Harmony Rag 2007 Winter Edition

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

WINTER 2007

HARMONY RAG What Rumors?

Rumors, what can I say about them? didn’t happen – it was down to the Sage Did we all enjoy the weekend? Did we for another exciting day! learn anything? Of course we did!!!!

The rest of the day went in a blur of trying to take notes and listening to all the good stuff on offer, trying to decide which class to go to and then hearing about other classes and wishing there was enough time to go to them all! Dale commented on how they were now having

When I landed at Newcastle airport I was wondering what the weekend would hold. As the new membership coordinator and the newest member of the RMT, I had no idea what was in store for me. The weekend started with meeting Dale, Peggy, Charla and Judy before the first evening session. They were truly a pleasure to be with. We all sat and listened to everything they had to say, some of it we had heard before but everyone brings a new aspect and a new way of looking at how we sing. They certainly had a very entertaining way of getting the message across. Then there was singing in the bar of course, which as usual was great fun.

Saturday started in a rush with an early breakfast and then calling a taxi for Rumors for 8.30am. However, only Dale

turned up. I phoned the others and Judy appeared, so we sent the two of them off together, then Charla appeared and disappeared in another taxi. Then after getting Peggy out of bed – her alarm call

to watch out for Region 31 as we always used to be that little island over there, but now we are a force to be reckoned with!

They are all watching with interest what is happening in our Region.

Then it was back to the hotel to change and back to the Sage for the evening show. Flaunt! were great, as were the YWIH chorus (one of whom was only 11) but the highlight had to be Rumors. They sang and entertained us, made us cry and left us begging for more, and more!!

Charla’s plate routine was an absolute hit.

Then it was into the afterglow, and I have no idea how but Rumors managed to keep going and sell CDs, sign them, talk to everyone, lend their crowns to all and pose for photographs.

And they still had energy for more singing! There was plenty of group singing and it was a good opportunity to talk to all those people that you know but only ever meet at Convention or Education weekends.

Most people retired to hotels in the early hours, exhausted but happy.

Sunday morning started slightly later and we had a whole extra half hour in bed!

At 9.30am the auditorium was full once again and we were all ready for more! No-one was disappointed: we sang tags, with embellishments, using all the techniques we had learned over the weekend. Then we had a Remembrance Day Service, which was moving and brought many to tears. The it was downstairs for a Mass Sing before saying our goodbyes and making our way home.

It was a fantastic weekend as usual, although for me it seemed to go by in a blur. Thank goodness there will be a DVD to remind me of what happened! It was definitely a trial by fire as far as being a member of RMT but I have to say that I would not have changed anything and I really did enjoy it, although I may have looked a bit stressed at times! Just being with everyone from our region is great and

we are learning so much and growing in every way all the time. Let’s keep going – Onwards and Upwards!!

Deborah Lamble Spinnaker Membership Coordinator 1

WINTER 2007

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

MY FAVOURITE NUMBER THIS YEAR IS 18!

I’ve just had a great trip to Calgary in Canada with a bunch of ladies from Lace City Singers, we were in the land of big mountains, big scenery (especially around Banff), big skies, big saddles, big hats, big mirrors (sorry, glass-fronted buildings), big toast (at least an inch thick, yummy!) . . . oh yes, and INTERNATIONAL 2007, now that was REALLY big.

It was being held in the Saddledome in the middle of the Calgary Stampede centre alongside cows, horses and cowboys/girls so seeing the choruses in their glad-rags would be a bit of a contrast to say the least. We arrived on Sunday afternoon and booked into the Sandman Hotel along with Pride of Toledo and Spirit of Spokane. Monday was a free day when some of us took a day trip to Banff which Alyson had booked for us, how often can you say: ‘I’m just off to the Rocky Mountains for the day’? It was stunning and seeing a wild elk casually lounging on the grass by the side of a swimming pool alongside hotel guests was a tad unusual.

Tuesday was when the real work began with Thursday’s chorus competition becoming the focus of attention (but that didn’t stop the usual shopping trips, tourist things and joining the thousands of other chorus members for the quartet competition, the Showcase and Harmony Bazaar). The first of 5 rehearsals was at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel in what

can only be described as a ballroom, chandeliers included. It was immediately dubbed Newark Town Hall as it reminded us of the venue of Alyson and Glenn’s wedding, a good omen perhaps.

The rehearsals were ‘bubbling’ with excitement and energy as we tried to put everything we’d learnt in the last 18 months into our final preparations, with Glenn urging us on and encouraging us to perform as he knew we could I tried not to be distracted as members of other choruses came and sat in at our rehearsals and wished us good luck, especially when some of the Rich-tones turned up and had a laugh at our ‘Hooked on Classics’. I heard some choruses rehearsing and was glad I wouldn’t see their performances, they sounded amazing but I knew I would have been overwhelmed with nerves.

The final rehearsal was in the presence of Sandy Wright who, along with Dale Syverson and Clare Gardner, had inspired us so much to get to where we were. I think I was as nervous then as I expected to be for the actual competition, my first on the international stage. There were the final tweekings and a last run through, which included our long tune-up note, something we hadn’t done in a performance before, would it work for us . . . a nervous time for Glenn, I think.

And then it was Thursday and the chorus breakfast, the usual flurry of bronzer, blusher, eyelashes and trying to make my hair big before donning our red tunic and boarding the coaches (leather seats, lovely!) to be whisked to the Saddledome for the chorus semifinals and our big (more like ENORMOUS) 6 minutes.

It all happened so fast. I was in the first warm-up room bubbling away and suddenly I was in the line-up waiting to go on stage. The cheering and chanting

was amazing as we walked on and ‘swept’ confidently (hopefully) across the stage and took our places . . . the wait, the nod from the judges, Glenn’s final check, the sound of the pitch-pipe . . . I didn’t hear the announcement, our tune-up drowned it out.

In what seemed like seconds it was the end of the ballad and we were into the uptune, then the long hold for the basses” last note . . . and we’d done it, I wasn’t sure how well, but Glenn’s hug for each of us as we came off stage and the audience response gave me the answer. It was just amazing. What an experience.

We had a great reception from the faithful band of supporters who had come with us and in texts from those in the UK who stayed up to watch us on the web.

And what a party we had when we heard we’d come 18th!

The chorus finals were, of course, brilliant, but so was the announcement to the packed stadium (and the world), of the presentation of the Ann Gooch award to Alyson, a standing ovation. A great end to an absolutely incredible week. All I can say is thank you to all those folk whose hard work in front and behind the scenes allowed me to say, ‘I’m a member of Lace City Singers, the 18th best barbershop chorus IN THE WORLD!’ Jan Moore Lace City Singers

Dear Region 31 Management Team, Every August the Education Direction Committee reviews various statistics related to the latest regional competitions. It was with great pleasure that we noted your region had four choruses that achieved over 600 points in your 2007 regional contest. Congratulations! We are very proud of this accomplishment and are pleased to recognize the success of our regional and international educational activities.

Yours, Diane Huber, Chair Education Direction Committee

2

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

WINTER 2007

INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM Lincoln Sounds Chorus would like to congratulate their Musical Director Alyson Chaney on her remarkable achievement in winning the Ann Gooch Award, which was presented to her at the recent Sweet Adeline’s International Convention 2007 in Calgary, Canada.

Competition for the award was fierce with nominations pledged asfar and wide as New Zealand and Australia.

Alyson was nominated for the award by Lincoln Sounds Chorus and Region 31 Management Team (UK, Ireland and the Netherlands).

With a standing ovation from an audience of over 10,000 at the Saddledome in Calgary, and many thousands more watching on the international webcast, Alyson was presented with the Ann Gooch plaque by a member of Sweet Adelines International Board of Directors based at Tulsa, USA. Lincoln Sounds

Thanks for Ann Gooch’s pioneering work, which helped lay the foundations for the international aspect of SAI and which has borne so much fruit over the years in the worldwide regions. I am humbled when I recall past winners of the AGA (including Ase Hagerman andC athy Rainey) Thanks to my wonderful region, Region 31, for providing me with so many opportunities to grow and develop. Thanks to two special people - Glenn (whom I didn’t name - just said he knows who he is as he introduced me to barbershop harmony all those years ago) and Kathy Carmody who has always taught me to follow my dream.

It was indeed an amazing thrill to receive the award with so many of Region 31 in the auditorium at the time and so many friends back home watching the webcast at some ungodly hour! Without the support of this wonderful region of ours however I could never have achieved any of this so I dedicate the AGA 2007 to Region 31 - the best region in the world!

Alyson Chaney

Alyson replies:

The whole thing went past in a blur but what I intended to say in my acceptance speech was : Great to be sharing this moment with 83 of my best friends in the Lace City Singers chorus!

At the educ ation in Newc astle, A lyson was presented with, on behalf of Region 31, a glass globe of the world held up by a glass hand as a mark of all her achievments.

SPOTLIGHT ON 80 YEAR OLD MARGREET Vocal group ROUTE SIXTEEN has singing, rushed up the stairs and asked closed its singing season in a very special her to marry him. Together with him she sang and played in a Russian choir and even up till now she is able to brighten the ROUTE SIXTEEN festival evenings with a beautiful Russian song.

Margreet and her husband have got three sons and she travels every two weeks by bus and train to Haarlem, where her grandchildren live, who are very fond of their “babouschka”.

Margreet keeps herself in good way. One of our most faithful members, condition by walking every morning for Margreet Gonscharoff, celebrated her an hour, exposed to all sorts of weathers.

Langlaufen, cycling and bridge are the 80th birthday on July 15th .

Music is Margreet’s finest passion; not kinds of sports she combines with another only singing, but also playing the piano inportant passion: traveling!

At home she never feels bored, she and directing. She has sung since she was a little girl, together with her two sisters produces beautiful embroidery and gathered round the piano. The story knitting work.In this way she keeps body goes, that her husband-to-be heard her and mind healthy.

The only concession Margreet makes to her age is a taxi, who brings her to the

weekly rehearsels.

On Sunday morning, July 15th, ROUTE SIXTEEN put a spotlight on Margreet by singing an aubade for her in front of her balcony.

The vocal group, of course, treasures her, because such a “young” personality can’t be missed!

Ingrid Jenster Route Sixteen 3

WINTER 2007

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

Flaunt! News Flaunt! are only just coming back down to earth after a whirlwind couple of months!

We had a hectic lead up to Calgary – fitting in as much singing and coaching as possible. Lace City kindly invited us to sing at their dress rehearsal show in September where we got a sneak preview of their fabulous Calgary package. This was followed quickly by our own fundraising evening and car boot sales. We had huge support from our chorus for those, and the evening in particular was a great success – BIG thanks to all of them! The car boot sales were fun and meant we all had more space in lofts and garages all over Bedfordshire!

We popped in to sing to the Ivy League at the end of their coaching day, fitted in a quick coaching session with Liz Garnett and then all of a sudden it was here and we were squeezing 4 very excited women and their sizeable amount of luggage into Caroline’s small Clio!!

We went to Calgary with two goals: 1- not to come last and 2- to nab a Mountie (well that was just Nicky actually!)

We managed only one of them thankfully – god knows how we would have fitted him in the Clio on the way home!

So there we were, in a hotel room in Calgary looking forward to the greatest experience in our singing lives, the picture of health and… well not quite!

Having scornfully mocked the three who had been taking Echinacea, vitamin C etc for weeks prior to going, Jenn was actually the only one who was fit and well! She spent our first few days huddled in a far corner of the room, scowling at us as we were in turns steaming, hacking, asthma pumping and filling tissues for England! Ah well – best laid plans etc. Being Brits we carried on regardless and just set out to enjoy the experience,and what an experience it was!

Our first visit to the Saddledome was on Monday – before it opened actually but we had to have a photo outside the door!! The next visit was a bit scarier – that was for the quartet briefing on Tuesday. We and the other quartets in our hotel were unfortunately late because of a problem with the bus but we finally made it and then there we were, breathing the same air as all those fantastic quartets we’ve listened to and admired from afar. This was when the enormity of it all started to sink in. The stadium is huge and we got very excited when we spotted the big screens either side of the stage, “We’ll be up there tomorrow!!! Eeek!!!” We got into line for our stage time and got chatting with the quartet behind us, Capri, two of whom, it turned out, lived in Chicksands, Bedfordshire when they were young, just down the road from Jenn and Caroline!

They were lovely, so friendly and encouraging. In fact all the quartets were, they particularly loved trying to say our name with a British accent – “Floornt!”

Then came the day of competition and there was no hot water in our hotel!!! In fact, later on, there was no water in our room at all!!! We ended up sitting in the jacuzzi singing gently for a while, steeling ourselves to wash our hair in the leisure club showers, in ice cold water that felt like it was running 4

straight off the Rockies!!! There was a lot of shrieking as you might imagine!

A lot of this then becomes a bit of a blur. We got ourselves glammed up and went down to reception at the allotted time to be taken off in our own car to the back door of the Saddledome.

We were greeted there by “our” queen who showed us to the “Primping” room where there was emergency hairspray and makeup for last minute touch ups. We were shortly led round to have our photo done, then, after what seemed like only seconds in a warm up room, we were off. Our queen led us up the ramp to the stage at a very sedate pace so we had time to breathe and collect ourselves, we took our positions behind the curtains, waving to each other across the stage, listening to the chants from our lovely supporters and then we were on! That bit really is a blur, it went sooo quickly, but we came off stage happy that we had made it through without making a complete hash of it!

The rest of the trip was full of great moments too many to mention, but these are just a few of the highlights: watching the rest of the competitions, with some great quartet and chorus performances, including our adopted chorus Lace City who achieved a fantastic result, big congrats to them!; the Lace City party with great performances from the chorus and Luminous; the Phoenix girls in their t-shirts and cowboy hats, waving inflatable letters that spelt Flaunt!; the excitement of spotting our photo on the big screen and then the days spent trying to take a photo of our photo on the big screen!

And then there was the incident at the airport that involved Nicky, a dollar coin, a massage chair and a sleeping man!

Hilarious, but you’ll have to ask!

All in all Calgary was a fantastic experience made extra special by the great support we had from Lace City and our friends from Phoenix. Thank you so much to all of them, it just wouldn’t have been such fun without them.

And finally, since then we’ve won a silver medal at a great LABBS contest in Bournemouth and we’ve only just got back from a fabulous weekend in Gateshead but those stories will have to wait for another time!!

Lots of love Caroline, Nicky, Jenn and Kim Flaunt! xxx

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

WINTER 2007

THE Future of barbershop On Friday 9th November, I was very complicated and Stepping Out with my excited because I had just arrived in Baby was just plain fun to do.

We got to perform in the show on Newcastle for my very first education weekend. I travelled with my mum Saturday night and I volunteered to and other ladies from Champagne Cornwall Chorus. I had heard lots about education weekends and about Rumors, the quartet who were going to provide some of the coaching and I couldn’t wait.

On Saturday I was really, really excited because all the work started.

I took the Young Women In Harmony lessons, part of the YWIH festival, there were four of them in fact. Some were with Charla, the tenor from Rumors, and some were with Angela Sanchez, the YWIH director. There were ten of us taking the YWIH classes, five leads, three baritones, one bass and one tenor. We learnt lots of choreography to go with our three songs.

The Lion sleeps tonight moves were crazy, we laughed a lot putting this one together. Route 66 moves were quite

introduce one of the songs, at one stage I thought I had forgotten my words, but after a deep breath remembered exactly what I needed to say. I even got to look after Charla’s crown when it came loose during Rumors part of the show, Dale said she knew just the person to look after it and put it in my lap. It was beautiful but a lot heavier than I thought it would be.

Afterwards I had my picture taken wearing the crown with Charla and everyone was so kind telling me how well I had done, I felt very famous.

I had a fab weekend, thank you to everyone but especially Ellie and Sophie Mills from Lace City who looked out for me and made sure I knew where I was going. I can’t wait for the next event and if I keep practising hard, maybe one day I’ll have one of those crowns for myself.

Lauren Bailey Aged 11 Champagne Cornwall Chorus

coastline’s 30th Anniversary Coastline celebrated its 30th Anniversary, October 2007 Held at the Mid Sussex Golf Club, Coastline had a superb party to celebrate the chorus’s 30th birthday. It was also great to welcome back several past Coastline members to the evening to help celebrate this special occasion and so there was a lot of catching up to do. A spectacular two course meal was followed by a special presentation to three of our members, Valerie Paddock, Pauline Wakeling and Jackie Collier who were founder members 30 years ago and have remained chorus members for the full 30 years. They are all still members today.

They were each handed silver photo frames that had a picture of them from 30 years ago! The three ladies then duly cut the cake and are shown in the picture from left to right – Jackie Collier, Pauline Wakeling and Valerie Paddock.

This was followed by some singing (of course) from Coastline and one of our quartets Tonic. After which there was non-stop dancing to the 60’s band “Replay” - we literally danced the night away.

A great night was had by all and a big thank you goes to Jackie Bowles and all the organisers of the event. It all ran so smoothly – thank you for a great party.

Sue Publicity Officer Coastline 5

WINTER 2007

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

The Big Barbershop Event of the Year

A Week-end of Fun, Friendship & Song

23rd -25th May 2008 The Centaur Convention Centre, Cheltenham BABS invite you to attend our 34th convention, which is taking place in the ultra-modern Centaur Centre at Cheltenham Racecourse between the 23rd - 25th May. Your week-end registration fee includes tickets for all shows, the BABS Quartet Semi-Final and Finals, the BABS Chorus Finals, plus access to all other events. These include after show glows at the end of each evening, “Sing With the Stars” sessions and other exciting events.

You can sing your heart out with other women attending convention, in a Ladies Scratch Chorus. There will be two separate one hour sessions for you to join, each led by a leading chorus director. This event was a huge success at our last two conventions in Harrogate and Scarborough.

In addition, there will be a massed sing, a gang sing and plenty of other opportunities to sing and sing some more!

Cheltenham the gateway to the Cotswolds and arguably England’s most complete Regency town. Most of the town centre lies within a conservation area of outstanding national importance. Regency town houses, characterised by intricate ironwork balconies and painted stucco facades, line the historic Promenade, squares and terraces. With its award-winning gardens, impressive range of stylish shops and restaurants, and its festivals of horse racing,music and literature, Cheltenham has a cosmopolitan ambience to beguile the most jaded spirit.

So come along and enjoy 3 full days of fun, entertainment, participation and singing. With the high ranking and highly entertaining Toronto Northern Lights chorus from Canada, guests from Sweet Adelines, other quality performers and over 2300 barbershoppers expected, it’s an experience not to be missed!

Register Today Contact the BABS Registrations Manager Now! Angela Plater 139 Fulbridge Road, Peterborough PE1 3LF Tel: 01733 575694 email:registrationsmanager@singbarbershop.com The British Association of Barbershop Singers Registered Office: Druids Lea, Upper Stanton Drew, Bristol BS39 4EG Registered Charity No: 1080930 Registered Company No: 3823721

You can download a Registration Form from our web site www.singbarbershop.com

British Association of Barbershop Singers 34th Annual Convention 6

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

WINTER 2007

2007 was quite a year!

Being part of the Lace City Singers here in Nottingham has afforded me some unusual experiences e.g. singing off (not fallen off) the back of a lorry, singing at a cabaret event on a stage the size of a large garden pond (28 of us – it was all boobs together girls), singing at the ladies’ luncheon at the Civic Centre (the only person missing was Hyacinth Bouquet).

However this year has topped them all. In February we hosted a Valentine Show at the Albert Hall in Nottingham.

We had a fabulous male quartet called Pitch Invasion and a ladies quartet, After Hours. It went down a treat. Then in April we had Dale Syverson over to coach us.

This fell on a weekend and the Sunday happened to be my BIG birthday. How could I possibly miss Dale, she’s such an inspiration. I took some chocolate

brownies for chorus to celebrate my birthday. My husband was away as he thought I was actually going away for the weekend so my mates from chorus invited me out for a meal afterwards. Well, they all spoilt me, Elaine kindly lent us her house to get changed in and served some delicious champagne. I was treated to some pampering vouchers for a local beauty parlour and some fabulous other little treats. We had our meal, which was lovely, and fun was had by all.

May was convention time and we sang for evaluation as we were scheduled to go to Calgary in October. We had such fun on stage and later sang our Hooked on Classics number in the Show of Champions. Glenn had his (now) rather famous trouser incident (as explained in the last Harmony Rag); this was certainly unplanned choreography! We laughed so much on stage, we could hardly sing!

The audience were in stitches and it went down a storm. I think they thought it was all intentional.

We had been invited to sing at the BABS evening show in Scarborough for the men’s’ convention. This was indeed an honour – last year there was a chorus over from the States called Ambassadors of Harmony and everyone in the audience was spellbound! It was a case of ‘follow that’! Anyway we sang ‘Hooked on Classics’ again amongst other numbers, Glenn’s trousers fitted him and it got another standing ovation.

In June a lot of us signed up for a weekend in Derbyshire to have some coaching by Sandi Wright. She was a super lady, so musically talented, with fantastic energy and we were hooked on every tip she gave us. It was a fun time and Sandi’s husband dropped in as well.

In July, my lovely Daughter, Anita got married. We had a simply fabulous day!

Luckily the weather wasn’t as bad as it had been. We had had a few hitches, i.e. the Bridegroom’s father was in hospital with a suspected heart attack – luckily he was fine for the wedding day. The weather had been shocking, we had floods in most places and Romsey near Southampton had seen some of this as well. We had planned the marquee in Eric and Annabelle’s fantastic garden and the weather had battered a lot of the tub plants. Annabelle had worked so hard to make it look just right. When it came to 28 July it was cloudy but not raining (which made a change this year)! Anita wore a stunning jade green wedding dress

with flower crystals along the top of the bodice (see photo), it was really amazing.

The ceremony took place at Romsey Registry Office and it was packed with all Simon and Anita’s friends and relatives.

Thereafter we all went to Annabelle and Eric’s house for the marquee reception,

which lasted, into the night. The meal was certainly one to remember and was cooked by a chef who was a personal friend. It included half a lobster each and some wonderful Herefordshire Beef. This really happy day absolutely flew by!

Finally, as we had won the British Champs last year, we went to Calgary in October to compete internationally!

We had two rehearsals per day before our stage performance and our super coaching friends, Claire Gardner and Sandi Wright dropped in to give us a couple of tips (which were SO helpful)!

Then came the BIG day – another couple of rehearsals and just before we set off from the hotel, another chorus who were staying at the same hotel from New York were in the reception area. As we came down the escalator, we got a round of applause and cheering that must have been audible in Nottingham. What a very friendly set they were – they were all dressed up as scarecrows. The Roundup Centre was really enormous! On stage, I gave it my all and enjoyed it so much, I tingled with excitement! Later, I thought we would never get to hear what place we had reached. When I got back to the hotel I was in the lift returning to my room. I met the ‘chief’ scarecrow in the lift and he had the placement sheets. I got chatting to him – after all I was on the 21st floor, there was time! Apparently we had come 18th which was the highest for a British chorus. First time I had ever been given good news by a scarecrow! Excited – well that was an understatement. Later I met Glenn and yelled 18th at him, leaping up and down. I noticed so many people had hugged Glenn; he had a ‘blushing glow’ on one shoulder of his jacket. Lace City had a big fun party, which everyone enjoyed and part of the cabaret was ‘Luminous’, 2007 Rising Star Champion Quartet. One of the members, Ellie, had sung bass with us at the contest, as she was previously part of Lace City. Ellie’s quartet in America qualified this year.

A lot of the Lace City girls went home after Calgary but a few of us then went on to tour and go on to Vancouver, which was really interesting but wet.

What a very memorable year it has been!

Lynn Johnson Lace City Singers 7

WINTER 2007

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

The Plymouth Mayflower Chorus on the steps of the Dartmoor Centre. I could play with his horn, time for us to asked an unsuspecting husband to take exit and let them enjoy the event!! a few photos for me so I could have one The 1st Sept saw the chorus on for this article; I ended up with over 50 to Concert in Dartmoor in Princetown for their Carnival. choose from! Thank goodness for digital. Bovey Tracy Last year we all got soaked, but this time It was the first time the chorus had performed for the Activities Trust. We were doing a full concert and they had requested a section on explaining Barbershop and how we ran our rehearsals. What they didn’t expect was Sarah Gill getting them all up on their feet and doing the warm-up

Princetown Carnival

Rose also saw some amazing costumes and took down phone numbers so that our image team could get in touch, do the sun shone down on us and made it you think they will look good on stage a glorious day for everyone. We were for competition? allowed to have a stall and had been collecting items for weeks, so for some In The Pink For of us it was an early start to set things Charity up, but first things first, a welcome cup Ladies Charity Night in the Officers Mess at the Royal Marine Barracks in Stonehouse Plymouth had to be seen to be believed. It was the first time this male preserve had been opened up to just ladies; and was in aid of a cancer charity. Everyone in their finery and bling with a glass or two of champagne in hand were more than ready for a great night.

of tea and toast in Becca and Dennis’s superb timber workshop. It also doubled up as a very different rehearsal venue as you can see. By mid morning most of the chorus had turned up to lend a hand and things were really beginning to swing.

We had the DJ next to us, did we mind, not a bit, we just got him to play 60’s and The evening’s entertainment started off outside with the superb Royal Marine Drum Corps which we were allowed to watch, then it was us, so we chased inside and arranged ourselves in two rows down the main stairs. We had them singing along and doing our moves to Grease and even did an encore. Next the auction, one hundred and fifty lively women were anxious for it to begin so they could bid for the hunks that are in the picture with us. Which one would you choose? They were introduced and 70’s tracks, we all sang along and had a asked what talents they could bring to bop. At noon it was our turn to entertain the evening, the young bugler said they 8

with us and then learning a tag with Jo Moore. I think they were all in need of the refreshments during the interval.

Jo Channon then led the chorus for the following two sections with our new members joining in where they could, for some it was their first major performance.

There is no substitute for getting out there and singing to an appreciative audience.

The ninety mile round trip of transporting the risers was worth all the effort. Even better, we have been asked to perform again for them next year.

Our regular Autumn Retreat with Glenn at The Dartmoor Centre and coaching sessions with Sandra have meant the chorus has had a really busy three months, and now it is straight into all those Christmas Carols.

Jane Wood Publicity Officer and Vice President

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

WINTER 2007

"Forth Valley Chorus" New CD

FVC are pleased to announce the release of our new CD “Hearts on Fire” which features a range of our favourite songs, from dixie to disco, performed in the barbershop style.

Cost £8 plus £2 UK P&P (please enquire about overseas postage rates).

To place your order, please send a cheque (payable to Forth Valley Chorus) to: Susan Waddington, FVC Publicity, Flat 8, 101b St Stephen St, Edinburgh. EH3 5AB.

ON SALE NOW!

My First Convention I haven’t been a member of the Flying High Singers chorus from Nieuw Vennep (the Netherlands) for all that long. In October 2006 I signed up for a workshop, four evenings, during which I would become acquainted with the phenomenon known as Barbershop! I fell in love with the Baritone part...

For a whole year I practised and practised, with the help of 3 other prospective baritones, in order to learn as many of the chorus numbers as possible. That’s not an easy task! Notes, text, choreography, smile! My efforts were however rewarded; I am now a fully fledged member of the chorus (notes, words, choreography 100% for 10 numbers ppffew!!!).

So now I could go with them to Calgary! After spending 17 hours travelling (plus 8 hour time difference) we arrived at the International Hotel in Calgary. Together with my 3 Baritone-girlfriends we settled into our suite on the 31st floor. Unfortunately I had a very bad cold and had frequent coughing fits. I had brought some cough medicine with me but bought some anti-flu medicine in Calgary just to be on the safe side!

The first couple of days were spent touring Calgary itself and also Banff in the National Park in the Rockies. Also of course we had rehearsals every day, sometimes in our hotel and sometimes in the Round-up centre. Suddenly it was Thursday....I got up at 6 a.m. and had breakfast with the rest of the chorus + supporters. Then upstairs to the top floor for our last rehearsal before the competition. Stage make-up, glitter costume, and then.....walking down 31 flights of stairs (the lifts NEVER came due to hotel renovations etc.). We sang our way down the stairs and were joined by Harmony Heights from Sweden.

We travelled by coach to the Saddledome and once we arrived we were shown into a room, then another room,

then the BIG STAGE! We were the second chorus to perform and full of high spirits and lots of enthusiasm I stood there on the risers. We could hear all our Dutch fans in the hall cheering us on. For seven minutes I gave it my all! and then suddenly it was all over......

Unfor tunately my voice wasn’t at its best but at least I managed not to cough during our performance. Then it was time to sit back and listen to the other choruses - I was speechless.... Fantastic! what a sound! those notes! what a show! As I watched them I realised that age, size, height were all ONE. The Sweet Adeline organization is wonderful, family and friends were able to watch our performance live through the web-cam on Internet. Thank you for all the care, attention for making the reservations for the planes, the hotel and the coaches, the workshops, the quartets, the advice, the friendship!

We managed to be 33rd in the World - not bad hey? We learnt so much from this wonderful experience and “you can’t take that away from me”.

Francis Angenent , Carla Newson,Flying High Singers

All choruses should inform the Directors Coordinator or Education Coordinator if they want to arrange coaching with International Faculty or Judges who are coming over for Regional events. This needs to be coordinated through he RMT so that we can arrange appropriate cost sharing.

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WINTER 2007

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

Our Last International as Champions of the Netherlands Although we have been fully focussed on participating in the Regional Convention in Birmingham in 2008, as members of region #31 we have recently been very aware of our regional history.

March 18th 2006, this was the date of our “last Dutch Convention”. While we were organising this convention we were fully aware, as members of the RMT, that the winner of this convention would be the last ‘Dutch Champion’ to take part in the International Convention. It was an exciting competition and the Flying High Singers once again managed to retain their title. So for the 3rd time in a row, we went for “the big one”.

We decided that we would learn 2 new songs for the competition. This meant of course that we had to follow the long road of learning the text, the notes, and the choreography!

We also wanted to hold a 4-week workshop in order to introduce women to the world of Barbershop singing. AND we were also asked to take part in a television show, a competition for choirs, well? Of course - you say yes!

We, as organisers, were already used to organising things like this, so we were able to do all this “in-between”. It could be said that we had too much time on our hands,.as Anneke managed to find time to get in touch with the Dutch Club in Calgary in order to organise a show for Dutch immigrants! Friday 12th October we were taken by coach to a dinner and show (Flying High Singers) attended by members of the Dutch Club and including the honorary consul for the Netherlands.

Together with their own choir, the “Schorre Kikkertjes” (the hoarse frogs) we gave a performance which lasted the whole evening.

We can look back on this as an experience we will never forget, a really successful evening!

Even though almost 10 of our 40 singers weren’t able to sing well because they had the flu or bronchitis, we still managed to have a great competition and gave it our very best! It was a great party in Calgary – one to remember!

Ineke, Anneke, Ina Flying High Singers

barbershop in harmony An update from joint BABS/LABBS/ SAI meetings

As we reported in the last issue of Harmony Rag, the three barbershop organisations in the UK have started to meet regularly to discuss how we can help promote barbershop and how we can work together more effectively. At the last meeting some exciting proposals were discussed.

Barbershop CD

We are going to produce a joint CD which showcases the best of British barbershop. The CD will be used for promotional purposes and any money raised as a result will be put towards future joint events. Choruses and quartets are invited to submit tracks to be considered 10

for inclusion on the CD to Valerie Taylor to hold events to promote barbershop by 18th December. and the week will culminate in a “Best of British Barbershop” show at a top One-day Workshops venue, involving choruses and quartets We are planning a series of one-day representing the three organisations educational events which will focus on specific areas of interest to choruses Young Singers and quartets across the board. The first Harmony Camp topic we have identified is Marketing and An important area where we would like PR and the proposal is to run an event to join forces is with educational events for (probably in the East Midlands area) on young singers. Lincoln (male) Barbershop Saturday 5th April 2008. Watch this space Harmony Chorus is running a summer for more information about the event. camp for young singers aged 13-18 on 11th–14th August 2008. The workshop will be open to young men and women Barbershop Awareness Week and we will let you have more details as and Show soon as we can.

We are also planning a “Barbershop Awareness Week” in 2009. This will be Valerie Taylor an opportunity for choruses in the UK Communications Coordinator

QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

WINTER 2007

France, Dordogne Sweet Adeline members have visited and commented favourably on this attractive, country property with pool, sleeping 8, in the Dordogne area. Rocamadour, Gouffre de Padirac, other striking attractions nearby. Price: £490 or £745 / week. Details / availability: ww.gitevisit.com, Tel: 01323 733786, Email: rgmb55@yahoo.com THE RMT WELCOMES DEBORAH LAMBLE As you may know, the position of Membership Coordinator on the RMT recently became vacant mid-term. We needed to fill the vacancy as quickly as possible and we received a number of applications for the post. Mid-term appointments are made by the RMT, rather than by membership vote, and we are delighted to announce that Deborah Lamble (our very own Harmony Rag editor) has been appointed as Membership Coordinator.

She will be involved in the chartering of new choruses, dealing with any general chorus queries and helping out with any chorus disputes. She will also deal with the chartering

of new quartets, and any other membership queries that you may have. To contact her : Tel: 01202 487287, Email: deborah@lamble.plus. com.

Post: 72 Sopers Lane, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1JF. You can read about Deborah’s induction into RMT life on page one.

INTERNATIONAL JUDGING PROGRAMME Valerie Taylor, the first person from Region 31 to be accepted onto the Sweet Adelines International Judging Programme, talks to Deborah Lamble about what lies ahead.

DL: How long will it take you to become a fully fledged judge?

VT: Years! I am currently in the first stage, where I am described as an Applicant Judge. I have already taken two papers, one general knowledge test which is all about the organisation and competition procedures, and a specialist paper on the sound category.

to pop over to Sweden to visit their competition, which is the week before ours.

DL: What happens next?

VT: If my trial scoring is satisfactory, I will be classed as an Approved Candidate Judge. At that stage I would have to attend specialist training sessions, trial score more regional competitions and also trial score at International! Oh, and there’s another paper to write on the sound category. This stage will take at least 2 years to complete, but if all goes well I could be assigned official panel duties. Scary! After that you progress to Approved Judge and then Certified Judge.

DL: So you hope to be judging in the Sound Category?

VT: Yes that’s right. The two papers are assessed by the Judge Specialists in December. Betty Clipman is the chair of that panel and she has been incredibly supportive of my application.

If I get through that OK, the next stage DL: How do you feel about being is to trial score in the 2008 competition DL: What would you say are the accepted as an aspiring judge? season. key characteristics of an aspiring VT: I am really very honoured! It is particularly rewarding to be the first DL: Will you be trial scoring in region judge?

VT: Perseverance! And also of course person from our region to be accepted 31? onto the programme. When I look at the VT: No, it is recommended that you a good ear, an inside-out knowledge of other judges out there, I know I have a lot don’t trial score in your own region – I the Judging Category Description Book to live up to, and it is a big commitment would be too familiar with the choruses and a willingness to learn. I for one need and quartets taking part. Instead I hope to learn to like M&Ms! too, but I am up for a challenge!

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WINTER 2007

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.

Fees and expenses should be agreed with faculty members in advance 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 Kit de Bolster, Flying High Singers Netherlands +30 6885602 kitjack@caiway.nl

Regional Convention Dates: 9-11 May 2008 - Birmingham 8-10 May 2009 - Newcastle 7-9 May 2010 - Newcastle 6-8 May 2011 - Birmingham 11-13 May 2012 - Birmingham

Elaine Hamilton, Forth Valley Chorus Edinburgh - 0131 334 2372 elainemrssh@aol.com Dorothy Main, Aberdeen Chorus Aberdeen - 01224 782124 emmandee@tiscali.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 Fareham - 01329 2354491 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.u

Got a show?

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

Other Diary Dates: Showtime with Somerset Hills Chorus Saturday 15th December 7.30pm Wellington School, Wellington Tickets: 01823 660067

DEADLINE

Starstruck with Lace City Singers Sunday 24th February 4pm Albert Hall, Nottingham Tickets: 0115 956 6745

24th Feb

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Regional Management Team 2007-2008 Alyson Chaney Education Co-ordinator Lincoln Sounds Tel: 01636 814377 alysonchaney@yahoo.co.uk Debbie Pern Team Co-ordinator Aberdeen Chorus Tel: 01224 586430 admin@deesidegolfclub.com Elaine Hamilton Directors’ Co-ordinator Forth Valley Chorus Tel: 0131 334 2372 elainemrssh@aol.com Deborah Lamble Membership Co-ordinator Spinnaker Chorus Tel: 01202 487287 deborah@lamble.plus.com Eileen Milne Finance Co-ordinator Aberdeen Chorus Tel: 01224 742453 ge@cromar26.demon.co.uk Valerie Taylor Communications 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 Co-ordinator Aberdeen Chorus Tel: 01330 811544 j.yuile@btinternet.com

for the next issue

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