A harmonious time: Barbershop singers compete at DFW Airport hotel

More than 600 singers from across the Southwest are participating in the Barbershop Harmony Society Fall Convention this weekend at the Hyatt Regency DFW.

Many hope to secure a spot in the international competition in Tennessee next year, where they could win a coveted gold medal.

Rocky Willett, 59, a member of Dallas-based Vocal Majority — winner of the chorus champion title several times — said singing is his passion.

“When I sing, I feel a physical sensation in my bones and ears,” Willett said. “When barbershop singing is done right, you get chills. When done wrong, you get an earache.”

Willett, a technical communications specialist, said a highlight of his year is the fall convention.

Participants from Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma are among those competing in the Southwestern District contest.

Brian Lynch, spokesman for the Nashville-based Barbershop Harmony Society, said the Southwestern District “calls itself the district of champions.”

“Twelve of our world champion quartets and three of our seniors champions come from the Southwestern District,” Lynch said. “It’s the home of our most decorated champions. They don’t get any better than that. That’s for sure.”

Every year, thousands of quartets and choruses worldwide spend hours rehearsing and preparing for district and international competitions for a shot at being crowned champions.

“The Barbershop Harmony Society has more than 21,000 members worldwide,” said Willett, director of marketing and public relations for the regional district. “In the Southwestern District, we have 1,260 of those members.”

Willett said society competitions are like attending a rock concert with families and other supporters “screaming and yelling — until they blow the pitch pipe.”

Then, the “dead silence” is broken by the harmonious a cappella voices. They are rated on singing, presentation and music.

Willett is also a member of Sentimental Journey, a Fort Worth barbershop quartet. He sings baritone and sometimes bass or lead along with H.J. Schmidt, an accountant; Doug Williamson, a financial adviser; and Bill Whittle, a dentist.

“We have performed at birthday parties, banquets, organizational meetings, Christmas parties, funerals, baseball games, Concerts in the Garden, Bass Hall, Six Flags Over Texas and many more special occasions and venues,” Willett said.

He said being part of the world’s largest singing organization is special.

“If it’s all done together, it rings,” Willett said.

This story was originally published October 2, 2015 at 4:11 PM with the headline "A harmonious time: Barbershop singers compete at DFW Airport hotel."