Outreach activities expand, deepen
From time to time, we announce or remind you of different programs supporting music in our communities, and point to resources to help teachers, students, and community groups to learn more about barbershop harmony. But does anyone have a full picture in his mind? And can you communicate that to interested parties?
Go to www.barbershop.org/outreach for a clean, easy portal to our many programs. This easily-remembered address helps you advance directly to:
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 FROM THE BLOG
Why you should care about Lady Gaga's performance at the Grammys
Love her or hate her, it's hard to disagree that Lady Gaga's performance at the 87th Academy Awards was a memorable one. Why? Because she wasn't in a meat dress or swinging from the ceiling. No, her new act of rebellion was singing a classic musical medley of selections from The Sound of Music- shocking, but in an entirely new way!
Now, how in the world does this apply to you as a barbershop singer? In breaking out of her mold, she banished the stereotype (of her own creation) in an instant and oops, it was amazing!
The lesson? If she can be square, we can be cool.
Read the full story.
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Society awards nearly $200K in grants
In its first phase of applications, the Barbershop Harmony Society has awarded more than $190,000 in grants that support community music and music education projects across North America.
"Projections show that these 71 grants will reach more than 11,500 singers," said Joe Cerutti, Outreach Director for the Society. "While we once predominantly focused on younger singers, we are excited to support projects that extend the benefits of singing to older populations, collaborate with local arts councils, and explore new approaches to teaching and growing the Barbershop Harmony Society."
A review committee of both non-members and Barbershoppers carefully evaluated more than 100 applications, in a rigorous and equitable process aimed at developing projects that can make an impact in our communities.
A second application window will open from March 1 through April 30, 2015. For further information and to apply, go to www.barbershop.org/grants.
In 2015, the Barbershop Harmony Society will expend more than $1 million in support of outreach to communities and school programs that bring the fellowship, fulfillment and excitement of vocal music to a broader spectrum of singers. The Society administers outreach programs that are substantially underwritten by generous donations to Harmony Foundation International (www.harmonyfoundation.org.)
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE'S LIVES
Grant application window opens March 1
Outreach efforts of the Barbershop Harmony Society grew by 30% in 2014, and in 2015, Harmony Foundation underwriting will double the Society's annual outreach funding. To deliver still more activities, we've implemented an industry-standard, 100% online grant request and review process that will better help you:
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design more visionary and higher impact outreach activities
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become better leaders in your community by uncovering your chapter/district's identity and purpose
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create grant requests that have an improved chance at receiving additional local funding
We now support a broader range of outreach
The Society's new vision extends far beyond traditional youth outreach. Relevance in your communities means making a difference in more lives:
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Adult outreach -- all age groups, from recent college graduates to seniors; as members, fellow singers, and audiences
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Community outreach -- building partnership with other musical organizations and underserved populations, age groups, income levels, and ethnicities
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Youth outreach -- through camps, workshops, festivals and scholarships
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Education-- supporting school music programs and support for educators themselves
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Supporting community-based choral initiatives and community singing
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Support of the chapter purpose areas in the Society bylaws
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Leveraging BHS funding to obtain additional local funding
Applications may be submitted beginning March 1, 2015, and continuing though April 30, 2015. Full details, applications, instructions, templates, and training webinars are online at www.barbershop.org/grants |
HOT CHANCE FOR FAME
A cappella high school group sought for Lifetime
Aca-impressario Deke Sharon reports: "Lifetime is creating a new television show about high school a cappella, and we need two amazing groups to star. I say 'we' because I'll be on the show working with the groups on camera. It's our chance to show the world how a cappella works behind the scenes: how to craft an arrangement, run a rehearsal, bring the best out of each singer and song....
Interested? Email ACappella@dltcasting.com
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FROM THE BLOG
Celebrate Stephen Foster's songs in his hometown
The Barbershop Harmony Society is celebrating America's first great commercial songwriter with a special new collection of his greatest works. "The Stephen Foster Songbook" will contain newly-commissioned arrangements by arrangers YOU select, plus the classic arrangements of "Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair" by Ed Waesche and "Beautiful Dreamer" by David Wright.
Two of these new arrangements will be debuted at the Saturday Night Spectacular in Pittsburgh by a fantasy quartet you assemble. Yep--pick each voice for the ultimate fantasy quartet, and we'll make it happen.
Full details on the blog.
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MEET YOUR STAFF
Get to know Caki Watson, Customer Service Manager
If a movie were made of your life, who would play you?
Katie Holmes- I've always liked her and to me, she is like a modern day Audrey Hepburn.
If you could change places with someone at the Barbershop Harmony Society headquarters, who would it be? What would you do?
Jama Clinard (accounting manager) - I think her job is super interesting; it is a very logical and straightforward job.
What is your weirdest quirk?
I am somewhat OCD. My closet is color-coordinated, in order of the rainbow!
If you could convey one thing to the members/customers, what would it be?
We are always working as hard as we can to help them. We try to do the best we can to help them within our means continually!
What CD is in your car right now?
Michael Bubl�! I saw him in concert last year, and I love his music!
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Filings due May15; start now!
Chapters are many things to us: home to barbershop life, source of friendship, music education sources, continuity of barbershop worldwide.
They are also legal entities that enjoy special tax exemptions as nonprofit organizations. The expense for this is a few hours of work to keep paperwork in compliance with governmental agencies.
All U.S. chapters, districts and subsidiaries (Brigades, etc.) must report to the IRS by May 15th each year. The IRS is now requiring ALL non-profits, regardless of size, to file an annual return. Failure to file timely can result in either financial penalties for each day a return is late or loss of non-profit status or both.
The Barbershop Harmony Society also requires ALL chapters, both US and Canadian, must complete a financial review for 2014 by May 15, 2015. This is not difficult, is not an audit and merely requires a financially savvy person, other than the treasurer, to inspect your books.
Details, links and forms are found in the Document Center .
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