About Barbershop

Discover the rich tradition of four-part a cappella harmony

What is Barbershop?

Barbershop is an a cappella (unaccompanied) four-part harmony style. It is often called the black belt of a cappella - it requires dedication, perseverance, and lots of practice. The four voices - Tenor, Lead, Baritone, and Bass - together form a tight musical whole.

What makes barbershop unique is that the melody is not sung by the highest voice, but by the Lead (second voice). This melody from within principle gives barbershop its characteristic warm, full sound.

TLBB

Tenor

Lead

Bariton

Bas

The Four Voice Parts

10%

Tenor

Highest voice

Harmonizes above the melody. Men often sing this in falsetto for a light, clear sound.

30%

Lead

Second voice - Melody

Sings the melody. This is the heart of the barbershop sound and must be clear and expressive.

20%

Baritone

Variable voice

Fills in the chord, singing above and below the Lead. The most challenging part due to unpredictable voice leading.

40%

Bass

Lowest voice

The foundation of the sound. Must be solid and prominent to carry the harmony.

What Makes Barbershop Special

Unlike classical choirs, the melody is not in the highest voice but from within in the Lead. This gives barbershop its unique, full sound where all voices ring around the melody.

History

1890s

African-American Origins

Barbershop originated in African-American communities in the late 19th century. In southern states, it was common to sing popular songs and spirituals with improvised harmonies.

1938

The Great Revival

Owen C. Cash and Rupert Hall founded the Barbershop Harmony Society in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This marked the beginning of the modern barbershop movement.

1945

Sweet Adelines

Sweet Adelines International was founded, allowing women to organize in barbershop choruses and quartets.

1981

Holland Harmony

The Dutch umbrella organization Holland Harmony was founded. The first women's chorus was already established in IJsselstein in 1977.

Holland Harmony

Holland Harmony is the Dutch umbrella organization for barbershop choruses and quartets. As a member of Holland Harmony, we are part of a vibrant community of singers throughout the Netherlands.

1981

Founded

50+

Choruses & Quartets

2015

Open to everyone

Visit Holland Harmony

International Organizations

Barbershop is a worldwide movement with more than 70,000 active singers in over 30 countries.

BHS

Barbershop Harmony Society

United States & Canada

14.000+ members

SAI

Sweet Adelines International

Worldwide (women)

24.000+ members

Holland Harmony

Netherlands

500+ members

BABS

British Association of Barbershop Singers

United Kingdom

2.500+ members

70.000+ active barbershop singers worldwide in more than 30 countries

Experience Barbershop Yourself?

Visit one of our rehearsals and discover the magic of four-part harmony. No experience needed - just enthusiasm!

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