HU Singing Experiences
Broaden your skills and enrich your Harmony University week as part of these ensembles.
HU 2026 offers three distinct experiences for both HU participants and those who live in the area:
Harmony University Chorus under the direction of Theo Hicks
Next Generation Chorus under the direction of Neyla Pekarek
Harmony University Chorus
All Voices • Directed by Theo Hicks
If you love to sing and want to experience the energy of a full barbershop chorus, this is your moment! The HU Chorus is open to all singers—no audition required. You’ll spend the week rehearsing, learning rehearsal techniques, and exploring what makes great ensemble singing come alive.
Rehearsals: Monday–Friday, 2:00–4:00 PM
Performance opportunity on the Saturday night show
Music Fee: $30
To sign-up, you’ll register for the HU Chorus when registering for your other courses, once registration launches in Spring 2026
Please note: members of quartets or choruses being coached at HU cannot participate in the HU Chorus, as rehearsal times overlap with coaching sessions.
The 2026 Harmony University Chorus will be led by one of the most lyrical singers in recent memory, Instant Classic's gold medal lead, Theo Hicks. A widely sought-after arranger, coach and vocal instructor, Theo brings passion to every ensemble, forging trust and drawing out each singer's unique capability, and sound.
HU Next Generation Chorus
Ages 18-30 • Directed by Neyla Pekarek
You asked, we listened—the Next Generation Chorus at Harmony University is again open to singers ages 18-30! You’ll dive into three exciting charts, and build lifelong connections with the next generation of singers from around the world!
No audition required, but participants must be at least 18, and under the age of 31 as of August 1, 2026
Rehearsals: Monday–Friday, 2:00–4:00 PM
Performance opportunity on the Saturday night show
Music Fee: $30
To sign-up, you’ll register & pay the fee for the NextGen Chorus when registering for your other courses, once registration launches in Spring 2026
Please note: Members of quartets or choruses being coached at HU cannot participate in the NextGen Chorus due to overlapping rehearsal times
Neyla Pekarek — A Sweet Adelines International Queen of Harmony, Grammy nominee, and onetime barbershop brat — is leading the charge. You’ll learn three killer charts alongside new friends from around the world, and spend every day afterwards wishing you were still there.
2026 Harmony University Quartet Brigade
The Harmony University Brigade offers a premier mixed-voice quartet experience designed for barbershop singers ready to sing at a mid-high level. This immersive quartet program welcomes individual singers, eliminating the need to bring a pre-formed quartet to Harmony University. With a limit of 15 singers per voice part, we ensure a balanced and rewarding quartetting experience.
What's Included
- Six medalist-level charts with learning tracks (included for a $60 fee).
- Everyone can participate in the HU Brigade — even if you are participating in the HU or NextGen chorus, or if your quartet or chorus is being coached!
- Dedicated class-time from 1-2 PM with 4 rooms reserved for HU Brigaders 4:15-9:30 PM, Monday through Friday. (Although 1-2 PM was previously our elective hour Monday through Friday, we've moved all electives to Saturday for this year and the Brigade is the only class scheduled for this hour.)
- The Random Draw Quartet contest will be on Friday evening at 10PM, following the Friday Night Show.
- The winning quartet from the finals earns a performance spot on the Saturday Night Show for all other attendees.
Why Sign-up
No Quartet? No Problem! Join on your own and sing with talented barbershoppers from around the world.
Learn and Compete: Refine the skills you learn from the other classes you take throughout the week and perform in a fun and supportive random-draw quartet contest.
Network and Grow: Sing with potential future quartet partners and make deeper connections with other HU attendees.
Exclusive Performance: Get a chance to perform on the Saturday Night Show!
Expectations for Participants
- All 6 songs must be fully memorized before arriving at HU.
- Participants are expected to be fully prepared for quartetting with equally prepared peers.
- Those unprepared will be asked to withdraw from the Brigade.
Application Process
- Submit the application form with at least two references.
- Applications are reviewed promptly.
- Accepted participants will receive a payment link for the $60 fee and instructions to enroll.
- Music will be sent out to participants on a rolling basis once payment has been received.
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
Important: This is an application-only event, open to singers who can hold their part independently. Previous Brigade experience is not required, though previous quartet experience is. This is to ensure the satisfaction of all participants.