A Capella in All Forms
One of the reasons that we established the Flyover A Cappella Festival was that our singing genre can be done is many diferent styles. Each brins its own unique style and flavor to vocal-only performances. Here are some different types of a cappella genres:
Traditional/Barbershop:
Description: Barbershop quartets and choruses perform close harmony arrangements typically characterized by four-part chords and a distinctive style of singing.
Example: Barbershop Harmony Society performances.
Contemporary/Pop A Cappella:
Description: A cappella arrangements of popular songs, often featuring vocal percussion and modern vocal techniques.
Example: Pentatonix, The Barden Bellas from the "Pitch Perfect" movies.
Jazz A Cappella:
Description: A cappella performances of jazz standards, incorporating jazz harmony, scat singing, and improvisation.
Example: The Manhattan Transfer.
Classical A Cappella:
Description: A cappella performances of classical music, including choral works and madrigals.
Example: King's Singers, Swingle Singers.
World/Folk A Cappella:
Description: A cappella renditions of traditional folk and world music from various cultures.
Example: Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Rajaton.
Gospel A Cappella:
Description: A cappella performances rooted in gospel music traditions, often featuring powerful vocal harmonies and emotional expression.
Example: Take 6, The Fairfield Four.
Rock A Cappella:
Description: A cappella arrangements of rock and alternative songs, often with energetic and dynamic vocal interpretations.
Example: Rockapella, Vocal Point.
Electronic/Dubstep A Cappella:
Description: A cappella performances that mimic electronic and dubstep music using only vocal techniques, including beatboxing and vocal effects.
Example: The Swingle Singers' modern electronic covers.
Educational/Collegiate A Cappella:
Description: A cappella groups formed within educational institutions, often performing a variety of genres and styles.
Example: Various collegiate a cappella groups participating in competitions like the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA).
Experimental/Avant-Garde A Cappella:
Description: A cappella performances that push the boundaries of traditional vocal music, exploring unconventional sounds and techniques.
Example: Bobby McFerrin's experimental vocal improvisations.
These genres showcase the versatility of a cappella music, demonstrating its ability to adapt to and interpret diverse musical styles solely through vocal expression.
