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The Harmony Brigade Rallies:
An eXtreme Quartetter's Paradise
Where do fervent quartetters dream of going?
No doubt the first place that comes to mind is the paradise lighted in that arch of blinding light, cordoned off with the ribbon of Olympic medals, where thunderous affirming cheers ripple up to a raised stage, in the center of a vast stadium, lined with an international contingent of delighted aficionados, friends, family and life long heroes! Not that I've been there (yet) mind you ... but I can dream ... can't I?
Then too, somewhere else over that rainbow, just north of its opposite end (where "the lobby- the temple of our hobby" can be found) is another version of Quartetter's Utopia. This middle ground is where fortunately all avid quartetters occasionally get to visit: It's that profound, intimate, almost sacred place where, privately, they can be surrounded only by pure sound, and the feeling of being together on the a great wavelength in conversation with friends with whom they particularly enjoy singing.
These savory glimpses of Nirvana, keeps us quartetting. That's also why, nearly 500 avid (maybe even rabid) independent quartet-men from around the Society and as far as Germany and Sweden (actively in quartets or not) find the "eXtreme Quartettingﾮ" Harmony Brigade Rallies (annually held in North Carolina, Indiana, at Harmony University and in the Mid-Atlantic District) so appealing and compelling.
Imagine getting together with 125, diligent, self disciplined, discerning quartetters, who really know their music inside, and out and where everyone (in equal voice parts) comes ready, willing and able to spend all weekend mixing it up in hundreds of good quartet combinations! Imagine a place to find lots of ambitious guys outside of your chapter (but no too far away from you) with whom you can share and build a large and very diverse repertory of champion quality songs. Sound like the Eden?
"eXtreme Quartettingﾮ" Harmony Brigades aren't intended as places of education (though they challenge and cause one to become a better quarteter), They are not specifically focused on competition (though some part of the rally involves an adjudicated contest). They are not meant to attract chorus singers or directors (though there is a relatively minor portion of the event conducted as a chorus and Society certified Directors are involved). And though these rallies are not meant for public consumption, an "instant" and an extraordinary show is ultimately staged for the public by this merry band of pick-up singers, to celebrate the conclusion of their weekend wonderland.
Where do quartetters dream of being?
Many who dream of a rewarding playground and retreat to sing with other highly motivated quartetters are finding it at one of the four Harmony Brigades. As one Brigader put it, "It's sort of like Disneyland for serious quartet heads."
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