 Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Sweet Adelines International?
Sweet Adelines International is a highly respected worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance. This independent, nonprofit music education association is one of the world's largest singing organizations for women.
Members extend over five continents and belong to more than 600 choruses and 1,200 quartets. Today's Sweet Adelines choruses and quartets sing exciting a cappella, four-part harmony music, barbershop style. The music includes special arrangements of today's ballads and upbeat songs, popular show tunes, and even jazz. Members say that singing the powerfully balanced sounds of barbershop harmony provides a rich, rewarding experience.
What are the 4 parts in a women's accapella choir?
ACH sings in four-part, unaccompanied, close-harmony singing. The four parts in our choir are Tenor, Lead, Baritone and Bass.
The second voice, called the Lead, usually sings the melody part. Lead is sung in the range between A below middle C, and C above middle C.
Tenor is a harmony part sung consistently above the lead. Although tenor is the highest voice in barbershop harmony, it should not be confused with the soprano of conventional singing groups. The tenor should have a light, sweet, pure tone that will complement but not overpower the lead voice.
Baritone covers approximately the same range as lead. The baritone harmony notes cross the lead notes; sometimes sung below and sometimes above.
Bass singers should have a rich, mellow voice and be able to sing the E flat below middle C easily. Bass should not be confused with the alto of conventional groups.
How can I join ACH?
We invite anyone interested in joining ACH to come to one of our rehearsals held on Tuesday nights at 7:00 PM. We rehearse in the fellowship hall of Westminster Presbyterian Church on the corner of Airport Boulevard and Sage Avenue in Mobile. For more information you can call (251) 380-0579. |
