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Scatter-brained - and loving it
By Linda Brehaut, International President
I feel like I am at risk of repeating myself as I sit to write a little message to you. It's a reflection of what is going on in my head! First this, then that, don’t forget this and go there, rinse and repeat. Despite all that, I still manage to schedule a break and snuggle time with my little granddaughters! All that other stuff just moves to the bottom of the list when they are here. Life is good!
Live draw with Sounds of the Seacoast
Thank you so much to Sounds of the Seacoast for your entertaining YouTube live draw for order of appearance last week. I loved it. Bonus performance scores for you!
Agenda items due
I know IC&C is getting close because I’m getting my paperwork together for the annual meeting of your IBOD. If you have any agenda items to send along, please be sure to do so before October 1 so they get on the agenda. We hold our meeting from Sunday until Wednesday prior to IC&C. New Board positions take effect following the close of the convention.
Changing positions/responsibilities
Speaking of positions, I am so pleased to share with you that Adele Merritt, Music Judge, Director, quartetter, coach, performer, and an all-around amazing human, will be assuming the role of Chorus Director Development Coordinator in November. Anne Bureau will be stepping down from this position as she moves into her role on the International Board. Thank you to both Anne for your service, and to Adele for volunteering to serve Harmony, Inc. in yet another role.
Read all about it!
I encourage you to do your best to keep up with news from Harmony. I read a lot of information on social media (Facebook, Harmony Chat, emails) but I would say that the HI Note is the best place to keep up to date. Please encourage your members to read through it or, at the very least, designate someone to pull and share highlights that your chapter/quartet might need to know. Harmony Chat is also a great place to learn what is happening across the organization and what some topics of discussion might be.
I love fall, but I am especially looking forward to the end of October, when I will have the privilege of attending the Sweet Adelines International convention the week before ours. It’s going to be a wonderful two weeks for me!
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| Notes from Recording Secretary |
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By Angie Morton, Recording Secretary
The Third Quarter meeting minutes have been posted to the HI Website.
We also want to remind you that the Annual Meeting is coming up, and every member can submit topics for the Board of Directors to discuss. If you have any agenda items to submit, please use form HAR-009, found on the HI website members section under forms.
Deadline to submit for the Annual Meeting is September 30, 2023.
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| Action Needed! Priority Seating |
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If you received an invitation to priority seating for IC&C, please respond ASAP and let us whether or not you want to use it. Questions or concerns, please contact Linda Briggs, iccregistrar@harmonyinc.org
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Lend your voice to Harmony, Inc.
2nd NOTICE: An exciting opportunity for all quartetters
Donna Gronemeyer & Rachael Storey-Chase, Quartet Coordinators
We're thrilled to introduce a pioneering initiative to engage, learn, and innovate with our community: Harmony Focus Groups! We believe that every member brings a unique perspective and voice to our ensemble, and we're eager to hear from you. After our earlier announcement, we're halfway there. We're calling on YOU to participate in this exciting new program.
Our initial pilot will be delving into the realm of quartet development. Whether you're a seasoned quartet member or someone who has always dreamt of being part of one, we want to understand what you envision for the future of quartetting. Your insights will play a critical role in shaping quartet experiences for all our members. ?
Three 10-member focus groups will meet in October. We will be crafting a comprehensive report based on your insights, ensuring that all participants and members across Harmony, Inc. see the tangible impact of those contributions.
Please consider lending your voice, your experience, and your passion to this initiative by completing this application.
Please send any questions, suggestions, and concerns through Kelly Peterson, in our Corporate Office. Rest assured, everyone who applies will be notified about next steps. After all, in Harmony, Inc. every woman belongs, every voice counts, every member has a role in shaping our shared future.
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| Legacy Giving & Donor Profile |
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LEAVING A LEGACY TO HARMONY, INC.
By Kim Meechan, Director of Philanthropy and Lindsay Chartier, Philanthropy Committee member
Leaving a Legacy means making a lasting impact on the world and future generations.
Many of you already contribute to the future of Harmony, Inc. by donating financially to the annual fundraiser at IC&C. Others choose to give on a regular basis, such as monthly. We also have members and friends who have been known to surprise us with significant cash donations that allow us to create new programs! We are extremely grateful for your generosity.
There is another way to support the future of Harmony, Inc. and that is through legacy giving. While it may feel uncomfortable for some to think about planning for end-of-life giving, it can be one of the most rewarding decisions you ever make, both for you and for future generations of singers. Leaving a legacy gift is a special way to recognize the significance an organization has had in your life. You can make a difference for years to come through a gift in your will, whether it’s a lump sum amount, a percentage, or perhaps naming Harmony, Inc. as a beneficiary of an insurance policy or annuity. Legacy gifts come in all sizes, and each and every one of them is appreciated.
If you have already included Harmony, Inc. in your estate planning, please advise Kelly Peterson, our Corporate Assistant. You do not need to share specifics, only that you have made plans to leave a legacy gift to Harmony, Inc. As we gather to celebrate together in Grand Rapids this year, we will have something very special to share with you at IC&C!
There is still time to make your legacy giving wishes known before IC&C – talk to your family, financial advisor, or attorney.
Donor Spotlight
KATIE TAYLOR
By Kim Meechan, Director of Philanthropy
When I was first elected to the International Board of Directors back in 2019, I was slightly intimidated by the women sitting around the table. They were well known, well respected, and very talented. One such person that year was Katie Taylor, and I quickly learned that she was also very caring and generous. Members of Harmony, Inc. may be surprised to learn that one of the many ways Katie has donated to our organization is with a gift-in-kind. Continue reading to learn about this donor and the unique way she has given to us all.
How did you discover Harmony, Inc., Katie?
I joined in 1988 at 12 years old! I begged my parents for three years to let me join, after seeing Dad sing barbershop and then Mom become a (charter) member of Northern Blend. The age limit was 16 at the time, and the director, Tracy Robertson, fought hard to get the chorus to make an exception and accept me at age 12 because he saw potential in me. I am very grateful for his guidance and support, as well as my amazing mother, sister, and NBC family!
What is your fondest memory while being a member Harmony, Inc.?
I have far too many wonderful memories to name just one… it has been 35 years! Singing with my mom (Mary Ann Wert), sister (Lorie Autote) and bestie (Lynn Blakeney) and Laurie (Shepherd) O’Donnell for many years in For Heaven’s Sake, for almost 30 years now, is pretty special. They are my “ride or die!” Winning medals with my quartets and chorus has, of course, been wonderful, but it is the relationships I have built with the people in this organization that have made my heart feel whole. I love performing, but I REALLY love coaching, teaching, and inspiring people in some way!
What has motivated you to stay with Harmony, Inc. and with barbershop?
My relationships with the people in HI made me want to not only stay, but invite everyone I knew that loved to sing to become part of it. I have loved watching my chapter grow over the years, and knowing I have been part of that growth in some way, along with our amazing music and leadership teams, is so incredibly rewarding! Looking back, I must say that as a teen deciding on my future and college choices, it was barbershop that led me into the field of music, eventually becoming a music teacher, and then frontline director of Northern Blend, a coach, a private voice instructor, and a clinician at numerous youth events across the US and Canada, inspiring kids to sing and love barbershop. That really makes my heart happy!
You provided a “gift-in-kind” to Harmony, Inc. when you prepared and donated the learning tracks for From Now On, when Marie Ross purchased the music for our use - also as a gift-in-kind! What compelled you to be so generous with your time and skills?
At the time I made the tracks for From Now On, I had just wrapped up my term on the IBOD, and being part of that amazing group of women really inspired me to do everything in my power to give back to this organization. It was not the first time that I had donated a learning track, but this song and its message struck me as so powerful, and I wanted to make sure that everyone had access to good tracks in order to learn this song. It was honestly my pleasure to create them. My chorus sings the song to this day, and we love it so much! Thank you to Marie for her generosity!
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| Honorary Member Nominations |
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Seeking Honorary Member nominations...
By Taralee Lashway, Director of Membership
At the Opening Ceremony of Harmony, Inc.’s 2022 International Convention and Contests, we presented the inaugural Honorary Member Award to Dr. David Wright of St. Louis, Missouri, for his tremendous contributions and support in the growth of our organization.
This is the time of year where we are reminded that any Harmony, Inc. Member and Associate Member in good standing can nominate an individual who is suitable to serve as a Harmony, Inc. ambassador as an Honorary Member awardee.
In order to meet criteria for this honor, the honoree:
- Would agree to attend and receive the Honorary Member Award at the Membership Meeting during that year’s Opening Ceremony of the International Convention.
- Would agree to take part in publicity and media coverage surrounding the presentation of the award.
- Work with Harmony, Inc.’s Public Relations Coordinator to represent and serve as a spokesperson and for the organization.
For more information and to find the nomination form, visit the Member’s Only section of the website (under Corporate Manual, Section 14.5) and Form HAR-058. Deadline for nominations to be considered is January 31, 2024.
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Here's the IC&C order of appearance
By Shannon Shelton-Muller, IC&C Marketing Manager
The live draw to determine the order of appearance for our chorus and quartet contests was held Monday, September 11, at 7 p.m. ET. International Contest & Judging Chair Kathy Greason and Sounds of the Seacoast chorus facilitated the evening as 240 Harmony members watched. We had a fun trip under the sea as Ariel, Flounder, Sebastian, Prince Eric, and many more of their friends above and below the waves randomly selected the names from amongst the registered choruses and quartets.
The order of appearance for 2023 is:
Chorus Order
- Montreal City Voices
- Women of Note
- New England Voices in Harmony
- Coastal Voices
- Sounds of the Seacoast
- Bella Nova Chorus
- Seaside A Cappella
- St. Louis Vocal Project
- Nickel City Sound
- White Sands A Cappella
- Sing Niagara
- A Cappella Showcase
- Sisters of Sound
- Niagara Frontier Chord Authority
- ScotianAires
- Bluegrass Harmony Chorus
- Capital Chordettes
- Rochester Rhapsody
- Crystal Chords
- Music City Sound
- Valley Voices
- The Thousand Islanders Chorus
- The Barre-Tones
- Harmony Magic
- Covered Bridge Harmony
- Atlanta Harmony Celebration
- Village Vocal Chords
- Liberty Belles Chorus
- Unaccompanied Minors
Quartet Order
- Peachy Keen
- Four Shore
- Friendzie
- Mosaic
- Intonations
- Sublime
- Tonic!
- Viváce
- Somesing
- The ShopTarts
- enJOY!
- LIP SERVICE
- Onyx
- Life Is Good!
- Daphodyls
- Fierce
- High Gear
- Lost and Found
- A Little Bit of Moxie
- Legacy
- Blue Phoenix
- SWAG
- ZEST
- SolFire
- SweetLife
- Violet Sky
- Serenade
- RoadTrip
- Sweet Addiction
- Escapade
- Continental Crush
- Life's a Pitch
- Roulette
The 2023 IC&C official order of appearance is posted on the Harmony, Inc. website.
Meet Your Judges: The Singing Category (Part 4 in the Series)
What is the Singing Category (SNG)?
Singing is defined as quality, in-tune vocalization accomplished with a high degree of unity, ensemble consistency, and artistry. The Singing judge evaluates 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; expansion and “ring”; artistry.
Your Singing Category Judges for our 2023 International Convention and Contests are:
TUNE UP TIPS
Early bird pricing may be over for AEP Registration, but you can still get them online until November 3 with an additional fee of $10 each. After that, AEPs and tickets can only be purchased at the door.
You can book your room online at https://www.experiencegr.com/harmony-inc/. Room rate = $164 + 15% tax.
The deadline is October 13.
We are now accepting Big Screen Ads! It’s a great way to show support for your favorite chorus, quartet, coach, etc. Go here: IC&C Big Screen Ad
• Deadline is October 1.
• Cost:
• Harmony, Inc. member, quartet, or chapter = $35
• Non-Harmony, Inc. barbershop member = $100
• Not affiliated with any barbershop organization (outside provider) = $150
Photo order forms are on the website: Harmony Inc. 2023
Don't Miss A Moment!
Acaville makes sure you don't miss a note! Sign up and get in on all the fun happening in Grand Rapids. It's the perfect solution, whether you're watching from home or you want to make sure you can see it all because your chorus or quartet or BOTH will be taking the stage. Whether you see it livestream or watch the recordings from the Acaville site later, make sure you don't miss all the behind the scenes footage by signing up today.
Membership Levels – Harmony, Inc on Acaville
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Last taxes reminder for this year!
American chapters who have not yet forwarded proof of filing with the IRS are asked to do so as soon as possible. Forward proof of filing to the VP Finance.
Canadian chapters are reminded that filing with CRA is due by 30 September. A copy of the Notice of Assessment (or other proof) needs to be sent to the VP Finance.
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| Time to Report Performance Activity |
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IMPORTANT! ? IMPORTANT!
By Sara Stone, Director Programs (Music and Education)
Harmony, Inc. and its Areas and Chapters are required to pay fees to three separate U.S. music licensing agencies, ASCAP, BMI, & SESAC, whenever we perform music at live events that we organize (Chapter Shows, AC&C's and IC&C.) It is important that we include all three agencies to be fully covered for the music that we perform. It’s time to complete our report on licensing these events for the period from July 1 – September 30, 2023. If you’ve had a performance or show between July 1 and September 30, you can fulfill this requirement by reporting your activity on Form HAR-122 ... UNLESS you have your own accounts in place with ASCAP, BMI, & SESAC.
Canadian Chapters/Areas must report their performance activity to SOCAN, with whom we do not currently have an umbrella license. This reporting must be done independently by each chapter/area; consequently, the form referred to below is not applicable in Canada.
By completing Form HAR-122 (found in the Members Only section of the website) your chapter will fall under umbrella agreements with these licensing organizations. Instead of your chapter paying fees directly to ASCAP/BMI/SESAC, you will submit your information to Harmony, Inc. and we will report on your behalf. Your chapter/area will be billed for your portion of fees paid under Harmony, Inc.’s licensing agreements. These fees will typically be less than you would pay directly to these organizations to perform your music.
Please review the linked form and familiarize yourself with the information.
This form will be automatically sent to the Copyright & Licensing Coordinators and the Finance Assistant. If you have questions about completing this form, please contact the Finance Assistant at financeoffice@harmonyinc.org
If you have questions about this information, please contact the Copyright & Licensing Coordinators at recording@harmonyinc.org or the Finance Assistant at financeoffice@harmonyinc.org.
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| Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion |
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By Bonita Hester, EDC Chair
We’ve had some wonderful discussions in our Roundtables so far, and we expect the upcoming meetings to be no less exciting. We’ve had conversations on how to encourage diverse membership, the history of the lyrics of some of our songs, what changes can be made to lyrics that are not inclusive, and in general, we’ve shared how to talk over sometimes controversial topics while treating each other with empathy and respect.
Whenever we can, we gather issues, questions, and ideas from the general membership and use these as talking points, always ensuring participants that the Roundtable is a safe place to speak their truth.
Our next Roundtable will kick off at 6 p.m. ET, Wednesday, September 27. Register and acquire the Zoom link through the website Events Calendar.
Group Commitment for Equity & Diversity Roundtable
The following document was created as a guideline for discussion within the Equity and Diversity Roundtable and may be shared outside of this setting. (Credit: Anne McNeill, Glenn Singleton, and members of the Equity and Diversity Roundtable.)
Stay Engaged and Curious
Mentally, physically, and emotionally, even when what’s being said makes you question or wonder.
Ask a question to learn more about someone’s intent or perspective. Be open to hearing a different point of view.
Recognize Risk
And be open to these difficult conversations.
Be OK With Discomfort
Understand that unlearning can be harder than new learning.
Speak Your Truth
We are all in different places in our learning and need to be able to speak from where we are without fear of judgment.
Confidentiality
What’s said here, stays here.
What’s learned here, leaves here.
Accept Non-Closure
Things won’t always get resolved here.
Take it away; think, reflect, and be open to new insights.
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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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from Debbie Dodge in memory of Chris Rollins
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| Condolences From The Membership |
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- To Martha Walli of Nickel City Sound on the death of her brother, John Walli.
- To Lillian Hrytzak of Nickel City Sound on the death of her brother-in-law, Gary Hrytzak.
- To White Sands A Cappella on the tragic death of their member, Chris Rollins, in an auto accident.
- To Marion Fraser Pritchard on the death of her brother-in-law, Lino John Mascotto, Sept. 2.
Need to post a condolence notice? Please have the information sent to the Corporate Office to be recorded. Thank you.
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27 SEPTEMBER - EDC Roundtable, 6 p.m. ET
30 SEPTEMBER - Deadline to submit HAR-009 to add topic to Annual IBOD Meeting Agenda
30 SEPTEMBER - Canadian Chapters file T2 with Revenue Canada.
1 OCTOBER - Big Screen Ads cutoff
3 NOVEMBER - End of Online IC&C registration. Tickets may still be purchased at the door.
5-8 NOVEMBER - IBOD Annual Meeting, Grand Rapids, Michigan
8-11 NOVEMBER - IC&C, Grand Rapids, Michigan
19 NOVEMBER - Delegates/Associates meeting via Zoom at 2 p.m. EST
31 JANUARY 2024 - Deadline for nominations for Honorary Member
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| Future International Convention & Contests |
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2024 NOVEMBER 6-9, GALT HOUSE, LOUISVILLE, KY
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, ONTARIO
2028 NOVEMBER 1-4, HERSHEY LODGE, HERSHEY PA
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The next issue of the HI Note comes to your inbox October 5. What would YOU like to read about in that issue? Share your thoughts with editor@harmonyinc.org by September 28.
See you in a couple weeks!
Copyright © 2023 Harmony, Inc., All rights reserved
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