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Rising to the occasion
There's a role for everyone
By Gaye LaCasce, International President
Rising to the occasion - that's what happens in Harmony, Inc. You may think, "I haven't been a member long enough," or "I'm just an Associate," or "What skills could I possibly contribute?"... or a litany of other voices in your head, discouraging you from stepping into a volunteer role.
But there's a role for almost everyone in Harmony. Some volunteer positions entail a lot of responsibility. Some may require only a few hours of your time, once a year. Some are episodic, providing the opportunity to work as part of a team, while others may be solitary. Harmony's Volunteer Resource Coordinator can help find the perfect fit for you, whether you have a lot of time and experience (or not much of either!) to expend on this organization we love! Contact Debbie Glenn to learn more. In that same vein, Linda Brehaut's article about the Board nomination process is important for us all to read and consider, as is the great information from Kathy Greason about our judges (whose volunteer time goes above and beyond!)
Two of Harmony's newest volunteers deserve our gratitude. Michelle Dionne (Area 2) has recently been ratified by the IBOD to serve as Co-Coordinator of Quartet Development; her enthusiasm and energy will be welcome in that position (and many thanks to Donna Gronemeyer for her work in that role, with Rachael Storey-Chase continuing as the other Co-Coordinator.)
Board Director Kim Meechan is stepping down from the IBOD for health reasons; we are thrilled that Jeanne O'Connor is willing to accept the appointment to fill Kim's term, and also serve as Director of Philanthropy. Kim - thanks for all you've contributed, and Jeanne - your experience and deep understanding of Harmony are exactly what we need at this juncture.
As I said at the beginning, our organization is fortunate to have people who rise to the occasion when there's a need. How about you?
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Three new Assistant vacancies!
By Laura Oakes, Director of Programs
Harmony, Inc. has so many talented members who are willing to help if merely asked. Might one of them be you? Currently, we are searching for:
- Associate Member Coordinator
- Copyright and Licensing Co-Coordinator
- Video Editor
To see the complete job descriptions for these positions, please refer to the Corporate Manual .
Want to talk it over with someone?
When you are ready to take on one of these important roles, please complete and submit Form HAR-001, Application for Assistant to IBOD.
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| 34 Huge Grins at CTS 2024 |
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Who's smiling, now?
A vibe of excitement characterizes 2024 Category Training School for judges. Our Harmony judges and mentors from top are: Musicality judges, Performance judges, Singing judges, and Admin judges.
Category Specialist Linda Muise welcomes newest Admin judge, Angie Morton. Judges now have new, color-coded name badges.
CTS 2024 - A joyful judging school
By Kathy Greason, ICJC
The members of your judging program have just wrapped up a mild, cold, rainy, sunny, snowy four days in New Hampshire, learning and polishing skills in support of meaningful contest experiences for all. There was a vibe of excitement all weekend. This was a non-certification year, meaning attendance for certified judges was optional, yet every single certified judge spent the time (and money…) to join our applicants and candidates in a school full of love and laughter and shared ideas. How could we not celebrate that?
Hail to new judges!
And there was much to celebrate. We have two new candidates in the judging program! Rachel McIntyre in the Administrative Judge Category and Jenn Cleveland in the Musicality Category both enjoyed a successful weekend to earn this status. You may see them soon, practice judging at a contest near you. Congratulations to Rachel and Jenn!
Our newest judge is Angie Morton! You may know her as our Corporate Office Assistant or as a singer in A Cappella Showcase, but if you’re in Area 6, you’ll know her in 2024 as a certified Administrative Judge serving as Panel Chair for the contest weekend. Congratulations, Angie.
We recognized four of our certified judges for years of service:
Janet Billings, MUS – 5 years
Marie Ross, ADM – 5 years
Diane Patterson, ADM – 15 years (this was a “makeup” recognition – it’s actually 18…)
Lynn Randall, SNG – 25 years
And farewell to those retiring
We also took a moment to appreciate Renée Tramack, who is retiring as Singing Category Specialist on the ICJ Committee after seven years in that position. Amy Patterson has agreed to step in. In fact, Amy and Renée both attended the ICJ Committee meeting that preceded CTS, and they co-planned their part of the school together to ensure a smooth transition.
But on the subject of transition, at this school, we sadly said good-bye to two of our category mentors. It wasn’t really good-bye, as they assure us that we will see them in Louisville in November, but they are both stepping down from their mentoring roles.
We had known for quite a while that this would be Tom Gentry’s last school as mentor, so our Music judges, both current and retired, hatched a plan. We knew that Tom is a charter member of our 1959 Society, having included Harmony, Inc. in his estate plan. As ICJC, I followed along as the IBOD worked with Tom to develop a purpose for his future bequest – to support members who wish to pursue arranging, to support members who wish to pursue judging, and to support our organization generally. The nine judges who have certified under Tom’s mentorship decided that the most fitting tribute to Tom, in honor of his 29 years of patiently mentoring Harmony, Inc. Music judges, was to make the first donation to the fund that bears his name. That initial contribution from the group was $1,800! At CTS, we announced the donation to attendees. Tom was floored.
Finding a mentor to fill the hole that Tom’s departure leaves could have been a tough assignment. But Musicality Category Specialist Liz LeClair was very pleased to be able to announce at CTS that Steve Tramack, current BHS Category Specialist for Musicality, is our next Harmony, Inc. Musicality Category mentor. We look forward to working with him.
Chris Buechler, mentor to the Administrative Judges, told his category during the school that he, too, would be retiring from his mentor position. We are thankful that he has not retired from judging, however, and will actually be serving on a panel for us in Area 6.
User-friendly scoring changes
There are two curriculum items from this school that may be of additional interest to our membership. First, Harmony, Inc. is using a new computer program, Scoring Manager, to provide contest results and reports at our contests this year. The scoring program we have been using is being retired (oh, that word!), so we needed to move to something new. Scoring Manager is the scoring program the BHS has developed and uses, and ADM Category Specialist Linda Muise tested it for us at IC&C in Grand Rapids. The Administrative Judges spent much of their CTS weekend learning how to use the program, which they found to be very user-friendly. Phew. A HIVE class about this for members may be in our future…
Second, you may have noticed references to the “Musicality,” not “Music” category. One goal of this school was to ensure that all six of our certified Music judges could transition to this new category, adopted by Harmony, Inc. effective January 1 of this year. And they did. Educational opportunities for our Harmony, Inc. members about the Musicality category are also in our future. Suffice it to say here that the new category assesses musicality in the barbershop style, considering aspects of technique and artistry that Music Judges have been considering right along, but from a slightly different angle, and using language that may better communicate what is being assessed.
New badges
And finally, while the loudest cheers at our closing session erupted for our new candidates and our new judge, there was much joy from the certified folks when they were presented with new badges. The new badge design features the Harmony logo and the judge’s year of initial certification, and is color-coded to indicate the category of certification: white for the Administrative Judge Category, red for Musicality, green for Performance, and blue for Singing. Our members will now be able to identify our judges by category across a crowded room.
Summarizing the experiences of CTS each year is a challenge, given all that goes on…for instance, I omitted that attendees were able to hear and judge two quartets “live,” thanks to The Maine Idea, a BHS mixed quartet featuring our own Harmony Queen Renae Misner on lead, and SweetLife, an Area 2 quartet that mic-tested for the quartet finals at IC&C in Grand Rapids. Members of these quartets traveled for as little as a few minutes to as much as six hours to support the education of our judges. Wow!
Now, how about you?
Finally (again), a shameless plug. The journey to become certified to serve Harmony, Inc. as a judge can be challenging, but the rewards are immense. If you are a two-year plus member of Harmony, Inc., and have participated in a Harmony, Inc. contest in the not-too-distant past, and if you think that you might be a good fit for our judging program and that it might be a good fit for you, check out the Contest & Judging Handbook under Member Resources on the member side of our website to learn about applying to the program.
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| New IBOD Nomination Process |
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Know a good leader?
New nomination process for IBOD seats
By Linda Brehaut, Past President
The corporate office recently notified Harmony members that there is a slight change to the nomination process this year. We trust that everyone has received this and will give consideration to whether you, yourself, might be a good fit on the International Board, or if there is someone you know who might be a good candidate.
In 2023, the Nominations & Elections Task Force and the Governance & Nominations Committee conducted extensive research on board nominations and elections. Both groups think that it is important that potential board candidates are clear about the expectations and qualifications for board service. As a result, we are piloting a new nomination process and application for 2024.
This process helps members to be better informed about the expectations around serving on the International Board. The decision to have your name on the ballot is still yours to make. The Governance & Nominations Committee will not be vetting, selecting, or eliminating anyone who is interested in applying. This process is aimed at helping our members make informed decisions about life as an IBOD member.
Although the nomination process is different this year, please rest assured that the election process has not changed. All members in good standing will have a vote in the election for Directors and Area Directors. Members that are dual members in two Areas will have the privilege of voting for the Area Directors in both Areas but will only have one corporate vote.
If you or someone you know is interested, please complete the expression of interest form (HAR-034 part 1). The expression of Interest is due March 1 to allow time to schedule a chat with a member from the Governance & Nominations Committee.
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| Get Ready to Renew Your Membership |
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Membership renewals begin
By Kelly Peterson, Corporate Office
On February 15, 2024, documents and information will be distributed to all Chapter Presidents, Chapter Secretaries, Associate Members, and Affiliate Members. Current forms will be available in the Members section of the website beginning February 15. International dues are $75 USD ($38 USD for members age 25 and under as of April 1). Affiliate dues are $57 USD ($29 USD for Affiliates age 25 and under).
Any member who joined Harmony, Inc. prior to January 1, 2024, will be required to renew by April 1. Members who join January-March of 2024 pay dues for both the current and upcoming membership years and need not renew until 2025.
For a complete review on the subject of membership renewals, please see the explanation in the January #2 issue of the HI Note.
Please call the corporate office, 855-750-3341, or send an email with any questions.
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Jay Dougherty thanks Harmony
with Charley My Boy
By Laura Oakes, Director of Programs
There are many gifts that Harmony gives to others; however, Harmony Inc. was also the recipient of a few gifts this past holiday season. One of those was a “gifted song” from the generous heart of Jay Dougherty. Jay wrote to our Corporate Office back in December saying:
“Hello, Harmony, Incorporated Friends!
For those that don't know me, my name is Jay Dougherty and I am a BHS Musicality Judge and arranger. I had the absolute privilege to judge my first HI contest this past spring up in Area 5 and was just enamored with the experience. At that time, I felt impressed to "give back" to HI and I've chosen to do so by writing a public domain arrangement complete with learning tracks, for anyone and everyone to use as they desire, free of charge.”
Jay's gift is the lovely Charley My Boy. This arrangement features some wonderfully creative elements to make it interesting to performers and audience members alike. Its intricate voicings make it an appropriate number for accomplished performers.
Harmony is grateful to have been given this arrangement along with learning tracks. Many thanks to Jay and to Area 5 for making his first experience with Harmony so special that it inspired this valuable and welcome philanthropic donation. Jay’s gift can be found in the Members area of Harmony website under the Song Library option in the Gifted Music listings.
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Kat Bell
Northern Blend member supports Bright Future Fund
By Kim Meechan, Director of Philanthropy
It is always a pleasure to meet and chat with members during our fundraising efforts at IC&C, and 2023 was no exception. The outpouring of support for our Bright Future Fund was remarkable. While sitting at the fundraising table, I had the pleasure of meeting Kat Bell. She stopped by to make a donation and, not only that, reached out to her employer to see about a matching donation. Read more about Kat and how to potentially double your donation through employer matching programs! If you would like to donate to Harmony, Inc., click DONATE on the Harmony, Inc. website.
Kat, how did you discover Harmony, Inc.?
I've performed for years with a local musical theatre group and had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Laura Oakes and Anita Prather Harvell. Both encouraged me to attend a Northern Blend rehearsal more times than I could count! I didn't think barbershop was for me but after catching the end of a Northern Blend performance at a local parade I was intrigued. After attending one rehearsal I was hooked! As Katie Taylor said, I didn't just dive - I cannonballed right in!
What is your fondest Harmony, Inc. memory?
I would have to say my first IC&C experience was the most memorable moment so far. Listening to and watching so many amazing groups perform and immersing myself in everything IC&C had to offer was truly an experience I cannot wait to do over and over again! The fun didn't stop until we landed back in Syracuse - we were even singing songs on the shuttle and learning tags on our layover in Chicago!
What prompted you to donate to the Bright Future Fund during the 2023 International Convention and Contest?
I have always said that music is one of the greatest gifts young people can experience. It opens their minds to so many amazing things as they grow older, helps with self-confidence, and teaches them things that cannot be learned anywhere else. Any opportunity we have to help make that happen and bring music into the lives of younger people should not be taken for granted. I knew as soon as the fund was introduced I was going to donate and did so the very first hour they started taking donations. I wanted to make sure I did my part to ensure that youth can continue to participate in such amazing events as IC&C and other Harmony, Inc. activities.
Members may not realize that some employers match their employee's charitable donations. Do you have any suggestions to share about this way to increase donations for Harmony, Inc.?
I feel very lucky that my company does a 100% donation match and actually encourages all employees to submit matches for these funds. Companies use gift matching programs to fulfill their philanthropic goals for the year and it is an easy way to help support communities and nonprofits that are important to their employees. The easiest way to find out if your employer matches is to reach out to your manager or HR department. If they participate in gift matching, most will match at a 1:1 rate, but some may match at higher rates, which just means more money for the cause! There may be a few extra steps for donors to take, especially if their employers use an outside company to verify non-profit status, but it is totally worth it to know that Harmony, Inc. is receiving additional funds to help our programs.
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| Harmony Queens in Your Hometown? |
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Enjoy a Harmony Queen visit
By Judi Johnston, AHQ Travel Fund Chair
If you attended the Association of Harmony Queens Parade of Champions or the Quartet contests in Grand Rapids, you will no doubt have seen some stellar performances by our past and newly-crowned Harmony Queens.
Did you know that the AHQ offers financial assistance to bring one of these fine quartets to perform on your next chapter show, or to help facilitate a youth event or other educational event? That's right! Your Chapter/Area could receive up to $1,500 US to help defray travel and accommodation expenses to bring a champion quartet to your town/city.
More detailed information can be found at Harmony, Incorporated - Queens Travel Fund (harmonyinc.org)
For a list of currently active Harmony Queens and their contact information please visit Harmony, Incorporated - Active Harmony Queens (harmonyinc.org)
Start your planning now....available funds are allocated on a first come, first served basis!
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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.
Kathy Greason in honour of Tom Gentry
Beth Ramsson in honour of Tom Gentry
Janet Billings in honour of Tom Gentry
Liz LeClair in honour of Tom Gentry
Anne Bureau in honour of Tom Gentry
ICJC in honour of BHS Judging Mentors: Tom Gentry, Chris Buechler and Joe Hunter
Jean Hudson in honour of Sara Stone
Susan Wood in honour of Tom Gentry
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| Condolences From The Membership |
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- to Women in Harmony (Expansion Area) on the death of former member and friend, Gwen Cowieson
- to Linda Oliver (Sea Belles, Area 1), on the loss of her sister, Debbie Fisher, to cancer on January 1, 2024
- to Tracey Harkins (Sea Belles, Area 1) on the death of her father
- to June Noble (Associate, Area 3) on the death of her sister, Trudy Wohlers.
- to Deanna Dean (New England Voices in Harmony, Area 2) on the death of her mother, Betsy Chasolen
- to Ann Christiano, Rochester Rhapsody (Area 3), on the passing of her brother-in-law, Michael Christiano on December 18, 2023
Need to post a condolence notice? Please have the information sent to the Corporate Office to be recorded. Thank you.
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Area contests are right around the corner!
Update your calendar with the information shown below for your Area. Entries received after the posted Entry Deadline will incur a $5-per-singer late fee, and contestants registering after this date will sing first in the contest. No entries will be accepted after the late entry cutoff. Please check your Area website for more details about your AC&C.
As a reminder, all contestants who 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, 2024. In addition, quartets must also be appropriately registered and in good standing to enter any contest. If you have questions about your membership or quartet registration status, please contact the Corporate Office.
Contest entry forms are available online using the links below.
Official Area Chorus Contest Entry Form | https://www.harmonyinc.org/acc-chorus-cef/
Official Area Quartet Contest Entry Form | https://www.harmonyinc.org/acc-quartet-cef/
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Island A Cappella presents Gotta Have Heart at Charlottetown’s Carrefour Theatre on Saturday, February 10 at 2 p.m. (storm date Saturday, February 17).
“We’ll be well into winter by mid-February, so we wanted to host a show featuring music to warm the soul,” says chorus Director Jamie Feinberg. “Singing is certainly a wonderful way to express love and friendship and we’ve chosen tunes ranging from well-known barbershop standards to new songs we’ve added to our repertoire in the last year.”
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| International Conventions & 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 February 20. Is your chorus or quartet doing something special for Valentine's Day or Harmony Awareness Week? Drop a line to editor@harmonyinc.org and we'll tell the world. Next deadline is February 13.
See you again, soon!
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