Here are a few links and interesting notes about barbershop harmony to help you understand how incredible this discipline is for every vocalist regardless of background or aspirations.
Here is an interesting excerpt from this website called "Harmony Festival":
"Why is Barbershop different?
One of the distinctive qualities of barbershop is that the melody, sung by the lead voice, is below the tenor harmony. This follows the pattern of many early American hymns written for men and women, with the melody in the male tenor voice and the women singing harmony above.
The other unique - and exciting - quality of barbershop is the phenomenon known as expanded sound. This is created when the harmonics in the individually sung tones reinforce each other to produce audible overtones or undertones. Barbershoppers call this "ringing a chord." Singing in a quartet or chorus and creating that "fifth voice" is one of the most thrilling musical sensations you'll ever experience. It might even give you goose bumps."
About voiceparts also from the "Harmony Festival" website.
Although this website is a mens barbershop society, the information here is valuable to both men and woman barbershop singers alike.
