Purpose of the award — In honor of Buzz Haeger, a Lifetime Member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, renowned arranger and International Quartet Champion with the Four Renegades Quartet, to reward the new District Champion Quartet.

When is it given — The presentation is made after the Saturday Quartet finals. At the completion of the contest, before the winners are announced, the retiring champion will do their swan song. On completion, the current QCA President presents them with individual trophies. On the announcement of the top three quartets, prior champions present 3rd and 2nd place medals, then the
Retiring champions present the 1st place lapel pins and “The Buzz” traveling trophy.

What criteria are used — The Illinois District Quartet Champion is that quartet, which, through two rounds of competition, receives the highest total scores.

How is the information obtained –The Contest Administrator(CA) receives the scores for each competitor from the judging panel.  The CA enters the scores into the Society Scoring Program.  When all scores have been entered, the program sorts the scores and determines placement for each eligible competitor.  The OSS (Official Scoring Summary) is then printed.

What is the physical award — Lapel pins for the top three quartets are provided by the Awards Committee. The Buzz Traveling Trophy was created by the QCA. The presentation and maintenance of the travelling trophy, is the sole responsibility of the QCA.