Sunday
First Practice
After their holiday break my first practice with The Great Lakes Chorus of the Grand Rapids Barbershop Chapter at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church. Cascade, Michigan.
My first exposure to barbershop was in the musical, Music Man, I loved those charming themes and male harmonies. Outside of that it was a rarity to hear, typically exiled to the realm of geekdom. I didn't give it much more thought until some years ago when I was at a wedding reception for an American and Russian couple. As is the tradition in Russia many of the guests sang and performed classical and folk music while we Americans just sat and watched. It was then I realized how far we had drifted away from our cultural roots and was feeling just a little ashamed. Then with no fanfare an American father and his three sons stood up and burst into several spirited barbershop quartet tunes, they were fantastic! The contrast in styles from the formal Russian performances and these tight barbershop harmonies was a shock to everyone. When they finished they received rousing applause and cheers, even the Russians were impressed. Nobody thought they were geeks that night.
barbershop quartet
passers-by give
a wide berth
