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IBOD takes care of business
By Linda Brehaut, International President
Before I get into the IBOD meeting report, let me first congratulate Area 3 for their outstanding convention! You can read all about it in Anita Prather Harvell's column below.
Mid-Year Meeting
The International Board of Directors met via Zoom to continue our work on the strategic plan and to take care of business for the organization.
- Flow charts, surveys, peer reviews, membership status changes, nominations and election process, and focus groups gave us plenty to talk about on Friday evening.
- Saturday, we acknowledged the work of our Assistants and our Board members. We looked at areas where we thought we could do better, and celebrated the work that is already in progress.
- Some of the highlights include:
- Scoring program for Contests
- Acaville Streaming process
- President’s Advisory Council
- Code of Ethics
- Working towards a culture of philanthropy (including the new 1959 Society Legacy Giving initiative)
- Musical Mentorship program (in action already!)
- Annual Membership Survey (thank you to you, the members, for participating)
- Find Your Voice (revised/renewed)
- By-Law updates (to be approved by IBOD before going to the membership for a vote)
- Recommendations and Agenda items that were submitted - those raised discussion about our marketing brand; assistance to new chapters and members; youth quartetting; qualifying scores; banking documents; Area dues; representation of Harmony, Inc. at other barbershop organizations' events; HI judging program; and considerations about IC&C location selection.
On behalf of all members of Harmony, Inc., I send thanks to the members of the IBOD and to our Advisors - your commitment ensures that we are a member-focused Board. Thanks also go to our members for entrusting and empowering us to do what is right for the organization.
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| Area Conventions and Contests |
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EDITOR'S NOTE: Through this season, we are featuring reports of the Area Conventions and Contests. In this issue of the HI Note, we check in on Area 3's "Roaring 20s" gala.
Official contest results are posted on the website.
A 'Roaring' Good Time in Area 3
By Anita Prather Harvell, Area 3 PR Coordinator
It was the “cat’s meow” in Area 3, where we had a blast seeing old friends from our Harmony family and making new ones, as well. There were quite a few “firsts” and “new” events at AC&C this year.
We kicked off the fun with Friday’s quartet contest and are proud of the 13 Area 3 quartets that crossed the stage, as well as SWAG from Area 5, and Sunday Drive from the Mixed Barbershop Harmony Association. Eight quartets qualified for IC&C in Grand Rapids, including SWAG!
The Mixed Barbershop Harmony Association mixed quartet trophy in honor of Chuck Wert and Compound W quartet is presented to Sunday Drive.
“Firsts” and “new” events include Legacy and SōlFire qualifying for IC&C in their first time on the contest stage, new quartet Rhapsody Renegades serving as mic testers, and international quartet champion and Harmony, Inc. Associates Coordinator Tessa Walker directing the Area 3 Quarus .
Quartet contest highlights:
- The Novice Quartet Award went to Legacy, awarded to the highest scoring quartet with the fewest previous contestants in a barbershop contest;
- The Cygnet Award went to Porchlight, awarded to the most improved quartet based on score from the previous contest;
- Third place medals were awarded to Escapade;
- Second place medals were awarded to Roulette; and,
- Our 2023 Area 3 quartet champions are Vivàce.
2023 Area 3 quartet champions are Vivàce, comprised of Donna McKay (tenor), Amy DePerna (lead), their new baritone Lorie Autote, and Jessi Nasto (bass)
The chorus contest kicked off on a high note with the 2022 Harmony, Inc. chorus champions Northern Blend serving as mic testers. We welcomed Heart of Pennsylvania back to the area contest stage along with seven other choruses competing on Saturday. They provided captivating performances with a bit of fun as well, and we qualified five choruses for IC&C!
Chorus contest highlights (and more firsts!):
- Bella Nova Chorus received both the Peg Duclos Award (awarded to the highest scoring chorus with 30 or fewer chapter members) and the Rising Star Award (awarded to the most improved chorus based on performance score);
- Rochester Rhapsody received both the Most Improved Chorus Award (awarded to the most improved chorus based on rank from the previous contest) and the Jean Linn Award (awarded to the most improved chorus based on score from the previous contest);
- In addition to our Area 3 Chorus and Family Chorus, for the very first time, Area 3’s associate members performed on stage in the Area 3 Associates Chorus, under the direction of Area 3 Associates Coordinator Linda Hilko;
- Third place ribbons were awarded to Bella Nova Chorus;
- Second place ribbons were warded to the Crystal Chords;
- And taking their very first Area 3 Chorus Championship was the Liberty Belles Chorus!
Liberty Belles, under the direction of Anne Bureau, take their very first Area 3 Chorus Championship!
The party continued into the night as we stepped back into the Roaring Twenties, courtesy of host chapter Harmony Falls. There were suffragettes, gangsters, flappers, chanteuses, and more at our Area 3 speakeasy! Quartets and choruses performed fun and entertaining songs and skits for the audience, including the judges, but the highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Area 3 Service Award to outgoing Area Contest and Judging Chair Nicola Stevens. Nicola has given so much of her time and talent to the area; she will be sorely missed, although we are in the capable hands of our incoming ACJC, Erin Cassidy-Whong. We closed the party with the Liberty Belles announcing next year’s theme – Stadium Nights!
The Area 3 Service Award is presented to outgoing Area Contest and Judging Chair, Nicola Stevens.
Sunday’s education classes were a mixture of great “how-to” tips, a master class by Northern Blend, ideas on how to be more inclusive, and a quartet development room hosted by our new area quartet coordinator, Rachael Storey-Chase.
It was a fantastic weekend of adventures both old and new, showing why Area 3 is "The Place To Be!" We can’t wait to see everyone at International!
Convention goers were generous in their donations to Youth Outreach.
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| Hail and Farewell, ACJC's |
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ACJCs train successors
By Kathy Greason, ICJC
You all know that we have a team of Area Contest and Judging Chairs, one in each Area, who are part of Area convention teams and work with judges and contestants every year, behind and in front of the scenes. They work on every aspect of contest logistics, from schedules, to judge transportation, to physical stage readiness, to award review. They are a huge part of organizing and smoothing the contest path. So shoutouts to our 2023 ACJCs:
June Cousens, Area 1;
Christina Tramack, Area 2;
Nicola Stevens, Area 3;
Ria Bunte, Area 4;
Debbie Gay, Area 5; and
Trayce Elenteny, Area 6.
And an additional shoutout to their secret weapon, Linda Hilko, who facilitates training for the group.
This year, following their respective contest weekends, Christina Tramack and Nicola Stevens have retired from their ACJC positions, or, as we like to say, they have created an opportunity for someone else to serve. And in true organized ACJC fashion, they have both been working this year with the women who have volunteered to take on the job next.
Christina was Area 2’s ACJC for five years before retiring from that position at the end of the Area 2 contest weekend last month. Linda Bober has been working with Christina in the year leading up to the contest weekend, and is Area 2’s new ACJC. Linda has sung with Women of Note for about 30 years, and has quarteted in many Area contests. She has held multiple leadership positions in her chorus, and is currently web manager both for Women of Note and Area 2. She is a professional project manager, trainer, and coach in her day job – perfect!
Nicola Stevens was Area 3’s ACJC for seven years, also having retired this year at the end of her Area’s contest weekend. Erin Cassidy-Whong has been shadowing her, and is Area 3’s new ACJC. Erin has been active in Harmony, Inc. as a chorus and quartet singer for 19 years, previously as a member of the Crystal Chords, and now with Bella Nova Chorus. She was part of the team that helped Harmony, Inc. move to on-line forms, as well as having served as our copyright and licensing coordinator for three years. Her daytime job is as a digital marketing team manager. Another perfect fit!
♫ Thanks and congratulations to the retirees, the new “hires,” and the ongoing team of ACJCs, without whom our contests would be impossible.
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| New ADM: Patricia Cassidy |
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A New Judge!
By Kathy Greason, ICJC
Here’s the headline: Patricia Cassidy is a newly certified Administrative Judge!
But what’s behind the headline? Here’s the backstory:
There was an awful moment on the day that Category School 2023 was due to begin when it became clear that flight cancellations were going to prevent Patricia from attending CTS, robbing her of the chance to certify as an Administrative Judge (ADM) at that school. But in undaunted ADM fashion, Patricia attended as much of the school as she could by Zoom, and became eligible to try for certification during the 2023 contest season by “sitting a final.” She did that at Area 3.
As a candidate sitting a final, she performed as an official panel member of the double panel, undertaking all ADM duties for the entire contest weekend. This she did successfully. And since her Category Specialist, Linda Muise, was the other ADM on the Area 3 panel, Patricia received her badge as Harmony, Inc.'s newest judge right then and there!
Congratulations to Patricia! Harmony, Inc. judges and contestants can look forward to working with you at future contests.
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Michigan, here we come!
By Shannon Shelton-Muller, IC&C Marketing Manager
Three AC&C’s down, three to go! As you begin to plan your trip to IC&C in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you may be wondering...is there anything to do around the hotel or what is the weather like?
Is there anything to do around the hotel?
Check out this list of things to do in the area, including several museums - perfect for a November day. We are also working with the local Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to create some site excursions that you can participate in pre- and post-convention, so stay tuned for more on that.
What is the weather like in Grand Rapids?
In November, temperatures in Grand Rapids average between 32 – 48 degrees F (for the Canadians 0 - 9 degrees C). You can get the most current forecast along with monthly temperature averages by clicking here.
But wait, there’s more! You can get access to special attendee-only discounts at local restaurants and attractions, just by showing your smartphone! Wow, how can I do that, you may ask? By signing up for the Grand Rapids Attendee Exclusive before you visit!
Grand Rapids rolls out the red carpet for convention and sport event attendees! They’ve arranged discounts at a number of local restaurants, attractions and other businesses to help you truly experience the city while you’re here.These savings are not available to the general public – they say, "thank you for making the trip to Grand Rapids." Redeem your discounts simply by presenting the digital coupon on your phone. It’s that easy!
Grand Rapid Attendee Exclusives
- Experience the best of Grand Rapids for less
- Mobile exclusive
- Instantly delivered via text and email
- No apps to download
Just follow these easy steps:
Step 1 - Get Your Pass
This mobile exclusive passport is a collection of curated attractions and restaurants offering deals and discounts to redeem during your visit.
Step 2 - Receive Text
Your passport will be instantly delivered to your phone via text and email and is ready to use immediately! There is no app to download. Your pass can be saved to your phone’s home screen for easy one-tap access.
Step 3 - Redeem
When visiting a participating business, simply present your phone to the attendant or staff member to redeem available discounts. Some attractions require advanced online ticket sales.
TUNE UP TIPS: DID YOU KNOW? Acaville has extended their partnership with Harmony, Inc.
You can get the ENTIRE 2023 CONTEST SEASON! There are 4 different plans available. Check out the link below to choose your own adventure.
Membership Levels – Harmony, Inc on Acaville
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Calling all Associate Members
By Sandra Dunlop, Music Coordinator
All Associate members are invited to participate in the International Chorus at the 2023 IC&C. Katie Taylor, Director of Northern Blend, our 2022 International Chorus Champions, will be directing. The song chosen is Love in Any Language.
If you wish to participate in the International Chorus, please let me know at musiccoordinator@harmonyinc.org. Send me your name and the part you are going to sing by July 1. After that date, I will start to invite choruses to nominate members who would like to participate.
Music and learning tracks will be made available to all those participating in the International Chorus. I look forward to hearing from you.
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| 2023 Director's First Scholarships Awarded |
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On their way to Harmony U
8 Harmony Directors tapped for scholarships
By Kim Meechan, Director of Philanthropy and Jen Bratis, Directors First Coordinator
Back In 2016, Harmony, Inc. began a fundraising campaign called Directors First. The goal was to send one director or musical leader from each chapter to Harmony University, an exceptional educational experience hosted by the Barbershop Harmony Society. We knew it would expose our directors and musical leaders to a world-class barbershop harmony education, which would inevitably have a significant impact on all our members.
Directors First was a five-year project but here we are, seven years later, still supporting our members with Directors First scholarships, thanks to your generous donations over these many years. We are excited to share the names of those who have been approved for a 2023 Directors First scholarship!
From Area 1: Jaimie Feinberg, Island A Cappella Chorus
From Area 4: Barbara (Bonnie) Burke, St. Louis Vocal Project
From Area 5: Karen L. Atkinson, The Overtones
From Area 6: Amanda Nance, Music City Sound
Pam Ringo, Coastal Voices
Tiana Sandh, Sisters of Sound/Unaccompanied Minors
Marcia O’Neil, Sunshine Harmony Chorus
Laura Branan, Harmony Sound Waves
We wish these eight individuals well on their journey. Enjoy this opportunity, and please share all the education and skills you gain at Harmony University with your chapters and areas so that all members can benefit from Directors First!
THANK YOU to Sing Canada Harmony, for its generosity, and to and Harmony Foundation International, for managing and distributing funds raised for our Directors First program.
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| Equity, Diversity, and Me! |
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Submitted by Anne Murphy, Silk'n Sounds (Area 2)
In March, the Equity and Diversity Committee received an email from a Chapter for advice on how to handle problematic lyrics in their repertoire songs.The question was then forwarded to the Equity and Diversity Roundtable for their consideration. Anne Murphy, one of the Roundtable participants, contributed a precise and helpful document which was agreed upon after discussions between Silk’n Sounds Chorus Board and Chorus Members. Thank you, Silk’n Sounds, for sharing this with the general membership!
Documentation for Addressing Repertoire Questions
- A lot of work goes into selecting music for the chorus. Considerations include:
- Level of difficulty and match with chorus capabilities
- Skills required in the song and match with chorus goals
- Availability of the music
- Cost of the music if not already available to the chorus
- Match with the general interest of the chorus/director – is it a song that the chorus and director will enjoy?
- The chorus needs a mix of ballads and up-tunes and songs from different eras to appeal to a variety of audiences
- The Music Committee and Director also consider the acceptability of the song’s meaning, history, and lyrics.
Still, each person carries their own perspective, and a song may have an unexpected impact on one or more members. As part of our open and inclusive environment, we want members to be comfortable raising questions or concerns about the repertoire.
Any member can raise a question or concern about a song, our interpretation of a song, or a specific lyric. The member is expected to describe the specific reason for their concern, i.e., exactly what bothers them and/or how it might negatively impact our audience. The concerned member might raise their topic privately with the Director or their Section Leader or publicly at a chorus meeting, or ask a "buddy" to raise the question or voice their concern publicly at a chorus meeting.
The Music Committee (MC) would discuss any questions or issues and determine the response. In determining their response, the MC could choose to consult with the Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) team or ask for Board input. Responses could take many forms:
- Noting but overriding the concern and providing rationale
- Addressing the concern by putting the song in context for the chorus and again when performing or introducing the song
- Changing the lyrics
- Some combination of the above
- Excluding the song from the repertoire
One of the MC members would respond directly to the member(s) raising the concern and explain the committee's decision. The MC would then explain the concern to the full chorus and how it had been handled.
The most important outcome is the discussion, which can broaden our shared perspectives.
The Equity and Diversity Roundtable, open to ALL members, is a safe place to discuss all issues relating to inclusivity. Please join us by sending a request to edc@harmonyinc.org.
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Your donations to the For Love of Harmony program enable you to identify individuals or groups to receive special recognition, while at the same time providing a monetary gift to Harmony, Inc.
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from Harmony Heritage in memory of Leroy Archibald, beloved spouse of member Mary Ann Archibald
From Harmony Heritage in memory of David Cory, beloved brother of Camilla Streeter.
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| Condolences From The Membership |
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Those we cherish will always live on in memory.
- to Marion Penton (ScotianAires, Area 1) on the death of her granddaughter, Claire Marchildon, who passed away on April 19, 2023.
- to the family and friends of Susan Lynn, bass of the St. Louis Chordinals since 2004, who passed away from complications of cancer on May 5, 2023.
- to the family and friends of Ron & Marcia Eubank, who passed away within days of each other after almost 53 years of marriage. Ron was an Affiliate member of Harmony, Inc. and a much-loved Administrative Judge, whose fun-loving presence and steadfast support of Harmony will be dearly missed.
Need to post a condolence notice? Please have the information sent to the Corporate Office to be recorded. Thank you.
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Intent to Compete/IC&C Contest Entry Forms
Area 3 - May 22
Area 5 - June 12
Area 1 - June 19
Area 4 - June 26
1 JULY - Deadline for Associates to apply to sing in International Chorus at IC&C
15 JULY - IC&C hotel room block opens
15 AUGUST - U.S. Chapters file 990-N with IRS,
16 AUGUST - IBOD Q3 meeting, 6-10 pm ET, via Zoom.
1 SEPTEMBER - End of late entries for IC&C. End of early bird AEP pricing for IC&C.
30 SEPTEMBER - Canadian Chapters file T2 with Revenue Canada.
1 OCTOBER - Big Screen Ads cutoff
3 NOVEMBER - End of Online IC&C registration. Tickets may still be purchased at the door.
5-8 NOVEMBER - IBOD Annual Meeting, Grand Rapids, Michigan
The next issue of the HI Note comes to your inbox June 5. What would YOU like to read about in that issue? Share your thoughts with editor@harmonyinc.org by May 28.
See you in a couple weeks!
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| Future International Conventions & Contests |
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2024 NOVEMBER 6-9, GALT HOUSE, LOUISVILLE, KY
2025 NOVEMBER 5-9, HERSHEY LODGE, HERSHEY, PA
2026 NOVEMBER 11-14, GALT HOUSE, LOUISVILLE, KY
2027 NOVEMBER 10-13, NIAGARA FALLS CONVENTION CENTER, NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO
2028 NOVEMBER 1-4, HERSHEY LODGE, HERSHEY PA
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Copyright © 2023 Harmony, Inc., All rights reserved.
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