Bruce Frahm's
Barbershop music page
Barbershopping -- 4-part unaccompanied vocal harmony, became popular in the 1930s. Songs from the 1890s-1930s are especially adored by barbershoppers, but we sing songs of all eras. Barbershopping, jazz, and country music are possibly the most truly American musical art forms. The distinctive sound of barbershopping comes from the blending of voices without accompaniment, which enriches production of overtones and undertones, as well as emphasis on diminished 7th chords (do-me-sol-ti-minus[half step below ti]). A true barbershop arrangement will have a high percentage of 7ths.
I sing the baritone part, with occasional forays to tenor. The bari is "garbage patrol" -- its line is unmelodic and unpredictable, because the bari is usually given whatever note 'fills out' the chord. Since the bari is usually the "lock' or 'glue' for the chord, it's a real blast to sing, although it is typically the most difficult to learn. It also seems to fit people with weird personalities!
I have sung in the Tumbleweed Chorus since 1980. It includes men from northwest Kansas and eastern Colorado. We practice Thursday nights 8:00PM CT at the Colby United Methodist Church.
I also sang in the Lasting Impressions quartet 1990-2000. Current personnel are from Colby, Hays and Russell. They enjoy doing shows for clubs, programs etc. and can do 12 - 30 minute shows. For more info and scheduling contact lead Don Kready at 785-462-3004.
Our national membership organization is the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America.
The ladies get involved too. The Hi-Plains chapter of Sweet Adelines meets weekly in Colby at the same location on Tuesday evenings. Email my sister Sharon Steele for details.