What is Barbershop Harmony?

• Four-part, unaccompanied, close-harmony singing, with the melody in the second voice, called the "lead."
• Tenor (counter-tenor voice) harmonizes above the lead singer; bass sings the lower harmonizing notes, and the baritone provides in-between notes to form constant, pleasing chords.
• Barbershop is a "melting pot" product of African-American musical devices, European hymn-singing, and an American tradition of recreational music.
• Melodies in the vocal and skill range of the average singer, with lyrical emphasis on simple, heartfelt emotions such as love, friendship, mother, moon & June and the girl next door.

Is Barbershop for Me?

There's only one question you need to ask yourself.  Are you a man that loves music and loves to sing?  If the answer is yes, then Barbership could be just what you've been looking for.  You can devote as much time as you have available to the group.  We all have our own lives, families, and responsiblities that take up most of the time in our lives.  Our members have found that our flexible schedule fits easily into our busy lives.  We hold one rehearsal per week, and have several set shows during the year that we ask our members to attend.  Additional events and activities are optional.

How do I become a Member?

It's easy.  Just come to an open Guest Night - or come to any rehearsal and start practicing with our chorus.  Once you've become familiar with the music, a simple audition is the next step.  We are a very supportive group.  Your success is our success.  We'll help you prepare for the audition - which will happen in your own time.  Take as much or as little time as you want to prepare yourself for this step.   During this time you'll learn about the differnt parts that make up the Barbershop Harmony. 

Once you've passed your auditon and have decided that you're committed to being a part of the America The Beautiful Chorus, you will complete a simple membership application.  All of this will be explained to you when you make the decision to join.

 What are the benefits of being a Member?

Besides having a great time singing, here are some of the tangible benefits of being a member of the America The Beautiful Chorus, the Colorado Springs Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society

Tangible Benefits.....

• New Member Kit (first year) includes membership certificate, membership card, the Harmonizer Magazine, Harmony Marketplace catalog, various informational brochures and materials
• 6-issue subscription of the Harmonizer Magazine (Bi-monthly publication)
• A Buy 1 - Get 1 Free International Convention Registration in 1 of first 2 years of new membership
• Full membership in the Barbershop Harmony Society, granting discounted prices on some merchandise and also the Harmony University
• Hertz Auto Club - rental discount on car rentals
• Ebiz Access - print rosters, manage your personal profile, find members, chapters or quartets, manage your chapter and more!
• The right to belt out Barbershop Harmony with friends at any given time - within the welcome environment of "sympothetic ears."

Intangible Benefits......

• You play a personal role in helping the Society perpetuate Barbershop Harmony, originally known as "Close Harmony."
• Access to a vast library of Barbershop harmony originals, and popular songs arranged for Barbershop
• An ever-growing volume of music and songs arranged by men from inside the hobby
• Competitions - a great way to grow as a singer, learn how to improve, and even win awards!
• Fellowship and fraternity.  It's hard to put a price tag on the friendships and relationships established in Barbershop.

How do I get Started?

Just contact us by phone, email, or come to a group rehearsal.  We welcome your interest.  The only way for you to decide if this is for you, is for you to try it.