OUR MUSIC

WOMEN’S FOUR-PART A CAPPELLA

While we sing anything a cappella, our passion is in barbershop music – an early American art form that began as early as the 1880s in African-American cultures and gained widespread popularity in the early 20th century. Barbershop is four-part a cappella singing that includes close harmonies. Generally, the lead sings the melody with the tenor harmonizing above the melody, the bass sings the lowest harmonizing notes, and the baritone completes the chord. Outside of barbershop, we sing a wide variety of music including gospel, show tunes, country, pop and SATB selections with our local men’s barbershop chorus (Croix Chordsmen) at an annual holiday show.

And we’re not just about the music! What makes our style unique – what makes us a chorus and not a choir – is an obsession with performance. We engage our audiences by telling the story of our music through costume, choreography and facial expression. From sequins and fake eyelashes to baby doll and flapper costumes, Elvis, Barney Fife, Sven and Ole. If you haven’t experienced barbershop before, you will be genuinely surprised at what you see and hear. It’s a captivating experience, and a whole lot of fun!

CONTEST

Each spring, we have the opportunity to test our performance skills at the regional level among 20 other choruses throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota and into Canada. Competition provides us an objective benchmark of skills from year to year, with judging in three categories – music, presentation and singing. Top choruses are invited to compete on the international stage with choruses from around the world. For chorus members attending competition, it’s a rewarding experience and a chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones within our barbershop community.