Date
Friday
Apr
11

April 11

Barbershop Quartet Day

Get ready to harmonize and tap your feet - Barbershop Quartet Day is here! Enjoy the sweet sounds of four-part a cappella melodies all day long.

Yearly Date
April 11
Type
Day

Introduction

Dust off your vocal chords and get ready to harmonize because April 11 is Barbershop Quartet Day! This fun holiday celebrates the unique style of a cappella singing, often characterized by four-part harmony. The origins of this musical genre can be traced back to African American communities in the late 1800s, where barbershops served as gathering places for men to socialize and sing together. Today, barbershop quartets are known for their lively performances and catchy tunes, making them a beloved part of American culture. So gather your friends and celebrate this day with some good old-fashioned singing!

Barbershop Quartet Day Timeline

1860s
Origins of Barbershop Harmonies
African American communities in the United States begin informal barbershop quartet singing as a form of socializing and entertainment.
1938
Society for the Preservation
The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA) now known as the Barbershop Harmony Society, is founded to preserve the style's tradition.
1944
Inclusion of Women Singers
Sweet Adelines, later known as Sweet Adelines International, a women’s organization dedicated to barbershop singing, is founded.
1957
First Barbershop Harmony Convention
The first international convention of the Barbershop Harmony Society is held, turning quartet singing into an organized competition.
2001
First Youth Barbershop Quartet Contest
The Barbershop Harmony Society introduces the first youth barbershop quartet contest to engage younger singers in the tradition.
2018
Barbershop Harmony Society Goes Coed
The Barbershop Harmony Society opens its membership to women, allowing mixed quartets to participate in competitions.

How to Celebrate Barbershop Quartet Day

1

Sing along with a barbershop quartet

Find a local barbershop quartet and attend one of their performances. Sing along with them and immerse yourself in the beautiful harmonies and melodies of this unique musical style.

2

Host a barbershop quartet karaoke night

Invite some friends over and have a barbershop quartet karaoke night. Choose some classic barbershop songs and take turns singing each part. It's sure to be a fun and memorable evening.

3

Learn to harmonize like a barbershop quartet

Sign up for a vocal lesson or workshop that teaches you how to harmonize like a barbershop quartet. You'll gain a new appreciation for the music and may even discover a hidden talent.

4

Attend a barbershop quartet competition

Find out if there are any barbershop quartet competitions happening in your area and attend as a spectator. You'll be amazed by the talent and passion of these groups.

5

Watch a movie or documentary about barbershop quartets

Gather some friends or family and watch a movie or documentary about barbershop quartets. Not only will you learn more about the history and culture of this musical style, but it will also be a fun and educational way to celebrate Barbershop Quartet Day.

Why We Love Barbershop Quartet Day

A

It's a celebration of a unique singing style

Barbershop quartet singing is a fun, melodious and harmonious style of music that is instantly recognizable. It's a joy to listen to and is often associated with nostalgic feelings of the 'good old days'.

B

It brings people together

Barbershop quartets are all about harmony - not just in their music, but also in their camaraderie. The four voices come together to create something beautiful and this celebration encourages people to come together, sing and have a good time.

C

It showcases impressive vocal skills

Barbershop quartets require vocal precision, excellent breath control, and perfect pitch. By celebrating Barbershop Quartet Day, we recognize the talent and hard work that goes into mastering this distinctive singing style.

Barbershop Quartet Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 10
Monday
2024
Apr 10
Wednesday
2025
Apr 10
Thursday
2026
Apr 10
Friday
2027
Apr 10
Saturday