What is Harmony Explosion Camp Northeast? Simply put, Harmony Explosion Camp Northeast is one of the best and most unique musical enrichment opportunities available to high school-aged students and their teachers. A joint outreach effort of the international Barbershop Harmony Society and Harmony Inc., HX Camp brings together young singers from the northeastern US and Canada for an intesnive weekend of learning and music-making, under the leadership of stellar directors, clinicians and coaches. This year's camp will be held August 11-14 (Thurdsay-Sunday) at beautiful Worcester State College in Worcester, MA. Return to top

Who can attend Harmony Explosion Camp Northeast? The camp is open to any student who has completed 8th grade (typically aged 13-14); students may attend through the summer following their 12th grade (senior) year (typically aged 17-18). A separate track is available for professional music educators and collegiate music education majors. Return to top

Why is this camp so much less expensive than comparable music camps? The estimated per-person cost of $365 is subsidized by the generous support of the Harmony Foundation and by contributions from chapters, quartets and individuals from men's and women's barbershop organizations, allowing us to set a tuition of just $129. The camp is a nonprofit entity, and most of the staff volunteer their time for the weekend. If you would like to make a financial contribution to the program, you may donate by credit card via the online registration site. Return to top

How do I register for HX Camp? Complete an online registrationvia the HX Camp website (see the link in the left column of this page). Once your registration is submitted, you will be directed to print out and complete your medical form and contract, which you will then mail in along with your $129 fee (payable to "Northeastern District") to the PO Box provided. Return to to top

How do I know I'm registered? You will receive an instant registration receipt once your online registration has been submitted as well as a confirmation email. Once your physical materials (forms and deposit) have been received, you will receive an email with a link to download your information packet, music, and .mp3 learning tracks. Return to top

What can I expect to experience at the camp? You'll join over 100 other young singers, sleeping in the college dormitories, eating in the college cafeteria on an all-you-can eat meal plan (and the food is great!), attending dynamic rehearsal sessions, sectional rehearsals and workshops, and listening to quartets or singing tags at the picnic and ice cream social. The weekend culminates in a Saturday evening concert, featuring the camp choruses and guest stars from the international barbershop stage. Return to top

What type of music will I be singing? Repertoire at the camp is a mixture of traditional men's and women's barbershop and traditional TTBB/SSAA choral literature. Past selections have run the gamut from "Coney Island Baby" to "Under the Boardwalk" to Tomas Luis de Victoria's "Weep, O Mine Eyes" and Franz Biebl's "Ave Maria." Our clinicians include respected teachers and medal-winning barbershoppers. (Often both!) Return to top

I've never sung barbershop - what do I need to know? The fundamentals of singing and technique are exactly the same for barbershop as for any other style of choral singing, although some of the stylistic conventions may be new to you. You will also need to choose your appropriate barbershop voice part - Click here for help with this, and to learn more about reading and performing in the barbershop style.  Return to top

I currently sing in a barbershop quartet - what can the camp do for me? Bring your whole quartet and get coached by our staff! Refine your barbershop skills, sing in a large chorus, perform for your peers, and learn some new repertoire and tricks of the craft while having a great time. Return to top

I'm a school choral teacher - what can HX Camp do for me and my program? The timing of the camp provides a perfect opportunity to energize your choral students in preparation for the new school year. The activities of the camp help students to train their ears, read music, tune close harmonies, improve part independence, sing expressively... Personally, you can observe some master teachers and clinicians in action, pick up some new tricks of the trade, share your own insights and techniques with colleagues from a wide area, learn some new repertoire, and generally "recharge your batteries" before heading back to the classroom in September. Collegiate music education majors gain valuable experience before student teaching or moving into the workforce, interacting both with high school students and seasoned professionals. Return to top

My students are attending - what are my responsibilities as a teacher? Ready for some great news? You can attend the camp with your students, but you are not their chaperone! No hustling them from one activity to another, no room checks at night or wake-up calls in the morning - you're not even housed in the same building! We have a full staff of chaperones who are responsible for the students while you get to take classes, observe rehearsals, and sing in the educators' chorus! As for most music festivals, we certainly encourage you to go over the music with your students before the camp, but they have the ability to practice on their own with .mp3 learning tracks. NOTE: We encourage students to arrange their own transportation with their families, but if you plan on driving a group of students to/from camp, we strongly suggest you follow whatever protocols your school district uses for permission for student transport to protect yourself from any liability.

HX Camp sounds great! How can I support this venture? Tell everyone about us! Refer singers you know to our website, or show them this article. If you'd like to make a monetary donation, you may do so by credit card via the "Make a Donation" option on our registration page (see link at left), or contact us via email to find ways to help. Return to top