On a Thursday evening in Chilwell, the school hall fills with the sound of laughter, chatter, and then—like magic—voices rising in harmony. This is GEM Connection, a ladies’ barbershop chorus that has been bringing music, friendship, and joy to the East Midlands for nearly 30 years.
A chorus with history (and medals to prove it)
GEM Connection has been singing together for over 27 years, and in that time they’ve travelled far and wide, from Spain to the USA, to represent the East Midlands on the international stage. They regularly compete at the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers (LABBS) conventions and are currently ranked 10th in the UK, with a proud collection of silver and bronze medals under their belts—including an international silver in Spain.
But it’s not all about competitions. GEM love to perform wherever there’s a chance—be it local fundraisers, town festivals, concerts, or even in the pub. Their song list is as varied as their members, covering everything from Queen and Fleetwood Mac to folk songs, hymns, and musical theatre classics.
Who makes up GEM?
The women of GEM Connection are a wonderfully mixed bunch—different ages, backgrounds, and day jobs, all united by one thing: a love of singing. Members travel from across the Greater East Midlands (which is where the name GEM comes from) to be part of the weekly rehearsals in Chilwell.
GEM Connection rehearses every Thursday evening, 7:15pm to 9:45pm at Chilwell Secondary School. Visitors are always welcome to pop along, watch, and soak up the atmosphere. Who knows—you might even discover you’ve got a hidden harmony inside you!
So if you'd like to come along to see & hear what it is all about, please do drop us a message on Facebook, or send us an email!
Why not hire GEM Connection to entertain at your next event? We can perform at corporate functions, charity events, community entertainment events, birthday parties, christmas parties, awards nights, weddings, engagements, anniversaries, engagements, and even funerals and memorial services.
If you have a smaller space, we have our very own Gemology, a smaller group of our singers who would love to come to entertain you. The same amazing GEM sound but in a smaller group!!