Recently, a quartet from the Beaufort Harbormasters called Tidal Fource wandered from floor to floor, room to room, entertaining both the sick and the givers of care at Beaufort Memorial Hospital by singing a variety of songs in barbershop style. This was the second visit this quartet has made to the BMH. Last June they sang 34 times in their two-hour visit, this time 30. Songs ranged from typical barbershop oldies “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” to a special a cappella rendition of “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” to traditional Christmas songs.
This visit was organized and guided by Chris Nietert, the hospital’s coordinator of the Healing Arts Program. “You guys are a gift to the hospital — to the staff as well as the patients,” Chris told the quartet. “Singing makes people feel better, causing them to focus on something other than their illness.”
The visit to Beaufort Memorial was just one of the many times Tidal Fource and the Beaufort Harbormasters have performed around town. Last year they entertained at the Lions and Rotary clubs, the Republican dinner, Night on the Town and at all the area nursing homes. Recently they sang at the 9/11 ceremony held in the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park and at the Naval Ball at Parris Island. Last January, one Sunday afternoon (during the NFL playoffs!) found the chorus at the Air Base singing for spouses and children of deployed military. Quartets have also delivered singing Valentines to spouses of deployed servicemen.
The Harbormasters are all volunteers, men who enjoy singing and the camaraderie such an organization offers. They come from a variety of professions, and rarely have had any training in music.
In addition to singing at rehearsals, each member learns his parts by practicing at home or in the car with special CD’s where his part predominates over the others.
The Beaufort Harbormasters rehearse every Monday evening, 6:45-9 p.m. at the Sea Island Presbyterian Church on Lady’s Island. Men who love to sing are invited to attend. If interested, just show up or give Hal a call at 843-476-0117.
