College Quartets

The Columbia, MO chapter of the:

(Webmaster note: From time to time the Boonslick Chordbusters like to hold an event for college guys to give them an opportunity to experience quartet singing first-hand. This page is a sort of FAQ concerning those events. Some information may be out of date.)

The Boonslick Chordbusters College Quartet Program

Becoming a member of a quartet can be one of the most satisfying experiences a Barbershopper can have. It is an opportunity to share the purest form of singing barbershop harmony with three other friends. You can develop your independence as a part singer, feel the joy of ringing a chord with three other guys, and experience the personal satisfaction of an audience rising to its feet in appreciation of your quartet's efforts during a performance.

The Boonslick Chordbusters promote, foster, and support, college quartet participation. We have the support and respect of music administrators in our area. (In fact we have several "Directors" as members of the chorus)

"There is no difference in the requirements for singing the Barbershop style of music and the types of music sung by our choirs..." says Dr. Melvin Platt, Director of the School of Music, University of Missouri Columbia

We have put together a list of common questions with answers to serve as a guide in helping you decide to participate.

Do I need to find three other guys?

What should I look for in a quartet?

What's important about building relationships?

Do I have to join the Society to sing in a quartet?

If we compete what could we win?

How do I know what part I should sing?

Where would I get music?

What about coaching?

Who were some past Collegiate champions?

I am not a music major... does that matter?

Are there educational opportunities available?

My college is not in Columbia... now what?

What more is there?

How do I contact you?

How can I get more information?

Do I need to find three other guys?

No ... you need to bring yourself first. If you want to do some recruiting...that's fine. If you are lucky enough to find the right 3 other parts, that of course would be great... but the likelihood of that happening may not be high. That's where we come in . . . we will help you to find the other voice parts and put them into quartets that have good potential. It will be up to you then as a group to develop your music as well as deepen your friendships.

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What should I look for in a quartet?

There are some things you should take into consideration when forming a quartet. Certainly picking members who can sing their parts independently is a priority. However, the two most important things to remember are: find three friends who share similar goals with you, and enjoy sharing the many hours together of rehearsals and performances throughout your tenure as a quartet. In other words, find three other Barbershoppers who share the same likes and dislikes as you do, then decide what kind of a quartet you wish to become, such as a comedy, show or competition quartet. All of these aspects must be taken into consideration if you wish to have a successful experience in a barbershop quartet. Determine the proportions and importance of these variables in the makeup of your quartet.

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What's important about building relationships?

Besides your quartet's relationship to the public, be aware of your relationship to each other. There is a special closeness you will find through singing barbershop harmony. Sharing the joys of our music is a unique and wonderful experience. Because of the intimacy involved in being part of a barbershop quartet, extra tolerance and understanding are often needed. There will be times when nerves become frayed and tempers flare. When this occurs, it should be quickly forgotten, apologies made and good relations (and good singing) resumed.

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Do I have to join the Society to sing in a quartet?

No. In fact a competing college quartet is not allowed to have more than two members who are members of SPEBSQSA.

If you choose not to compete you would be welcome to join as a member of the Boonslick Chordbusters. There is an easy payment plan for the dues, but again ... this is not a requirement to sing with a quartet.

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If we compete what could we win?

At the International level...cash prizes!

* $4,000 for first place * $1,500 for second place * $1,200 for third place * $1,000 for fourth place * $800 for fifth place

At the District level...

* $1000 for first place

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How do I know what part I should sing?

When you join we will pair you up with our director or one of our section leaders and he will help you decide which part you are best suited for. Yes this is like an audition . . . but relax . . . you won't need anything prepared to sing! It will be an easy-going and fun experience.

How your voice matches with other potential quartet members will also be determined. At some point you will be grouped with others to sing as a quartet . . . and there may be some initial shuffling around as adjustments are made . . .

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Where would I get music?

The society makes literally hundreds of titles available. If it is the quartet's decision to compete then you will need to select and work up 6 songs. The Boonslick Chordbusters will assist you in music selection and will help your quartet financially in obtaining the music you need.

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What About Coaching?

Initially your quartet will be assigned a coach from within the ranks of the Boonslick Chordbusters. As you progress you will be exposed to coaches from around the area. Both St Louis and Kansas City have some big names in the barbershop community who will be more than willing to give you a hand. This is not intended to slight our guys' abilities . . . we have some fine coaches here in Columbia . . . but to compete internationally you will need the best.

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Who were some past Collegiate champions?

COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONS

1992 WATER STREET JUNCTION - Luther College, Decorah, Iowa

1993 HERITAGE STATION - Ohio University & Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia

1994 THE REAL DEAL - Bowling Green University

1995 STOP THE PRESSES - Bowling Green University

1996 FOUR VOICES - Lee College, Cleveland Tennessee

1997 FREEFALL - Lawrence University, Appleton, Wisconsin & Lancaster High School

1998 PRIME CUT - Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia

1999 STATION 59 - University of Florida

2000 MILLENNIUM - Northwest Missouri State University

2001 REPRISE - Brigham Young University

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I am not a music major... does that matter?

No. While our chorus does have many who are musically trained... there are many who have not had professional training. It is the nature of our organization to teach, so while you are having a good time singing . . . you will also be learning "how to sing" in the barbershop style.

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Are there educational opportunities available?

District schools and our international school, Harmony College, offer fine opportunities for you to learn individually and collectively. One primary skill is knowing how to read music. Courses on sight singing, music fundamentals and the theory of barbershop harmony can help you in this vital area. Other classes that would benefit you are too numerous to mention. Of course, you have an opportunity to have your quartet coached by expert Barbershoppers at Harmony College and at the district Mini Harmony College. There is no reason to limit your barbershop education to formal classes. Make use of the Society's fine audio-visual materials. Put some time into studying other performers, both barbershop and non-barbershop. There is much to learn from people who are already top-flight singers and entertainers.

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My college is not in Columbia... now what?

That's O.K. We have many members from surrounding towns. If you are too far from Columbia to visit regularly, we will be happy to refer you to the barbershop chapter nearest you. You may not be aware of others at your school who are also interested in forming a quartet. Get in touch with us and we will help you find the others.

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What more is there?

Music provides an extraordinary vehicle for sharing yourself with other people. You can make your audience laugh, cry and experience great joy. The whole gamut of human emotion is open to you.

Barbershop quartet music gives you additional advantages. The camaraderie involved in making music with your fellow Barbershoppers is most rewarding. Your chance to contribute to the Society at the chapter, district or international level is great, and much satisfaction can be obtained.

Furthermore, your instrument is always with you, ready to join in song at a moment's notice. The average male singer - and that is most of us - probably sounds his best when singing barbershop quartet music. The chord structures we use lead to maximum reinforcement of overtones. The lyrics of our songs are straightforward and simple to understand. The melody of a good barbershop song is easily rendered and smooth-flowing.

Barbershop comes from the heart, requiring no sophistication or complicated training.

As a member of a barbershop quartet, you have a golden opportunity to make beautiful music and experience great pleasure and satisfaction. It is up to you to make the most of it.

For more information on singing a part click here