Fresno, California • October 9-12, 2025
Tickets go on sale October 17, 2024 • Early-Bird discount until September 12 • Advance sales end Sept 30
About
The 2025 Far Western District Fall Convention is a must-attend event for all music enthusiasts! Join us October 9-12, 2025 at Saroyan Theatre in Fresno, California for a weekend filled with incredible performances and exciting activities hosted by Fog City!
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! This is much more than just a contest! Your registration also includes a variety of classes being offered from seasoned professionals who will share their insights and techniques, leadership training, a roundtable for directors, multiple singing opportunities, and many other events being planned. 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 2025 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 September 30 at 11:59 PM
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Hotel
The Doubletree is sold out for Thursday and Friday, has very limited availability for Saturday night...
Other lodging options
DoubleTree Hotel Fresno (HQ)
2233 Cesar Chavez Blvd, Fresno, CA 93721
Available
Convention Rate: $152.00 + tax & fees
Valid until September 25, 2025
Check-In 3:30 p.m. • Check-Out 12:00 p.m
Set across the street from the Saroyan Theater at the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center, this downtown hotel is also 6.3 miles from Fresno Yosemite International Airport.
All rooms offer flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, and mini-fridge as well as custom-designed beds and desks. Upgraded rooms and suites add living areas, microwave, and pull-out sofas.
Parking is free. There's a breakfast buffet (fee) served in a casual cafe with an American menu, as well as a coffee shop, and an atrium lounge with a 3-story waterfall. Other amenities include a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub and a 24/7 fitness center. There's also a business center and a beauty salon.
Amenities
| accessible Accessible | wifi Free Wifi | restaurant Restaurant | pool Outdoor Pool | kitchen Mini-fridge | block Airport Shuttle |
| smoke_free Smoke Free | block Free Breakfast | local_bar Bar | hot_tub Hot Tub | child_friendly Kid Friendly | business_center Business Center |
| ac_unit Air Conditioning | local_parking Free Parking | room_service Room Service | fitness_center Fitness Center | block Pet Friendly | local_laundry_service Laundry Service |
Venue
William Saroyan Theatre
at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center
730 M Street, Fresno, CA 93721
The jewel of Central California, the William Saroyan Theatre distinguishes itself with unparalleled elegance and luxurious seating and has hosted some of the world’s most renowned performers during its rich history. The Saroyan Theatre is Fresno’s premier cultural arts destination and home to the area’s leading performing arts groups, including the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra, Fresno Grand Opera, Broadway in Fresno, Valley Performing Arts Council and Lively Arts Foundation. The theatre also hosts a variety of comedy shows, concerts, family entertainment and community events.
This historic 2,351-seat performing arts theatre recently underwent an extensive renovation, including beautiful front-of-house enhancements to the main lobby and VIP Lounge, as well as back-of-house upgrades with eight state-of-the-art dressing rooms and star rooms, two chorus rooms, two production offices and a green room with built-in bar and leather furniture – all while retaining the old-world charm of this iconic and elegant theatre named after Fresno’s own acclaimed Oscar and Pulitzer Prize winning author. The theatre features a VIP lounge off the main lobby and offers an enormous selection of superb snacks, cocktails, and desserts catered by Pardini’s Catering & Banquets – all of which can be pre-ordered prior to the show and ready at intermission. The Saroyan Theatre welcomes every performer and invites patrons to experience live entertainment in a grand style.
pdf Saroyan Seating Chart(1.06 MB)
All Seats Reserved
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.
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 12 |
Regular Sep 13-Sep 30 |
On-Site Oct 10-11 |
| 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 September 30.
Advertise With Us
Fall Convention Advertising Form
For a very reasonable rate you can promote your chorus or quartet, or announce an upcoming show to a captive audience of barbershop enthusiasts!
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) - $75.00
- Convention Webcast (Full Page) - $100.00
- BOTH for $150.00
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions: W 1500p x H 2400p (W 5" x H 8")
- Resolution: 300 ppi
- Format: ai, jpg, png, or pdf
If sending a vector file (ai/pdf), kindly create outlines for all your fonts.
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 two weeks before the start of the convention.
- Sorry, no exceptions.
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.
Harmony College West
We are please to continue offering "Harmony College West" classes at our Fall Convention. There will be a variety of 1.5 hour sessions offered on Friday from some top-notch instructors that are included with your convention registration.
All classes will be held at the Doubletree in the Convention Center salons.
Schedule
| Time | Class | Instructor | Room |
| 10:00 - 11:30 | Connecting to Your Community: Spreading the Joy of Barbershop | Cary Burns | Salon A-1 |
| Show Me Your Overtones! | Dr. Lucas Bitzer | Salon A-2 | |
| Mission Possible: Let’s Get Funded | Bud Case | Salon B | |
| Authentic Stage Communication | Clay Monson | Salon C | |
| Singing technique to utilize in rehearsals that build consistency | Chad St. John | Salon D-1 | |
| Sight Singing 101 | Chris Hébert | Salon D-2 | |
| Lift Everything | Laura Pallas SInger | Salon D-3 | |
| 11:45 - 1:15 ` | Membership growth and community engagement | Dr. Perry D. White | Salon A-1 |
| Holy Intonatius, How Can I Sing in Tune? | Dr. Lucas Bitzer | Salon A-2 | |
| What the Score Means and how to get 5 points higher | Adam Scott | Salon B | |
| Highly Effective Coaching | Clay Monson | Salon C | |
| Impactful Performances from Outside Barbershop | Allen Otto | Salon D-1 | |
| Personal Vocal Instruction | Chris Hébert | Salon D-2 | |
| 1:30 - 3:00 | Directors' Roundtable | Laura Pallas Singer | Salon D-3 |
Class Descriptions
Authentic Stage Communication
Whether or not you have a "Performance Plan" you still need to be able to communicate it to an audience. This class will teach the basics of: Effective & Authentic Body Language, Staging, and Movement.
Instructor: Clay Monson
Connecting to Your Community: Spreading the Joy of Barbershop
This class is designed to examine and improve the ways in which we engage with our local communities. This is a hybrid class with many ideas presented and a round table discussion. We’ll tackle subjects like: do your public-facing assets align with your mission, do you have a specific identity, how does the public view you based on your advertising, who is your target prospective member, how do guests experience your chapter meetings, does your repertoire engage your guests and reflect the personality of your chapter, what resources would be helpful to you to confidently reach out to your community? Come join the discussion and share ideas!
Instructor: Cary Burns
Directors' Roundtable
The FWD is pleased to continue the Directors’ Roundtable, where the front-line directors (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. FLDs of all levels are welcome and encouraged to participate. What better use of our time than to educate and learn from one another!
Facilitator: Laura Pallas SInger
Highly Effective Coaching
Come learn effective planning and communication strategies from someone who makes their living coaching Educators. We'll cover how to build rapport, identify coachable moments, use collaborative coaching principles, and how to keep ensembles coming back for more.
Instructor: Clay Monson
Holy Intonatius, How Can I Sing in Tune?
What does it truly mean to "sing in tune"? In this hands-on class, we’ll dive into the deeper layers of this essential skill. Together, we’ll explore the physics behind pitch, train our ears with intervals and chords, and listen to examples that sharpen our ability to tune within an ensemble. You’ll also discover powerful apps to enhance your ear training and uncover the magic behind the beloved Barbershop 7th chord. Join us to fine-tune your skills, elevate your ensemble singing, and experience the joy of harmony at its best!
Instructor: Dr. Lucas Bitzer
Impactful Performance from Outside Barbershop
This class examines powerful performances from beyond the barbershop world, analyzing how artists across music, dance, athletics, and visual media create lasting emotional impact. Through selected examples and group discussion, we will uncover what makes a performance resonate and how those lessons can elevate our own artistry.
Instructor: Allen Otto
Lift Everything
Using ‘The Story of a Rose (Heart of My Heart)’ we will explore Vowel Resonant Placement. A lifted resonant space that can solve all your woes.
Instructor: Laura Pallas SInger
Membership growth and community engagement
This session is a facilitated opportunity to discuss ways for your chapter to engage your community and seek new members. Participants will be asked to share any ideas or practices they have successfully implemented, or considered, as well hear about examples from chapters all around the country.
Instructor: Dr. Perry D. White
Mission Possible: Let’s Get Funded
Description: Join us for this empowering workshop and take the first step towards turning your Chapter’s funding ideas into reality. Whether you're new to grant writing or looking to refine your skills, "Mission Possible: Let’s Get Funded" will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to succeed.
Instructor: Bud Case
Personal Vocal Instruction
This voice studio setting will allow for each attendee to get individual voice feedback on what they do well and how they can improve their voice. This will make you a better and smarter singer.
Instructor: Chris Hébert
Show Me Your Overtones!
What are overtones, and how do they shape the unique quality of your voice? How do they interact when we sing together? In this interactive class, we’ll break down the physics of overtones, exploring their presence in your voice and their role in creating rich sound. Depending on time, we’ll dive into topics like vowels, formants, intervals, and chords—perfect for those who love to get a little nerdy! By the end of the session, you’ll be equipped to perform real-time overtone analysis using your smartphone. Join us to deepen your understanding of vocal harmony!
Instructor: Dr. Lucas Bitzer
Sight Singing 101
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.
Instructor: Chris Hébert
Singing technique to utilize in rehearsals that build consistency
This course will identify key information to be aware of about the Singing Category, and rehearsal techniques that build consistency in your delivery. Category information will include: barbershop style and Singing Category definition; SNG Judge responsibilities; key elements contributing to successful vocal delivery; singing scoresheet review; and style elements shared by all categories. Techniques will include: quartet/chorus goal alignment; rehearsal structure; vocal warm-ups and health tips; and rehearsal techniques that reinforce freely produced singing and unity.
Instructor: Chad St. John
What the Score Means and how to get 5 points higher
Have you practiced like crazy only to find your quartet/chorus scores about the same year and year out? Judge and coach Adam Scott breaks down the scoring in 3-5 point increments and explains the rehearsal habits of those singing at every level from 49-99. We'll demystify some of the scores and give you some practical tips on what to do to sing 5 points better.
Instructor: Adam Scott
AFWDC Late Show
The Late Show — AFWDC (Association of Far Western District Champions)
Celebrate the best of barbershop at The Late Show, the Association of Far Western District Champions' (AFWDC) showcase featuring past and present quartet champions. Join us for a night of music, laughter, and celebration with our champion quartets and special tributes at the Sequoia Ballroom at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Fresno!
Quartet Line-Up & Highlights
Get ready for an unforgettable evening featuring these quartets:
- Moving Parts — 2024 Far Western District Quartet Champions
- Capitol Ring — 2018 FWD Quartet Champions
- Suit Up! — 2017 FWD Quartet Champions
- Flightline — 2015 FWD Quartet Champions (celebrating their 10-year anniversary)
- The Newfangled Four — 2013 FWD Quartet Champions & 2024 International 5th Place Bronze Medalists
Plus, a Special Tribute
A heartfelt tribute to the San Francisco Storm Door & Whale Oil Company, winners of the 1975 Far Western District Quartet Championship, honoring their 50-year legacy and recognizing their baritone, Bill Tieberg.
Event Details
- When: Friday evening (October 10, 2025) after the FWD Quartet Semifinals
- Where: Sequoia Ballroom - DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Fresno Convention Center
- Drinks: Put the "bar" in "barbershop" at the cash bar just outside the ballroom!
Why You Should Be There!
Experience the ultimate late-night showcase of champion quartets, jaw-dropping tags, and harmony that echoes across generations. Whether you’ve been part of the barbershop world for years or this is your first Late Show, this night promises to be a highlight of your harmony-filled weekend!
Everyone Welcome Chorus
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 have an “Everyone Welcome Chorus” to perform as the Mic Testers for the chorus contest.
As the name implies, everyone is welcome to participate. There will be no evaluation of the chorus. You do NOT need a competitor registration to participate.
Our Fall 2025 Chorus Directer is ROYCE FERGUSON, and the songs Royce has selected are:
There will be an all-chorus practice on Saturday morning before the chorus contest. See the convention program/schedule for time and location.
FWD Senior Chorus
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 singers 55+ of all genders who are members of a Far Western District chapter and want to sing at the Fall District Convention and Contest in Fresno, California on October 9 - 12, 2025.
Sign up Now • Sing in the Fall
This esteemed group will be under the musical direction of Mr. Cary Burns.
About our Director:
- 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.
Food Truck Fair
There will be a FOOD TRUCK FAIR for your dining pleasure on SATURDAY AFTERNOON.
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 menu-bar
- Select your Quartet or CHORUS (not chapter) from the list
- Under 'Officer Management Actions', click 'Enter Contest'
- 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.
