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Music's just part of the story
It's inseparable from our shared humanity
By Gaye LaCasce, International President
In Harmony, music is only part of our story. Beneath balanced chords and joyful performances lie an invisible tapestry of personal histories, quiet burdens, and cherished beliefs woven into our voices, gestures, and shared mission. Our harmony extends beyond notes; it thrives in every shared moment of community and understanding.
When someone crosses our rehearsal room threshold, we rarely know what they carry. They might arrive from a long shift, a difficult diagnosis, a family crisis, or simply the exhaustion of being needed too much. They may be burdened by grief, stress, or fatigue - or buoyed by a moment of triumph. But they DO show up, bringing their voice and a willingness to connect.
Rehearsal unites us, but it isn’t a window into life’s challenges. Every ensemble has expectations – music learning, precise choreography, emotional plans, and focusing on our directors. Our rehearsals demand emotional and intellectual investment. If there are occasional mistakes or an apparent lack of engagement, let’s remember that we are all multi-faceted humans with complex lives outside of Harmony. Give one another grace:
• Grace for the member who arrives late, distracted, or quiet
• Grace for the one who forgets a lyric or misses a move
• Grace for the one whose smile doesn’t quite reach the eyes
Each of us also carries deeper threads:
• Legacy: the memory of singing with a parent or the echo of a mentor’s encouragement
• Healing: harmony as a balm for loneliness or feeling misunderstood
• Pride: in our identity, our growth, and the courage to stand tall and sing authentically
Your chorus may include people of diverse ages, professions, cultures, and backgrounds, each bringing their own unique tempo and tone. In Harmony, these personal threads are honored, not hidden.
To sing together is to trust one another with what we carry. It is to say, “I bring my full self, and I will hold space for you.” Here, grace isn’t just given - it’s lived. Kindness isn’t a bonus - it’s the baseline. The music we make is inseparable from the humanity we share, stitched together by kindness, courage, and song.
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| Report Performance Activity |
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JUST A REMINDER
REPORT PERFORMANCE ACTIVITY!
By Karen Cross, Copyright and Licensing Coordinator
Awareness
All Chapters — don’t forget to report your performances!
It keeps us legal, ethical, and respectful of our songwriters.
US Chapters, Submit Form HAR-122. Canadian Chapters report directly to SOCAN.
Deadline Reminder
Deadline: October 10, 2025 for US Chapters reporting through Harmony.
Even better — report within 10 days of your performance!
Any show counts: ticketed, donations, or free.
Canadian Chapters: report directly to SOCAN.
Call to Action
Let’s keep the harmony ringing — not the lawyers calling!
Report your performances
Stay covered
Support our composers
Report here: harmonyinc.org/live-event-report
Need help?
Finance: financeoffice@harmonyinc.org
Licensing: recording@harmonyinc.org
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Thank you to the Spirit of Michigan Chorus for hosting the performance order reveal for IC&C. Since the last issue of the HI Note, there have been some changes. The current lineup is as follows:
QUARTET ORDER of APPEARANCE:
MT Roulette
1. Essence
2. Onyx
3. The Agency (MBHA)
4. Intonations
5. Legacy
6. Velvet Crush
7. Blue Phoenix
8. Angel's Envy
9. BACKSTAGE PASS
10. Sapphire
11. Way She Goes (MBHA)
12. High Gear
13. It's About Time
14. Bourbon Town Sound
15. Empire (MBHA)
16. SweetLife
17. 'Shop Therapy
18. Vivàce
19. SõlFire
20. Just Sayin'
21. Astro Notes
22. Emerald
23. A Capella 505
24. The No Drama Llamas
25. Limitless Quartet
26. Choral High Ground
27. Sweet Addiction
28. Ring True
29. Synergy
30. Wicked Pitches
CHORUS ORDER of APPEARANCE:
MT Northern Blend
1. Sisters of Sound
2. Sing Niagara
3. Bella Nova
4. Crystal Chords
5. Spirit of Michigan
6. Silk'n Sounds
7. Barre-Tones, Inc.
8. New England Voices in Harmony
9. Heart of Pennsylvania
10. Rochester Rhapsody
11. Music City Sound
12. Liberty Belles
13. Lake Ridge Legacy
14. Coastal Voices
15. A Cappella Showcase
16. Bluegrass Harmony
17. Unaccompanied Minors
18. ScotianAires
19. St. Louis Vocal Project
20. Sounds of the Seacoast
21. Montreal City Voices
22. Village Vocal Chords
23. Women of Note
24. Atlanta Harmony Celebration!
WE NEED YOU!
There are so many exciting things to think about when it comes to IC&C, like contest songs, costumes, and coaching, but don’t forget to include time for volunteering! There are so many types of jobs to choose from, so just find a job that interests you and fits with your schedule. It’s a lot of fun! Whether you work the pattern, help with Registration, or choose one of the many other volunteer jobs available, we promise you’ll enjoy the experience. Click on the link and sign up to volunteer today.
You can also access the sign-up on the Volunteer page on the Harmony website.
SCOOTER RENTAL COMING SOON
Scooter rentals will be available for IC&C. The price to rent a scooter is $75 per day. Scooters will be delivered to the Hershey Lodge Concierge desk area fully charged and ready to go! You will drop it off to be picked up on your day of departure at the concierge desk as well. Please be sure it's fully charged again when you drop it off. Thank you!
The link to book will go live on October 1. It will be on the IC&C page on the Harmony, Inc. website.
SHOP TIL YOU DROP AT HARMONY MALL
Great news! – Harmony Mall is bustling with crafters, vendors, and chorus tables! Here’s the exciting list (and links where available):
Lady Jane Jewelry - Harmony, Inc. jewelry and musical nickel-free jewelry
Montage Double Take - Women's clothing and accessories that can be used as costumes or everyday clothing.
Twistic Mystic - It's More Than Jewelry—It's A Personal Connection. Each handcrafted piece is uniquely designed with intention for spiritual growth.
Gold Medal Ideas - T-shirts with music motif
Squizza's - 1.75" Buttons decorated with parts, musical and barbershop themes, as well as chorus and quartet logos. Get your double clip lanyards as well, which are wide enough to hold buttons and pins, but don't flip around so the name badge can't be seen.
Several choruses will also have tables selling items or to pick up pre-orders.
There’s still room and time for your chorus or quartet to sell fundraising items. Reserve your space by October 5!
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 the vendors coming to the mall or about securing a booth space, please contact our Convention Business Services Assistant at ICCBusinessAsst@harmonyinc.org.
OPEN REHEARSAL SIGN UP NOW AVAILABLE
Open Rehearsal sign-up for all chorus contestants on Thursday, November 6, is now open for bookings. There are six rooms available this year.
Open slots are available from 1 - 10:00 p.m.
Please book only one time slot at this time to give all choruses the opportunity to book the time slot of their choice during the most popular rehearsal hours of 5 - 10 p.m. Closer to IC&C, there will be an opportunity to book an additional slot.
Preassigned rehearsal rooms on Friday, November 7, will be scheduled according to the Order of Appearance.
For questions or further information, please contact the Awards and Services Manager.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT WITH A 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
YOU CAN STREAM THE ACTION LIVE!
Not traveling to Hershey? We've got a deal for you! You can purchase access to all the action with our livestream. There are two options available for your viewing pleasure:
$40 for the full streaming package, including:
• All contests
• Opening Celebration
• Parade of Champions
• One week to access the recordings of all of the above
$20 for replays only:
• One week to access all the recordings listed above
• On the Sunday of the convention, the website automatically switches to the $20 price point
Get your access today! Go here.
WHO ARE YOUR ROOMMATES?
Now that the room reservations for the Hershey Lodge are closed, we need you to make sure that all the people sharing a room are listed on the reservations. Please make sure to give the Hershey Lodge the names of all those staying in a room so that their names appear on the reservation. The last list received from the Lodge on August 18 shows many rooms with just one name on the reservation. |
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TUNE UP TIPS
Dates and Deadlines to Remember:
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
The Know Before You Go presentation is available via a PDF here or you can watch the recording here.
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Performances by:
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Association of Harmony Queens Chorus
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Northern Blend Chorus (2024 Chorus Champions)
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Roulette (2024 Quartet Champions)
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Fierce (2023)
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Take 4 (2022)
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Taken 4 Granite (2016)
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LiveWire (2015 *10th anniversary celebration)
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Spot On (2013)
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Epic (2012)
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Showcase (2009)
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After Hours (2000 *25th anniversary celebration)
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Change of Heart (1999)
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For Heaven’s Sake (1996)
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and more fun surprises and celebrations!
By Tessa Walker-Sifuentes
Please join us in our Sapphire Soiree and get dazzled up in your favorite shade of blue!
Prior to 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 pm! Eligible priority seating members may bring up to +3 guests, as well. Doors will open for all at 8:15 pm, with the show beginning at 8:30 pm.
We are also going to have a raffle at the event. All attendees are eligible and automatically enrolled. The draw 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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| Crossing the Border for IC&C |
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Easing travel to the U.S.
By Kelly Peterson, Executive Director
In just over a month, our Harmony family will gather in Hershey, Pennsylvania, for the annual International Convention & Contests. As we celebrate 66 years of “Harmony from our hearts as well as voices,” we also recognize that the world around us doesn’t always reflect the harmony we strive to create.
As shared by our International President earlier this summer, we fully respect and support whatever decision you make regarding travel to IC&C. Whether you join us in person or in spirit, your presence is felt, and our connection remains strong, rooted in our founding principles.
We’ve created two resources at the request of members to assist those preparing for travel across the Canadian-U.S. border:
- An informational memo outlining general travel considerations
- A personalized travel confirmation letter, appropriate for use during Harmony-related travel
You may not need or choose to use these resources, but in the spirit of supporting our members, we wanted to offer them to make your travel as smooth as possible. These documents are intended as general guides and may not address every individual circumstance. If you have specific questions or concerns, we encourage you to consult a legal professional for personalized advice.
The informational memo is available here. You may request a personalized letter confirming the purpose of your Harmony-related travel by completing this form. Both the memo and the form are available on the Forms page of the Harmony, Inc. website.
Please reach out if I can answer any questions about these resources.
Toll Free 855-750-3341
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| 2025 Delegates/Associates Meeting |
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By Debbie Parmerter, International Parliamentarian
The 2025 Delegates/Associates Meeting will be held via Zoom on Sunday, November 16 at 2:00 p.m. ET for the purpose of naming an Elections Committee for the 2026 International Board of Directors election and sharing a few brief highlights from the 2025 Annual Meeting of the IBOD.
All Chapter presidents and Harmony, Inc. Associate members have an important part to play in this meeting. 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 issues considered by the International Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting. A more in-depth discussion of Harmony business will be held in a town hall meeting open to all members once the minutes have been published.
The agenda for the International Board of Directors Annual Meeting will be posted on the Harmony website by the beginning of November. 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 to discuss at the meeting or the town hall.
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. All Associate Members are invited and strongly encouraged to attend the Delegates/Associates Meeting.
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.
During this meeting, Delegates will elect an Elections Committee for the 2026 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 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. They must be able to commit to the time involved to complete 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 Hershey. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at any time. And be sure to look me up in Pennsylvania!
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SEEKING
General Facilitator
Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact and eager to gain valuable experience in facilitation and group collaboration? Join us as a General Facilitator and help guide productive conversations and planning sessions that support the mission and goals of Harmony, Inc.!
In this dynamic volunteer role, you'll collaborate with a variety of groups from Area Councils to choruses, where you will lead engaging meetings, encourage inclusive participation, and help teams move from ideas to action. You'll attend training sessions, facilitate brainstorming and planning discussions, and work closely with teams to ensure meetings are effective and outcomes are clear.
This is a great opportunity to add to your facilitation skills, connect with passionate individuals, and contribute to positive change within our organization. Interested? Reach out to Katie Rose, Facilitator Program Coordinator, at rosek@harmonyinc.org to learn more about becoming part of this inspiring team!
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 the Director of Growth.
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| MEDAL: Member Experience Discovery & Action Library |
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Approaching Hard Conversations & Planning for Connection
WHAT?
You notice a member pulling back. Maybe they have missed rehearsals or seem less engaged, but you cannot know what is really happening until you talk with them. Most of us avoid starting that conversation or put it off, yet it is one of the most important things we can do for each other.
SO WHAT?
Conversations like this are not easy, yet a little preparation and a consistent approach can make them more natural, supportive, and effective.
NOW WHAT?
The PITCH framework and practical scriptlets give you simple ways to plan for connection before you speak. With the right preparation, you protect the relationship and show care, no matter what the member decides next.
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.
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Angel's Envy in honor of Jeanne O'Connor
Terpsichord in honor of Jeanne O'Connor
Velvet Crush
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- to Paula Ksionzyk (Crystal Chords, Area 3) on the passing of her husband, John Ksionzyk
- to Judy Robichaud (Seaside A Cappella, Area 1) on the recent loss of her granddaughter, Tahlia Ali, after lengthy and complicated health issues https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/n-s-organ-transplant-advocate-remembered-for-her-spirit-and-determination-1.7622553
- to Barre Tones, Inc. (Area 2) on the loss of Charter member and Lifetime member, Rita Mekkelsen, who passed away on September 2, 2025, at the age of 98. She would have been 99 on September 23. She was the kind of person who would light up your life with her smile and engaging personality.
- to Sue Melvin, Director of Rochester Rhapsody (Area 3), on the loss of her mother, Gretchen Read, on August 22, 2025
- to Gail Boorum, former member of Rochester Rhapsody (Area 3), on the loss of her mother, Charlotte Markus, on September 2, 2025
- to Debra Luna (Rochester Rhapsody, Area 3) on the loss of her mother-in-law, Cathleen Luna, on September 9, 2025
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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Upcoming 2025 meetings are scheduled:
- 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 Annual 2025 meeting agenda. Deadline for submission is September 30th.
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 October 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 September 28.
See you again, soon!
Copyright © 2025 Harmony, Inc., All rights reserved.
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