John, I've never heard of "City Called Heaven" but I'd like to hear it... The competition isn't until the end of June.

I'm also entering in the clawhammer banjo and flatpicking categories. I must be crazy. But I want to do it because of a couple of reasons. For one thing, it's out of my comfort zone, so I'll do it for the growth. Also, I'm recovering from classical vocal training, and I want to get a handle on how well I'm doing a losing that influence. I'm having fun discovering my "plain" voice (no vibrato). Make no mistake, it takes every bit as much concentration and technique to sing "plainly". (THread creep on my own thread! Shame, shame! *red face*)

Cait, what do you mean by "note shaping"? I've heard of shape note singing, is it related to that?

Barry, I'm glad you mentioned Daniel Prayed as one that won't work, because I was considering trying to do it!

Susan, I think it would be a gas if people starting in singing with me, I'd encourage it.

Thanks Muddies, Your input has helped me to confirm that singing a'capella is what I want to do!

Margo