Sacramento Capitolaires

	Frequently Asked Questions!

Q - Was four part harmony really sung in barber shops?

Yes - In the 1800's when life moved at a slower pace and men of the town would gather at the "Main Street Barber Shop" to talk about the baseball game and socialize, they would often join in song in the four part harmony that we call barbershop harmony today.

Q - Do you have to be an accomplished singer to barbershop?

No - Barbershop music is written for the average voice. When you put a lead (melody), a baritone, a base and a tenor voice together, the chords that they form make a wonderful sound that we call barbershop harmony.

Q - Does the chapter do anything other than sing?

Yes - We have craft sessions and fun program sessions each week at our meetings. We have family functions like pot luck dinners, picnics, bake sales and rummage sales as well as other activities to raise money for charities.

Q - Is barbershop singing just for men?

No - The Barbershop Harmony Society is a men's organization, and there are two organizations for women

(Sweet Adelines International and Harmony, Inc.) that also sing barbershop harmony. In addition, there are a large number of mixed quartets and octets that sing songs in the same style

Q - What do the wives do when dad is out singing?

A - We encourage the wives to accompany their men to the meetings if they wish. Some of our spouses and affiliated people have formed an auxiliary organization called the "Capitol For-em" that supports us in many ways. Actually we would be lost without the support of our wives, and families, they play a vital part in the success of our chorus and our shows.

Q - What about young people who want to sing?

A - We actively support Youth Outreach programs, such as the Youth Harmony Camp held each year up in Pollock Pines. We also promote public school music programs (whether they sing barbershop or not) and assist local high schools in quartet singing and the High School quartet contest. In addition, we welcome student members of our chorus.

Q - Do you have to have singing experience to join the chapter.

No - All you need is the desire to sing and learn and carry a tune.

Q - Do Barbershop chapters have any religious or racial affiliation.

No - Many chapters may rent space in churches or synagogues due to the reduced cost of those spaces, but we do not favor one religion over another. We are made up of people of all ethnicities, religions, political beliefs, etc. In fact, one of the items in our code of ethics is "We shall not permit the introduction of political, religious, or other similar controversial issues into the affairs of the Society."

Q - If I should want to join the Capitolaires, what must I do?

A - If you are new to the Society, you'll first have to attend three out of four consecutive chapter meetings. On one of these first meetings you will be given a "New Member Packet" from our Membership Vice President.

Q - Is there an audition?

Yes - At the beginning of the membership process, you will be auditioned to determine whether you have the basic skills which, given dedication and hard work, will enable you to become an active member of the performing chorus. The audition is a simple process that tests your ability to sing in tune, your vocal quality and flexibility, your tonal memory, breathing, and natural voice range. The ability to read music is not a requirement for joining the chorus; however, possessing that ability or having previous choral singing experience will certainly help you learn faster.

You will also receive a "Membership Process Form" containing the steps to complete for your membership and

orientation requirements. The membership portion of the process generally takes no longer than six to eight weeks.

During this time you are welcomed and encouraged to attend chapter meetings and participate in rehearsals. Singing on the risers with the chorus during rehearsals is also encouraged; however, until you are a member of the performing chorus there may be times when we will ask you to rehearse along side the risers, particularly when the chorus is rehearsing for an upcoming performance or contest.

Q - What happens if I don't pass the audition?

A - Not to worry! Because of nervousness or lack of recent singing activity, some of our most productive current members did not pass the audition on their first try. If you don't qualify the first time, the assessors will explain which areas you need to work on, and will assist you by arranging for some additional help if you desire. They may also give you some exercises to use during practice. Give yourself enough time to properly work through these problem areas; there is no time limit involved. Remember, we want you to succeed, and will help you do so to the best of our abilities.

Q - What are the contests for and when and how many are there?

A - Choruses compete each year in a division contest, and those earning sufficient points go on to compete at the district level. The winner of the district contest earns the right to represent the district at the international contest -- the "Superbowl" of barbershop, if you will -- competing with the representatives from each of the 16 districts as well as from the international affiliate organizations. This chorus contest, as well as the International Quartet Contest, occurs during the Barbershop Harmony Society International Convention, held annually in some large metropolitan area in North America.

Q - I thought this was a barbershop quartet organization. What about quartets?

A - There are more than 2,000 "registered" barbershop quartets in our Society, and about an equal number of quartets who do not go through the registration process. The Sacramento Chapter is home to several quartets (see the "Quartets" page). They are regularly booked on their own to perform, and most quartet members are also actively participating in the chorus. Serious quartet singing requires a similar or greater dedication to that of a chorus member, and the rewards are many; we encourage quartet singing for all of our members.

Quartet competitions are held throughout the year, usually in conjunction with chorus competitions; these events are held to determine division, district and international quartet champions. A quartet must register before being allowed to compete in Society sponsored contests; registration also secures a unique name for each quartet as well as "retiring" the names of all International Champion quartets in perpetuity.