A solemn annual rite took place this week at at Harmony Hall -- the ceremonious drawing for order of appearance for the international quartet contest.

SNOBS representative Trocadero will lead off the 54 quartets from around the world when the International Quartet Contest opens on Wednesday, July 1 at Pittsburgh. See the full lineup.

Now, for the first time, we can whisk away the veil of secrecy surrounding the process through which the order of appearance is drawn:

After hours of silent meditation, the high epopts gather in the chamber. Censers containing last year's draw are kindled, and as their fragrance wafts heavenward and robed acolytes hum a sustained seventh chord, the supreme masters draw the 54 calligraphed parchment slips from a golden chalice.

At least, that's the way we've always done it. This year was similar. Sort of.

So many shows just around the corner

The Society calendar is your magic key to hundreds of events across the continent. Click through for details on conventions, shows, schools, workshops.

NOTABLY MISSING from this list: the many send-offs, warm-ups and "On to Fame" shows staged by competing quartets and choruses. These are always premium events with groups rising toward their peaks. Many offshore performers, national champs in their own rights, will be making appearnaces en route to Pittsburgh, such as The Musical Island Boys appearance with the Big Apple Chorus. If you are staging an event, be sure to let everyone know in the Facebook group and on our calendar.

Previously...

"Stand By Me"

In memory of the recent passing of pop/soul star Ben E. King, this week's title is "Stand By Me." Rolling Stone ranked it at 122nd on its list of the 500 greatest songs, in part because of its signature, soulful vocal performance. Steve Delehanty's arrangement is sure to draw a familiar "oh yeah" from audiences who grew up with this classic.

Harmony University offers still more scholarships

We have seen a huge response from our HU students, both in registrations and scholarship awards! Take a look at our progress so far AND see if one of the remaining scholarship opportunities will get YOU to Harmony University this year.

AWARDED
General scholarships with a focus on first time directors and music educators Harmony Foundation international: 124 full and half scholarships granted

To help quartets get to international (closed) - Larry Ajer Scholarship, awarded to Highland Drive Quartet

To service minded chapter members who have never been to HU (closed) - 
Earl Moon Scholarship, awarded to Darrell Chappell

To young arrangers who are already promising (closed) - 
Lou Perry Scholarship, awarded to Colin Graham and Melody Hine

AVAILABLE
Review all of these scholarship applications on the Harmony University page!

General scholarships with a focus on first time directors and music educators - 
Provided by Harmony Foundation International (open until July 1)

Scholarship with a focus on barbershop chorus directors -
Jim Miller Scholarship (open until June 1)

Scholarship with a focus on barbershop chorus directors - 
Association of International Seniors Quartet Champions (AISQC) (open until June 1)

Scholarship with a focus on financial need - 
Bob and Judy Brown Scholarship (open until June 1)