What is Barbershop? | Barbershop History | Chapter History
The Barbershop Harmony Society is devoted to promoting, preserving, and enjoying a special form of harmony known as barbershop singing. It was originally known as the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quarter Singing in America — SPEBSQSA!
Musically speaking, barbershop harmony is a style of unaccompanied singing with four voices harmonizing around a theme or melody. The “lead” typically sings the melody, while the “tenor” harmonizes above the lead and the “baritone” and “bass” harmonize below. The common use of the dominate 7th chord (known as the Barbershop 7th) helps to give barbershop its distinctive sound of close harmony. Much of the repertoire focuses on familiar ballads, jazz and blues numbers, and romantic love songs.
Our chapter welcomes singers of all levels, and aims at maximizing the enjoyment of the group both in weekly rehearsals and in bringing barbershop music out for public consumption in every season.
Get with the program. Download our annual concert series program here.
Links We Love
Barbershop links:
- Barbershop Harmony Society — Barbershop Harmony Society’s official website.
- Pioneer District
The official Pioneer District website. The Pioneer District is one of many districts throughout the United States. Our chapter is a member of this district. - Grand Traverse Chorus
The official website of the Grand Traverse Chorus, a member of the Sweet Adelines International.
Quartet links:
- Quad Pro Quo — Quad Pro Quo quartet is a local chapter quartet consisting of members of the Cherry Capital Men’s Chorus.
- Northern Exposure Quartet – The 2022 Pioneer District Senior Champion Quartet; four great fellows from the Cherry Capital Chorus.
