2024 IC&C FAQs
Click HERE for printable version (updated Sept. 16, 2024)
Know Before You Go
The Convention Team held an open Zoom meeting on Sunday, August 25, to provide information and answer questions before this year's event.
HOTEL | VENUE INFORMATION
How do I book a hotel room?The details on how to book your hotel room were emailed to all members in July 2024.
Types of Rooms
East Tower: Executive Suite = $165 + 17.7% tax ($194.20)
All prices are listed in US Dollars. Payment is due in US Dollars or the Canadian Equivalent. To convert to CAD, go to the US to Canadian Dollar Converter.
- Parking is available onsite in an attached covered garage for all registered guests. The special conference rates are $22 per night for self-park and $32 for valet. Large vehicle (6 ft or taller) valet parking is available for $50.
- There is complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms and public spaces.
- Reservations must be accompanied by a valid major credit card.
- The hotel has a 48-hour cancellation policy. Cancel 48 hours prior to 4pm day of arrival to avoid 1-night charge plus applicable tax.
- Either a valid credit or debit card will be used at check-in. Please note that a hold will be placed on the card for the full amount of the stay, plus $50 a day for incidentals for the entire stay.
- Guest check-in is at 3:00 PM; check-out time is 11:00 AM. Depending on availability, early
check-in and late check-out may be available upon request for an additional fee. - The hotel is an accessible facility with ADA compliant rooms available upon request. Transferable benches, roll-in showers, and TDD kits are also available.
- All of the rooms have refrigerators. There is a microwave available for public use in the shop by the front desk.
- Please be sure to have your credit card number, billing address and names of your roommates with you when you make your reservation.
- The last date to make your hotel room reservation is October 1, 2024.
What do I do if I have changes to my hotel reservation after booking?
If you have a change to your reservation (arrival date, roommates, etc.) you must use the website to make any changes. YOU CANNOT CALL THE HOTEL DIRECTLY.
What is the fair share assessment fee?
To help cover the costs of IC&C expenses and meet our contractual obligations, all members of
Harmony, Inc. are required to stay at the convention hotel or pay the Fair Share Assessment Fee of $195 (the equivalent of one night’s stay at the hotel - including taxes).
Are there restaurants available onsite?
There are seven on-property restaurants and bars. Click here for the complete list.
Will there be concessions offered during the contests this year?
We DO NOT have the opportunity to offer any food concession sales during this year’s contests, and there is no food and beverage (except water) allowed in the ballroom. Looking for dining opportunities during the contests? There are four onsite restaurants: Swizzle, Walker’s Exchange, Jockey Silks and The
Veranda. Click here for dining hours and menus. There are also many restaurants within walking
distance. Click here to view a map and get more information.
I have mobility issues – will it be difficult for me to get around?
The Galt House Hotel is an accessible facility with ADA-COMPLIANT ROOMS available upon request. Also available are transferable benches, roll-in showers, and TDD kits. All activities in the hotel and convention center are ADA accessible. Need mobility assistance during IC&C? Booking is now available for scooters. The cost for Wednesday 11/6 - Saturday 11/9 (scooter due for drop off by 11am on Sunday the 10th) is $175. Arriving earlier than Wednesday? Scooters are available as early as Sunday 11/3. The cost for an earlier rental for the week is $206 (Sunday the 4th or Monday the 5th). Scooters will be picked up at the Galt House.
To book:
- Call 502-799-5419.
- Let them know you are with Harmony, Inc. for their convention at the Galt House.
- Give required time of pick up and drop off.
- Payment due at time of booking.
All scooters will come with baskets. Still have questions? Contact the IC&C Business Services Assistant at iccbusinessasst@hamonyinc.org.
Can I bring a service animal?
Yes, service animals are allowed at the hotel. But please email Allison at ICCManager@harmonyinc.org so that appropriate accommodations can be made. Please put ICC Service Animal Accommodation Request in the subject line.
What is the smoking policy at the Galt House?
The Galt House Hotel is a non-smoking property. A $250.00 smoking fee will be added to any guests found in violation of our no smoking policy.
Is there a lost and found at the hotel?
Please see the front desk for any lost and found items.
What is the best airport to fly in to?
The closest airport is the Louisville International Airport (SDF) which is about 8 miles from the hotel. If you are driving, click here for directions to the hotel.
Are there any transportation services?
The hotel does not offer an airport shuttle, but the property is easily accessible by rideshares, taxis, Uber and Lyft. For limo and bus services, click here.
What is the weather like in Louisville?
In November, temperatures in Louisville average between 40 – 58 degrees F | 5 – 14 C. You can get the most current forecast along with monthly temperature averages by clicking here.
Is there anything to do around the hotel?
Known as Louisville’s centerpiece, THE GALT HOUSE HOTEL ENJOYS A CLOSE PROXIMITY TO ALL CITY
FAVORITES including the KFC Yum! Center, the Belle of Louisville, the Urban Bourbon Trail, Whiskey
Row, Old Forrester Distillery, Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse, Kentucky Peerless Distillery, the Evan Williams
Bourbon Experience, Fourth Street Live!, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, Waterfront Park, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Kentucky Center for the Arts, the Muhammad Ali Center, the Frazier History Museum, the Kentucky Science Center, and the Falls of the Ohio.
For more information click here.
CONVENTION INFORMATION
How do I register for IC&C?
Registration is now open.
Please note; you will use one form to purchase AEPs, dinners, printed programs, and any single tickets for contest or the Parade of Champions.
We ask that all choruses register their members at the same time vs having members register individually. This ensures you will be seated together at dinner.
While there is no cut-off for purchasing an AEP, we ask that you follow the below guidelines; especially for groups:
- Early bird pricing for AEPs ended at midnight, August 31st. The price for All AEPs (including youth) increased by $10.00 on September 1, 2024.
- The deadline to purchase dinner tickets is midnight, September 30. We request that you purchase your dinner ticket at the same time as your AEP but understand that plans may change and so you can add a dinner ticket up until this date.
- Online AEP sales will close at midnight on October 31st. You may still purchase AEPs and tickets on-site after this date.
What is the cost to attend IC&C?
All prices are listed in U.S. Dollars. Payment is due in U.S. Dollars or the Canadian Equivalent. To convert to CAD, go to U.S. to Canadian Dollar Converter. Prices below are the Early bird pricing. On September 1st, all prices will increase by $10:
Adult Performing Member AEP = $165
Adult Non-Performing Member AEP = $125
Adult Non-Member AEP = $135
Youth Performing Member AEP =
Youth Non-performing Member AEP =
Youth Non-Member AEP = $95
Single Event Tickets = $35
Single Event Youth Ticket = $20 (13-25 Years of Age)
Single Event Child Ticket = $0 (0-12 Years of Age)
Payment may be made by bank transfer (preferred method), PayPal, or check/money order. All prices are in US funds but may be paid in Canadian equivalent with exchange calculated on the day of payment.
Register for ICC here.
Click here for detailed instructions on the use of this form
What is the Saturday Dinner?
Participation in the Saturday dinner helps us to lower the price of our AEPs – and it’s a lot of fun! The cost for this year’s dinner is $55.00. Vegetarian? Special dietary needs? No worries – we will have a special plated dinner for you – just be sure to indicate your dietary restrictions when you register. This year's menu is: Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken with Lemon Caper sauce. whipped potatoes, and heirloom carrots, Triple Chocolate cake. It includes rolls, coffee, tea, and water. The GF option meal is the same except for the dessert. The dessert is a GF orange bundt cake. Anyone who purchases a dinner ticket will get priority seating at the Showcase.
Please note: there will be no dinner ticket sales on-site. You must pre-purchase your seat. If you purchase a seat, then determine you can no longer attend the dinner, it is your responsibility to sell your ticket to someone else. You can post the information on Facebook via HarmonyChat or the bulletin board in the Hospitality Suite at ICC. Remember, the person buying your ticket is also buying your seat assignment and dinner, we will not re-assign seats after they have been posted, nor are we able to change the type of dinner ordered (i.e., vegetarian/special meal).
How are seats assigned for dinner?
After the September 30 deadline, we will randomly draw table assignments for the Saturday dinner. Each chorus will get a select number of seats based on their dinner orders. We will notify choruses of their table and seat numbers – but they can determine who sits where. Individual or small group orders will be placed at extra seats where available. We will post the table assignments in IC&C mobile app and on our IC&C website, but it is up to the individual members to remember what their table/seat assignment is.
Can I bring a guest?
Yes, family and friends are invited and encouraged to attend IC&C. The cost to attend contest is $35 for adults, $20 for youth (per contest). They are also invited to attend dinner for the $55 fee. All guest tickets can be pre-ordered on the AEP form.
What do I do if there are last minute changes/additions to registration/dinner plans?
Are you an individual who still needs to register, or are you about to register just one more person for your chapter? Are looking for just one more Saturday dinner ticket? If so, be sure to check out the NEW "Self-Serve Ticket Transfer" bulletin board on the HI website (in the members only section) https://www.harmonyinc.org/aep-transfer
How does it work? Harmony members can now post AEPs and Dinner and Event tickets they can no longer use. If you are in the market for one, check here first and help someone else in Harmony at the same time. Any interested member can visit the Self-Serve Ticket Transfer page and contact the Seller directly to purchase the ticket(s). Note: All monetary transactions are between the Buyer and the Seller. Further specific instructions and details can be found on the Ticket Transfer page. Not a member? Contact the Corporate Office for assistance.
The IC&C Registrar will be notified of postings and transfers and once a ticket has been 'claimed' the buyer will be contacted for additional information as needed.
Questions? Please reach out to Linda Briggs, IC&C Registrar iccregistrar@harmonyinc.org.
Is there an opportunity for my quartet or chorus to raise money?
Yes. You can raise money by selling items at IC&C in the Harmony Mall. We've got a deal for you! Harmony, Inc will provide one table and two chairs to members at no cost. If you require a bigger space; you may purchase additional booth space as well at the following rates:
- 3 tables; two chairs = $300.00
- 2 tables; two chairs = $250.00
- 1 table; two chairs = $150.00
Prices are listed in US Dollars. The rental fee is non-refundable.
Reserve your space here today.
If you have questions about securing your booth space, please contact our Convention Business Services Assistant at ICCBusinessAsst@harmonyinc.org.
How can I send support to my favorite chorus, quartet, coach and more?
You can show support for your favorite chorus, quartet, coach and more with a Big Screen ad! Go here for more information and to purchase: IC&C Big Screen Ads.
Deadline is October 1st.
Cost:
- Harmony, Inc. member, quartet, or chapter = $35 per slide
- Non-Harmony, Inc. barbershop member = $100 per slide
- Not affiliated with any barbershop organization (outside provider) = $150 per slide
You don’t want to miss this! This year we're turning our opening ceremonies into a CELEBRATION! As if lots of singing, exciting updates, officer installation, awards and Singing with the Queens wasn't enough we're having a Derby Hat Contest! Wear your favorite derby hat or fascinator and enter our Derby Hat Contest. The winner will be comped one room night at the Galt House during IC&C!
What is the Parade of Champions?
One of the highlights of IC&C, the Association of Harmony Queens will entertain you with their annual Parade of Champions show. You’ll get to hear many of our past Quartet Champions sing some of your favorite songs as well as this year’s champion chorus – A Cappella Showcase. Please note the cost to attend this event is included in your AEP. If you do not have an AEP, tickets can be purchased during registration, or at the door for $35.
What is the Saturday Showcase?
All members and guests are invited to the annual showcase event. It’s a great way to close out ICC as we recognize and hear from our top medalists. Anyone attending the dinner will have assigned seating to ensure they get the best seats. For all others seating will be on a first come, first served basis.
What is the International Chorus?
One of the best parts about IC&C is getting to meet so many people from so many places who share your love of singing. This is exemplified in our International Chorus – comprised of our Associate members as well as select members of each chorus that come together to learn a song and perform on the IC&C stage after the Chorus Contest on Friday. An email has been sent to all associates and choruses about participating in the International Chorus. The Director will be Jordan Travis (A Cappella Showcase), and the song he has chosen is “Seize the Day”. Music is by Alan Menkin, words by Jack Feldman, arranged by June Dale and learning tracks by Aileen Carney. Once you have signed up, you will be sent the music ahead of time. The rehearsal for the International Chorus is currently scheduled for Thursday, November 7, from 8:30 to 9:30pm. In order to sing with the International Chorus, you must attend this rehearsal. The International Chorus will perform after the Chorus Contest on Friday, November 8.
What are education classes?
Want to be a better singer? Need help getting your chapter off the ground? IC&C is more than just contests and singing. We are fortunate that our talented members and panel volunteer of their time to help us all become Harmony Stronger. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity during IC&C. Classes will be offered on Thursday and Saturday mornings. Once the classes are finalized, they will be posted on the IC&C page of our website and mobile app.
What are the Minor Chords?
Minor Chords is a chorus made up of Harmony’s youth members, those aged 25 and under. They meet at IC&C to rehearse their latest piece that they will perform after the Chorus Finals. Every year a new director is chosen to provide an unforgettable experience for these talented young singers.
What is the IC&C mobile app?
Everything you need to know about this year’s IC&C will be at your fingertips using the mobile app! You can see the full agenda and chat with other attendees all from your mobile device. Instructions on how to download and use the app will be sent out prior to IC&C.
Will I be able to volunteer at IC&C?
There are many jobs available on our signup – we encourage everyone to look and see what appeals to them. Friends and family members are welcome to sign up as well. Visit our website for an example of some volunteer opportunities. Sign-ups here.
My Chorus/Quartet received an award at the last IC&C. Where and when shall we return 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 Louisville, KY. 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 7th. 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.
CHORUS AWARDS
- The Jerry Dunlop Award
- The G. Ruth Giels Award
- The L.A.B.B.S Trophy
- The MacIntosh Award
- The Tait Trophy
- Skidge Heath Award
- Jeanne O’Conner Championship Chorus Award
QUARTET AWARDS
- The Accord Award
- The Findlay Plaque
- The Susan C. Trenchard Award (formerly Image of Harmony Award)
- The Audience Entertainment Award
- Young at Heart Award
- Harmony Future Award
GENERAL AWARDS
Sandi White International Membership Award
(to be returned prior to the Opening Ceremony, Wed. Nov. 6th)
If you have questions, please contact the Awards / Services Manager at ICCServicesMgr@harmonyinc.org
CONTEST INFORMATION
The official contest rules can be found in section 11 of the Corporate Manual (you will need your members only password to access it).
What paperwork is needed for chorus and quartets?
IC&C Contest Information Forms, Contest Entry submission, and the required Contest Entry Fee ($40 Quartet / $65 Chorus) made payable to Harmony, Inc. (US Dollars or Canadian Equivalent) must be submitted no later than 15 days following your respective Area's AC&C. Immediately following each Area contest, qualifiers will receive an email containing links and instructions. Entries submitted after the contest entry deadline will be required to sing first in the contest. NO entries will be accepted after September 1.
In addition, all contestants must submit a song registration form including a copy of the page that shows the correct title and copyright information for any arrangement to be performed two weeks prior to contest (October 23, 2024). Failure to return the composer and publisher information, or if the information given is found to be incorrect, following adequate research by the ICJ Committee, the contestant may be disqualified.
HAR-059 Official International Chorus Contest Information Form
HAR-060 Official International Quartet Contest Information Form
HAR-082 Contestant Song Registration Form
Will there be a curtain on the stage?
No, there is not a curtain on the stage.
Will there be a ramp up to the stage?
Yes, there will be an ADA compliant ramp on one side of the stage for safe, easy access and exit.
How is the order of appearance determined?
A live drawing for the order of appearance took place on September 12th at 7:45 pm EST. It was brought to you live by Bluegrass Harmony Chorus. After the drawing, the order of appearance was added to the IC&C webpage.
How do I find out when I am onstage and the pattern schedule?
The International Contest and Judging Chair (ICJC) will send the contest pattern and related information to each contestant after the order of appearance is published and prior to contest.
When will our official quartet or chorus photos be made?
Photo forms are available online. Make sure to print your copy and bring it with you to contest. Quartets will turn theirs in at the photo room during the pattern. Chorus photos will be taken onstage. A representative from each chorus will have an opportunity to meet with the photographer after contest to select your official photo and turn in your order form.
Who is on the panel?
We will have one panel judging all of the contests. This year’s panel includes:
| ADM | MUS | PER | SNG |
| Sue Novosad (PC) | Rob Campbell | Joe Hunter | Rob Mance |
| Steve Tremper | Jay Dougherty | Gene Spilker | David Mills |
| Adele Merritt | Fatima Whelan | Nate Ogg |
Where can I get contest scores after contest?
The contestant contact listed in the Contest Entry will receive the scores via email as soon as the results are known. Scores will also be posted online shortly after each contest as well as posted in the mobile app.
My chorus wants to rehearse before we compete. Will there be rooms available?
All choruses will have an opportunity to schedule rehearsal time on Thursday and Friday. Friday’s time will be pre-assigned based on the order of appearance, and you will be notified of that time via email. If you are interested in signing up for a time on Thursday, click here to sign up. Additional questions or concerns, email the Awards / Services Manager at ICCServicesMgr@harmonyinc.org.
How are contestants scored?
There are three judging categories in the Harmony Inc. contest. For more information on judging and scoring refer to the Contest and Judging Program sections.
- Musicality
- Musicality judges consider the degree to which performances demonstrate musicality in the barbershop style, assessing the musicianship demonstrated in bringing the song and arrangement to life.
- Major elements in the category are harmonic integrity, execution, delivery, thematic development, and embellishment.
- Performance
- Performance judges evaluate the degree to which a performance creates an entertaining experience or effect on the audience. Every aspect of the performance impacts the judge’s impression or perception. Terms such as believability, creativity, authenticity, and other descriptors are used to characterize the performance and are appropriate for use in the barbershop style.
- Major elements in the category are believability, communication, creativity, quality of sound, artistry, rapport, and stylistic adherence.
- Singing
- Singing judges evaluate the degree to which the performer achieves artistic singing in the barbershop style.
- Major elements in the category are intonation; vocal quality; unity of word sounds, flow, diction and synchronization; artistry.
Will I get to practice on the stage before contest?
Due to the size of our contests, and time constraints, we are not able to allow all choruses and quartets time to practice on the actual stage. We are able to offer a brief stage “viewing” which will allow up to five people from a chorus and quartets to walk onto the stage. Please note, there is no singing allowed during this time. Times for the stage viewing will be included in the IC&C schedule, as well as your contestant packets.
Can I bring personal belongings with me backstage before I compete?
We encourage all contestants to not bring your personal belongings with you in the pattern, as they will not be allowed backstage. If you must bring something, please make it small, consolidate chorus belongings etc. We will provide a table in a hallway that will be monitored by volunteers. You can drop your belongings on the table before going on stage and pick them up after you compete.
Will there be Mixed Barbershop Harmony Association groups on stage at IC&C?
Yes. Some of them are participating in our Area contests, and those who achieve a qualifying score there are invited to sing at IC&C. As at the Area contests, their names will be included in our draw for order of appearance, but they will not be ranked with our groups. Instead, their appearance will be treated as a contest-within-a-contest, and their scores will be tabulated separately. If a top-scoring MBHA quartet achieves a score that would put it among the top ten finalists in our contest, that quartet will not sing in the finals, but will be invited to sing on the Showcase.
COMMON ACRONYMS (updated as of 4/1/23)
AC&C - Area Convention & Contests
ACJC - Area Contest & Judging Chair
ADM – Administrative Judge
AEV - Advance Expense Voucher
AEP - All-Events Pass
AICJC - Assistant International Contest & Judging Chair
AHQ - Association of Harmony Queens
BHS - Barbershop Harmony Society
CS - Category Specialist
CTS - Category Training School
C&J - Contest and Judging
EA – Expansion Area, Chapters
EC - Executive Committee
GKT - General Knowledge Test
GPM - Guest Panel Member
IBOD - International Board of Directors
IC&C - International Convention & Contests
ICJC - International Contest & Judging Chair
ICJ Committee - International Contest & Judging Committee
MBHA - Mixed Barbershop Harmony Association
MUS - Musicality Category
OJF - Official Judging Form
OPM - Official Panel Member
OSS - Official Scoring Summary
PC - Panel Chair
PPM - Practice Panel Member
PER - Performance Category
CSA - Contestant Scoring Analysis
SNG - Singing Category
SWTQ - Singing with the Queens
TC - Training Coordinator
VP C&C - Vice President of Convention & Contests
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