What is Barbershop?

Sweet Adelines International, is a world-wide non-profit organization of over 30,000 women committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance. In addition to performing, HCMC also dedicates their rehearsal to "perfecting" and learning the barbershop craft. Barbershop, which is a part of our American musical heritage, began years ago on street corners and has developed into a technically precise and challenging musical medium. It strives to perfect the balance and harmony of four well-matched voice parts (tenor, lead, baritone, and bass) into a full, rich and exciting sound that has been known to cause goose bumps on those who listen! You'll know it when you hear the first barbershop chord really ring!

There are four voice parts in barbershop!

LEAD - usually sings the melody and should have clear, strong pleasant voices with a good sense of pitch.

TENOR - sings above the leads and should have a light, clear, sweet sound to the voice with very little vibrato.

BARITONE - sings in the same range as the leads, either above or below the lead line. They need to have a "good ear" for harmony and the ability to adjust their pitch to other parts.

BASS - sings the lowest notes and should have a deep voice with a mellow timbre.