Vocal HERSpective

Anita Prather Harvell's Harmony, Inc. story starts with a night in a bar, but developed from so much more than that. One of the first faces you'll see at a convention, she brings a wide variety of experiences to the table that help her on and off stage as part of the lifeblood of the organization.

When the Jack of all Trades Barberbrat becomes a Barbershop Queen - who you have is Melody Hine. You can find Melody in all of the barbershop orgs AND hear her arrangements as her work is going through a meteoric rise right now. Harmony Queen with Hot Pursuit in 2019, Melody first took the stage with Song of Atlanta Show Chorus at age 14. You've also seen her with Parkside Melody and we all await...

Get to know Fatima Whelan, who brings a wealth of experience and love for the art form to Valley Voices A Cappella Chorus, her quartet Flourish, and to the judging panel for Harmony, Incorporated. We talk about a cappella from barbershop to contemporary, the role music plays in helping people feel like they belong, and so much more!

On this episode we sit down with Jill Clark to talk about her journey from falling in love with a cappella to owning her own production company. It's been quite a ride and we are especially excited to feature Jill as a woman who primarily works on the technical side of things - something that is still so uncommon!

Our hearts are overflowing with the myriad of ways we could introduce this week's guest, but we'll leave it at: Living Legend. Jeanne O'Connor exemplifies everything it means to "give of talents, time, and song" because that is exactly what she has been doing for over 64 years. Jeanne joined The Village Vocal Chords of Harmony Incorporated at just 14 years old, eventually going on to be their dire...

This week our interview is with barbershop swiss army knife, Lorie Autote. Lorie is a two time queen with For Heaven's Sake and LiveWire and also a member of champion chorus, Northern Blend. She is currently competing with Vivàce Quartet, too! Listen in for all the wisdom this longtime, successful singer has to share.

Dr. Thea Kano came on as the surprising choice for Artistic Director of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington 21 years ago. The conversation highlights the important role that music and the arts play in turbulent times and how the chorus lives out their mission to promote equality, achieve justice, and overcome our differences.

From a childhood full of music, to a scary diagnosis, to finding her voice again, Lynn Blakeney clearly doesn't take her ability to sing for granted. With three sparkly hats and more medals than she can count, you may be surprised to know that Lynn's focus goes far beyond competing. Listen in as she chats about her time with Upstate Rhythm, LiveWire, Roulette, Northern Blend, and even Village Voca...

Amy Patterson pulls off quite the balancing act in the sheer amount of things she accomplishes. You can see her singing or directing with A Cappella Showcase, singing with her International level quartets, Empire and Sapphire, quickly building a new mixed chorus with Voices Unlimited, or nurturing the singers of tomorrow with Young Voices. Oh, and then judging, coaching, and teaching. Hear more fr...

Allison Thompson certainly knows how to keep about a dozen balls in the air at once. As the Convention Manager for Harmony, Inc., Allison is the driving force behind the annual International Convention & Contest. This year, she's also stepped up to help with the organization's expansion efforts and is leading the team for Harmony Fest West. Hear more about the upcoming events and gain a little ins...

Just how much can Amanda and Kris fangirl over one of their favorite arrangers? Find out in Episode 115 with esteemed guest, MaryAnne Muglia Smith! MaryAnne is an accomplished arranger, composer, songwriter, performer, clinician, and just...Renaissance Woman. You may best know her from Red Letter Daze, but you can also find her as a camper turned Director at A Cappella Academy. Hear her story and...

This week we celebrate the non-traditional. The dream chasers. The fear facers. Join us for an interview with Teri Allred, a lifelong dancer that dove headfirst into barbershop singing about a decade ago, as we share her journey that is, of course, so much more than just music. Teri currently serves as the Marketing and Communication Team Manager for Harmony, Incorporated, the new President of Bel...

Rachel Tedder chased a dream and found herself in Germany where she has performed in a variety of setting for over a decade. The founder of OperAcappella, The Poperettes, and The Christmas Carollers, Rachel has also immersed herself in the European vocal music community and is diving head first into the concept of vocal painting. So much to pack into this interview - don't miss a minute!

What happens when you confront hate with kindness? Criticism with resolve? Insecurity with authenticity? All that and more as we talk to Becca Eckes and Stephanie Taglianetti, the treble clef of Smoke Ring. With a well earned meteoric rise in the barbershop community, we talk about what's behind the curtain. Quite literally!

Jess Leigh has found herself in her rural community arts community, especially in Northern Blend Chorus and Roulette, both 2024 Harmony, Inc. Champions. Hear about her entrance into barbershop and the personal journey behind her path to gold. Authenticity is key, but that's just the beginning!

Rochelle Rice is a captivating vocalist, composer, and creative force whose music blends jazz, soul, and pop with undeniable emotion and technical brilliance. Rochelle is a self-proclaimed jack of all trades and underlying all of it is collaboration, whether with her band, ensemble bēheld, or the iconic Sweet Honey In The Rock®, or one of her many other projects. In addition to these music project...

An unlikely entrance into barbershop, this lifelong instrumentalist is making waves in the barbershop and vocal music community. Kathleen Hansen is the genius behind the super popular YouTube page and app "Warmups with Kathleen," a pandemic project that keeps on giving. Kathleen also explores several serious challenges facing directors and programs in the current era.

Sally Galloway, an experienced performer, director, and mental health and wellness professional, uses her unique collection of expertise to help performers change their tune.

Gaye LaCasce talks about her journey in harmony and in Harmony, Inc - often one in the same! Combining her lifelong love music with executive experience in the corporate world, Gaye's leadership is guiding the organization to new heights.

Jen Hayman has experience in every role in the music business, but she always have the same mission of using her voice and giving a voice to others. Working with her is a masterclass in bringing meaning and mission over content.

Longtime singer Kelly Peterson has sung in ensembles across the country and is now using her background in music business as the first ever Executive Director of Harmony, Inc. While continuing to sing, of course!

Angie Beatty-Ringo was born into barbershop. Learn more about the path that brought her to Harmony, Incorporated, the work she is doing as Area 6 Director, and the charge she is leading in generating a new wave of growth for choruses and quartets everywhere.

Natalie Feddon shares insight on the latest in LABBS and how her active approach is supporting the growth of women's barbershop in the UK.

This week's episode features an interview with Kim Newcomb of The Ladies and Half and Half Quartet, the voice behind your learning tracks, and otherwise amazing human. Kim is definitely on the forefront of advancing women in barbershop and you'll want to hear what she has to say in this extended episode.

On Episode 101, world-renowned performance and presentation guru Theresa Weatherbee shares her expertise and humor as she talks about her experience coaching performance both inside and outside the barbershop world. The interview goes beyond buzzwords and digs deep into what it takes to entertain an audience - the perfect advice for competition season!