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Gearing up for fall
By Linda Brehaut, International President
I see fall on the horizon! But until then, we will continue to enjoy our summer days.
I’m not very active on Facebook, but I must say I am enjoying seeing so many posts about choruses that are opening their doors and inviting guests in to spend a few nights immersed in a cappella singing. Find Your Voice sessions, summer sing, Introductions to A Cappella Singing ... they all sound so inviting!
Important Dates
A number of important dates have landed on the late August calendar:
- The IBOD held their third quarter meeting August 16 and the minutes will be posted on our website as soon as they are available.
- HIVE classes return with Paul Ellinger's Supercharging Your Chapter, August 26 at 2 p.m. ET, and Eulis Kay's Singing for Your Supper, September 1 at 7 p.m. ET.
- Know-Before-You-Go - August 27, and the Equity and Diversity round table session - August 31. Details and the links to the two meetings are located on the website events calendar for your convenience.
I expect your chorus or quartet life has also seen an upsurge in filled calendar days! Whether you are attending the convention or not, September seems to be a time that many of us tend to hit the reset button.
Membership Survey
Thank you to all who completed the recent Annual Membership survey. The data has been compiled, and you will hear more about that in the fall. Please know how much we appreciate your time and contributions when you complete these surveys. It does not fall off into the wilderness - it lands clearly on our computer screens (or boardroom tables) for discussion. We use this data to identify areas that are satisfying to our members and, of course, areas that need some attention and more focus. Thank you for being involved.
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| Announcing New IBOD Positions |
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Announcing . . . 2023-2024 Board Positions
By Debbie Parmerter, International Parliamentarian
Following the 3rd Quarter meeting of the International Board of Directors, board positions for the 2023-2024 year were decided. These members will assume their positions following the close of the 2023 annual Board of Directors Meeting.
President – Gaye LaCasce
Executive VP – Donna McKay
VP Convention & Contests – Sara Stone
VP Finance - Jan DelVecchio
Director of Marketing & Communications – Anne Bureau
Director of Membership – Taralee Lashway
Director of Philanthropy – Kim Meechan
Director of Programs (Music & Education) – Laura Oakes
Area 1 Director – Yvonne Rafuse
Area 2 Director - Julie Schwingbeck
Area 3 Director - Sarah Thorne-Miller
Area 4 Director - Susan Spencer
Area 5 Director – Sandy McCreary
Area 6 Director - Angie Beatty
Congratulations to all, and thank you for stepping up to lead us in the coming year!
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| As Long As I'm Singing - Harmony Chooses Newest Common Song |
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As Long as I’m Singing
Harmony chooses newest common song
By Sara Stone, Director Programs (Music and Education)
We have added a new common song to the Harmony, Inc. repertoire for 2023! It’s a song with an uplifting message, arranged by our great friend, Tom Gentry.
Since this is a free song being offered to all members, I highly recommend that you request this arrangement and learning tracks at: https://www.harmonyinc.org/common-song-request/.
Chapters should submit ONE request for the entire chapter membership; please don't request more downloads than the number of members on the current chapter roster. (Individual chapter members may not use this form to request individual copies.) Associate and Affiliate members will be able to print and download only ONE copy. Each request will generate a return email providing a link to the tracks and music. The deadline to order is August 31, 2023.
It will be great to embrace this common song and celebrate our friend, Tom Gentry, and his arrangement. I’m excited to learn it and sing it with you at IC&C this year!
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Transportation (before, during and after IC&C)
By Shannon Shelton-Muller, IC&C Marketing Manager
We're all excited about the International Convention and Contests in Grand Rapids, but one of the things that can dampen the excitement is the big question of transportation. How do I get to Grand Rapids? Once I'm there, how do I get to the hotel? I'm flying, so I can't bring my scooter. How can I get one? We've got you covered on all fronts:
What is the best airport to fly in to?
The closest airport is Gerald R. Ford (GRR) in Grand Rapids. The closest major airports are Detroit Metro (DTW) – 155 mi, Chicago Midway (MDW) – 178 mi, or Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – 204 mi.
If you are driving, click here for directions to the hotel.
Is there parking available?
Ample parking is available at the hotel. All attendees will receive a 50% discount off the advertised price at the time of the convention. Bringing a commercial bus? The hotel has a large parking lot that can accommodate your buses. The rate is $75 per night.
The parking lot is located at the corner of Fulton and Market, about an 8-minute walk to the hotel. There is a shuttle van that can be requested for pickup and drop-off to the lot.
I have mobility issues – will it be difficult for me to get around?
All activities in the hotel and convention center are ADA accessible. The contest pattern is roughly 10 minutes of travel time. There is a covered skywalk to get from the hotel to the contest venue. You can rent a scooter for the week at a discounted rate of $190. This includes delivery and pick-up of the scooter. To reserve your scooter, call Amigo Mobility Center at 616-361-7559. The reservation deadline is 10/25/2023.
Does the hotel have a shuttle?
Experience Grand Rapids will be providing Harmony, Inc. IC&C attendees complimentary airport transportation from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel on the dates and times below; transportation will be by full-size motor coach departing from the airport every hour. To take the shuttle, please exit through door #3 (across from Baggage Claim.) Return trips will depart from the Amway Grand Plaza, Lyon Street entrance on the hour.
Arrivals:
Wednesday, November 8
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Departures:
Sunday, November 12
4:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
If you are traveling outside of the dates and times that the shuttle is running, click here to see ground transportation options available from the airport.
Meet Your Judges: The Music Category (Part 2 in a Series)
What is the Music Category (MUS)?
Music is defined as the song and arrangement as performed. The Music judge evaluates the suitability of the song and arrangement to the barbershop style, and the performer’s musicianship in bringing the song and arrangement to life. Major elements in the category are consonance; theme; delivery and musicality; execution; and embellishment.
Your Music Category Judges for our 2023 International Convention and Contests are:
Singing, ringing and rehearsal rooms, oh my!
By Margaret Cain, IC&C Convention Team Assistant
One of the big questions consistently asked is, "Will my chorus be able to rehearse prior to going on-stage?" Absolutely, YES!
Open Rehearsal Rooms
Open Rehearsal rooms will be available for use between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 9. We are fortunate this year to have eight rooms available to us for open rehearsals. They will be located in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, the convention hotel adjacent to the Devos Centre.
A sign-up sheet will be posted beginning Wednesday morning, November 8th, in the Hospitality Room near the Registration Desk. You can sign up there to book your rehearsal room and time. Rehearsal rooms will be available for booking every hour on the hour.
To pre-book an Open Rehearsal room and time slot, you can email ICCTeamAssistant@harmonyinc.org anytime between now and IC&C with the time slot of your choice, and we will reserve that time for your Chapter.
Preassigned Rehearsal Rooms
Preassigned rehearsal rooms for the chorus contest Friday, November 10, will be sent to your Chapter after the draw determining the Order of Appearance, scheduled to take place September 11. Your preassigned room and time will be determined based on the time you are scheduled to appear on-stage.
We Won An Award In 2022. What Do We Do With It?
If your chorus or quartet is in possession of one of the following awards, it will need to be returned at IC&C in Grand Rapids. Awards must be returned in their travel cases or bags, be in good condition and be engraved, if this is required.
Return the Award to the hospitality room as soon as you arrive. Awards are required to be returned no later than Thursday, November 9. If your chorus or quartet is not attending IC&C this year, it is still the responsibility of the award holder to make the necessary arrangements to return the award as required.
Harmony needs YOU to volunteer
The Volunteer Sign-Up is ready to go, and we need your help at IC&C! Family and friends who attend the convention are welcome to volunteer as well.
Volunteer positions and the signup sheet can be found on the website.
Have a question or need to change jobs and/or times? Use one of two ways to let me know:
1. Go back to the signup sheet using this link, click on the envelope icon in the top general description area on any of the event signups, and you’ll be able to leave me a message.
2. Email Anne Leinen directly at ICCVolunteer Manager@harmonyinc.org
TUNE UP TIPS:
You can book your room online at https://www.experiencegr.com/harmony-inc/
Room rate = $164 + 15% tax
Don't forget online AEP Registration is open! Early bird pricing is available until September 1 and the online deadline is November 3! You may still purchase AEPs and tickets at the door after this date.
Mark August 27, 2023, on your calendars for our Know Before You Go Call!
We will be hosting a Zoom call at 4 p.m. ET to help you get all the information you need before you go to IC&C. So we can be sure to have all the information you need, please submit any questions to Convention Manager Allison Thompson by August 20, 2023.
Contest late entry forms are accepted until September 1 with a $5 per performer late fee.
Click here for chorus or here for quartet.
We are now accepting Big Screen Ads! It’s a great way to show support for your favorite chorus, quartet, coach, etc. Go here: IC&C Big Screen Ad
• Deadline is October 1.
Cost:
• Harmony, Inc. member, quartet, or chapter = $35
• Non-Harmony, Inc. barbershop member = $100
• Not affiliated with any barbershop organization (outside provider) = $150
Can't make it to Grand Rapids for IC&C? Don't miss a note! Acaville has extended their partnership with Harmony, Inc. and you can get in on all the fun in Michigan.
Membership Levels – Harmony, Inc on Acaville
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DONOR HIGHLIGHT – JOYCE PITCHER
By Kim Meechan, Director of Philanthropy
The Philanthropy Committee decided to demonstrate the value of philanthropy through presentations at our AC&Cs, highlighting the many ways our members have benefited from donations to Harmony, Inc. As a result, I can confidently say every member has been impacted by generous donors! I spoke recently to a member who has been donating to Sing Canada Harmony for years, and I asked if she would share her story. Joyce Pitcher, from Area 1, has a long and active membership with Harmony, Inc. Her love for the organization is celebrated each month when she sends a donation to Sing Canada Harmony. Read on to discover why this is important to Joyce.
How did you discover Harmony, Inc.?
Twenty-six years ago, I finally had a bit of spare time and read a small notice in the local paper about a Membership Night, with everybody welcome, being put on by the ScotianAires. I thought I could spare one night a week and start up singing again with a group, which I had done for years throughout countless moves across Canada and Europe with the Canadian military. I did not even know there was such a thing as women’s barbershop.That first night, I was hooked.
What is your fondest memory while being a member of Harmony, Inc.?
My first AC&C when the ScotianAires won the chorus contest! I was able to hear so many other talented chorus and quartets that I realized what a talented pool of wonderful friends I was now a part of in Atlantic Canada. Later that year, IC&C only expanded the whole experience.
What has motivated you to stay with Harmony, Inc. and with barbershop?
The music is the main reason. However, the chance to volunteer my non-music talents to the chorus, then Area 1, and then with the International Board of Directors as the Parliamentarian for two years (a good friend was elected Harmony president at the time and talked me into that), allowed me to make good friends all over North America who remain so to this day.
Why do you donate to Harmony, Inc., through Sing Canada Harmony, and what do you hope we can accomplish with your donations?
Several years ago, the Barbershop Harmony Society was holding their convention in Montreal. A few of us decided to attend. One of the highlights was being able to sing with a mixed chorus being assembled for entertainment, but the “cost” was to donate $10 to Sing Canada Harmony. After seeing the list of activities that the donations could be used for, and knowing my own Director was wanting to attend elite training opportunities through the BHS Harmony University, I thought this was a worthwhile place to donate money. And I even got a tax receipt! I indicated “Directors First” as my choice and have simply stuck with it as I know the time, talent, and work the directors put into their choruses.
Tell us more about making monthly donations to Sing Canada Harmony and how easy it is to do.
My donation simply goes to Sing Canada Harmony as a monthly debit from my bank account. I don’t have to do anything else. I donate to a few other charities the same way and I don’t have to remember to do it, write a check (EDITOR'S NOTE: "cheque" in Canada!) and mail it, etc. I am sure it makes things easier on the other end as well, andit is something Sing Canada Harmony can rely on as regular income.
Thank you for sharing your story, Joyce! Donations can be made directly to Harmony, Inc. but tax receipts are only available to American members. Canadian members who would like a tax receipt for their donation should donate to Sing Canada Harmony.
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WELCOME...
By Donna Gronemeyer, Co-HI Quartet Development Coordinator
Renegades formed when four chorus members saw a need for a cappella performances in their community. Although they are a “new” quartet, all four members have years of vocal music experience. Each member of Renegades is an educator.
Sarah sings leads and is a former physician’s assistant and now a Biology professor at St. John Fisher University. She spends her free time performing with additional Rochester quartets and choral groups.
Sue sings bass and is a previous bank vice-president turned full-time a cappella coach, educator, and choral conductor. She is the director of Rochester Rhapsody Chorus as well as a proud member of BHS, MBHA, and SAI.
Cory sings tenor and is a professor in Biomedical Engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Cory enjoys riding her horses, pursuing her instrumental music, and is proficient in many instruments!
Donna sings baritone and is an early childhood teacher. She also performs with the SAI award-winning Buffalo Gateway Show Chorus. Donna also fulfills the very important role of quartet stylist and shopper, keeping Renegades well-dressed!
The very first song Renegades learned was the beautiful Irish Blessing by Don Gray. This traditional barbershop song was the perfect vehicle to begin to blend their voices together and has a special place in their repertoire. From this beginning, the repertoire has branched out to cover a wide array of a cappella music, outside of barbershop. They love jazz chords (and the challenge of properly tuning them) and especially love any familiar modern song that gets a crowd on their feet. Favorites include Ebb Tide, Sway, and To Make you Feel my Love. As they built a widespread quartet repertoire, they noticed they had strayed away from the traditional barbershop arrangements style, and so the name was born.
Says Renegades, "We love to perform for audiences and educational events and are so excited to represent Rochester Rhapsody and Area 3!"
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| Equity, Diversity, and Me! |
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By Bonita Hester, Equity & Diversity Committee Chair
We’ve had some wonderful discussions in our Roundtables so far, and we expect the upcoming meetings to be no less exciting. We’ve had conversations on how to encourage diverse membership, the history of the lyrics of some of our songs, what changes can be made to lyrics that are not inclusive, and in general, we’ve shared how to talk over sometimes controversial topics while treating each other with empathy and respect. Whenever we can, we gather issues, questions, and ideas from the general membership and use these as talking points, always ensuring participants that the Roundtable is a safe place to speak their thoughts.
As most of you are probably aware, Harmony, Inc. has revamped its website, and the change enables us to communicate more efficiently with our members. Previously we sent emails to invite members to our Equity and Diversity Roundtables; in the future, links to each month’s Roundtable will be accessible directly from the HI-Note or through the Events Calendar on the website. We hope that this will encourage all members who are curious to pop in and see what it’s all about.
August’s Roundtable will be at 6 p.m. Eastern Time (EDT) on August 31. Just click here and follow the instructions to register. Come and check it out!
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our 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 Area 5, in honour of this year's judging panel
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| Condolences From The Membership |
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To the ScotianAires (Area 1) on the death of 25+ year member, Edie Smith
Need to post a condolence notice? Please have the information sent to the Corporate Office to be recorded. Thank you.
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27 AUGUST - Know Before You Go Call!
31 AUGUST - Deadline to request music and learning tracks for new common song As Long As I'm Singing
1 SEPTEMBER - End of late entries for IC&C. End of early bird AEP pricing for IC&C.
15 SEPTEMBER - Deadline to submit Minor Chords 2023 form to sing with Minor Chords at 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
8-11 NOVEMBER - IC&C, Grand Rapids, Michigan
UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS & CONTESTS
2024 NOVEMBER 6-9, GALT HOUSE, LOUISVILLE, KY
2025 NOVEMBER 5-8, 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
The next issue of the HI Note comes to your inbox September 5. What would YOU like to read about in that issue? Share your thoughts with editor@harmonyinc.org by August 28.
See you in a couple weeks!
Copyright © 2023 Harmony, Inc., All rights reserved.
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