barbershop harmony

As my days as an undergrad comes to an end, I can't help but be cheesy and reminisce the best parts of my undergrad career.

I went through a lot in college and I have barbershop harmony and the friends I made to thank for keeping me sane.

If you didn't know, barbershop harmony music is a cappella - which means there are no accompaniments, it's all voice. It consists of four parts, lead (usually sings the melody), tenor (above the melody), bass (below the melody) and the baritone (finishes the 4-part chord).

It's kinda random how I stumbled upon barbershop. I never really was much a a singer. I was taking a speech comm class my first semester during my second year and one of my classmates gave a speech about why music classes are important. She then spoke about the barbershop chorus on campus, which at the time, I had no idea what it was. It was around the time that we had to start picking classes for the spring semester and I had extra room in my schedule to add one more class. Convinced that taking a music class was the greatest idea yet, I decided to add barbershop to my class list.

I came to the first rehearsal that Monday night, nervous and completely out of my element. Like I said, despite singing in the shower or having a mini concert in my car, I really wasn't much of a singer. I met everyone in the class and even recognized a few faces. I was nervous to sing, but as the days went by, I fell in love with the vocal art form.

I finally got out of my shell and learned to do something I never thought I was capable of doing. I was learning how to harmonize and hold my hold note without help from my part-mates (we called ourselves the bari-feet-tones because the baritone section was always found not wearing shoes during rehearsals). I fell in love with the camaraderie and friendships I made that semester. I eventually joined the executive board of the club and became the Secretary. April came around and the bi-annual barbershop show was nearing. Believe me when I say I was nervous. I had invited friends and family to come to my show and it was a hit. I still have a video clip of us singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

But all too soon, news of the class being canceled was announced a few weeks before the semester was to end and I was completely heart broken. I had finally found something I loved and enjoyed doing as a hobby. I had even added my music minor because of this class. Fortunately, everyone rallied together and by September 2015, the ULV A Cappella Barbershop Club was born.

I went on to become Vice President and President of this club. Being a part of this club was one of the greatest honors I could hold. Barbershop has my whole heart and it's so hard for me to think that I'll be leaving in a few days. So many great memories were made at our rehearsals, endless meetings, competitions* and concerts. I've gained not only confidence in my vocal performance, but I gained friendships that will last a lifetime (shout out to my Darling Belles - Jenn, Marina and Lauren. ilysm.) I found a mentor whom I adore to the ends of the Earth. Carol, you have my whole heart and so much more and words still can't thank you enough for all you've done for me in the past two years. Thank you for introducing me to the world of Barbershop Harmony - without it, I don't know who I would be today.

*The all female chorus - Carol and the Belles, got the opportunity to compete at the 2017 BHS Midwinter Convention and we were not only one of five all female choruses to be invited to this event, but we were also the first all female chorus to compete with the men! (so cool, I know).

Music has the ability to change lives. You get the opportunity to be a part of something and share that with people. Barbershop did that for me and I soon hope to continue singing Barbershop. It has been an absolute dream to be a part of something that has impacted so many lives. I can't wait to see the future of ULVABC continue to grow.

Keep a chord ringing in your heart.

#music #barbershopharmony #acappella #ULVABC #college #clubs