Terminology

We use terms and words in our chorus that may seem odd to the
uninitiated. These are some of the words and phrases that we may use
in our lessons.

Afterglow

A party after a chapter meeting, show, or rehearsal.

Barberpole cat songs

A series of 12 songs that everyone in the BHS should know. No matter
where you go, you should be able to find more singers who know the
same arragement to these same 12 songs.

Barbershop Seventh

The cornerstone of our style, the Dominant Seventh style chord. A
major chord with a minor seventh added.

Baritone

The man who sings the notes to complete the chords, sometimes above,
and sometimes below the melody. Due to the way that we tune our
chords, a note may be written as the same notes, but sound quite
differently each time. Because of this, good Baritones believe
themselves to be God's gift to music.

Bass

The man who sings the lowest voiced part. The bass line follows the
harmonic pillars of the song. These men believe themselves to be
God's gift to music.

BOTY

Barbershopper of the Year. An award presented for outstanding
efforts in the chapter.

District

One of the sixteen geographic administrative regions of the Society.

Division

One of the geographic administrative regions of the district.

Fifth-wheeling

Joining in without invitation when a quartet is singing; a breach of
manners. Wait for the quartet to finish, then ask if you can sing
along. However, visitors and guests may request to 'be
fifth-wheeled" when learning something new.

Gang Singing

Informal group singing, usually found during a break in rehearsals.

Lead

The man who sings the melody part. The lead line is the melody of a
song. Since the other parts follow the Lead's interpretation and
style, these men generally believe themselves to be God's gift to
music.

Swipe

An embellishment of two or more chords sung on a single word or
syllable; hallmark of the barbershop style.

Tag

The end of a very long song. This is usually the part of the song
with the "juiciest" and "lushest" chords. A Tag is often used as a
teaching tool for tuning and confidence.

Tenor

The man who sings the harmonies above the melody part. Men who sing
both Bass and Tenor actually are God's gift to music.