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Striving for Harmony
By Linda Brehaut, International President
For the past three years I have had the privilege of serving as your International President and in a little over three weeks I will begin my term as your Immediate Past President. I am pleased to be welcoming Gaye LaCasce into the position of International President.
This is certainly a bitter-sweet moment for me. Who would have thought that I would have grown to, yes, enjoy this position? But now, it is time for me to share this opportunity with someone else. I have always been sustained, not just by the members of the IBOD, but all of you. I have received so much encouragement and support from so many. Thank you. A huge thank you, as well, to Kelly Thomas who will be leaving the Board this year, and a welcome to Anne Bureau who will be joining us.
We define what Harmony is all about as, “Empowering all women through singing, education and friendship." I trust that I have served this organization in a way that has modeled our core values, creating a space where everyone has felt included; empowered others; acted with integrity; and as a forward thinker, leading our organization to learn, adapt, and grow.
Your Board of Directors has been committed to being member-driven, reaching out to you for input, comments, questions, and ideas. All of this was accomplished through Harmony – that is, "Harmony" with a capital “H” and "harmony" with a lowercase “h”. Striving for harmony on and off the risers is important to me.
Recently I attended an Area Education Day and the message became very clear to me – we don’t know what we really need until we have it. I didn’t realize how much I needed a day where I was surrounded by such a supportive, encouraging community. We worked on the four common songs. Some went well, others could use a little more time – but no one cared. We just wanted to sing and learn together. For those short hours, nothing else in our troubling world existed. I left feeling mentally renewed and strengthened and ready to tackle the world again. Please note - that does not mean physically renewed or strengthened…that is a totally different story that includes fatigue and aches and pains and being ready for a nap!
Meetings, meetings
In a few weeks, the IBOD will spend some very productive time together at our annual board meeting and you will be notified when the minutes are posted to the website. The Delegates and Associates meeting, which used to be held on one of the early mornings at IC&C, will again be held virtually on the afternoon of November 19. If you are a president and are not able to attend, please prepare for an alternate to attend on your behalf. Contact our parliamentarian, Debbie Parmerter (parliament@harmonyinc.org),if you have any questions.
Livestream
Speaking of IC&C – if you are not able to attend, please consider our live-streaming option by registering with Acaville. We know we had some glitches along the way through the AC&C season, but we’re hoping they have all been worked out and you will not be disappointed with the streaming option (we’d rather have you in person, but we understand that that is not always possible).
From the very core of my being, thank you for all that you’ve done for me and for Harmony, Inc.
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| The Key-Note now available |
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EXTRA! EXTRA!
Read all about it!
The 2022-23 edition of The Key-Note is ready for your viewing pleasure. Download your copy for the inside scoop on Harmony Queens Take 4, the shenanigans of Chorus Champions Northern Blend, and lots and LOTS of pictures of all your favorite 2022 contestants. Oh, the memories!
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It's almost time for pure Harmony!
By Shannon Shelton-Muller, IC&C Marketing Manager
We are only two weeks away from our 2023 International Convention and Contests! Over the next couple of weeks, you will get lots of information and reminders about all things IC&C, coming from various sources like email, social media, and your very own chorus and quartet contact points. Don't let it overwhelm you. Questions, concerns - your first point of reference is always the IC&C tab on harmonyinc.org. Your Web Manager and IC&C Convention Team are constantly updating this tab with the latest and greatest information. Still have questions? We're here to help. Just give us a shout. See you in Grand Rapids!
What's going on today and when do I need to be where?
Not sure what's happening during IC&C or when to be where on contest day? The agenda is now available so you can make your plans. Click here to check it out. The IC&C Chorus and Quartet patterns are also available. Just click here and we'll show you the way to the contest stage. Full of nervous energy on contest day and afraid of taking an unscheduled detour? No worries, we have amazing volunteers who will guide you along the path to the stage.
Opening Ceremony highlights
This year's opening ceremony will include some special guests from Grand Rapids. Our first special guest will be Lisa Knight, a trail-blazing community leader in Grand Rapids who is also the Executive Director of the Girls Choral Academy. Learn more about this amazing organization here - and learn more about this amazing woman... at opening ceremony!
Next up will be the Grand Rapids Chorus of Sweet Adelines (GRSA). They are an energetic a cappella chorus that has entertained countless audiences with big stage productions, smaller community events, and even concert tours in the Netherlands, Italy, France, and Russia. They recently represented the State of Michigan at the 80th Commemoration of Pearl Harbor in December 2021.
GRSA's interim Music Director is Judy Westers, a 33-year Sweet Adeline and 32-year member of GRSA. GRSA has been very generous in welcoming Harmony, Inc. to Grand Rapids, loaning us choral risers, providing volunteers, and helping us to publicize our IC&C throughout the area. We thank them for all they have done for us!
Harmony's past and present will also be a highlight of the evening. Installation of officers, the honoring of award winners, thanking volunteers, and welcoming a very special friend and supporter of HI ... all those will provide a wonderful and celebratory way to begin our time together in Grand Rapids. Don't miss it, whether you are watching from home or in your seat at our venue!
Give back to the community
Harmony, Inc. is partnering with a local women's resource center to provide personal care items. You can help in our efforts by bringing with you brand new items only from the following list:
- shampoo/conditioner (for women of color these brands are requested: Shea Moisture, Carol's Daughter, Cantu, or Pantene Gold Series)
- razors
- body wash
- bar soap
- toothpaste
- face wash
- makeup remover wipes
- face moisturizer
- body and hand lotion
There will be a table at registration for you to turn in items.
The Geek Book Is Back for Its 13th Edition!
Have you heard about the Geek Book? The little book with the stats of all the quartets and choruses? It is filled with info about the contest. There is even a place to draw in the outfits! There are tags and a crossword too, but the best part of the book is that it is written by those who will cross the stage…. they answer silly questions and tell us about themselves. That’s the part I love reading more than anything else!
If you are a contestant and haven’t heard from us, please reach out to Maria at MariaDGabriella@gmail.com.
If you’d like to purchase a book, please visit https://womenofnote.org/geekbook2023.
Thank you for your continued support!
TUNE UP TIPS
- Early bird pricing may be over for AEP Registration but you can still get them online until November 3 with an additional late fee added of $10 each. After that, AEPs and tickets can only be purchased at the door.
- Photo order forms are on the website: Harmony Inc. 2023
Don't Miss A Moment!
You can still get access to all the action, on and off stage, for only $59! Click here to learn how with Acaville.
Collectible IC&C Pins Are Back
2023 marks the fourth year that Sisters of Sound chorus from Clermont, Florida, will be offering commemorative pins featuring the IC&C logo. Bulk orders of 10 or more pins can be reserved in advance of IC&C for pick up in Grand Rapids, and individual pins will be available for purchase at the contest.
Add this keepsake to your lanyard for $15, payable by cash, check, Zelle, and Pay Pal. These pins are limited in quantity, so email annlkem@yahoo.com to place advance group orders or look for our zany Pin Patrol at IC&C. See you in Grand Rapids!
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KELLY PETERSON
By Kim Meechan, Director of Philanthropy
Every member of Harmony, Inc. has likely had contact with our amazing Corporate Assistant, Kelly Peterson, in one form or another. She has resolved countless issues, pointed members in the right direction for information, and supported many of us struggling with technological challenges! I, for one, am extremely grateful for her support, patience, and many talents. While our appreciation for Kelly is endless, so is her love for Harmony, Inc. Kelly makes regular donations to our organization to ensure we stay active, energetic, and committed to our goals.
I recently asked Kelly to tell us all a little more about herself, her connection to Harmony, Inc., and why donating is so important to her.
1. How did you discover Harmony, Inc.?
I heard about Harmony, Inc. in 2009, when I first joined a small Sweet Adelines chorus in Oklahoma. I looked into the organization right away and was fascinated by its history and culture, but there were no chapters anywhere near me. Not long after, the US Army moved us to Kansas, where I continued singing in another Sweet Adelines chorus. There, I met Susan Ives, who was also interested in getting involved with Harmony, Inc. We both registered with Harmony, Inc., and not long after we formed our quartet, Fierce, with Joy and Kris.
2. What stands out for you as your most memorable moment while you have been a member of Harmony, Inc.?
By far, my most memorable experience with Harmony, Inc. so far has been the beginning of The HIVE in 2020. While the world was desperately missing music and connection, a handful of creative thinkers in Harmony breathed life into an idea. The barbershop community embraced the idea, and we had full classes of excited learners hearing from some of the greatest minds in the barbershop world. I am so proud to belong to an organization that is willing to take risks, try new things, and work together for the benefit of everyone.
3. Why did you decide to make monthly reoccurring donations to Harmony, Inc., and was it easy to set up?
I am a big fan of making things easier on myself. Previously, I'd make a donation when I was thinking about it, but I am committed to growing this organization in any way I can, and an automated gift makes sense for me. It was very easy to set up - I chose where I wanted the funds to be used, the amount, and the frequency of the donation. I can manage or cancel it through my PayPal account.
4. What impact do you hope to see as a result of your donations?
This hobby of ours is not inexpensive, but being involved in group music-making is something that should be accessible to everyone. I have grown as a singer, a leader, and a human from my experiences in Harmony. I want to do my little part to help keep this amazing organization healthy so we can continue providing opportunities for singing, education, and friendship for years to come. I specifically direct my donations to the general fund in order to free up the budget in support of whatever is most needed.
If you would like to give to Harmony, Inc., you can do so by going to the DONATE page on the Harmony, Inc. website.
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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.
? from Sarah Thorne-Miller
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| Condolences From The Membership |
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- to Jan Porter (Seaside A Cappella, Area 1) on the death of her step-father.
- to Jane Clabaugh (Surround Sound, Area 2) on the loss of her mother-in-law, Shirley Clabaugh.
- to Sue Novosad (Valley Voices, Area 1) on the death of her husband, John.
Need to post a condolence notice? Please have the information sent to the Corporate Office to be recorded. Thank you.
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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
19 NOVEMBER - Delegates/Associates meeting via Zoom at 2 p.m. EST
31 JANUARY 2024 - Deadline for nominations for Honorary Member
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 December 5. The holiday season will be in full swing. ♪ Why not let your siblings in song know what your chorus or quartet is doing to help your community celebrate the season by sending a short story -- and pictures! -- for the HI Note to editor@harmonyinc.org . December deadlines are November 28 and December 13.
See you in December!
Copyright © 2023 Harmony, Inc., All rights reserved.
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