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Harmonious synergies
It's all about teamwork
By Gaye LaCasce, International President
I love words. It was apparent to me early on (and especially as an English major) how much one’s careful choice of words matters – in relationships, in performance reviews at work, in emails, as a parent. My family teases me about the amount of time I take to write (and re-re-re-rewrite!) because I want my words to accurately reflect exactly what I’m thinking, and I also want to put myself into the proverbial shoes of whomever is receiving my words.
In a recent conversation, a dear Harmony friend and mentor used the term, “harmonious synergies.” I loved that phrase and wanted to think further about its implications for my volunteer work for Harmony (and the work of every other volunteer in chapters, Areas, and as corporate assistants and Board members.)
First stop - Webster’s Dictionary.
Harmonious (adjective)
- tuneful; not discordant: "harmonious music"
- forming a pleasing or consistent whole: "the decor is a harmonious blend of traditional and modern"
- free from disagreement or dissent: "harmonious relationships"
Synergies (plural noun)
the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects: "the synergy between artist and record company"
As singers in four-part harmony, harmonious synergy is exactly what we ALWAYS try to achieve. Listen to any individual part in a chorus or quartet; even if the musical line is melodious, it never sounds as beautiful as it will when the other 3 parts join in and the chords actually ring – a perfect example of synergy.
I’ve written many times in the past few months about the work of your International Board of Directors and all the other volunteers who make our organization successful. What I may not have mentioned is that we often talk about finding synergies in our work for Harmony. The opposite of synergy is working in isolation – doing our work with no thought about how it might impact other programs or initiatives. With so much we want to achieve for our members, we don’t have time to work in a silo, because we can accomplish so much more (and do better!) by working together.
None of us is 100% successful in the quest for synergy – sometimes it just seems easier to forge ahead and do something on your own. But outcomes can be improved when different perspectives are added. I’ll be thinking a lot about harmonious synergies as we prepare for our third quarter IBOD meetings, as I practice choreography for my next chorus rehearsal, and as I focus on what my tenor notes can add to my quartet’s sound. Do harmonious synergies resonate with you?
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CLARIFICATION: In the last issue of the HI Note we inadvertently omitted the link to the report on our member surveys that we promised you. Here it is. Happy reading!
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SōlFire Quartet stages benefit concert for foster kids
PR Coordinator Teri Allred and the SōlFire Facebook page contributed to this story.
SōlFire Tenor Allyn Lloyd hit up the quartet group chat after the Area 3 convention in May with, "You know what I'm thinking about? Foster kids. Did you know that most of them have no bags or suitcases of their own to transport their belongings from home to home? We should do something about that!"
Two months later, SōlFire and the First Christian Church at Brock Hall in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, hosted Best Case Scenario, a concert where the fee to get in was new or gently used luggage.
"We invited a bunch of friends to sing on the show. A lot of them showed up and a few who couldn't still donated luggage," posted the quartet on Facebook.
"It was a wonderful afternoon of music and dancing. The best part was that we collected over 100 pieces of luggage for the foster kids of Prince Georges County in Maryland!"
The barbershop, a cappella, instrumental music, and faith communities came together to present the benefit concert. SōlFire (Allyn Lloyd, Tenor; Erin Cassidy-Whong, Lead; Rachael Storey-Chase, Baritone; and Emily Faalasli, Bass) headlined the impressive lineup of talent. The playbill also included Key of E, along with IC&C-bound quartets Angel’s Envy and Legacy. Rounding out the program were Bella Nova Chorus, Vegan Donuts and The Agency, Portia Pitts, and 5th Day. Performers included several family groups with five mother-daughter combos, two grandmother-granddaughters combos, and two married couples on the program.
Clear Harmonies LLC donated their services, providing sound equipment and design for the show.
Concert goers were treated to a wide array of musical styles. SōlFire’s set included a song with the Half-Notes featuring SōlFire Lead Erin’s daughter Alison and Allyn’s granddaughters Misha and Beni. 5th Day had the audience out of their seats and dancing to their cover of Dua Lipa’s Don’t Start Up (IN CHURCH, no less!) Portia’s performance of Eye Is on the Sparrow left few dry eyes in the house.
Best Case Scenario brought together families and communities to support those in need. Besides the luggage, concert goers donated backpacks, personal care items, and quite a few stuffed animals (we can all use a friend.)
Allyn opened the show with the pronouncement, “This is the FIRST ANNUAL Best Case Scenario event.” And the audience agreed. We can’t wait for the Second Annual Best Case Scenario Benefit Concert!
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We are only 3 months away!
By Shannon Shelton-Muller, IC&C Marketing Assistant
Can you believe it? We are three months away from IC&C in Louisville, Kentucky! Your IC&C Convention Team knows that there's a lot of information being sent out from many sources and that can be overwhelming. We have the solution, the Know Before You Go call! This year's zoom call is scheduled for August 25 at 4 p.m. Mark your calendars, today, to attend. Get the inside track on all things IC&C directly from your IC&C team along with some special guests. The zoom link will be sent out to all members closer to the call date.
HOTEL ROOM RESERVATIONS
Please go HERE to book your hotel room.
ICC REGISTRATION
- We ask that all choruses register their members at the same time vs. having members register individually. This ensures you will be seated together at dinner.
- You can register for ICC here.
- Click here for detailed instructions on the use of this form
Remember, you can also visit the FAQ page for details on IC&C! The FAQ sheet is kept updated throughout the contest season with everything you need to know.
VOLUNTEERING AT IC&C
Harmony needs YOU for a successful convention!
By Anne Leinen, IC&C Volunteer Manager
The Volunteer Sign Up is ready to go and we need your help at IC&C! Family and friends who attend the convention are welcome to volunteer as well.
Here’s how to use the Signup sheet:
- Click the signup link: Harmony, Inc. 2024 Volunteer Opportunities: Registration - Opening Ceremony - Showcase (signupgenius.com). This will take you to the IC&C signup sheet.
- Click the tab for the event where you want to work. Let’s use “Chorus Contest”.
- Pick the job you’d like to work - how about Pattern Coordinator? Find that listing on the left-hand side. Click on the “sign up” button on the right-hand side and a checkmark will appear.
- Click “Save and Continue” at the bottom of the screen, and you’ll be asked to submit your name, email address, and affiliation (chapter, associate, affiliate or other). You may leave an optional comment as well. You do NOT need to create a SignUpGenius account, even if you need to change your job at a later date.
- Click “Sign Up Now” and you’ll be done. Your name and any comment you made will appear in that slot on the signup sheet, and you’ll receive an email confirmation from SignUpGenius.
- If you’d like to sign up for a different job, click on “Back to Sign Up,” find the tab with the event you’re interested in working, and sign up for a different job.
- If you are having trouble signing up, email me and I’ll be happy to help.
The link is also posted on the Harmony Facebook page and the volunteer section of the Convention Page on the Harmony website.
Have a question or need to change jobs and/or times? Use one of two ways to let me know:
- Go back to the signup sheet using this link, click on the envelope icon in the top general description area on any of the event signups, and you’ll be able to leave me a message.
- Email me directly at iccvolunteermanager@harmonyinc.org.
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YOUTH MEMBER AWARD NOMINATIONS
By Tessa Walker, Youth Coordinator
It is time to send in your nominations for the Harmony Youth Member of the Year Award! Each year Harmony, Inc. honors outstanding contributions by our youth members with this award. With so many highly qualified youth members, we are depending upon you to facilitate their nomination.
Our organization is successful because of the many volunteers who contribute their time and energy for the good of Harmony, Inc. and fellow singers. The Harmony, Inc. Youth Member of the Year Award recognizes Youth Members who have made significant contributions to the organization and/or the music community. This award is presented each year at our International Convention and Contest.
A description of the selection and nomination process can be found on form HAR-120A. The nomination form is HAR-120. Both forms can be found on the Members Only section of the Harmony, Inc. website. Deadline for nomination submission is September 15, so don't delay!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
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| Minor Chords Director Sought |
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Nominate yourself or someone else...
By Tessa Walker, Youth Coordinator
Hello Harmony!
In order to expand our talent pool, we are creating a catalog of people who would be interested in and passionate about directing the Minor Chords.
You can nominate yourself or you can nominate someone else. The goal is to keep the tradition of having a new person each year and we want to continue to diversify the directorship.
The Director:
- Works with the Youth Coordinator to select the Minor Chords song
- Must have the skill set to run successful music rehearsals and direct the chorus of youth members.
- You must be 26 or older as - if you are 25 and under - you should be singing with the Minor Chords chorus and enjoying that experience with the ensemble!
If you are interested in nominating someone (or yourself), please fill out this Google form. You can direct any questions to youth@harmonyinc.org
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| Harmony has 3 new BHS Judge Candidates |
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Harmony, represent!
Three dedicated Harmony members attended BHS Candidate School at the University of Denver the end of July and have been accepted as BHS candidate judges. Candidate judges participate in a rigorous three-year qualification program at their own expense before qualifying as Certified Judges.
FROM LEFT: Angie Morton, Administrative Judge Candidate; Diane Patterson, Administrative Judge Candidate; Maggie McAlexander, Musicality Judge Candidate.
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How to address universal sag
By Elizabeth Meeker, Membership Coordinator
EDITOR'S NOTE: Each month, Advice Columnist Liz addresses burning questions on all aspects of barbershop performance and administration submitted by Harmony members. Please click the byline above to send her your query.
Dear Liz,
I am trying so hard to not sing flat, but I’m not sure how to fix it. How can I sing on pitch better?
Signed,
Saggy Notes
Dear Saggy Notes,
I’m so glad you asked this question! Know first of all you aren’t the only one who struggles with this issue. We all love to sing on pitch, so how come we aren’t?
The answer is a combination of things, including Posture and Breath Support. To quote Dr. Dan Wessler, Director of Westminster Chorus, at a class I recently attended, “I believe singing flat is directly related to poor breath support.”
So being aware of your body position, and your breathing will help. Even if sitting, we can sit at the edge of our chair so as not to compress our bellies.
I highly recommend watching Paul Ellinger’s class on Breathing and Support, available on the HIVE Library: WAVEBOX, Session 2.mp4 (dropbox.com)
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Look what's coming this fall to Elmira, Ontario!
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END OF FISCAL YEAR REPORTING REQUIREMENT
By Jan DelVecchio, VP Finance
This is the final reminder to US Chapters to file an electronic 990-N with the IRS by August 15, 2024.
Canadian Chapters have another month file a T2 with CRA by September 15, 2024.
All Chapters are reminded to send a copy of the notice that they receive from their respective tax agency advising that their filing has been received to the VP Finance. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions.
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ANNOUNCING...Debbi Durfey
Quartet Development Co-Coordinator
By Taralee Lashway, Director of Membership
The Membership Team is excited to announce that Debbi Durfey has taken on the role of Quartet Development Co-Coordinator and will be working hand-in-hand with Michelle Dionne. Debbi is a proud 30-year member of Harmony and the Crystal Chords of Area 3. She is super eager to jump in and serve Harmony.
We want to thank Rachael Storey-Chase, out-going QDC, for the hard work and ideas that she has provided in this role over the past year and wish her all the best.
Volunteering to serve as an Assistant to the Board is not only a wonderful way to give back to Harmony, Inc., but also a hugely needed key to keeping our organization growing and thriving. The Membership Team is looking for a passionate person to take on the role of Membership Coordinator. If you would like an opportunity to serve on a great team, please contact Taralee.
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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.
?
Thank you to our recurring monthly donors: Lindsay Chartier, Kelly Peterson, Ann McAlexander, Jeanne O'Connor, and Donna McKay
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| Condolences From The Membership |
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- to Suzanne Rudolph (Area 1, Seaside A Cappella) who recently lost her mother.
Need to post a condolence notice? Please have the information sent to the Corporate Office Assistant to be recorded. Thank you.
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14 AUGUST, 7:30 p.m. ET - HIVE Class - Hearty, Happy, Healthy, Instructor: Kim Wonders
15 AUGUST - US Chapters are required to file an electronic 990-N with the IRS
28 AUGUST, 7:30 p.m. ET - HIVE Class - Engaging Youth Part 4, Instructor: Tessa Rae Walker
15 SEPTEMBER - Canadian Chapters are required to file a T2 with CRA
15 SEPTEMBER - Youth Member of the Year Nominations Deadline
25 SEPTEMBER, 7:30 p.m. ET - HIVE Class - Engaging Youth Part 5, Instructor: Tessa Rae Walker
1 OCTOBER - ICC Hotel Room Reservation Deadline
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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 August 20. What would you like to see covered in our pages? Drop a line to editor@harmonyinc.org and we'll tell the world. Next deadline is August 13.
See you again, soon!
Copyright © 2024 Harmony, Inc., All rights reserved.
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