Choosing the Perfect Song for Your Quartet

Selecting the right song for your barbershop quartet is a key step in creating performances that highlight your group’s unique strengths. This post isn’t about choosing songs for a specific contest or competition—it’s about finding repertoire that will work for your quartet in general, whether you’re preparing for a performance, a casual rehearsal, or just expanding your repertoire. The perfect song should complement each member’s vocal range, fit the group’s style, and allow the personalities of the singers to come through.

In this post, we’ll dive into strategies for choosing the right song that showcases the unique talents of each member while helping your quartet perform cohesively.

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1. Pay Attention to Each Singer’s Range and Tessitura

When choosing a song for your quartet, one of the most important factors to consider is whether the song fits within each member’s vocal range and tessitura.

• Check the vocal range. This refers to the actual notes each singer can comfortably hit. For example, if your bass’s lowest consistent note is an Eb, you’ll want to avoid songs that require frequent notes lower than that, such as low Cs, as they’ll be outside of their comfortable range. This is relevant for all four voices in both directions, high and low.
• Consider tessitura. While a singer may technically be able to hit certain notes, it’s important to consider where most of the song sits in their range. Tessitura refers to the range where a singer’s voice is most comfortable, where it can sound its best. For instance, if your bass does have the occasional low C, but that note only appears quietly at the bottom of their range and isn’t sustained, it may still be fine to choose a song with a couple of C notes. However, if the song rides low near C for long sections, it will likely tire the bass and affect their overall sound. The same goes for your lead or any other part—if the lead struggles to sing around a certain note, and the song stays near that note throughout, it will be difficult for the lead to maintain a relaxed, controlled sound.
• Don’t forget about short, challenging notes. If only one or two notes in the song fall outside of a singer’s range, don’t worry—this doesn’t mean the song is off-limits! These sections can often be rearranged to fit the singer’s abilities. For example, if the song has one low C that’s hard for your bass, the arrangement could be adjusted for them to sing a higher harmony or alternate note in that section. If the song’s overall tessitura is a little too low for your group, you can often transpose it to a higher key. Same if it’s too high, you can try pitching it down a bit!

If you find yourself stuck with a challenging note or section, I’m here to help! Reach out to me at SPARK! for guidance on how to rework a song to fit your quartet’s vocal strengths.

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2. Match the Song to Your Quartet’s Personality and Style

Every quartet has its own style and energy—some are light-hearted and playful, while others are more dramatic or emotional. Choosing a song that fits your quartet’s personality will help ensure the performance feels authentic.

• Know your strengths. If your quartet excels at humor or high energy, choose a fun, upbeat song that lets your personality shine. If your group is more emotional or introspective, consider a ballad that allows you to express deeper feelings. Make sure to consider the quartet as a whole rather than just one person.
• Consider the story and message. The lyrics of a song should resonate with your quartet, so take time to analyze the message behind the song. If the group connects emotionally with the story, it will show in your performance. A song that feels natural to sing will help your group invest fully in the performance.

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3. Test the Song Before Committing

Once you’ve narrowed down some potential songs, it’s important to test them out before committing to one. Here’s how:

• Sing through the song together. Start by singing through the song as a quartet. Pay attention to how it feels for each voice. Are there parts that are difficult for any member? Does the harmony fit naturally together? If something feels off, it may not be the right choice. Sometimes a song will sound easy enough, but is actually very difficult when you begin looking at it more closely!
• Record your rehearsal. Listening to a recording of your rehearsal can provide valuable insights. Sometimes, what feels right in the moment doesn’t translate well to the recording. Use this feedback to determine if the song works or if adjustments need to be made.
• Make adjustments if needed. If something isn’t quite right, don’t hesitate to adjust the arrangement or change the key. Flexibility is key when choosing repertoire, so feel free to make changes that will allow your quartet to perform the song with ease and confidence.

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4. Don’t Be Afraid to Step Outside the Box

Barbershop singing doesn’t have to be limited to traditional songs or styles. While it’s important to stay true to the roots of the genre if you’re going to call yourself a barbershop quartet, don’t be afraid to experiment with different musical styles and genres.

• Explore non-traditional repertoire. Songs from pop, jazz, or even Broadway can be adapted to barbershop style. This can breathe new life into your performances and give your quartet a fresh, unique sound.

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Final thoughts

Choosing the right song for your quartet is an essential step in crafting a memorable performance. By considering vocal ranges, matching the song to your group’s personality, and testing the arrangement, you’ll ensure that your quartet has the best chance of success. Remember, the right song will bring out the strengths of your group and allow each member to shine. Happy singing!

❤ Rachel
Founder & Instructor
SPARK! Music & Artistry