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August 15, 2013 View our videos on YouTube Like us on Facebook

This week in barbershop...
Instant replay comes to contests
Song of the Week
The real story behind Ringmasters
Follow on Twitter without Twitter
iTunes has the 2013 contest recordings
Talk about singing
New "instant replay" rule in effect for Fall 2013 contests

A "scoring variance" is defined as when at least one judge on a panel awards a song with a score that is significantly higher or lower than other judges in the category. Judges have long discussed these variances in the days and weeks following a contest; since early 2012, the Society's Contest & Judging (C&J) Committee has been looking at methods to address significant scoring differences (variances) before they become official.
 

One C&J committee studied the data and decided that significant variances should be reviewed; a subsequent committee looked at how that could be done. The judging panels in each of the Spring 2013 contests simulated the process to gather data on how often it occurred and whether judges would change their score once a variance is noted. C&J reviewed all of the information in Toronto this July, approved the concept and forwarded the information to the Society Board of Directors for approval.

 

The Society Board has approved the program and rule changes. In anticipation, C&J formally trained on the process at Category School and is prepared to go "live" in the Fall 2013 season. 
 
If a statistical variance occurs with a set of scores given for a performance of a song, the judges within the category will have the opportunity to review their sheets and potentially change their scores, much like instant replay. 
 
 
Kevin Keller
Society Contest & Judging Committee Chairman
LEARN IT NOW - SING IT FOR CHRISTMAS
Song of the Week: "Mary Had A Baby"

August is not too early to get going on Christmas repertoire. (Thinking about a Men's Holiday Chorus? Great time for it! Get the brochure.)

"Mary Had A Baby" is a David Wright gem, recorded by the Ambassadors Of Harmony, Acoustix, and others. It's rich, reverent, and easy to learn. You'll love it.
FREE DOWNLOAD
The real story behind Ringmasters... 
in this month's Harmonizer 

Purists sniffed at "Homer's Barbershop Quartet" on The Simpsons, but the sitcom's global reach is partly responsible for the formation of the quartet that won the gold in 2012. 

Read the whole story in the July/August issue of The Harmonizer; it's off the press and about to hit the mail stream, but you can download the preview right now. 
LOWER THE TECH BARRIER
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HOW TO KEEP THE MARKETING DEPT. CONFUSED ALL MORNING
Half our team thinks this graphic is brilliant. Half thinks it's creepy. Half didn't reply. 

Your call.
NIRVANA @ $0.99 A POP
iTunes has the 2013 contest recordings

Grab a few iTunes gift cards and get ready to spend a happy evening browsing, previewing and purchasing your favorite performances from this year's international contests, because the whole kit and kaboodle has been released on iTunes.

Choose one track at a time for $0.99 each, or in 12-song volumes for $9.99.

Customer who previously purchased the 75th Anniversary "boxed set" during the special presale promotional period (June 25 through July 10) can receive their bonus tracks by forwarding a copy of their paid receipt (from iTunes or other vendor) to info@nakedvoicerecords.com to receive download instructions.
23K logo What's better than singing? Talking about singing!

The 23K Army is growing, but there's still a need for callers. If your wife says you're a good listener, you'll be great at this. Make a few phone calls to gather ideas from your fellow Barbershoppers, and help make your Society stronger and more responsive.

 

Volunteer callers can work at their own pace but must make a minimum of 2 calls per week. The length of each call varies---the average being 20 to 25 minutes. Callers will work from questionnaire on a dedicated web site, completing and filing each report on line.

 

Contact mtjack@bresnan.net for a formal invitation, log on information and complete instructions for making calls. Callers who successfully complete 120 calls within the first six months of the program will be entered into a drawing for a VIP registration at the Las Vegas International convention.