Contests are an important focus for BHA members as they give quartets and choruses the opportunity to compete at a regional and national level. National level gold medallists are also provided the opportunity to compete at an international level through BHAs alliance with the Barbershop Harmony Society which is based in the USA.
A BHA contest is adjudicated by a panel of visiting certified judges which gives each ensemble a score covering the three scoring categories of Singing, Music and Performance. Each judge provides immediate face-to-face feedback on their relevant category via an evaluation.
BHA Regional Contests are held annually, usually during April to May. Contests are open to the public and are often accompanied by a concert showcasing the best scoring ensembles on the day.
Many BHA judges are also very good educators. Visiting judges will often provide a harmony workshop on the day or the day following the contests.
BHA Regions are generally aligned with State boundaries. Scroll down to view details of Regional Contests and associated activities in your Region/State/Territory, and FAQs.
Central Region – SA & NT
Eastern Region – NSW (except Northern Rivers NSW) & ACT
Q. How do I pay the Contest Entry Fee?
A. Please refer to the instruction in the table for your Region on this page.
Q. Do I also need to separately register for the event?
A. Please refer to the instruction in the table for your Region on this page.
Q. What is the closing date for Contest Entry?
A. The Contest Entry closing date for your Regional Contest can be viewed in the table for your Region on this page and also on the Contest Entry Home Page.
Q. What are the contest rules?
A. Contest rules are contained in Standing Order 6 available under ‘Downloads’ on the BHA website
Q. Do both quartets and choruses need to qualify at regionals before they can enter the National convention?
A. A quartet does need to qualify in the Regional Contest to enter the National event. A new quartet will need to register with BHA at least 21 days prior to contest entry. A Chorus does not need to qualify at Regional Contest to enter the National event.
Q. If my quartet is unable to compete in the Regional Contest, is there an invitational section in the National Contest?
A. There is no Invitational quartet section at the National Contest. There are Invitational sections for both quartet and chorus in the Regional Contest only. However, it is possible to lodge a video entry for assessment at the time of the final Regional Contest. Refer to Standing Order 7. Video assessments are available for quartets only.