A Truly American Art Form

Barbershop Harmony is music.
The music is four-part harmony consisting of a Lead, Bass, Tenor and Baritone that focuses and builds itself around the 7th chord.  It's music in a very pure form created with nothing but human voices coming together to create a rich and satisfying texture that is pleasing to the ears and invigorating to the soul. Whether you're an experienced musician or a brand new musician, barbershop levels the playing field and allows you to find your voice and be a part of creating something that is greater than the sum of its parts. 

The presentation of Barbershop music uses appropriate musical and visual methods to convey the theme of the song and provide the audience with an emotionally satisfying and entertaining experience. The musical and visual delivery is from the heart, believable, and sensitive to the song and its arrangement throughout. The most stylistic presentation artistically melds together the musical and visual aspects to create and sustain the illusions suggested by the music.

Barbershop harmony is also fraternity.
Men from all over the world and from all walks of life and all ages can come together and share in this truly American art form and find common ground through self expression in song. The friendships forged through barbershop harmony bridge gaps that no other hobby is capable of doing, and for many devotees, barbershop is far more than a hobby. It's a passion.

Barbershop harmony is a way of life.
Perfecting this musical artform takes commitment. When done well, our music reaches audiences on a personal level. You will experience personal growth, build self-confidence and create lasting memories as you work with others to perform for a variety of audiences, from large concerts to intimate Singing Valentines. And the lessons learned in barbershop last a lifetime.

History of Barbershop Harmony Society

The Barbershop Harmony Society, legally and historically named the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. (SPEBSQSA), is the first of several organizations to promote and preserve barbershop music as an art form. Founded by Owen C. Cash in 1938, the organization quickly grew, promoting barbershop harmony among men of all ages. Just under 25,000 men in the United States and Canada are members of this organization whose focus is on a cappella music. The international headquarters was in Kenosha, Wisconsin for fifty years before moving to Nashville, Tennessee in 2007.

Here are a few links for more info:

BHS main website - Learn all about the organization.

Harmonizer Magazine - Monthly BHS publication.