Contemporary singing ensembles are rapidly gaining popularity in scholastic music programs. It seems that every school now has a pop or a cappella program alongside their traditional ensembles. Is the classical sound getting lost in the mix?

Pre-convention activities are underway in Jacksonville ahead of a sold out Midwinter Convention for the Barbershop Harmony Society.

This Friday will be a clash of the titans in Sandusky, OH as the choruses of Harmony, Inc. take the stage.

With less than a week to go, the excitement surrounding the 2019 Harmony, Incorporated International Convention & Contests is palpable. The contests kick off on Thursday morning with 33 qualifying quartets expected to take the stage at Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center in Sandusky, Ohio.

In 1957, a significant shift of needs and ideals in the women's barbershop community led to the creation of second organization. After a struggle of meetings and debate, the Melody Belles of Rhode Island were the first chorus to officially split from Sweet Adelines, followed closely by four more choruses to pursue a different direction. These 150 women propelled the creation of what became Harmony, Incorporated.

On October 5, top groups from around the world will head to New York City to take the stage at Carnegie Hall for the third annual International Championship for A Cappella Open, better known as the AcaOpen. The Varsity Vocals contest for all ages will welcome back the 2019 ICCA Champions, the N'Harmonics, and the 2019 ICHSA Champions, InTONEnation to compete against the Open Regional winners.

   Harmony University is well underway in Nashville, TN. Students of ALL ages are actively learning and performing for the best of the best. Honing their skills in singing, performing and leadership. This week brings together barbershop singers, music educators, music students, arrangers, doctors, lawyers and MANY more from all over the world for a once in a lifetime experience. At the end of the week two amazing shows feature performances ONLY to be found at Harmony University.

The week we wait for all year long is here!

At International, the contests take center stage, both literally and figuratively. And while you can share in the excitement from stage from home, sometimes there's nothing like being at the convention in person. There are so many options for even more barbershop fun that go on throughout the week.

Perhaps almost as exciting as the chords they ring are the clothes they wear.

The youth of barbershop take the big stage at Internationals on Wednesday, July 3 with twenty quartets, all members 25 years old or younger, competing in the Next Generation Varsity Quartet Contest.

On Friday, July 5th, choruses as large as nearly 150 men will take the stage in Salt Lake City. Unlike the quartets, choruses have just one appearance on stage - one chance to wow the judges and entertain the audience. From theatrics to gymnastics, we can expect much more than just tight harmonies.

The Quartet Contest at the annual BHS International Convention is a highlight for everyone in the barbershop community. Almost as much fun as watching the contest is crunching numbers and polling your friends on who may take the gold this year.

The excitement in Salt Lake City is just over a month away, but it's never too early to start planning your convention week! Whether you will be in Utah to see everything in person or watch it from home here on FloVoice, the Order of Appearance will make sure you are ready for the must-see performances.

When the curtain goes up at ICCA Finals on Saturday, ten groups will give the performance of their lives. While several of the groups have made it to finals before, none of these groups have won the title.