National Barbershop Quartet Day
National Barbershop Quartet Day is an annual celebration that honors the unique style of a cappella singing known as barbershop harmony. This day commemorates the birth of the organized barbershop movement and celebrates the rich tradition of four-part harmony singing.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: April 11
- Tagged as: Music, Harmony, Singing
- What’s the hashtag?: #BarbershopQuartetDay
- When was it founded?: April 11, 1938
- Who founded it?: Rupert Hall and Owen Clifton Cash
History of National Barbershop Quartet Day
National Barbershop Quartet Day originated on April 11, 1938, when 26 men gathered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the invitation of Rupert Hall and Owen Clifton Cash. This meeting led to the formation of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), now known as the Barbershop Harmony Society. The day celebrates the birth of this organized barbershop movement and its contribution to preserving and promoting the art of barbershop harmony.
Timeline
- Late 19th century: Barbershop harmony emerges as a popular form of informal singing
- 1938: First organized meeting of barbershop enthusiasts in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- 1939: SPEBSQSA officially founded
- 1945: Sweet Adelines International formed for women barbershop singers
- 1950s-1960s: Barbershop harmony gains popularity in mainstream culture
- Present day: Barbershop quartets continue to perform and compete worldwide
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 11 | Friday |
| 2026 | April 11 | Saturday |
| 2027 | April 11 | Sunday |
| 2028 | April 11 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | April 11 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | April 11 | Thursday |
How National Barbershop Quartet Day is Observed
National Barbershop Quartet Day is celebrated by barbershop enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Many barbershop quartets and choruses organize special performances or open rehearsals on this day. Some communities host barbershop concerts or competitions. Music schools and organizations may offer workshops or educational events about barbershop harmony. Social media platforms buzz with posts featuring favorite barbershop performances, using the hashtag #BarbershopQuartetDay.
Fun Facts About Barbershop Quartets
- Barbershop harmony is characterized by its four-part structure: lead, tenor, baritone, and bass.
- The term “barbershop” comes from the practice of men harmonizing in barbershops in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Barbershop music often features songs from the early 20th century, but modern pop songs can also be arranged in barbershop style.
- The Barbershop Harmony Society has nearly 25,000 members across North America.
- Barbershop singing is not limited to men; women’s and mixed-voice barbershop groups are also popular.
Quiz
- On what date is National Barbershop Quartet Day celebrated?
- Who founded the organized barbershop movement?
- What does SPEBSQSA stand for?
- How many parts are there in a traditional barbershop quartet?
(Answers: 1. April 11, 2. Rupert Hall and Owen Clifton Cash, 3. Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, 4. Four)
FAQs
Q: Do you have to be a barber to be in a barbershop quartet?
A: No, anyone with singing ability can join a barbershop quartet. The name comes from the historical association with barbershops as social gathering places.
Q: Are there competitions for barbershop quartets?
A: Yes, there are numerous competitions held at local, national, and international levels for barbershop quartets and choruses.
Related
- World Voice Day
- International Jazz Day
- World Music Day
- A Cappella Day
- Harmony Day
