CREATIVE PROCESS
“SONG OF ATLANTA” PERFORMANCES— MUCH MORE THAN MUSIC by Holley Calmes
ong of Atlanta Show Chorus” is a group of over 100 Atlanta women who rehearse, perform, and compete in the female barbershop style. But this group of “classy, sassy” ladies is so much more! Incorporating excellence in music is a given, but then the group goes far beyond the ordinary with themed presentations, complex choreography, exciting costuming, and lots of that fine “HOTlanta style.” Audiences can experience this vivacious group in their performance on Saturday, April 24 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Titled “A Blast from the Past,” the program will be held at the Blessed Trinity Performing Arts Theatre in Roswell, GA. and feature the entire chorus, the award winning quartet “Moxie Ladies” and singer Julie Gribble. Tickets are $15 and $10. The group has come a long way since its 1957 founding as a branch of Sweet Adelines International. Still a part of this organization, “Song of Atlanta” has developed into one of its most decorated, award winning members. Much of the success has come from the creative leadership of Director Becki Hine, a Certified Showmanship Judge who has led SOA to thirteen regional championships and three international “top ten” medals. Being a “show choir” has its charm and its challenges. Ms. Hine explains, “We don’t just stand there and sing. We incorporate visual plans, including some challenging choreography and facial involvement in order to communicate the message of the songs we sing. We also use entertaining emcee work to mesh our songs together into a complete package.” Developing all of these elements requires teamwork. “We have a creative team that brainstorms ideas for a theme, and the influences are as varied as our singers. Then we begin to learn arrangements of songs that will fit the theme. The visual team gets involved with costuming and choreography. All of our singers eventually become whatever character we have decided that they portray.” “Most barbershop choruses use some choreography to enhance their musical delivery,” Ms. Hines continues. “Members of our front row are selected through audition, and their choreography is challenging! I love to create visual plans for the chorus that enhances the musical product.” And what is Song of Atlanta’s “true HOTlanta style?” “We make sure that our classy, sassy image which includes costumes, choreography, song choices and high energy performances, reflect the wonderful, eclectic style and buzzing energy of our city.” For tickets and more information about “Song of Atlanta Show Choir” visit www.songofatlanta.com. 6
