Hooked on a feeling

I was recently invited out to watch my friend Dave perform in his latest endeavor that he embarked in, singing in a choir. Dave is a member of "The Horseless Carriagemen" a choir of 40 members plus strong. They perform "Barber Shop" style songs ranging from the 30's, 40's, 50's, and 60's. Barber Shop is a style of singing known as Acapella(no instruments) although, some would say the voice is an instrument all on it's own, and that statement holds substance. Singing harmonies is not as easy as one might think. It takes concentration to sing within your own range, and not waver into the same key as the Lead. Next time your singing your favorite tune try to sing an octave above, or below the Lead throughout the song staying out of the Leads key. Barber Shop Quartets are usually made up of four members with singing ranges from Bass, Baritone, Tenor, and Lead. When performed properly this sound is incredible. Now you might think watching a bunch of guys standing there singing without instruments would be boring, but you'd be wrong. I know when we go to concerts we are entertained visually by watching the musician move with their instruments like Pete Townsend doing his famous "windmill" strums on his guitar, or Neil Peart flailing his hands and arms around his enormous drum kit, so does the choir using body, and facial expressions to add entertainment to their performance. On this evening the Horseless Carriagemen were joined by several other acts. The Country Four, Men in Vests, 4 Ever Friends, The Chromatics, Cruisin, and Chameleon. Each of these acts performed Acapella songs from Ara's of their preference. This added versatility to the show, and entertained all ages. I have attended choir performances in the past mostly at the kids school around Christmas time, but I don't think I have attended one of this caliber, and I must admit I was completely entertained. That's the power of music it comes in many different styles, and levels of performances that never stops searching to strike a chord within. I'm hooked!