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Accountability is secret sauce
And appreciation rewards achievement
Ah, musical accountability, the unsung hero of every barbershop ensemble. Without it, rehearsals descend into a cacophony of half-learned harmonies, questionable rhythms, and the occasional rogue tenor inventing entirely new harmonic lines. (I may or may not be speaking from personal experience!)
Learning your part isn’t just a personal responsibility; it’s an act of respect toward your fellow singers – not to mention your director (and your audience.) It doesn’t matter whether you have the best voice, the most training, or an incredible ear; learn the breath plan! And while it’s tempting to blame the tenor next to you for throwing you off, deep down you know that a little extra practice could have moved the proverbial needle from “well, I tried” to the celebratory feeling when everything clicks and the chords lock.
As in our musical endeavors, accountability is the “secret sauce” that keeps Harmony, Inc. running smoothly and makes our work impactful. So many of us take on a role (at the chapter, Area, or international level, and perhaps more than one of those roles simultaneously) and dive in, fully committed, dependable, and engaged. But just as in our musical lives, if one person doesn’t or can’t fulfill her or his responsibilities, it impacts everyone. Volunteering isn’t just about time – it’s a commitment to the people, projects, and teams that rely on you. Being prepared, following through, and communicating openly aren’t just niceties; they transform good intentions into meaningful progress.
At the same time, we are volunteers, and “life happens”. There’s no shame in recognizing your limits and stepping away, perhaps just for now.
Appreciating volunteers
Whether you volunteer or not, expressing gratitude is essential. Volunteers make possible this hobby and the organization we love. I’ll start the ball rolling… I’m grateful for our assistants, judges, task and focus group members, Area Councils, chapter leadership, committee members, the IBOD, the individuals who step up to do important tasks at AC&Cs and IC&C. Consider how many hundreds of people that represents! (And forgive me if I've forgotten anyone - it truly "takes a village".)
Special recognition today goes to the team behind the HI Note – what a Herculean effort!
(If you’ve ever considered volunteering, there’s undoubtedly a role for you – large or small, on-going or short-term. Just ask!)
PS – Here’s an example of a great team in action – later in this newsletter you’ll read about MEDAL, the member experience toolkit for chapters that was created by a hard-working task group. Initially, the program’s acronym was METAL. Some other volunteers suggested that the task group might consider a more approachable name, and METAL became MEDAL – same great content, aspirational acronym! What great collaboration, so thoughtful and collegial. Check it out!
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| Area 2: Under the Big Top |
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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 Massachusetts for a glimpse Under the Big Top at Area 2. |
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| ROYAL CLOWN CAR - 2024 Harmony Queens Roulette kick off the quartet contest. |
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Under the Big Top
Contests and classes and party, oh my!
By Cheryl Copeland-Lewis, Area 2 PR and Marketing Coordinator
Women of Note called all Area 2 artists, troupers, and clowns to a rousing convention under the big top. With 2024 Harmony Queens Roulette spurring on the fun, belly laughs abounded. In addition to teaching a masters class, serving as mic testers for the quartet contest, and performing on the Saturday night show, the quartet members taught craft classes, led roundtables, and served as contest presenters.
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| SEND IN THE CLOWNS - Panel Chair Angie Morton, Administrative Judge, Brett Foster; Musicality Judges, Steve Armstrong and Cary Burns; Performance Judges Jill Reid and Robert Ross; and Singing Judges, Jessi Nasto and Jen Wheaton, led classes covering all aspects of this hobby in addition to adjudicating the contests and clowning hilariously at the Saturday show. We do so appreciate their talents! |
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| TOP HONOR - Intonations is the 2025 Area 2 champion quartet. |
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Quartet Awards
Eleven quartets stepped into the center ring Friday night with Area 2 champs Intonations taking the top honor. High Gear and Sweet Life completed the field of contestants qualifying for ICC in November.
The Cat’s Meow earned the Rae Borror Memorial Award for the most improved quartet and the Voices of Experience Award for the highest scoring Area 2 Senior Quartet. Not Four Minors grabbed the Area 2 Novice Quartet Award. Area 2 champs Intonations were awarded the Celia Landry From The Heart Award for the greatest improvement in the Performance Category. Our amazing youth quartet, 4-Get Me Nots, received the inaugural presentation of the new The Ones To Watch Youth Quartet Award.
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SWAGS - New England Voices in Harmony and Director Renee Tramack accept the champions trophy and the Guiding Hands Award.
Chorus Awards
Eleven choruses wowed the audience Saturday, with six achieving qualifying scores for ICC. The Area 2 Convention and Contest Trophy went to New England Voices in Harmony. Also qualifying were Women of Note, Sounds of the Seacoast, Silk’n Sounds, Barre-Tones, Inc., and Harmony Heritage.
Winning Director Renee Tramack took home the Guiding Hands Award. The Betty Costellow Small Chorus Award was presented to Sounds of the Seacoast, and Maine-ly Harmony won the Rising Star Award.
In recognition of their achieving the highest growth in membership for the 2024-2025 membership year with an increase of 17.4%, Harmony Heritage received the Sandi White Membership Award.
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Under the charming coordination of Ringmaster Angie Dolber, each chorus pulled out all the stops to present eye-popping acts.
Side show
When the crowds departed and the roustabouts were ready to strike the big top, it was time for the Aftershow, where the performers let down their hair and treated each other to hijinks.
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Altogether, the convention was a great success. Area 2 joined together as a family to learn, sing, and enjoy each other's company.
We're looking forward to seeing everyone in Hershey in November! |
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The Harmony Fest West contest entry process is NOW OPEN! Enter your ensemble today using HAR-070.
Purchase your passes/tickets here
Hotel booking is now open! Reservations can be made here
Tempe Trail: The Path to Harmony Fest West
Legend tells of a festival in the far west, a place where all barbershop singers can come together in harmony. In this storied place, singers of all affiliations are welcome to take the stage, learn from the oracles of the hobby, and sing a tag together under the Arizona moon.
We invite you to join us July 10-13 in Tempe Arizona for Harmony, Inc.’s inaugural Harmony Fest West! Come for the contests, come for the education, or come just to support Harmony, Inc.’s expansion project! The journey will be worth it!
Important Deadlines
June 10
Last day to enter the contest
June 11
Draw for Order of Appearance
Last day to book hotel room at group rate
July 1
Last day to purchase AEPs
Last day to order Big Screen Ad's
For more information, or to register visit our Harmony Fest West website!
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| Welcome to our new Performance Judge |
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That’s right. Here it is May - not January - and Harmony, Inc. has a brand-new certified Performance Judge. How did that happen?
It started when Tracey Beatty attended and successfully completed her first Category Training School (CTS) in January 2023. She came with an impressive background in performance, both as an ensemble performer singing 50s and 60s music (complete with a backup band, choreography, and costume changes), and as a member of visual/performance teams for many years in two SAI choruses. When she moved to Cambridge, ON, she discovered and joined A Cappella Showcase, where she is part of the chorus performance team. She also brought her skills as an occasional quartetter to the table.
At the end of CTS 2025, with two years of practice under her belt, Tracey felt that another season of practice would set her up for certification in 2026. On the other hand, Category Specialist Theresa Weatherbee felt that one more practice session would clearly show that Tracey was ready sooner. So Tracey practiced at Area 6. Her Category Specialist was right(!), and Tracey took the plunge as an official panelist in Area 3, “sitting a final” to become a certified judge. At the Area fun night and showcase on Saturday night (dressed in her fun night costume, because that’s what judges do), Tracey received her Performance judge badge. Congratulations, Tracey!
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| New Offerings in the HIVE! |
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Classes run spring through early fall. We currently have May & June filled with excellent topics and top-notch instructors:
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| Sandi Wright |
DIRECTORS SERIES - Building a Music Committee |
5/22/25 |
| David Wright |
History of Gender and Race in Barbershop |
5/27/25 |
| Tessa Walker |
Building an Inclusive Chorus Culture II |
6/12/25 |
| Sandi Wright |
DIRECTORS SERIES - Creating a Chorus Experience |
6/17/25 |
| Debra Lynn |
Mastering the Emotional Body Connection |
6/26/25 |
| Tessa Walker |
Building an Inclusive Chorus Culture III |
7/10/25 |
| Tessa Walker |
Building an Inclusive Chorus Culture IV |
8/14/25 |
| Tessa Walker |
Building an Inclusive Chorus Culture V |
9/11/25 |
Because the HIVE sessions are recorded, we have an extensive HIVE Library that is chocked full of amazing educational offerings covering everything from the history of barbershop to vocal production. This allows our members to find an educational opportunity at a time that’s right for them.
Whether you join us during a HIVE session or chart your own educational journey through the HIVE library, Harmony, Inc. is here to support you on your development goals. We can’t wait for you to join us! |
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Could you be a HIVE Moderator?
This volunteer reports to the Education Coordinator.
The HIVE moderator is responsible for connecting with the instructor prior to class time to go over details. During the class, they handle the class/instructor introductions, go over the rules, record the class, and manage the chat and the Q&A.
Candidates for this position should possess sound organizational and communication skills. If this sounds interesting to you, please reach out to our education coordinator at educationcoord@harmonyinc.org
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I sat anxiously waiting for the first chorus to approach the risers in the Cross Canada Gala event. There would be hundreds of singers and much variety, fuelling my excitement. The first chorus member entered quietly, climbed the risers and sat at the end, where she stayed very attentively throughout the performance. She was four-legged! Her partner followed behind and stopped exactly where she needed to. I had never witnessed a guide dog and partner on the risers and it got me thinking…
Why not?
The Chorus was superb!
A young woman arrived with her father one night to see what our chorus was like. She had a beautiful Lead voice, but her English was limited and she spoke with a strong accent. Some members wondered about her ability to match vowels and blend with her pronunciation. They doubted she would be comfortable in the chorus…
Why not?
She went on to be very adept at vowel matching and to help chorus members pronounce her language for diverse repertoire.
Shortly after retirement, M became increasingly concerned that she was losing her hearing. Her father had lost his completely when he was her age. She decided to get hearing aids but lamented she may need to leave the choir. She doubted her ears could tune in to those around her for a blended sound…
Why not?
M has now worn hearing aids for 10 years and they have improved her listening and her singing tremendously!
H was born with cerebral palsy. She loved to sing from a young age and sang her heart out at home. While in her 20s, her friend had joined a barbershop chorus and H loved to go to her shows and sometimes learn the music when given the chance. Her friend encouraged H to join the chorus. Watching able-bodied women climbing the risers, doing the choreo, and handling the sophisticated vocal warm-ups, she couldn’t imagine herself in such a chorus. Then she asked herself…
Why not?
H found the chorus was keen to accommodate her, making some adaptations to movements as needed and offering extra help with vocal production. She went on to be a pivotal member of the Tenor section.
Our assumptions and doubts place limitations on ourselves as well as others. Yet we all know people who have overcome incredible odds, and who have shown us that anything is possible. As we ramp up our focus on growth, we all need to expand our horizons. Whether we are seeking new members or retaining existing members, inclusion is the basis of growth. Think of the possibilities!
From the Harmony Inc. statement on Inclusion: “We must prevent, identify, and remove barriers so that everyone’s contributions can be acknowledged and acted upon.” |
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| MEDAL: Member Experience Toolkit and Library |
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WHAT? New Member FAQ tool
First impressions matter — and joining a chorus can feel like a whirlwind of new faces, routines, and expectations. A simple, friendly FAQ is an easy, high-impact way to help new members feel informed, included, and at home from day one.
SO WHAT?
When new members feel confident and supported early on, they’re more likely to stay engaged and excited. A well-crafted FAQ saves your leaders time, reduces confusion, and sets the tone for a welcoming, organized chapter culture.
NOW WHAT?
Every chapter welcomes new members in its own way—and there’s no one “right” approach. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing what you already have in place, an FAQ doc will strengthen your onboarding experience. Read the full article here and choose from two ready-to-use templates (Google Docs or Google Sheets) to create or enhance your FAQ. A small step can make a big difference in helping new members feel right at home.
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| Sue Trenchard Award Nominations -Last Chance |
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Are you someone who likes to plan way ahead? Need to estimate costs so that your chorus or quartet can raise money to attend future IC&Cs? NEW this year is a future IC&C FAQ! You'll find basic information on hotel rates, transportation, and the area for IC&Cs from 2026 to 2029 coming soon!
Now that you have an idea of future costs, are you looking for ways to raise money? Start now by booking a table at this year's Harmony Mall!
Harmony Mall Tables Available
Raise money for your quartet or chorus by selling items in the Harmony Mall. 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. You can find more information and reserve your space here today.
Do you know someone with a business who would be interested in having a booth at the Harmony Mall?
Vendors who are not members of Harmony, Inc. can purchase booth space at IC&C at the following rates:
3-4 tables: two chairs = $300US
2 tables; two chairs = $250US
1 table; two chairs = $150US
The rental fee is non-refundable.
The non-member form is available here: Vendor Contract
Questions? Please contact our Convention Business Services Assistant.
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. |
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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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Steve Hagerdon
Anne Bureau
A Cappella Showcase in memory of Neil McNeill
Area 2 in honor of Area 2 AC&C Judges
Area 6 in honor of Area 6 AC&C Judging Panel
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- to Anne McNeill (A Cappella Showcase, Area 5) and Cathy Brezina (A Cappella Showcase, Area 5) on the passing of their father Neil Mc Neill.
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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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
Q1 2025 Meeting Minutes have been posted and can be found here.
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Note there has been a change in the Song Registration Form deadline from 2 weeks prior to contest to 30 days prior to contest. Best to get it in early.
NOTE: Harmony Fest West Entry Deadline has been extended to June 10th. All late fees have been waived.
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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 June 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 May 28.
See you again, soon!
Copyright © 2025 Harmony, Inc., All rights reserved.
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