It wasn't until the mid fifties that reasonable quality sound systems became available to the general public.

The pop industry took this in one direction and opted to go for sheer volume. The square dance community recognized the benefits of improved clarity and took a completely different direction.

I find it quite disappointing that the pop industry now seems to be centred in black music and that square dancing seems to have omitted our black population entirely.

Even us folkies seem to be mostly white. So much so, that black folkies like Vance Gilbert are a cherished rarity.

Those of us that want to square dance in a mixed community are just out of luck. As are those that want to be able to listen to pop music without resorting to the use of earplugs.

Someday there may emerge a middle of the road!