Bush League 2026

Registration link and more details coming soon

Bush League Official Rules

The Bush League Event Committee has broadened the guidelines for participation to enable more quartets to be involved in this traditional and “unofficial” competitive event. The Bush League Contest will include men’s, women’s and mixed quartets, “For score only” quartets looking for coaching and evaluation as well as individual events for those not currently involved in a quartet. There will be awards for the First, Second and Third place winners of the Bush League Open Contest. Traditional offerings such as coaching and craft development will continue for all participating quartets in addition to new activities. The program’s focus is designed to perpetuate the fun and informal environment of a non-sanctioned competition while allowing quartets to “fine tune” their skills for performances and in preparation for the fall District Convention and Contest.

The following are the “Rules” which we hope will make this event more enjoyable and valuable for your quartet.

1. Competing quartets do not have to be registered with the Barbershop Harmony Society nor are they required to be members of
   the Barbershop Harmony Society. New Quartets are particularly encouraged to participate.
2. All competing quartets must sing two (2) songs in the barbershop style. Songs do not need to be “contestable”.
3. Participants may sing in no more than 2 different competing quartets.
4. There are two (2) categories for quartet participants. Those who are eligible to win the Bush League Trophy and those who are
   singing “FOR SCORE ONLY” and not competing in the actual contest.
5. Quartets that have previously won the Bush League Trophy or competed in a BHS sanctioned regular quartet competition and
   placed 3 rd or higher do not qualify to win the Bush League Trophy. However, they are eligible to sing for SCORE ONLY and
   participate in coaching, craft development and other related Bush League events.
6. Quartets placing 2 nd or 3 rd in previous Bush League contests, District Youth and Seniors Quartet Competitions are welcomed to
   compete for the Bush League trophy unless they have placed 3 rd or higher in a BHS District “Open”, International Pre-lim or
   International contest.
7. No more than 2 members of a Current or Past District Champion, International Representative Quartet, Seniors International
   Medalists, Next Generation International medalists and BHS Youth International Medalists may enter the Bush League contest to
   compete for the trophy in the same quartet. (Example: 2 District Champs and 2 new members would be eligible). The spirit of
   the competition is to encourage new quartets and new quartet singers to the stage.
8. The top three overall scoring competitors will be asked to sing up to 2 songs on the evening Bush League Show.
9. The winning Bush League Quartet will be invited to sing on the following year’s Bush League Show and will present the Trophy
   to the new Bush League winner. Registrations and 2 rooms for one night will be paid for by the Bush League Budget.
10. The Bush League Committee has the right to reject entry to any quartet that it feels is beyond the spirit of the competition.
    

Bush League Committee – Jamie Carey, Dick Hartrick, Chris Berry, Doug Weaver and Mark Wilson

Updated: March 10, 2026

Bush League Mission Statement

The Bush League Quartet Contest exists to encourage new and emerging barbershop quartets by creating a welcoming, supportive performance experience. Our goal is to give singers who are beginning or renewing their barbershop quartet experience the opportunity to learn, perform, and grow in an environment designed to support developing quartets. By prioritizing development, coaching, and camaraderie, Bush League helps foster confidence, build new quartets, and inspire singers to continue their barbershop journey.