Junior Quartets

• Age divisions:
  

  • U18 (Junior): All singers 18 and under at the time of the Midwinter event.
    

  • U26 (Varsity): All singers 26 and under at the time of the International event.
    

  • Quartets with any member age 19 or older must compete in the Varsity division.
    

  • Age 18 creates flexibility—quartets with all 18-year-olds may choose Junior or Varsity depending on the event.
    

• Examples:
  

  • 18–16–16–15 → Junior or Varsity
    

  • 19–17–17–15 → Varsity
    

  • 18–18–18–18 → Junior or Varsity
    

  • 25–23–23–14 → Varsity
    

  • 25–25–25–26 → Not eligible for Next Gen (must compete open).
    

• Open to all genders (men’s, women’s, and mixed quartets).
  

• No membership required in BHS or affiliate organization.
  

• An individual may only participate in one junior quartet per year.
  

• Quartets eligible for both Junior and Varsity may only register for one contest per year.

Contestable arrangements must feature:

• Melody primarily in the second voice (Tenor II/Lead).

• Four unaccompanied voices, singing distinct parts.

• Mostly consonant, diatonic harmony based in major tonality (with some secondary dominants).

• Homophonic texture with clear, understandable, G-rated lyrics.

Contestable arrangements do not include:

• Jazz-based harmonizations, counterpoint-heavy arrangements, or Eric Whitacre-style writing.

• Patriotic, religious, or explicit themes.

• Any form of instrumental accompaniment.

Song choices may include:

• Songs already approved for State Solo & Ensemble Contests.

• Songs prepared for the Next Generation Chorus Festival.

• Check out our Suggested Song List.

Copyright compliance:

• Arrangements must adhere to international and U.S. copyright law.

• See our Copyright Basics for Barbershoppers.

Adapting arrangements:

• TTBB → SSAA: transpose up a minor 3rd to perfect 5th; revoice as needed.

• TTBB → SATB:

  • Lead (Tenor II) → Sopranos (up an octave)

  • Tenor (Tenor I) → Altos (as written).

  • Baritone (Bass I/Baritone) → Tenors (as written).

  • Bass (Bass II) → Basses (as written).

• Some revoicing may be needed if notes fall outside range.

• Not recommended to adapt arrangements with fewer than four voices.

• A panel of BHS certified judges will review all video submissions to determine which quartets qualify for the Midwinter Event, and will also be scoring the Midwinter Event.

• All performances are scored on a 30-point Youth Chorus Festival scale (converted from our traditional 100-point scale).
  

• Quartets receive a brief written evaluation to encourage participation and improvement.

• The top 15 quartets, based on combined scores, are invited to compete at Midwinter.

1. Learn a contestable barbershop song.
   

   • Prepare as you would for any scholastic festival (Large Group, Solo & Ensemble, Heritage, Music in the Parks, etc.).
     

   • Barbershop diction is conversational American English, not formal choral diction.
     

2. Record your video.
   

   • Use a well-lit, acoustically balanced room (avoid echo-heavy spaces like stairwells).
     

   • A classroom or music room works well.
     

   • Avoid amplified sound, speakers, or audio modification.
     

   • Record the quartet with a stationary camera, full body visible (head to toe).
     

   • Use the best possible video quality (most smartphones are sufficient).
     

   • Video must be performed in front of a live audience (public or private).
     

3. Upload your video.
   

   • Upload to YouTube (recommended as unlisted).
     

   • Watch your video after upload to confirm quality.
     

4. Submit your application.
   

   • Complete the online application form and include the YouTube link (do not email links).
     

   • Quartet names must be approved to avoid duplication.
     

   • All quartets must complete pre- and post-event surveys.
     

Additional Notes:

• Fall BHS District contest videos can be used if judged/recorded between Aug 1 - Oct 15

• All submissions (video, photo, audio) become property of BHS with unrestricted usage rights.

• Each member of qualifying junior quartets who are not also already participating in the Junior Chorus Invitational will receive:
  

  • 1 Free Midwinter convention registration
    

• A stipend to help offset travel costs