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Service is more than helping
It's how we show love
By Gaye LaCasce, International President
As many of you may know, the Barbershop Harmony Society has a new CEO: Robert Rund. I sent him a note of congratulations, and he responded immediately, asking to meet with our Executive Director, Kelly Peterson, and me. We met a few days ago, and Kelly and I were both impressed by his thoughtfulness and authenticity. One of his comments truly struck a chord - he said he hopes BHS members will come together with a sense of service and gratitude, which he hopes to embody. His words led me to reflect on what those two aspects of leadership mean to me, and to Harmony.
For those of us fortunate enough to serve, whether in chapters, Areas, or in any capacity for Harmony, the intersection of service and gratitude is both a responsibility and a gift. Service isn’t just about giving time or talent; it’s about actively listening, encouraging growth, and celebrating the voices that make Harmony vibrant and diverse. And gratitude? It’s the lens through which we honor our legacy, live our values, and embrace the Harmony ahead.
In Harmony, Inc., we hold close the idea that leadership is communal. We lead with one another. We build inclusive spaces not by accident, but through intention, humility, and yes - gratitude. Mr. Rund’s words reminded me how much we all benefit when leaders show up with authenticity and a genuine desire to serve the music and the people who bring it to life.
Service is more than helping - it’s how we show love. Whether we’re moving chairs and risers before rehearsal, mentoring a new member, or singing with open-hearted intention, each act reflects a commitment to something larger than ourselves. Our audiences feel this spirit, too. Through our music, we offer comfort, joy, and connection. Whether we’re singing in concert halls, senior centers, festivals, or impromptu street-corner serenades, we give voice to something bigger than ourselves. We sing not just to be heard, but to be felt. That, too, is service.
Gratitude makes this visible. It’s found in a smile exchanged on the risers, in a note of thanks, in shared celebrations and shared sorrows. It’s the steady rhythm of appreciation, especially during seasons of transition or uncertainty. In these moments, remembering to serve and to be grateful grounds us. It reminds us of all we’ve built, and all we continue to build together.
As we navigate this season of transition and opportunity, I hope we’ll keep reflecting on what it means to steward Harmony’s mission with open hearts, clear purpose, and trust in each other. These values are our compass. May we continue to serve, through our music, our leadership, and our community - and offer gratitude freely and often. Harmony isn’t just what we sing. It’s how we live.
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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 Tempe, Arizona for Harmony Fest West, the final entry in our tour of Area conventions.. |
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| Harmony Fest West attendees gather in their "tackiest tourist attire" to enjoy the evening festivities. |
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What has 14 quartets, 9 choruses, 178 singers, 24 Harmony, Inc. volunteers, features hot harmonies, and is the culmination of a dream to expand the empowerment of all women through singing, education, and friendship?
Harmony Fest West!
Festival chorus and quartet contest entrants could elect to be evaluated for qualification to attend IC&C or simply as an ensemble looking to learn. Celebrated members of the judging community from across all barbershop organizations offered educational opportunities and coaching.
The fun began with a welcome reception where attendees made a harmonious journey along the Tempe Trail in celebration of the expedition on Facebook that brought us here through challenges, friendships, and lots of fun! There were opportunities to learn more about Harmony, Inc. and barbershop at six interactive stations. Attendees learned more about our Harmony roots as they tried on a queen's cape or crown, joined with others to learn a tag, tried their hand at matching choruses to their locations (with some well-placed hints of course), took part in some costume chaos, traveled the Harmony Highway, and sent a postcard to the future. Everyone had fun, and a few walked away with some great raffle wins!
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Christina Lewellen talks about Harmony, Inc.'s history and helps attendees model some royal regalia.
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| Attendees buckle down to learn a new tag. |
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| TAG, YOU'RE IT! - "Random" foursome competes in pick up tag contest. |
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The quartet contest saw five qualifiers (including one MBHA) for IC&C -- and two groups walked right off the stage to join Harmony as members! The quartet fun continued with what we hope will become a new tradition, a tag contest. Attendees could grab three of their friends – or show up and be put in a group -- to sing a tag for the special judging panel. It was an amazing way to learn new tags and make new friends.
The chorus contest offered beautiful harmonies and saw one chorus vote unanimously to join Harmony, Inc.! The festivities wrapped up with a dinner and showcase like no other as we gathered in our tackiest tourist attire to enjoy performances by all the quartets and choruses.
It's been 30 years since Harmony, Inc. expanded its ranks, and as the sun set, chants of "Area 7, Area 7, Area 7!" broke out spontaneously. I'd say it was an enormous success -- so much so that there are plans in the works to do this again in other areas of the U.S. and Canada. I'll be there, ready to aid in our mission. I encourage you to be there too. It's an experience you don’t want to miss.
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| Laryngitis, Cayenne and Contest Day Chaos |
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Let me set the scene:
Sing For Joy had been prepping all year for our second Harmony, Inc. Area Contest. And I… lost my voice.
Yep. Full-blown, croaky, whispery, useless laryngitis.
If you’ve never heard a tenor sound like a frog, consider yourself lucky.
Wednesday morning: voice = gone.
Thursday morning: still gone, plus a stylish new accessory — my giant bag of CVS meds. (Shoutout to the urgent care doc who prescribed antibiotics, steroids, and what I can only describe as a small pharmacy in a bag.)
From Wednesday on, I was on strict voice rest. That meant no talking on the drive from Indy to Illinois. Jan (my carpool buddy) was thrilled to have five hours of quiet. Me? I just stared out the window, prayed, and wondered if there’s a Harmony award for Most Dramatic Pre-Contest Breakdown.
Then—enter the miracle workers.
I ran into Jeanne O’Connor on Thursday night, and without a word (literally), she knew what was going on.
“Find Jen Wheaton or Lynn Randall,” she said. “They’ve got the good stuff.”
I tracked Jen down after her class (How the Voice Works — irony noted). She shared the famous Randall-Wheaton Voice Elixir:
Tea ✅
Honey ✅
Ginger ✅
Lemon… sort of ✅
Cayenne pepper… wait, what?
Off I went to the hotel bar, the only place open at 9:30 p.m. that might have lemon and ginger. I walked out with lime slices, raw ginger, and half a cup of cayenne pepper. That’s right. A half cup. Either the bartender didn’t know the recipe… or he wanted to see what would happen.
I chugged the fiery tea and immediately coughed so hard I almost retired from singing permanently. My throat felt like it had been flamethrowered. But hey, maybe that’s how it works?
I went to sleep praying for a voice.
2:00 a.m. = nothing.
5:00 a.m. = still nothing.
8:30 a.m. = ONE GLORIOUS NOTE.
I froze.
Did that just happen?
Could I… actually sing?
Time for the big decision.
At 9:00 a.m., we gathered. Half of us said, “Let’s play it safe.”
The other half said, “Let’s risk it. Worst case, we become an interpretive movement group.”
Without a tie-breaking vote or a game of rock-paper-scissors, we did what we do best: We shared.
We listened.
We laughed.
We loved.
And then—we sang.
At first, I was singing at about 30%. (Picture a squeaky door hinge that’s trying to harmonize.) But miraculously, my voice kept warming up.
I told the group: “I didn’t pray for a perfect voice. I just prayed for a voice. And I got one. So let’s go.”
We hit the pattern at 11:00 a.m.
No warmup. No last-minute rehearsal.
Just four Harmony sisters, one spicy throat, and a whole lot of heart.
And the result?
We scored 25 points higher than last year.
We missed qualifying for International by only 4 points.
And most importantly — we did it together.
Huge thanks to Jeanne, Jen, and Lynn for the advice, support, and hot-pepper guidance. And to Ashley (lead), Jan (bari), and Libby (bass)—thank you for being the kind of quartet that doesn’t just sing for joy, but lives it, even when the tenor’s voice is MIA.
We came.
We squeaked.
We sang.
And by some miracle…
We sang for joy.
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I am new to singing, having only sung for 8 months prior to becoming a member of the ScotianAires in October 2024. Although feeling overwhelmed initially, I was impressed by the warm hospitality of its members, the organization structure, the efficiency of communication and the superb musical instruction.
As I began memorizing the songs, not only did I enjoy the music but the lyrics of many of the songs were quite impactful and held great meaning for me. I was going through a transitional year, following the death of my mother and was able to find my voice through these songs. By the time AC&C arrived, I was hearing a musical performed in my head.
Along with the many rehearsals and education sessions, there was a great deal of information sharing about AC&C, from the registration process and accommodations to performances and judging of the contest songs. Included among the chatter was that the doors of the dorm rooms were usually decorated.
Flipping through past photographs of my Mom, and with the musical on constant replay in my mind, I found the inspiration for my dorm room door poster through the ScotianAires' logo and motto: Four Parts, One Heart. The photos and lyrics tell my past story, while I was so fortunate to be joined by an amazing chorus to share this story in song in current time. Thank you all.
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Spirit of Michigan won Best in Show for their rendition of What does the Fox... er.. Sock Say for the Area 4 Moonglow, complete with sock puppets. The HI Note regrets mis-identifying this comedy number in the last issue.
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So you've booked your room and wonder what's next on the road to Hershey? It's time to order your key to the sweet harmonies of IC&C 2025, the All Events Pass (AEP)! This year's order form is now available.
ATTENTION: You must answer all required questions (indicated by an asterisk*); the form will not allow you to proceed if any required fields are skipped. Upon completion, you will receive an email confirmation immediately. If you don’t receive this email, contact the Corporate Office, info@harmonyinc.org.
All choruses must register their members together at the same time, versus having members register individually. Quartets and other groups (families, etc.) may also register together on the same form.
This ensures you will be seated together at dinner.
All Events Passes, single event tickets, and Saturday night dinner tickets may be purchased concurrently using a single online form.
All Events Passes Early Bird Regular
(thru Aug. 31) (on Sept. 1)
Adult Performing Member $195 $205
Adult Non-Performing Member $148 $158
Adult Non-Member $158 $168
Youth Performing Member $148 $158
(covered by Steve Hagerdon Bright Future fund)
Youth Non-Performing Member $112 $122
(covered by Steve Hagerdon Bright Future Fund)
Youth Non-Member $122 $132
Prices are listed in U.S. Dollars. Payment is due in U.S. Dollars or the Canadian Equivalent. To convert to CAD, go to U.S. to Canadian Dollar Converter.
All Harmony, Inc. members MUST have an AEP in order to attend the event. The “Early Bird” rates are in place through August 31, 2025. Registrations received after that date will be $10.00 more per pass.
Youth pricing is for ages 25 and under.
Saturday Night Dinner: The dinner is not included in any AEP. The cost is $55 USD per meal. If you have dietary restrictions (allergies, etc.), please indicate those in the space provided on the forms.
The order form can be found here.
Detailed instructions on how to fill out and use the form can be found here.
STAGE DIAGRAM NOW AVAILABLE
The stage setup/diagram is now available online for your viewing and planning pleasure!
GET READY TO SHOP TIL YOU DROP
Featuring the return of several businesses from last year, along with new vendors, the Harmony Mall is excited to announce the return of a long-time favorite, missing from the lineup for a few years. Montage/Double Take! is back! They will be in Hershey to indulge us with their beautiful jackets, jacket sets, and more!
Choruses and quartets will remember their quality and styles as beautiful, fashionable, and budget-friendly! So, whether you're shopping for one, four, or more you'll find “Fashion and Accessories to fit your Lifestyle and Budget.”
Join in the excitement as we welcome back Montage/Double Take!
More vendors and exciting news on Harmony Mall will be featured in upcoming Hi Note issues.
Are you looking to raise money for your quartet or chorus? You can have a booth at the Harmony Mall.
Members can get one table and two chairs at no cost. What a deal!
Need a bigger 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.
LOOKING FOR OPEN REHEARSAL SPACE AT IC&C?
Attention All Presidents and Directors:
• Open rehearsals at IC&C this year will be available to all competing choruses on Thursday, November 6th. We have six rooms available to us this year for both our open and preassigned rehearsal sessions.
• Open rehearsals this year will be managed through Sign-Up Genius, the same app that is used for volunteer sign-ups. You will be able to view all rooms available for rehearsals for each time slot and choose which time and room best suits your chorus's needs. Open rehearsal room slots will be available this year between 1:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
• The link to start booking open rehearsal rooms will be available by August 30.
• Preassigned rehearsal rooms will continue to be scheduled according to the Order of Appearance.
For questions or further information, please contact the Awards and Services Manager.
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
TUNE UP TIPS
Dates and Deadlines to Remember:
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)
September 17, 2025 - Last day to make your Hershey Lodge room reservation
September 30, 2025 - Last day to purchase Saturday night dinner tickets
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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The Association of Harmony Queens is so excited to bring you our 2025 Parade of Champions! Not only do we have an amazing lineup of talent, we have some pretty exciting things to share at our event. It is the 65th Anniversary of the Pitch Pipe Pals, the very FIRST Harmony, Inc. Quartet Champions. In their honor, we will celebrate their Sapphire Anniversary as our theme for the evening! Please join us in our Sapphire Soiree and get dazzled up in your favorite fancy attire! If you are in a sapphire shade, even better! We want to light the room up in blue!
Want another reason to attend? Before our show, the AHQ will be hosting a cocktail hour from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. We want to get to know our membership, and would love to have you join us! Want priority seating at the show? You can get that by participating in our SING WITH THE QUEENS event on Wednesday night. All YOUTH members are also welcome to get early priority seating at 8:00. Eligible priority seating members may bring up to +3 guests, as well! Doors will open for all at 8:15, with the show beginning at 8:30.
If you need just one more reason to attend the Parade of Champions, we are also going to have a raffle at the event. All attendees are eligible and automatically enrolled. The drawing will be held at our closing ceremony. You truly do not want to miss this wonderful evening of music and celebration. So don’t wait! Make your plans now to attend the 2025 PARADE OF CHAMPIONS! *Ticket included in the All-Events Pass (AEP)!*
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Let your voice be heard!
By Tessa Walker-Sifuentes, Youth Coordinator
We are releasing a permanent form that will allow our youth members and youth-adjacent members to contribute any comments, concerns, suggestions, and ideas directly to the International Youth Coordinator.
Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/HIYouthVoiceBox
The link will be available at the bottom of each issue of the HI-NOTE. It will also be emailed out to Chapter/Area Leadership and directly to all current Youth Members. Let me know if you have any questions or issues filling out the form.
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SEEKING
New Chapter Development Coordinator
Are you passionate about growing Harmony, Inc.? 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 and apply today by emailing Director of Growth.
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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WHAT?
IDENTIFYING WARNING SIGNS - When a Member Starts to Drift
Disengagement rarely happens all at once. More often, it’s a slow fade…missed rehearsals, quiet withdrawal, less energy in the music or the room. These moments can be easy to miss until it feels like it’s too late.
SO WHAT?
By learning to recognize early signs that someone may be feeling less connected, chapters can respond with thoughtfulness and care. A small check-in or offer of flexibility might help someone re-engage or simply feel appreciated as they consider their next step.
NOW WHAT?
This MEDAL article shares common signals to be aware of and offers practical, low-pressure ways to respond. Whether a member is leaning in or leaning away, paying attention can help us stay connected, even through change.
Read Full Article
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| Administrative Leadership Mentoring Program |
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Looking for “Mentees”
By Sara Stone, Administrative Leadership Mentoring Coordinator
We are specifically interested in people who would like to assume CHAPTER leadership positions; however, if you’re interested in ANY leadership position within Harmony, Inc., please still apply. We're going to match the first six people who apply with a focus on chapter leadership positions, and if those who apply want a Mentor for other leadership positions, we may still be able to match you with someone.
Here are some initial answers to questions you may have:
Q – How much time will this commitment take?
A – minimum of 1-2 hours a month for 6 months working on specific skills, primarily via Zoom
Q – When will the program start?
A – Once we receive the questionnaires from both Mentors and Mentees, I will perform a “matching” process and contact both parties of the match. The projected start date is September 2025, with the pilot ending in March 2026.
Q – Is there a training program?
A – We have developed training for both mentors and mentees. This training is approximately an hour long via Zoom. It will be scheduled after I perform the matches of mentors with mentees.
Please consider taking advantage of this program to develop your skills and expertise to become a future leader. If you are interested in signing up as a mentee, pleaase email sestonemsu@gmail.com, and I will send you a link to complete the mentee questionnaire. To start the program in September, please send your application by August 8, 2025.
NOTE: There is still time to sign up to be a mentor in this program! Just send an email to the same email address above, clearly stating that you’re interested in becoming a mentor, and I will send a link for the mentor questionnaire.
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| Years of Membership Buyback Program |
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Members with a non-continuous history of Harmony, Inc. membership may now buy back missing years of membership at the current full-member dues rate. Requests made here will be reviewed by the Corporate Office on a case-by-case basis to confirm the number of years a member is missing.
The details:
- You may choose to buy any portion of your missing years up to and including the total number of years missing.
- No Area dues will be collected for missing years, and no youth discounts will be applied.
- Upon receipt of payment, your record will be updated to reflect the total number of years for which you paid Harmony, Inc. dues.
- Membership dues, including dues paid via this program, are not refundable or transferable.
- Members who reach GOLD status as a result of buying back missing years will be transferred immediately to GOLD status, and all future dues will be waived.
Contact Executive Director Kelly Peterson for more information or to get started.
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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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A Cappella Showcase in memory of George Beatty
AstroNotes
Voula Coronios
Harmony Heritage in memory of Michael Allford
Jeanne O'Connor in memory of Lauren Lindeman
Jeanne O'Connor in memory of Robert Ton
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- to Sandra Purcell (Seaside A Cappella, Area 1) on the loss of her brother-in-law, Gary Parker
- to Julia Sarty Cross (Seaside A Cappella, Area 1) on the loss of her mother, Claribel Sarty
- to Sounds of the Seacoast (Area 2), on the loss of of former member Tess Croker, their beloved British "what's a flivver?" girl
- to Vickie Gerdon (Harmony Heritage, Area 2) on the passing of her fiancé, Michael Allford
- to Kelly Peterson (Bella Nova, Area 3) on the passing of her dad, Robert Ton
- to Maddie Peterson (Associate, Area 3) on the passing of her papa, Robert Ton
- to Ann Hamel-Webster (New England Voices in Harmony, Area 2) on the loss of her mother
Need to post a condolence notice? Please have the information sent to the Administrative Coordinator to be recorded. Thank you. |
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8 AUGUST - Administrative Leadership Mentoring Program mentee application deadline
15 AUGUST - US Chapters must file 990-N with the IRS
30 AUGUST - booking open rehearsal rooms link available
31 AUGUST - Last day for Early Bird AEP pricing
15 SEPTEMBER - Canadian Chapters must file T2 with CRA
15 SEPTEMBER - Youth Member of the Year Award Deadline
17 SEPTEMBER - ICC Hotel Reservation Deadline
30 SEPTEMBER - Last day to purchase ICC Dinners
1 OCTOBER - ICC Big Screen Ad Deadline
7 OCTOBER - Last day to submit Song Registration Form
31 OCTOBER - Last day to submit AEP online orders |
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| International Board of Directors Meetings |
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Upcoming 2025 meetings are scheduled:
- Q3: August 20
- Annual: November 3-5
- Associates/Delegates Meeting: November 16
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.
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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 August 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 August 13..
See you again, soon!
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