Education Classes

For those of you interested in attending education classes, they will be held on Thursday from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. and on Friday starting at 9:30 a.m. They will be held in the conference rooms of the Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center in the Meeting Space – Lower Level.

To download the schedule, descriptions, or instructor biographies, please click here.

Class Schedule

(click here to download)

Thursday, April 11, 2024

7:30 - 9:20 p.m.

Friday, April 12, 2024

9:30 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.

Class Descriptions

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THURSDAY, April 11, 2024

MIX ‘N MATCH – Karen Rourke

7:30 - 8:20 p.m., Concord

Using a tag or polecat, we listen to all the different combinations of voices in the room. What types of voices should we sing with to sound our best? How can changing one part, or a standing position create a better blend? Vocal tips are part of the class. Fun way to test your ears and listening skills. Quartets have been formed through these classes.

TED Talk Sessions in Rehearsals – Elizabeth LeClair

7:30 - 8:20 p.m., Marlborough

Planning "micro education" moments to sneak educational snippets into every rehearsal – Rehearsal time is precious, so let's make every minute count! Explore topics and guidelines on developing a list of subjects to enhance the skill levels of your chorus singers.

5 minutes Under Glass with a Singing Coach – Aaron Evens

8:30 - 9:20 p.m., Carlisle

You get a lesson, and YOU get a lesson.  Everyone in the room will get a brief lesson, and we can specifically address an issue or question you have about your voice.

The Poets, The Dreamers, and YOU, Part 1 – Lynn Blakeney

8:30 - 9:20 p.m., Concord

In this class we’ll discuss how to find a group’s identity, how and where to find music that best suits the group, and the best way to approach the meaning of the song so all feel comfortable performing it.

The POWER of the SPHERE – Paul Ellinger

8:30 - 9:20 p.m., Middlesex East & West

The Performance Sphere is a holistic groundbreaking approach to Performance developed by Paul Ellinger (PER Judge) and Dr. Philip Grant (SNG Judge).  After plotting your group on the sphere it will help you to determine why you are getting coaching and not improving, what kind of coaching you should be looking for, what mixture of technique and artistry you should be using in each of those levels as you progress AND see a group's progression from year to year as they progress through the four levels of the Performance Sphere.

Music and Musicality – from a Musicality Judge's perspective – Anne Bureau

8:30 - 9:20 p.m., Marlborough

A deeper understanding about what makes music interesting and compelling, and how can we, as performers, pull this off using the personal tools that we have built into our inner singer and performer. Did you ever wonder why certain performances are more compelling than others or simply have a way of taking you on a journey? If so, this is for you.

FRIDAY, April 12, 2024

How to Determine if Your Chapter is Primed for Growth – Paul Ellinger

9:30 - 10:20 a.m., Ashland

Paul has a proven track record of growing chapters with a 100% success rate.  In this session, discover the characteristics of a chapter that is ready to grow and grow a lot! Already this year alone, chapters have reported doubling in size in as little as 30 days! Explore options to make your chapter more appealing, compelling, and attractive to people that haven't joined ... yet.

Vocal Warm-Ups: Effective and Efficient – Andrew Lujan

9:30 - 10:20 a.m., Middlesex East & West

Introductory course on research-based vocal exercises, such as SOVTs, to craft an effective and efficient “warm-up,” regardless of voice type. Bring your mind, body, and voice ready to engage in strategies that will prepare you for any singing commitment…15 minutes is all it takes!

HarmonySite Website Q&A – Julie Schwingbeck

9:30 - 10:20 a.m., Sherborn

If you have questions, or are just curious about the new HarmonySite for your chapter’s website, come to this class for some discussion, and possible answers to see if it’s right for your chapter.

Gentle Yoga – Mary Genetti

9:30 - 10:20 a.m., Wayland North & South

This class will be in the vinyasa-style yoga, which focuses on linking breath and movement. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mats, a bottle of water, and comfy clothes to move in. There will also be chairs for any chair-based modifications to explore.

The Poets, The Dreamers, and YOU, Part 2 – Lynn Blakeney

10:30 - 11:20 a.m., Concord

We’ll get into the nitty gritty of the message and talk about how to help harmony parts sell the song like leads. I would ask attendees to bring music (not one you are competing with) so the discussion will be direct. We’ll try to get to as many as possible in the short time we have together.

Music and Musicality – from a Musicality Judge's perspective – Anne Bureau

10:30 - 11:20 a.m., Marlborough

A deeper understanding about what makes music interesting and compelling, and how can we, as performers, pull this off using the personal tools that we have built into our inner singer and performer. Did you ever wonder why certain performances are more compelling than others or simply have a way of taking you on a journey? If so, this is for you.

Ask John Burri Anything About Barbershop – John Burri

10:30 - 11:20 a.m., Sherborn

Come to a Q-and-A discussion session about anything barbershop! John has had the good fortune to do many, many different things in music and performance, membership, administration, chorus singing and quartetting, directing, and judging. Let's brainstorm about successful world domination through barbershop harmony!!

What’s the BIG IDEA? – Paul Ellinger

1:00 - 1:50 p.m., Ashland

The BIG (Boundless Initiative of Growth) Idea is an outreach that provides FREE ongoing World Class coaching to your ensemble (choruses or quartets) AND ongoing support on helping you to grow your chapter. Groups have increased their scores by 100+ points and doubled in size in as little as 30 days by utilizing the concepts and support found in the BIG Idea. Find out if your group should apply to be a part of the BIG Idea.  Note:  It would likely be helpful to see if your chapter is ready and primed for growth (see class entitled "HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOUR CHAPTER IS PRIMED FOR GROWTH").

Listening vs Hearing, Watching vs Believing – It's All About Performance! – Angie Dolber

1:00 - 1:50 p.m., Marlborough

In this class we'll talk about the basics of the Performance Category and how the other two categories can enhance the performance experience as well. By looking at various performances, and even trying a little ourselves, we'll talk about words like artistry, authenticity, and how you can truly entertain the audience.

5 minutes Under Glass with a Singing Coach – Aaron Evens

2:00 - 2:50 p.m., Concord

You get a lesson, and YOU get a lesson.  Everyone in the room will get a brief lesson, and we can specifically address an issue or question you have about your voice.

Quartetting 101 – Ashley Lang

2:00 - 2:50 p.m., Marlborough

Have you thought about being in a quartet?  Having trouble figuring out where to start or who to start with?  This session goes over the basics of forming and building a quartet.  Whether you are wanting to compete, or just perform.  This is a great chance to bump into other people who are interested in quartetting and making some connections, as well as get information on where to start and great resources to use. 

Singing Tags For Fun And Profit – John Burri

2:00 - 2:50 p.m., Sherborn

Ahhh, tags...those exceedingly excellent, enjoyable, and entertaining ear-candy endings of embellishments and echoes, eliciting extensive elation and ecstasy! Come to a loose and freewheeling tag session in which we'll sing lots of tags, learn techniques for teaching them, and how important they can be in advancing our hobby and art form.

Instructor Biographies

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Aaron Evens
Aaron is an active judge and coach for quartets and choruses throughout the Barbershop Harmony Society. He currently serves on the music team of the Music City Chorus and is a certified Singing Judge. Aaron has performed in vocal and instrumental groups since the age of 4. He loves sharing his passion for music and finding ways to make music accessible to all learners and performers.  Aaron earned his undergraduate degrees in music education, jazz composition and trumpet performance from Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York. He also earned his Master’s degree in Conducting from Central Michigan University. He served as a high school teacher for 19 years before his retirement from full time teaching. He currently is semi-retired and enjoys refurbishing old homes, flying airplanes and he resides in Columbia, Tennessee with his greyhounds Nala and Lincoln.

Andrew Lujan
Andrew started singing barbershop as a young student and hopes to positively impact the lives of singers through barbershop singing and education.  He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Florida International University in 2019 and went on to teach grades K-5 for three years in the South Florida area before moving to the Greater Boston area. In addition, Andrew has extensive experience studying and teaching voice. He currently serves as a certified Singing Judge in the Barbershop Harmony Society and as the Vice President of Youth in Harmony for the BHS Northeastern District. Lastly, he enjoys singing with his fiancée in Voices United (chorus) and singing with his best friends in Wildfire (quartet).

Angie Dolber
Angie is originally from Adams, Massachusetts. She has been in Harmony, Inc. since 2000 starting with The Barre-Tones, Inc. chorus in Vermont for two years, and then became a member of Women of Note in Hudson, MA when she moved back to Massachusetts in 2002 to marry her current husband, John, residing in Whitinsville. She was with Women of Note for 11 years and now is the current director of the NoteAble Blend chorus since 2012 in South Easton, MA. During her time in WON, Angie was President for three years, PR Chair, Program Chair, a lead/tenor section leader on the Music Team, and Assistant Director. Since becoming a full-time director, Angie has attended Harmony University three times, Harmony College Northeast three times, is a member of BHS for the past seven years, and has spent five years in the Harmony, Inc. Judging Program, being certified in January 2023 as a Performance Judge. She has a daughter, Jenna, who is a freshman at the Mass College of Art and Design, and resides with her husband, John, a cat, Jabberwocky, and two crazy dogs, Torey and Happy.

Anne Bureau
Anne is a current member of the International Board of Directors as Director of Marketing and Communications for Harmony, Inc. She joined barbershop in 1986.  She is a certified Music Judge, Quartet Singer, Director, Coach and owns her recording studio, Queen Anne Recordings, where she produces learning media for various ensembles from around the world. She is the baritone of the 1993 Harmony, Inc. International Championship quartet, Spectrum. Anne is a retired Sales and Marketing Executive and lives in Harleysville, Pennsylvania with her husband, Ig Jakovac, who is a retired business executive and the current BHS Singing Category Specialist. Between their busy schedules of coaching, directing, judging and singing, Anne and Ig enjoy La Pura Vida in Costa Rica with family during the colder winter months.

Ashley Lang
Ashley is the current Area 2 Quartet Promotion Coordinator and has been an active member of Harmony, Inc. for over 14 years singing with Women of Note. Twelve years ago at a Women of Note Holiday Party, she started chatting with three other members and they decided to form a quartet to deliver singing Valentine's that spring. “Life's A Pitch” was registered as a quartet February 11, 2012 and has been a very active quartet ever since, competing in Area contests, as well as performing in the community. She has held many positions within her chapter, such as Performance Team chair, Quartet Development chair, President, Vice President, Music team chair, and Show chair.

Elizabeth LeClair
Liz has had music in her life from a very young age, starting piano lessons in first grade, and considers herself a lifelong learner. Singing and participating in marching band and chorus in high school, she did not find barbershop until her early 20's. In addition to being a member of Sounds of the Seacoast for nearly 25 years, she has been a Certified Musicality Judge for 11 years and is currently the proud Musicality Category Specialist for HI. She is also a charter member of the hybrid chorus, Music City Sound, from Area 6. She has sung in many quartets, and is thrilled to be singing with her niece, Rose, in a new Area 2 quartet, "It's Her Fault." In her work life (who has time for work?!?), she is a certified critical care nurse, having worked in the ICU setting for most of her 30-year career, where she mentors student nurses in their senior practicum experiences. She and her husband, Jeff, live in their log home in the woods of New Hampshire, among their gardens and fruit trees, and the chicken coop.

John Burri
A card carrying member of BHS for 36 years (30 of those as a front line or associate director), John began singing barbershop in a high school quartet in the late 70's. Along the way, he has also been active as a chorus singer (he was "The Claw" in the Senate-Aires International 2012 Fifth Place caveman set!), a district finalist quartet singer on multiple parts, and a certified Musicality Judge since 2010. Administratively, he has served multiple chapters as President, Music Vice President, and has been recognized as Barbershopper of the Year by two different chapters. He loves to teach, to coach, MC, and to sing and teach tags.

Julie Schwingbeck
Julie is the Area 2 Director. She has been a member of Harmony, Inc. for over 30 years and is a charter member of Women of Note (1990). During her Women of Note membership, she has held several administrative and musical leadership positions – President, Vice President, Member-At-Large, Section Leader, Music Team Chair, etc. Prior to taking on the Area 2 Director position, she served on the Area 2 Council in the Newsletter Editor, PR Coordinator, and Development Coordinator positions. She is currently the Women of Note Baritone Section Leader, Chorus Manager, and serves on the Performance Team.

Karen Rourke
Karen is a 1977 graduate of UMASS Lowell with a degree in Music Education and a concentration in voice. A highly-respected chorus director and singing coach, she has been instructing individuals, quartets and choruses in vocal techniques for almost 40 years. She coaches Sweet Adelines, International, Harmony, Inc. and Barbershop Harmony Society groups across the country. She also serves as an Education Faculty member for all three organizations and teaches a variety of music courses at many Regional, District, and internationally-sponsored educational events. Karen sang bass in the 2006 Harmony, Inc. International Championship quartet, Boston Accent. Karen lives in Tewksbury, Massachusetts with her husband Dave, also a singer, and Disney, the cat.

Lynn Blakeney
Lynn is a 34-year member of Harmony, Inc. as well as a Certified Performance Judge. She is a bass section leader of Northern Blend Chorus and has been fortunate to win two quartet championships as a lead in For Heaven’s Sake in 1996 and as a tenor in LiveWire in 2015, as well as two chorus gold medals. She lives in Evans Mills, New York with her husband, Jim, and has a son, Joshua, who lives in Bloomington, Illinois. She is excited to be here!

Mary Genetti
Mary has been practicing yoga for 18 years and teaching since 2016. She loves that yoga gives people a space to come home to themselves–mind, body, and heart–in a busy, fast-paced world. She teaches vinyasa-style yoga, which focuses on linking breath and movement, and she encourages students to listen to their bodies with compassion, both on and off their mats. Her deepest passion is making yoga accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, size, or ability. 

Paul Ellinger
A frequent flyer on The HIVE, Paul is no stranger to Harmony, Inc. (Search The HIVE for "ellinger" and find the *twelve* classes he has taught for us remotely.) However, this is his first time judging in Area 2 and for Harmony, Inc. Paul is one of the most-requested coaches in a cappella singing today.  He is the creator of the Wavebox Singing holistic approach and Supercharging Your Chapter outreach, which helps non-profit organizations to grow, be relevant in their communities, and helps singing groups to sing at higher levels more quickly and more consistently. He has created the Performance Sphere, which distills “performance” into one elegantly-simple concept allowing groups to discover why they are stalling in their progress, and how to break through those perceived “glass ceilings” and move forward. Paul has coached in many of the Areas, SAI, BHS, in over half of the States in the U.S., nearly half of the Provinces of Canada, on Cruise ships, and as far away as Singapore, Australia, and Indonesia. He has performed with both the Nylons, members of Rockapella, and more than 300 performances with his quartet Chordiology. 

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Harmony, Inc. Area 2 Convention & Contests
April 11 - 14, 2024, Framingham, MA

as of 4/10/2024