Intro to Barbershop: One year completed... now what?

One year completed... now what?

As you near your first anniversary as a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, we hope you’ve found the experience fulfilling and energizing. You’ve become part of a very large world with a long history, culture, and traditions -- and one we believe is making a real difference in people’s lives in ways large and small.

Now is a good time to reflect on your barbershop life, and look into what the coming years offer you as a singer and a member.

Over the past year, we’ve offered a wide-ranging discussion of the barbershop world. (Skip to the bottom to see the full monthly topic list.) We’d like to learn from you which items you loved, which left you indifferent, puzzled, or displeased. We’ve created this quick feedback survey -- 8 questions, about 90 seconds long -- to find out what you’ve learned.

Looking back on your first year

The most important question we can ask you today is, are you happy in your barbershop experience so far? When you tell your family and friends about barbershop -- what do you say? We know that most people don’t stop liking barbershop music, but sometimes circumstances can alter the degree of commitment you can make to participating. It’s also true that a compelling barbershop experience makes it easy to prioritize it as a mental health activity, even while you are busy with family and career obligations. How can you make your barbershop life better still? How can we help?

Looking forward to your next year in barbershop

Barbershop is probably deeply enmeshed in your life now, with your ears ringing seventh chords as you drift off to sleep. Maybe you’ve already ventured outside your own chapter to attend conventions, visit other chapters, or compete. If you haven’t -- do it! In the coming year, explore everything barbershop has to offer.

Go to a show

There’s a lot of barbershop going on all around you, if only you knew where to look. Stay on top with the Barbershop Show Calendar.

Get involved in chapter and district leadership

You're a year into your barbershop life, and everyone’s asking if you’ll help out. Take a role in running your chapter -- maybe as part of a project team -- and you’ll gain a new appreciation for the timeworn truth: “If it is to be, it is up to me.”

Dive deeply into barbershop education

The more you know, the more you’ll love this art form and lifestyle. Learn at home by way of Harmony University Online. Splurge on the week-long Harmony University experience. Grab a quick weekend dose at a district education event.

Start another barbershop activity

If you’re in a chrus, how about a quartet? If you’re in a men’s group, try mixed. And vice versa. There are so many ways to be barbershop -- try them all!