BELLA VISTA — Chords still ring after 10 years for the Perfect Harmony Women’s Barbershop Chorus.

The group will celebrate with a free concert and reception Monday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. at the Bella Vista United Lutheran Church on Cooper Road. The members invite everyone - especially their families, friends and potential members - to attend the event. Special invitations will be extended to former members of the chorus.

Perfect Harmony began in 1999 when Karen Frankenfeld, the chorus’ director, was persuaded to use her years of experience and talent to bring the joy of singing to the women of Bella Vista. The only place available for the first meeting was in a beauty shop.

By the second meeting, the shop couldn’t accommodate the number of singers in attendance, so the group had to move to a church choir room.

With about 30 active members, Perfect Harmony sings a cappella barbershop-style music for the community. The women perform for various clubs, organizations, events and for places like Village House, Highlands Health Care and Rehabilitation Center and Concordia of BellaVista.

The chorus stays busy year-round. In addition to giving free concerts, the women are active in supporting local charities, such as Horses for Healing, the Bella Vista Animal Shelter and Heifer International, among others.

While a few of the members are experienced former Sweet Adelines, all of the women just love the camaraderie of the group and the joy of singing together for others. They are always looking for new members. Any woman who loves to sing is welcome to come to a rehearsal, held Monday nights at 7 in the choirroom at the United Lutheran Church of Bella Vista. There are no auditions.

“I enjoy directing Perfect Harmony. The women are delightful, fun-loving, caring and they sing because they love it,” Frankenfeld said.

As the group’s masterof ceremonies and a member for eight years, Sally Benson hates to miss a rehearsal. “It makes you feel better. Singing is so healthy. It makes you breathe and stand up straight, and you have to memorize words and music. That helps keep your brain active.”

Many of the women don’t read music but use tapes of their parts and the repetition of rehearsal to help them learn and memorize.

A wide variety of music is arranged in the barbershop style for the group to sing. This includes classics from the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s, gospel, modern pop, patriotic numbers, seasonal songs and novelty numbers.

“There is always something you like in the repertoire,” one member said.

Just when the group accomplishes memorizing the music and words, the director adds some moves or special presentations to give the songs more audience appeal.

“Bella Vista is a very active place. The ladies are involved in their community and also like to travel. We make sure there is enough on each part before accepting an invitation to sing,” Frankenfeld said.

Community, Pages 22 on 10/28/2009

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