On Friday Oct. 2 the Swedish National Champion Barbershop Quartet visited De Soto High School for a private performance.

The group performed for students in the auditorium during Seminar.

The group, named Vocality, consists of four women: Helena Clifford-Zenk, Ann-Louise Svensson, Katarina Ljung and Eva Stahl.

The group was formed in the fall of 2009, and took the gold at the Nordic Light Region Barbershop Competition in 2010.

The quartet consists of four parts, with each member singing a single part: Clifford-Zenk on tenor, Svensson on lead, Ljung on baritone and Stahl on bass.

The group attended DHS on their way to the International Barbershop Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Co-President of Madrigals, senior Michaela Shupe, thinks the group had a positive impact on the music program.

“I thought it was good for us to hear the quartet, because it may implant some ideas in Copeland’s head to let us have more barber shops,” Shupe said. “They were really elaborate when teaching the different parts of the quartet, and they were very enthusiastic and they enjoyed what they were doing.”

DHS was given the opportunity to have Vocality perform due to the history of the vocal music program, led by Mary Etta Copeland.

“I happen to know the Assistant Director of the Heart of America group, and also the barber shop President from Sweden who came with Vocality. We have actually hosted the Heart of America barber shop contest for high school students. The group knew we would appreciate it,” said Copeland.

The group performed renditions of songs such as Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey and Sweet Dreams by the Eurythmics.

The music programs at DHS were impacted positively, giving students an opportunity to experience different cultures of music around the world.

Sophomore Justin Gammon thought the group’s impact was great on the student body.

“It allowed us to experience music around the world, and I liked that, because music is a language in itself,” Gammon said. “Everyone can communicate through music.”