Barbershop music is more than a nod to the past — it’s a living, breathing art form thriving in communities like Springfield, Missouri. At the center of this harmonious movement is the Springfield chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS), a vibrant collective that extends well beyond the traditional quartet format. According to Paul Olguin, Springfield Sound director and BHS member, “We are actually more than a quartet. We are a chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Within our chapter we have three barbershop choruses — Springfield Sound, Ozark Overtones, and Charismix — and several quartets.”
Together, these ensembles produce three or more shows each year, often spotlighting local talent and welcoming guest quartets. But their music doesn’t stop at the stage. They frequently perform at senior living facilities during the holiday season and delight the community each February with Singing Valentines — heartfelt, harmony-rich serenades delivered in person. On top of it all, they’re competitive, participating annually in district and international barbershop competitions.
Barbershop singing has deep roots in the Springfield area, thriving for nearly 70 years. “Barbershop music is happy, fun, and energizing,” Paul says. “It’s easy for a beginner to enjoy instantly, yet one can also pursue high levels of artistry for a lifetime. There’s a special kind of social bond that manifests as a result of the endeavor to create four-part close-harmony.”
That bond is forged in the rehearsal room as much as on stage. The complexity of singing in a cappella harmony is both a challenge and a thrill. “There are no instruments to lean on for reference,” Paul explains. “The demands of trying to sing ‘perfectly’ in tune are many, especially on songs with quick chord changes. We find success by breaking things down into duets and slowing things down until we’re able to master all of the chord changes.”
Precision and emotional expression go hand in hand in this genre. Performers must balance technical excellence with authenticity and connection. “A great performance always leaves room for new things to happen within the framework of consistency,” Paul reflects. “That’s actually where the real music is — in those moments where something that has never been rehearsed happens beautifully because of the trust and connection the singers share.”
This commitment to musical connection was evident in one particularly memorable performance: Springfield Sound’s stirring rendition of Queen’s “Somebody to Love” at last fall’s district competition. “The audience was mesmerized, and the chorus was rewarded with its highest-ever contest scores,” Paul recalls. “What made it stand out was that the chorus was completely committed to the performance and created a powerful connection with the audience.”
Rehearsals are rigorous, especially when learning new songs. “Since many of our singers are not trained musicians and don’t read music, we often use prepared learning tracks to get the notes and words into our heads,” Paul says. “Tricky passages and chords are isolated and drilled at manageable speeds.” For complex arrangements, up to 100 hours of rehearsal may be required before a piece is ready for the stage.
“Each singer should be making their most beautiful sound at all times - no one should be attempting any vocal tricks to try to blend in,” adds Paul. “Each singer should be aware of their overall role, but also their role in each chord. They should perform that role, but without the listener becoming aware that they are doing it. Listening while singing is vital to cohesion. Being aware of your fellow singers at all times and responding to each moment of music.”
As for what’s next, Springfield Sound and its sister ensembles are riding a wave of renewed energy. “We’ve been enjoying an influx of talented young singers,” says Paul, “passing on the Barbershop Harmony tradition to future generations.”
Any interested community members are invited to a rehearsal Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. at The Waterford at Ironbridge, 1131 E. Lakewood St., Springfield.
That’s actually where the real music is — in those moments where something that has never been rehearsed happens beautifully.