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"A capella" singing means singing without hand-held music, and without a musical
accompaniment.
Male choruses and quartets typically sing in 4-part harmony, with Bass forming a
"firm foundation", Baritone singing challenging harmonies in the midrange, Lead
carrying the melody, and Tenor embellishing the upper registers with a sound
that can be experienced better than described. (Maybe a descant soprano comes
close.) Occasionally, another part takes over the lead role for a line or
two and Basses (for example) are repeatedly told in rehearsal to "sing like a
lead".
In performance, typically a tuning-note is played on a "pitch-pipe", and the
singing begins on a recognized signal. If a quartet is performing, a
member will give a signal, or it "just happens" due to hours of practice.
If a larger chorus is singing, there will usually be a director conducting the
group. Singers learn to mentally "get" their own starting note from the
single note that is played.
"Barbershop" owes its name to the development of a singing style among men
awaiting the attentions of a "barber" (gentlemen's hairdresser).
The style is characterized by close harmony and 4-note chords that can sound
"edgy" and need to be done realy well. Long vowel-sounds and a flowing
style without "gaps" in the sound are considered hallmarks of good performance.
Certain types of chords and note sequences are part of the style.
The Detail - for those that want to know more . . . .
Technical, including judging criteria
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