Music educators have recognized that a cappella barbershop style singing appeals to young men.  The demands on the singers are such that they quickly develop the skills to sing better in tune, to shape and produce vowel sounds that will better enhance the quality of a performance, and to create ringing overtones.  In short, young men enjoy singing barbershop music.  The following list of titles includes mostly well-known and traditional songs, holiday songs, patriotic songs, folk songs, sacred or religious songs, and a few new songs composed by Burt Szabo.   Difficulty levels range from Easy (1) to Moderate (3).

 

Amazing Grace

CC 312- Your young singers will enjoy this setting of the well known hymn.  (2 to 3)  Same as CC 512

 

America

CC 305 - A straightforward setting of one of our most-loved patriotic anthems.  There are three verses with easy key changes between them.  (1 to 2)

 

America The Beautiful

CC 302 - Three verses of this anthem are included in the arrangement with a change of key between the second and third.  Great for a performance preceding a sporting event or similar occasion.  (1 to 2)

 

Around The Christmas Tree

CC 319 - Words , Music and Arrangement by Burt Szabo.  This music celebrates the joys of the holiday season at home with the family.  Ideal for a holiday concert.  (1 to 3)  Same as CC 719

 

Aura Lee

CC 311    This old song goes back to the Civil War era and could be thought of as a love letter to a soldier’s sweetheart back home.    Lovely sentiments are expressed in very poetic language.     (1 to 2)

 

Deck The Halls

CC 309 - Some song collections have the title and lyric as “Deck The Hall”.  This setting of the familiar holiday song is a bit challenging, but fun to sing.  Lots of fa la la’s in fast tempo will keep the singers on their toes.   (2 to 3)  Same as CC 709

 

Don’t Send Me No Hearts And Flowers

CC 320 - Words, Music and Arrangement by Burt Szabo.  It may be not be grammatically correct, but the song does express the way some young fellows feel about frilly Valentines.  At least that’s what they say.  “Don’t send me no hearts and flowers - - send me toads, send me frogs   - - chocolate bunnies just aren’t my style.”  “I’d rather have white mice; then I’ll be your guy.”      (2 to 3)

 

Goodbye, My Coney Island Baby

CC 313 - A barbershop classic, and lots of fun to sing.  Opportunities to ham it up a bit.  Yes, it’s corny, but who cares?   (1 to 2)

 

Goodnight, Ladies

CC 306 - Another old time classic.  The second chorus is set up for performance by two quartets, or any two four-part groups of singers.  It could be perfect for PTA meetings, or Parents Night.  Sure to be a hit with the Moms.  (1 to 2)  Same as CC 706

 

Hello, My Baby

CC 321 - This may be a little challenging for younger singers.  It’s an early 20th century classic that young people should be familiar with.  (2 to 3)

 

Hello, My Honey

CC 314 - Words, Music and Arrangement by Burt Szabo.  Again - could be a bit challenging, but your more adept singers will rise to the challenge because it’s great fun to sing.  And it’s sure to be a hit with all the young ladies in school.  (2 to 3)

 

Hey, Good Lookin’

CC 308 - Words, Music and Arrangement by Burt Szabo.  Somewhat similar to “Hello, My Honey”, and just as much fun.  (2 to 3)

 

Home On The Range

CC 301 - This classic American western song should be known by every young person.  How many of your students have sung it?  The second chorus features a lead voice solo with the harmony parts supporting on neutral syllables.  A chance to highlight one of the voices.   (1 to 3)

 

I Love You Truly

CC 323 - For a special occasion, perhaps a birthday or anniversary, or for all the ladies in the audience.  (1 to 3) Same as CC 722

 

I Want A Girl

CC 307 - The song is almost 100 years old, and every young person should know it.  A “girl just like the girl that married dear old Dad.”  A bit corny, you bet.  But sure to be a hit with the Moms and Dads on Parent’s Night.   (2 to 3)

 

I've Been Workin' On The Railroad

CC 324 - Who doesn't know at least some of this 19th century work song?  The arrangement includes all the various parts of the old song.  "I've been workin' on the railroad."  "Someone's in the kitchen with Dinah."  "Fee, fie, fiddle-i-o . . .  etc."    (1 to 3)

 

Jingle Bells

CC 316 - This is one of the most familiar and best-loved of holiday songs.  It comes from the year 1857.  A different kind of treatment from the usual brings in some unexpected rhythmic surprises to make it all the more fun to sing.     (2 to 3)

 

New Friend, A

CC 315 - Words, Music and Arrangement by Burt Szabo.  A touching lyric about making friends with the "new kid in school" fits right in with the cultural diversity of today's student groups.   (2 to 3)

 

Red River Valley

CC 310 - Along with "Home On The Range",  this is a classic of American western folk music that every student should know.  Two choruses are included with an easy change of key between them.   (1 to 2)

 

School's Out

CC 318 - Words, Music and Arrangement by Burt Szabo.  It's summer vacation time.  Time to go fishin' - - time to go swimmin' - - time to get a job - - - all those things we waited for all year long.   (2 to 3)

 

Silent Night

CC 303 - The world's most loved Christmas carol in an easy setting.  Perfect for beginning barbershop singers.     (1 to 2)

 

Star Spangled Banner

CC 327 - A straight ahead setting of our National Anthem is just the thing for those very special school events.    (2 to 3)

 

Tell Me Why

CC 304 - No one seems to know the origin of this well known song, so we call it a folk song.  There are two choruses with an easy change of key between them.  And it's easy enough for beginners.   (1 to 2)

 

What Would This Old World Be Like Without Love

CC 317 - Words, Music and Arrangement by Burt Szabo.  A neat rhythm song with a swingy beat and a great message.  A bit challenging, perhaps, but your better singers will be able to master it.  (2 to 3)

 

When There's Love At Home

CC 328 - This piece is also known by another title, "There Is Beauty All Around".  The beautiful lyric is complemented by an arrangement that is easy to sing.  The message is powerful and appropriate for almost any occasion.  (1 to 3)  Same as CC 727