In this article, “Race on the Path to Choral Conducting: Bridges into Barbershop,” Jessie Caynon Oslan talks shop — barbershop, that is — about her experiences as a Black director and leader within the barbershop choral community.
“I wonder who may clutch their pearls at the notion of barbershop chorus singing being discussed as part of the choral world. Truly, it’s a very different beast when considering its unique cultural context and the aesthetics that come with it, which are very much in contrast with what those in the classical or even the jazz world would consider the standards of choral/ensemble singing. Vocally, one might describe it as an interesting combination of a baroque-like straight tone with the flair of Broadway. Visually, like a military marching band raided the backstage of a beauty pageant. Viscerally, somehow a bit bizarre and utterly captivating at the same time….”
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