'It all comes back to barbershop'

Art mirrors life

By Gaye LaCasce, International President

Many of you have heard the story about my introduction to barbershop. My husband, Dan, was deeply involved when we met – in a chorus, a quartet, heading into the BHS judging program, and working to collect every barbershop certification he could find. Our first date was at an annual show put on by a tiny little men’s chorus – no disrespect meant, but I was underwhelmed and just couldn’t understand why he was investing so much time, energy, and resources in this hobby.

Fast forward to the next July, when we attended the BHS International Convention and I heard some great barbershop – I then understood what the art form could sound like and what Dan aspired to achieve.

Fast forward again, to my first Harmony contest as a spectator. Dan was judging at an Area 4 contest, and I was his guest; we were picked up at the airport by none other than Jacquie Jensen. It was a wonderful and memorable weekend during which I came to understand what barbershop could FEEL like.

Our family mantra quickly became, “It all comes back to barbershop.”  Whatever happened in our lives – big things or small – we seemed to find a corollary to barbershop.

Life, like barbershop, is all about balance, teamwork, and finding the right blend. In a barbershop ensemble, each voice part plays a crucial role; in life, too, we all contribute in different ways, bringing unique strengths to our communities, friendships, and families.

Barbershop harmony teaches resilience. No song is perfect on the first run-through, and no life journey is without stumbles. We rehearse tirelessly, refining our craft - adjusting our vowels, fine-tuning our volume relationships, and conveying the same story. Similarly, in life, we learn through experience - facing new situations, surmounting challenges, and growing stronger with every attempt. The most satisfying chords often come after the hardest work, and the same is true of life's greatest achievements.

Barbershop also highlights the importance of listening - not just to your own part, but to those around you. Successful barbershop singers don’t just belt out their notes; they listen and adapt. In life, relationships thrive when we practice active listening, responding with empathy, and finding ways to complement rather than overpower those around us. Whether in music or in daily interactions, true harmony happens when we make space for each other’s voices. In barbershop as in life, the outcome of our work is greater than the sum of the parts, like creating an overtone.

Perhaps the most beautiful parallel is the joy of shared experiences. Barbershop isn’t just about notes and chords. It’s about camaraderie, about the thrill of making music together, about the memories created through rehearsals, performances, conventions, and laughter. In life, too, the moments that truly matter aren’t just about individual successes; they’re about connection, about shared victories, and about lifting one another up. We all have a part to play, and when we embrace the harmony of life, the result can be something truly extraordinary.

My barbershop journey has taken me from skepticism to understanding, and ultimately to a deep appreciation for not just the art form, but the community behind it. Barbershop is more than just a hobby for my family - it is a thread woven into the fabric of our lives. I know with absolute certainty that many of you feel the same, as we appreciate all the ways that music both shapes and mirrors our human experience. As I learned many years ago, “It all comes back to barbershop.”  

CELEBRATING HARMONY AREA CONVENTIONS & CONTESTS

On Saturday morning, 400 contestants were up bright and early preparing for an exciting chorus contest. Thirteen choruses, including one from the MBHA, sang their hearts out for an enthusiastic audience. A Cappella Showcase took the gold medal with a score of 1011 points, an Area 5 and Harmony, Inc. scoring record! Joining A Cappella Showcase in qualifying for IC&C were The Thousand Islanders (placing second), Nickel City Sound (placing third), Scarborough Harmony Chorus, Shades of Harmony, The Capital Chordettes, Inc., and Sing Niagara.

ACS Director rides his unicorn into the Area 5 Moonglow. (You'll have to ask him about that.)


The Ukeladies entertain with a spirited rendition of Kokomo.


A Capital Sound proudly displays their new name.
 

Can't attend Harmony Fest West in person?
Have we got some rootin' tootin' deals for you!

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CORNER Room reservation bookings coming! By Shannon Shelton-Muller, Convention Marketing Asst

Coming soon to your email...the booking link for your IC&C 2025 Hershey Lodge Room. Look for an email in your inbox July 15 with details on how to secure your room for all the sweetness to come at IC&C.

PLEASE NOTE: The booking process is different this year. Below is a heads up of what to expect. Make sure to read through the directions in the email sent to all members July 15 thoroughly!

STEP 1: You will fill out the reservation form contained in the July 15 email. 
You will have the opportunity to book a single room or to book multiple rooms if your group would like to be close together.

The convention rate will be offered November 2 – November 12 if you would like to extend your stay to explore all of the fun things to do in Hershey.  If you want to extend your stay, make your reservation using the form and enter the convention dates.  Then you will call the reservation desk to add your extended dates.

STEP 2: Once you complete the reservation form you will receive an acknowledgement from the hotel via email. THIS IS NOT YOUR CONFIRMATION.  The hotel will book your room based on the information provided in the form – then you will receive an email with your confirmation number for your reservation.  

STEP 3: Once you receive your confirmation number via email, you must pay one night's room and tax by one of the methods below.

• Credit Card Payments -  You will call the Hershey Lodge Reservation Office in order to place a credit card on file and to charge a one night advanced deposit. 

• Check Payments - You will send check payments to:

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Co.
Attn:  Accounts Receivable 
27 West Chocolate Avenue
P.O. Box 860, Third Floor
Hershey, PA 17033

**All Payments must be received within 7 days of receiving an email confirmation**

Types of rooms
Double Double or King =   $179 + 11% tax ($198.69)
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

Complimentary amenities include:

• Wi-Fi in guest rooms

• iPod docks

• Mini fridges

• Complimentary self-parking

• Use of the fitness center

• Tickets to the Hershey Park Story Museum and Gardens 

Additional information and details, including the form link and hotel phone number will be in the email coming to all members on July 15!
 

TUNE UP TIPS

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Know Before You Go Call and get all the details on IC&C 2025:
August 21, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET.

Hershey Lodge Room Reservations open July 15 and end September 17, 2025.

SEEKING 
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.

1. Don’t wait until you’re certain that you have a 2SLGBTQIA+ member or guest at your rehearsals. Start creating the inviting space now; you never know if you might already have someone on your risers who isn’t sure if they can be their whole self at rehearsals, or when you’ll have a prospective member looking for the perfect group to join that will accept them without issue.
2. Use language that is inclusive and doesn’t assume someone’s sexuality. When speaking to a chorus or quartet, instead of referring to the members as “ladies”, try using “singers” or “friends.” Consider taking a cue from Area 5 and give your outside vendors and Area Contest service providers a letter outlining the expectation that members and guests be addressed with inclusive language. When talking about the songs you are singing and the story that you’re telling with the song, think beyond “woman sings a love song to her husband”, or try songs that address other kinds of love than romantic love.
3. Try introducing yourself with your name and pronouns. This gives others the space to share their own pronouns, as well as know that it’s okay if their pronouns may not be the ones that you might first assume they would use.
4. Check out Katie Taylor’s presentation, Ways to Make Your Meeting More Inclusive in the Harmony, Inc. Members Area under Equity and Diversity.
5. Sign up for the remaining sessions of Tessa Walker’s HIVE class, Building an Inclusive Chorus Culture. If you missed the first two sessions, please watch the videos in the HIVE Library so that you will be caught up and can easily jump right in to where the previous classes left off. Part 1 is up now, and Part 2 will be up soon. Join in live for Parts 3 through 5!
6. Share in Harmony Chat what your chorus or group is doing to create a welcoming space so that we can all work towards creating a community where everyone feels seen and welcomed.

Chapter/Officer Information Updates

• Q3: August 20
• Annual: November 2-5