What is Barbershop Harmony
and Where did it Originate?
Barbershop harmony is a rather unique style of a
cappella
singing where three
voices harmonize to a melody, usually sung by the lead. The tenor sings
notes above the lead, the bass sings below and the baritone fills in
the chord by singing notes either above or below the lead (in fact, the
baritone is largely responsible for giving barbershop harmony its
unique sound).
Here is
an example:
As
an art form, barbershop harmony is indigenous to North
America: a
product of African-American musical styles, European hymn-singing, and
the tradition of recreational music. It is preserved, encouraged and
has evolved within the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS). The Society is
the world's largest men's singing organization, with over 30,000
members in Canada and the United States alone, and some 3,000 affiliate
members world-wide. Over 300 chapters (including the Kingston Townsmen,
who were founded in 1982) and over 1,800 registered quartets comprise
the BHS. Our "sister" singing group, the women's Sweet
Adelines
International and Harmony, Inc, also have a membership of
well
over 3,000 worldwide.
