An all-new female barbershop quartet has formed this semester at ETSU.
The quartet consists of ETSU students Emma Combs, a junior studying contemporary vocal performance; Kiley Atkins, a freshman studying vocal performance; Natalie Ford, a freshman studying vocal music education; and Hadassah White, a freshman studying vocal performance.
Combs formed the group about two months ago; she had asked around and sent out messages to see who would be interested in joining a female barbershop quartet. Atkins, Ford, and White responded, and the group got together to harmonize.
Ford remembers jumping at the opportunity to be a part of a female barbershop quartet, something completely revolutionary for ETSU.
“I’d always wondered why we’d never had a women’s barbershop group here,” Ford said.
Combs shares that they all had low expectations for their first practice. Much to their surprise, the four members achieved excellent harmony which, according to Combs, is very rare.
“We really did just get lucky,” Combs said.
Combs has a personal connection with barbershop. She shares that her grandfather had his own barbershop quartet with his three brothers, and she was eager to continue the tradition.
“I love barbershop, and I have a connection to it,” Combs said. “I’ve been wanting to form a quartet for a while now.”
The group shares that, despite their short time working together, they have been able to perfect two songs: “Edelweiss,” from “The Sound of Music,” and “Mr. Sandman,” a barbershop classic.
The members are excited for the future of Belle Voci; they hope that the coming semester will be a time of growth for their group.
They plan to hold more performances, expand their repertoire, experiment with more styles and difficult arrangements and get involved with the community.
They are also eager to keep pushing the boundaries of what has been traditionally known as barbershop.
“I really enjoy the spin we’re putting on barbershop,” Atkins said. “To show that women can do barbershop, [and] all different kinds of songs can be barbershop”.
Additionally, the members of Belle Voci are excited to continue to grow together. Unfortunately, Ford will not be returning next semester, so the group will have to find a new bass.
“I’m just really glad that I took a chance at the opportunity to be able to make music with everyone here… and I hope I can do it again someday,” Ford said.
The rest of the members are thankful for the opportunities that Belle Voci has provided, as well. They hope to continue presenting barbershop in a way that is anything but conventional.
“It’s great to work with other great musicians and show our school some great female musicians, also,” Atkins said.
For future performances by Belle Voci, stay connected with their Instagram page: @bellevoci.etsu.
