Crossroads crushes on national TV
Our 2009 International Quartet Champions Crossroads did our Society proud on Fox & Friends last weekend, in an outreach performance underwritten through the generosity of Harmony Foundation International. The quartet sang through three sections of the show, and in an interview discussed the African-American roots of the style, the founding of the Society, and the growth of the barbershop movement to encompass men and women around the globe.
We weren't the only people celebrating Barbershop Quartet Day. The previous day, public radio listeners in New York City were treated to an hour-long interview/discussion with Sweet Adelines quartet Lustre on The Leonard Lopate Show.
|
FREE WEBINAR TONIGHT
Vocal Music Summit 2015: The Future of Barbershop Harmony
Tune in tonight, Thursday, April 2015, at 7:00 pm (Central) to hear barbershop luminaries sound off on "The Future of Barbershop Harmony" as part of World Voice Day 2015. Organizer Ben Harding and host Toby Shaver (of the Gold Medal Moments podcast) will chat with thought leaders Marty Monson, Kevin Keller, KJ McAleesejergins, Marty Lovick and others.
Register to watch live. Couldn't make it? No problem - same link will take you to the free on-demand replay.
|
|
Ya gotta have charts: Giants' charts
Last eek we told you about three up-and-coming arrangers. Well, how about those veteran arrangers? Who's been holding down the fort for years, consistently churning out hits?
Tom Gentry Whether you know if or not you've probably sung one of Tom's charts. From his octavo charts like " Yesterday" or " When I'm Sixty-Four," to his timeless " The Little Boy," Tom's done a little of everything. Original compositions? Yep, " Sound Celebration" is his. "But what have you done for me lately?" Tom's still writing great arrangements. How about " Hey, Good Lookin'" for a little country. Ed Waesche David Wright Yes, master arranger David Wright has surely arranged some doozies unsingable by mere mortals. Enter Vocal Spectrum. But, David's penned some charts deceptively easy and accessible by the newest Barbershopper. For a Christmas classic, check into " Mary Had a Baby." Then sink your teeth into harmony favorites " Bright Was the Night," and of course the Polecat graduate " Hello Mary Lou." Want one more gentle chart? " Old St. Louis" has an easy going approach that's an easy win for your repertoire. Ya gotta have charts. Piles and piles and piles o' charts. Get the joke? " Heart?" Yeah, that's a Weasche, too!
|
Collegiate Quartets: Last registration deadlines are approaching!If you're still on the fence about entering your high school or college quartet in this year's competition cycle, get movin'! There are a handful of contests still open for registration, but the deadlines are rapidly approaching.
- May 8-10 in Santa Monica, CA (register by April 17)
- May 15-16 in Saint John, NB (register by April 24)
- May 15-16 in Portland, OR (register by April 24)
- May 15 in Cherry Hill, NJ (register by April 24)
- May 16 in Greendale, WI (register by April 24)
- May 22 Reston, VA (register by May 1)
- May 29-30 in Red Deer, AB (register by May 8)
- May 29-30 in Missoula, MT (register by May 8)
- Video entries must be submitted by April 23rd.
|
VIDEO OF THE WEEK - KICKIN' IT OLD SCHOOL
Turns out those rotten kids like to sing the classics, too
It was scandalous when The Suntones sang all those "modern" harmonies fifty years ago, but we've come to think of "Jezebel" as part of our barbershop fabric over time. But if you're a teenager tasting barbershop for the first time, it's a real oldie -- which didn't stop the Harmony University Next Generation Chorus from totally OWNING IT last summer.
We'll give them plenty of ALL KINDS of barbershop this summer -- Tin Pan Alley, Silver Age and modern -- at Harmony University. You should go just to be energized by hearing these kids -- or sending a student, or a teacher, or your own son or daughter.
|
| | Next Generation Chorus - Jezebel (live at Harmony University 2015) |
|
Only 11 weeks until the Convention in Pittsburgh! Haven't booked your flight yet? Well, it seems that TODAY is the perfect day to make a purchase! Make your plans to join us for a fantastic week of performances, classes, and wall-to-wall singing.
Best day to shop: According to farecompare.com, the best time to book a flight in the U.S. is Tuesday at 3 p.m. Eastern time. This day and time give you access to the best flight deals. It's when airlines release the most sales and the best time to book plane tickets. Learn more.
Best time-frame to shop: This varies depending on where you fly. Domestic fares: The best time to buy airline tickets in the U.S. is between three months and 30 days before departure. International fares: The best time to buy international airline tickets is between 5 � months and 1 � months before departure. Read the full story.
|
| | Parking garage? Stack o' donuts? Or Tag Heaven |
And once you get there...have some fun! Barbershopper/entrepreneur Ron Brooks has put together a handy Barbershopper's Guide To Pittsburgh loaded with dining ideas, fun, and a pointer to an awesome place to sing tags. That's getting it straight from the hoarsest mouth.
|
FASTER THAN THE MAILS! EASIER TO SHARE! MORE HYGIENIC!
The latest issue of the Harmonizer is now online! You can access the digital version on issuu.com or click the link below for the full issue.
|
 FROM THE BLOG
Meet Amy Rose, newest member of the BHS Marketing Team! Amy came to us on temporary assignment this past winter and has quickly become a valued member of the team... once her contract was up, we moved quickly to keep her on staff as a part-timer. Her main focus is managing Social Media and Communications, along with time spent assisting with the Harmonizer and a few other marketing projects. A Sweet Adeline and BHS Associate, she is an accomplished chorus and quartet singer, performance coach, and a cappella superfan who loves spreading the gospel of barbershop. Amy brings non-profit and philanthropic industry experience to the table as well as design and marketing skills, not to mention a whole lot of random barbershop knowledge that she is happy to (finally) find a use for!
|
| Becca Grimmer,
Harmony Marketplace
and video host. |
We'll also take a moment to welcome back Becca Grimmer! Becca is working part-time and we are putting her superior design and merchandising skills to work as the Marketing Coordinator for Harmony Marketplace. She'll be sharing our existing products with you and keeping you posted on new music and merchandise, so get ready for some seriously awesome barber-swag! She'll also continue her work as our official BHS correspondent and on-air talent, so watch for her to pop up in a video series coming soon to a convention near you.
|
Grants program deadline is April 30Have a great idea that needs funding? Consider applying during second application window, open through April 30, 2015. Full details: www.barbershop.org/grants.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
