What is Barbershop Singing?
Barbershop is recognized as 4 part a cappella singing that includes close harmonies. Artistic singing in the Barbershop style exhibits a fullness of sound, precise intonation, a high degree of vocal skill and a high level of unity and consistency within the ensemble.
- Lead is the melody and is sung in the range between A below middle C, and C above middle C.
- Tenor is a harmony part sung consistently above the lead. Although tenor is the highest voice in barbershop harmony, it should not be confused with soprano of conventional singing groups. The tenor should have a light, sweet, pure tone that will compliment but not overpower the lead voice.
- Baritone covers approximately the same range as lead. The baritone harmony notes cross the lead notes; sometimes sung below and sometimes above. Baritones must constantly adjust their balance to accommodate their position in the chord.
- Bass singers should have a rich, mellow voice and be able to sing the E flat below middle C easily. Basses should not be confused with the alto of conventional groups. Many altos can sing the bass part, but others are much better suited to lead or baritone, depending on range and vocal quality.
History of Sweet Adelines International
After World War II, barbershop singing was growing increasingly popular for men. In 1945 a small group of women wanted to participate in the chord-ringing, fun-filled harmony that the men were singing. So these women organized "Sweet Adelines in America." From its humble beginnings in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sweet Adelines International, as it is now called, has grown to a membership of almost 30,000 women in countries all across the globe.
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