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 Introducing HARMONY HUB! This 5-minute, podcast-style version of the HI Note will summarize all our great HI Note content, for your listening pleasure. If you hear something interesting while you're exercising or driving (or doing whatever!), check out the full story here, on-line.
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'Perfection'
is being a first-rate version of yourself
Years ago, my quartet, Aged to Perfection, was coached at Harmony University by Adam Scott. Adam is a very active member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, a Musicality judge, and a prolific arranger. As so often happens in the world of barbershop, our week of coaching together meant we were destined to be Facebook friends forever!
Last year, Adam wrote a thought‑provoking post that has stayed with me. I want to build on his idea here - and give him full credit for inspiring this message.
AC&C season is upon us, and hundreds of us will soon be crossing the stage with our quartets and choruses. If you all are anything like me, you’re probably doing some personal soul-searching. Have I worked hard enough? Am I “worthy” to stand alongside some of Harmony’s luminaries? Should I try to sound exactly like the learning tracks of our contest songs, since those singers are so talented? My favorite quartet sang this song, so should I interpret it the same way they did?
Here’s a thought, one I delved into after reading Adam’s post.
In 1928, the great French pianist and composer Maurice Ravel was touring America. After one of his concerts, there was a party (afterglow?!?!) and the groundbreaking American composer George Gershwin was in attendance. He performed Ravel’s Rhapsody in Blue, in Ravel’s honor, impressing him enormously.
Later, Gershwin, ever hungry to learn, asked Ravel if he would give him composition lessons. Ravel declined, but in the most gracious and unforgettable way. His response has become famous: “Why would you want to be a second-rate Ravel when you can be a first-rate Gershwin?”
As we prepare for contest, let’s sit with that for a minute.
We are all shaped by the singers we admire, and the teachers and coaches who have guided us. But our gift - our voice, our artistry, our musical identity - is ours alone. It can take a lifetime to embrace your own sound rather than trying to recreate someone else’s, no matter how excellent they may be. But the journey toward finding your best voice - or directing or arranging style - is worth every step.
I’m not suggesting that excellence comes without hard work. Far from it. But especially in Harmony, let’s aspire to be a first‑rate version of ourselves.
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The Barre-Tones (Area 2, Barre, VT) recently welcomed four new members to the chorus:
From left: Membership team Willa Bruckner and Amy Donald; new members Pam Blais (bass), Kerri O'Leary (lead), Elizabeth Charron (tenor) and Stephanie O'Leary (lead). |
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Easy does it
Barre-Tones attract new members with community exposure
By Amy Donald, Chapter Membership Team
The Barre-Tones welcomed four new members this quarter. It wasn’t the result of one effort, it was more of a happy coincidence of a bunch of stuff. Two joined after singing with us in our annual holiday show. One was recruited by one of our members. One Googled us and found our website. Added to the four, we also welcomed back a former member, so we can bump this number to five.
Generally, there are three common points at which we attract new members:
- Most come at the beginning of the year. I think part of it is a “New Year, try something new” vibe. We have a holiday show where we invite the public to join us for seasonal music, and we give women the chance to “try us out.” We get all levels of interest, from teenagers who make the time to join us once a year, to retirees looking to find a “tribe, “ and everything in between. This year we had 10 guests! It was delightful to get to know them, and we persuaded two of them to jump in.
- Some are personally invited. One of our people was singing at another event, and she got to talking about us. An attendee decided to check us out. Word of mouth is a wonderful thing.
- Some find us online. Kudos to Susan Klein for her excellent and ongoing PR. She keeps our website vibrant and gets our name out there as often as possible. The first part of the membership game is recognition that we are out here.
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| Associate & Affiliate Renewals |
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Note to Associate and Affiliate Members
LAST CHANCE TO RENEW YOUR HI MEMBERSHIP WITHOUT LATE FEE!
Annual renewal invoices were sent on February 15. If you don't see yours in your inbox or spam folder, please reach out to info@harmonyinc.org for a copy or simply log onto the Harmony, Inc. website and navigate to your profile to view and pay. All dues and fees must be paid by April 1 to avoid a $10 USD late fee.
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| Harmony Distinction Award Nominations |
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By Teri Allred, Marketing Team Manager
Do you know someone who has contributed significantly to Harmony, Inc. and/or the barbershop community at large who exemplifies the organization's values, principles, goals, and objectives? Someone who embodies our "Blend With Friendship" motto and is committed to making Harmony, Stronger? Consider nominating that individual for the 2026 Harmony Distinction Award.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 International Contest and Convention year. Any Harmony, Inc. Chapter or Associate Member in good standing can nominate an individual who is suitable to serve as a Harmony, Inc. ambassador as the Harmony Distinction Awardee.
To meet criteria for this honor, the Honoree:
· Would agree to attend and receive the Harmony Distinction Award during the Opening Ceremony of the International Convention.
· Would agree to take part in publicity and media coverage surrounding the presentation of the award.
· Work with Harmony, Inc.’s Public Relations Coordinator to represent and serve as a spokesperson for the organization.
To find the nomination form, HAR-058, visit the Members Only section of the website.
Deadline for nominations to be considered for the 2026 award year is April 15, 2026.
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| MBHA Shines at World Mixed |
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MBHA ensembles shine at World Mixed
Voices Unlimited 2026 World MIxed Chorus Champs!
Empire Quartet takes bronze with inspired performance
Barbershop in Germany (BinG!) announces the following results In the World Mixed Championships held in Germany last weekend:
1st place World Mixed Quartet: Sunday Night Social (USA)
1st place World Mixed Chorus: Voices Unlimited (Canada)
2nd place World Mixed Quartet: Ami Quartet (UK)
2nd place World Mixed Chorus: Project Mosaik (Germany & USA)
3rd place World Mixed Quartet: Empire (Canada)
3rd place World Mixed Chorus: Northern Stars (Sweden)
Congratulations!
Here's the story in their own words:
"It’s hard to put into words just how thrilled we are after this incredible week here in Wuppertal. We walked onto that stage and sang our hearts out. We did exactly what we came to do—to perform with as much artistry, passion, and excellence as we possibly could.
"To have that work recognized with the title of 1st Place at the BinG! World Mixed Championships is truly an honour beyond words.
"There were so many outstanding choruses that took the stage this weekend, and it was a privilege to perform alongside such incredible musicians. We are grateful, inspired, and so proud to have shared this moment with this amazing international community of singers.
"Thank you to our coaches for this package, Samantha Tramack, Steve Armstrong, and Robert Ross. Thank you to our friends and family who have supported us on this journey. And thank you to Jordan, our amazing director, who has taken us on this journey with kindness and integrity- pushing us to extend beyond our comfort zone to create beautiful music together.
"Beyond our success this week, there has been so much more to celebrate! Empire Quartet knocked it out of the park and placed 3rd in the World Mixed quartets, and "It's a Bet" came 1st in the BinG! quartets!
"This has been an amazing experience, and we thank Wuppertal and the team at BinG! for hosting an incredible event." |
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| To enter an upcoming ACC , complete HAR-061 (Quartet) or HAR-063 (Chorus) to verify contestant information and pay contest entry fees according to the deadlines below. With submission and payment of these forms, you are entered into the contest.
Approximately 30 days prior to the contest, the contest you are entering will be opened in Barberscore. Please enter your ensemble details here Contest Entry system. This includes selecting the awards you are eligible for as well as ensuring your repertoire is up to date.
Don't forget to submit your Song Registration form(s) for any songs you intend to perform in the contest thirty (30) days prior to the contest. This is for Copyright & Licensing.
If you have issues completing any of the steps, please complete a support ticket request. You will be contacted by Administrative Judge Category Specialist Linda Muise to resolve any issues. DO NOT CONTACT the BHS Member Center.
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AREA CONVENTIONS & CONTESTS
| AC&C |
Date |
Entry Deadline |
Late Entry Deadline |
| Area 1 |
June 4-7 |
April 6 |
May 6 |
| Area 2 |
April 23-26 |
February 23 |
March 25 |
| Area 3 |
May 1-3 |
March 2 |
April 1 |
| Area 4 |
June 11-14 |
April 13 |
May 13 |
| Area 5 |
May 22-24 |
March 23 |
April 22 |
| Area 6 - Closed |
April 16-19 |
February 16 |
March 18 |
| Expansion Area |
May 15-17 |
March 16 |
April 15 |
The Contest Information Forms for AC&C are now available. Entry is a multi-step process; see above
* Expansion Area has been granted a waiver for 2026 regarding late fees and singing first after the Entry Deadline by the Harmony, Inc. Executive/Finance Committee and the International Contest & Judging Committee. |
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| Chorus Director Roundtable |
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SEEKING
Lead Facilitator & General Facilitators
This is a great opportunity to add to your facilitation skills, connect with passionate individuals, and contribute to positive change within our organization. Check out the Program Coordinator and General Facilitator job descriptions to learn more.
Interested? Contact Kelly Peterson, Executive Director, to learn more about becoming part of this inspiring team!
Short-Term Project-Based Opportunities
We know many of our members would love to volunteer but are not sure they can make a long-term commitment. The Marketing & Communications (MarCom) team has short-term, project-based tasks that may be just what you’re looking for. Project-based work provides an opportunity to make meaningful contributions and support the organization we love. The MarCom team is helping internal stakeholders build resources and tools to enhance communications and support both our IBOD and members.
- HI Photo Storage – Are you knowledgeable with Flickr or similar photo storage management solution? We’re looking for an individual with expertise in photo storage solutions to determine usability for a storage platform. We’d like to include cataloging (subject albums) and tagging so we can easily access images by word.
If this opportunity tickles your interest, please reach out to Executive Director Kelly Peterson, ED@harmonyinc.org, to learn more or apply.
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| Interested in volunteering with Harmony, Inc. but none of these opportunities speak to you? Why not take a few minutes and fill out our Volunteer Interest Survey and let us know what you are interested in and where your strengths are. We are always looking for people to fill in small or big roles. |
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| Susan Trenchard Service Award |
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| MEDAL: Member Experience Discovery & Action Library |
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Lonely In a Crowd Part 1
WHAT:
Loneliness has been named a public health epidemic. In Together, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy describes it not simply as being alone, but as lacking meaningful connection. Even in vibrant communities, someone can quietly feel unseen.
SO WHAT?
Choruses are uniquely positioned to counter loneliness. But showing up, singing well, or serving for years does not automatically create belonging. Connection requires intention from both the group and the individual.
NOW WHAT?
Pause and consider where connection in your chorus may be assumed rather than actively nurtured. What small act of attention could help someone feel seen, known, and needed?
Read Full Article
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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.
?
Margaret Hinchcliffe
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- to Kitty Jónasdóttir (ScotianAires, Area 1) on the sudden and unexpected loss of her brother.
- to Charlotte Vriends (Island A Cappella , Area 1) on the passing of her mother-in-law Betty Vriends.
- to Katie Court (A Cappella Showcase, Area 5, and Harmony's PR Coordinator) on the death of her father-in-law.
- to Bluegrass Harmony (Area 4) on the sudden death of charter member Cathy Muse.
Need to post a condolence notice? Please have the information sent to the Administrative Coordinator to be recorded. Thank you. |
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| International Board of Directors Meetings |
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Meeting minutes from Q1 2026 have now been posted.
Upcoming 2026 meetings are scheduled:
Do you have an agenda item that you would like the IBOD to consider at Mid-Year? Please submit HAR-009 by April 15.
IBOD quarterly meetings are open to the membership to observe.
Agendas are posted in advance on the Members Only website. Please contact the Corporate Office for details on how to join the virtual meetings or where to attend the live meetings.
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| International Convention & Contests |
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2026 NOVEMBER 11-14, GALT HOUSE, LOUISVILLE, KY
2027 NOVEMBER 10-13, NIAGARA FALLS CONVENTION CENTRE, NIAGARA FALLS, ON
2028 NOVEMBER 1-4, HERSHEY LODGE, HERSHEY, PA
2029 NOVEMBER 7-11, HALIFAX CONVENTION CENTRE, HALIFAX, NS
2030 NOVEMBER 13-17, KALAHARI, POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA
2033 NOVEMBER 9-13, KALAHARI, SPOTSYLVANIA, VA
2034 NOVEMBER 8-12, KALAHARI, SANDUSKY, OH
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The HI Note returns to your inbox April 5. What else would you like to see covered in our pages? Drop a line to editor@harmonyinc.org and we'll tell the world. Next deadline is March 28.
See you again, soon! |
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