By Jeff Decker

When she was younger, Carmel resident Barbara Birnbaum had performed in her school choirs. But as an adult, Birnbaum didn’t have time to keep singing with a group.

In 2006, friends convinced her to attend guest night with Harmony Magic, a central Indiana-based women’s barbershop chorus.

“I really was enamored with the idea,” she said of performing again.

When Birnbaum arrived at guest night, a group member greeted her with a hug.

“And it was, ‘OK, I’m hooked,” she said.

Birnbaum and other members of the chorus, between 25 and 30 strong and under the direction of Janet Foster of Greenfield, competed in the Harmony Inc. area convention and contest beginning June 8 in Bloomington-Normal, Ill. At stake was a berth in an international competition Nov. 8-11 in Grand Rapids, Mich. Harmony Magic was one of six choruses to qualify for the competition, called Pure Harmony.

“We really couldn’t have asked for better,” Birnbaum said.

Harmony Magic prepared for the contest on Thursday evenings at Woodland Terrace in Carmel. For the competition, they performed “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” from the musical “Annie,” and “When I Fall in Love,” a standard from 1952.

Harmony Magic performs four-part harmony a cappella versions of songs from many styles and eras and sings while executing choreographed movements.

“We really like to sing,” she said. “We want to entertain people.”

The group is a not-for-profit, paying its way through performances (about 20 a year), sponsors and fundraisers.

Harmony Magic is always seeking new members, Birnbaum said. Hopefuls can check out the group’s Facebook page for more information and can visit any rehearsal from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays at Woodland Terrace. A brief audition is mostly to determine if prospective members can carry a tune. The group will teach singers the rest. Members can expect to find a sense of camaraderie, Birnbaum said.

“We’re just really great friends,” Birnbaum said. “Our motto is come for the music, stay for the friendship.”