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Annual observance

Barbershop Quartet Day

April 11 Cultural / community observance Updated 2025-12-17

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Overview

Barbershop Quartet Day, observed annually on April 11th, commemorates the founding of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), now known as the Barbershop Harmony Society, in 1938. It's a day dedicated to celebrating and promoting the unique American art form of barbershop harmony, characterized by its unaccompanied, four-part vocal arrangements.

Observed each year on April 11, Barbershop Quartet Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: Barbershop Quartet Day, celebrated on April 11, honors the founding of the Barbershop Harmony Society in 1938, highlighting the importance of preserving this distinct American musical tradition. This day fosters community connection through the joy of four-part harmony singing, emphasizing collaboration and creativity in music.

Origin and story

The Barbershop Harmony Society was founded in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on April 11, 1938, by O.C. Cash.

Barbershop harmony features four distinct voice parts: tenor (highest harmony), lead (melody), baritone (completes the chord), and bass (lowest harmony).

Quick facts

  • DateApril 11
  • TypeCultural / community observance
  • Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

  • Post a story with #barbershop-quartet-day and invite others to try a tiny activity.
  • Bring the theme into your day—decorate a workspace, cook or bake something inspired by Barbershop Quartet, or play music that matches the mood.
  • Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.
  • Barbershop Quartet Day lands on April 11 — host a quick nod with Friends, Families and snap a photo.
  • Bring Barbershop Quartet Day to work or school with a short shout-out in a meeting or group chat.

Fun facts

  • The Barbershop Harmony Society was founded in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on April 11, 1938, by O.C. Cash.
  • Barbershop harmony features four distinct voice parts: tenor (highest harmony), lead (melody), baritone (completes the chord), and bass (lowest harmony).
  • A hallmark of barbershop singing is the "ringing chord" or "expanded sound," where precisely tuned pure intervals create overtones, giving the illusion of more than four voices.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.

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FAQ

When is Barbershop Quartet Day?
It is observed on April 11 each year.
What is Barbershop Quartet Day?
Barbershop Quartet Day, observed annually on April 11th, commemorates the founding of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), now known as the Barbershop Harmony Society, in 1938. It's a day dedicated to celebrating and promoting the unique American art form of barbershop harmony, characterized by its unaccompanied, four-part vocal arrangements.
How do people celebrate Barbershop Quartet Day?
Post a story with #barbershop-quartet-day and invite others to try a tiny activity.

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