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When you say you can...
...you just may be right
About self-fulfilling prophesies
By Gaye LaCasce, International President
Social media is abuzz with posts of choruses and quartets working with coaches from near and far; we’re all striving to bring our very best to IC&C. As both a coach and a “coachee,” I’ve been reflecting on what it means to sit in the proverbial hot seat while honing this craft. Being coached isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s deeply rewarding.
In the world of barbershop harmony, where precision meets passion and every voice matters, the phrase, “If you say you can’t, you’ll always be right,” echoes far beyond the rehearsal room. It’s more than a caution against self-doubt - it’s a call to courage. Within Harmony, singers of all experience levels are invited to grow, connect, and shine.
Learning new vocal skills - whether mastering a tricky interval, refining resonance, or stepping into a solo - requires vulnerability. It means trusting your coach, your director, and most importantly, yourself. When a singer says, “I can’t,” they’re not just predicting failure - they’re closing the door on possibility. But Harmony was built to keep that door wide open.
Coaching in our organization is more than technical instruction; it’s a celebration of potential. Our coaches, directors, and mentors don’t just teach - they believe. They listen for the voice beneath the hesitation and offer tools, encouragement, and a safe space to try again. In this environment, “I’ll try” becomes our mantra, and “I can’t” slowly fades into silence.
The truth is that every great singer once struggled. Every polished performance began with a shaky first attempt. In Harmony, we honor the process. We know growth isn’t linear, and excellence isn’t reserved for the fearless - it’s earned by the persistent. In a coaching session, don’t be discouraged by feedback, be grateful. We wouldn’t be part of this hobby if we weren’t aiming to improve. We enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
So the next time a chorus or quartet mate says “I can’t,” invite them to pause, breathe, and reframe: “We’re learning.” Because in this community, belief is contagious. And when you say you can, you just might be right.
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A quick plug - if you are looking for resources to help your chapter (with strategy and planning, philosophy, membership, music... you name it), then check out MEDAL. An article appears below, resources are on our website, and the proof will be in the proverbial pudding if you choose to utilize some of the great ideas you'll find!
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| Reminder: 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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Sing Together. Unite the World.
Sing together with friends, family, or your whole community on World Singing Day and be a part of something big.
Founded in 2012 by Colorado musician Scott Johnson, World Singing Day brings people together in their communities all around the world through the simple act of singing together.
World Singing Day is a global sing-along held annually on the third Saturday in October. As a catalyst for positive human connection, this one day each year serves as an opportunity to celebrate our global family through the international language of music.
Harmony, Inc. members participate in this global event annually. So grab your besties as we extend an invitation to all Harmony, Inc. to come together this year to be part of WSD. There are several ways to participate:
1. Learn the common song and film/share your chorus singing this year’s WSD Song-of-the-Year, "All of US," written by WSD founder Scott Johnson. Here are SATB vocal learning tracks (for the third verse, you can just sing “na na na” or add the names of towns in your area). You’re invited to embellish this score and have fun with it. Just keep it in the same key and tempo. Share on social media, using the hashtag #worldsingingday. Share your videos with Scott Johnson so he can include them in the master compilation.
2. Host your own WSD event. Invite neighbors over to your home, meet friends at a bar or pub, or invite your whole community to sing together in the center of town.
3. Sing at home – Sing your favorite songs at home with your quartet, family, and friends. Share on social media #worldsingingday.
4. Sing the WSD Theme Song “Till the Whole World Sings” and share on social media (use hashtag #worldsingingday).
Last year, Harmony, Inc. choruses Silk’n Sounds, Montreal City Voices, and Harmony Heritage participated in this global event and shared the following about their experiences:
“Silk’n Sounds’ performance drew more than 100 guests to the First Church Congregational in Fairfield, Connecticut, well-known for fantastic acoustics. The program themes were peace, community, and, of course, harmony.” - Kate Stoddard, Silk’n Sounds
“It was an amazing experience that exceeded our expectations! We had 127 people, from all walks of life and ages, participate.” - Gail Chartier, Montreal City Voices
“WSD was a wonderful experience for Harmony Heritage!” - Shelly Pray, Harmony Heritage
If you choose to participate by hosting an event, please register your event with World Singing Day. Then let Harmony, Inc. know about your event by submitting your event below to be added to the list.
Tell us about your Chapter's 2025 event
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Contestant Alert!
By Kathy Greason, ICJC
Less than two months till chocolate!
And with the contests approaching, an email with IC&C details specific to contestants has been sent to the contacts for the 24 choruses and 30 quartets we plan to see on stage in November. In an ideal world, all contacts received that email and shared the information with their ensembles. But in a world where electrons sometimes get misdirected and humans sometimes drop balls, we need fail-safes.
So if you are a contestant who hasn’t seen or heard information about things like stage viewing and contest patterns, the content of the emails to the contacts is available in pdf documents on our IC&C website. The documents are labeled Note to chorus contestants September 18 2025 and Note to quartet contestants September 18 2025. You can find them, along with maps, stage specs, and many other useful documents, at
Harmony, Incorporated - IC&C Contest Information.
One more month!
By Shannon Shelton-Muller, Convention Marketing Asst
That's right! We are exactly one month out from being together again for the 2025 International Convention and Contests! There's lots of information coming fast and furious, but don’t worry, we've got you covered. Keep reading below for updates and reminders of what's coming your way. Still have questions? Just head to the bottom of the IC&C page on the Harmony website and drop one of us an email. We're here to help!
WE CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!
It's October! As you start making mental lists of all you need to do/pack for convention, please think about volunteering while you are in Hershey. Volunteers make sure our convention runs smoothly, for the benefit of all attendees. We can't do it without you!
Some examples:
Warm-up Room Monitor: Our contestants depend on these important volunteers to provide direction and a calm setting before going on stage.
Photo Room Monitor: First volunteer keeps track of time, gives 3-minute warning then directs contestant to warm-up room after allotted time; second volunteer assists photographer with props and costume adjustments. Collect photo order forms.
Ticket Sellers: We always have last-minute attendees who need to buy tickets at the door. You will be able to see part of the contest.
Medals Assistant: Help the Convention Assistant with the medal presentation.
There are other jobs available as well. Click here and see which job fits your schedule. You can also access the signup by clicking on Sign Me Up at the bottom of the Volunteer Page (accessed from the IC&C page on our website). If you have any questions about a volunteer job or signing up for one, please feel free to contact Debbie Wilson, iccvolunteermanager@harmonyinc.org.
 HARMONY INC. IS LENDING A HELPING HAND TO A LOCAL CHARITY
Harmony, Inc. has selected to support the Hershey Food Bank & Community Outreach Program through this year's IC&C. This all-volunteer organization is based in Hershey and supports the surrounding communities.
The following items are easily packed in your suitcase or can be procured upon arrival at a local convenience store:
- Paper plates, napkins
- Toilet paper
- Paper Towels
- Facial tissues
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Deodorant
- Shampoo/conditioner
We will also accept non-perishable food products (you could even drop off that unopened package of room snacks on Sunday morning if you'd like).
Please note: Donated items must be within their "sell by" or "best by" date.
Your donations may be dropped off at the Harmony Hub. Let's show Hershey the love of Harmony!
SCOOTER RENTAL AVAILABLE
Scooter rentals are available for IC&C through Mobilitons. 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!
Ready to rent? Click here.
UPCOMING DEADLINE FOR SONG REGISTRATION
Congratulations and best wishes to all our contestants! Prior to competing, choruses and quartets need to provide the title, publisher/copyright holder, composer, and arranger information for all contest selections. If you are performing a medley of songs, you must provide information on each song within the medley. This information is needed to ensure that all contestants are using legal music.
If you are performing a song that was listed on an HAR-082 Song Registration Form that you submitted on or after January 2025, you do not need to resubmit that song on an HAR-082. You must list any other songs that you plan to perform on an HAR-082 Song Registration Form and submit the form by Friday, October 7.
Click here to complete HAR-082-Contestant Song Registration.
LAST CHANCE FOR A HARMONY MALL TABLE
It's your last chance to join the ranks of crafters, vendors, and chorus tables at the Harmony Mall.
Raise money for your chorus or quartet and secure your booth space today!
Reserve your space
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.
SECOND SPOT NOW AVAILABLE TO BOOK FOR OPEN REHEARSAL ROOMS
There is still some space available for the Thursday Open Rehearsal Rooms. Even if you have already booked a rehearsal slot but would like another one, your chorus is now welcome to sign up for a second slot.
Open Rehearsal Sign Up is on Thursday, November 6. Open slots are available between 1:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. from six available rooms this year.
Go here to book.
Preassigned rehearsal rooms on Friday, November 7, are scheduled according to the Order of Appearance.
For questions or further information, please contact the Awards and Services Manager.
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.
IT’S TIME TO RETURN YOUR AWARD!
If your chorus or quartet is in possession of one of these awards, it will need to be returned at IC&C.
Awards must be returned in their travel cases or bags, be in good condition, and be engraved if this is required.
Return the Award to the Harmony Hub room no later than Thursday, November 6.
If your chorus or quartet is not attending IC&C this year, it is still the responsibility of the award holder to make the necessary arrangements to return the award as required.
CHORUS AWARDS:
- The Jerry Dunlop Award
- The G. Ruth Giels Award
- The L.A.B.B.S Trophy
- The MacIntosh Award
- The Tait Trophy
- Jeanne O’Connor Championship Chorus Award
QUARTET AWARDS:
- The Accord Award
- The Findlay Plaque
- The Susan C. Trenchard Award
- The Audience Entertainment Award
- Young At Heart Award
- Harmony Future Award
- MBHA International Champion Award
Note: The Sandi White Memorial Membership Award is required to be returned on Wednesday (November 5) prior to the Opening Celebration.
SMILE AND SAY CHEESE
Photo order forms are available here. Make sure to print your copy and bring it with you to contest. Quartets will turn theirs into the photo room during the pattern. Chorus photos will be taken onstage again this year. Chorus contacts will receive an email from the photographer after the contest weekend with a link that will allow you to choose your official photo then.
TUNE UP TIPS
We  need your help. Room reservations for the Hershey Lodge are closed so 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.
Dates and Deadlines to Remember:
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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It's almost tiiiime! The 2025 commemorative IC&C pins have arrived! Look for us in Hershey and be sure to add to your collection (or start a new one!) with this year's pin -- it's super cute! We aren't taking pre-orders this year, but if you have extenuating circumstances that will make it difficult for you to get to us, please email annlkem@yahoo.com and we will work with you to be sure you get your pin.
$15 cash, check, or Zelle.
Thanks for supporting Sisters of Sound!
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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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By Jennifer Palus, Member Experience Working Group Lead
The WHY of HI
WHAT?
New or potential members may ask, “Why is the chorus part of Harmony, Inc.? Couldn’t we just sing together as a community group?”
SO WHAT?
Being part of HI brings education, infrastructure, leadership support, and a powerful sense of connection. It also helps new singers commit and feel like they belong.
NOW WHAT?
Help your chorus answer with confidence when the “Why HI?” question comes up.
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.
?
Women of Note in honor of Jeanne O'Connor
A Cappella Showcase in memory of Herbert Schulze
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- to Sound Celebration Chorus (Area 4) on the passing of past member, Ruby Brunet
- to Christine Helmes (Spirit of Michigan Chorus, Area 4) on the loss of her mother
- to Angelika Light (A Cappella Showcase, Area 5) and family on the loss of her father
- to Katie Ritz (Skyway Connection Chorus, Area 5) on the passing of her father-in-law, Edward Ritz (a fellow singer) on September 10, 2025 at the age of 98
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.
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 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 October 13.
See you again, soon!
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