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Be courageous stewards of the heart
I've been thinking a lot about the International Board of Directors, and my role as your president. It's our privilege and responsibility to make the plans (and sometimes, difficult decisions) that support our mission and sustain our organization into the future. We approach that work with seriousness, transparency, and deep care. Our members deserve no less.
In today's rapidly changing world, Harmony remains a place where inclusion is celebrated and connections are strengthened (and hopefully, chords ring with purpose!) Preserving this special organization doesn't mean standing still. It means embracing change; we won't let go of our identity, but rather want to deepen our commitment to it, growing, adapting, and welcoming what’s next.
As we look to the future - events like Harmony Fest West, new membership initiatives, and a shift toward long-term strategy over day-to-day tasks - we're reminded that change is not a departure from who we are. It's a recommitment to the values that brought us together in the first place.
Over the decades, Harmony has weathered musical trends, generational shifts, and societal change. I’m sure you can think of examples in your chapter and Area that reflect how we've evolved. Through it all, our organization has remained true to its heart and culture. Now, more than ever, we’re called to be courageous stewards of that heart - embracing evolution not to erase our past, but to protect our future.
Why does change matter? Because it opens doors.
- It makes room for both legacy and new voices.
- It keeps our music vibrant, relevant, and heard.
- It deepens connection through empathy and shared purpose.
- It strengthens us as an organization and as individuals.
We evolve so that every member, whether they’ve been here for decades or just walked through the door, feels seen, supported, and inspired.
Still, change can feel hard. Not everyone moves at the same pace. When resistance shows up, I try to remind myself that it may be rooted in the fear of losing something. That’s why we lead with compassion:
- “We all love Harmony, or we wouldn’t be here.”
- "We can cherish what’s behind us while stepping into what’s ahead. Change is a continuation, not a goodbye."
Compassion doesn’t slow us down - it fuels our momentum. Let’s continue to talk openly about what we value, what we hope for, and what we’re building together. By facing today’s realities with courage, we ensure that Harmony doesn’t fade - it flourishes.
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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 New Brunswick to see who's in the spotlight at Area 1.
PAMELOBSTER - Pamela Hansen emcees the Fun Night
Now wasn't THAT a party!
By Yvonne Carroll, Area 1 PR Coordinator
Well-known for its Atlantic Canadian hospitality, Area 1 celebrated the 2025 Convention & Contests in true “East Coast Kitchen Party-style” with over 300 Harmony members in attendance. From celebrating special chorus milestones, to the unveiling of our new Area 1 logo, to Rosie the Ugly Stick and our emcee Lobster, our weekend was filled with music, love, and laughter as we gathered once again at Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB.
The weekend began with several informative education classes on Thursday, as well as a strategic planning session that ended in…. dancing?! Hey, in Area 1, it’s no surprise… fun pops up EVERYWHERE throughout the weekend!
Strategic Planning session… complete with ballroom dancing!
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| POPULAR! - Area 1 champs, Synergy, has some wicked advice for Renee Tramack. |
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Six quartets crossed the stage on Friday. Congratulations to this year’s winners, Synergy, who will also be heading to Hershey, PA for IC&C in November. This quartet may be newly formed, but its members are all seasoned singers… Adèle Merritt and Corinna Garriock of Valley Voices, and Jennifer Cleveland and Sue Kember of ScotianAires, are no strangers to the stage. Not only did they dazzle us during the contest, but they made sure that Renee Tramack was ready to be “popular” at Fun Night!
Area 1 Director Yvonne Rafuse and Jill Reid unveil Area 1’s new logo and slogan.
2025 Area 1 Champions Valley Voices lead the audience in We’re Harmony, We’re Strong.
Cobequid Fun-Tones perform at Fun Night, celebrating 40 years of Harmony.
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Then, it was on to the Chorus contest Friday evening. Seven choruses strutted their stuff, with Valley Voices taking first place. This was a very special win for them, as it was the first time in their 45-year history to bring home the red ribbon, with their highest score ever of 933. They were also the recipients of the brand-new Chaleur Echoes award, which recognizes the chorus showing the most improvement from the previous year in the Performance category. Congratulations!
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Saturday afternoon’s banquet offered special milestone awards to several members who have been with Harmony, Inc. for 25+ years, Chapter scholarships, awards for excellence in administration and leadership, chorus growth, and more. We also revealed our new Area 1 logo: “Harmony and more on the Atlantic Shore”, which was the winning submission by Jill Reid in an area-wide contest for a new slogan. Another very special milestone that we were delighted to celebrate was Cobequid Fun-Tones’ 40th anniversary! We wish them continued growth and success for many more years to come.
Although we all look forward to contest, we especially look forward to having lots of laughs at Fun Night on Saturday evening. Our emcee, whom I have affectionately nicknamed “PameLOBSTER Hansen,” was the star of the show, followed closely behind our three Mummers from Newfoundland, joining in on the Kitchen Party shenanigans. (Many non-East Coasters may not be familiar with the Mummering tradition, so here’s a video to give you more info… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGt04pKdt_w)
All in all, Area 1 AC&C was another huge success thanks to the many contributions of the Area 1 AC&C team, led by Sue Dickie, who worked so hard to ensure everything ran smoothly. Also, huge kudos to this year’s host chapter, Valley Voices, and their team led by Tanya Reid. The beautiful decorations, tasty treats, and all-around fun and welcoming atmosphere were truly representative of our notable East Coast style. We look forward to next year’s “All That Jazz”, when the roaring 20s come alive at Mount A!
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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 a rootin' tootin' deal for you!
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.
Questions? Email Shannon at sheltonmullers@harmonyinc.org.
Purchase webcast here
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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That's right! In just four months, we will meet in Hershey, PA for IC&C 2025.
July 15 is a very important day in our journey to Hershey. You will receive an email with details on how to book your room and how to secure your AEP!
REMEMBER: The booking process for your room is different this year. Make sure to read through the directions in the email that will be sent to all members on July 15 thoroughly!
For information on AEPs prior to the July 15 email, please check out the FAQ section of the IC&C page to familiarize yourself with the process. Every year we work to fine-tune the process, and the forms may have changed from last year.
HARMONY MALL
Looking to raise money for your quartet or chorus by selling items at IC&C? We've got a deal for you! 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.
Additional booth space is available at the following rates:
- 3 tables; two chairs = $300.00 (total of 4 tables)
- 2 tables; two chairs = $250.00 (total of 3 tables)
- 1 table; two chairs = $150.00 (total of 2 tables)
Prices are listed in US Dollars. The rental fee is non-refundable.
Reserve your space today.
Know someone with a business that would like to be a vendor, but they are not a member of Harmony? There's a form for that, too! Go here for details.
If you have questions about securing your booth space, please contact our Convention Business Services Assistant at ICCBusinessAsst@harmonyinc.org.
BIG SCREEN ADS
Show support for your favorite chorus, quartet, coach, and more with a Big Screen ad! The deadline is October 1.
Cost:
- Harmony, Inc. member, quartet, or chapter = $35 per slide
- Non-Harmony, Inc. barbershop member = $100 per slide
- Not affiliated with any barbershop organization (outside provider) = $150 per slide
VOLUNTEERING AT IC&C
by Debbie Wilson, IC&C Volunteer Manager
iccvolunteermanager@harmonyinc.org
First of all, I am very excited for my new role on the IC&C Team! My biggest passion has always been volunteering, so when this opportunity came up, I had to jump on it. As this is the best team I have ever been on, the decision was easy.
Why am I talking about volunteering for IC&C in July? It's not until November. Everyone is working on their contest songs, coaching, costumes, and talking about the best ways to get to Hershey, PA. I'm talking about it so you can make signing up to volunteer part of your plans.
There is nothing better than handing a first-time attendee their AEP or greeting an excited quartet entering the contest pattern. Maybe introducing an Education Class presenter or closing the main doors when they say “our next contestant is ready” might interest you more. Don’t worry about having previous experience, it's not required. (Now, where do you ever hear that?!) We will teach you whatever you need to know.
Please consider volunteering at IC&C this year in Hershey, PA. Sign up by mid-September when the link will be available in the HI Note. If you want to know more about how much fun we have behind the scenes at IC&C, just contact me. And remember – what happens behind the scenes at IC&C stays at IC&C. iccvolunteermanager@harmonyinc.org
General FAQs for Convention Volunteering (sign-ups will be available in September)
https://www.harmonyinc.org/volunteers
TUNE UP TIPS
Dates and Deadlines to Remember:
July 15, 2025 - Hershey Lodge room reservations open
August 21, 2025 - Get all the details on IC&C 2025 with the 2025 "Know Before You Go" call at 7 p.m. ET.
August 31, 2025 - Last day for Early Bird AEP pricing (price goes up $10 per AEP after this date)
August 31, 2025 - Last day to purchase Saturday night dinner tickets
September 17, 2025 - Last day to make your Hershey Lodge room reservation
October 1, 2025 - Last day to purchase a Big Screen Ad
October 7, 2025 - Last day to submit your song registration (for competing quartets and choruses)
October 31, 2025 - Last day for online AEP orders
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| White Sands A Cappella Show |
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SEEKING
Copyright & Licensing Coordinator
Are you looking for a vital behind-the-scenes board assistant role at Harmony, Inc.? We are currently seeking a volunteer to fill the role of Copyright & Licensing Coordinator.
This volunteer sets up and maintains files containing copyright information (composer, publisher, copyright holder, arranger). They assist the Social Media Coordinator in establishing applicable licensing for songs when audio/video recordings are used on Harmony, Inc. social networking platforms. They collect information for the filing requirements for licensing organizations (ASCAP, SOCAN, BMI, etc.) and work with the Corporate Office to ensure payments are made.
If you'd like more information, contact Executive Director, Kelly Peterson and check out the Copyright & Licensing job description in the Corporate Manual
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? Getting Engaged
Member engagement is more than just showing up. It is the everyday actions that help create a welcoming and connected Harmony, Inc. community.
SO WHAT?
When we understand the many ways members can be engaged, we can celebrate one another, encourage participation, and create a place where everyone feels they belong.
NOW WHAT?
Check out the article for ideas and inspiration. Share how you lean in at Harmony, Inc. using our feedback form.
Read Full Article
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| Congratulations, Irene Goddard! |
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Irene Goddard accepts her 55-year Harmony, Inc. membership certificate.
Congratulations on 55 years!
Irene Goddard has been a member of Harmony and the Sea Belles for 55 years! Her first introduction to a cappella singing was when she attended an event where the Chaleur Echoes were singing. Shortly after, she moved to Saint John and joined the Sea Belles, who had already been chartered a couple of years previously. She was hooked on Harmony!
Irene will admit that even though she loved everything about barbershop singing, she occasionally felt like staying home; however, she went to practice anyway and found that all feelings changed as soon as she started to sing. She says, "When I started to sing, all worries and woes left me and the joy of singing took their place."
Over the years, Irene has been in at least 10 quartets and has directed the chorus when the chorus needed her. She has been involved in committee work and leadership roles.
Irene says she will remain a loyal member of the Sea Belles until they kick her out. Sea Belles are very certain that will never happen.
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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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| How To Report Performances |
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MUST WE report performances?
YES!
By Kathy Stone, Copyright and Licensing Coordinator
Paying for music and the right to perform it can be a complicated concept! Remembering to report it, however, is not. ?
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 i.e. Chapter Shows, AC&C's and IC&C.
If your chapter had a performance or show that was attended by the public, regardless of whether or not you sold tickets, accepted donations in lieu of tickets, or performed for free, 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.
By completing Form HAR-122, (found in the Members Only section of the website and embedded in this sentence) your chapter will fall under umbrella agreements with these licensing organizations. So, instead of your chapter paying fees directly to ASCAP/BMI/SESAC, you can submit your information to Harmony, Inc. and we will report on your behalf. Your chapter/area will then be billed for your portion of fees paid under Harmony, Inc.’s licensing agreements. The fees will typically be less than paying directly to these organizations to perform your music.
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 above is not applicable in Canada.
Please review the linked form and familiarize yourself with the information. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you submit the form within 10 days of the event. Our quarterly reporting deadlines are 15 days after the end of the previous quarter. We cannot report for you if we do not have the information by the 10th of the month.
If you have questions about completing this form, please contact the Finance Assistant at financeoffice@harmonyinc.org. Questions about this information? Contact the Copyright & Licensing Coordinator at recording@harmonyinc.org or the Finance Assistant at financeoffice@harmonyinc.org.
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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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Sandra Morris in memory of Lauren Lindeman
Denise Struve in memory of Lauren Lindeman
David & Diane Patterson in memory of Lauren Lindeman
Peggi Meyer in memory of Lauren Lindeman
Island A Cappella in memory of Danny Taylor
Atlanta Harmony Celebration! in memory of Lauren Lindeman
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- to Doreen Jenkins (Island A Cappella, Area 1) and her family on the recent death of her son, Danny. We extend our sympathies and offer our prayers, love and support.
- to New England Voices in Harmony and Women of Note on the loss of former long-time member Gail Taplin, whose sunny smile and quiet dedication brought so much to both chapters for many years.
Need to post a condolence notice? Please have the information sent to the Administrative Coordinator to be recorded. Thank you. |
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15 JULY - Deadline to apply to be a candidate judge
15 AUGUST - US Chapters must file 990-N with IRS
15 SEPTEMBER - Canadian Chapters must file T2 with CRA |
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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
- Associates/Delegates Meeting: November 16
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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 20. 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 July 13.
See you again, soon!
Copyright © 2025 Harmony, Inc., All rights reserved. |
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