What is Barbershop Singing?

Barbershop music is a style of close harmony and unaccompanied (a capella) singing. There are four parts, namely, lead, tenor, baritione and bass. Generally, the lead sings the melody, the tenor harmonizes above the melody, the bass sings the lowest harmonizing notes with the baritone between the lead and the bass.

Barbershop music was originally developed by African-Americans who, either being enslaved or otherwise segregated from wider society, had to make their own entertainment. Spontaneous singing often took place while waiting at the barbershop. Hence the name Barbershop Singing.  Singing had to be "a capella" as there were no musical instruments on hand.  

The barbershop singing style was embraced by Caucasian Americans in the late nineteenth century once the music companies recognised its  scope for making money. Barbershop continues to be popular with both white and African-American music lovers in the United States, as well as in many other countries.
 

Who Will PBS Sing For?

We are always pleased to be able to support the fund-raising activities of a variety of bona fide organisations. These are mostly organisations of a charitable status but with the occasional private event too. Organisations that we support include churches of all denominations, WRI, Guilds, and recognised charitable bodies such as Maggies.

Is There a Charge for Performances?

We do not set a fee for performing although many organisations offer a modest donation to support our funds. Our own operating costs are also rather modest, mainly payment for the hire of our weekly practice venue at Perth Academy.   

Do you Have an Annual Subscription?

Yes, this is around £40 per annum, principally to cover the hire costs of the practice venue mentioned above.