Arranging Barbershop Monday, May 20, 2024
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists
Arranging Barbershop from the Barbershop Harmony Society
Barbershop singing is often thought of as a genre of music when, in fact, it is a style of arranging. Any song can be arranged in the barbershop style, provided that the arranger be familiar with the tenets of this originally American – though now global – art form. “Arranging Barbershop” provides this framework. It follows in the footsteps of arranging legends, both from the early days of barbershop and those since the preservationist movement, including our modern, living arrangers. All of these artists shaped barbershop to what it is today: a vibrant, unique musical experience that has the capacity to be compelling both for the singers and the eager listeners. This book is intended to empower current and future generations of barbershop arrangers of all skill levels, providing them the tools and knowledge they need to bring their creations to life.
“Arranging Barbershop” is divided into four volumes:
Volume 1: Getting Started provides foundational tools and approaches for the budding arranger.
Volume 2: The Arranging Journey seeks to provide guidance for arrangers at three levels: beginning, intermediate, and advanced.
Volume 3: Visions of Excellence is a virtual roundtable with 38 of barbershop’s greatest arrangers.
Volume 4: Learn from the Experts (coming soon!) contains two parts: Arranging in Action – dozens of hours of videos, with arrangers discussing and deconstructing their works; Arrangers’ Toolbox – deep dive chapters on specialized topics by top arrangers
Filled with case studies, specific examples (with audio and video clips) and lessons learned, each volume aims to unlock new skills and expertise for everyone interested in arranging barbershop!
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About the Authors:
Jen Sper is a Choral Music Specialist here at Stanton’s Sheet Music. A native of Cincinnati, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now University) Conservatory of Music, and taught 7-12 choir, music theory, class piano, and drama in Southern Ohio before joining the Stanton’s team in 2006. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, Jen can also often be found exploring the exciting restaurant, brewery, and theater scenes in Columbus, wandering through the local metro parks, visiting family around the Great Lakes, or at home with her very friendly cat.
Lisa Springer joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2023. She taught middle and high school choirs for 27 years in addition to serving as Artistic Director of the Columbus Women’s Chorus. She holds degrees from Heidelberg University and Cleveland Institute of Music. She has enjoyed an extensive professional singing career and continues to perform in the greater Columbus area. During her free time, she enjoys spending time in southern Ohio playing with her grandchildren.