Riverside, California • October 17-20, 2024
Tickets go on sale June 1 • Early-Bird discount until September 20 • Advance sales end October 8
About
The Far Western District Fall Convention is a must-attend event for all music enthusiasts! Join us October 17-20, 2024 at Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, California for a weekend filled with incredible performances and exciting activities hosted by the 2024 International Chorus Champion–The Westminster Chorus!
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. Your registration also includes a variety of classes being offered from seasoned professionals who will share their insights and techniques. Whether you're a veteran performer or just starting out, there's something for everyone.
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 weekend of music and camaraderie. We can't wait to see you there!
ALL EVENTS ARE RESERVED SEATING
*** ADA Seating ***
ADA Compliant wheelchair spaces (labeled '-W') are available for those with special needs as well as adjacent companion seats (labeled '-C'). Use Promo Code "ADA" to unlock those seats for selection.
Advance Registration closes Tuesday, October 8 at 11:59 PM
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16 September 2024125 downloads
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16 September 202426 downloads
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13 September 2024165 downloads
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20 May 202451 downloads
Hotels
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1 block |
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1 block | All rooms: $169.00 |
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2 blocks |
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3 blocks |
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2.0 miles | All rooms: $169.00 | Free** | Paid | Free |
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* Parking fee reduced per convention contract.
** Parking fee waived per convention contract.
Venue
Fox Performing Arts Center
3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
he Riverside Fox Theater, also known as the Fox Performing Arts Center, was built in 1929, and is a Spanish Colonial Revival style building in the heart of downtown Riverside, California. The theater is the centerpiece of Riverside's Arts & Culture initiative and underwent a major renovation and restoration to become a regional performing arts facility. Renovation was completed in the Fall 2009, with a grand-reopening in January 2010.
The theater is best known for being the first theater to screen the most successful film in box-office history when adjusted for inflation, the 1939 film Gone With the Wind.
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the Fox Theater was used by the Hollywood-based film industry to show previews of future releases before final editing. Riverside was considered a useful preview site because it represented, demographically, small town America. By previewing their future releases in Riverside, the film companies believed they could register the reaction to their movie within the country's largest viewing demographic without having to travel too far.
Determined eligible for entry to the National Register of Historic Places, the Fox Theater, located at the intersection of Mission Inn Avenue and Market Street, is today recognized as an important locale in the history of motion pictures.
n 2006, the City of Riverside acquired the property in order to provide a performing arts facility in the downtown area for community use. The renovation of the Fox Theater was part of a $1.68 billion "Riverside Renaissance" program. The Riverside Renaissance program anticipates completing more projects in five years than were completed over the last 30. The $35 million renovation of the Fox Theater began May 3, 2007 and was completed late 2009.
VIRTUAL TOUR
All Seats Reserved
pdf Reserved Seating Chart (348 KB)
ADA Compliant wheelchair spaces (labeled '-W') are available for those with special needs as well as adjacent companion seats (labeled '-C').
Use Promo Code "ADA" to unlock those seats for selection.
VIP Seating is offered to current FWD members of AFWDC, AIC, AISQC, FWD Hall of Fame, FWD Judges, and FWD Past Presidents. They may each bring one guest. Members of those groups will receive a special Promo Code to unlock VIP seating when purchasing their tickets
Dignitary Seating is offered to officials including Convention Chairman, Convention Honoree, member os the FWD BOD and DMT, and representatives from BHS and Harmony Foundation. Similarly, they will receive a Promo Code to unlock the Dignitary seats when purchasing tickets and may also bring one guest.
Discover Riverside
Convention Registration Rates
All Chorus and Quartet contestants must register at the Competitor rate.
"Non-Competitor" includes non-competing members, family, and guests twelve years and older.
If you are ONLY singing in the "Everyone Welcome Chorus" you can register as a "Non-Competitor".
| All Events Registration (plus ticket fees) | Early-Bird Order by Sep 20 |
Regular Sep 21-Oct 8 |
On-Site Oct 18-19 |
| Competitor Chorus and/or Quartet Competitor |
$65.00 | $75.00 | $100.00 |
| Non-Competitor Non-Competing Member or Guest, 12+ years |
$40.00 | $50.00 | $75.00 |
| Child Non-Member Child under 12 years |
Free | Free | $25.00 |
General Admission, Single-Event Tickets for non-competitors will be available On-Site for $40.00 each event:
Quartet Semifinal • Chorus Contest • Quartet Final & Encore Performances
* Advance Registration will close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, October 8.
Important Dates & Deadlines
| 01-Jun-2024 (Sat) |
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| 20-Sep-2024 (Fri) |
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| 08-Oct-2024 (Tue) |
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| 17-Oct-2024 (Thu) |
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| 18-Oct-2024 (Fri) |
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| 19-Oct-2024 (Sat) |
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Advertise With Us
Fall Convention Advertising Form
Use this form to reserve ad space, and to submit your publication-ready ad copy. Upon acceptance, we will send you an invoice.
RATES
- Convention Program (Full Page) - $50.00
- Convention Webcast (Full Page) - $75.00
- BOTH for $100.00
SPECIFICATIONS
Convention Program
- Dimensions: 1500 x 2400p (5" x 8")
- Resolution: 300 ppi
- Format: ai, eps, jpg, pdf, png, or psd
Convention Webcast
- Dimensions: 1920 x 1280p
- Resolution: 300 ppi
- Still formats: jpg, png
- Video formats: mov, h.264, h.265, mp4
For security reasons we do not accept ZIP archive files.
DEADLINES
- All ad copy must be received no later than Tuesday, October 1.
- No exceptions.
Merch
Harmony Platoon
UNLIMITED HARMONY
Get placed into a pickup quartet and make friends from all over the world!
Learn a few challenging and rewarding songs ahead of time, then get placed into a pickup quartet and compete in a fun, exciting, and friendly competition. You'll make friends from all over the world and create memories to last a lifetime!
You will be provided charts and part-predominant and full mix learning tracks for all songs. Learn them COLD so that everyone can be guaranteed to sing with fully prepared singers!
There are Harmony Platoon events happening all over the country; we are pleased to be having one at this convention.
Fall Convention Platoon Schedule
- Thursday, October 17, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Hamption Inn Common Area
- Saturday, October 19, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Hampton Inn Common Area
President's Reception & BBQ
Join us for the first ever ...
PRESIDENT'S RECEPTION & BBQ
That's right, our District President, KENNY RIOS, is firing up the barbie and inviting all the early-comers to join in the fun on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17 at 8:45 pm at HAMPTION INN patio and common area.
There'll be dawgs & burgers, beer, wine, soda, water & chips for you to enjoy.
What a great way to kick off a FUN weekend of singing and great harmony!
Harmony College West LITE
We are thrilled to announce the addition of "Harmony College West 'LITE'" to our Fall Convention. There will be a variety of 1.5 hour classes offered on Friday from some top-notch instructors that are included with your convention registration.
Classes will be held at the Hyatt Place (HQ) and the Marriott across the street.
| Time | Hyatt 1 | Hyatt 2 | Hyatt 3 | Marriott Salon A | Marriott Salon B | Marriott University |
| 9:00am - 10:30am | Grant Writing | Training the Trainers | Medalist Performance from Three Categories | Unit Sound: What it Isn't, What it Is, Why we Love it, and How to Get More of It | The Shapes of Stories | Barber-Myth Busting |
| 10:45am - 12:15pm | Use Your Words and Why Meaning Matters |
The Ultimate Vocal Journey | Generating Grassroots Financial Support in a Post-Pandemic World | Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Barbershop Edition | Build-A-Warmup | Sight Singing 101 |
Class Descriptions
Barber-Myth Busting
Instructor: Chris Hébert
In this class we analyze different things we have been asked to do over the years and determine if it's good vocal instruction (a pretty fun presentation created by SNG Judge Rob Mance).
Build-A-Warmup
Instructor: Sara Littlefield
In this class, we will develop a warmup sequence step-by-step. Together we will sing, explore vocal anatomy, and discuss the importance of warming up for optimal performance. We will create a warmup sequence rooted in proper vocal technique to promote healthy singing habits. Join us to learn more about your voice and how to care for it effectively!
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Barbershop Edition
Instructor: Cary Burns
Everyone in Harmony! What does that mean? Who is “everyone”? Do I have to give up my all-male chorus? What is the difference between gender and biological sex? Why do we have to change? I don’t understand current pronoun usage. How can I include more types of people in my ensembles?
This class is designed to give perspective about the wonderful diversity of humans while providing a safe place to learn and ask questions. This class is fact-based. No politics – no religion. We will learn current terminology and parse out the sometimes-confusing language being used today. We will learn how nature and nurture produce a natural variety of traits in people. Additionally, we will discuss how to ready our chapters and choruses to welcome a more diverse membership. All are welcome!
Generating Grassroots Financial Support In A Post Pandemic World
Instructor: Joe Cerutti
Every healthy non-profit organization benefits from having significant fundraising strategies. Fundraising is more important to our health and success than it has ever been in the past, but it's much more than organizing a bake sale. We need to consider each activity we are currently planning through the lens of “how will this set us up to be seen as a leader in our community and inspire others in ways that they will contribute money?” Everything we do should be an effort to endear ourselves to our community in preparation for bigger, more successful “asks” throughout the year.
Grant Writing
Instructor: Luther "Bud" Case
In this class, Bud will share his experience and skills related to Grant Writing:
- 30+ years of Grant Writing and Coordinating the Projects
- Designed and taught “Grant Acquisition/Tracking; A Twelve Step Process and The Seven Key Components” college class for Fresno Pacific University
- Multiple grants received - $600,000 highest
- Increased federal and state grants from $350,000 to $1,000,000 yearly over a 10-year period at a small rural school district
- Written grants and funded 3 Youth Harmony Workshops and a 4th September 14, 2024
Medalist Performances from Three Categories
Instructors: Joe Cerutti, Steve Scott, and Allen Otto
Joe Cerutti, Steve Scott, and Alan Otto will teach a “Medalist Performances from Three Categories” class where we watch some of the 2024 medalist performances and chat about them from category perspective.
The Shapes of Stories - A Framework for Improving Musical Storytelling in the Barbershop Style
Instructor: Clay Monson
Join Clay Monson, a certified BHS Performance Judge, as he introduces a storytelling framework called the Shapes of Stories. In this session, we will practice applying this analytical framework to songs in the Barbershop style. By the end of the workshop, participants will gain new knowledge, tools, and the confidence to prepare entertaining and impactful performances. Feel free to bring your new or current repertoire music for analysis and planning!
Sight Singing 101
Instructor: Chris Hébert
Sight singing is a skill that involves reading and singing music without prior practice or preparation. In music, it's the ability to convert musical notation from sight to sound. This class is designed for the beginner who wishes to learn this important musical skill.
Training the Trainers - 'See One', 'Do One', 'Teach One'
Instructor: Laura Pallas Singer
Part A - A deeper, more thorough understanding of the vocal mechanism, which will enable you to effectively teach others... ”See One”.
Part B - Volunteers will be sought from the class for brief PVIs (Private Vocal Instructions), given by Laura (Faculty Instructor) in front of the class. She will explain what she is hearing in the voice and how she addresses what the singer can do to achieve better vocal production... ”Do One”.
Part C - “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!” It’s an
aphorism because it’s true. In this last part of the class, we will discuss how this knowledge does, and should, apply to your teaching style. We will then finish with volunteers (hopefully, two or three, depending on time) giving a PVI in front of the group for learning purposes... ”Teach One”.
The Ultimate Vocal Journey! - From Details to Artistic Sound
Instructor: Laura Pallas Singer
In Part One of this two-part class, we will discuss a number of the technical aspects that can improve your individual and ensemble performance.
In Part Two, we will participate in ensemble games, designed to help in freeing the singer to deliver an emotional and authentic musical product. We will tie in how both technical and emotional enhancements combine to create an authentic performance. And conclude with some “Ultimate” examples of the achievement!
The Story of the Rose (Heart of my Heart) will be used as a teaching vehicle.
Unit Sound: What it Isn't, What it Is, Why we Love it, and How to Get More of It
Instructor: Elizabeth Davies
Artistic singing in the barbershop style features a high level of unity and consistency within the ensemble. In a chorus, each section strives to "sound like one voice” at all times. But given that no two voices are identical, what exactly do we mean by “one voice,” and what is the individual singer’s role in creating that “voice”? In this session we’ll learn how individual vocal efficiency and matched vowels are the keys to a thrillingly unified ensemble sound, and we’ll explore techniques for quickly moving any group of singers towards unity.
Use Your Words - Subtext and Why Meaning Matters
Instructor: Dane Chevassus
Join a spirited and inclusive deep dive into the true meaning of the songs we sing. Using text analysis and intentional performance decisions, we will uncover the true potential of the songs we choose to perform and how strong choices can have a lasting impact on the audience.
Dane Chevassus is a candidate judge in the Performance Category. He brings 20 years of musical theatre performance experience to the barbershop world.
Leadership Academy
Unlock Your Leadership Potential!
Join Us at the Far Western District Fall Convention
Are you ready to step into your leadership role with confidence and clarity? Look no further than the Far Western District's exclusive Leadership Educational Program, coming to you this fall at our highly anticipated convention!
Designed to empower and equip you with the essential skills needed to excel in key leadership positions, our program offers in-depth classes tailored specifically to the roles of President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Whether you're a seasoned leader looking to enhance your abilities or a newcomer eager to make a meaningful impact, our comprehensive curriculum has something for everyone.
Here's what you can expect:
🔹 **Dynamic Workshops:** Dive deep into the intricacies of leadership with our expert-led workshops, carefully crafted to provide you with practical insights and actionable strategies.
🔹 **Role-Specific Training:** Gain invaluable knowledge and best practices tailored to your specific leadership role, ensuring you have the tools needed to thrive in your position.
🔹 **Networking Opportunities:** Connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and forge lasting connections with fellow leaders from across the district.
Best of all, this unparalleled opportunity is absolutely FREE for all registered convention attendees and current members of their chapter's board of directors. Don't miss out on this chance to elevate your leadership skills and propel your chapter to new heights.
Join us at the Far Western District Fall Convention and unlock the leader within you! Plan now to attend the Leadership Academy and embark on a journey of growth, inspiration, and success. See you there!
| Time | Hyatt 1 | Hyatt 2 | Hyatt 3 | Hampton Boardroom |
| 12:45pm - 2:45pm | Chapter Treasurer Bob Shaffer |
Director's Roundtable Laura Pallas Singer |
Chapter Secretary Bud Case |
Chapter President Kenny Rios |
Directors' Roundtable
FWD Directors’ Roundtable
What’s new?
At District this fall, a meeting room will be set up with round tables. All Front-Line Directors, “FLDs” (those in front of their chorus weekly), will have the opportunity to sit together for a 2 hour “Round Table Discussion.”
What is a Round Table Discussion?
Each table will be assigned a designated “Director-related” topic for discussion. Everyone at the table will have the opportunity to offer input from his/her unique perspective.
What is the high-level purpose?
The FWD would like to establish a Directors’ Roundtable, where the FLDs are able to get together at conventions for an informal gathering, with the intention of getting to know one another better, and sharing ideas, concerns, and mutual support. We understand the importance of cross-chorus support. We intend to develop educational seminars for directors at District events, and open a Directors-only page on the FWD website.
Topics for this Round Table?
Suggested topics are:
- How can the District better support you as the Director?
- In what areas do you feel you could use more education/training?
- What do you really love about being a Director?
- How do I get my chorus to the next level?
Please note: FLDs of all levels are welcome and encouraged to participate. What better use of our time than to educate and learn from one another!
Won’t you join us on this first ever FWD Director’s Roundtable!
Friday, 12:35pm - 2:45pm - Hyatt 2
FWD Senior Chorus
Come join the
FAR WESTERN DISTRICT SENIOR SINGERS
If you're 55+ we invite you to join the official "FWD Senior Singers" Chorus and compete in the Fall Contest!
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR MEN AND WOMEN 55+ WHO ARE MEMBERS OF A FAR WESTERN DISTRICT CHAPTER AND WANT TO SING at the District Convention and Contest in Riverside CA October 17 thru 20, 2024.
This esteemed group will be under the musical direction of Mr. Cary Burns.
About our Director:
- 32 year member of BHS
- Musicality Judge since 2010
- Coach and arranger
- Director of a senior men’s chorus, the Desert Aires of the Sun Cities, AZ Chapter
- Director of a women’s a cappella chorus, Wicked Pitch of the West
- Director of a 160-member community chorus for 20 years.
The FWD Senior Singers will be singing two great songs: “That Old Quartet of Mine” and “You Make Me Feel So Young”. Upon registering, you will be provided with the charts and tracks to learn and perfect these 2 great tunes. To register, please click below:
We will have three (3) Zoom rehearsals before going to Riverside and two (2) on-site rehearsals In Riverside prior to performing October 19 in the chorus contest.
AFWDC Late Show
AFWDC Late Show
The Association of Far Western District Champions (AFWDC) presents a spectacular parade of past FWD champion quartets 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!
Tickets for the AFWDC Late Show are not included with your convention registration.
Fox Performing Arts Center, starting 30 min after the completion of the Quartet Semifinal session (~9:45 pm)
GENERAL ADMISSION
- $20.00 in advance
- $30.00 at the door
The Box Office is OPEN
Ready to order LATE SHOW tickets? Click below to proceed to Eventbrite.
ORDER LATE SHOW TICKETS
Everyone Welcome Chorus
While some choruses may not be planning 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.
As the name implies, everyone is welcome to participate – Far Western District members and friends of Far Western District members whether or not your chorus is performing. There will be no evaluation of the chorus. We will sing, simply because it is enjoyable to sing before an enthusiastic audience.
There will be an all-chorus practice on Saturday morning before the chorus contest. See the convention program/schedule for time and location.
Note: If you are ONLY singing in the "Everyone Welcome Chorus" you can register for the convention as a "Non-Competitor".
This year's Fall EWC will be under the musical direction of Donny Rose.
Mr. Rose is a retired high school music educator from the Seattle, Washington area. His groups performed all over the United States and Canada, and he remains an active clinician and adjudicator for large group instrumental and choral contests, as well as collegiate and high school A Cappella festivals. He was honored to be named teacher of the year for the Franklin Pierce School district, a semi-finalist for a Grammy in Music Education, and has conducted All State bands and choirs throughout the United States.
In 2022, after a successful 30 year teaching career in Washington and work as the Director of Education for the Barbershop Harmony Society, he joined the Harmony Foundation International team, and is mission driven to enrich lives through singing!
He is a former director and founder of several barbershop groups in the Seattle area, busy quartet singer, coach, and arranger. He is married to his sweetheart Amy, and they have two wonderful adult children, who are also teachers.
You can call him Donny.
The songs will be...
- Sweet, Sweet Roses of Morn
- Sweet and Lovely (That's What You Are to Me)
Both songs will be sung using the TTBB arrangements and are found in the Barberpole Cat Songbook Vol. I
All-District Afterglow & Pizza Party
Hey! The fun doesn't stop with KTWWS! Join us after the Show of Champs for the...
All-District Afterglow & PIZZA PARTY!
The FAR WESTERN DISTRICT & FOG CITY are pleased to co-host a post-convention blow-out where EVERYONE can get together to enjoy some GREAT SINGING along with 'ZA and assorted beverages. There'll also be a cash bar available in the hotel lobby for those who prefer something distilled.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 9:45 pm at HYATT PLACE Salons 1-3
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”.
- Login to your Eventbrite account. Then go to "Tickets".
- Select your order.
- Click “Edit”.
- Save your changes.
TIP: You can also use this method to transfer a ticket to someone else. If you sell a non-competitor ticket to a competitor they can "upgrade" it on-site at the registration desk for a $35 fee.
IMPORTANT: All changes/transfers must me made PRIOR to the close of advance registration. 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 tickets (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.
FAQs, Walkthroughs, and How-To Videos
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.
Hotel Reservations
Hotel reservations are made directly with the hotel, either on their website or by phone.
For help related to HOTEL RESERVATIONS, please contact the hotel directly.
Far Western District Events