What is Barbershop?
Barbershop harmony's four voice parts are called by their traditional names - tenor, lead, baritone and bass – whether referring to men's or women's vocal groups. One of the distinctive qualities of barbershop harmony is that the melody, sung by the lead voice, is below the tenor harmony.
Visit the Sweet Adeline International site for definitions and details about barbershop.
Watch a video about the history and evolution of barbershop.
Do I have to read music?
No. About half our members read music, but it’s not a requirement. We learn new songs with learning CDs, recordings of the four parts alone and together. You can learn the music whether you read music or not.
How often do you rehearse?
We rehearse weekly and sometimes add special rehearsals for coaching or upcoming performances.
Will I have to sing alone?
Since our art form requires four parts, we rarely do anything alone! There may be a few opportunities for a soloist to sing a few lines, but most of the time we sing together and build on each other’s voices.
Am I good enough?
If you can carry a tune, are willing to learn, and have the desire to perform you have everything you need to succeed at singing with our chorus.
It sounds like a lot of fun---is it really?
It's incredibly fun and challenging! It keeps us young, enthused, and involved. It lets us indulge our "inner diva" and enjoy applause...while we work really hard to learn new skills. We make lifelong friends...and there's even evidence that it's good for our health:
"People who sing are healthier than people who don’t. Singing gives the lungs a workout, tones abdominal and intercostal muscles and the diaphragm, and stimulates circulation. It makes us breathe more deeply than many forms of strenuous exercise, so we take in more oxygen, improve aerobic capacity and experience a release of muscle tension as well. "— Professor Graham Welch, Director of Educational Research, University of Surrey, Roehampton, UK
How do I learn more about Motor City Blend?
Drop us a note with your contact information and we will be in touch. Visitors and prospective members are always welcome at our rehearsals. We can't wait to meet you!
