What could be more iconic than the distinctive voices of a barbershop chorus? For Lu Feldman, nothing beats the sweet voices melting together for that perfect harmony. The New York native moved to the Lake Oconee area and decided that a barbershop chorus would be the perfect addition to the lake area’s musical talent.

“Being from New York there was always something to do. When I moved here, I realized that more things to do would be great, and I decided that a barbershop chorus would fit in perfectly. I’d like to charter with Harmony Inc. They are a group that broke off from The Sweet Adeline’s,” Feldman said.

Lake Oconee and the surrounding areas are included within Area Six, which includes Georgia, the Carolinas and Florida. The country is broken into areas to promote strong competitions twice a year. Feldman’s new group, The Eatonton Harmonettes, would also perform once an official charter has begun. To be chartered, the group must have at least 18 members.

“I always enjoyed singing barbershop. I started getting interested in barbershop in high school, and when I told my mother about being interested, she told me that my great-grandfather had sung barbershop. I guess it has always been in my blood,” Feldman said, laughing.

Feldman sings baritone, which gives the sound of the chorus a rich and earthy feel. She competed in competitions for seven years while she sang barbershop in New York.

For those who are interested in becoming a part of the Eatonton Harmonettes, a membership night will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 12 at Liberty Chapel on 269 Milledgeville Highway in Eatonton. Participants are asked to bring water for continued hydration during the evening.

“The first night we will have voice placement. As many who want to sing are welcome to come to our first night to be placed in the chorus. We will learn a song or two, and I’m hoping that Harmony Inc. will be able to send a few Quartets from Atlanta to show the ladies what we will soon be doing and what we can aspire to,” Feldman said.

The membership night will conclude at 9 p.m., and those who are interested do not need previous choir experience.

“As long as you can carry a tune, you can do barbershop chorus,” Feldman said. “We try to sing in a very clear tone, and we call it singing with very little color. I’m so excited about starting this chorus, and I’ve already had at least nine ladies approach me about coming to the membership night.”

The chorus will have one-time dues to pay for a charter and monthly dues to pay for costuming, location and a director. The chorus will also give to charities supporting Autism research and assistance.

For more information about joining the Eatonton Harmonettes, attend the membership night Jan. 12 or call Lu Feldman at (706) 485-6804 or email ehtbsc@gmail.com.