Face it, someone says, "Cone" and you think ice cream. In barbershop singing however, the cone represents the four voices (bass, baritone, lead, and tenor) and the balance they need to have. A quartet has one of each voice. The barbershop cone is an upside-down cone (when compared with ice cream). From lowest vocal range to highest, the bass forms the, well, base, then comes the baritone. The lead has the melody and the tenor is a nice light voice at the top.
Being in a quartet is an exciting part of Chorus life. It provides an opportunity for singers to enhance their vocal skills, shine in their own spotlight, and explore music beyond that which the Chorus is currently rehearsing. Just like book clubs, hiking clubs, etc., the Chorus is filled with members who may want to spend additional time together.
There are official and unofficial quartets. Official quartets register themselves with Sweet Adelines International and are eligible to perform on the competition stage. Unofficial quartets give small groups the opportunity to practice together and have additional social interaction, with barbershop harmonies as a focal point. Unofificial quartets are sometimes used as a teaching/training tool to advance the skills of all members of the chorus.
Heart of New Jersey Chorus has one active quartet:
The Extension Chords
Tenor: Carolyn Wolfe
Lead: Lori Asch
Baritone: Becky Woodard
Bass: Esther Krutzel
The Extension Chords members are Carolyn Wolfe (Tenor), Becky Woodard (Baritone) and Esther Krutzel (Bass), all from Heart of New Jersey Chorus, and Lori Asch (Lead) from Liberty Oak Chorus. We are continuously building our repertoire as we have fun and enjoy our love of singing together. For information on hiring our quartet for your event, contact [email protected].
Hearts In Harmony
Tenor: Carolyn Wolfe
Lead: Kellyanne DiBello
Baritone: Becky Woodard
Bass: Esther Krutzel
Hearts In Harmony was newly formed in July, 2023 and is made up of three of Heart of New Jersey Chorus’ section leaders (Kellyanne, Esther and Carolyn) and our assistant director (Becky).
Amethyst
Tenor: Millicent Barry
Lead: KellyAnne DiBello
Baritone: Wendy McCurdy
Bass: Mona Carol-Albala