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QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

AUTUMN 2006

HARMONY RAG BUSKING & BELLS When a group from Lincoln Sounds a shady corner under a tree on Steep decided to take part in the 2006 City of Lincoln Annual Busking Festival, we were looking forward to a couple of hours singing to residents and visitors in our beautiful and historic uphill Lincoln (yes, we do have a hill in Lincoln!). What we hadn’t anticipated was the ‘heavenly’ competition. The weather was glorious (maybe a little too hot with temperatures well over 30°) when some of us met up in a rooftop café near the Cathedral for a light lunch. We got a flavour of the busking festival which was already underway, in the form of Morris Dancers who were performing in a nearby square which we could see from where we sat. We gathered in Castle Square to collect our official busking bucket, list of timings and allocated sites before moving on to our first ‘busk’ in the small St Mary Magdalene Church, right on Castle Square itself, in the heart of the historic area. We thought we’d be singing on the pavement outside the church but found that we were expected inside. We placed the bucket near the door, stacked, and started singing ‘Under the Boardwalk’ – not the usual sort of music for that venue. Inquisitive passers-by paused to listen and came in, filling the pews until we were singing to a fairly full, appreciative ‘congregation’. At the end of the session, we moved on to our next location, passing other would-be buskers en route. We selected

stopped to listen. It was at this point Hill. (Being able to stand in height order that a chorus member said – ‘We might have to pause for a minute as the Cathedral bells will ring the quarter hour’’. And sure enough they did. We waited, they rang . . . and rang – not just the quarter hour, but the full peal of bells ringing heavenward to celebrate a wedding which had just taken place. We, and our audience, waited for them to finish - even barbershop can’t compete with Cathedral bells. After five minutes, they fell silent and we started singing again – only to have them restart. (We have been assured it had nothing to do with the quality of our singing!) Ten minutes passed and we realised that we were running out of time and would have to finish. Eventually the bells fell silent and we had just enough time to sing a final song before the next buskers were scheduled to take over our spot (sans bells). It was definitely a unique ‘singout’ experience, allowing us to to compensate for the steep slope would give some pleasure to visitors to the city, have made stacking much easier). As raise the profile of barbershop in the we sang through our repertoire we area and have an afternoon singing in realised we’d been followed by some the sunshine in the picturesque setting ‘groupies’ from the church who wanted to hear more. Our local MP stopped to listen after hearing what she described as ‘angelic music’ drifting up the hill. After a break for cold drinks, ice creams and a light snack, we reassembled for our final burst of singing in Minster Yard, right in front of our glorious Norman Cathedral – a stunning setting. We waited for the ‘The Ploughman’s Bunch’ to finish their set and then prepared to sing. A small of Uphill Lincoln. There was also the crowd formed as we began, but the added bonus of having money dropped effect was spoiled by a large coach into our busking bucket for chorus full of tourists driving slowly across the funds. What more could you ask, square between us and our audience other than maybe less of a Quasimodo – ah, the joys of live performances and experience . . . ‘The bells, Esmeralda, tourism. the bells” ! Unperturbed we continued singing Jan Moore to an increasing number of people who Lincoln Sounds

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QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

Awesome Åse! Coastline Harmony Chorus was thrilled to have the great opportunity of having Åse Hagerman come and coach them early in August. A Master Director, she has been a Chorus Director since 1984 and a vocal teacher since 1987. She is also a member of the International Faculty. Åse took her former chorus Sunlight to the silver medal position at International in 1999, and they have also won gold medals many times in the Nordic Championships. She told us that having directed a large chorus for many years she suddenly felt the urge to be part of a small chorus. She also told us that she strives to “follow her dreams” and this logo was emblazoned on the tee shirt she was wearing. She is now living her dream as director of her new chorus, the Alba Show Chorus, with just 26 members, who have already won a Silver medal and qualified to sing at IES 2007. Åse began her session by getting to know the chorus as it was the first time Coastline had had Åse to visit.

She first asked us the question; “In one word describe how you see your chorus”. Various descriptions were forthcoming, she wanted us to establish the ‘Personality’ of Coastline. “For you to move forward you must all be coming from the same place and the same mindset. I want to inspire you to use your voice and your body language so that they become an asset for your personality and also strengthen your message when you communicate with others.” Once she was satisfied she worked with various Vocal production exercises, explaining all the time how specific muscles worked to enable us to produce a much more resonant and strong sound. She then began her riser placement of the chorus. We have been fortunate enough to increase our members in the past six months so there were quite a few new ladies who had never been through this exercise before. This can be quite daunting the first time, but Åse made everyone feel relaxed with her easygoing and fun manner, as she danced and sang to and fro along the risers, and then back again, until she got the right combination she was listening for. Unfortunately not everyone was able to be present for the voice placement but she explained to us that she was able to ‘hear’ those absent voices in her head by asking our director Becky what kind of voices they had, either dark or light etc -

awesome! Åse continued to fine tune the positions until she got the sound she wanted. We then sang How We Sang Today and it was wonderful, it sounded like a completely different chorus! It was an absolutely wonderful and inspiring coaching session. Thank you Åse! Also a big Thank You to Surrey Harmony for the organization of her trip and sharing of travel expenses.

Becky - MD, Åse, Jackie - President

Footnote: Coastline are now getting used to their new line-up and rehearsals are now moving ahead towards our show ‘Camp Chaos’ on Saturday 11 November (Matinee and Evening performances). Put this date in your diaries now and we look forward to seeing you then. Sue Goodwin Publicity Officer, Coastline Harmony Chorus

“B NATURAL” BARBERSHOP BONANZA 15th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION and EDUCATION.

adding to this the weather was on our side, we were able to take our breaks and meals outside in the beautiful gardens. Thank you “B Natural” What a great weekend we had. We arrived at Rhos Y for making us so welcome, we have made lots of new friends, what a lovely lot you are. (See you at Scarborough). Each morning Suzi woke us up with her gentle exercises to get us going and focusing, before we were all spellbound with Åse Hagerman’s energy and fabulous and inspiring education. We returned home with lots of new ideas for our Chorus to work with. A fantastic weekend we both thoroughly enjoyed. Gilwen, a beautiful Country House, in mid Wales, wonderful Pam Teasdale and Beryl Kemp, grounds and great accommodation. The food was superb and Sheffield Harmony.

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

AUTUMN 2006

Beryl Mort June saw the passing of a great Sweet Adeline – Beryl Mort. Her service was attended by some 50 barbershoppers, representing several choruses and organisations, who were there solely to pay their respects to a much loved and admired lady whose love for the organisation knew no bounds. Beryl joined Sweet Adelines and Purbrook in the early 70s. She became Purbrook’s Director and worked for the UK and Netherlands Area of Sweet Adelines, as it was in those days, as Director of Musical Activities (DMA). After leaving Purbrook Beryl subsequently started Solent Sounds Chorus where she remained a member until she retired from Barbershop in 1997. She touched so many ladies’ lives with her love of barbershop and below are some of the many kind words received about Beryl. “I met Beryl when I joined Purbrook Harmony in 1977 - she was all enthusiastic and encouraging. I spent a week as a bari and the rest of my time on the risers as a tenor. She taught us to respect and admire the great judges of their time i.e. Ann Gooch, Dixie Dahlke and Betty Tracy (now Clipman) to name just three. Her sense of fun and enthusiasm showed through her rehearsals and she portrayed the true meaning of the song ‘Harmonise the World’”. From Pat Bentley (Director Purbrook Harmony) “My husband, Vivian Fitch, started the Sweet Adelines in 1970. I believe Beryl joined us in 1971. She was a very good baritone and it soon became apparent she had a real talent for teaching as well. She taught the basses and baris while Viv taught the tenors and leads. Eventually she became Assistant Director and when Viv retired she became Director. She was a lovely person who loved barbershop. I, like many others, will miss her very much and hope people will always remember her for her love of music.” From Pam Fitch (wife of the director who started Sweet Adelines in this country). “Beryl started her barbershop career with Purbrook Sweet Adelines as they were known then, in the early 1970s. A man named Vivian Fitch was our Musical Director at the time and Beryl took over the position when Viv retired. Beryl was a member of a quartet called Silver Chords which won the first ever quartet competition at the first UK convention held at Brighton in 1975 – the

men’s convention was held at the same venue at the same weekend. Those were the days! Beryl went on to sing in several quartets after this. She was a very talented lady and knew her music. She attended several music schools in the USA to further her knowledge of the Barbershop style and was well thought of at Tulsa Headquarters. Beryl later left Purbrook and subsequently formed another chorus in the area – Solent Sounds Chorus”. From Lin Carr (member of Purbrook Harmony). “Having left Purbrook Harmony, Beryl started Solent Sounds Chorus in 1990 with a nucleus of seven members. The chorus grew and was chartered in 1992. Our first convention was in Manchester that same year where eight choruses competed and we came eighth! In 1994 we won the small chorus award at Convention and were invited to take part in the small chorus seminar in St. Louis. The then director of Windsong Harmony Chorus (Chris Peurifoy) was a good friend of Beryl’s and so after St. Louis we travelled to Temecula, California and did a combined performance and show. Throughout her time with Solent Sounds she was always looking ahead and planning for others to take over from her. She took both Sian Jones and myself under her wing and passed on her years of experience and knowledge and prepared us both to become CoDirectors of the chorus. Beryl retired in 1997 and took up other interests but she kept in touch and was always interested in how things were going. She had a love of life and enjoyed every minute of every day. In her twenty-five years of belonging to Sweet Adelines, she was an inspiration to many and will be remembered with much affection.” From Lorraine Howden (Director Solent Sounds). “I was very saddened by the news of Beryl’s death. My memories of her go way back to 1986 when I first became involved with Sweet Adelines. When Somerset Hills Chorus became chartered she was very helpful and visited us on two occasions, once with June Mulford. I also have vivid memories of when my husband and I travelled to St. Louis with Solent Sounds where they had the opportunity to perform as Small Chorus winners.” From Cynthia Tucker (Director Somerset Hills). In memory of Beryl, Colin, her husband, is going to donate a plaque to the region which will be awarded at Convention each year for membership retention within the chorus. Jackie Mumford Purbrook Harmony

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QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

REGION 31’s PROSPECTIVE CHORUSES

IES 2006

Exciting times to be a Sweet Adeline in Region 31! Our region is going from strength to strength and we are getting better and better all the time. Our membership is going up and there seems to be no end to the influx of new members from all over the country. We currently have 3 prospective choruses who are working their way through the Steps Program towards chartering. First we have Hillfoot Harmony chorus from Dollar in Scotland. They have been a prospective chorus since September 2004 and they are getting on very well indeed. The chorus has 26 members and keeps on growing. They will be competing in Ireland at IABS this autumn and we wish them all the best at their first competing event. We expect to see Hillfoot Harmony in Birmingham at our 2007 Convention

A view from the other side…!

and hope their first Convention experience will be a good one. The second prospective chorus is Phoenix chorus from Potton in Bedfordshire, England. We are delighted to welcome Phoenix chorus into our region and we hope they will get through the Steps Program in time to compete in Birmingham next year. Phoenix has around 60 members and an impressive 22 prospective members. For those of you who don’t know – Phoenix chorus is a previous LABBS chorus with a fabulous success story to tell. The chorus won the LABBS National championships in 2004 and followed that with the LABBS International gold medals in 2005. We expect they will be doing great things as a Sweet Adeline chorus as well. The third prospective chorus is Amsterdam chorus – newly joined as

nightmares! I am having nightmares about Las Vegas. It’s not the one where I rip my skirt off in “Angry Bill Bailey” to reveal my dirty grey Bridget Jones knickers or the one where I forget all my words, notes and choreography all at the same time and end up looking like one of our Tango dummies. No the thing that’s scaring me most about our impending trip to International Convention is the thought that I might have to get on that long flight without a lip salve. Can you imagine some security guard searching the luggage of Surrey Harmony members on the way to Las Vegas and wondering why any sane woman would wear silver bloomers, false eyelashes and pancake on her face! My own lip salve worries aside; Surrey Harmony is fizzing with excitement. Anyone who has been in the Chorus for any length of time will tell you we’ve worked harder than

part of the merger between our region and the former Region 33. We are just getting to know our Dutch friends and two of our Regional Management team members are going to visit representatives from all the chartered and prospective choruses in Holland early next month. We will have a further update on Amsterdam City chorus ready for the next edition of Harmony Rag. We are delighted to see our region growing like this and we are very proud to announce that we now are the 4th biggest Sweet Adelines region in the world. Our choruses are getting more inventive all the time in the search for growth in their chorus membership and at this rate I believe we could soon be the biggest region in the world! Exciting times to be a Sweet Adeline in Region 31 indeed! Jeanette Yuile Marketing and Membership Co-Ordinator

ever before - more coaching, more attention to sound, more emphasis on sharper and bigger choreography. Jenny and our Music Team have drawn up a programme designed to keep us on an upward curve right up to the day of the competition. We just hope it pays off during those vital six minutes on stage. We want to demonstrate to the judges and the other Sweet Adelines in Las Vegas that Region 31 is going from strength to strength. About a third of the Chorus will be experiencing International for the first time. What a thrill it’s going to be singing in front of 10,000 people. As well as benefiting Surrey Harmony we hope there will be some gain for the Choruses to which our SH-ooters belong. I know they are thrilled to be coming along with us, and they are now very much part of the Surrey Harmony family. We’d also like to wish Eu4ia UK and Sound Bites the very best of luck in the Quartet competition. We’ll be there cheering them on. I hope some of you will listen to or watch the Web cast, but if you’d like to keep in touch with what Surrey Harmony is up to in Las Vegas I hope to do a daily blog with all our news. Log on to www.surreyharmony.com/blog. It will go live just as we depart for Las Vegas. Sheena Kaighin Surrey Harmony

When I was asked in January this year to teach at IES in San Antonio I was, for once in my life, totally speechless! The idea of rubbing shoulders with all the great and good in Sweet Adelines as a member of the International faculty…. well, it was too much to take in all at once! After the thrill of being selected to teach 3 classes finally sank in, I then started to panic! Yes, I have been a teacher for more than half my life but even so I had always held these amazing International Faculty members in so much awe

when I heard them teach and there was no way I could even aspire to be like them! What would happen if Dale Syverson or Kim Hulbert appeared as a student in one of my classes? It was all too much and altogether too scary to contemplate. With typical SAI efficiency I was asked to prepare and submit my lesson plans 3 months in advance. Now as a teacher I had never prepared lessons more than a couple of days in advance so that was a new experience for me. At the same time I had to submit my request for equipment – again a new experience as in my teaching life I often had to fight other members of my department for a CD player! The lesson plans were sent off and then promptly forgotten. Thank goodness I had remembered to keep a record of those and the equipment request! In the meantime, our other two International Faculty associate members, Anne Cargill and Michelle Walker, were

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also invited to attend, not to deliver classes but to attend special faculty training sessions. Anne was able to attend but Michelle because of her teaching commitments at home had to unfortunately turn down this amazing opportunity. IES for me started on the Tuesday evening when Anne and I were invited to the Faculty dinner and reception. Then on the Wednesday both of us attended some inspirational classes on teaching styles and vocal production. Karen Breidert has got to be the most accomplished SAI teacher I have ever heard. Her classes were a joy! Thursday provided more classes on how to teach more effectively and then Friday was the big day for me when my classes were to take place. All three classes seemed to go well and I really enjoyed the experience. There is a world of difference between teaching a group of motivated adults and a bunch of year 11 pupils! I can’t wait to repeat the whole thing (with motivated adults…not year 11 pupils!) so hopefully if I’m lucky enough to be selected next year I may get the opportunity to do it all over again! Alyson Chaney

Standing, left to right, Valerie Taylor (Surrey H), Anne Cargill (Aberdeen), Alyson Chaney (Lace City/Lincoln), Tracey Bailey (Champagne Cornwall), Gwen Topp (Aberdeen), Sharon Vaux (Solent Sounds), Margaret Hockey (Solent Sounds). Seated left to right: Glenn Chaney (Lace City), Carole Clemes (Champagne Cornwall), Lorraine Howden (Solent Sounds).

Region 31 Contest 2006 In a change to the usual procedures, this year any competing chorus or quartet that would like a DVD copy of the whole contest should contact G Hyde Video Limited direct. The address is 6 Lyndale Avenue, Osbaldwick, York YO10 3 QB, telephone 01904 412780. The cost is £18.00 per contest DVD, which includes postage. If you have any questions about this, please contact any member of the RMT.

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QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

AUTUMN 2006

Howdy fellow Sweet Adelines!

Convention will be in the Birmingham Symphony Hall in 2007 and 2008. This fantastic venue will offer us great sound and great facilities, and best of all is easy to get to! Birmingham Symphony Hall is part of the International Convention Centre. It is located next to the National Indoor Arena (not at the NEC) and is close to central Birmingham and Birmingham New Street station.

Do you still remember us? The New Land Singers? Since the 1990 convention in Bracklesham? Let’s renew the acquaintance. Our chapter is 22 years young, and our size varies around 50 members, all very enthusiastic barbershop singers, and we can be found in the newest piece of land of the Netherlands, in Lelystad, at the bottom of the former Zuider Zee. Virtually in the very center of our country. That explains our name too. Only last year we celebrated our 20th anniversary with a fullsize show – all tickets sold – and with a lot of media coverage. Our audience reacted with a standing ovation, both for us and for our guest performers Our director, Els van den Bosch, who came “from the ranks”, is still as

HOTEL

Convention 11th - 13th May 2007

ROOMS AVAILABLE PRICE PER ROOM / Night

If you haven’t already booked your chorus accommodation in Birmingham, below is a list of some of the hotels that are less than 5 minutes walk from the Symphony Hall. The prices quoted are based on group booking rates and are subject to confirmation and individual negotiation with the hotel. Valerie Taylor Communications Co-ordinator

BREAKFAST

COMMENTS

Jury’s Inn

150 twins

£65

£8 per person

3 star. Car Parking - £7.50/ 24 hrs

Novotel

80 with Queen and sofa-beds

£95

Included

4 star rooms. Car park - £7.00/24 hrs

City Inn

30 twins and 100 doubles

£80

£7.50 per person 4 star hotel – limited car parking

Copthorne

35 twins and 95 doubles

£89 single / £99 double occupancy

Included

3 star. Pool, and spa. Car Parking - £8 per night

Hyatt Regency (HQ hotel)

Unknown

£111 double occupancy

Included

4 star hotel –car parking – bridge link to Symphony Hall

Feedback from RMT Meeting The last Regional Management • Arrangements for convention Team meeting was held in York on 4-6 2007 in Birmingham are already well in August. The issues discussed include hand. the following: • Plans for further education events for directors, quartets and admin staff were also discussed. • How we can improve the • The proposals put forward Sunday morning education classes at by International to restructure the convention (watch this space for an RMT were agreed. The Marketing/ exciting announcement coming soon!). Membership role will be split into two • Plans for the Scarborough separate positions and the Chapter CoSparkler are going full steam ahead. ordinator role will be abolished. Sessions will include a Directors’ forum • There is an international and quartet coaching, and there will be networking day for RMTs at International a chorus specifically for Young Women Convention in Las Vegas. Those in Harmony. We will celebrate with members of the RMT who are going to fireworks and a ceilidh on Saturday be in Las Vegas will attend the session night. to represent our region.

Did you know?

•

Jeanette Yuile is arranging “shout outs” and adverts wishing good luck to the chorus and quartets competing in Las Vegas. • The RMT will investigate the possibility of registering either the region or individual chapters as charities. • ·Alyson Chaney and Sheila Dohertyplan to visit the Netherlands in September to meet the former RMT members and representatives from the choruses. • Following feedback from choruses, the RMT “buddy” system is not going to be continued. Choruses should feel free to contact any member of the RMT if they have questions or concerns.

Region 31 is the fourth largest region in Sweet Adelines with over 1100 members? Only North Atlantic region 1, Lake Ontario region 16 and Atlantic Bay Mountain region 19 are bigger. Way to grow!!

enthusiastic as she was over 15 years ago, and we are very happy about that of course.

Under Els’ direction we reached “B”-status at the last convention in March 2006 in our country. And we were

commended for being the “most improved” chapter. Proud us! Four years ago a number of our members went to Glasgow for the European Educational Symposium, and those who did were very happy to be in the UK again – the warm welcome we experienced there gave us, even though we did not know it at the time, an advance knowledge about how it will be now that we joined your region. We certainly look forward to participating in future conventions and believe us, we’ll do what we can to reach a high ranking. Although surely competition will be fierce! Jenny Vink PR-committee New Land Singers Holland

Can you see yourself in a shirt like this? This is the current Regional Management Team, serving until 2007/8. There are 8 positions on the team and each person serves a 2 year term (a maximum of 6 years in total). Rather than have the entire team appointed in one year, the roles are staggered so that 4 of them come up for election in year one and then the other 4 in year two, as follows: To be appointed in 2007

To be appointed in 2008

Team Co-ordinator

Education Co-ordinator

Communications Co-ordinator

Marketing/Membership Co-ordinator

Directors’ Co-ordinator

Events Co-ordinator

Finance Co-ordinator

Chapter Co-ordinator

However in 2007 we have a slightly different situation. Sweet Adelines International has recently reviewed the way that Regional Management Teams operate and the result is that, instead of having one person whose responsibility

it is to deal with both marketing and membership issues, these will be split into two separate roles. Some of what the Membership Co-ordinator will do is currently handled by the Chapter Coordinator, so that role will be abolished. Jeanette Yuile, current Marketing/ Membership Co-ordinator, is happy to stay on in the role of Marketing Coordinator. This means that in May 2007, the positions that we need to fill are: • Team Co-ordinator (TC) • Communications Co-ordinator (CC) • Directors’ Co-ordinator (DC) • Finance Co-ordinator (FC) • Membership Co-ordinator (MC) Valerie Taylor, Elaine Hamilton and Eileen Milne are happy to stay on as CC, DC and FC respectively, and Moyra Strachan (currently the Chapter Co-ordinator) intends to apply for the role of Membership Co-ordinator. We need a new Team Co-ordinator and applications are being received for this position. If you are interested in the Team Co-ordinator position, or any of the other positions which need to be filled in 2007 – or 2008 – please contact Valerie Taylor for more information. We would welcome applications for any of the roles.

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QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

Even More Education Opportunities Are you eager to learn more about barbershop singing, directing or music theory? There are various education events which are run in the UK by LABBS and BABS. Here are three of the events that are open to members of Sweet Adelines: Harmony College (BABS) Usually held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, Friday to Sunday-Classes on singing, music theory, performance, directing skills- Coaching for quartets Harmony College (LABBS) 13-15 April 2007 at Loughborough University-Includes the opportunity to stage a performance -Mix and match classes, youth chorus Directors’ College This is held in January 2007

(BABS)

You can find more information on the BABS and LABBS websites: www.babs-education.info www.labbs.org.uk

Notes from Harmony College Just came back from a great weekend held at Worcester University - the BABS Harmony College. The courses offered ranged from learning to sing to directing, coaching and arranging. I took the Theory of Music course, as I needed to refresh what I learnt at school 30 odd years ago. I had taken and passed O level music but my memory of the ins and outs of Theory

Calling all YWIH Quartets! If you are a registered YWIH quartet and you are considering competing in the Rising Star quartet competition at IES in 2007, please get in touch with the RMT. We would like to hear from you! Alyson Chaney

had just about faded into obscurity. Anyone wishing to take the course was advised to take the Theory test on the BABS site and after completing this I felt capable of taking the Theory course. It was set at a fairly simple level and progressed to a point where we were starting to arrange chords to a piece of music.... There is more to learn obviously but we all agreed that we would go home and revise what we had learnt and hopefully start to write tags. The course certainly gave us the tools and it is now up to us to use them. On the social side, I met up with four other Sweet Adelines from Surrey Harmony, Val, Barbara, Lorraine (on the same course) and Deborah and several other Sweet Adelines from other choruses. The men made us feel very welcome. We took part in the Saturday night show and enjoyed a couple of very late parties, which involved plenty of alcohol and singing. They have a fantastic Youth Chorus, ages ranging from nine years up to 25, who put on a great spot in the show. It was an amazingly relaxed weekend and we learnt a lot, made many new friends, and generally sang our hearts out! I can certainly recommend this weekend to any Sweet Adeline wishing to increase their knowledge of barbershop. This was the first time I had attended and it certainly will not be the last. Jill Zimber, Tenor in Shiraz, CALoriginally from Champagne Cornwall and Director of Cornish Connection - a men’s barbershop chorus.

More BABS Harmony College Attending a men’s barbershop workshop might appear a little odd, but what a superb weekend in every way; we had great coaching, great singing, even if it was a bit low, and wonderful company. Barbershop is the same wherever you go, and singing unites people like nothing else that I’ve discovered! Learning new skills to enhance our hobby is important, and if you are available for the next Harmony College I would definitely recommend it. Barbara Thompson Surrey Harmony I took Basic Music 1 and went back to basics and learnt how to read music. I learnt how to write major scales and determine the key of a song and how to find my start note. I also took “Discover your Voice” which I thought would involve a bit of group singing. But Oh NO!! it turns out to be 20 minute sessions for each member of the group with four different coaches. I was terrified the first time I had to sing but by the fourth you couldn’t stop me. It was great and increased my confidence and knowledge as everyone will confirm as at every opportunity I came out of my sessions saying ”Guess what I have learnt now!” Deborah Lamble Surrey Harmony

Rising Stars

There is a new Yahoo group called “risingstarchamps.” This is to: 1. Organize past Rising Star champs for the possibility of an “AIC” or “Coronet Club” type chorus some day. 2. Generate interest in the Rising Star contest and allow for Sweet Ads in that age group to find potential quartet members. 3. Anything else. Anyone can join, but in particular we’re looking for past champs and medallists, current contestants and potential contestants, and coaches and sponsors of Rising Star quartets. Just do a search for “risingstarchamps” in the Yahoo Groups search box.

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

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WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE… …the appointment of three new and Michelle Walker, ably assisted by from their expertise in November as Regional Faculty Events Coordinator Deborah Wheeldon they, together with Suzi who organised the accommodation, Marshallcatering and equipment for the day. Alyson and Michelle planned and delivered the training day which focussed on teaching and learning styles, presentation skills, reaching the adult learner and planning effective classes. Becky, Mike and Valerie were then invited to teach a class on a subject of their own choosing. A gruelling day for the participants – who nevertheless

members. Following a day of training and presentations in June on what was probably the hottest day of the year so far we congratulate Rebecca Thorpe (Coastline Harmony), Mike Taylor (Spinnaker) and Valerie Taylor (Surrey Harmony) for their fantastic presentations and participation performed extremely well. We extend in the training event run by International a warm welcome to our new Regional Faculty members Alyson Chaney Faculty members and you will all benefit

Trial by fire.. With a fantastic convention weekend over for another year, we all look forward to an exciting year ahead…this started pretty quickly for some of us (Mike Taylor, Valerie Taylor and I) who had applied to become members of the regional faculty! After finding out that we had been accepted as candidates for faculty, International Faculty Associates Alyson Chaney and Michelle Walker had organised a training weekend for us at the beginning of June. We had been sent a schedule for the day and knew that each of us had to prepare a 15-20 minute presentation which was really a short version of a class that we could teach at a regional education event. We had to present this class during the afternoon and were going to be assessed by Alyson and Michelle. We knew that to be successful we had to meet certain criteria as set out by Sweet Adelines International. We arrived at the venue in Harrow somewhat later that any of us expected – the M25 they call “the car park” had been shut and this practically doubled the length of time for us to

Hasdell of B Natural Chorus, will be directing the four workshop choruses in Scarborough. Once more, our grateful thanks go to Becky, Mike and Valerie for subjecting themselves to the rigours of the training day. Alyson Chaney and Michelle Walker (International Faculty Associate members)

get there! The Saturday session was wonderful and Alyson and Michelle were great trainers. We learnt about being regional faculty and what it meant to achieve this status. We found out about different teaching styles and which to use when teaching different groups, good communication skills and what it would be like to teach at workshops or other venues. We also learnt a lot about each other and ourselves during this day. By the afternoon, I think it’s fair to say, we were all a little nervous! Not only were we presenting in front of each other, we were also being filmed too! The presentations all went really well and Michelle and Alyson gave each candidate feedback so that we know what areas to improve on for future sessions. We were all extremely delighted to be successful and pass the required criteria to become members of the regional faculty. A big thank you to Alyson and Michelle for a great weekend and to Deborah Wheeldon for all the organisation for this event. Mike, Valerie and I look forward to seeing you all in Scarborough where we can’t wait to direct our own “big” workshop chorus! Becky Thorpe Director, Coastline Harmony

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QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

AUTUMN 2006

Questions and Answers Q: The thing I always have trouble with is working out what note to start songs on. I’ve never been taught this so when the pitch pipe goes I really don’t know how I’m supposed to find my note! It’s fine with songs that I know well, but with the newer ones it’s difficult. A: Finding your note at the start of a song without any help from your director can be tricky! It requires some knowledge of the key the song is in and where you are in relation to the key note. For example, if a song is written in E flat, the pitch that is blown will be an E flat. To find your start note from there, you need to figure out which note in the scale you are singing. The scale for Eb would be Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb. Most of us know the song “That’s What Friends Are For”, which is in E flat.

The first thing is to know it’s in E flat! You need to look at the key signature, which is the collection of sharps (#) or flats (b) which appear on the left hand side of the music. Three b signs tells you it’s in E flat (see below). Then you need to know which note you start on. Each set of 5 lines is called a stave. If you sing the tenor part, you are on a G (second line up on the top stave), so you would be singing three notes up from the note that is blown - a typical tenor tune up note on the third note in the scale. If you are a lead you are on a D (just under the bottom line), so you need to sing one note (a

Chapter at Large, Liaison The new CAL Liaison is Di Baker from Lace City Singers. Many thanks go to Rosie Rogers, who is stepping down, for all her hard work in this role.

half step or semi-tone) down from the Eb. You will see that you move immediately up to the Eb, which is the key note. If you sing bass, you are on an Eb (the note is written on a little line, called a ledger line, underneath the bottom stave), so you are singing the key note, an octave lower from the note that is blown. If you sing bari, you are on a Bb (second line up on the bottom stave), which is 5 notes up from the key note - a typical bari tune up note on the fifth note of the scale. The notes on the top stave are: E (F) G (A) B (C) D (E) F from bottom to top, where E is on the line and F is in the space and so on. On the bottom stave the notes are: G (A) B (C) D (E) F (G) A from bottom to top. Music is a language just like French or Spanish, and we all need to know enough about our language to get the most out of making music. Learning to read the key of a song and understanding which note is which will make your barbershop experience even more rewarding! Number of Flats - b

Key

Number of Sharps - #

Key

Ask

Please email me with any questions that you may have on any aspect of being a member of a babershop chorus and I will endeavour to find a good answer for you. Deborah Lamble Editor

Forth Valley Chorus Showcase evening in Edinburgh Tuesday 3 October 7.30pm Assembly Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh Tickets £12 (£10 children under 16) from Margaret on 0131 339 0016 or contact www.forthvalleychorus.org

7 good reasons not to miss this event!  The opportunity to hear and learn from 2 of the best educators in the world of barbershop - Jim Arns and Renee Porzel!  The opportunity to sing in a workshop chorus and learn exciting new songs! Each workshop chorus will be directed by a talented member of the Regional faculty and the songs will be Fame, Love will keep us together, You make me feel so young and Feelin' groovy. You will receive a teach CD with all of these wonderful songs! Your chorus will perform one of them on the Sunday morning show.  The opportunity to hear and dance to a great Ceilidh band on the Saturday night!  The opportunity, in addition to Jim and Renee's input, to attend a choice of exciting classes, run by your own Regional and International faculty!  The opportunity to hear the YWIH chorus, led by our own Angela Sanchez, strut their stuff on the show with an amazing package of songs!  The opportunity to meet your friends from other choruses in a relaxed and non-competitive setting!  The opportunity to explore this lovely town and marvel at the views from the Spa complex! www.scarboroughspa.com All this for £70 or £80 for non-members (prices include a late-booking supplement of £10). Remember all Materials, Music, CDs, Entertainment and ALL Meals on the Saturday are included in the price! WOW!! Places are going fast - don't be left behind!

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Go to www.sweetadelines.org.uk to find more information. Details of the classes will be posted on the website soon.

AUTUMN 2006

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

Spotlight on… Sheila Doherty I’ve been singing with Surrey Harmony for fifteen years and I reckon it’s what keeps me young (ish!). I’m just beginning my last year on the RMT and

I’ve had such fun working with a variety of wonderful women who can deal with stress and hard work with a smile and good humour. I’ve learnt so much

about myself and been able to develop as a person as I’ve met the various challenges which being an RMT member can bring. In my other life (yes, there is life outside barbershop!) I work as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, teaching music in a primary school in the afternoons and working in the classroom alongside the teacher in the mornings. [Something else that keeps me young (ish!). I also accompany our Infants School Choir and this year they ‘re going to Birmingham Symphony Hall (our Convention venue for next year) to compete in the finals of the National Music for Youth Festival so that’s something to look forward to. I say young-ish as I’ve just had an ‘in between the big 0s’ birthday and following the precepts of the book “When I grow old I’ll wear purple” I’ve decided I’m going to do the things I want to even if they do seem slightly outrageous! (Guess

what I had for a birthday present!!!!! – suggestions to Deborah for the next issue!). Life is for living! Trying to keep my feet on the ground at home, are my husband of 35 years, Martin and my family, Kieran 31, Neil, 30 and Jean 26. They’ve all grown up to the sound of bass tapes, and as they’ve all left the nest it’s only Martin who has to ‘suffer’ now! At least they encourage my efforts to remain fit: I go for a swim most mornings before work (in the pool at 6.30 am) and try to do an hour in the gym after school – great for working off frustration! In my spare (not a lot) time I play the piano to relax. I think we’re one of the best regions in SAI and I’m proud to be a member of Surrey Harmony and of our Regional Management Team. Sheila Doherty Team Co-ordinator

Sun, Sea and Song… Bournemouth Music Festival 2007 How many Barbershop Choruses are there in the South of England? 15, 20, 30? Well I found 53! Let me explain. Back in early January I thought “Wouldn’t it be nice if more than one chorus (Southern Union, my BABS chorus) turned up for the Barbershop class of the Bournemouth Music Festival? How can I make that happen?” Well letting others know seemed a reasonable start, so a visit to the BABS, LABBS and Sweet Adelines web sites swiftly followed. Yep, 53 choruses are to be found in what can loosely be described as Southern England and Wales. On the day, eight choruses and four quartets turned up to lock horns in the fiery heat of competition and to gently sizzle in the inferno that was early July! What fun, with a good mix of men’s and women’s choruses and quartets, there was plenty of variety and loads of energy pouring off the stage. This year the male of the species triumphed, with Southern Union and Vocal Icing taking top honours in their respective classes. A certain Region 31 Gold Medal chorus of my acquaintance, have expressed interest for next year, so us blokes might have a bit of a battle on our hands! Having set a benchmark of a good, fun day out, my mind now turns to 2007 and getting more of you lot down to 12

Bournemouth. I want to make next year’s event even bigger and better. Taking place on the weekend of the 7th and 8th of July, although probably only the Saturday, we are hoping that the venue will be the Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth, with a lovely stage, super acoustics and loads of changing facilities, it’s a great place to sing. We will be inviting choruses and quartets from Europe (that’s you Holland!) as well as from all three of the UK’s barbershop organisations. We will have proper barbershop judges and a range of classes that you may wish to compete in, allowing you to sing all those fantastic repertoire songs that can’t be sung in a pure barbershop class. How much more fun can you have? For all this to happen I need one essential ingredient, YOU! Go and see your music team and committee, tell them you want to sing in Bournemouth next July and ask them to send me an email for more details, dyrck@lamble.plus.com. Before we can decide on a final format and venue, we need an idea of likely numbers, so please act quickly. Put it in your diary NOW, I look forward to seeing you there. Who needs Las Vegas? Dyrck Lamble (Your editor’s other half)

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

AUTUMN 2006

Region 31 Chorus visits 2005-06 Each chorus in our Region is entitled to a visit from one or more of our Regional leaders. We aim to visit each chorus at least once every two years and our priority in 2006-07 will be to visit those choruses which didn’t receive a visit last year. If your chorus hasn’t had a visit for what may seem a considerable period of time please contact Alyson Chaney and she will advise. Chorus

The seven choruses highlighted above will be the first to receive visits in the period 2006-07 and they can expect regional leaders to contact them very soon, if they have not already been contacted. Additionally our 4 new choruses (Flying High Singers, Valley Voices, Route Sixteen and New Land Singers) and the 2 prospective choruses (Amsterdam City and Vocal Motion) in the Netherlands can also expect a visit

in the forthcoming months. We will do all we can to ensure that each chorus receives a visit at least once every two years and now that we have expanded our regional faculty this goal will be easier to achieve. Please do not hesitate to contact Alyson for further details or if you wish to discuss chorus visits in general.

Faculty member / RMT member

When the visit took place

Aberdeen Apple County B Natural

Valerie Taylor

April 06

Champagne Cornwall

Alyson Chaney

Feb 06

City of Roses

Glenn Chaney

Feb 06

County Connection

Jenny Lawson

March 06

Forth Valley

Sheila Doherty

Nov 05

Lace City Singers

Elaine Hamilton & Sheila Doherty

Apr 06

Lincoln Sounds

Michelle Walker

Mar 06

Mayflowers

Glenn Chaney

Feb 06

Glenn Chaney

Nov 05

Somerset Hills

Valerie Taylor

Aug 06

Solent Sounds

Alyson Chaney

Jan 06

Surrey Harmony

Elaine Hamilton & Moyra Strachan

Feb 06

Stockport Liberty Belles

Deborah Wheeldon & Michelle Walker

June 06

Tamar Valley

Glenn Chaney

Mar 06

Prospective Hillfoot Harmony

Elaine Hamilton, Moyra Strachan and Vocal Zone

Ongoing support

Prospective Phoenix

Alyson Chaney

Aug 06

Spinnaker

Valerie Taylor & Sheila Doherty

Feb 06

Classic Harmony Coastline

Purbrook Harmony Riverside Sheffield Harmony

Celebrations Celebrating their 15th anniversary this year – Mayflowers Plymouth chorus. Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year – Classic Harmony and City of Roses choruses.

Eu4ia Quiz Laura Phillips from Nottingham won the Eu4ia Quiz. She was the only person to answer every question right! She wins £25 and a Eu4ia CD. We would like to thank everyone for their support and hope to do you all proud in Las Vegas. We will we posting the answers to the quiz on our website as soon as possible. www.eu4ia-quartet.co.uk

Camp Chaos Re Coastline Harmony’s show in November. Apologies, I gave you the wrong ticket information. The ticket prices are: £7.00/£6.00 for matinee and £8.50/£7.50 for evening. The discount is for students aged 16 and under.

AUTUMN 2006

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

Finance Report I have produced a chart to show how your regional dues are spent. You may not realise that you only pay £7 PER YEAR in regional dues. The dues have been the same amount for the last 10 years, and we feel now is the right time to increase them to £10 per year. The increase will take effect from 1st October 2006. I hope you will agree that this is still amazing value for money. I have also included a summary report for Convention 2006. The monies carried forward will be put towards future years when we have to pay for more expensive Convention venues. As a growing region we have to accommodate more and more people at Convention and there are very few free venues of the size and standard that we need. And we all like to sing in prestigious venues like the Glasgow Concert Hall! The RMT has decided to increase registration fees for Convention from £35 to £40 per member, staring with Convention in Birmingham in 2007. Like regional dues, the cost of registering for convention has not changed for more than 10 years so this rise is really overdue, and the extra money should help us to get the great venues in the great locations that we want! By now you should have been issued with your new Region 31 lanyard. I do hope you are all pleased with them. Please keep them safe as if you lose your lanyard you will have to pay for a new one at a cost of £1.50. Remember to bring them to convention and any other regional events you attend.

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL The November Sparkler is having a wonderful response so keep the registrations coming, it looks as though we are going to have a really wonderful weekend. Thank you to all the Treasurers who are helping me so much in keeping dues and information up to date. It really makes the job so much easier. Our Bank Reconciliation is complete up to July 2006 and a copy is attached. Should anyone have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me. Eileen Milne Finance Co-ordinator

Harmony Rag per year

£3,716

Insurance per year

£708

Lanyards (this year only)

£1,800

Financial audit per year

£153

RMT meetings

REGION31 CONVENTION PLYMOUTH 2006 SUMMARY INCOME

Registration

30341.00

Raffle

2061.26

USA Video & Audio

529.99

Ribbon for Medals

148.50

Payment for Hotel

150.00

Medals

Plymouth Pavilions ticket sales etc

896.45

Raffle books and postage

216.84

Eu4ia USA Regist.

200.00

1427.37

Most Improved Quartet Trophy

32.00

Lidl bags

25.00 500.00

Raffle Prizes

600.00

DHL case to Plymouth Plastic wallets

522.70

January

449.66

February

1314.63

February

7379.63

March

6319.02

March

3034.42

April

27151.63

April

1820.52

May

3546.11

May

7254.14

June

1869.30

June

4847.23

July

8445.16

July

9839.14

Total

49168.55

Total

TOTAL INCOME

34211.90

1064.00

Riser Hire Transport of risers

1150.00 12.00 141.88

Ticket Purchase

39.75

Plymouth Gin

54.19

LC and Soundbites 1st prize money

4000.00

Video and audio

1900.00

SAI Judging Exp. $4682.42

2800.00approx

TOTAL EXPENDITURE

18832.62

REPRESENTED BY: Income

£34211.90

Expenses

£18832.62

This is an approximate figure at 2nd August 2006

£15379.28

Raffle Convention 2006

34624.74

Expenditure

REPRESENTED BY:

82.12

Programme printing

January

Balance 31/12/05

Postage

460.00 123.38

12%

EXPENDITURE

Registration Refunds Badge paper

48%

£543

3855.59

188.20

Clockwise from top right

£7,297

Other expenses

Conv Team Exps

Refund on Flight

25%

£791

45.00

Postage and stationery

EXPENDITURE

Harmony Bazaar

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS INCOME

AUTUMN 2006

48957.53 Balance at current account

40303.93

Less unpresented cheques

4116.36

Plus Income

49168.55 Treasurer Account

36187.57

Total

98126.08 14 Day Business

17192.62

Less Expenses

34624.74 Money Manager

10121.15

Balance at February

63501.34 Balance at February

63501.34

Raffle Books Postage

£ 141.88 86.84

Prizes

600.00

TotaExpenditure

828.72

Income

2061.26

Total Profit

1232.54

The figures quoted in the last Harmony Rag did not include the prizes awarded

AUTUMN 2006

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

Regional Faculty The Regional Faculty is our own group of trained coaches and educators. They can help in a variety of ways including chorus and quartet coaching, as well as management and administrative advice. 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. Anne Cargill, Aberdeen Chorus Aberdeen - 01224 704627 acargill@lochside.fsbusiness.co.uk Alyson Chaney, Lace City Singers and Lincoln Sounds Chorus Nottingham - 01636 814377 alysonchaney@yahoo.co.uk Glenn Chaney, Lace City Singers Chorus Nottingham - 01636 814377 glennsings@yahoo.co.uk Elaine Hamilton, Forth Valley Chorus Edinburgh - 0131 334 2372 elainemrssh@aol.com Dorothy Main, Aberdeen Chorus Aberdeen - 01224 782124 emmandee@tiscal.co.uk Mike Taylor, Spinnaker Chorus Southampton - 01489 600134 mike@stelmo.me.uk Valerie Taylor, Surrey Harmony Chorus Croydon - 020 8660 8037 valerie.taylor@privacysolutions.co.uk Rebecca Thorpe, Coastline Harmony Chorus Southsea - 02392 739161 Becks2010@hotmail.com Gwen Topp, Aberdeen Chorus Aberdeen - 01224 575366 gmtopp@tiscali.co.uk Michelle Walker, Lace City Singers Chorus Nottingham - 0115 9654524 shelbywalks@yahoo.co.uk

Regional Convention Dates:

Regional Management Team

May 2007 11-13 May Birmingham’s Symphony Hall

2006-2007

May 2008 9-11 May 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.

Coastline Harmony Camp Chaos Saturday 11th November Blatchington Mill, Brighton.

Forth Valley Chorus Showcase Evening Tuesday 3rd October Edinburgh

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

DEADLINE for the next issue

19th November

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 elainemrssh@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 811544 j.yuile@btinternet.com

Editor - Deborah Lamble 72 Sopers Lane, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1JF Tel:01202 487287 Email:deborah@lamble.plus.com