leadership academy
2026 leadership academy
SAVE THE DATE:
Saturday, January 10, 2026 | 9am-4pm
Shawnee Presbyterian Church, Shawnee, KS
$45 per registrants (includes Food, Fellowship, & Fun!)
TAKE YOUR CHAPTER TO THE NEXT LEVEL!
Training, mentoring and peer support for Chapter leaders
including President, Treasurer, Membership, Marketing and Music
Team as well as aspiring leaders.
Office-Specific Courses & Descriptions
Facilitator:
Robert Rund
Membership as Belonging: The BHS Experience in 2026
This presentation explores what it truly means to be a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society in 2026—moving beyond dues and programming to a deeper sense of identity, community, and belonging. We’ll examine the evolving value proposition for singers and chapters across North America, highlight the shared experiences that connect us, and discuss how a renewed focus on belonging strengthens culture, supports chapter vitality, and amplifies our impact. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how membership in BHS can be more meaningful, inclusive, and inspiring than ever before.
Facilitator:
Jim Bagby
Build Muscle Through Woodshedding
Woodshedding is the art, or at least the pursuit, of
ear singing. It’s spontaneous harmonizing. It goes back to at
least the 19th century and flourished around the turn of the last
century. That led to the eventual formation of two international
organizations which continue to sing (we hope) almost exclusively
barbershop harmony.
Facilitator:
Brett Randolph
President
This class will provide you with information and resources you need to organize and lead your chapter. More importantly, we will work together as a team to address all your questions and ideas for discussion. Some will come in as first-time leaders and others will have several years of experience in leading their chapter and we will work to cover all your needs. Come prepared with your questions so we can get started quickly. If you already have knowledge make sure you become a part of this class so we can benefit from your experience.
Facilitator:
Larry Hlavacek
Secretary
Acquaint new and veteran chapter leaders, particularly chapter secretaries, with the dynamic BHS Member Center web site for chapter and chorus information and a source for Society operational information. Review role of the chapter secretary regarding membership, incorporation requirements, show clearance procedure, communication along with suggested monthly duties. Use of additional resources viz., Chapter Secretary Manual. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop to class.
Facilitator:
Jeff Arians
Treasurer
In-depth look at chapter accounting as suggested by BHS. A detailed presentation of Quicken using the Society’s accounting process and an overview of Quickbooks. Responsibilities of the treasurer to the chapter are discussed in great detail.
Facilitators:
Don Fuson
Tim Link
Building a Culture of Leadership
- Breaking the waves out-front, or Pushing from behind?
- Surveying member views on the health of their local chapter
- Determining the support for future community engagement for quartets and chorus performances
- Utilizing past member experiences
- Meeting current member expectations
- Developing future leaders for the chapter
- Engaging and involving every member in support of the non-singing/planning/communication side of things
- Measuring Risk vs. Reward in setting chapter goals
Facilitator:
Jon Kready
Creating a Performance Culture
This class will cover strategies for creating a fun culture that promotes togetherness, and develops a safe environment to perform in. We will also discuss methods to introduce songs to the chorus with a performance mindset and character development in place from the start.
Facilitator:
Corbin Donavan
Membership
In this class, participants will round table discuss running a guest night, as well as three topics for best practices in membership.
- Designing a Welcoming Onboarding Experience
- Building Belonging: Social & Emotional Connection
- Clear Pathways: Moving from Chorus newbie, to Core Chorus member
Come spend an hour helping your fellow barbershoppers understand/grow the membership in their chapters! It is going to be an awesome time!
Facilitator:
Dan Bodtke
Music Team
In this session, you’ll learn about possible music team compositions, their roles, and how they can interact with each other. We’ll also discuss reflecting on your chapter/chorus culture so you can determine which music team composition might best support your group.
Facilitator:
Matt Webber
So, You Wanna Be a Judge?
Ever wondered what it’s like to sit in the pit and score dozens of barbershop quartets and choruses—or coach them right after you’ve judged them? Join Matt Webber, a Barbershop Harmony Society musicality judge candidate, as he shares his two-year journey toward certification.
In this interactive, high-energy session, you’ll explore what it really takes to become a judge: the application process, the highs and lows, and the skills behind accurate scoring. We’ll practice evaluating performances together and break down the differences between the Performance, Musicality, and Singing categories.
Come ready to learn, ask questions, and dive into the world of barbershop judging—you won’t want to miss it!
