Good morning, friends,

David commented:

> In this particular case, by Cellmates not showing, they denied
two
> quartets who were equal next in line the opportunity to perform
their
> second set of songs. There has to be a penalty for this type
of
> action??? Also, it is clearly stated in the contest rules
> that quartets
> competing in the Open competition need to have four songs
prepared,
> so I don't accept the excuse when they have only two. OK it is
fair
> enough to scratch up a couple of Polecats or something but to
just no-
> show, that is not on.

From having been in the position of qualifying at a SPEBS District
contest, yet not having two additional songs for the finals, I can
appreciate both arguments. When I worked for the Society,
whenever something concerning penalties, etc., came up at Harmony
Hall, we would often refer back to the name of the association to
decide what to do. It was always (and still is, I'm sure) felt
that the best course to take was usually one that gave
ENCOURAGEMENT to ensure that the greatest amount of participation
by the widest range of members was possible. That said, it is
also important to have a process in place to ensure that this
works across the board (i.e. in the finals as well as in the first
round).

So, might it work to have a procedure to ensure that all
qualifying quartets do intend to compete in the final? With a
procedure such as this, had Cellmates simply been contacted by
their proctor immediately after the first round (I assume you use
proctors to move quartets from dressing rooms to the final warmup
room and on to the stage, yes?), he/she would have known they did
not intend to compete and the alternate quartet(s) could have done
so. This allows that wide range of participation (I, for one,
would hate to miss a Cellmates-type performance had they been
barred for only having two songs prepared) AND provides for
contingencies, too.

Food for thought from the shores of sunny Ireland ...

Patrick


--------------------------------------------
Patrick M. Kelly, Managing Director
HARMONY CONSULTING (IRELAND), LTD.
HARMONY COMMUNICATIONS INTERNATIONAL
PO Box 702
Ballincollig, Co Cork
IRELAND

mailto:pkelly@...
www.harmony-consulting.com
+ 353 21 487 7835 (Home)
+ 353 21 487 7848 (Office & Fax)
+ 353 87 918 9639 (Mobile)

Free Local & National calls with Euphony!
Info at 1800 931696 or www.ie.euphony.com

An Accredited Independent Consultant for
EUPHONY COMMUNICATIONS
--------------------------------------------