By Lorna Gordon

Four talented women from the Hills are preparing to take on some of the world’s best singers after winning the Australian National Barbershop Championships.

Alouette, an a cappella quartet featuring Vicky, Diane, Crystal and Jane, will represent Australia at the International Convention in Ohio, USA, this October, marking another exciting milestone in the group’s decade-long journey.

The quartet began when longtime friends Vicky and Diane, who had performed in various choirs and quartets, decided to form their own group. Crystal joined in 2017, followed by newest member Jane in 2026.

Crystal’s introduction to barbershop singing happened almost by accident when she accompanied a friend to a Circular Keys workshop.

“I didn’t know anything about barbershop. I’d done musical theatre, where you have a band and ensemble to work with,” she explained.

After discovering her voice was just what Alouette needed, she auditioned and joined the quartet.

“You have to trust each other a lot vocally,” she said.

Unlike traditional singing groups, barbershop quartets perform without instrumental accompaniment, relying entirely on four-part harmonies to create their distinctive sound.

“Our voices are our instruments. When we sing together, we make chords and ringing sounds,” Crystal explained.

“I love the sound of it and the feeling you get when you make the harmonies. It gives you goosebumps and makes people feel a lot of emotions.”

The name Alouette comes from the French word for a lark or songbird, reflecting the idea that music can give you wings to fly.

Each member contributes more than her voice. Jane manages costumes and presentation, Crystal looks after social media, Diane handles administration and travel, while Vicky keeps everyone together as musical director.

Their international journey began in 2024 when they qualified through a wildcard entry. Returning in 2025, they finished 28th in the world, and this year they’re hoping to break into the top 20. Around 48 quartets will compete at the international event, with Alouette performing the two songs that secured their national victory.

Preparation is intense, with rehearsals increasing from once a week to three times weekly, alongside coaching sessions with international barbershop experts. The women will spend approximately ten days in the USA, attending rehearsals, competitions and other convention activities.

Crystal also encourages anyone interested in singing to give barbershop a try through Circular Keys, which offers workshops and opportunities to meet other singers.

For these four women, the experience is about more than competition. It’s about friendship, trust, shared passion and the extraordinary things that can happen when four voices come together.

Follow Alouette on Facebook at facebook.com/alouette.quartet for updates on their international adventure and opportunities to support the quartet.