What is barbershop harmony?
Four-part (Tenor, Lead, Baritone, Bass), unaccompanied, close-harmony singing, with melody in the second voice, called the "Lead" which is sung in the range between A below middle C, and C above middle C. Tenor is a harmony part sung consistently above the lead. Although tenor is the highest voice in barbershop harmony, it should not be confused with the soprano of conventional singing groups. The Tenor should have a light, sweet, pure tone that will complement but not overpower the lead voice. Baritone covers approximately the same range as lead. The baritone harmony notes cross the lead notes; sometimes sung below and sometimes above. Bass singers should have a rich, mellow voice and be able to sing the E flat below middle C easily. Bass should not be confused with the alto of conventional groups.
