03:06 Alistair's Journey to Chair
05:54 The Role of the Chair
08:57 Financial Governance and Budgeting
12:00 Convention Costs and Challenges
15:00 BABS Financial Health
15:59 Upcoming Convention in Brighton
19:07 Chorus Registrations and Participation
21:57 Introducing the Spotlight Chorus
24:48 The Spotlight Chorus Experience
30:53 Anticipating a Great Event
31:43 Upcoming Music Calendar Highlights
32:31 Harmony College Returns in 2027
38:36 Introducing the British Open Event
49:14 Audience Engagement for the British Open
55:26 Calls to Action for Barbershop Community

In this episode I catch up with Dylan Gunasekera and Matt Friend, who are heading up the new BABS Youth Project.

To find out about BABS Youth and how you can get involved, go to https://www.singbarbershop.com/pages/babs-youth-project

It's been a little while since our previous episode, so we take a whirlwind tour through recent developments in BABS — including a recap of the fantastic Sing2026 convention in Harrogate — before diving into a momentous week in St Louis for the Barbershop Harmony Society 2026 International Convention.

For more episodes, visit singbarbershop.com/podcast. You can email comments, questions, and feedback to podcast@singbarbershop.com

This month we're joined by 2025 BABS Male Quartet Champions, The 1234!

In this interview episode they reflect on their journey so far, what they have coming up, and where exactly their name came from.

We would love to hear your suggestions for other podcast guests. You can email ideas (any any other questions or comments) to podcast@singbarbershop.com

We are excited to share the first of our interview episodes — this time with the wonderful Tim Briggs!

Tim is a prolific quartet singer, having graced the stage as part of many award-winning groups including The Emerald Guard and The Sharrow Vale Blues.

Tim also spent a decade on the leadership team for Hallmark of Harmony, and helped launch and deliver the chorus's Project Horizon initiative, the impact of which we are still seeing, 15 years after it was first envisioned.