About Barbershopping

What is it?

GLAD YOU ASK!

Venture on and read further...

First of all, Barbershop harmony is music that’s easy, fun, and anyone can sing it. Four different voice parts make up the unique sound style of the music. The Bass lays in the foundation, A Lead that sings the melody line, Tenor, who puts in the highest parts (or "sparkle") and the Baritone that fills in between Bass and Lead to complete the sound. When it is right, there is a sound produced called an overtone. This overtone is the ringing sound that we all so dearly love. Singing in a quartet or chorus and creating that "fifth voice" is one of the most thrilling musical sensations you'll ever experience, leading to goosebumps the size of golf balls.

This style of music has been around for a LONG time in one form or another. The roots of it, some say, go back to the Victorian era and even further, depending on who you ask. It has evolved from STRICTLY singing by ear to a more refined state that it is now in. The overtones are richer and stronger. Arrangements of songs are no longer made up "on the fly", however, that can still be done in an activity known as woodshedding (you can find out more about that through an organization known as AHSOW). And we might as well get this one out of the way... it did kind of begin in barbershops, sometimes called "tonsilories" or "tonsilariums". Is there a coincidence there? As Buggs Bunny would say..."ehhhhhhh....could be Mac!".

So What is it?

What exactly is barbershop harmony? And what makes it different from doo-wop, jazz, madrigal, and other a capella music? Technically speaking, barbershop harmony is a style of unaccompanied singing with three voices harmonizing to the melody. Something magical is created when the harmonics in the individually sung tones reinforce each other to produce audible overtones or undertones. Barbershoppers refer to this expanded sound as "ringing a chord."

Is all you do get together and sing?

Well, not completely true. We do that but we also compete in contests, put on shows, attend seminars and in general just have fun with this style of music. There are opportunities to increase your musical knowledge and skills, take on leadership, make new friends and many other benefits.

What is this SPEBSQSA?

The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America is the headquarters that we are affiliated with. The Barbershop Harmony Society is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The organization began in 1938 as SPPBSQSA (propogation) at a hotel in Kansas City. This was partially as a poke at the alphabet soup of agencies during the New Deal era. The idea caught on and Voila!... here we are today! If you think that this is USA only thing, stop! There are affiliated organizations GLOBALY! IABS (Irish Association of Barbershoppers), BinG (Barbershoppers in Germany), SNOBS (Society of Nordic Barbershop Singers), and others! This style of music is being sung in Russian Monasteries, Israel, Austrailia, New Zealand, England, and the list goes on.

Are there any Specific Requirements?

Can you sing? Do you breathe and have a pulse? Do you sing in the shower?....even when you think no one is listeneing? Sing along with the radio? Seriously though, all you need is to be a male who enjoys music, good fellowship and fun. Many people have learned to sing by joining in a group like this. If you don't sing and would like to learn, I can think of no better way to start learning. You don't even have to read music...Really! A lot of what we do is based on ear intonation. That is a learned thing.

What else is there for me?

This is an area that could probably go on for a LONG time. Besides the fellowship and harmony, there is the aspect of increasing your real wealth...making new friends. You may even find that you will live healthier! Here is an excerpt from a news article that contains scientific evidence to that fact. You will also find it to be a great "un-winder". After a session, you won't be as concerned about all the little things of the day that have built up (does that again relate back to health?).

What Have you got to lose?

NOTHING! If it turns out that this really isn't your cup of tea, then the only thing you have lost is a couple of hours time. You may have gained something in the process though...So why not give it a go?