Harmony Rag 2006 Spring Edition

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

SPRING 2006

HARMONY RAG Eu4ia – off to Vegas…

In September 2000 we asked Jane if she would consider singing in a quartet with us. ‘No way’ she replied ‘I’m never singing in a quartet’. Fast forward 5 years and we’re sitting in an arena in Detroit (well correct that slightly, Nancy is in the bar drinking wine because she assumes we’ve come 45th) and they announce that we’ve come 12th in the world…

mingling with the Swedish quartets (who were lovely), rehearsing before contest – crying because we ‘couldn’t remember things’, Kate confessing she had a sore throat (she hadn’t), Nancy telling John (our coach, Jane’s husband) she was losing her voice again (she wasn’t), feeling sorry for Olivia who ended up going to hospital because she had an ear

to describe it is ‘amazing’. Jane said she felt like crying at the Scottsdale up tempo just from the sound of it. When Lace City performed on stage it was even better than rehearsal and they did a fantastic job. We felt proud to be from Region 31.

We hope you heard us cheering…

We’d like to thank our coaches who helped us get where we did. We had 2 full day sessions with Doug Harrington. His musicality is second to none. Our main coach, however, is of course John Grant (singing coach and 6 times champion chorus director from BABS). Thank you John for helping us achieve those magic moments.

We’d also like to thank our husbands for their incredible support – Simon (tattoo-less but we hope not forever…), John (again), Sandra’s (new) husband Tony and Neil for his support and coaching of the quartet as well as being superdad to Olivia when we were rehearsing. We think we’re quite lucky really.

Of course we mustn’t forget many congratulations to Sandra and Tony who got married the day before we flew to the US. The wedding was a wonderful day.

However, we think we’ll try and avoid big lifetime events the weekend before Las Vegas next year.

Finally, we’d like to thank Jane for eventually agreeing to give quartetting

We have to be honest, there was probably some unladylike swearing from Sandra and much screaming from all of us (including Nancy who finally believed it after being told for the third time and being convinced it wasn’t a cruel joke).

We do this hobby because we love singing, harmony and friendship but it also gives us some lifetime magic moments. You can’t beat that. Lucky for Nancy’s husband Simon we didn’t get another 12 marks. He’d promised to get a Eu4ia tattoo if we ever got into the top 10…

So what was our first time at International like? Three nights trying to stay up as long as possible so that we’d be awake when we sang on stage at 2.20am our time, Sandra confessing to Nancy (in a slightly scared way) that she fell asleep at 9pm the night before contest, walking around the arena getting excited seeing the Queens with their crowns on,

infection, walking on the carpeted stage, watching the Buzz on DVD the morning before contest then having the real Buzz come up to us after the results and say ‘Eu4ia you got in the 15, we’re so excited !’, realising when we looked at the marks we were 8th in sound…

The Lace City ladies (and men) and the contingent from Forth Valley were wonderful to us. All the supporters from Region 31 gave us amazing support before the contest such that we could hear them chanting from backstage (which was fantastic, as were the hugs and congratulations afterwards). We truly thank you. They are real ambassadors for Sweet Adelines.

We must also tell you about the Lace City performance. We went to their rehearsal on the day of contest. They sounded (and looked) great. If you’ve a try ! If you’re ever considering it you never seen the top US choruses you should give it a go. Who knows what can’t quite believe it, an accurate word might happen…

Welcome

SPRING 2006

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

Many thanks for all the contributions that have come my way. There is

no limit on size of article, it can be a page long or just two lines. The important thing is to share information

City of Roses Musical

choreographer Irene Mitchell. It was an all ticket performance and a lot of people were left out in the cold as we had a full house. We brought the house down with our wall of sound; it gave Harmony a true meaning. Our Director is Bill Riehl and he is also The City of Roses chorus performed the Director of the men’s chorus so a musical called “For the Love of he had a double celebration.

Maggie” at their local Arts Centre on Bill Riehl is unfortunately retiring

with the whole region.

Yes, we are interested to hear about all the small regional competitions you go in for, it is good to see chorus’s getting involved in local communities. Let us know of any charity events that you are participating in as well and of course photos of these things are always wanted.

The next deadline for The Rag is after regional competition, so don’t forget your notebooks and cameras for all of those exciting or even disastrous moments! Then remember to email them to me quickly or you might miss out Deborah

the 30th of November 2005. It was a fantastic performance made all the better because we combined with the Aberdeen men’s barbershop chorus, Granite City. It was written by one of our girls, Pauline de Koning, and produced by another of our girls, our

and moving back to the USA, so we would like to wish him all the best and thank him for everything that he has done for the City of Roses chorus.

Yours in Harmony, Edith Loudon, P.R.

City Of Roses New members We launched a campaign for new members last August and September by holding a six-week free singing course for women in and around the city of Aberdeen. I have to confess that we did not use the Divas Wanted material, but adapted a successful plan which had been tried and tested by LABBS and BABS choruses.

Ten thousand flyers were printed and distributed via one of the free newspapers to various targeted areas of the city and the shire, and also we advertised in the newspaper, on the web and by putting up flyers in our own localities. We limited the number of applicants to 25 because we felt that was how many we could comfortably accommodate on the risers, and we had no problems in achieving that number of registered participants.

There was a range of nationalities, ages and ethnic groups, and around 18 stayed the course, of whom 8 became prospective members and 4 have so far passed

their auditions. We stressed from the start that the ladies did not have to have any prior singing experience and were free to do whatever they liked with their new-found expertise. For some of them of course, barbershop singing was not to their taste, and not all wanted to commit to what they could see was a time-consuming hobby (sorry, way of life!). However, all the feedback we received was extremely positive; the ladies enjoyed the experience and the camaraderie and they all had FUN! For the chorus members, we are delighted to welcome new members of course, and the icing on the cake was that we applied to the City Council for funding to cover the considerable costs of advertising and administration and this was granted, so it cost us nothing. We’re planning to do it again this year!

Tina Newcombe

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

SPRING 2006

surrey harmony at the palace 2005 turned out to be something of a right royal year for Surrey Harmony. Not only did we win gold and get the chance to go to Las Vegas for International, but we had two “Royal” engagements.

The most recent was at an event attended by Princess Anne. We were invited to sing at the annual Christmas party for The “Not Forgotten” Association, a charity which helps disabled former members of the Armed Forces. We were in illustrious company. Also taking part were TV personality

CHANGES AT TAMAR VALLEY CHORUS! For a number of years Tamar Valley have rehearsed at the ‘Soundhouse’ in Plymouth. We felt that we would like to strengthen our connection with them and decided at the beginning of this year to change our chorus name to ‘Soundhouse Harmony’. We are thrilled to say that this is now official and would like to inform all choruses of the change.

Another change for us is that our lovely Director Elaine Ford, who temporarily stepped in last year to direct us, has decided that she misses singing too much and wants to revert back to the position of assistant director after convention in May. We will miss her out front but will gain her beautiful tenor voice! We would like to take this opportunity to give our heartfelt thanks to Elaine for stepping in when we found ourselves without a director. She has been absolutely brilliant and shown such dedication and commitment. She is a very musical and talented lady with such a big heart. Thank you so much Elaine!

If anyone in the region fancies themselves as a director or knows anyone interested in directing then please contact us.

Cilla Black; the former Young Musician of the Year Nicola Benedetti; the singer Robert Meadmore; Jemima Phillips, Harpist to HRH the Prince of Wales, and the Drifters. The Master of Ceremonies was our old friend, Richard Stilgoe.

Princess Anne is the Patron of The “Not Forgotten” Association and we were able to sing to her as she left St James’ Palace after having afternoon tea with the veterans.

She stopped to talk to our Director Jenny Lawson. Jenny told her about Surrey Harmony and explained that for security reasons, she had only been able to bring along 24 singers out of the Chorus total number of nearly 80. The Princess thanked us for coming along to perform.

Then it was time for the show. We were first to perform. We opened with “Razzle Dazzle” and our bowler hat routine was well received. We followed this with “Bandstand in Central Park” and finished with our Glenn Miller medley which was much appreciated by the audience. At the end everyone who took part was back up on stage for Christmas Carols. We had great fun harmonising on the back row with the Drifters!

As I mentioned it was our second performance of the year in front of a member of the Royal Family. Earlier in the year we had sung for the Earl and Countess of Wessex at an event celebrating the Centenary of Rotary International. We invited the Countess to join our front row – sadly she’s yet to take up the offer!

Sheena Kaighin We are looking forward to seeing everyone in Plymouth again this year and hope all your rehearsals for competition are going well!

Yours in Harmony, Soundhouse Harmony.

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    

♦ ♦ ♦ 

SPRING 2006

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

FAMILY CHORUS 2006 Another reminder to all those who are eligible to participate in the Family Chorus – this year’s song is “It’s a Good Day” as sung at the Octoberfest workshop in Birmingham. The chorus will be directed by Tracey Bailey, Director of Champagne Cornwall Chorus and Lead of Inspiration quartet. Tracey’s mum Jackie and daughter Lauren will both be singing in the chorus.

You should have access to this music if your chorus particpated in the Octoberfest. If you don’t have the music or CD please contact Alyson Chaney as a matter of urgency.

Remember that members of the Family Chorus do not have to be members of Sweet Adelines International. The chorus will perform after the chorus contest is over and before the results are announced.

For Sale

Surplus to requirements Welwyn Harmony offer for sale a set of risers complete with trailer for transporting. Little used and in great condition.

Cost new £5221.89, will accept £3800 or near offer.

For more information please contact: Fay Hopson, Welwyn Harmony 2 The Arbour, Queens Road, Hertford. SG13 8AS Telephone 01992 558869

Congratulations Jess on your 70th birthday!

On 10th December the Mayflowers were delighted to celebrate this great occasion with Jess. She organised a superb evening filled with story telling, line dancing and of course singing. This unique lady is a wonderful member of our chorus, sharing her musical talents and ability to promote self belief and success. The picture captures the closing moments of the party with Jess directing the chorus in her own beautiful arrangement of ‘Away in a Manger’. We wish her much love and Many Happy Returns!

SH-OOTERS When Surrey Harmony advertised for “Sh-ooters” last July, we knew this was an opportunity not to be missed!

An “ooter” is refered to as an “out of towner” and basically means that as well

as being a member of your own chorus you have dual membership with Surrey too. You attend monthly rehearsals and

coaching sessions with the chorus with the aim to increasing their chorus size for International competition. It also gives those that wouldn’t normally get to, the chance to sing with the large chorus and compete on International stage in Vegas! American choruses do this often but it is the first time that this initiative has been used in the UK and we are very proud to be a part of this exciting venture.

Since auditioning and being accepted as “ooters” we have had an exciting, exhausting and funpacked past four months; We have learnt both contest songs and choreography, been taped and video’ed, attended monthly rehearsals and been a part of Surrey’s retreat weekend in January where we were coached by Jim Arns. This weekend was absolutely packed with education, coaching and laughter that left you wanting more. Awesome, and this is just the beginning. We can’t wait

for the next few months; coaching with Ase Hagerman, Di Porsch and the opportunity to compete for Evaluation with the chorus in Plymouth with the contest in Vegas being the end goal that we are all aiming for.

The experience is enabling us to do and learn so many wonderful things. Not only are we able sing with a chorus of 90+, we get to compete on International stage in Las Vegas, we get to improve as individual singers and we are able to take the education we have learnt back to our own chorus to help improve them too!

We would like to thank each and every member of Surrey Harmony for asking “ooters” to join them. Everyone has made us feel so welcome, been so encouraging and friendly that we feel very honoured to be a part of your chorus for Las Vegas. Thank you.

Becky, Sally, Debbie, Jenni, Ann Coastline Harmony

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

SPRING 2006

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR OUR VERY OWN MASTER DIRECTOR!

Lace City Singers’ Master Director Glenn Chaney has been selected to be a mentor for other directors worldwide on the Director Mentoring Programme organised by International.

This honour is reserved for those Master Directors who have a proven track record and are good communicators and

Triple Whammy for Mayflower Chorus!

We decided to enter a small group in the Saltash Festival of Music, Speech and Drama this year and I’m happy to say we swept the board! The festival is held every year and covers categories as diverse as poetry, prose, recital, instrumental music and singing, attracting in excess of 1000 entries overall. In the barbershop category, there are classes for quartet, octet and chorus. We won a 1st place trophy for the chorus class with a score of 91%, a cup for

role models. We are thrilled that Glenn’s achievements and teaching ability has been recognised in this way. He will find out soon which directors he will be mentoring and an initial meeting will be arranged for this summer. Congratulations to Glenn from all members of Region 31.

PLYMOUTH LOOK OUT! PLYMOUTH IS HOSTING THE 2006 UK AND IRELAND SWEET ADELINES BARBERSHOP CHAMPIONSHIPS Where: Plymouth Pavilions When: 12th to 14th of May 2006 To advertise in the official Championships Program, which will be issued to all competitors, please call or e-mail; Jeanette Yuile - Tel: 01224 798513 or 01330 811544 e-mail: jeanette.yuile@muir-matheson.com Prices range from £25 for ¼ page to £100 for full page.

Inside covers, full page is sold at £200 The program is produced in A5 format, full colour.

We do all the artwork for you.

MAKE US COME TO YOU !!!

Sponsors are also welcome and all sponsors will be named in the program.

Good luck messages / photos also a possibility!

the top barbershop entry and, best of all, the cup for the top scoring entry in the entire festival! Needless to say, we were very pleased to do so well and intend to make this an annual event. It was a very enjoyable experience and those of us who were able to attend the gala concert at the end of the festival found it very interesting to see the variety and calibre of the winning performers in the other categories.

I’m sure that you are all working hard now towards this year’s convention and we look forward to welcoming you once again to our city. For the last few years, we’ve been drawn very late in the order of appearance. We’re hoping that this year we’ll be appearing early and be able to see more of the competition. If so, you can be sure we’ll be cheering loudly for you all and wish you the very best of luck.

Margaret Curtis.

YWIH CHORUS : SHOWSTOPPERS Calling all under 26s!

Showstoppers Chorus needs you!

YWIH Coordinator Angela Sanchez-Rosemurgey has chosen two fun songs for this year’s Showcase performance.

If you haven’t sent her your details yet (name, street address, email address and voice part) please contact Angela urgently on angelrose8966330@aol.com or phone her on 0115 937 3093 for a learning pack containing music and CD. She will also give you details of costume for the Saturday evening’s performance.

SPRING 2006

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

Apple County Chorus, Taunton, Somerset What a busy and happy year we had in 2005. It all started with Convention at Plymouth.

Last convention was one to remember for us. Apple County were last on the list, but waited patiently, taking advantage of the last minute rehearsal rooms to keep voices ready.

Everybody hoped they had remembered the right moves and held their notes in the right places, whilst trying to achieve that unique ringing barbershop tone that we all love to feel.

Leaving the stage, we posed for photos, our spruced up costumes glistening brightly in the lights, and then joined the audience to await the results. Feeling that we had done our best, we hoped that we had improved our score since last year. We waited patiently.

Then the MC announced that the results were ready. The first award for the “Most Improved Chorus” who had increased their score by 70 points (a “Wow” from the audience to this), was for … Apple County Chorus … That’s us!! We all cheered and leapt from our seats, tears of joy from some, yes me too.

We could not have dared to hope to achieve this much but felt much relieved that our efforts over the past months had been rewarded.

At the Afterglow, it was great that so many members of other choruses sought us out to congratulate us – Thanks for that, it is a real boost for a small chorus.

Sing-Outs

Our first sing-out following convention was at Nynehead Court Spring Fayre on Sunday 8th May. As we were singing outside, it was lucky that we were blessed with one of the sunniest days around at the time. On 2nd June, we sang at Rockwell Green Village Hall (this is becoming an annual event as we are booked again this year); and this was quickly followed on 4th June by singing in the High Street at Bridgwater Arts Festival – unfortunately, the weather was not so kind to us but we did our best.

Garden Party

For the second year running, Terry and I welcomed members, friends, family and guests of Apple County Chorus

FOR SALE

Stage Costumes

30 Tops / 31 Skirts Hyacinth Blue 32 Tops Coral and Gold / 37 Skirts Coral Additional fabric and patterns Price Negotiable - please contact Heather on 01202 887644 For full details of sizes and to view design go to

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and The Rivertones to a garden party. Everyone had a great time enjoying drinks, cream teas and a good social get-together.

With generous donations to the raffle, nearly everyone went home a winner.

Entertainment was provided by the ladies of ACC with a selection from their repertoire and Guests enjoyed listening to Eddie Jones, former member of The Rivertones, and Andy Dickson. Both were much appreciated by the audience. After expenses and a donation to The Rivertones we raised just over £100.

After a summer break, we went to M&S on 15th October – not shopping, but to sing in support of Breast Cancer Care (another annual event). Customers were generous and we raised a good amount for this cause.

Regional Workshop 28th – 30th October

Six of the chorus travelled to Birmingham for a weekend that proved to be an energising, informative and entertaining weekend. Pam drove our hired people carrier and Christine, Talya, Isabel, Angie and Pat enjoyed the ride. Due to traffic congestion it took us 4 hours to get there but we entertained ourselves by singing along to the teach CD for the chorus songs we had been given to learn. We also sang along with Rolf Harris!! Little did we know at the time that that would be nothing compared to singing with Britt!!!

Prior to the weekend, we had each been allotted to one of 3 choruses, who would be directed by directors of well-known choruses. Glenn Chaney directed “A Shine on your Shoes”; Jenny Lawson directed “It’s a Good Day”; and Suzi MarshallHasdell directed “Gimme, Gimme”.

Chorus rehearsals were programmed in between “Pick and Mix” education sessions, with the grand finale of a show of chorus performances on the Sunday morning.

Every pick and mix session was tempting but we had to choose one of 3 options for each segment of the day. We all chose something different and between us covered all the options. Pam and Talya went to the MC session so took their turns at introducing acts in the show finale. I had “volunteered” (somehow my hand went up when I wasn’t looking!) to try out some choreography ideas with the chorus I was in, which was fun and very rewarding to then perform it at the show. There were sessions on performance and quartets. I learnt how to organise and plan quartet sessions, balancing and synchronising voices. Pam, Talya and Isabel went to a different quartet session, focussing more on vocal technique and performance.

In addition to this, there were whole assembly sessions in the main hall featuring Britt-Helene Bonnedahl – a Swedish phenomenon to say the least. We marvelled at her energy, dynamism and enthusiasm. Her uninhibited ability to throw herself completely into her tuition, inspired us all to join in.

We learnt a range of warm-up routines – all fun to do – as well as good vocal skills based on speech therapy techniques.

We shall never forget the “fork up the nose” and “blow up Barbara”!!

The overall experience was well worth the journey and the hard-work that we put into the weekend. We all came back enriched by new knowledge and fulfilment. Whilst we each brought back something different from the education sessions,

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL one of the greatest moments that we all experienced was the feeling of singing in a large chorus of around 60 people. Wow, what a sound – it envelops and involves you entirely. Meeting members of other choruses and making new friends was also a bonus.

Monkton Heathfield Village Hall Appeal

We volunteered our services to help raise money for the hall extension and prepared a programme of our favourite repertoire songs. Logistical problems of transporting the risers were eventually solved with the use of a trailer and folded car back seats. Dressed up in our finest blues, we gave our best performances, with various members of the chorus taking their turns at introducing different songs. We finished with our latest favourite, which sums up the barbershop art – “Good Ol’ Acapella”. Our efforts were much appreciated by the audience. We in turn enjoyed listening to our co-performers – Des Bacon’s Red Hot Synchopators. All in all, a lively and enjoyable experience.

Autumn / Christmas – shopping season!

Christmas started early in Taunton with Carol Singing at Hestercombe House Christmas Fayre on 12th November (yet

another annual event for us). We sang in the new courtyard restaurant and then in the main hall on the grand staircase.

Some early gift shopping followed.

Later that week on 18th November, we went shopping again – well to Asda this time, where we sang in support of BBC Children in Need. It was a Thursday evening and despite there being few shoppers, we raised a fair sum. The staff enjoyed our performance and rewarded our efforts with tea and biscuits in the canteen.

On 30th November, we travelled to Otter Nurseries at Ottery St Mary, Devon, for more carol singing. The Rivertones (Taunton’s male barbershop chorus) had invited us to join them in putting on a show for late night Christmas shoppers.

This was something different and there was even a debut performance from a mixed “Doo-Wop” group which included some of our ladies. Christmas shopping afterwards, as well as mulled wine and mince pies.

During the summer we had used Bishop Henderson School hall for rehearsals as our usual venue was closed. So, in

SPRING 2006

CALLING ALL ARRANGERS Linda Masterson, Music Judge for Regional contest this May, has very kindly offered to provide some guidance for arrangers on the Sunday morning as part of the education sessions. If you have an arrangement or arrangements which you would like Linda to critique, please contact Education Coordinator Alyson Chaney to arrange a time when you can see Linda for a one-to-one session. Alyson can be contacted by

email : alysonchaney@yahoo.co.uk return, we went to their Christmas Fayre on 3rd December to entertain parents and children – and of course, more shopping!

By now we had just about brushed up our Carols which was just as well, as we had 2 sessions entertaining M&S shoppers on a Thursday evening and a Sunday afternoon – and… Yes, you guessed it - more shopping!!

New Year

In January, the Rivertones invited Apple County Chorus and friends to join them for a social evening – a meal at Oake Manor Golf Club. This was a lovely relaxing evening and, of course, members of each chorus put on impromptu performances for guests.

And, here we are again, building up to 2006 Convention. We have been learning our notes for convention songs for a couple of months and are now working on expression, choreography, etc. We held a chorus workshop day on a Saturday, where we practiced the choreography, brushed up our vocal skills, watched a Lori Lyford video on breathing technique and had a make-up demonstration. Can we do as well at Plymouth, or even improve some more? – We hope so and will certainly try, but the main thing is that we enjoy the experience. As barbershop singers will know, there is nothing like standing in the midst of your fellow songsters ringing out those chords and seeing the smiles on the faces of the audience.

During the year, we have lost some members to pastures new, but we have also gained some new members so we have a fresh mix. And, at the age of 74 Betty Clarke has decided to retire after 11 years faithful attendance. She always brought a smile to every rehearsal. We shall miss her but she is going to drop in to see us from time to time, so we won’t lose touch.

Jo Gibbins came back during the year after maternity leave and then Angela Barber surprised us all with her announcement that she is expecting a baby – due about a week before convention! Wonderful news, but dodgy timing.

She is determined she will try to be there on stage with us. I think baby is going to decide that.

Christine Joiner Public Relations Officer, Apple County Chorus 23rd February 2006 PS – You may wonder why the men’s chorus the Rivertones keeps getting mentioned. It could have something to do with the fact that a couple of ladies in our chorus, me being one, are married to a couple of men in theirs.

SPRING 2006

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

Check out the Bling in Plymouth!

compete at International Convention later this year, have an exciting new project which will be of interest to anyone who has a desire to cover their lapels in badges and brooches of the musical variety. For those of us who have been lucky enough to experience International Convention, whether it be on stage or as a visitor, one of the highlights surely has to be Harmony Bazaar - a delight for the senses! We noticed that there was a lack of fake diamonds and over the top jewellery at our conventions. So we have decided to bring some of the international flavour to our own Quartet of Nations region this year in Plymouth. We are talking Sweet Adelines Bling!

Imported directly from the US are medal pins, Sweet Adeline brooches, Surrey Harmony, in a bid to raise section badges and lots more, prices funds for their trip to Las Vegas to ranging from a mere £1 per item! So

whether your preference is diamante and sparkles or a more subtle gold or silver finish, come and see our wares at this year's Harmony Bazaar and don't forget to bring your cheque book!

SPOTLIGHT ON… VALERIE TAYLOR

like data protection and the freedom of information laws. The great advantages of working for yourself are 1) nobody knows if you answer the phone in your dressing gown, and 2) you get to have quartet rehearsals in the daytime.

As if this wasn’t enough, I spend two nights a week doing karate. I have reached the lofty heights of red belt, which is two before black. David also does karate and is a red belt too, so we spend many a happy hour in the kitchen trying to knock each other out.

I am a person with many hats. In Surrey Harmony I am an Assistant Director and Lead Section Leader and I sing Lead with Vice Versa quartet.

I’m the Communications & Technology Coordinator on the RMT which means I’m responsible for the Harmony Rag, regional website and database and RMT elections. At work I am a privacy consultant (more on that later) working for myself as well as for two other organisations. So I like to know which hat I’m wearing at any given time!

Back to the singing – I have been with Surrey Harmony for 10 years this year.

How time flies! During my time with the chorus, Jenny Lawson has given me so many fantastic opportunities to get involved in new and exciting things. I like a challenge, which is just as well really!

Some of you may have seen me ripping off my skirt during our contest uptune Angry/Bill Bailey. I can tell you that no matter how many times I check before we go on stage, there is always that moment of panic as the skirt is whipped away and I wonder if I am standing there in front of 1000 people just wearing my tights. American tan tights, at that.

Despite all this I have time for a job and family life. I am married to David – it’s our 10th anniversary this year too.

David is an architect and fortunately for me one of his hobbies is web design, so I’ve subcontracted that bit of my RMT duties to him! He is also a Magistrate, which sounds very grand but mainly involves listening to lots of excuses for speeding offences. If we find time to have an evening at home in front of the fire, we are joined by our two cats who are anybody’s for a warm lap.

At work, I run my own business as a privacy consultant. I worked as a solicitor for about 10 years before setting up on my own and now I give advice and provide training to public and private sector organisations on things

We will also have available a Basic Water Bottle Strap (It is adjustable in length and fits any bottle!) at only £1.50.

Every item sold means another bit of a seat bought for Vegas.

I thought I’d show you a picture of me skiing earlier this year (wearing my skiing hat, of course), plus one of me without the hat in case you can’t recognise me. I hope you enjoy being part of this dynamic region as much as I do and I look forward to seeing you at convention!

Valerie Taylor Communications & Technology Coordinator

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

CHRISTMAS QUIZ RESULTS Over Christmas Surrey Harmony held one of their extra special fun quizzes. The quiz had six sections, which meant there was something for everyone in the family to sink their teeth into, and the added bonus of a chance to win £50 first prize!

The results are as follows:

1st Prize £50 120 points (1st out of hat!) Sue Grayson, Coulsdon 2nd Prize £25 120 points (2nd out of hat) Sarah MacFarlane, Leatherhead 3rd Prize £10 119½ Sue Sasse, Wallington This is the first time a Surrey Harmony member has won, well done Sue! The final totals aren’t in yet, but at the moment it looks like the quiz raised about £800 - that’s 2 seats on the plane to Vegas!

Many thanks to all Region 31 mmbers who bought and sold quizzes for us. We really appreciate your support. Hope you enjoyed the quiz even if you weren’t lucky enough to win.

Judith Hunt, Surrey Harmony.

SPRING 2006

AUTUMN WORKSHOP 2007 We are delighted that our guest quartet in 2007 will be none other than RUMORS. They have confirmed that they will be available to run our workshop in November 2007. Again,

watch this space!

EXCITING EDUCATIONAL WORK SHOP COMING UP !

DON’T GO ANYWHERE ELSE 3rd-5th NOVEMBER! The regional management team has made a coup! We are proud to announce that we have managed to secure two of the most fantastic coaches in the Sweet Adelines International ranks for

Region 31’s November 2006 educational work shop.

Jim Arns and Renee Porzel, both of The Melodeers chorus from Chicago USA, will together with our own regional and international faculty facilitate a whole range of great classes. You will

be spoilt for choice throughout the weekend.

Jim Arns is the Master Director of the Melodeers Chorus, four-time Championship Chorus of Sweet Adelines International (1995, 1998, 2001 and 2004).

The Melodeers are known for their “Pushing the Envelope” style of performance. They work in their amazing sense of humour which keeps audiences laughing and crying from coast to coast. Jim has shaped The Melodeers’ rich harmonies and distinctly energetic sounds and vivacious style.

As a member of Region 31 you are getting a fantastic opportunity to witness his unique style by taking part in our regional work shop this year.

Renée Porzel is an internationally recognized teacher, coach and showmanship judge, constantly in demand for her expertise in the area of showmanship, and is highly respected for her ability to inspire and motivate others.

Since Renée joined the Melodeers in 1990, she has been an integral part of the chorus musical team, designing awardwinning choreography that involves the chorus emotionally in the musical

product and captivates audiences.

Her choreography has helped the Melodeers Chorus to be the only chorus

to win four consecutive Sweet Adelines International championships.

As we expect this workshop to be very popular the usual rules apply – first come, first served. Make sure you get your registration form in early to avoid disappointment. Please look out for the registration form in the next Harmony Rag and ensure that you keep the weekend 3rd-5th of November 2006 free !

Jeanette Yuile, MMC - Region 31

SPRING 2006

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

Finance Report from Eileen Milne, RMT Finance Coordinator As can be seen there is little change in the Accounts at this time of year. March however will bring Convention Registrations. Therefore can you please ensure that all dues for Choruses and Quartets are fully up to date, both International and Regional, as we do not want anyone to miss out on competing, because they are not up to date with their dues.

Each chorus should by now have received tickets for the annual raffle. If

you are not attending convention this year, please can you post any unsold tickets back to me so we can sell them at convention. If you are coming to convention, please bring ticket stubs and money along to the registration desk. I again wish to thank all Treasurers for their help during the last few months.

Eileen Milne, Finance Co-Ordinator

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS INCOME

£

EXPENDITURE

£

January

522.70

January

449.66

February

1314.63

February

7379.63

Total

1837.33

Total

7829.29

REPRESENTED BY: Balance 31/12/05

Plus Income Total Less Expenses

Balance at October

48957.53

1837.33

Balance at current account

17632.14

Less unpresented cheques

1780.74

Treasurer Account

15851.40

50794.86

14 Day Business

17078.48

7829.29

Money Manager

10035.69

Balance at October

42965.57

42965.57

UK 2 NZ :REGION 31 TO REGION 35 – JULY 2007 Kate Veeder and Elizabeth Lee of the New Zealand (Region 35) RMT have drawn up a fantastic programme for a proposed visit to New Zealand for all members of Region 31 (+ family and friends) in July 2007. Kate and Elizabeth have put together a wonderful tour and they would love to see as many of you as possible. So if 2007 is the year you earmarked for a visit to New Zealand please consider this tour, it sounds great! Let me know if you would like to be included or would like more information:

alysonchaney@yahoo.co.uk 10

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

SPRING 2006

NEWS FROM THE REGION Welwyn Harmony

members at Convention in May. We hope you have many We were so sad to hear that Welwyn Harmony has decided happy and harmonious times ahead with us. to leave Sweet Adelines but we respect their decision and hope to see them at various Barbershop events in the future. Chorus Standing Rules Welwyn have been part of our Region for a long time and Just a reminder that choruses should be updating their we will miss them. We send them our good wishes for the Standing rules every few years. With AGMs taking place, future. now would be a good time to review these which you can then send to me. I look forward to receiving them as part of Ireland Unlimited my role as TC is to approve these on behalf of the RMT! Ireland Unlimited has also decided to leave us. Although we are a Quartet of Nations it’s not always easy to travel An Anonymous Question? around between and within our four countries. The members I’d just like to mention that in January I received in the of Ireland Unlimited came from all over Ireland and met post a very tatty and frayed copy of the Autumn edition of together only one Sunday of every month. We were delighted Harmony Rag! The envelope had a stamp but there was no to have them with us albeit for such a short time and we wish letter to accompany the package so I am unable to respond them every success for the future. to the sender! So, whoever sent it (from the post mark – Portsmouth, Isle of Wight area) if you’d like to contact me I Spinnaker Chorus can respond to your missive!

We are so pleased to welcome Spinnaker chorus officially to Region 31! They have just received their charter and we Sheila Doherty look forward to seeing their Director, Mike Taylor, and their Team Co-ordinator

WE ARE LISTENING!

You are holding a copy of Harmony Rag in your hands and so you will no doubt have realised that we have distributed it in printed form, and not by email as we did with the last edition! The RMT wanted to try email distribution as it has many advantages, not least the

cost saving, and it enabled us to get information to you more quickly.

However, we did get a lot of feedback from members who preferred the printed version. We take your views seriously and so we canvassed opinion from as many choruses as we could, either by email or during RMT visits. We listened to the feedback that we received and it became clear that many members preferred the printed version.

The Harmony Rag is a key communication tool for our region. Not only does it contain important information about regional activities (such as the fantastic workshop in November), but it keeps you up to date and in touch with your friends in other choruses. We felt as a team that it was important to make sure that everyone is able to receive the Harmony Rag and the important information it contains, so we have

decided to go back to a printed version.

We think the extra cost that this involves will be well worth it if it means that we can all stay in touch with each other.

For those who like to see the pictures in colour, the latest editions of Harmony Rag are also available on the region’s website in full colour. You can download back copies or take a look at the latest edition at www.sweetadelines.org.uk.

Click on “News” and then “Harmony Rag”.

We will keep all of this under review and endeavour to make sure we communicate with members in the most appropriate way. Harmony Rag makes great bedtime reading so make sure you take your copy home!

Valerie Taylor Communications & Technology Coordinator

RMT MEMBERS TO “BUDDY” THE REGION’S CHORUSES We are pleased to announce that each chorus in the communication is a top priority and your RMT buddy will be Region will be assigned a member of the RMT who will be the first point of contact for members of the chorus if they have something they wish to communicate with the Regional Management Team. Your RMT buddy will be phoning Presidents / Team Coordinators soon to introduce herself to you. In our rapidly growing Region (we are now one of the biggest Regions in the organisation) we are aware that

happy to help with all aspects of chorus life. She will also be pleased to pass on suggestions or comments to other members of the RMT. All choruses in the Region will still receive regular phone calls from Moyra Strachan, Chapter Coordinator, and it is hoped that each chorus will be visited on average every two years by a member of the RMT or Regional Faculty.

11

SPRING 2006

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

Regional Faculty

Regional Convention Dates:

Regional Management Team

2005 – 2006

12-14th May 2006 Plymouth Pavilions

2005 – 2006

Regional Faculty listed below are available for chorus or Quartet coaching. Please feel free to contact them to see what they can do for you.

Alternatively if you are unsure who to contact, your Education Co-ordinator, Alyson Chaney can advise you on who would be best for you.

Dorothy Main Aberdeen Chorus mwmainjoiners@tinyworld.co.uk Elaine Hamilton Forth Valley Chorus elainemrssh@aol.com Michelle Walker Lace City Singers Chorus shelbywalks@yahoo.co.uk Alyson Chaney Lace City Singers and Lincoln Sounds Chorus alysonachayne@yahoo.co.uk Glenn Chaney Lace City Singers glenn@lacecity.org Anne Cargill Aberdeen Chorus acargill@lochside.fsbusiness.co.uk Gwen Topp Aberdeen Chorus gmtopp@tiscali.co.uk

May 2008 Birmingham’s Symphony Hall

Other Diary Dates: 10th -14th October 2006 International Convention Las Vegas 3rd -5th November 2006 Regional Workshop

Stockport Liberty Belles

Our 30th Anniversary Show title is: ‘Ritz, Glitz and Hatrix’ 23rd September 2006 7.15p.m.

Plaza Theatre, Stockport, Cheshire.

Got a show?

Let us know the details and we will print it here. Swell those audiences for free!

DEADLINE for the next issue

MAY 28th

May 2007 Birmingham’s Symphony Hall

Alyson Chaney Education Co-Ordinator Lincoln Sounds Tel: 01636 814377 alysonchaney@yahoo.co.uk Sheila Doherty Team Co-ordinator Surrey Harmony Tel: 020 8395 2765 shortscot@aol.com Elaine Hamilton Directors’ Co-ordinator Forth Valley Chorus Tel: 0131 334 2372 elainmrssh@aol.com Moyra Strachan Chapter Co-ordinator Forth Valley Chorus Tel: 01592 771645 alexander.s@blueyonder.co.uk Eileen Milne Finance Co-ordinator Aberdeen Chorus Tel: 01224 742453 ge@cromar26.demon.co.uk Valerie Taylor Communications/Technology Co-ordinator Surrey Harmony Tel: 020 8660 8037 valerie.taylor@privacysolutions.co.uk Deborah Wheeldon Events Co-ordinator Lace City Singers Tel: 0115 963 0114 deborah.wheeldon@tiscali.co.uk Jeanette Yuile Marketing/Membership Co-ordinator Aberdeen Chorus Tel: 01330 820034 jyuile@muir-matheson.com

Editor - Deborah Lamble 72 Sopers Lane, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1JF Tel:01202 487287 Email:deborah@lamble.plus.com Advertising Rates ~ 25 pence per single column centimetre 12