Listening

I gather the harmony which floats on the air

And thrill to the meaning that waits for me there.

From the depths of my heart to the chords of my soul

Finding the sum of four parts can be greater than the whole.

Only one in a million can be a singer like Perry Como or possess the perfect warm voice of a Bing Crosby. There are thousands of singers out there with good voices that stay on pitch who, for some reason of another, never got to sing for an audience other than the occasional stint with the church choir.

Enter the Society For the Preservation and Encouragement of Quartet singing in America, Inc. Quite a mouthful, but it means what it says. Picture yourself, not in front of an audience of thousands, but in the living room of an older couple. Dressed in snappy tuxedos, you mingle with the guests at the lady's birthday party. As a surprise, her husband has hired a Barbershop Quartet to sing to his wife some of her favorite songs in four part harmony.

A brief introduction is immediately followed by three songs, each of which is avidly accompanied by nodding heads, reminiscent smiles and mouthed words. The chords reverberate wonderfully off the walls with feet tapping while knowing looks from the husband ricochet back and forth, the audience suddenly bursting into wild applause.

The four gentlemen are from totally different walks of life. One owns a computer service company and another is a retired business man. The third member still takes a picture or two as a professional photographer and the fourth member has just started his own consulting company. Each one sings the part most suited to his vocal range. The lead sings the melody since his voice contains the most character. The low range is well covered by (surprise, surprise) by the largest male of the group. Amazingly, the tenor can also sing bass! There is one note left in the four part chord and that is gladly given to the baritone. Once a week they attend a chorus meeting, leaning new songs and furthering their singing techniques. Their efforts at quartet singing require an additional two hours of practice if they are to succeed in front of an audience.

There are not too many hobbies that provide fun and a social night out with some great people. Add to this the instant satisfaction of four part harmony for a great time.Once a year the chorus and quartets present a Barbershop Show to perform for their friends, relatives and the general public. Their non-profit status provide much needed funds for worthy causes around the world. The old songs bring back many wonderful memories and these new performers are creating many more!