The Old Songs

or, How I got my ictus back

It was eleven years since I was at Harmony College, now Harmony University, in St. Joseph, MO. A lot has changed, while a lot remains the same. Gone are the beanies (thank goodness) for first-time participants, replaced by colored ribbons on their badges.

Gone, too, is the notion that Harmony University is only for male barbershop members. There were women as frontline directors of men’s choruses, members from Sweet Adelines International and from Harmony, Inc. There were music educators who are not affiliated with any barbershop organization at all.

But what remains is the essence of barbershop music education and vocal techniques that make this annual trek a must for all barbershoppers.

Directors College

I attended the Directors College, one of three educational paths, and found the experience quite educational. For example, I learned how to get the maximum effort out of the chorus with minimal effort on my part. I learned how to go back to the basics, like directing beat patterns, instead of directing syncopated rhythms.

But most of all, I learned that my job as director is to wean the chorus from depending on me during a performance. While in rehearsal, chorus members rely on the director to instruct them how to sing each song. The ultimate goal, however, is to give the power to the chorus, to transfer ownership of each song to the singer.

Director vs. Facilitator

During rehearsals, I am the director. It is my job to oversee the learning process and to teach the elements of each song. As the education on each song progresses, I become less of a director and more of a facilitator. At the same time, the chorus member becomes less of a learner and more of an owner of the song. By the time a performance rolls around, I am up there to start them off, to guide them through their song, and to conclude the sound. I’m not up there to direct.

The responsibility of singing the song, of conveying the message, of creating the proper emotional involvement, is up to the chorus members. A wise instructor once said: “A director makes no sound.” It was a shift in my thinking, one of those defining moments when I realized what my role is.

Moments like these are available to all people who love barbershop music. Make it a gift that you give yourself to attend a Harmony University week when it convenes again in 2007. For information, check the Barbershop Harmony website at www.barbershop.org.

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