October is here, and at MTMS our theme is A Cappella! Are you excited? We are. A cappella started with the four-part harmonies of African American men somewhere near the 1850s. Over time, it grew into barbershop quartets, doo-wop, and even the pop arrangements you hear in Pitch Perfect.
What makes a cappella special? The human voice performs the bass lines, harmonies, and even percussion. With today’s technology, one person can layer their own voice and build an entire piece by themselves.
The history of a cappella stretches back nearly two centuries. You’ll hear references to The Music Man when barbershop is mentioned. The style may be old, but it keeps evolving. Groups like the Barbershop Harmony Society and Sweet Adelines International welcome mixed-gender groups and new ideas.
A cappella music finds its way in jazz, gospel, pop, country, rap, and contemporary music styles. Today, performers sing just about everything with nothing but their voices. That makes a cappella one of the most versatile kinds of music.
This month, ask your student what they enjoy most about a cappella. You might be surprised. And don’t forget to share your own favorite a cappella songs. Exploring different music lessons and styles is part of the fun!