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High Notes

Barbershop 101

4/9/2021

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You love music? Then you’ve come to the right organization. Sweet Adelines International takes singing to the next level—not simply a single melody but rather four-part, a cappella harmony—music created from four different voice parts that beautifully blend into one chord. Stunning and challenging, all in one!

Barbershop singing is one of the trickiest yet most rewarding accomplishments of a vocal ensemble. Imagine this: you’re singing a song with three other harmonizing ladies, each hitting the perfect pitch when bam—you hear it. An overtone vibration, a resonant ring, a different sound than any one tone being sung by any one singer! This overtone produces a visceral experience and is unique only to four-part barbershop harmonies! Although the voice parts in women's barbershop harmony have different names and functions than they do in other SATB or SSAA vocal styles, the foundation is the same—beautiful music, stunning chords and a passion to create the intangible, moving essence of music that brings us together.

Here are the basics:
*You need to be able to sing in tune.
*You need to be able to hear those around you and blend your voice with theirs, as our organization emphasizes ensemble singing, not a solo-building group.
*You need to be able to eventually hold your own—that is, you will need to be able to sing your own part when surrounded by those who don’t. In a barbershop ensemble, there are many times when you are singing while standing by someone who isn’t singing your part.
*You will probably want to begin a normal warm-up routine at home before you practice. This will be good for your voice, and depending on what you choose to do for warm-ups, you can specifically work on many different skills at once (e.g., flexibility, range, breath control, dynamic [volume] control, etc.).  
*In order to keep your level consistent and/or improve, you will want to make sure you have a plan for practicing the songs at home, either with the help of learning tracks or not. It’s just like exercising the body—if you do it on a regular basis, you will reap the benefits, and if you don’t, you’ll definitely see the decline.

Voice Parts in Barbershop Singing: In simple terms, barbershop harmony is vocal harmony produced by four parts: lead, tenor, baritone and bass. Finding the right part for your voice is the initial step. Any woman of average singing ability, with or without vocal training, will find a part that fits her range. There are certain things you may want to know depending on the part you will be singing. Most of us are familiar with the SATB or SSAA choral music, where the melody is usually in the First Soprano line, above all others.

The voice parts in barbershop harmony for women have different names and functions than they do in other SATB or SSAA vocal styles. The LEAD voice generally sings the melody and is below the TENOR harmony; the TENOR part sings the highest note in the chord; the BARITONE part fills in the all-important missing note in a chord that may be above and below the melody; the BASS part supplies the harmonic foundation (root or fifth) of the chord. 

Similar to choral music, minimal vibrato should be apparent in barbershop singing. Wide and obvious vibratos tend to hamper the “lock and ring” that we look for in our chords.

TENOR is a harmony part sung consistently above the lead. The tenor should have a light, sweet, pure tone that will complement but not overpower or overshadow the lead voice. Light lyric sopranos generally make good tenors. The range for tenor is from G above middle C to high F on the top line of the clef. Occasionally you will have notes below the lead. When this happens, your tonal quality will need to change from being light and clear to being more full and round. Flexibility is the key and knowing when you need to change.

LEAD is the melody and must be sung with authority, clarity and consistent quality throughout the lead's range. The lead sings with limited vibrato to add color and warmth to the sound. With too much use of vibrato, the chord will not “lock” or “ring” or produce the unique, full and “expanded” sound that is characteristic of barbershop harmony. The lead is responsible for conveying the interpretation, emotion and inflections of the song. The range is equivalent to a Soprano II and is from A below middle C, and C above middle C. On the rarer occasions when the melody line is in another part, which may be only for a few notes, the lead will need to be aware to lighten her vocal quality to allow the melody to shine wherever it is being sung. If you are in a quartet, the others will follow your lead. In a chorus, we all follow the director.

BARITONE covers approximately the same range as lead. The voice part is similar to the equivalent of an Alto I except that baritone harmony notes cross the lead notes. Primarily sung below the lead but sometimes sung above, depending on where the melody is situated, baritones must constantly adjust their balance to accommodate their position in the chord. They must have a good ear.

BASS is the lowest note in the barbershop chord. Singers should have a rich, mellow voice and generally sing the root and fifth of each chord. The bass sings a relatively straight, well-produced tone with a minimum of vibrato. The range is comparable to that of a contralto or Alto II in traditional choral music. The range is from E-flat below middle C to G above middle C. Similar to the baritone, this part is written in the bass clef an octave lower than it is actually sung. A bass sings with a heavier tone quality than the others and generally with more volume, to fill out the “cone.” The bass part provides the foundation of each chord. THE BARBERSHOP CONE  Barbershop harmonies have a different balance than the traditional cylindrical balance of SATB or SSAA ensemble music. Our top voices sing with less weight and intensity than our lower voices.

Credit - Sweet Adelines International


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LIFE-AFFIRMING BENEFITS OF SINGING - VOCALIZING PROMOTES WELL BEING    [By Patty Mills]

1/2/2021

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“Singing fortifies health, widens culture, refines the intelligence, enriches the imagination, makes for happiness and endows life with an added zest” — American Academy of Teachers of Singing

​If you sing in the shower or sing along with the radio, consider taking this raw vocal skill to new heights. Music – the “universal language” not only stirs our deepest emotions, but active participation can increase energy and vigor to see us through even the most stress-filled life commitments. Good vocal technique goes beyond the basics to include both physical and vocal warm-ups, proper nutrition, adequate rest and emotional commitment. An experienced vocal teacher will explore all aspects of posture, abdominal and chest development, tone production and breath control. What health club can promise these benefits?
  • Singing increases poise, self-esteem and presentation skills.
  • Singing strengthens concentration and memory.
  • Singing develops the lungs and promotes superior posture.
  • Singing broadens expressive communication.
  • Singing adds a rich, more pleasant quality to speech.
  • Singing animates the body, mind and spirit.
  • Singing enables the performer to delve into characterization/acting.
  • Singing stimulates insight into prose and poetry and piques interests in the inner meaning of words.
  • Singing enriches one’s ability to appreciate the art of great singers.
  • Singing is an ageless enjoyment – you are never too young or too old.
  • Singing is therapeutic both emotionally and physically.
Solo singing is easy to develop with the assistance of a well-trained vocal coach. Performing opportunities include church/band soloist, cabaret artist, or enjoying your newly developed skill exclusively for self-satisfaction. Opportunities to group singing abound from choirs to classical ensembles, Madrigal troupes, doo-wop, a cappella and more. If you commit to a performing ensemble, be sure the group shares the same emotionally and health-enriching goals you have set for yourself.

Whether or not you become a world-class singer is not important. Sharing the joy of singing will enrich your life far beyond the notes and music. Add a healthy, new dimension to your life – try SINGING!

About the AuthorPatty Mills was an active member of the YankeeMaid Chorus for many years. Most recently she was very involved in marketing and public relations for the chorus. To that end, she wrote this article for publication in the Fairfield/New Haven Counties edition of “Music Notes.”
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It's as simple as breathing...

5/13/2016

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I thought I knew how to breathe. Since I've been able to keep myself alive for a few decades, breathing was one thing I thought I'd mastered!  But, sometimes breathing isn't so simple.

I've been working on Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen for our Sweet! Harmony workshops.  I run out of breath while singing the long passages, then take a loud, too-long breath that still leaves me feeling breathless for the next passage.  

I think I just learned something that will help.  At rehearsal on Thursday, we warmed up with this exercise Jamie learned from the wonderful Darlene Rogers.  Breathing exercises are a great way to strengthen your singing muscles.  More breath support will allow you to sing better and with more control.
Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth:
  • in for 4 counts, out for 4 counts; repeat 5 times
  • in for 2 counts, out for 2 counts; repeat 10 times
  • in for 1 count, out for 1 count; repeat 20 times
  • pant for 40 counts
  • in for 1 count, out for 1 count; repeat 20 times
  • in for 2 counts, out for 2 counts; repeat 10 times​
  • in for 4 counts, out for 4 counts; repeat 5 times
Be careful not to 'stack air' or you'll hyperventilate.  Make sure you breathe out all air you take in.
Each chorus member was challenged to do this exercise at least once a day (or more) before next rehearsal.

This is just an example of why I love our chorus. I learn something new each time we meet.
​See you on the risers!
Sumiko
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Welcome, Richard Light!

4/11/2016

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Note-Ably North Texas feels like we won the lottery this week!  Richard Light has agreed to be our new music director.  Richard was voted in enthusiastically &  unanimously.  We can't wait to have the benefit of Richard's vast expertise.  Richard will officially start in June.
We welcome Melissa Purdin back to the risers!

See you on the risers,
Sumiko
​
PS. I love our rehearsal space at Blue House Too, Allen, TX!  Beautiful and convenient in the Watters Creek mall.
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