Is Barbershop the US version of Morris Dancing? *g*

There are times when I enjoy a few songs done in barbershop style but never for very long. I like the harmonies and I like old songs - a lot of them - but I'm with those who are under the impression that the lyrics i Barbershop matter not a whit. And lyrics and their message come first, to my mind.

It is the same objection I have to our local Pride Chorus. They are very good and their harmonies are often spine- tingling but why can't they come up with meatier themes? And more demanding arrangements?

I went to a Folk Song ensemble a few weeks ago- it was a group of about 25 (about the same size as our Pride Chorus) - but the songs were engaging and fresh. I mentioned that to a member of the Pride and she said that they have a problem with scheduling enough rehearsal time. But I'll bet if they came up with good songs they'd show up for rehearsal.