National Barbershop Quartet Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Barbershop Quartet Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Barbershop Quartet Day is celebrated on April 11th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Barbershop Quartet Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you might want to know about National Barbershop Quartet Day.

📅 What day is National Barbershop Quartet Day 2024?

In 2024, National Barbershop Quartet Day is on Tuesday, April 11th. It is the 2nd Tuesday in April; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all fascinating details and facts about April 11, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

April 11th is National Barbershop Quartet Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the musical genre. The roots of barbershop music can be traced back to the late 1800s when men would gather in barbershops and harmonize while waiting for their haircuts. Over time, this style of music gained popularity and has been featured in movies and TV shows, capturing the essence of classic barbershop culture. Even today, talented male and female quartets continue to compete on a national and international level, showcasing the enduring appeal of barbershop music.

📜 National Barbershop Quartet Day History

The popularity of barbershop music declined during the Great Depression, but in 1938, two men named Rupert Hall and O.C. Cash organized a songfest and invited 14 people to participate. They encouraged others to join, and on April 11, about 25 men gathered in Tulsa, Oklahoma for a quartet singing competition. This gathering grew in numbers over time, leading to a revival of barbershop music and the establishment of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. (SPEBSQSA). In 2004, they changed their name to the Barbershop Harmony Society.

In 1945, a woman in Tulsa formed an all-women’s group called Sweet Adelines International. However, in 1957, some women separated from Sweet Adelines to create a more inclusive organization that welcomed African American members. This act of protest led to the establishment of Harmony, Incorporated in Rhode Island in 1959 by a group of five women. Today, both men and women from diverse backgrounds are allowed and encouraged to compete together in barbershop quartets worldwide.

✅ National Barbershop Quartet Day Facts

🔖 Urine used as shampoo
In the past, barbers would utilize a solution known as “lotium,” which was made from old urine, for various purposes.

🔖 Barber surgeons
During the Middle Ages, barbers not only performed haircuts, but also had the additional roles of treating wounds, conducting surgeries, and offering dental care.

🔖 Ancient beginnings
Barbering is an ancient profession with evidence of its existence dating back to ancient times. There are depictions in tomb paintings that showcase barbers engaging in hair-cutting activities, and the discovery of razors in various locations across ancient Egypt further confirms the long-standing practice of barbering.

👍 Why Is National Barbershop Quartet Day Important

We can witness how barbershop music has evolved from inside barbershops to onscreen production from the late 1880s to the present. Barbershop music may be heard in films and television series including “The Music Man,” “Sing,” and “The Simpsons.”

The synchronized song by a four-person quartet piques the curiosity of its listeners. We can sing and nod our heads along because quartets sing well-known songs with clear melodies.

Barbershop music traces its roots back to the 1880s, when people gathered to listen to and report news, sing, and have fun. Some of them went on to create jazz. This day allows us to travel back in time and concentrate on the pleasure and development of music.

🙂 How To Observe National Barbershop Quartet Day

⚡ Attend a barbershop music performance
You can expect to find barbershop quartet performances nearby, especially on National Barbershop Quartet Day. It’s a great opportunity to break away from your usual routine and attend a local performance.

⚡ Listen to barbershop music
If you are unfamiliar with barbershop music, we highly recommend familiarizing yourself with its calming and pleasant melodies. You can easily explore this genre by searching for “barbershop quartet” or specific quartets such as the Buffalo Bills, American Quartet, or After Hours on YouTube.

⚡ Join a quartet
If you have a talent for music and want to collaborate with others who can sing well, joining a quartet is an excellent option. You can start by checking if there are any organizations or choral clubs in your neighborhood that you can join. Alternatively, you can gather three friends who also enjoy music and form your own quartet.

📅 When is National Barbershop Quartet Day?

See all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Arts & Entertainment and other 🔗 American holidays.

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