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'It all comes back to barbershop'
Art mirrors life
Many of you have heard the story about my introduction to barbershop. My husband, Dan, was deeply involved when we met – in a chorus, a quartet, heading into the BHS judging program, and working to collect every barbershop certification he could find. Our first date was at an annual show put on by a tiny little men’s chorus – no disrespect meant, but I was underwhelmed and just couldn’t understand why he was investing so much time, energy, and resources in this hobby.
Fast forward to the next July, when we attended the BHS International Convention and I heard some great barbershop – I then understood what the art form could sound like and what Dan aspired to achieve.
Fast forward again, to my first Harmony contest as a spectator. Dan was judging at an Area 4 contest, and I was his guest; we were picked up at the airport by none other than Jacquie Jensen. It was a wonderful and memorable weekend during which I came to understand what barbershop could FEEL like.
Our family mantra quickly became, “It all comes back to barbershop.” Whatever happened in our lives – big things or small – we seemed to find a corollary to barbershop.
Life, like barbershop, is all about balance, teamwork, and finding the right blend. In a barbershop ensemble, each voice part plays a crucial role; in life, too, we all contribute in different ways, bringing unique strengths to our communities, friendships, and families.
Barbershop harmony teaches resilience. No song is perfect on the first run-through, and no life journey is without stumbles. We rehearse tirelessly, refining our craft - adjusting our vowels, fine-tuning our volume relationships, and conveying the same story. Similarly, in life, we learn through experience - facing new situations, surmounting challenges, and growing stronger with every attempt. The most satisfying chords often come after the hardest work, and the same is true of life's greatest achievements.
Barbershop also highlights the importance of listening - not just to your own part, but to those around you. Successful barbershop singers don’t just belt out their notes; they listen and adapt. In life, relationships thrive when we practice active listening, responding with empathy, and finding ways to complement rather than overpower those around us. Whether in music or in daily interactions, true harmony happens when we make space for each other’s voices. In barbershop as in life, the outcome of our work is greater than the sum of the parts, like creating an overtone.
Perhaps the most beautiful parallel is the joy of shared experiences. Barbershop isn’t just about notes and chords. It’s about camaraderie, about the thrill of making music together, about the memories created through rehearsals, performances, conventions, and laughter. In life, too, the moments that truly matter aren’t just about individual successes; they’re about connection, about shared victories, and about lifting one another up. We all have a part to play, and when we embrace the harmony of life, the result can be something truly extraordinary.
My barbershop journey has taken me from skepticism to understanding, and ultimately to a deep appreciation for not just the art form, but the community behind it. Barbershop is more than just a hobby for my family - it is a thread woven into the fabric of our lives. I know with absolute certainty that many of you feel the same, as we appreciate all the ways that music both shapes and mirrors our human experience. As I learned many years ago, “It all comes back to barbershop.”
Good luck and best wishes to all Harmony members attending and competing at the BHS International in Denver next month. Kelly and I will be cheering you on from afar.
Since BHS did not invite Harmony to their convention this year, we'll be ensconced in our living rooms enjoying the webcast. We know you'll do Harmony proud!
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CELEBRATING HARMONY AREA CONVENTIONS & CONTESTS
The HI Note is happy to bring to you accounts of the contests and shenanigans at each of our Harmony Area conventions. This week we travel to Ontario to see who's in the spotlight at Area 5.

SAPPHIRE - Sporting ribbons to match their name, Sapphire shows off their Area 5 1st place quartet trophy.
Catch a Wave!
Area 5 went to the beach for AC&C this year!
By Wendy Leach, Area 5 Public Relations Coordinator
Thirteen competing quartets, including four from the MBHA, meant an early start for the contest on Friday afternoon. The audience was treated to amazing performances and thoroughly enjoyed every one. Four quartets qualified for IC&C in Hershey. Congratulations to Sapphire, Emerald, and Onyx, who placed first, second, and third, respectively, and to Wicked Pitches, who also qualified and won the Win Andrews Memorial Quartet Award for most improved quartet.
Two brand new awards were presented at this year’s quartet contest. The Sheena McGuigan Audience Choice Quartet award was presented in memory of Sheena, a long-time member of A Cappella Showcase who was always everyone’s biggest fan. This year's winner was Emerald. The Maria Chetwyn Timeless Harmony Award was presented to the highest-scoring senior quartet, Happy Together.
SENIOR CHAMPS - Happy Together grins for the camera as they accept the Maria Chetwyn Timeless Harmony Award
TROPHIES! - A Cappella Showcase proudly displays the championship trophies they won with a Harmony scoring record of 1011 points.
On Saturday morning, 400 contestants were up bright and early preparing for an exciting chorus contest. Thirteen choruses, including one from the MBHA, sang their hearts out for an enthusiastic audience. A Cappella Showcase took the gold medal with a score of 1011 points, an Area 5 and Harmony, Inc. scoring record! Joining A Cappella Showcase in qualifying for IC&C were The Thousand Islanders (placing second), Nickel City Sound (placing third), Scarborough Harmony Chorus, Shades of Harmony, The Capital Chordettes, Inc., and Sing Niagara.
ACS Director rides his unicorn into the Area 5 Moonglow. (You'll have to ask him about that.)
The Ukeladies entertain with a spirited rendition of Kokomo .
A Capital Sound proudly displays their new name.
Saturday night it was off to the beach, with all kinds of bright and colourful outfits on display, and even an inflatable unicorn or two! The “Ukeladies” performed in the hallway outside of the ballroom, with many of us stopping to sing along to beach-themed songs such as Margaritaville and Kokomo. Thanks to The Over Tones, Inc. for putting on such a fun party. At the Moonglow, the Capital Chordettes, Inc. announced that after 60 plus years it was time for a name change – they are now known as A Capital Sound.
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Sunday morning’s education classes with our wonderful panel of judges were all well attended. There were lots of laughs and even some tears. Thank you to our judges for giving their time and talent to help us all improve our craft!
Huge thanks also go to Area Director Sandy McCreary, ACJC Debbie Gay, and the rest of our AC&C team, Gidget Kaert, Beth Bendo, Susanne Hasulo, and Patricia Cassidy. Without all of your hard work, we would not have had such an amazing weekend. We can’t wait for 2026 when we will get to display our Denim & Diamonds!
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Harmony Fest West: Livestream the Action! |
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Can't attend Harmony Fest West in person?
Have we got some rootin' tootin' deals for you!
Deal #1: Lasso all the action with Acaville! Only $30 gets you live broadcasts of all the action: Harmony Fest West Chorus Festival, Harmony Fest West Quartet Festival, and the Harmony Fest West Showcase.
Plus, you'll get interviews with contestants and behind-the-scenes access to the newest Harmony, Inc. event coming to you, LIVE, from Tempe, Arizona!
Full replays of the events will be available exclusively to subscribers.
Deal #2: Send a great big "hi there and howdy" from Harmony with a Big Screen Ad! This is your opportunity to be a part of the Harmony Fest West initiative and support everyone there.
For a fee of $35 per ad, you can send messages of support, thanks, or a quick advertisement. Help make sure that Harmony's supportive and unique culture is on full display.
Any money collected will help fund the event and anything over and above that goes to our philanthropy.
Ready? Order here.
Questions? Email Shannon at sheltonmullers@harmonyinc.org.
Purchase your passes/tickets here
Hotel booking is now open! Reservations can be made here
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IC&C Corner: Hotel Bookings Open Soon |
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INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CORNER
Room reservation bookings coming!
By Shannon Shelton-Muller, Convention Marketing Asst |
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Coming soon to your email...the booking link for your IC&C 2025 Hershey Lodge Room. Look for an email in your inbox July 15 with details on how to secure your room for all the sweetness to come at IC&C.
PLEASE NOTE: The booking process is different this year. Below is a heads up of what to expect. Make sure to read through the directions in the email sent to all members July 15 thoroughly!
STEP 1: You will fill out the reservation form contained in the July 15 email.
You will have the opportunity to book a single room or to book multiple rooms if your group would like to be close together.
The convention rate will be offered November 2 – November 12 if you would like to extend your stay to explore all of the fun things to do in Hershey. If you want to extend your stay, make your reservation using the form and enter the convention dates. Then you will call the reservation desk to add your extended dates.
STEP 2: Once you complete the reservation form you will receive an acknowledgement from the hotel via email. THIS IS NOT YOUR CONFIRMATION. The hotel will book your room based on the information provided in the form – then you will receive an email with your confirmation number for your reservation.
STEP 3: Once you receive your confirmation number via email, you must pay one night's room and tax by one of the methods below.
• Credit Card Payments - You will call the Hershey Lodge Reservation Office in order to place a credit card on file and to charge a one night advanced deposit.
• Check Payments - You will send check payments to:
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Co.
Attn: Accounts Receivable
27 West Chocolate Avenue
P.O. Box 860, Third Floor
Hershey, PA 17033
**All Payments must be received within 7 days of receiving an email confirmation**
Types of rooms
Double Double or King = $179 + 11% tax ($198.69)
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
Complimentary amenities include:
• Wi-Fi in guest rooms
• iPod docks
• Mini fridges
• Complimentary self-parking
• Use of the fitness center
• Tickets to the Hershey Park Story Museum and Gardens
Additional information and details, including the form link and hotel phone number will be in the email coming to all members on July 15!
TUNE UP TIPS
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Know Before You Go Call and get all the details on IC&C 2025:
August 21, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET.
Hershey Lodge Room Reservations open July 15 and end September 17, 2025.
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SEEKING
Chorus Director Development Coordinator
The Chorus Director Development Coordinator serves as an advisor and resource provider for all Harmony, Inc. chorus directors. They communicate regularly with chorus directors, share educational materials and other resources, and assist in meeting their training needs. The Chorus Director Development Coordinator administers the Director Mentoring Program, designed to foster the development of musical directors interested in building their skills.
If you would like more information, please contact Executive VP, Donna McKay. Additional details about this position can be found in the corporate manual. To apply, complete the application form HAR-001.
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Medal: Member Experience Discovery & Action Library |
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By Jennifer Palus, Member Experience Working Group Lead
WHAT?
STAYING CONNECTED,
Encouraging Former Member Engagement
When someone leaves your chapter, the shift from full access to complete separation can feel sudden—for them and for the friends they leave behind. While chapters must manage tools meant for active members, there are meaningful ways to stay in touch that honor relationships without adding extra work for leadership.
SO WHAT?
Former members are part of your chapter’s legacy—and some may welcome an easy, casual way to stay connected, even if they’re no longer singing. Creating light-touch options like a “Past and Present” social group, an alum newsletter, or an annual former member night can help preserve friendships, build goodwill, and keep the door open for future returns.
NOW WHAT?
This MEDAL article shares ideas to help your chapter build intentional, low-maintenance ways to include former members in your broader chorus story. Whether you’re launching something new or refreshing an old idea, it’s never too late (or too early) to start.
Read Full Article
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Equity, Diversity, and Me! |
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Emily Parsons, Equity & Diversity Committee Chair
June is Pride Month, and in the spirit of cultivating a community where every member and guest feels welcomed, I’d like to offer some ideas for how to make Harmony spaces inviting for 2SLGBTQIA+ people, which in turn will make your space welcoming to everyone.
- Don’t wait until you’re certain that you have a 2SLGBTQIA+ member or guest at your rehearsals. Start creating the inviting space now; you never know if you might already have someone on your risers who isn’t sure if they can be their whole self at rehearsals, or when you’ll have a prospective member looking for the perfect group to join that will accept them without issue.
- Use language that is inclusive and doesn’t assume someone’s sexuality. When speaking to a chorus or quartet, instead of referring to the members as “ladies”, try using “singers” or “friends.” Consider taking a cue from Area 5 and give your outside vendors and Area Contest service providers a letter outlining the expectation that members and guests be addressed with inclusive language. When talking about the songs you are singing and the story that you’re telling with the song, think beyond “woman sings a love song to her husband”, or try songs that address other kinds of love than romantic love.
- Try introducing yourself with your name and pronouns. This gives others the space to share their own pronouns, as well as know that it’s okay if their pronouns may not be the ones that you might first assume they would use.
- Check out Katie Taylor’s presentation, Ways to Make Your Meeting More Inclusive in the Harmony, Inc. Members Area under Equity and Diversity.
- Sign up for the remaining sessions of Tessa Walker’s HIVE class, Building an Inclusive Chorus Culture. If you missed the first two sessions, please watch the videos in the HIVE Library so that you will be caught up and can easily jump right in to where the previous classes left off. Part 1 is up now, and Part 2 will be up soon. Join in live for Parts 3 through 5!
- Share in Harmony Chat what your chorus or group is doing to create a welcoming space so that we can all work towards creating a community where everyone feels seen and welcomed.
Happy Pride, Harmony friends! Together in Harmony, proud and strong.
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Corporate Office Words of Wisdom |
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Chapter/Officer Information Updates

It's that time of year when new boards are taking over in our chapters. If you have not already done so, please complete HAR-078 Chapter/Officer Data Form with any updates for this year. If you have no changes, a quick email to info@harmonyinc.org would be appreciated.
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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.
?
Joey Huff in memory of Lauren Lindeman
Karen Schutt in memory of Lauren Lindeman
Sandra and Gene Woolcott in memory of Lauren Lindeman
Village Vocal Chords in memory of Lauren Lindeman
Betty Gunterman in memory of Lauren Lindeman
Julie Schwingbeck
Karen Smith
Kelly Ramey
Kathy Greason in memory of Lauren Lindeman
Toronto Accolades in memory of Terry Winter
A Cappella Showcase in memory of Cynthia Winter
Sandra Morris in memory of Lauren Lindeman
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- to Toronto Accolades (Area 5) on the passing of former bass singer, Terry Winter, a kind & gentle person who contributed so much as a member
- to Julie McGregor (A Cappella Showcase, Area 5 & Seaside A Cappella, Area 1) on the loss of her mom, Cynthia (Terry) Winter
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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NEW: Mid-Year 2025 meeting minutes have been posted for the reading pleasure of the membership. They can be found here.
IBOD quarterly meetings are open to the membership.
Members are invited to submit items for consideration on the agenda (note deadline for Mid-Year agenda item submission has passed).
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.
Upcoming 2025 meetings are scheduled:
- Q3: August 20
- Annual: November 2-5
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International Convention & Contests |
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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, ON
2028 NOVEMBER 1-4, HERSHEY LODGE, HERSHEY, PA
2029 NOVEMBER 7-11, HALIFAX CONVENTION CENTER, HALIFAX, NS
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The next issue of the HI Note comes to your inbox July 5. What 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 June 28.
See you again, soon!
Copyright © 2025 Harmony, Inc., All rights reserved. |
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