Far Western District Fall Convention
October 12-15, 2023 • Gilbert, Arizona
About

The Far Western District Fall Convention is a must-attend event for all music enthusiasts! Join us October 12-15, 2023 at Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 East Pecos Road, Gilbert, Arizona for a weekend filled with incredible performances and exciting activities.
Get ready to experience the best of a cappella music as talented groups from all over the region gather to showcase their skills. From breathtaking harmonies to soul-stirring melodies, you'll be captivated by the sheer talent on display.
But the fun doesn't stop there! Choruses and quartets will receive evaluation and coaching from certified judges, some of the best in the business. Directors may take part in interactive workshops and learn from seasoned professionals who will share their insights and techniques. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting out, there's something for everyone.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: Purchase your tickets for the Friday night AFWDC LATE SHOW along with your convention registration! We'll add $20 to your advance-purchase convention ticket. Your reserved seat for the convention will include the Friday night Late Show!
Make new friends and connect with fellow music lovers who share your passion. With a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, this convention is the perfect place to network and build lasting relationships.
So mark your calendars and join us at the Far Western District Fall Convention for an unforgettable day of music and camaraderie. We can't wait to see you there!
ALL EVENTS ARE RESERVED SEATING
Advance Registration closes Wednesday, October 4 at 11:59pm
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26 September 2023182 downloads
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22 September 2023125 downloads
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22 September 2023116 downloads
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18 September 2023165 downloads
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08 September 2023169 downloads
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14 August 2023202 downloads
Registration Rates
Chorus and/or Quartet Competitors must register at the Competitor rate.
"Non-Competitor" includes non-competing members, family, and guests twelve years and older.
All Events Registration | Early-Bird Order by Sep 14 |
Regular Sep 15-Oct 4* |
Late, On-Site Oct 13-14 |
Competitor Chorus and/or Quartet Competitor |
$60.00 | $75.00 | $100.00 |
Non-Competitor Non-Competing Member or Guest, 12+ years |
$35.00 | $50.00 | $75.00 |
Child Non-Member Child under 12 years |
Free | Free | $25.00 |
An All-Events package includes Quartet Semifinal, Chorus Contest, Quartet Final & Show of Champions
Package does not include the Friday AFWDC Late Show; you may purchase tickets as an add-on to your advance registration for $20.00 each.
General Admission, Terrace seating, Single-Event Tickets for each contest session will be available for non-competitors at the door for $40.00 each.
* Advance Registration will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, October 4.
Important Dates & Deadlines
01-Aug-2023 | EARLY-BIRD Registrations are open until 11:59pm, September 14, 2023. |
14-Sep-2023 (28 days prior) |
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15-Sep-2023 | REGULAR Registrations are open until 11:59 pm, October 4, 2023 |
04-Oct-2023 | Advance Registrations will close at 11:59 pm. |
13-Oct-2023 14-Oct-2023 |
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Harmony Platoon

2023 Harmony Platoon*
ONE price, SEVEN events!
Members who join the 2023 Harmony Platoon will sing FOUR (4) moderately difficult barbershop charts and OPTIONALLY one (1) difficult chart in quartet competitions. For $29 you get a quality quartet experience that is challenging, exciting,fun, and memorable. Price includes charts and all four part-predominant tracks plus a full mix to each of the songs, plus an official color-coded Harmony Platoon Lanyard to help you locate the parts you need for you to sing these great songs all weekend!
See the convention schedule for times and locations.
- A Little Street where Old Friends Meet – Sung by the Suntones (1961) – Arranged by Sam Breedon.
- Who Told You – Sung by the Boston Common (1980) – arranged by Lou Perry.
- Bye Bye Love – All-time hit by the Everly Brothers – arranged by Tom Gentry.
- So Much in Love – The Tymes cool hit – arranged by David Harrington.
- If I Had My Way (optional difficult song) – Helped bring GOLD to Gotcha! (2004) – arranged by David Harrington.
As a courtesy to the other Platoon members, please allow at least four weeks to learn these songs COLD before participating in a Platoon event.
TO ORDER THE MUSIC download the Platoon Registration below
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01 February 2023229 downloads
AFWDC Late Show (Friday)

Add Late Show tickets to your convention registration for an additional $20.
The Association of Far Western District Champions (AFWDC) presents a spectacular parade of past FWD champion quartets immediately following the Friday evening Quartet Semifinal at the Fall Convention. Champion quartets of the past are invited to “strut their stuff”. Some sing only a one-song cameo while the current, active quartets will sing a full set. The show traditionally closes with our current champs singing their “swan song”.
A Friday night tradition, and one we're sure you'll not want to miss!
To order, scroll down below the convention ticket options and select the number of Late Show tickets you wish to add on to your registration. Your reserved seat for the convention will include the Friday night Late Show!
BOD & HOD Meetings
- FWD Board of Directors - Thursday, October 12 @ 7:00pm
- FWD House of Delegates - Friday, October 13 @ 1:00pm
Both meetings will be held at the Headquarters Hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix East Mesa
1825 N. Higley Road,Gilbert, AZ 85234
Singing Class
We are excited to be offering a free class on Singing at the Fall Convention
"Vocal Coaching Under Glass"
with CHRIS HEBERT
FRIDAY, 9:00am-10:00am at the Headquarters Hotel meeting room
CHRIS HEBERT
Chris received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance degree from San Jose State University. He is a voice instructor, studio musician and an ensemble vocalist performing with professional choirs in the Bay Area.
Having joined the Barbershop Harmony Society in 1975 as a member of the Peninsulaires Chorus, he moved to the San Jose, California Garden City Chorus in 1987 and was their director from 1990 to 2004, leading them to the Far Western District chorus championship in 2002. He directed the Voices in Harmony Bay Area chapter from 2012 to 2017, taking them to the International chorus contest three times.
Chris is a BHS certified Singing Category Judge (30 years) and was Singing Category Specialist from 2000-2003 and 2010-2012. As such, he is a highly sought-after coach for both BHS and Sweet Adeline quartets and choruses.
Director's Workshop
We are excited to be offering a Director's Workshop at the Fall Convention.
- FRIDAY, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Director's Workshop in the Small Theater at the Higley Center for the Performing Arts.
- Class #1. Preparing the Performer, led by Theresa Weatherbee. How often do we get a chance to rehearse performance skills during rehearsal? Generally not enough, so in this class, directors and leaders will learn how to integrate powerful performance techniques into their rehearsals.
- Class #2. Director's Roundtable, led by Gary Steinkamp and Brent Graham. Leverage the knowledge and experience of two outstanding front-line directors to get answers to all your questions. Suggested topics: rehearsal techniques; transitioning from learning tracks to your own interp; song selection; effective communication. But the entire discussion will be motivated by your needs!
Our facilitators will be:
- Gary Steinkamp
- Brent Graham
- Theresa Weatherbee
If you are interested in addending these classes, please contact Kathy Kileen.
Everyone Welcome Chorus

While some choruses may not be prepared to compete, we know that many of our members would enjoy singing a couple of songs from Polecat songbooks on stage before a welcoming audience. To facilitate that we are organizing an "Everyone Welcome Chorus" to perform as the Mic Testers for the chorus contest. All are welcome to participate – Far Western District members and friends of Far Western District members whether or not your chorus is performing.
A bit more information:
- Alan Gordon will be directing.
- The songs will be "Hello, Mary Lou" and "Sweet and Lovely".
- We will have an all-chorus practice on Saturday morning. See the convention program for time and location.
- There will be no evaluation of the chorus. We will sing because it is enjoyable to sing before an audience.
If you are only singing in the "Everyone Welcome Chorus" you can register as a "Non-Competitor".
Hotels
The following hotels are listed by order of distance from the performance venue.
Hyatt Place Phoenix/Gilbert
3275 S Market St, Gilbert, AZ 85297
Convention rate available through September 21, 2023
Distance to venue: 3.4 mi
RESERVATIONS
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix/Gilbert
3265 South Market St, Gilbert, AZ 85297
Distance to venue: 3.6 mi
RESERVATIONS
Home2 Suites by Hilton Gilbert
3333 S Market St, Gilbert, AZ 85297
Convention rate available through September 24, 2023
Distance to venue: 3.6 mi
RESERVATIONS
Tru by Hilton Gilbert
1950 S Santan Village Pkwy, Gilbert, AZ 85295
Convention rate available through September 12, 2023
Distance to venue: 4.1 mi
RESERVATIONS
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix East Mesa (HEADQUARTERS)
1825 N. Higley Road,Gilbert, AZ 85234
Convention rate: $169, book by September 12, 2023
Distance to venue: 7.6 mi
RESERVATIONS
Venue

Higley Center for the Performing Arts
4132 E Pecos Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295
Higley Center for the Performing Arts is an event venue showcasing local, regional, and national performers. The concert hall accommodates large audiences with 1235 seats connected by a spacious lobby to the more intimate space Little Theater seating 186. The building itself lends a modern architectural style, providing an optimal venue to rent for any professional production. Whether you’re looking to rent a space for a performance, exhibit, conference, or meeting, Higley Center for the Performing Arts provides a multitude of accommodations.
VIP Seating
VIP Seating is located in alternating rows near the stage, and is available for members who have gone over and above in achievment and service to the District. Each VIP may bring ONE guest. Eligible VIPs include:
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VIP Seating must be reserved by the close of Early-Bird registration.
Dignitary Seating
Dignitaries are provided with pre-assigned seating at the convention. Dignitaries include:
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ADA Seating
There are designated seats to accommodate those who use wheelchairs or scooters, and accompanying companion seats provided for those with special accessibilty needs:
If you require accessible seating, or are accompanying a person who does, you will find these seats by clicking the ADA () sections on the seating chart. When making your selection, seats accessible for those who use a wheelchair or scooter are identified by (W), and companion seats are identified by (C).
Accessible seating is limited. If you do not require accommodations for wheelchair or scooter, or are not an accompanying companion of someone who does, please choose seats in a different section. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Webcast
We are pleased to announce that the Fall FWD convention will be hosting a complimentary webcast, accessible to all viewers.
Mark your calendars for 10/13 -10/14 as we deliver an exciting lineup of sessions and groups.
If you have upcoming programs that could benefit from exposure, we invite you to take advantage of this opportunity. We are currently accepting sponsorships for the Webcast, where your advertisement or shout out will be featured in between groups and sessions, as well as displayed on a screen inside the hall.
Please find the sponsorship costs outlined below:
- Full page: $200 (1920x1080 pixels)
- Half Page: $125 (960x540 pixels)
- 1/4 page: $75 (480x270 pixels)
- Shout out: $20 each, or 3 for $50 (320x180 pixels, maximum 50 characters)
If you need assistance in creating your advertisement to fit these specifications, please feel free to reach out to Adam Kaufman
Watch the LIVE Webcast HERE...
Your donation helps!
Please help us share the amazing talent of our Far Western District choruses and quartets with the world. Your contribution will help cover the cost of our 2023 Fall Convention LIVE Webcast which we are offering at no charge for anyone who wants to enjoy an amazing weekend of barbershop harmony. Any amount helps! Help spread the music, and keep our art form thriving!
Convention Apparel

Back by popular demand: the FWD Fall Convention T-shirt!
Buy them now and pick them up when you get to Gilbert.
There will be a limited number of shirts available for on-site ordering, but your best bet is to pre-order.
Discover Gilbert
Explore more than just barbershop while you are in Gilbert! There's a veritable plethora of activities awaiting you during your visit. Whether your interests lie in shopping, dining, entertainment, or arts and culture, there's an option tailored to you. Thanks to our sponsor, Discover Gilbert, we invite you to delve into the area and its offerings. To plan your activities, visit their website at: discovergilbert.com
Getting around in Style!
- AZ Towncar (they have a big fleet)
- Arizona Towncar Service - 480-216-1323, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (great service)
- AZ Elite Transportation - 480-703-4005, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (small group transit)
- All Valley Transportation (sprinter vans)
Where To Get Help
Convention Registration
We are using Eventbrite for ticketing this event, and you will find answers to most questions on their website.
Please take care when making your registration, as the information you provide will be used to print your convention name badge.
After making your purchase, to edit order information like your name or email address, go to “Tickets” in your Eventbrite account. Choose the order you want to update and click “Edit”.
1. Go to “Tickets”.
Login to your Eventbrite account. Then go to Tickets.
2. Select your order.
3. Click “Edit”.
4. Save your changes.
Please note that all changes must me made PRIOR to the close of advance registration on October 4. Once the name badges have been printed, any correrctions must be made manually on-site and are subject to a $10 badge re-print fee.
By the way, you can also go to "Tickets" to print your tickts (in case you lost the email).
For further help and questions related to event/convention registration, please contact the REGISTRAR.
Contest Entry
How do I enter my quartet or my chorus in the CONTEST?
Contest entry is handled on the BHS Member Center website:
- Go to the BHS Member Center (members.barbershop.org)
- Login to your account
- We recommend you watch the instructional video on contest entry available on the main dashboard
- Click 'Manage My SCs' from the top menubar
- Select your Quartet or CHORUS (not chapter) from the list
- In the upper right corner, click 'Enter a Contest/Festival'
- Follow the guided instructions.
Some key points:
- All competitors must be dues-paid members of the Society.
- Quartets must be registered with the Society before they are eligible to compete, and be current with their annual quartet registration fee.
- Quartet registration and renewal is done through the BHS Member Center. Login and look for 'Register or Reinstate a Quartet'.
- All competitors must purchase an All-Events Registration to the convention in which they are competing (done HERE on this website).
Where to get Help:
- For help and non-technical questions related to the Contest, please contact the DRCJ.
- For technical help with the BHS Member Center and Contest Entry, please contact the Society at:
- Phone: (800) 876-7464
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- For help with Registering (tickets) for the CONVENTION, please contact the Registrar.