Q. What is “Barbershop Harmony”?
Barbershop Harmony is created when a musical score is rewritten to blend in the four-part a cappella Barbershop harmony style.
- Bass forms the foundation
- Lead sings the melody
- Tenor sings the higher notes above the Lead
- Baritone fills in the necessary notes in between that create the unique barbershop harmony style
Q. Why sing barbershop harmonies with the Bull Run Troubadours?
In a word: FUN! Not surprisingly, when current society members are asked the question “Do you wish you had gotten involved in barbershop singing earlier in your life?” the answer is invariably (and emphatically) YES! More specifically, here are some of the things that keep our members harmonizing year after year:
- Fellowship – Male companionship in a wholesome family-like environment is conducive to friendship and the establishment of bonds that can last for a lifetime. Members enjoy that unique sense of belonging that comes from shared positive experiences and team membership.
- Challenge – Singing well is perhaps its own reward, but singing well enough to contribute to a truly engaging and entertaining public performance is something really special. If you think you aren’t suited for some other types of team activities…try singing. A word of caution: performing before enthusiastic and appreciative audiences can be addictive.
- Performing – Music reaches the human spirit in a way that words and pictures never can. Watching that happen to an audience as you perform a spirited “up tune” or moving love song is as addictive as winning in any team activity. How long has it been since you received a standing ovation?
- Learning/teaching – Mastering the intricacies of four part a cappella harmony in an environment conducive to learning helps our members stay young and mentally alert. And speaking of youth, the Society actively promotes the teaching of this unique musical style in local schools through our “Young Men in Harmony” program. Never too young (or old) to learn is our strong belief.
Q. Do I have to be able to read music?
No. While musical experience and formal training are certainly desirable qualifications, most chorus members have learned and honed their musical talents right here in the chorus…and you can too.
Q. Do I have to sing (audition) before the chorus to become a member?
No, nothing that scary. Auditions are held with our Director and Section Leaders to determine your level of experience, your ability to match and harmonize with tones, and the choral part best matched to your voice. If you have sung before in an organized group and know what part you are fitted for, no audition is necessary.
Q. What does it cost in terms of time and money?
We rehearse almost every week (Tuesdays 7:30-10:00 pm). Typically, we perform regularly (one or two times per month) and sponsor or engage in other special events. Annual dues are required which include Chorus, District, and Society memberships. All sheet music and learning materials are provided free of charge. you may need to plan to spend some money for performance uniforms. Please check with our Chapter Secretary (Contacts Page) for more information on these items.
Q. Who can I talk to for more information or to get other questions answered?
The VP for Chapter Development or the Chapter Secretary. Visit our Contacts Page for their phone numbers or email addresses.
Q. Where and when can I come to a rehearsal?
Check our Calendar to see when our upcoming regular rehearsals will be. Usually, they are on Tuesdays at the time and location listed on any of our pages. You are always welcome but we encourage you to contact our VP Chapter Development (Contacts Page) to let him know you will be visiting so we can greet you properly and see that your visit is as enjoyable and informative as possible.
Q. Can I just visit without making any kind of commitment?
Absolutely! We encourage potential members to attend a few rehearsals to get to know us before deciding whether to apply for membership.
Q. How do I Book the Bull Run Troubadours Chorus or Quartets for our event?
To book the Chorus, contact the Chapter VP Performance (Contacts Page). And for one of our Chapter Quartets, use the information provided for each quartet on the Quartets page.
