July 13

National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day

Celebrate National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day with a virtual barbershop quartet concert - enjoy classic tunes and timeless harmonies!

Yearly Date

July 13

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Get ready to show your appreciation for the sweet sounds of barbershop music on July 13th as we celebrate National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day! This special day was created to honor the unique and timeless style of a cappella harmony that originated in the late 19th century. Since then, it has become a beloved musical genre with many fans around the world. Whether you’re an experienced singer or just appreciate the sound, there are many ways you can join in on this day of celebration – from attending a local performance to hosting a sing-along with friends!

National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day Timeline

1800s

Barbershop Style Emergence

Barbershop music, a form of a cappella characterized by its four-part harmony, blossomed in the late 19th century, particularly in African American communities.

1938

Barbershop Preservation

The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA) was founded to preserve and promote the art of barbershop harmony.

1945

Women's Harmony Emerges

Sweet Adelines International, an organization that encourages women to engage in barbershop singing, was established.

2001

National Recognition

National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day was officially recognized to celebrate barbershop music and its contribution to American culture.

2010

Education & Outreach

Both male and female barbershop organizations expanded their outreach and education programs to schools, offering students the opportunity to learn and perform barbershop music.

How to Celebrate National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day

1 Go to a barbershop performance

Attend a barbershop quartet performance and experience the close harmony that is barbershop music. Appreciate the hard work the performers put into their craft.

2 Visit a barbershop museum

Take a trip to a barbershop museum and learn about the history of barbershop music. Learn about the great singers, songwriters, and arrangers who have helped shape this art form.

3 Listen to barbershop recordings

Browse through your local record store and find some classic barbershop recordings. Enjoy listening to the greats from yesterday and today.

4 Sing barbershop at home

Gather up some family members or friends and learn to sing some classic barbershop tunes. Practice until you can do it without accompaniment.

5 Learn to arrange music

Enroll in an online course and learn how to arrange your own music for a four part harmony. Put your knowledge to the test by arranging your favorite barbershop tune.

Why National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day is Important

It supports barbershop harmony

Barbershop music Appreciation Day serves to recognize and support the unique style of vocal jazz known as barbershop harmony. This music is a genre all its own that dates back to the early 20th century - so it's important to keep this art form alive!

It celebrates the history of barbershop harmony

Barbershop music has a rich history, evolving from minstrel songs of the 19th century and becoming popularized in vaudeville shows in the early 20th century. National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day honors the contributions made by everyone involved in its creation and development, both past and present.

It helps preserve the tradition of barbershop

Not only does Barbershop Music Appreciation Day honor those who created and shaped the art form, but it also helps preserve the legacy of this beloved type of music for years to come. By celebrating this day, we can ensure that barbershop continues on for generations!