2024 IC&C FAQs

2024 IC&C FAQs


Click HERE for printable version (updated July 21, 2024)

 

HOTEL | VENUE INFORMATION

How do I book a hotel room?
The details on how to book your hotel room were emailed to all members on July 15, 2024

Types of Rooms
East Tower: Executive Suite = $165 + 17.7% tax ($194.20)
East Tower: Two-Bedroom Waterfront Balcony Suite = $290 + 17.7% Tax ($341.33)

All prices are listed in US Dollars. Payment is due in US Dollars or the Canadian Equivalent.  To convert to CAD, go to the US to Canadian Dollar Converter.
  • Parking is available onsite in an attached covered garage for all registered guests. The special conference rates are $22 per night for self-park and $32 for valet.  Large vehicle (6 ft or taller) valet parking is available for $50.
  • The hotel has a 48-hour cancellation policy. Cancel 48 hours prior to 4pm day of arrival to avoid 1-night charge plus applicable tax.
  • There is complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms and public spaces.
  • Reservations must be accompanied by a valid major credit card. The amount of deposit required equals the value of the first night’s accommodation, including tax.
  • Either a valid credit or debit, card will be used at check-in. Please note that a hold will be placed on the card for the full amount of the stay, plus $50 a day for incidentals for the entire stay.
  • Guest check-in is at 3:00 PM; check-out time is 11:00 AM. Depending on availability, early check-in and late check-out may be available upon request for an additional fee.
  • The hotel is an accessible facility with ADA compliant rooms available upon request.  Transferable benches, roll-in showers, and TDD kits are also available.
  • All of the rooms have refrigerators.  There is a microwave available for public use in the shop by the front desk.
  • Please be sure to have your credit card number, billing address and names of your roommates with you when you make your reservation.  
  • The last date to make your hotel room reservation is October 1, 2024.

What is the fair share assessment fee?
To help cover the costs of IC&C expenses and meet our contractual obligations, all members of Harmony, Inc. are required to stay at the convention hotel or pay the Fair Share Assessment Fee of $195 (the equivalent of one night’s stay at the hotel  – including taxes).

Are there restaurants available onsite?
There are seven on-property restaurants and bars.  Click here for the complete list.  During the contest on Thursday and Friday we will also offer food sales outside of the contest area.

I have mobility issues – will it be difficult for me to get around?
The Galt House Hotel is an accessible facility with ADA-COMPLIANT ROOMS available upon request. Also available are transferable benches, roll-in showers, and TDD kits.

All activities in the hotel and convention center are ADA accessible. If you are interested in ordering a scooter please call Louisville Mobility Scooter at +1.502.799.5419.  The cost is $175 from 11/6 – 11/10.  The scooters can be picked up at the Galt House.

Can I bring a service animal?
Yes, service animals are allowed at the hotel. But please email Allison at ICCManager@harmonyinc.org so that appropriate accommodations can be made. Please put ICC Service Animal Accommodation Request in the subject line.

What is the smoking policy at the Galt House?
The Galt House Hotel is a non-smoking property. A $250.00 smoking fee will be added to any guests found in violation of our no smoking policy.  

Is there a lost and found at the hotel?
Please see the front desk for any lost and found items.

What is the best airport to fly in to?
The closest airport is the Louisville International Airport (SDF) which is about 8 miles from the hotel.  If you are driving, click here for directions to the hotel.

Are there any transportation services?
The hotel does not offer an airport shuttle but the property is easily accessible by rideshares, taxis, Uber and Lyft.  For limo and bus services, click here.

What is the weather like in Louisville?
In November, temperatures in Louisville average between 40 – 58 degrees F | 5 – 14 C. You can get the most current forecast along with monthly temperature averages by clicking here.

Is there anything to do around the hotel?
Known as Louisville’s centerpiece, THE GALT HOUSE HOTEL ENJOYS A CLOSE PROXIMITY TO ALL CITY FAVORITES including the KFC Yum! Center, the Belle of Louisville, the Urban Bourbon Trail, Whiskey Row, Old Forrester Distillery, Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse, Kentucky Peerless Distillery, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Fourth Street Live!, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, Waterfront Park, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Kentucky Center for the Arts, the Muhammad Ali Center, the Frazier History Museum, the Kentucky Science Center, and the Falls of the Ohio.

For more information click here.

CONVENTION INFORMATION

How do I register for IC&C?
Registration will open after all the Area contests are complete (mid-June). You will register for the Saturday night dinner at the same time you purchase your All Events Pass (AEP). Payment can be mailed, or made through PayPal, or for payment in Canada, by E-Transfer through your Bank. All prices are in US funds but may be paid in Canadian equivalent with exchange calculated on the day of payment.

We ask that all choruses register their members at the same time vs having member register individually. This ensures you will be seated together at dinner.

While there is no cut-off for purchasing an AEP, we ask that you follow the below guidelines; especially for groups:
  • Early bird pricing for AEP’s ends September 1st. The price for All AEP’s (including youth) will increase by $10.00 after this date.
  • The deadline to purchase dinner tickets is September 30. We request that you purchase your dinner ticket at the same time as your AEP but understand that plans may change and so you can add a dinner ticket up until this date. 
  • Online AEP sales will close at midnight on October 31st.  You may still purchase AEP’s and tickets on-site after this date.

What is the cost to attend IC&C?
All prices are listed as 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.

Prices below are the Early bird pricing. After September 1, all prices will increase by $10:
  • Adult Performing Member AEP = $165
  • Adult Non-Performing Member AEP = $125
  • Adult Non-Member AEP = $135
  • Youth Performing Member AEP = $95 (this cost is being covered by Harmony, Inc)
  • Youth Non-performing Member AEP = $95 (this cost is being covered by Harmony, Inc)
  • Youth Non-Member AEP = $95
  • Single Event Tickets = $35
  • Single Event Youth/Child Ticket = $20 (25 and under)

What is the Saturday Dinner?
Participation in the Saturday dinner helps us to lower the price of our AEPs – and it’s a lot of fun!  The cost for this year’s dinner is $55.00. Vegetarian?  Special dietary needs? No worries – we will have a special plated dinner for you – just be sure to indicate your dietary restrictions when you register.

Menus will be posted soon. 

Anyone who purchases a dinner ticket will get priority seating at the Showcase.

Please note: there will be no dinner ticket sales on-site. You must pre-purchase your seat.  If you purchase a seat, then determine you can no longer attend the dinner, it is your responsibility to sell your ticket to someone else. You can post the information on Facebook via Harmony Chat or the bulletin board in the Hospitality Suite at ICC. Remember, the person buying your ticket is also buying your seat assignment and dinner, we will not re-assign seats after they have been posted, nor are we able to change the type of dinner ordered (ie – vegetarian/special meal).

How are seats assigned for dinner? 
After the September 30 deadline, we will randomly draw table assignments for the Saturday dinner. Each chorus will get a select number of seats based on their dinner orders. We will notify choruses of their table and seat numbers – but they can determine who sits where. Individual or small group orders will be placed at extra seats where available. We will post the table assignments in IC&C mobile app and on our IC&C website but it is up to the individual members to remember what their table/seat assignment is.

Can I bring a guest?
Yes, family and friends are invited and encouraged to attend IC&C. The cost to attend contest is $35 for adults, $20 for youth (per contest). They are also invited to attend dinner for the $55 fee. All guest tickets can be pre-ordered on the AEP form.

What happens at the Opening Ceremonies?
You don’t want to miss the opening ceremonies and annual membership meeting! We will have our annual introduction of the new Board and Assistants, officer installation and some awards.

What is the Parade of Champions?
One of the highlights of IC&C, the Association of Harmony Queens will entertain you with their annual Parade of Champions show. You’ll get to hear many of our past Quartet Champions sing some of your favorite songs as well as this year’s champion chorus – A Cappella Showcase. Please note the cost to attend this event is included in your AEP.  If you do not have an AEP, tickets can be purchased during registration, or at the door for $35.

What is the Saturday Showcase?
All members and guests are invited to the annual showcase event. It’s a great way to close out ICC as we recognize and hear from our top medalists. Anyone attending the dinner will have assigned seating to ensure they get the best seats.  For all others seating will be on a first come, first served basis.

What is the International Chorus?
One of the best parts about IC&C is getting to meet so many people from so many places who share your love of singing. This is exemplified in our International Chorus – comprised of our associate members as well as select members of each chorus that come together to learn a song and perform on the IC&C stage after the Chorus Contest on Friday. An email will be sent to all associates and choruses about participating in the International Chorus. We encourage you to sign up for this incredible experience. You will be sent the music ahead of time and there will be a rehearsal on Thursday morning.

What are education classes?
Want to be a better singer? Need help getting your chapter off the ground?  IC&C is more than just contests and singing. We are fortunate that our talented members and panel volunteer of their time to help us all become Harmony Stronger. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity during IC&C.  Classes will be offered on Thursday and Saturday mornings. Once the classes are finalized, they will be posted on the IC&C page of our website and mobile app.

What is the Minor Chords?
Minor Chords is a chorus made up of Harmony’s youth members, those aged 25 and under. They meet at IC&C to rehearse their latest piece that they will perform after the Chorus Finals. Every year a new director is chosen to provide an unforgettable experience for these talented young singers.

What is the IC&C mobile app?
Everything you need to know about this year’s IC&C will be at your fingertips using the mobile app! You can see the full agenda and chat with other attendees all from your mobile device. Instructions on how to download and use the app will be sent out prior to IC&C.

Will I be able to volunteer at IC&C?
There are many jobs available on our signup – we encourage everyone to look and see what appeals to them. Friends and family members are welcome to sign up as well. Visit our website for an example of some volunteer opportunities.  Sign-ups will be available starting this summer.

My Chorus/Quartet received an award at the last IC&C.  Where and when shall we return it?
If your chorus or quartet is in possession of one of the following awards, it will need to be returned at IC&C in Louisville, KY. 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 hospitality room as soon as you arrive. Awards are required to be returned no later than Thursday November 9th. 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
  • Skidge Heath Award
  • Jeanne O’Conner Championship Chorus Award

QUARTET AWARDS
  • The Accord Award
  • The Findlay Plaque
  • The Susan C. Trenchard Award (formerly Image of Harmony Award)
  • The Audience Entertainment Award
  • Young at Heart Award
  • Harmony Future Award

GENERAL AWARDS
Sandi White International Membership Award (to be returned prior to the Opening Ceremony, Wed. Nov. 8th)
If you have questions, please contact the Awards / Services Manager at  ICCServicesMgr@harmonyinc.org

CONTEST INFORMATION

The official contest rules can be found in section 11 of the Corporate Manual (you will need your members only password to access it).

What paperwork is needed for chorus and quartets?
IC&C Contest Information Forms, Contest Entry submission, and the required Contest Entry Fee ($40 Quartet / $65 Chorus) made payable to Harmony, Inc. (US Dollars or Canadian Equivalent) must be submitted no later than 15 days following your respective Area's AC&C.  Immediately following each Area contest, qualifiers will receive an email containing links and instructions.  . Entries submitted after the contest entry deadline will be required to sing first in the contest. NO entries will be accepted after September 1.

In addition, all contestants must submit a song registration form including a copy of the page that shows the correct title and copyright information for any arrangement to be performed two weeks prior to contest (October 25, 2023).  Failure to return the composer and publisher information, or if the information given is found to be incorrect, following adequate research by the ICJ Committee, the contestant may be disqualified.

Will there be a curtain on the stage?
No, there is not a curtain on the stage.  

Will there be a ramp up to the stage?
Yes, there will be an ADA compliant ramp on one side of the stage for safe, easy access and exit.

How is the order of appearance determined?
A live drawing for the order of appearance will take place in September. Information on how to watch the live drawing will be sent to all membership once the drawing date and time is finalized. After the drawing, the order of appearance will be added to the IC&C webpage.

How do I find out when I am onstage and the pattern schedule?
The International Contes and Judging Chair (ICJC) will send the contest pattern and related information to each competitor after the order of appearance is published and prior to contest.

Who is on the panel?
We will have one panel judging all of the contests. This year’s panel includes:
ADM MUS PER SNG
Sue Novosad (PC)    Rob Campbell Joe Hunter Rob Mance
Steve Tremper Jay Dougherty Gene Spilker David Mills
  Adele Merritt Fatima Whelan Nate Ogg

Where can I get contest scores after contest?
The contestant contact listed in the Contest Entry will receive the scores via email as soon as the results are known.  Scores will also be posted online shortly after each contest as well as posted in the mobile app.

My chorus wants to rehearse before we compete.  Will there be rooms available?
All choruses will have an opportunity to schedule rehearsal time on Thursday and Friday. Friday’s time will be pre-assigned based on the order of appearance, and you will be notified of that time via email. If you are interested in signing up for a time on Thursday, please email the Awards / Services Manager at ICCServicesMgr@harmonyinc.org. 

How are contestants scored?
There are three judging categories in the Harmony Inc. contest. For more information on judging and scoring refer to the Contest and Judging Program sections. 
  • Musicality
    • Musicality judges consider the degree to which performances demonstrate musicality in the barbershop style, assessing the musicianship demonstrated in bringing the song and arrangement to life.
    • Major elements in the category are harmonic integrity, execution, delivery, thematic development, and embellishment.
  • Performance
    • Performance judges evaluate the degree to which a performance creates an entertaining experience or effect on the audience. Every aspect of the performance impacts the judge’s impression or perception. Terms such as believability, creativity, authenticity, and other descriptors are used to characterize the performance and are appropriate for use in the barbershop style. Major elements in the category are believability, communication, creativity, quality of sound, artistry, rapport, and stylistic adherence.
  • Singing
    • Singing judges evaluate the degree to which the performer achieves artistic singing in the barbershop style.
    • Major elements in the category are intonation; vocal quality; unity of word sounds, flow, diction and synchronization; artistry.

Will I get to practice on the stage before contest?
Due to the size of our contests, and time constraints, we are not able to allow all choruses and quartets time to practice on the actual stage. We are able to offer a brief stage “viewing” which will allow up to five people from a chorus and quartets to walk onto the stage. Please note, there is no singing allowed during this time. Times for the stage viewing will be included in the IC&C schedule, as well as your contestant packets.

Can I bring personal belongings with me backstage before I compete?
We encourage all contestants to not bring your personal belongings with you in the pattern, as they will not be allowed backstage. If you must bring something, please make it small, consolidate chorus belongings etc. We will provide a table in a hallway that will be monitored by volunteers. You can drop your belongings on the table before going on stage, and pick them up after you compete. 

Will there be Mixed Barbershop Harmony Association groups on stage at IC&C?
Yes.  Some of them are participating in our Area contests, and those who achieve a qualifying score there are invited to sing at IC&C.  As at the Area contests, their names will be included in our draw for order of appearance, but they will not be ranked with our groups.  Instead, their appearance will be treated as a contest-within-a-contest, and their scores will be tabulated separately.  If a top-scoring MBHA quartet achieves a score that would put it among the top ten finalists in our contest, that quartet will not sing in the finals, but will be invited to sing on the Showcase.

COMMON ACRONYMS (updated as of 4/1/23)
AC&C  – Area Convention & Contests
ACJC  – Area Contest & Judging Chair
ADM – Administrative Judge
AEV  – Advance Expense Voucher
AEP  – All-Events Pass
AICJC  – Assistant International Contest & Judging Chair
AHQ  – Association of Harmony Queens
BHS  – Barbershop Harmony Society
CS  – Category Specialist
CTS  – Category Training School
C&J  – Contest and Judging
EA – Expansion Area, Chapters
EC  – Executive Committee
GKT  – General Knowledge Test
GPM  – Guest Panel Member
IBOD  – International Board of Directors
IC&C  – International Convention & Contests
ICJC  – International Contest & Judging Chair 
ICJ Committee  – International Contest & Judging Committee
MBHA  – Mixed Barbershop Harmony Association
MUS  – Musicality Category
OJF  – Official Judging Form
OPM  – Official Panel Member
OSS  – Official Scoring Summary
PC  – Panel Chair
PPM  – Practice Panel Member
PER  – Performance Category
CSA  – Contestant Scoring Analysis
SNG  – Singing Category
SWTQ  – Singing with the Queens
TC  – Training Coordinator
VP C&C  – Vice President of Convention & Contests