Week 1: Welcome to Barbershop

Finding Your Voice Through Four-Part Harmony

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Tonight's Lesson

• What is barbershop harmony?

• The four voice parts

• Experience your first ringing chord

• Learn your first tag

• Begin singing 'Hey Jude'

What is Barbershop?

Imagine four colors of paint. Each is beautiful by itself, but when they are combined just right, something entirely new appears.

Barbershop harmony works the same way. Each singer contributes only one note, yet together those notes create a sound that no individual could make alone. Sometimes the harmony aligns so perfectly that another tone seems to appear above the chord. We say the chord ring and produced an overtone! You might hear one tonight!

The Four Voice Parts

• Lead: Usually sings the melody.

• Bass: Provides the rich foundation.

• Baritone: Completes the chord by filling the missing notes.

• Tenor: Adds brilliance by singing above the melody.

Learning

We will learn the following song excerpt,

Practice This Week

• Listen to your learning tracks each day.

• Practice 10–15 minutes whenever you can.

• Bring your questions next Monday.

Reflection

• What surprised you tonight?
• What was your favorite part of the evening? 
  
• What are you looking forward to next week?