Harmony College Northwest 2026

The status quo (our adherence to tradition?) is extremely strong. Even though we knowsomething needs to change or we ought to be doing something differently, there is that ball-and-chain that keeps us rooted and grounded in the past. This session will walk you through somereasons why change needs to happen and how one chapter navigated the renaming and therebranding of their image in the community. Maybe a change is in the wind for you and alongwith it signs of renewed life and energy. “If nothing changes, nothing changes.” Deeper than itsounds. 60 minutes

We spend a lot of time talking about vocal harmony, but hardly at all about social harmony. This is important because so many singers leave quartets and choruses (or stop singing altogether) due to interpersonal problems, which we can all agree is a tragedy. In this class, we will practice stretching our own capacity for conflict and discuss various strategies for seeking clarity and connection through difficult conversations. An empathetic and collaborative approach will be utilized throughout.

Motivational leadership within a barbershop chorus is the practice of transforming a collection of individual voices into a single, resonant instrument through the power of shared vision and vocal unity. A truly motivational director or section leader acts not just as a conductor, but as a "salesman" for the music, igniting a passion for the lock and ring of a perfectly tuned chord. By fostering a culture of positivity and section pride, leaders inspire singers to embrace the discipline of vowel matching and precise synchronization not as a chore, but as a path to collective excellence. This leadership style prioritizes the growth of the individual—offering specific, encouraging feedback and celebrating small musical victories—while maintaining an atmosphere of humor and camaraderie that makes the rehearsal hall a lifeline for its members. Ultimately, motivational leadership in barbershop is about creating a safe space where every singer feels empowered to take risks, ensuring that when the chorus finally hits that ringing chord, it is a triumph of both musical craft and human connection.

"For many of us, recruiting new members resembles some sort of barbershop black hole. We’ve tried this and we’ve tried that. Nothing seems to work. And when lightning strikes and someone walks through our doors, we find ourselves fumbling for a process that contains elements that are appealing enough to make that person want to a) stay the night and, more importantly, b) comeback a second time. This session will offer a model and suggestions for getting them in the door and getting back that all-important second time. Come with ideas to share as well. Very little is new under the sun; we just haven’t seen it all.

Navigating new leadership in a barbershop chorus is a delicate exercise in striking the right balance between honoring a storied legacy and steering the ensemble toward a fresh musical vision. For a new director or music team member, the first set on the riser is less about technical overhaul and more about building trust through transparency and active listening. Success in this transition requires a deep respect for the chorus’s established culture, while gradually introducing a new plan for musical growth that excites the membership. By collaborating closely with the administrative board and empowering section leaders, a new leader can ensure that change feels like a shared journey rather than a top-down mandate. Ultimately, navigating this shift effectively means prioritizing personal rapport—learning every singer's name and vocal strength—to transform the initial uncertainty of a leadership change into a unified, resonant energy that keeps the chorus stronger than ever.

Discover proven, easy-to-implement outreach ideas that can boost membership, increase fundraising success, and elevate your chorus visibility and impact in your community.