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Description
Barbershop Quartet Day, observed on April 11 each year, marks the anniversary of the formation of the Barbershop Harmony Society in 1938. It’s a day to honor and appreciate the rich history and joyful sounds of barbershop quartets—a genre that’s been entertaining audiences for centuries.
History
The history of barbershop quartets dates back to the late 19th century in the United States. It is believed that the term "barbershop" originated from the tradition of barbershops being social gathering places. Back in the day, barbers would often sing in harmony while cutting hair or shaving customers, creating an impromptu form of vocal entertainment. This spontaneous singing was initially a social activity, and it was rooted in the African-American vocal traditions of the time.
But what about those barbershop chords? The unmistakable sound of a barbershop quartet is characterized by the barbershop chord—a specific type of chord that creates a unique, rich sound when sung in harmony. This chord is typically made up of a dominant seventh chord, which resonates deeply and creates a sense of fullness. It’s a sound you can’t quite shake off once you’ve heard it!
Although the genre evolved over the years, it became formalized with the establishment of groups like the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), now known as the Barbershop Harmony Society. Today, barbershop music remains a beloved and distinct form of vocal harmony.
How To Celebrate
Barbershop Quartet Day – April 11, is a perfect occasion to dive into the fun world of barbershop music.
1. Attend a Barbershop Music Performance
The best way to celebrate Barbershop Quartet Day is by experiencing it live! Check out local events, performances, or festivals happening near you. Watching a barbershop quartet perform live is an unforgettable experience that will give you a deeper appreciation for the craft.
2. Join a Quartet
If you’ve ever been curious about singing in a quartet, why not take the plunge? You don’t have to be a professional—just gather a group of friends or fellow music lovers, learn the basics, and have fun creating your own barbershop harmony.
3. Listen to Barbershop Music
If you can’t make it to a live performance, don’t worry! There are plenty of recordings of barbershop quartets available online. Sit back, relax, and let the harmonious sounds wash over you. You can explore famous barbershop quartets like The Vocal Majority or The Jersey Four to get a sense of the true magic.
4. Learn About Barbershop History
Take some time to dive into the fascinating history of barbershop quartets. Discover how they evolved from the early days of African-American harmonies in barbershops to becoming a staple of American culture.
Amazing Facts
If you thought barbershop quartets were just about singing, think again! There’s so much more to love about this style of music.
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The Barbershop Harmony Society has more than 20,000 members worldwide, making it one of the largest singing organizations globally.
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Did you know that the term "barbershop" refers to both a style of music and a social gathering spot? While the music originated in barbershops, it has since grown into a worldwide movement.
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Barbershop quartets often perform without microphones, relying entirely on their vocal skills and the natural acoustics of the room to project their sound. This adds to the intimate, personal feel of the performance.
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There’s an entire barbershop festival every year, where groups from all over the world gather to compete and celebrate their craft. Some of the best quartets perform in these competitions, which can be incredibly thrilling to attend.
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Women have embraced the barbershop tradition too! Female barbershop quartets are just as popular and powerful. Women’s barbershop groups have their own associations, like the Sweet Adelines International, and their voices blend just as beautifully in harmony as their male counterparts.
Why We Love
Now, you may be wondering, “What exactly makes a barbershop quartet sound so harmonious?” Well, it’s all about the perfect blend of the four voices. In a traditional barbershop quartet, each voice plays an essential role:
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Lead: The lead singer carries the melody. This is the part of the song that you’ll find yourself humming after the performance. The lead provides the main tune and is often the most prominent voice in the quartet.
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Tenor: The tenor sings above the lead, providing harmonies that complement the melody. The tenor voice often provides the high, sweet tones that help fill out the sound of the quartet.
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Baritone: The baritone voice is the most flexible. It fills in the harmonies between the lead and bass. While the baritone doesn’t usually have the melody, their role is crucial in creating that perfect chord by filling in the gaps.
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Bass: The bass voice provides the foundation, delivering the low notes that ground the harmony. It’s the deep, resonant voice that adds power to the quartet’s sound.
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