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Gearing up for fall
By Linda Brehaut, International President
Many thanks to our convention team for putting together a very informative Know-Before-You-Go Zoom session on Sunday, August 27. Both the PowerPoint and a recording of the Zoom session are available on the website for you to review - an excellent resource.
And speaking of Zoom sessions, I also had the opportunity to attend another HIVE class recently – we are so fortunate to have facilitators/educators who are as passionate about teaching as we are about learning.
I trust that you are all as eager as I to get back into the routine as we kick-start September - back to school, back to focusing on taking care of ourselves, and back to filling ourselves with the joy of singing and entertaining our audiences.
Wishing you all a very productive fall as we move closer to being together in Grand Rapids, MI. Wouldn’t it be marvelous if we could all be there.
Let’s just sit with that thought – 2,000 friends, all under one roof, who just want to sing! Nice!
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Lend your voice to Harmony, Inc.
An exciting opportunity for all quartetters
Donna Gronemeyer & Rachael Storey-Chase, Quartet Coordinators
We're thrilled to introduce a pioneering initiative to engage, learn, and innovate with our community: Harmony Focus Groups! We believe that every member brings a unique perspective and voice to our ensemble, and we're eager to hear from you. We're calling on you to participate in this exciting new program.
Our initial pilot will be delving into the realm of quartet development. Whether you're a seasoned quartet member or someone who has always dreamt of being part of one, we want to understand what you envision for the future of quartetting. Your insights will play a critical role in shaping quartet experiences for all our members.
In September, both issues of the HI Note will include an application to join one of three focus groups (10 in each group) that will take place in October. We recognize and cherish the enthusiasm of each applicant and genuinely regret that we can't select everyone for the initial pilot. However, here's the good news... every applicant will automatically become part of our pool for future focus groups. This is only the beginning of our journey to create more opportunities for your voices to resonate within Harmony, Inc.
To those chosen, rest assured your invaluable feedback won't be confined within the walls of our focus groups. We will be crafting a comprehensive report based on your insights, ensuring that all participants and members across Harmony, Inc. see the tangible impact of your contributions.
To our Harmony family, we want to emphasize that every voice, whether or not you participate in a focus group, is essential and valued. This initiative embodies our ongoing commitment to actively listening and evolving with you, every step of the way.
Please consider lending your voice, your experience, and your passion to this initiative by completing this application.
Please send any questions, suggestions, and concerns through Kelly Peterson, in our Corporate Office. Rest assured, everyone who applies will be notified about next steps. After all, in Harmony, Inc. every woman belongs, every voice counts, every member has a role in shaping our shared future.
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| Musical Leadership Mentoring Program |
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Musical Leadership Mentoring Program is a true success!
By Anne Bureau, Chorus Director Development Coordinator
Thanks to a long list of bright, shining stars in our organization, we matched up 10 Musical Leaders, hungry for mentorship, with some incredible, caring mentors, ready to dish out their hearts and souls to make HARMONY STRONGER!
This ongoing, vibrant project has no limits, only a constant stream of benefits to each party involved.
There is really no need for me to sing of its success. Instead, let’s ask our program’s participants to tell you what really happened. Here's what they had to say:
“Angie Dolber did a great job as a mentor. I enjoyed her information on setting up the rep songs to include different ages & cultures...and involving quartets or octets from within your chorus.” Sue Shepherd, Mentee and Musical Leadership, Sing Niagara.
“The key take-away for us at the beginning of the session was the importance of really knowing the voices in each section along with the high and low ranges, particularly the basses and tenors.” Linda Hilko – Mentee and Interim Director, Sing Niagara.
“Mentoring has been a fabulous experience so far. It has helped me hone my coaching skills while helping others achieve their goals. As directors, we help to inspire our singers so that they, in turn, can inspire the audience." ?Alana Regular, Mentor and Director Toronto Accolades
“Jill Reid started our mentoring in the Performance category, giving me several tidbits to help understand the performance planning process. She challenged me to build the performance plan with the chorus beginning with the WHO and the WHY of the song… it made so much more sense to develop the performance plan as a chorus instead of having one or two chorus members planning it in isolation then trying to sell the plan to the chorus. I highly recommend the mentorship program for any chorus director who feels it can be a lonely world out there!" Rosemary Donkin – Mentee and Music Director, Cobequid Fun-Tones
"This is a rewarding experience in helping to nurture both minds and skills. I look forward to our discussions, and it's an honor to be a small part of helping someone grow and flourish." Sue Melvin, Mentor and Director, Rochester Rhapsody
Interested in participating? Whether you have a passion for helping others, or simply a yearning to get involved, all you need is to fill in your information on this Evaluation Form, send it along, and you’re on your way to becoming a shining star! Have a question? Email me anytime.
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| Directors First at HU 2023 |
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Harmony University 2023 Wrap Up
By Jennifer Bratis, Directors First Program Coordinator
Back in 2016 when the Directors First program was first announced, there was a major buzz around the idea of providing scholarships to our music leadership. We sent our first scholarship recipients to Harmony University in 2017. Since then, over 50 individuals have received scholarships through Directors First. The feedback we have received from this year’s attendees has been very positive, focusing on the learning and growth that directors experienced.
Bonnie Burke, with Saint Louis Vocal Project in Area 4, was one of the six Harmony, Inc. members who received a Directors First scholarship this year to attend Harmony University in New Orleans. Observes Bonnie, “I had no idea what to expect when I pursued this program.”
She thinks everyone should experience Harmony University. “There’s more to it than just the classes,” she says.
During lunch and dinner, she was able to engage with teachers, Harmony University Faculty, judges, coaches, and barbershoppers from all over the world. She feels she now has the tools needed to help her section leaders with the chorus.
Other members who attended were Jaimie Feinberg, Karen L. Atkinson, Tiana Sandh, Marcia O’Neil, and Laura Branan. Two others received scholarships but, unfortunately, were unable to attend.
At Harmony, Inc. we know that stronger directors equal stronger chapters, and stronger chapters equal stronger areas, and stronger areas equal a stronger international organization. Next year may be the final year for the Directors First program. It was originally scheduled to be a five-year program, based on funding, and this will be year 7! If you are interested in having this amazing experience, please check the website and look for emails later in the year to apply for a Directors First scholarship.
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Now you know
By Shannon Shelton-Muller, IC&C Marketing Manager
The convention team held a Know Before You Go call via Zoom Sunday, August 27. During the one-hour presentation, topics from transportation to AEPs, contest patterns to the closest Starbucks location (there's one in the hotel) were covered. Participants were able to ask questions in the chat feature and get their answers during the session.
Here's a recap of questions from the call:
There will be an app again this year for phones. Will it work on Androids? It is a web-based app, but it had a lot of issues on Android phones last year. Has this been looked into? We were not aware of the challenges with Android phones. We will look into this and get back to members with information.
How many days is our hotel rate available before or after the convention? Rates will be honored three days pre-and post-convention for extended stays. (11/2 - 11/14). So, you can play tourist in Grand Rapids and enjoy more of the city!
What about members with mobility issues getting from the skybridge to the stage area? There are elevators from the skybridge to the stage area.
How will we know we are going the right way for the contest pattern? There will be signage and volunteers to point the way through the pattern. You can look for the signs to become familiar with the pattern when you check out the hotel after arrival.
How long are the rehearsal time slots on Thursday and Friday? They are every hour on the hour from 11:00 to 8:00 p.m. and run for 50 minutes. Friday rehearsal room times are determined by the order of appearance and pattern times, but the rehearsal times are still 50 minutes.
What about on-site ticket purchases for the chorus contest on Friday? On-site tickets will be sold at the door both Friday and Saturday.
Can we have a schedule of the events/program without all the ads? Once the agenda is final, there will be a spreadsheet posted on the Harmony website that you can pull from.
Are the airport shuttles for arrivals only on the hour? The airport shuttle will be continuously going back and forth from the airport to the hotel. They will be leaving from the airport on the hour. If you get there earlier, you will have to wait for it - or take a cab. It will be the same with the departures from the hotel on Sunday. Please note: the shuttle is first-come, first-served and not guaranteed. If it is full, you will have to wait until it comes back - or take a cab.
Do we have a minimum number of Saturday dinner tickets we need to sell? Yes, the dinner helps us meet our financial commitments to the hotel and keeps us from having to pay any room rental fees - in essence, keeping our (your) cost down.
Is there a deadline to buy tickets to see Tina: The Tina Turner Musical showing the evening of Tuesday, November 7? Yes, the deadline to buy tickets is September 7 (extended from September 1.) There are a limited number of tickets left - so get yours NOW!
We are giving back to the community by donating women's hygiene/toiletry products to a local women's resource center; will they take the complimentary products that we don't use from our rooms (shampoos/lotions etc.)? Yes, you can bring down your hotel room products and turn them in at the table located in the Hospitality Room.
What is Harmony Mall? Harmony Mall is a place where you can shop!
The Zoom was recorded. You can find the recording and the PowerPoint presentation (including links) on the Harmony, Inc. site on the International Convention & Contests (IC&C) page under IC&C FAQs.
Meet Your Judges:
The Performance Category (Part 3 in a Series)
What is the Performance Category (PER)?
Performance is defined as the net impact of the performance upon the audience. The Performance judge evaluates to what degree the audience is entertained through the performer’s communication of the story/message/theme in its musical and visual setting. Major elements in the category are entertainment; audience rapport; expressiveness; vocal/visual unity and believability.
Your Performance Category Judges for our 2023 International Convention and Contests are:
Check Out These Volunteer Jobs
By Anne Leinen, IC&C Volunteer Manager
There are still many jobs waiting to be filled on the Volunteer Signup. Here are just a few:
CHORUS CONTEST
Personal Belongings Monitor: Watch over contestants’ personal belongings while they are onstage. You’ll be backstage and able to see the performances on the jumbo screen.
Door Monitors: Make sure doors are opened and closed at the appropriate times. We need monitors on the inside and outside of the door, so you can take turns with the other monitors and see parts of the contest.
QUARTET CONTEST
Warm-Up Room Monitor: Greet incoming contestants and give 3-minute warning when allotted time is up.
Pattern Guide: Provide guidance to contestants along pattern route. Because of where you’ll be stationed, you’ll be able to watch the Acaville interviews live.
REGISTRATION, OPENING CEREMONY
Room Lottery Assistant: Distribute room lottery tickets at the entrance to the Opening Ceremony. This is a quick job – half hour and you’re done.
Registration Desk: Work the Registration Desk for one hour, providing name badges for incoming members.
There are many other jobs as well – click on the link and see what interests you.
Harmony, Inc. 2023 Volunteer Opportunities: Registration - Opening Ceremony - Showcase (signupgenius.com)
You can also access the signup on the Volunteer page on the Harmony website – look for the “Sign Me Up!” button.
According to the IC&C Convention Contest/ Stage Manager, Linda Hilko, "One of the funnest things I did with my quartet was to volunteer together, on registration, at the same time. Yes, all four of us in the ticket booth. So fun!!"
So, get in on the fun and volunteer!
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 fee of $10 each. After that, AEPs and tickets can only be purchased at the door.
You can book your room online at https://www.experiencegr.com/harmony-inc/. Room rate = $164 + 15% tax.
The deadline is October 13.
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
Photo order forms are on the website: Harmony Inc. 2023
Don't Miss A Moment!
Acaville makes sure you don't miss a note! Sign up and get in on all the fun happening in Grand Rapids. It's the perfect solution, whether you're watching from home or you want to make sure you can see it all because your chorus or quartet or BOTH will be taking the stage. Whether you see it livestream or watch the recordings from the Acaville site later, make sure you don't miss all the behind the scenes footage by signing up today.
Membership Levels – Harmony, Inc on Acaville
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Minor Chords to sing at Grand Rapids
Sign up NOW to receive learning materials
By Kristin Gunasekera, Youth Programs Coordinator
It is SO exciting! We will be singing together in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in November! Choruses and quartets are in high gear, preparing for IC&C. And that means it’s time to sign up for the Minor Chords.
The Minor Chords is a chorus made up of all youth members who attend the International Convention and Contests in November. This year, all Youth AEPs will be fully funded by money held in trust for youth programs by Harmony, Inc. That means you get to sing with all the Youth in Harmony - for free!
This year the Minor Chords will be directed by Tessa Walker, the Lead of Hot Pursuit, our 2019 Harmony Queens. We will be singing You’ve Got a Friend in Me, arranged by Dan Wessler.
It’s easy to sign up! Go to Minor Chords 2023, fill in the form and submit by SEPTEMBER 15. You will then receive a link to the music and learning tracks. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
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Last taxes reminder for this year!
American chapters who have not yet forwarded proof of filing with the IRS are asked to do so as soon as possible. Forward proof of filing to the VP Finance.
Canadian chapters are reminded that filing with CRA is due by 30 September. A copy of the Notice of Assessment (or other proof) needs to be sent to the VP Finance.
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IMPORTANT! ? IMPORTANT!
Time to report performance activity!
By Sara Stone, Director Programs (Music and Education)
Harmony, Inc. and its Areas and Chapters are required to pay fees to three separate U.S. music licensing agencies, ASCAP, BMI, & SESAC, whenever we perform music at live events that we organize (Chapter Shows, AC&C's and IC&C.) It is important that we include all three agencies to be fully covered for the music that we perform. It’s time to complete our report on licensing these events for the period from July 1 – September 30, 2023. If you’ve had a performance or show between July 1 and September 30, you can fulfill this requirement by reporting your activity on Form HAR-122 ... UNLESS you have your own accounts in place with ASCAP, BMI, & SESAC.
Canadian Chapters/Areas must report their performance activity to SOCAN, with whom we do not currently have an umbrella license. This reporting must be done independently by each chapter/area; consequently, the form referred to below is not applicable in Canada.
By completing Form HAR-122 (found in the Members Only section of the website) your chapter will fall under umbrella agreements with these licensing organizations. Instead of your chapter paying fees directly to ASCAP/BMI/SESAC, you will submit your information to Harmony, Inc. and we will report on your behalf. Your chapter/area will be billed for your portion of fees paid under Harmony, Inc.’s licensing agreements. These fees will typically be less than you would pay directly to these organizations to perform your music.
Please review the linked form and familiarize yourself with the information. This form needs to be completed and sent in whenever the following events take place:
• Chapter Show - to be completed by the Chapter Representative within 10 days following the event
• AC&C - to be completed by the AC&C Registrar or designee within 10 days following the event
• IC&C - to be completed by the IC&C Registrar or designee within 10 days following the event
• Any other live public event that you organize, when you are not an invited guest
This form will be automatically sent to the Copyright & Licensing Coordinators and the Finance Assistant. If you have questions about completing this form, please contact the Finance Assistant at financeoffice@harmonyinc.org
If you have questions about this information, please contact the Copyright & Licensing Coordinators at recording@harmonyinc.org or the Finance Assistant at financeoffice@harmonyinc.org.
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AREA ASSOCIATE MEMBER REPRESENTATIVES
ROLL CALL!
By Tessa Walker, Associate Members Coordinator
We have had many changes and additions to our Area Associate Representatives (AAR) and I want to take a moment to introduce them all to you!
AARs are here to support associate members in each area. This involves welcoming new associate members, passing along information about AC&C, IC&C, and other area events, and being the associate member voice and vote at Area Council meetings.
If you have any associate member questions, they should be your first call. Please click the link to meet your amazing Area Associate Representative!
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Bylaws Amendments, Phase III
By Debbie Parmerter, International Parliamentarian
The ballots have been tallied and the results are in. All the recently proposed bylaws amendments have passed by overwhelming margins.
Thank you to everyone who took time from their busy days to vote on these very important amendments.
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| 2023 Delegates/Associates Meeting Scheduled |
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2023 IC&C Delegates/Associates Meeting
By Debbie Parmerter, International Parliamentarian
The 2023 Delegates/Associates Meeting will be held via Zoom on Sunday, November 19 at 2:00 p.m. EST.
The agenda for the International Board of Directors Annual Meeting will be posted on the Harmony website by mid-October. Chapter Delegates and Associate Members should visit the website and review the contents of the agenda and make note of any items that you would like discussed at the meeting.
If the Chapter President is unable to attend the meeting, another chapter member may serve as an Alternate Delegate. The Chapter President should register the Alternate by completing Form HAR-029 found on the Members-only section of the Harmony, Inc. website.
Associates, did you know that you can attend the Delegates/Associates Meeting?
Well, you can. And you are encouraged to do so.
The Annual Delegates/Associates Meeting brings members of the International Board of Directors and you, as representatives of the general membership, together for a discussion on the business matters conducted and decisions made by the International Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting. Delegates will also have an opportunity to share concerns and opinions on decisions made by the Board.
Each Delegate (or Alternate) will have one vote on any matter of business to come before the meeting. The voting privilege of Associate Members will be exercised through the vote of the Delegate elected by Associate Members at the meeting. There will be no proxy vote.
Elections Committee duties
- During this meeting, Delegates will elect an Elections Committee for the 2024 International Board of Directors elections.
- The newly elected committee will appoint a Chair from its members, to be ratified by the Delegates.
- Besides having duties for IBOD elections, this committee will also be used for any membership votes conducted during the year.
- The Elections Committee has two tellers (one from Canada and one from the US.) The tellers are responsible for receipt of all mailed or emailed ballots and for submitting a summary of ballots received to the Chair.
- Several Zoom meetings are held with the Elections Committee and the International Parliamentarian.
- The Chair of this committee will work closely with the International Parliamentarian to ensure a proper election process.
- The Chair must be able to commit to the time involved with all the steps that must be taken.
- They are responsible for updating all emails to the membership, HI Note articles, emails to all nominated candidates, etc.
- This position has set deadlines that must be met.
Even though this meeting will be via Zoom, I look forward to seeing you at IC&C in Grand Rapids. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at any time. And be sure to look me up in Michigan!
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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.
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From Linda Brehaut
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From A Cappella Showcase in memory of Josh Clement, son of Michelle Odendahl
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| Condolences From The Membership |
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to Michelle Odendahl (A Cappella Showcase, Area 5) on the death of her son, Josh Clement
Need to post a condolence notice? Please have the information sent to the Corporate Office to be recorded. Thank you.
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7 SEPTEMBER - Extended deadline to order Tina Turner Musical tickets
11 SEPTEMBER - Tune in for the live draw for contest singing order 7 p.m.
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
19 NOVEMBER - Delegates/Associates meeting via Zoom at 2 p.m. EST
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 20. What would YOU like to read about in that issue? Share your thoughts with editor@harmonyinc.org by September 13.
See you in a couple weeks!
Copyright © 2023 Harmony, Inc., All rights reserved.
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