Barbershop singers perform for God
Trent Lewis, Gareth Clarke, Tim Green and Michael Webber make up Blindside Quartet, a barbershop vocal harmony group. (Photo supplied)
Swanky suits, barbershop vocal harmonies and four young Christian men. Meet Blindside Quartet – four passionate a cappella singers from Brisbane, Queensland.
A Salvationist from Brisbane City Temple, Tim Green (bass) and his three friends, Gareth Clarke (lead), Michael Webber (baritone) and Trent Lewis (tenor) are the voices of barbershop group, Blindside Quartet. Barbershop refers to a style of a capella, comprising a four-part harmony mix.
Since February this year, Blindside Quartet has been performing gigs at churches, schools and in competitions. In October, the energetic quartet came third in the youth category and placed in the top 10 at the National Barbershop Convention in Perth.
“The other quartets had been together for a long, long time and we’ve only be going for a nine or ten months … We’re really happy with what we’ve done so far,” explains Tim.
Tim says while they enjoy entering competitions, their motivation to sing is driven by their faith. Tim explains they perform at Brisbane City Temple’s annual event, Songs of Praise and often at their songster events.
They also sing at Pine Rivers Church of Christ’s youth group, where the other three quartet members attend church. Through these performance opportunities Blindside has seen people come to know Jesus through their music.
“We do absolutely see these gifts as a ministry. That’s been the primary reason to do what we do,” Tim says.
While they have only been performing for a short period of time, Blindside Quartet members, Tim, Gareth and Michael have been singing together since high school.
“It was a good way to earn a little pocket money,” says Tim.
The group reformed when The Blenders, the core of the Gold Coast Barbershop Harmony Club found them on YouTube. Trent, who knew Gareth and Michael from Pine Rivers then joined.
Blindside’s name came about accidently says Tim. While at a barbershop competition, one of their competitors gave them an idea for a name.
“He said to us at the big national competition, ‘You’re going to go out there and blindside them’. That’s where we picked it up from. So I guess it’s a play on taking people by surprise.”
Blindside performs a bit of everything from Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé, hymns and popular music, depending on their audience.
The future looks promising for Blindside. Tim explains they have a desire to grow their profile as a quartet so they can continue to minister to people through their music.
And hopefully they’ll win some more competitions, he says.
This article first appeared in the January edition of Creative Ministry.
Comments
Hi guys. Just seen the segment on ABC -
First Class ! We are so impressed with your
Ability's and equally important "your values"
Shone brightly in the interview. Go for Gold !
Paul Miller
Good on you guys - barbershop was very strong at Redlands a few years ago and had a team go to USA for top contest. We went to most of the concerts as well as one at UQ when a top USA team came over for a concert here.We belong to Salvos at Carina - how about coming over to us sometime and do a few songs with our band and other talent - might raise some funds for your trip - contact Major David Terracini