Barbershop quartet has Aiken's Makin', Guinness record in sight

"Break a lip" is the good luck send off for one group of women.

The BLuJayS, the charter members of M'Aiken Music, a prospective chorus in Sweet Adelines International, will perform today at Aiken's Makin from 3 to 5 p.m.

The barbershop quartet consists of Janine Hepner, Becky Worthington, Susan Willis and Lyn VanDervort. Together they have followed their passion for singing to form a group that shares their talents with the community.

The BLuJayS, who have been together for more than three years, decided this year to expand the group into a chorus and have invited other women with a love of singing to join them.

The group is hosting a guest night Tuesday at 7 p.m. at South Aiken Presbyterian Church's choir room. They encourage anyone with an interest to attend any Tuesday night rehearsal.

"We practice, perform and sing a cappella harmony in a barbershop style. We get a real rush out of ringing chords, but as much as the music provides an artistic outlet, I find chorus is an emotional outlet. These women have become wonderful friends," Willis said.

The BLuJayS will set a Guinness Book World Record in October, when they attend the 64th annual Sweet Adelines International Convention and Competition in Nashville, Tenn.

The foursome will join in as Sweet Adelines International President Peggy Gram leas the world's largest singing lesson.

"We aren't just breaking a world record; we're setting a brand new one," VanDervort said.

"A world record usually refers to the best international performance ever recorded in a specific skill. I can tell you from experience that singing a cappella in a group of thousands of women is one of the best things I've ever done," Hepner said.

"I never thought I would have the opportunity to hold a world's record. A group that large creates an amazing sound. It's as if you've shown up for practice for the angel choir," Worthington said.

"We are like a family," the BLuJayS agreed. "Barbershop music is one of the great American art forms."

Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.