Swiss Association of Barbershop Singers
The Swiss Association of Barbershop Singers brings together harmony enthusiasts from across Switzerland. We celebrate the art of four-part a cappella singing and foster a vibrant community of barbershop musicians.
Founding Assembly, 15.11.2025
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This playlist will showcase some of the best barbershop performances that represent the style in its entirety.
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Email: hello@swissciety.ch
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Join our Facebook GroupBut, what is Barbershop Harmony ?
Four voices, One ensemble
Barbershop music is a style of a cappella four-part vocal harmony characterized by consonant chords and a distinctive "ringing" effect. The four voice parts each have specific roles: the lead carries the melody, the tenor harmonizes above it, the bass provides the foundation, and the baritone fills in the chord. What makes barbershop unique is its focus on “ringing chords.” When singers tune carefully to one another, the overtones in their voices line up and reinforce each other, allowing the harmony to resonate in a special way. This creates a rich, vibrant sound that seems to open up and fill the space around it. Barbershoppers call this effect chord expansion — when the ensemble's sound is larger and more vibrant than the sum of its voices. More on Wikipedia
Watch the great video below by Wessel the Camper for a wonderful introduction to the style – with the small correction that today, barbershop quartets are also mixed, not exclusively one gender anymore.