National Barbershop Quartet Day (April 11) History, Voices, and Ways to Celebrate

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Learn about the history and significance of National Barbershop Quartet Day, the four voices that make up a barbershop quartet, and fun ways to celebrate this unique and entertaining musical style.

National Barbershop Quartet Day is a holiday celebrated on April 11th each year in the United States. It is a day dedicated to the recognition and celebration of the barbershop quartet singing style and its contributions to American musical culture. Barbershop quartet singing is a style of a cappella music characterized by four-part harmony and close attention to vocal precision and performance. The holiday was officially recognized by the United States Congress in 2004, and is typically celebrated through performances and events by barbershop quartets across the country.

History of National Barbershop Quartet Day

National Barbershop Quartet Day has its origins in a resolution introduced in the United States House of Representatives by Congressmen Harry Mitchell and Mike Oxley on April 1, 2004. The resolution recognized the barbershop quartet singing style as an important part of American musical heritage and designated April 11th as National Barbershop Quartet Day.

The resolution highlighted the history of barbershop quartet singing, tracing its roots to the early 20th century when barbershop music was a popular form of entertainment in America. The resolution also recognized the role of barbershop quartet singing in bringing communities together and promoting social harmony.

Since the resolution was passed, National Barbershop Quartet Day has been celebrated across the United States by barbershop quartets, choral groups, and other musical organizations. The day is an opportunity to showcase the beauty and uniqueness of the barbershop quartet style, as well as its enduring impact on American culture.

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National Barbershop Quartet Day (April 11)

How to Celebrate National Barbershop Quartet Day

There are many ways to celebrate National Barbershop Quartet Day, whether you’re a fan of barbershop quartet music or a member of a quartet yourself. Here are some ideas:

  1. Attend a barbershop quartet performance: Check with your local community groups, theaters, or music organizations to see if any barbershop quartets are performing in your area. This is a great way to experience the beauty of barbershop quartet singing firsthand and support local musicians.
  2. Host a barbershop quartet concert: Consider hosting a concert or event featuring a barbershop quartet. This could be a fun way to celebrate the day with friends, family, and community members.
  3. Sing a barbershop quartet song: If you’re a singer, consider learning a barbershop quartet song and performing it with friends or family members. There are many online resources available for learning barbershop harmony, including sheet music and instructional videos.
  4. Watch a barbershop quartet performance online: There are many barbershop quartet performances available online, including on YouTube and other video-sharing platforms. Take some time to watch and appreciate the artistry of barbershop quartet singing.
  5. Learn about the history of barbershop quartet singing: Take some time to read about the history of barbershop quartet singing and its contributions to American musical culture. This could be a great way to deepen your appreciation for this unique and beautiful art form.

No matter how you choose to celebrate National Barbershop Quartet Day, the important thing is to appreciate and honor the artistry and tradition of barbershop quartet singing.

Why We Love and Celebrate National Barbershop Quartet Day

There are many reasons why people love and celebrate National Barbershop Quartet Day. Here are some of the most common:

  1. It celebrates a unique and beautiful art form: Barbershop quartet singing is a style of a cappella music that is known for its four-part harmonies and intricate vocal arrangements. It is a unique and beautiful art form that has been cherished by music lovers for generations.
  2. It brings people together: Barbershop quartet singing is often performed in groups, which makes it a great way to bring people together and build a sense of community. Whether you’re performing in a quartet or listening to one, barbershop quartet singing can create a sense of camaraderie and shared experience.
  3. It has a rich history: Barbershop quartet singing has a long and storied history in the United States, dating back to the early 20th century. Celebrating National Barbershop Quartet Day is a way to honor this tradition and pay tribute to the singers who have kept it alive over the years.
  4. It promotes harmony and cooperation: Barbershop quartet singing requires careful coordination and cooperation among the singers. This emphasis on teamwork and collaboration can be a valuable lesson for people of all ages and backgrounds.
  5. It is just plain fun: At the end of the day, barbershop quartet singing is simply a lot of fun. Whether you’re performing or listening, there’s something undeniably joyful about this unique and entertaining musical style.National Barbershop Quartet Day (April 11)

What are the four voices in a barbershop quartet?

The four voices in a barbershop quartet are:

  1. Lead: The lead sings the melody of the song and is usually the voice that carries the lyrics. The lead voice typically has a range that falls between the tenor and baritone voices.
  2. Tenor: The tenor voice sings the highest harmonies in a barbershop quartet, typically above the lead voice. The tenor voice adds brightness and color to the overall sound of the quartet.
  3. Baritone: The baritone voice sings the notes that fill in the gaps between the lead and bass voices, creating a rich and full sound. The baritone voice typically has a range that overlaps with both the lead and bass voices.
  4. Bass: The bass voice provides the foundation of the barbershop quartet, singing the lowest harmonies and anchoring the overall sound. The bass voice typically has a deep, resonant quality that adds richness and depth to the quartet’s sound.

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