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Barbershop
Criteria
- It
has four parts - no more,
no less.
- It
has melodies that are easily
remembered.
- Barbershop
harmonic structure is characterized
by:
- a
strong bass line
- melody
in an internal part
- complete
chords without any non-chord
tones
- mostly
major triads, dominant
7th chords and dominant
9th chords with other
chords used in passing
as demanded by the implied
harmony
- traditional
harmonic movement and
resolutions
- It
has rhythmic interest as
an important and vital part
of an uptune.
- It
has clear, recognizable
form.
- It
has lyrics that are clear
and understandable.
- It is challenging to perform because:
- it
requires great vocal
skill and is usually
sung by amateur singers
- all
chords must be heard
with clarity requiring
singers to sing precise
intervals
- Properly
tuned barbershop chords
are congruent with the physics
of sound.
- Energy
and physical involvement
are required from the singer
in a degree of intensity
not usually found in other
choral forms.
- The
artistic potential is unlimited
since we are not bound by
the printed page.
- It
is emotionally satisfying
to both the listener and
the performer.
- You
can't do it alone.
Barbershop
Definitions
Lock and Ring:
The
ultimate barbershop sound.
To achieve it requires excellence
in all phases of singing
-- a good musical arrangement,
good vocal technique, well
balanced and blended voices
and accuracy of intonation.
In combination, these qualities
can create an audible overtone
that sends a chill up the
spine of singers and listeners
alike.
Mass Sing:
A
Sweet Adelines tradition.
This is a public event integrated
into the business of a convention.
Everyone in attendance is
invited to gather in a public
place and present listeners
with a sample of barbershop
harmony. It is often used
as a way to thank the city
hosting the gathering.
Pitch Pipe:
A
chromatic scaled instrument
which is blown to establish
a pitch or key tone. The
one most generally used
by a cappella singers is
small and round, containing
13 pitches.
A cappella:
Choral
music without instrumental
accompaniment. Cappella
(Italian) chapel; a cappella
in the manner of the chapel.
Woodshedding:
An
impromptu gathering of singers
who improvise the harmony
of a song by ear. This is
the very heart of barbershop
singing and is the essence
of barbershop's heritage.
Tag:
The
final portion of a barbershop
arrangement, usually containing
very interesting chord
progressions that are
fun to sing. Tags may
be sung separately from
the song and are often
used both by quartets
and choruses for the purpose
of practicing to achieve
complete chord excellence.
Many barbershoppers may
not remember entire songs,
but many will memorize
hundreds of tags.
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