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6 Ways Virtual Harmony University will reconnect you during quarantine

Get your 2020 barbershop fix at Virtual HU this July

It’s the first of its kind— and the smart, safe way to have a great barbershop get-together this year

It’s unanimous. Barbershoppers around the globe feel the loss of all our beloved events: 2020 International, fall conventions, chorus and quartet shows, regional activities, youth camps, and especially our weekly rehearsals. So while those in-person gatherings are on pause, I’d argue that Virtual Harmony University (VHU) is a great alternative for ‘super-spreaders’ like us. Learning a thing or two about music, and spending time with some of my favorite friends in the barbershop community -- I’m in! Here's what I'm looking forward to!

1. Working with some of my favorite artists in the Virtual Choir Experience

This is our chance to work with a cappella legend Deke Sharon, and additional favorites After Hours (2018 BHS International Quartet Champion), GQ (Sweet Adelines International 2019 third-place bronze medalists), and Hot Pursuit (2019 Harmony, Inc. Harmony Queens).

These are some of the best people in the a cappella scene and are really devoted to bringing along the best for barbershop and the future of singing. Plus, the Everyone in Harmony Virtual Choir is our opportunity to share the joy of singing with the world.

2. Becoming a better leader at the Leadership Seminar

Top leadership instructors will guide chapter and district officers in the skills that make for more effective teams and successful barbershop experiences. Each day will have a combination of discussion and targeted lessons on leadership topics that will equip us all to make a difference.

3. Feasting on a smorgasbord of Electives and General Sessions

Weekly general sessions will celebrate five decades of HU, with presentations from barbershop favorites Joe Liles, David Wright, Jim Henry, and Debbie Cleveland! Plus, there’ll be over 90 elective classes offered by some of the finest and most down-to-earth educators in barbershop.

4. HU’s global experience: Meeting, learning, and singing with people from all over the world

One of the greatest opportunities at Harmony University is working alongside Barbershoppers from around the world. Collaborating and learning from the perspectives of folks outside your own country will catapult us all to a deeper understanding of the subject - not to mention a different cultural perspective!

5. Attending for a fraction of the cost of in-person HU

If you have ever said to yourself, “I would love to attend Harmony University but the registration and travel costs are just too much for me this year…” then Virtual HU is your chance to participate in a top-notch learning experience at a fraction of the typical cost. And you get to build your own package: all-you-can-’Shop with the full registration or à la carte.

6. Treat yo' self to all the ice cream and libations

It’s a tradition at Harmony University: EVERY night is ice cream night. Seriously, folks would lose it if there was no ice cream party after a full day of learning.

We're keeping the tradition alive with our Virtual Ice Cream Party! It’s BYO...IC. More details coming soon.

Consume your favorite ice cream and libations while mingling with all of the Virtual HU attendees!

Harmony University starts Monday, July 6. For more information visit our website. I hope to see you there!

about the author

Jernie Talles Millán joined the Barbershop Harmony Society staff in December 2017 as the Marketing Assistant. She is a Bachelor of Music graduate from Middle Tennessee State University, with a degree in Music Industry and a minor in Recording Industry Management, with an emphasis in Vocal Performance.

A member of the international professional music organization, Delta Omicron, Jernie was the secretary and music director of her chapter for two years and was awarded a merit scholarship and the Star of Delta Omicron award. She is currently an Executive Board member of Noteworthy Mixed Chorus (BHS) and a member of the Women's Music Business Association.