New Dimension Chorus

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.