In June the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) made an announcement that they would begin accepting female members. Social media platforms have been afire ever since with discussion about the decision. People around the society have expressed concerns, voiced their support, and debated the issue at length. This change is the result of a tiny alteration to existing bylaws that govern membership: the removal of the word “male” in designating the kinds of members we seek to perpetuate this style of music. All other aspects of the culture of the Barbershop Harmony Society as laid out in the bylaws remain the same.
Here in Ontario, barbershoppers may be wondering what open membership means for them. District President Kenneth Fisher released a statement on June 23rd, saying that “[this membership change] is an extension of the new, bold vision that the BHS launched last year: EVERYBODY IN HARMONY.” He went on to say that “our chapters will now have the opportunity, if they wish, to add to their configuration by starting a female-only chorus, or perhaps a mixed barbershop chorus in addition to what they are already doing. Not making any changes is also a valid option.” This change is said to come into effect on January 1st 2019, at which time it is hoped that chapter by-laws will receive amendments from headquarters in Nashville.
With concerns abound about how chapters will be required to operate should they choose to accept female members, this editor sought several avenues of questioning. Regarding the Ontario District leadership’s plans for chapter support, Kenneth Fisher said that “The plan is for the district to have accurate, up to date ONT best advice and written policies that the chapters can and should use.” Fisher went on to say that the District leadership is in the process of hiring legal counsel to address some human rights concerns that members fear may arise, and that they will continue to keep the district membership informed of developments in this story.
Mixed quartet and chorus singing in Ontario has recently seen a boom, and with the founding of the Mixed Barbershop Harmony Association (MBHA) groups representing Canada have competed and qualified for the World Mixed Barbershop Quartet and Chorus Contests hosted by Barbershop in Germany (BinG!) during Ontario District conventions. Mixed groups that wish to be considered for entry into the World Mixed contests must be members of the MBHA. When asked about the MBHA’s intentions moving forward, Barry Towner had this to say:
“At International, the MBHA Board met with incoming Society President Dick Powell and Marty Monson to discuss the relationship between MBHA and BHS and the discussion was that MBHA should continue as currently operating. Going forward as there is more work completed by BHS and MBHA, it is hoped to develop a formal working arrangement between the two. As more information is developed and understood then more will be communicated. At this point Ontario will be holding the District Mixed Chorus Contest this Fall sanctioned by MBHA with the winner receiving the MBHA trophy. [Groups may compete without MBHA membership] unless the group is interested in having their score considered for the World Mixed Championships in 2020, in which case they must be members of MBHA as MBHA is presently the official status holder for qualifiers for Canada and the United States for the World Mixed selection committee.”
Visit www.barbershop.org/everyoneinharmony/faqs/ for more information about the BHS Strategic Vision, the decision to allow all people as members of the society, and how it may relate to you and your experience of barbershop harmony.
This editor would like to know how YOU feel about these changes. Your thoughts, be they critical or otherwise, are important to the Ontario District membership. Please email trillium@ontariosings.com to share your comments, concerns, and questions, and this editor will do everything possible to address these in upcoming issues of The Trillium. Your anonymity will be respected and preserved should you want it.