Barbershop Worldwide
In America, the 2 major Barbershop organisations are "Barbershop Harmony Society"
(formally known as "Society for the Preservation and Encouragement
of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A.") which
is a purely men's organisation. A large women's organisation was
founded in the 1950's: "Sweet Adelines International".
These organisations hold yearly international conventions in the USA,
where more than 20,000 friends of barbershop music from all over the
world compete in order to determine the best quartet and chorus. Up to
now the Americans have had the most outstanding choruses and quartets.
This is no surprise with their development in the music and over 80,000
members in their organisations.
Another example is England, where the British men have developed a high
standard with the formation of "B.A.B.S." (British Association
of Barbershop Singers) in the 1970's. At this time they have about
4000 members. Britains women's organisation "L.A.B.B.S."
(Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers) has a similar number
of active singers.
Besides these, there are barbershop organisations in quite a number of
countries: Sweden, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Even in Russia
and Japan barbershop music can be heard.
