Taking notice of Everyone In Harmony
As chapters welcome all people to membership, the news media are starting to pick up stories of changing cultures and expectations. This thoughtful piece from the Iowa City Press-Citizen touches on questions many chapters are asking of themselves:
Is this BHS evolution a big deal? Some people say not so much. Mixed-gender barbershop quartets have been competing internationally for years through associate organizations of the BHS, often hosted in Germany. But one enthusiastic new female member of the BHS with a strong Iowa City connection says the official admittance of women may have more impact than people realize. “This comes at a really good time,” Katy Dane told me on the phone from Austin, Texas. “Contemporary a capella has gained popularity thanks to groups like Pentatonix and Home Free. Plus, by being more inclusive of all genders, the BHS may be able to broaden its appeal for corporate sponsorships – which would be good for the overall organization.”