The lead is one of the two middle voice parts in
barbershop music and usually sings the melody.
Because
she carries the melody, the lead must sing with authority and
clarity and with a consistent quality throughout her range.
When the lead sings below middle C, she must be able to add more
lower register (chest voice) production to project low tones and
remain in balance. As her part reaches into the octave
above middle C, the lead must gradually mix in more upper
register (head voice) so that the tone production is shared by
the two registers, with the upper register predominating as the
part line reaches C above middle C.
The lead
sings with just enough vibrato to add color and warmth to the
sound. It is essential that she possess an accurate sense
of pitch.
The lead sings the melody; therefore,
she is the one responsible for conveying the interpretation,
emotion and inflections of the song. The other three parts
literally "follow her lead" in delivery of dynamics and
tempo, and support her inflection, artistry and finesse.
