Dealer's Choice (quartet)

Dealer's Choice (quartet) is a barbershop quartet convention where the songs performed are selected in a non-traditional manner, often by audience request or through a lottery system. Unlike standard barbershop performances where quartets typically prepare a set list in advance, Dealer's Choice introduces an element of spontaneity and improvisation.

The "dealer," in this context, is the individual or group responsible for choosing the next song. This could be a member of the audience, a contest official, or even a random selection process. The choices are usually drawn from a pre-approved list of songs known by all participating quartets.

This format is often used in informal settings, such as afterglows (post-performance gatherings), workshops, or smaller conventions, as it encourages audience participation and allows quartets to showcase their versatility. The difficulty lies in the quartet's ability to perform a wide range of songs without extensive preparation. The charm stems from the surprise element and the possibility of witnessing a quartet tackle unexpected or challenging selections. The success of a Dealer's Choice performance relies heavily on the quartet’s sight-reading ability, quick thinking, and extensive repertoire knowledge.