Barbershop quartets have been around for a very long time in the U.S. In an effort to bring vintage music into a modern era, the Barbershop Quartet of Blackburn has set out to breathe new life into an old musical genre.
A barbershop quartet is a group of four men who harmonize and sing music. Each person in the quartet plays an important role, from the lead singer, the bass singer, the tenor and finally the baritone.
Chair of Department of Modern Languages Timothy Wilson started the Barbershop Quartet group a few months ago. Wilson said that the reason the Blackburn group formed is because of a distinct gap in the community. He explains that the nearest barbershop groups are in St. Louis, Missouri and Springfield, Illinois, with the exception of one in the Carlinville area that is not very active. Furthermore, a younger group allows for a greater variety in the music style, such as more current pieces and pop music to cheer people up.
“Singing in harmony is the greatest ever. When you sing together, and you sing in harmony, the parts come together and the song becomes more than the parts. You get this overtone that sounds so good,” said Wilson. “There’s a lot of interest in acapella singing lately. [Barbershop] is an older form, but it’s a fun way to do it.” He added jokingly, “There’s some really good things, like eating is a lot of fun, sex is a lot of fun, but singing in harmony is better than both of those.”
The Barbershop Quartet plans to perform with chorus and band in events at Bothwell throughout the year including Homecoming. The group also performs at community parties.