Where did it come from? How is it arranged and sung?

You’ve joined the Barbershop Harmony Society. You might have instead joined a church choir, a symphonic chorus, or musical theater group… but here you are in a barbershop group! What have you gotten yourself into? What kind of music will you experience, how do you distinguish it from other vocal music, and where did it come from? And why does it matter?

The basics

Barbershop harmony is generally considered to be one of the few uniquely American-born musical styles, alongside jazz, with which it shares origins. The simplest definition of barbershop centers around:

Admit it: the go-to image in your mind of barbershop music is four guys in striped vests and boater hats. From the Dapper Dans serenading Disney World park attendees to Jimmy Fallon’s Ragtime Gals juxtaposing off-color pop songs with the squeaky-clean image of the barbershop quartet, the notion of the barbershop singers certainly is iconic. But barbershop is so much more than that!

African American Roots, Jazz Flavorings

Can Anyone Learn to Sing With a Vocal Coach?

- by Zack Dunda, VP of Marketing -

Many people grew up believing that singing is a binary trait: you are either born with a voice, or you aren’t. This myth is reinforced by televised singing competitions that focus on raw, unpolished discovery stories. However, if you look at the reality of high-level choral and solo performance, you will find a different story. Singing is an athletic and cognitive skill, and like any other discipline, it is accessible to anyone willing to follow a structured process.

Why a Barbershop Quartet is the Wedding Guest’s Favorite Surprise
- by Zack Dunda, VP of Marketing -

When you think of wedding music, your mind probably goes to one of three places: a traditional organ, a string quartet, or a DJ with a MacBook. But there is a hidden gem in the wedding world that offers more flexibility, emotion, and pure entertainment than all of those combined: THE BARBERSHOP QUARTET.

Forget the old-school songs of the 1920s. Modern quartets are vocal powerhouses that can transform a ceremony from standard to unforgettable. Here is how to perfectly weave four-part harmony into your big day.

Congratulations to our own Front Page News quartet for winning the Southeastern Harmony District quartet championship last month in Chattanooga! Be sure to catch them performing on our upcoming shows.