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What is Barbershop Harmony? A classic TAG from the song "When It's Sleepy Time Down South" Listen to this TAG: When It's Sleepy Time Down South
Join us and watch us - It's easy, it's fun, and you can do it too! |
Barbershop Harmony is a style of unaccompanied (A Cappella) singing in which three voices harmonize to a melody – all in close harmony.
The Lead, also known as second tenor, usually sings the melody. The Tenor harmonizes above the melody. The Bass sings the lowest harmonizing notes and the Baritone provides in-between notes, either above or below the lead, completing the chords that give Barbershop its distinctive consonant sound.
The style is further identified by the use of consonant chords that are harmonious (pleasing). Tuning is as perfect as is vocally possible. The style is distinguished by uniformity of word sounds and a special emphasis on close harmony.
Songs that lend themselves particularly well to Barbershop harmonization are those from the heyday of Tin Pan Alley, from about 1890 to 1920. Songs of that era were written with home sheet music sales in mind, and consequently were written to be singable by people with average vocal ranges and skills. Lyrics celebrating simple, heartfelt emotions are characteristic of songs in the Barbershop style, which is why we hear so many songs about young love, Mother, and nostalgia for days gone by.
Of course, Barbershoppers are always adding new songs to the repertoire, both their own compositions in the Barbershop genre, and arrangements of current pop hits that are well suited to the style. For a more detailed description of the style, consult Society publications such as Theory of Barbershop Harmony, The Barbershop Arranging Manual, or Barbershop Harmony Society's Contest & Judging Handbook.
Our Place in the Barbershop Harmony Society
The Barbershop Harmony Society is governed by an elected International Board of Directors, which sets policy, budget, dues, laws and regulations for the organization. The International Board is assisted by numerous volunteer committees, comprised of BarberShoppers willing to share their special expertise for the good of the organization.
The International staff publishes music and the Society’s magazine, The Harmonizer, and organizes the annual international and midwinter convention. It also publishes manuals on the subjects of chapter operation, barbershop craft, stagecraft, quartet promotion, script writing, music arranging, chorus development and many other educational topics.
The society is managed through 16 Districts throughout the US and CanadaEach district is run by elected officers who promote the best interests of the chapters and conduct quartet and chorus contests within the district.
Becoming a Member
As a guest of a chapter, you will have an opportunity to observe a rehearsal, do a voice placement evaluation and with help and coaching, pass an audition. As a New member, you will receive a package of materials to enhance your understanding of the Society and its programs. You also receive your official Society lapel pin, membership certificate, and free music to get you started.
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A portion of your membership dues includes a subscription to The Harmonizer, the Society's bimonthly magazine. The Harmonizer will add greatly to the enjoyment and understanding of this hobby. |
PoleCat Songs
As a new Barbershop singer you will hear the term “PoleCats”. PoleCats are a group of easy to sing and “ring” songs that all barbershoppers know. The Polecats enable barbershoppers from any district to enjoy singing together in quartets and conventions, schools and society gatherings. Many quartets have been formed by four men singing a polecat song together!
Quartets
Some of our members sing in Quartets both within the competitions and at chorus performances.
· Saddleback Road (a Novice Quartet Champ)
· Highway 2 Four
· Edmonton’s Learning Quartet
Code of Ethics
Found on the back of your Membership Card!
1. We shall do everything in our power to perpetuate the Society.
2. We shall deport ourselves and conduct the Society's functions in such a manner as to reflect credit upon the Society and its membership.
3. We shall conform in all respects to the bylaws of the Society and the rules from time to time promulgated by its international board of directors.
4. We shall accept for membership only congenial men of good character who love harmony in music or have a desire to harmonize.
5. We shall exhibit a spirit of good fellowship toward all members.
6. We shall refrain from forcing our songs upon unsympathetic ears.
7. We shall not use our membership in the Society for personal gain.
8. We shall not permit the introduction of political, religious or other similar controversial issues into the affairs of the Society.
9. We shall, by our stimulus to good music and vocal harmony, endeavor to spread the spirit of harmony throughout the world.
10. We shall render all possible altruistic service through the medium of Barbershop harmony.
Society Information
International Office:(800) 876-SING
110 - 7th Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37203-3704
Web: http://www.barbershop.org
Size
· Over 25,000 members in the United States and Canada; largest all-male singing society in the world. Let’s do all we can to add to this
· 800 chapters, ranging in size from 12 to 200 members.
· Approximately 1,800 quartets registered with the international office; an estimated 1,000 more quartets are active but not officially registered
· Affiliated organizations in: Australia, Germany, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, The Netherlands, and Great Britain. There are also Barbershop singers in Ireland, Denmark, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and parts of the former Soviet Union.
Active in Our Communities
A Barbershop Harmony Society chapter is a definite asset to the entertainment and community service life of a city. As a member, we request you to help us find areas where we can contribute to our community.
Public appearances by organized quartets and choruses are an important part of the life of a Barbershop chapter. In addition, many chapters are active supporters of music education through grants and scholarships awarded to young musicians, and are helping introduce the joys of harmony to new generations of singers.
International Conventions
Each summer, the Society holds an international convention that includes contest sessions. These conventions are held in a different city each year, to give as many members as possible the opportunity to attend and participate. Society conventions are family affairs, with wives and children cordially invited to enjoy the singing and special events that are planned for them. Many lasting friendships among families have developed from attending Barbershop conventions.
During this week-long event, the international quartet and chorus champions for the coming year are crowned. More than fifty quartets and at least sixteen choruses compete.
In addition, the Society has an annual midwinter convention, usually in a different location each year, during the last weekend in January. A contest for seniors quartets (men 55 years of age or older with a cumulative age of 240 years or more) is a highlight of the midwinter convention, which, like the summer convention, includes a meeting of the International Board of Directors.
Each district also holds at least two conventions each year. These are held in conjunction with quartet and chorus contests at the district level.
Within the district, a Division III annual competition is held each spring as our starting point for competition. With good results, we can expect to advance to District and then International. Lots for us to do here, and you can help!
Contests: How We Choose Our Champions
During the year, quartets and choruses compete at the divisional, district and international levels. Their performances are judged by men rigorously trained to analyze and objectively rate these performances according to fixed standards of artistry.
Music
The Music judge evaluates the song and the arrangement, as performed. He adjudicates the musical elements in the performance: melody, harmony, range and tessitura, tempo and rhythm and meter, construction and form, and embellishments. He judges how well the musical elements of the performance establish a theme, and the degree to which the performance demonstrates an artistic sensitivity to that theme, as well as the degree to which the musical elements of the song and arrangement display the hallmarks of the Barbershop style Technicality
Presentation
The Presentation judge evaluates how effectively a performer brings the song to life; that is, the believability of the theme in its musical and visual setting. He responds to both the vocal and visual aspects of the presentation, but principally evaluates the interaction of those aspects as they work together to create the image of the song. He adjudicates the quality and appropriateness of the overall effect. The Presentation Judge evaluates everything about the performance that contributes to emotional impact upon the audience.
Singing
The Singing judge evaluates the degree to which the performer achieves artistic singing in the Barbershop style. This is accomplished through precise intonation, a high degree of vocal skill and a high level of unity and consistency within the ensemble. Mastering these elements also creates a feeling of fullness, ring or expansion of sound throughout the performance. When artistry is present, these elements will be natural unmanufactured and free from apparent effort, allowing the performer to fully communicate the theme of the song.
Need more info?
Contact us at (800) 611-8830 and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.