About Barbershop
So what is this Barbershop thing anyway?
Barbershop harmony is a singing style that centers on a good singable melody and supports that melody with consonant 4-part harmony. The arrangement structure resolves chords around the circle of fifths.
There are 4 voice parts in traditional barbershop music, Tenor, Lead, Baritone and Bass. The top two voice pasts sing on the treble clef and the bottom two sing on the bass clef. Songs can be arranged for Men’s (TTBB), Women’s (SSAA) and Mixed voice (SATB) choruses and quartets. Here is a demonstration:
Barbershop music can be sung as a quartet or a larger ensemble such as a chorus, and is usually:
Acapella – No musical accompaniment, though some percussive elements such as hand claps, snaps or foot stomps are allowed.
4 parts – though there can sometimes be solos, duets, unison, or doubled notes. More than 4 notes is not allowed in babershop.
Monosyllabic – the words are sung by all parts at the same time so that the vowel sounds can ring true. Sections can include the melody notes with harmony parts singing ooo, aah, etc.
Monorhythmic – all 4 parts tend to sing the notes following the same rhythm. A single part (or two) will occasionally break from the main rhythm (syncopate).
Free Flowing – phrases are sung keeping the free flow of vowel sounds and sustaining every note to the next note or the end of the phrase. Typically more legato and less staccato.
Open to interpretation – Dynamics (how loud or soft), note values, and vocal texture are often modified by the director. The song will paint a picture to tell the story according to the director’s interpretation.