Information for BABS Choruses and Quartets
Learn how to get involved
Get Involved in the Year of Harmony
For BABS Member Clubs and Quartets
The Year of Harmony is your chance to showcase the beauty of barbershop singing and strengthen ties within your community. As part of this exciting nationwide campaign, we’re encouraging all BABS member choruses and quartets to take an active role in organising events that introduce more people to our wonderful tradition of four-part harmony.
Whether it’s through performances, workshops, or joint events with other musical groups, you’ll have the chance to inspire new audiences, share your passion for barbershop, and grow your own ensemble along the way.
How You Can Participate
There are plenty of ways for your chorus or quartet to get involved in the Year of Harmony! Here are a few ideas to get started:
1. Host a Joint Performance
Collaborate with a local choir, instrumental group, or school to put on a shared performance. Combining genres and styles creates a unique musical experience that will draw in diverse audiences and showcase the versatility of barbershop singing.
2. Run a Workshop or Open Rehearsal
Invite the community to step inside your rehearsal space and experience the magic of barbershop harmony firsthand. Workshops for beginners or open rehearsals where the public can observe the process are great ways to get people curious and excited about singing.
3. Organize a Sing-Along Event
Nothing brings people together like singing! Host a fun, informal sing-along where attendees can join in and try their hand at barbershop. This is an excellent way to engage people who might be new to singing or who want to try something different.
4. Take Part in Community Festivals
Join a local music or arts festival, where your chorus or quartet can be part of a larger community celebration. Performing at these events is a fantastic way to introduce barbershop to a wider audience, many of whom may be experiencing it for the first time.
5. Partner with Schools or Youth Groups
Collaborating with schools or youth music programs can help you introduce younger generations to the joy of barbershop singing. You can offer singing workshops, educational presentations, or invite youth choirs to perform alongside your group.
BABS Support for Your Events
To help make your outreach a success, BABS is providing several resources to support your efforts:
- Grants: We have a number of grants available which you're welcome to apply for. There's more information on our Grants page.
- Event Flyers: We’ve designed promotional flyers specifically for Year of Harmony events, which will help spread the word in your local area. Whether you’re hosting a workshop, concert, or open rehearsal, these flyers will introduce your audience to BABS, and explain what the Year of Harmony is all about. Contact us to receive printed copies to distribute at your events.
- Marketing Guidance: Need help promoting your event? We’ll be offering tips and best practices on how to use social media, local press, and community connections to make your outreach efforts as impactful as possible. Keep an eye out for our online toolkit!
- Social Media Exposure: Share your event details with us, and we’ll promote it through BABS’ official social media channels. We’ll be using the hashtag #YearOfHarmony throughout the year to build excitement around the campaign, so make sure to tag us in your posts to boost visibility for your event!
Why Get Involved?
By participating in the Year of Harmony, you’re not only helping spread the love of barbershop singing, but you’re also opening the door to new opportunities for your own group. Here are just a few of the benefits:
- Raise your profile: Showcase your chorus or quartet to new audiences and potential members.
- Recruit new singers: Outreach events are a fantastic way to attract newcomers who may be interested in joining your group.
- Build community connections: Strengthen relationships with other local musical groups and organizations.
- Celebrate barbershop tradition: Be a part of a national celebration of the art form that we all love.
How to Register Your Event
Ready to take part? Simply follow these steps to get your event on the map:
- Register Your Event: Visit our event registration form to officially register your outreach event as part of the Year of Harmony.
- Request Flyers: Let us know how many flyers you’d like, and we’ll send them your way! You can distribute these at your event and to local organizations to raise awareness.
- Spread the Word: Use our promotional resources to advertise your event locally and online. Don’t forget to share your event with us on social media using #YearOfHarmony!
Let’s Make Music Together!
The Year of Harmony is an opportunity for all of us to share the joy of barbershop singing with new audiences, celebrate our musical tradition, and bring more voices into the fold. We can’t wait to see the creative ways our member choirs and quartets will take part.
For any questions or to request materials, contact us at [email protected]
Let’s fill 2025 with harmony, together!
