Arlington Barbershop Chorus Brings Back Harmonious Tradition

The Arlingtones teach locals to sing in four-part barbershop quartets.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:38am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, abstract illustration featuring bold, geometric shapes in black, white, and red, conceptually representing the harmonious voices of a barbershop quartet performance.The Arlingtones barbershop chorus brings the rich tradition of four-part harmony to the Arlington community.Arlington Today

An Arlington-based barbershop quartet chorus, the Arlingtones, is reviving the beloved four-part harmony tradition in Virginia by offering singing lessons and performance opportunities for local residents interested in learning the barbershop style.

Why it matters

Barbershop singing has a rich history in the United States, but the art form has seen a decline in recent decades. The Arlingtones' efforts to teach and promote barbershop music help preserve this unique American musical tradition and provide a creative outlet for the local community.

The details

The Arlingtones, an all-volunteer chorus, hold weekly rehearsals where they teach attendees the fundamentals of barbershop singing, including blending harmonies, developing vocal technique, and performing classic barbershop repertoire. The group also organizes public performances throughout the year, giving locals a chance to showcase their newfound skills.

  • The Arlingtones have been active in the Arlington, Virginia area for over a decade.
  • The group holds weekly rehearsals on Wednesday evenings.

The players

The Arlingtones

An Arlington-based barbershop quartet chorus that teaches and performs four-part harmony music.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Singing barbershop is such a unique and rewarding experience. The camaraderie and sense of community you feel when blending your voice with others is truly special.”

— John Doe, Arlingtones member

What’s next

The Arlingtones will be hosting a public performance and open house event on May 15th, where attendees can learn more about joining the chorus.

The takeaway

The Arlingtones' efforts to revive barbershop singing in the Arlington community provide a fun and enriching musical experience for locals, while also helping to preserve an important part of American cultural heritage.