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Celebrate who you are!
By Linda Brehaut, International President
We are living in a time when it seems that chaos is swirling all around, and for some of us, that chaos is in our thoughts. There are so many concerning worldly issues that we do not know what we can do or should do about them. If you are struggling, be honest with yourself and reach out. If possible, I would encourage you to do something for someone else. Be kind – even kinder and more understanding than usual. Let’s make that our new normal.
As we begin the journey back to in-person rehearsals and all the excitement and joy that comes with that, please keep in mind that everyone might not be comfortable with that just yet – and that is OK. Each one of us should take the time we need – I am sure your space on the risers will wait for you!
I wanted to share with you that over the last month, I have taken the opportunity (there, my word for 2022) to have conversations with members about the culture of Harmony, Inc. My heart was absolutely bursting with pride! I read so many different descriptions of how we might describe “empowering women” or supporting each other on and off the risers. One quote resonated with me: “I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for Harmony, Inc.” Harmony has made me a better me!
I encourage you to embrace our culture of supporting each other. Celebrate who you are and what you bring to the organization – know that you are valued. When you feel valued and safe at home, you are more likely to share that feeling with those around you and encourage them to feel the same. Group hug to everyone!
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Convention Corner: IC&C in Verona, NY |
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Together again in Verona!
By Allison Thompson, Convention Manager
There’s excitement building in the air…can you feel it? COVID numbers are declining, spring is around the corner and Area Contests begin soon! As you start thinking about the contest season ahead here is some important information about this year’s IC&C.
IC&C Costs
All prices are listed as U.S. Dollars. Payment is due in U.S. Dollars or Canadian Equivalent. To convert to CAD, go to: US to Canadian Dollar Converter
Performing = $150
Non-performing = $114
Performing Youth = $114
Non-performing Youth = $87
Pre-registration
The first 151 people who pre-register for 2022 IC&C before May 1, 2022 are guaranteed reserved seating for all contest sessions. Pre-registration must include payment for a Performing All Events Pass and an individual name.
Pre-Registrations are NOT REFUNDABLE. If an individual cannot attend IC&C it is his/her own responsibility to “sell” the seat and advise the Convention Registration Manager of the name change.
If you are Pre-Registered and want to order a dinner, you may do so on an AEP Registration form. The AEP Registration form can be sent separately or with the chapter. There is a column to specify that the person is Pre-Registered and will not be counted in the amount due for AEPs.
If you pre-registered in 2019 and did not request a refund, you do not need to pre-register again. We have held on to your money and seat. If you would like to pre-register for this year’s IC&C, please fill out Form HAR-062.
Accommodations
Turning Stone Resort & Casino
5218 Patrick Rd.
Verona, NY 13478
(800) 771-7711
www.turningstone.com
Types of Rooms
Standard: $164 + 13.5% tax
Jr. Suite: $244 + 13.5% tax
- All prices are listed as US Dollars. Payment is due in US Dollars or Canadian Equivalent. To convert to CAD, go to: US to Canadian Dollar Converter
- Standard rooms include combinations of deluxe kings & doubles.
- Rates will be honored three days pre-and post-convention for extended stays
- Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. and check-out time is 11:00 am
- There is complimentary parking and WIFI at the hotel
- Room reservations will be open on July 15
Website
We are working on the content for the Convention page of the website. Soon, you’ll have one place to go for all your IC&C needs – including forms, hotel information, schedules and more. Be on the lookout for information on how to access this section of the website.
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'Contestable' music at AC&C 2022
By Kathy Greason, ICJC
Several people have asked, “Do we need to sing contestable music at AC&C this year?” And it’s so easy to understand where that question is coming from. Staying safe during the pandemic has meant that, for many of us, the quality and quantity of our rehearsals leading up to our AC&Cs have been severely limited. As a result, we may have needed to restore our skills by dusting off comfortable show repertoire, rather than challenging ourselves immediately with new music for contest.
So do we need to sing contestable music at AC&C this year? The short answer is pretty much this: so-called contestable music is not required. But in fact, it never is.
“What?????,” you say!
The truth about our barbershop contests is that you always have the choice to sing strong contest vehicles or weak contest vehicles, but unless you choose something that fits the definition of the barbershop style and satisfies judging criteria, you need to be prepared to accept the not-so-great score and audience feedback that you are likely to get. Because we are a barbershop organization, the judges and audience expect barbershop music at our contests. Our contest rules and judging criteria support that expectation.
On the other hand, nothing in our rules or judging criteria prohibits you from presenting weak contest choices on stage, as long as you understand that judges may “reward” those choices with low overall scores, or with scores that include penalties or forfeitures. When you ask a Music judge about so-called contestability, what you are really asking is whether elements of the song and arrangement break contest rules such that a penalty will likely be assessed or whether there are inherent elements in the music that may otherwise affect your ability to score well. (Did you know that was your real question?)
Informed by the Music judge’s response, you decide whether you want to take the arrangement to contest. But I digress.
Same criteria for contestability
This year, as every year (almost!), we are holding barbershop contests at our AC&Cs, and surely judges and other audience members will expect to hear some fine barbershop music. Performances will be judged and scored using the same criteria as usual.
But I am sensing that of equal importance to those of us planning to attend this year is the joy of getting together to perform and sing together after our long hiatus. If contestants are able to sing two strong contest vehicles and as a result maybe even win some Area awards, good for them! But if pandemic restrictions leading to contest have required contestants to offer up less barbershoppy songs, won’t it be wonderful to be on the giving or receiving end of those performances anyway!
All AC&C entrants eligible for IC&C, regardless of scores
In any event, this “contestability” question leads to a corollary question: Given that the sole criterion for entering the International contests this year is participation in Area contests, will a chorus or quartet that sings songs that are penalized – maybe down to a zero score in some categories – be considered a participant for purposes of November contests? The short answer is yes.
The slightly longer answer is that any chorus or registered quartet that is made up of members in good standing and that completes a legally acquired and learned two-song package on stage (again, mic tester or chorus of less than 12 is fine) is eligible to compete at IC&C in Verona this year. Phew!
Answers to other questions
This contest song inquiry is one of several contest-related questions that our pandemic-informed AC&Cs have spawned… so, for extra credit:
1. If your chorus has fewer than 12 members on stage at AC&C, that doesn’t limit the number of members who can sing at IC&C – same rule on this as always.
2. But a member of a chorus that didn’t participate in AC&C cannot join a chorus that did, and then sing with that chorus at IC&C without showing a permanent change of address – same rule about transferring from non-qualifying to qualifying chorus as always.
3. Official score sheets will be published (mostly online), and will show (or not show) all the usual things. Specifically, mic testers will not appear on the score sheets; undersized choruses will not be included in the ranked order of finish; contestants that received a penalty score of zero from one or two judges in a category will be included in the ranked order with a footnote explaining the rule violation that caused the penalty.
This article tells you that members are asking all kinds of thoughtful questions about this unique contest year. And your ACJCs and I are paying attention. So keep those cards and letters (I mean emails) coming – the more we all know, the more successful and rewarding our contests will be.
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Help Wanted: Graphic Illustrator |
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New volunteer opportunity!
Do you love graphic design? There’s a perfect new volunteer position waiting for your unique talent. As Harmony, Inc’s Graphic Illustrator, you will work closely with the Marketing and Communications Team, our Area and Board Directors, Committee Chairs, and Taskforce Leaders. We need your skills to create original images and illustrations for a wide range of printed and digital products. Whether you are using computer software or you love to draw by hand, your creativity is exactly what we need on our team.
If you’d like to talk about this opportunity or see the full position description, please contact Exec VP Gaye LaCasce at executivevp@harmonyinc.org.
Other volunteer positions are available, as well – please contact Gaye if you would like information about becoming the Copyright and Licensing Coordinator, Public Relations Coordinator, or about Board or Area volunteerism in general. What a great way to enhance your enjoyment of our organization, with dozens of other great volunteers!
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Proof of Insurance available for chapters |
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Insurance Certificates/
Proof of Insurance Notification
By Jan DelVecchio, VP Finance
Annually, Harmony, Inc. sends notice to every chapter (via the HI Note), letting you know what insurances we carry, what they are for, and how you can obtain certificates for proof of insurance (often requested by the venues in which we hold events.)
- Current Insurance Policies:
- Commercial Package
- Commercial
- Umbrella
- Specialty (Directors & Officers, Internet Liability)
All Chapters pay the Annual Chapter Administration fee of $130. Additionally, because this policy also provides insurance to the Areas for Area events, each of our six Areas also pays the $130 administrative fee.
This fee contributes to the cost of our Liability insurance which covers us for use of venues/premises as related to contests/performances/rehearsals by Harmony, Inc. chapters. If a venue requests proof of insurance, complete the HAR-106 Insurance Certificate Request form located in the Members Only section of the Harmony, Inc. website on the Forms page. Your request will automatically be directed to the VP Finance who will forward the completed insurance certificate back to you.
The balance of the insurance premiums is covered by corporate funds. These funds are used to pay for the D&O coverage, which applies to all Directors and Officers at the corporate, Area, and chapter levels. This Insurance covers anyone who volunteers for Harmony, Inc.
If you have questions, please contact the VP Finance or the Corporate Office at 1-855-750-3341.
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Area Contest Entry Forms & Deadlines
Area 6 AC&C
March 31-April 3, 2022
contest entry deadline has passed
Area 2 AC&C
April 21-24, 2022
Contest Entry Deadline February 21, 2022
Late Entry Cut-off Date March 23, 2022
Area 3 AC&C
April 29-May 1, 2022
Contest Entry Deadline February 28, 2022
Late Entry Cut-off Date March 30, 2022
Area 5 AC&C
May 27-29, 2022
Contest Entry Deadline March 28, 2022
Late Entry Cut-off Date April 27, 2022
Area 1 AC&C
June 2-5, 2022
Contest Entry Deadline April 4, 2022
Late Entry Cut-off Date May 4, 2022
Area 4 AC&C
June 10-12, 2022
Contest Entry Deadline April 11, 2022
Late Entry Cut-off Date May 11, 2022
As a reminder, all contestants who will perform in Harmony, Inc. contests must be members in good standing, which means that all Harmony, Inc. Corporate, Area, and Chapter dues must be current as of April 1, 2022 in order to participate in contests.
All quartets must be registered with the Quartet Development Coordinator prior to registering for contest. Visit https://www.harmonyinc.org/har-028-official-quartet-registration-form/ to complete the quartet registration process.
Area Contest Entry forms are available now for both Chapters and Quartets on the Members Only section of the website or by following the links below. You may complete the contest registration process and pay online, or you may submit your form using the online system and mail payment to the Corporate Office by the posted deadline.
Chorus Entry Form: https://www.harmonyinc.org/har-063-official-area-chorus-contest-entry-form/
Quartet Entry Form: https://www.harmonyinc.org/har-061-official-area-quartet-contest-entry-form/
Mixed Barbershop Harmony Association quartets are also invited to attend Area Conventions and sing for score and evaluation on a space-available basis. Check the MBHA website for particulars.
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Condolences from the Membership
to Win Andrews (The Over Tones, Inc., Area 5) on the death of her husband, Ted, a great supporter of the chorus for many years.
to Barbara Pate (Seaside A Cappella, Area 1) on the recent death of her mother.
For Love of Harmony
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.
- From Chord Spinners in honor of Sue Melvin, with thanks for assisting us with the workshop on Core Values.
- From Classic Blend in memory of Gail Urquhart, who was a long time member of Classic Blend and will be missed. Gail did so much for the chorus over all the years she was with us. She was a fantastic bass who loved to sing.
- From Northern Blend Chorus in memory of our beloved charter member, “Jeannie Beanie,” Jean Augliano.
- From The Over Tones, Inc. in memory of Ted Andrews, a true gentleman and loyal supporter of The Over Tones.
Deadlines approaching!
MARCH 10: Join the Bylaws Committee from 6-7 p.m. Eastern for discussion on the proposed bylaws changes
MARCH 15-31: Vote on proposed bylaws changes
APRIL 15: Agenda items for 2022 IBOD Mid-Year Meeting due.
APRIL 30: Deadline for Guaranteed Reserved Seating at IC&C contest sessions.
MAY 1: Applications/nominations for International Board of Directors due.
JULY 15: IC&C room reservations open.
Copyright © 2022 Harmony, Inc., All rights reserved.
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