National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day
Harmonizing melodies in close-knit camaraderie, evoking nostalgia with rhythmic vocal bliss, weaving musical tapestries that resonate joy.
Considered to be a blend of African American and White musical styles that come together, barbershop music offers a unique and peppy feel.
These types of songs are often sung, traditionally by four men, in four part harmony. But certainly women, and even entire choirs, can sing the harmonic style that comes along with barbershop music.
National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day is here to show some love on this classic style of music that is still relevant and fascinating today!
How to Celebrate National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day
Get involved with National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day by joining in with some of these fun ideas:
Listen to Some Barbershop Music
The internet provides access to such a diverse array of music styles and barbershop music is no different! National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day can be celebrated by listening to (perhaps even for the first time) and enjoy some different groups and songs within this genre.
Whether old school from the 1940s when it was at its peak, or more modern versions, today is the day to build or listen to an amazing playlist filled with unique harmonies and soulful tunes.
Check out some of these famous, old-fashioned tunes:
- Hello, Ma Baby by Tin Pan Alley (1899)
- Shine On, Harvest Moon from Ziegfeld Follies (1908)
- Sweet Adeline by Richard Husch Gerard and Harry Armstrong (1903)
Attend a Barbershop Music Concert
Summertime is just the right season to try to catch a barbershop quartet or other singing group performing live.
At festivals and fairs, carnivals and concerts in the park, National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day can be celebrated by finding out which local performances are happening and planning some time to attend.
Join a Barbershop Quartet
Singers can get involved with an already existing barbershop quartet or choir. And those who don’t know of one can just grab three friends and start their own!
Get a feel for the style of music, get creative and maybe even go on the road in honor of Barbershop Music Appreciation Day!
History of National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day
While the style of barbershop music is associated with the United States, it may actually have roots that can be traced back to England, with “barber’s music”.
However, another origin story has this music originating in the US in the 19th century when barbershops functioned as a social gathering space, which a capella included music.
National Barbershop Music Day got its start in 2005 when it was founded by the Sweet Adelines in honor of their 60th anniversary. This music group was a gathering of women who were married to those who participated in barbershop music and who also loved to sing themselves.
That first gathering took place on July 13, 1945 and the Sweet Adelines were born. Since that time, the small group has turned into an international organization that has been instrumental in the support of barbershop music, using education and exposure to build popularity.
The purpose behind National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day was not only to celebrate the anniversary of the Sweet Adelines, but also to increase awareness about and encourage appreciation of barbershop music and quartets.
National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day FAQs
What role did barbershop music play in early cinema?
Barbershop quartets often performed live during silent films to entertain audiences before the movie started.
Their harmonies added a cheerful and engaging atmosphere to early theater experiences. This tradition helped solidify their role in American popular culture as entertainers.
Are there any barbershop competitions outside of the U.S.?
Yes, countries like Sweden and New Zealand host international barbershop competitions.
These events often blend local music traditions with classic barbershop styles. Sweden’s competitions are particularly known for high participation from youth quartets.
What is the connection between barbershop music and vaudeville?
Barbershop quartets were a staple of vaudeville shows in the early 20th century.
Their engaging performances fit perfectly into the variety-show format. The colorful costumes often seen in quartets today are a nod to this theatrical past.
Did barbershop music inspire any myths about its origins?
Some believe the style originated exclusively in barber shops where men improvised while waiting.
While barbershop singing did occur in shops, its roots lie in broader African American oral traditions. This misconception downplays the genre’s deep cultural history.
How do modern barbershop groups experiment with the genre?
Contemporary quartets often blend barbershop harmony with other styles like pop and hip-hop.
Groups like Ringmasters from Sweden perform mashups that push traditional boundaries. These innovations bring the genre to younger, global audiences.
Why do barbershop singers emphasize perfect tuning?
Perfect tuning in barbershop creates overtones, producing the illusion of an extra “fifth voice.”
This phenomenon enhances the sound’s richness and depth. It’s one reason barbershop performances are so mesmerizing live.
Are there humorous traditions in barbershop culture?
Barbershop singers often embrace playful traditions, like intentionally performing off-key songs for laughs. “Comedy quartets” are a popular niche within the community. These acts highlight the genre’s fun, lighthearted spirit.
How is barbershop music celebrated in Japan?
Japan has a growing barbershop scene, with groups performing in Japanese and English.
The country hosts barbershop festivals featuring quartets and chorus performances. This showcases the genre’s global reach and adaptability.
What’s the connection between barbershop music and barber pole colors?
There’s no direct link, but quartets have often used the iconic red-and-white stripes in logos or costumes.
The barber pole symbolizes the nostalgic charm associated with the genre. Its use bridges the worlds of music and traditional barbering.
What’s the strangest place a barbershop quartet has performed?
Some quartets take their harmonies to unique venues like hot air balloons or underwater aquariums.
These performances showcase their commitment to entertaining in creative, unexpected ways. Such events highlight the genre’s adaptability and fun-loving nature.
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