I learned so much about what it is to sing barbershop and a cappella, such as tags and singing harmonies (and not only a playground game), listening to each other, tonality, breathing techniques, and how to sing in a quartet, I especially gained from all the tips and instructions that our camp clinicians gave us. Along with them we had The Frontier Quartet and the Glamour Quartet, who were our role models and helped us within our sections. I am a tenor, (I sing in the stratosphere) as only one of the two women’s chorus tenors we received extra barbershop tips and did very well.
The central Michigan University campus was an amazing place, the music facilities were a place I could lose myself in, as well as find my inspiration. We attended a barbershop experience performance every day and really got to hear great barbershop. They created a family like atmosphere while on campus where working hard on our pieces was a fun and rewarding endeavor. Our final performance was thrilling and full of emotion of the songs and of our musical accomplishments, but also sad in knowing we were leaving. All of us pledged to come again and continue to sing barbershop throughput the year.
I am looking into joining the Monroe chapter of the Sweet Adelines, I look forward in continuing with this life-long pursuit.
Betsy B.
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