2012 New Class Offerings

Non-Verbal Communication for Directors
Learn the art of saying more by saying less

Nutrition and Exercise for the Singing Edge
Great tips about how to make great choices about what & when to eat for energy and healthy singing. Learn from a nutritionist what not to eat before you sing.

Introduction to Recording Technology
See what you sound like! Wait until you see barbershop chords and your individual voice in the 21st century.

Back to the 'NEW' Basics
A New way to look at choreography…the "broad brush visual concept." Learn a few simple steps and moves to "lighten up" and "free up" your chorus performance.

Motivation 101
All great leaders have one thing in common…they know how to motivate! If you stand in front of your chorus for any reason and want to learn some new motivational skills and ideas, take this class.

Back by popular demand
Private Vocal Instruction (first come first served) and the Coaching Track (Coaching 1, Coaching 2, CAPS).

Harmony University offers over 100 classes!

Here is a small sampling of some of them:

Harmony College

  • Arranging 1 – Do your own “spots”! Basic principals of arranging in the barbershop style
  • Elements of Coaching – What to learn how to become a coach? Learn the common characteristics of great coaches, communication skills, and study the relationship between the coach and the ensemble.
  • Vocal Techniques – The very heart of barbershop harmony – the human voice! Learn the basics of correct breathing, resonation, posture, and tone. One on one opportunities available!
  • Sight Singing – Sing what you see! Learn the fundamentals of transforming the visual symbols of pitch and rhythm into vocal sound!
  • History of Barbershop – Gain an overview of Society history including the development of the contest and judging system. This class taught by great Society historian, David Wright!
  • Honors Chorus – Spend two hours every day learning from one of the best directors in the Society. This is YOUR chance to sing with a great chorus, every day, culminating in a performance of a lifetime on the Saturday night show!
  • “How to Be a Great” Classes – Learn the characteristics and personalities of your voice part…from one of the best on his voice part!
  • Music Theory – This tract begins with basics in music notation, key signatures, and meter signatures and moves all the way through functional analysis of barbershop arrangements. A placement exam is required to be sure you are placed in the appropriate level!
  • Tag singing – Acknowledged masters of teaching the tag, teach you all the old favorites and a few new ones to boot!

Directors College

  • Directing Techniques – This tract starts with assistance in identifying habits of the directors that may be getting in the way of the chorus, and moves to more advanced musicianship levels developing a mastery of adapting conducting techniques to reflect vocal intentions.
  • Sound Management – Hear what they are singing! Gain insights on how to address ensemble issues and learn how to work with tone productions, vowels, breath management, and tuning.
  • Choral Methods – Learn practical methods to take your skills to another level. Diagnose and solve common problems with ensembles and develop and refine your own concepts of singing and rehearsing.
  • Music Theory – This tract begins with basics in music notation, key signatures, and meter signatures and moves all the way through functional analysis of barbershop arrangements. A placement exam is required to be sure you are placed in the appropriate level!
  • Vocal Pedagogy – Teach others to sing better! Isn’t that what being a director is all about? Learn more about the physiology of the voice and improve your skills in teaching vocal techniques.
  • Directors College Chorus – Learn from one of the best while singing, rehearsing, and performing.
  • Leadership – A required class for all first year faculty, this incredibly highly rated course will help you return to your chapter with renewed energy and new concepts on how to lead and inspire!
  • Rehearsal Techniques for Directors – This is your opportunity to add to your bag of tricks! Dive into concepts from basic sound production to motivational techniques and improving your chorus culture.

Quartet College

Receive specialized coaching for your quartet in five areas:

  • Singing
  • Presentation
  • Music
  • Performance
  • Microphone Techniques

Also to complement your intensive week of coaching, participate in courses such as:

  • Rehearsal Techniques for Quartets – From warm ups to learning new songs and rehearsing old songs, learn the rehearsal strategies that help make a quartet successful.
  • Tune it or Die – What is tuning and why is it important? How can you implement this hallmark skill into your every day practice?
  • Barbershop Butterflies Bite the Dust – Learn how to cope with the fears that reduce your potential as a performer.
  • Spokesman for Quartets – Put the audience at ease as you seamlessly transition to the next song. Learn tips to present a better overall package.
  • Website Design for Your Ensemble – Learn how to build and maintain a website that delivers exciting and up to date content to your audience. Marketing is power and the world wide web is a powerful tool!