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“Those who wish to sing always find a song.”
A Swedish Proverb, and Harmony's Identity
By Gaye LaCasce, International President
This simple proverb holds a profound truth about resilience, community, and the human spirit - qualities at the very core of Harmony, Incorporated. It reminds us that the impulse to sing doesn’t depend on perfect circumstances; it comes from an inner well of hope, curiosity, and courage.
In the spirit of full disclosure, my family’s ancestry is not Scandinavian. But my son-in-law, Matt (an excellent, creative, and fearless cook, and all-round awesome human), prepared a Scandinavian holiday feast for us this year. As I read about the origins of some of the dishes he served, I stumbled across the proverb, and it immediately spoke to me. Somewhere between bites of pickled herring and Swedish meatballs, I thought about Harmony, and how perfectly this message reflects who we are.
Harmony embodies this belief every day. Across chapters and Areas, members gather not because life is always easy, but because singing together makes life richer, steadier, and more joyful. When someone walks into a rehearsal after a long day, the chorus becomes the place where they can breathe again. When a quartet meets around a kitchen table, they create a pocket of harmony that reminds them of who they are and what they love. The “song” we find is not just music - it is emotion, community, and humanity.
As your president, I’m mindful of how easily optimism can sound like Pollyanna‑ish cheerfulness. But my belief in the power of positive thinking isn’t naïve - it’s intentional. I’ve seen how choosing hope changes the way we show up for one another. I’ve watched choruses transform through encouragement, watched individuals grow when someone believes in them, and watched our organization flourish because we choose to focus on what’s possible rather than what’s broken. That isn’t wishful thinking; it is leadership rooted in trust and courage, and that’s what your International Board of Directors owes every member.
This proverb also speaks to Harmony, Inc.’s unwavering inclusivity. We have long held the door open for anyone who wishes to sing, regardless of background, identity, or experience. The desire to make music is enough. Our community provides the rest: support, education, laughter, and a sense of belonging.
Harmony, Inc. is living proof of the proverb. Those who come seeking a place to sing find not only music, but friendship, purpose, and a place where their voice matters. Together, we create harmonies that remind us that hope is always available to those who seek it.
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Upcoming Membership Vote
Keep an eye on your inbox for information regarding this vote.
Your International Board of Directors has proposed an increase in annual membership dues from $75 USD to $90 USD, effective with the 2026 renewals.
As external economic pressures continue to drive operating costs upward, we remain committed to providing our members with high‑quality services and benefits. After careful review - including significant reductions to the corporate budget - an increase in dues is necessary at this time. This moderate adjustment ensures that our organization can responsibly manage rising program and operational expenses while remaining strong, sustainable, and focused on serving our members.
All Chapter and Associate members in good standing as of January 1, 2026, are eligible to cast a vote.
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Quartet Renewals Open Now!
The window for renewing quartet registrations is upon us! The contact person for all current Harmony, Inc. quartets should have received an email from the Quartet Development Coordinator on January 1 with renewal instructions. The basic details are highlighted below in case you missed them.
- All quartets must renew their registrations by February 1, 2026
- The fee for active quartets is $20 USD per group (roughly $27.38 CAD)
- Active Harmony Queen quartets must also renew (no fees apply)
- No late fees apply for renewals after the deadline, but you can't enter contest until you've renewed.
- You may register with vacant spots (indicate "vacant" in the form)
- All singers must be members in good standing with Harmony, Inc. If a quartet member fails to renew their HI membership by April 1, the quartet will become inactive and ineligible to enter or perform in contests until all members are in good standing.
All of the details are spelled out in the form, available here: https://www.harmonyinc.org/quartet-registration-form.
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, etc., please don't hesitate to reach out to Quartet Development Coordinator, Michelle Dionne.
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| 2026 Spring Contest Entry is now open! This is a multi-step process. To get started with your entry click here. |
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By Angie Morton, Administrative Coordinator
As we head into Category Training School at the end of this month, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the International Contest & Judging (ICJ) Committee and judges for their time and effort in making our convention and contests the best that they can be.
ICJ Chair - Kathy Greason
ICJ Assistant Chair - Linda Muise
Secretary/Handbook Chair - Diane Patterson
Administrative Judge Category Specialist - Linda Muise
Musicality Judge Category Specialist - Liz LeClair
Performance Judge Category Specialist - Theresa Weatherbee
Singing Judge Category Specialist - Amy Patterson
ICJ Training Coordinator - Sue Novosad
Area 1 C&J Chair - Jan Coffin
Area 2 C&J Chair - Linda Bober
Area 3 C&J Chair - Erin Cassidy
Area 4 C&J Chair - Ria Bunte
Area 5 C&J Chair - Debbie Gay
Area 6 C&J Chair - Jennifer Palus
Adminstrative Judges
Linda Briggs
Patricia Cassidy
Angie Morton
Linda Muise
Sue Novosad
Marie Ross
Musicality Judges
Janet Billings
Anne Bureau
Kathy Greason
Liz LeClair
Adele Merritt
Performance Judges
Tracey Beatty
Lynn Blakeney
Angie Dolber
Diane Patterson
Jill Reid
Theresa Weatherbee
Fatima Whelan
Sandi Wright
Singing Judges
Sue Kember
Jessi Nasto
Amy Patterson
Lynn Randall
Renee Tramack
Jennifer Wheaton
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Certificates of Insurance for Chapters
Harmony, Inc. and its chapters are covered by property and casualty, director and officer liability insurance, crime-employee theft insurance, and non-member liability insurance policies. These policies are renewed annually on December 1st. A Certificate of Insurance that includes the name of a third party (i.e., owner of venue) may be required for rehearsal facilities and/or Chapter Show venues. Fill out the Insurance Certificate Request Form to request this certificate. If you have questions contact the Executive Director for further information.
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| New Member Dues Calcuation |
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New Year, New Members
How to calculate new member dues
We’ve rung in a brand new year, but the membership year for Harmony, Inc. is drawing to a close. As we get closer to annual membership renewals, chapters are reminded that new members added in the last quarter (January through March) are charged pro-rated dues for the current year plus the full dues amount for the coming year. This policy saves the new member money, prevents the chapter from needing to ask new members to remit corporate dues twice in quick succession, and eases some of the workload in the corporate offices at a very busy time of the year.
The Record of Membership form will calculate the correct amount based on the month the new member joins. Members added to the chapter during these three months will be in good standing through March of 2027. You'll find a handy dues estimator here and a table of current dues and fees on the Forms page of the website.
If you have any questions or need help, please reach out to Kelly or Angie at info@harmonyinc.org.
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SEEKING
*NEW POSTING*
Business Services Coordinator
Want a front-row, behind-the-scenes role at Harmony, Inc.’s International Convention & Contest? We’re seeking a detail-driven, people-savvy volunteer to serve as our Business Services Coordinator. A key part of this role is soliciting and working with Harmony Mall vendors, along with managing big-screen ads, budgets, and contracts. Reporting directly to the Convention Manager, this role requires limited commitment throughout the year, with an exciting, hands-on presence onsite at ICC, where you’ll help keep the wheels turning by coordinating vendors, managing Harmony Mall participation, and overseeing cash collection and deposits.
The ideal candidate is organized, trustworthy, comfortable handling cash and contracts, and energized by live events, collaboration, and occasional travel. This is a fun, hands-on opportunity to be at the heart of ICC and help bring Harmony, Inc.’s signature event to life.
For more information about this exciting opportunity, reach out to Allison Thompson at ICCManager@harmonyinc.org.
General Facilitator
This is a great opportunity to add to your facilitation skills, connect with passionate individuals, and contribute to positive change within our organization. Interested? Contact Linda McMaster, Strategic Advisor, to learn more about becoming part of this inspiring team!
New Chapter Development Coordinator
We’re seeking a detail-oriented, enthusiastic individual to serve as our New Chapter Development Coordinator. In this vital role, you'll support prospective chapters, manage communications, and help expand our Harmony family. Learn more by contacting Julie Schwingbeck, VP Membership.
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| Chorus Director Roundtable |
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By Jim O'Neill, Chorus Director Development Coordinator
Chorus Director Roundtable on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, starting at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time, via ZOOM. This will be a recurring roundtable based on your input on how often you would like to have them.
Hope to have many of you join us and help determine how to best help you.
Please let me know if you can join us and what topics you'd like to discuss, and we can set an agenda and make the link available to you.
Chorus Director Roundtable, January 21, 2026. |
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| MEDAL: Member Experience Discovery & Action Library |
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By Jennifer Palus, Member Experience Working Group Lead
Default Settings
WHAT?
Every chorus builds habits: how we plan, greet, dress, and make decisions. But sometimes, those habits quietly assume everyone’s life looks the same.
SO WHAT?
When routines overlook real differences in ability, identity, or access, members can feel out of step without ever saying so. That quiet friction can build over time and weaken connection.
NOW WHAT?
You don’t have to change everything at once. Start by noticing. This article offers reflection questions and real-world examples to help your chorus spot unspoken assumptions and choose inclusion on purpose.
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.
?
Thank you to the following monthly donors
Lindsay Chartier
Amanda Cornaglia
Angie Morton
Christina Lewellen
Robin Fleming
Kelly Peterson
Ann McAlexander
Judy Wagoner
Susan Spencer
Denise Struve
Catherine Blankenship
Sharon Ehrisman
Taralee Lashway
Jeanne O'Connor
Diane & David Patterson
Frances Thomas
Gail Chartier
Donna McKay
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- to Roxanne Powell (Area 3 Associate, HI Note/The KeyNote Editor) on the passing of her husband, Richard (Dick) Powell (Area 3 Affiliate)
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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Delegates/Associates Meeting minutes have been posted on the Harmony, Inc. website.
Upcoming 2026 meetings are scheduled:
- Q1: February 6-7, 2026
- Mid-Year: May 8-9, 2026
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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| Area Conventions & Contests |
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| 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 |
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; get started here.
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| International Conventions & 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
* New ICC locations added!
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The HI Note returns to your inbox January 20. 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 January 28.
See you again, soon! |
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