The Story

What is Barbershop?  Four-part, unaccompanied, close-harmony singing, with melody in the second voice, called the “lead.” Tenor (counter-tenor voice) harmonizes above the lead singer; bass sings the lowest harmonizing notes, and the baritone provides in-between notes, to form consonant, pleasing chords. Barbershop is a “melting pot” product of African-American musical devices, European hymn-singing culture, and an American tradition of recreational music. Melodies are in the vocal and skill range of the average singer, with lyrical emphasis on simple, heartfelt emotions.

 Where did it Originate?  The “barbershop” style of music is first associated with black southern quartets of the 1870’s.  The African influence is particularly noticeable in the improvised harmonization, and flexing of the melody.  Black historian James Weldon Johnson wrote: “every barbershop seems to have its own quartet”.  In 1910 the first usage of the word “barbershop” when referring to harmonizing was the publication of the song “Play that Barbershop Chord”

 What is SPEBSQSA?  Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America.   This long standing Acronym was changed to the Barbershop Harmony Society in 2005. SPEBSQSA was founded in 1938 by two men from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who were nostalgic for the days when four-part harmony was a natural part of contemporary popular music. The organization quickly grew from coast to coast, and became international in stature in 1944, when a chapter was chartered in Windsor, Ontario. 

Where is Barbershop Popular?  Barbershop harmony was pretty much restricted to North America until the late 1950s, when Harry Danser of Sussex, England, vacationed in New York City and heard the famous Buffalo Bills perform in Meredith Willson’s hit musical, The Music Man.  In 1974, the British Association of Barbershop Singers (BABS) was established.  Today, many organizations of men and women throughout the world enjoy barbershop music.

  What is the Mission of the Music Masters?  Our mission is to develop and expand a quality Men’s Competition Chorus; to remain dedicated to the performance of Barbershop Music at the highest level of the craft; to provide enjoyment for our members and to enrich the Central New York Community.

How About You?

Our chorus is made up of amateur singers. If you like to sing we offer fellowship and satisfaction, service to our community and a place in the growing accomplishments of our chorus. Glance at our schedule. You will be more than welcome at any practice.