Harmony Rag December 2015 Edition

REGIONAL BUZZ HA NNA H A ND THE HURRICA NES W INS BIH M IX ED QUA RTET GOLD! Submitted by Andrea Day

At just four years old, the Mixed Quartet competition goes from strength to strength with a whopping 17 quartets registering for this year ?s competition. It was the first year under the new rules and banner of Barbershop in Harmony (BinH) which meant that the competition was opened up to all Sweet Adelines International Region 31 members as well as just BABS and LABBS? and what a competition it was!

We are really proud to hold one of only 12 mixed quartet gold medals that LABBS has ever issued and even prouder to be the recipients of the very first set of, hopefully hundreds, of BinH gold medals that will be awarded over the years. Congratulations to Mastermix and Mojo on their medals and every person that crossed the stage over the weekend.

There were commiserations as well as congratulations as our fellow competitors Delekate and Jigsaw had to pull out of the contest because of illness. We were so sorry to hear this and can?t imagine the disappointment after all that hard work that we know you had put in. We hope to see you both back on top form in the competition next year.

One of the best things about mixed quarteting is that you have no idea what each quartet is going to pull out of the bag; we had songs in men's keys, ladies?keys and something in between. The ?Biggest Surprise" award should

4 | Har m ony Rag | December 2015

go to Dick Knight, who not only performed in two different mixed quartets, singing tenor, but one of them in ladies key! Fantastic job!

Another great thing about the mixed quartet

REGIONAL BUZZ

REGIONAL BUZZ

Ignite South West From Nuala Hobden, hub facilitator

Vickie Dennis flew down to Southampton (from Edinburgh where she was staying) a day before the event. Driving on the morning of Ignite South West, we had to negotiate some narrow, windy Devonshire lanes outside of Newton Abbott and Vickie did seem quite nervous! But we arrived safely. Most of the delegates had already arrived and eager to learn.

Unfortunately the venue, Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, was not ready. It took their staff an hour to setup the projector and only with the help of two members of Plymouth Mayflower, who are also IT professionals, did we get it working. We were also without a microphone and PA system and the room was clearly not tidied up.

Despite these setbacks, we had lots of fun.

Vickie?s sessions were very inclusive, starting with an excerpt from the film Frozen. The

whole theme of the day was ?Letting Go?? she explained and demonstrated (through volunteers up front) body language and the effect on singing when you allow yourself to let it go. It was great fun watching ladies release their inner diva by dancing with scarves!

Ignite South East From Maggi McEwan, hub facilitator

Ladies (about 120 of them) from the South East region assembled in the home of Vocal Dimension Chorus in Redhill for a fascinating and uplifting education day with the delightful Lynda Keever. Not only were we blessed to have Lynda on that gloriously sunny day but also to have Vocal Dimension looking after us.

They knew the venue so had all the answers on domestic and technical issues. As if that weren't enough, they supplied hot drinks and a wonderful array of cakes all day, too. Surrey Harmony also provided a bling bazaar.

Lynda?s theme for the day was exploring and examining your voice to make it the best it can be. She discussed topics around easing the mind and body into the singing zone, learning and singing a new song with vocal freedom, singing in tune with ease, choosing your instrument and performing with grace, each and passion.

We looked out for possible pitfalls ? tension, tricky rhythms, accidentals, descending melody lines, bell chords, triplets, etc. and observed each other critically for any difficulties. We discussed and practised stretching, vocal and breathing warm ups as an aid to avoiding tension. We then tried putting these things into practice with vocal exercises. We analysed the different types of

6 | Har m ony Rag | December 2015

Ignite North West From Sara Wilcox, hub facilitator

Very happy to report Ignite North West went really well. There were no issues at all. The venue staff were fab and on hand all day to help. Darlene Rogers was fantastic and everyone enjoyed it. Lots of great feedback all day about the sessions and venue.

From Hilary Pinnock

We?ve had a fabulous day today at Chetham?s.

Darlene was a super coach and her workshops contained many light bulb moments for lots of us. Thanks for all your efforts in making it run smoothly. Truly one of the best workshops I?ve been to in my short Sweet Adelines International career!

Ignite Netherlands From Fiona McGlashan, hub facilitator

Ignite Netherlands was attended and enjoyed by 58 ladies, both from New Land Singers and Singing Unlimited, with International Faculty member Alyson Chaney as educator. Alyson covered everything from warm-ups, breathing and unity to the psychology of chorus singing and engaging with your emotions. It was held at an amazing venue, Fokker Centre, not far from Schiphol, which members from Singing Unlimited found and organised. The centre provided excellent catering and AV facilities and our day ended with an impromptu performance by each chorus. It was a great event thoroughly enjoyed by all and one definitely to be repeated as soon as possible.

8 | Har m ony Rag | December 2015

FEATURES

STORIES FROM LA S VEGA S 2015 Hot Note We were so excited to be competing in Las Vegas of all places, so imagine our disappointment when we arrived and it was raining! Just like England? oh dear? things brightened up very quickly though and we soon settled in. None of us had ever taken part in the quartet competition at International before so we were thrilled to be part of it all.

Because we had been taking part in the IABS Convention prior to Las Vegas, we arrived on

10 | Har m ony Rag | December 2015

FEATURES

FEATURES Fortuity As a quartet we?ve been lucky enough, amongst the hassles of day to day life, to experience some amazing things in our time so far. This October we travelled to Las Vegas, Nevada to compete in the Sweet Adeline International Convention and it was absolutely one of those experiences!

The run-up to convention was, as it always is, a little manic! Our lead, Gemma, spent the first four months of the year in America so we were a little behind in our preparations. Luckily with the help of our ultra-organised baritone Sarah, we were able to make sure the rehearsal time we did have was used efficiently. We even managed to have some coaching from the wonderful Nicky Salt, the breath-taking Linda Keever and woman of many talents Valerie Taylor. Before we knew it though, it was October and we were travelling stateside surrounded by our Region 31 sisters, mothers, grandmothers (and of course Glenn Chaney) ready to take on the world! Oddly enough, even amongst the bright lights of Vegas, we felt very much at home!

Without any time to soak up the sun/Margaritas, it was Wednesday already!

With lashes curled, cement applied and lucky stickers on our shoes we marched on the stage and had an absolute blast! We enjoyed every second of our time up there? even the bits we can?t remember due to ?stage amnesia?? and couldn?t have done it without all of your support. The cards, the Facebook messages, the silly photos, the webcast shout outs and the screams from the auditorium. We still pinch ourselves when we think back to the call-offs, we are overwhelmed to be 14th in the World and hope to do you proud in Las Vegas 2016.

12 | Har m ony Rag | December 2015

This sounds clichĂŠd but we genuinely couldn?t have done any of this without the love and support of our region. Region 31?s presence at International each year is astonishing and we are so, so proud of everyone that competed this year both regionally and internationally!

We would like to say a special congratulations to DaleDiva, Phoenix, Lace City, Hot Note and Finesse. It was an absolute honour to share the stage with you all.

Region 31 you truly are Sweet Adeline!

Lace City The thing that makes our chorus the energetic exciting group that it is are our members. We have an age range from 23-79. We have mothers, daughters and sisters, lawyers, teachers and driving instructors and together we are Lace City Chorus.

When 85 members of our chorus jetted off to Vegas to represent Region 31 at the Sweet Adelines International Convention we knew everyone would enjoy different parts of the experience. We have spoken to several of our members who wanted to share their experiences with you.

After finding barbershop in 1979, Pat Thompson, baritone from Lincoln, had always dreamed of going to international. This year she made it. Reflecting on her experience in Vegas she said: ?An incredible American city but the Sweet Adeline Convention just blew my mind. It was such a vast event and I can only imagine the organisation that must have gone into making it run so smoothly.

Everybody I met during the week was friendly (especially people from Region 31) Thank you Lace City, Thank you Sweet Adelines.?

of the Phoenix!

Competition day came quickly on Thursday and we were ready to shine. Our Lead sectionleader Alison was also performing with San Diego Chorus who were rehearsing just prior to Phoenix going on stage. How would Alison reach us on time, getting into costume, make-up and nail varnish too? We all had hysterics as she dashed into the room with seconds to spare -riding a scooter!

Waiting backstage, we looked at posters of the famous singers who have performed there which was awesome. And to top it all, the ramp to the stage was lit like a runway! Our performance was over in a flash. How thrilled we were as we rode the wave of joy and emotion singing our ballad, ?Once Upon A Time? then strutted our way with attitude through the uptune ?Never Say Never Again?.

We were overwhelmed by the camaraderie and support from the other British competitors who were going crazy in the arena. Thank you ladies and gents, you were wonderful.

The journey to competition is truly inspiring.

To illustrate, here's a quote from a Phoenixbird: ?The wonderful feeling that my nearest stage buddy was a foot away, but knowing that she was right beside me? - sums up the truly amazing shared experience that going to

14 | Har m ony Rag | December 2015

competition brings and cements friendships for life.

DaleDiva DaleDiva were thrilled to represent Region 31 in the Harmony Classic at International and are very proud of our silver medal alongside our score of 1249. Eighteen months of constant fundraising, extra long rehearsals and stresses of costumes were a thing of the past when we gathered in Vegas for our first rehearsal after two days of the chorus exploring the phenomenon which is Las Vegas!

We couldn't wait to go through our set and welcome visitors to our rehearsals and were so fortunate that our two main coaches Nicky Salt and Cindy Hansen were able to be with us.

We even had a visit from our friend Lynda Keever and were treated to a performance by the fabulous Finesse. We feel so very lucky.

Those rehearsals were truly special and for many the highlight of International. Having a group of like minded people, supporting each other and working towards the same aim, to take to the stage at our very best and do our supporters and ourselves proud.

On contest day we had a chorus breakfast, all excited, a little apprehensive but so together.

Speeches were made, applause received, a few

FEATURES which resulted in our having to regroup. At the moment we are unable to field a well-balanced four part harmony sound.

Fortunately, we had already planned a recruitment drive before Vegas so we are pleased to report that we have 15 potential new chorus members who are half way through our audition process. We are confident that we will be performing for our 2016 charity, Chesterfield Parkinson's Society,

in April. Sadly, we will not be able to compete at regionals in May at our favourite venue, The Sage Gateshead, and will miss you all but we know you will do a fabulous job.

Please know that although somewhat smaller, DaleDiva remains strong and confident and dedicated. We are looking forward to a new era for the chorus and continuing to focus on having fun and doing what we do best, singing.

RMT UPDATES CHA NGES TO CONVENTION In an effort to continuously improve convention experience for members and following feedback received, we are trying several new and different things for Region 31 2016 convention.

Weekend schedule Instead of our normal show later in the evening we will be having a Showcase of Champions immediately following a break of around 45 minutes after the chorus competition on Saturday. The third, second and first place overall chorus winners, the Division A and AA chorus winners, and the

16 | Har m ony Rag | December 2015

third, second and first placed quartets will take the stage on this Showcase of Champions.

Choruses will perform two songs lasting a maximum of seven minutes and quartets will perform one song lasting no more than five minutes.

There will be no emceeing from the stage other than announcing the acts, and if the chorus or quartet wishes to give their thanks, these will be handed to the compere who will deliver them on their behalf. We would encourage our winners to perform something other than their competition package if possible.

We aim to have the event finished by 8pm at the latest so that people can go and have their evening meal at a more leisurely pace. This change also means there will be no organised

RMT UPDATES

RMT UPDATES four quartet members, may appear on stage during a competition performance). This would include, but is not limited to, someone handing props to the quartet, someone manipulating props for the quartet, someone handing anything to a quartet member through the curtain, a non-quartet member controlling a piece of audio/video or other type of equipment for the quartet, a non-quartet member acting as a prop, etc.

The International Board of Directors learned that the Canadian Music Educators?

Association (CMEA) has accepted Sweet Adelines International?s proposal to partner together to present an annual Sweet Adelines/CMEA Educator Award beginning in 2016. The CMEA Award will be in addition to the annual National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Award presented to a Sweet Adelines member who is a music educator and member of NAfME who has made outstanding contributions to the furtherance of music education in schools by promoting barbershop style music.

The International Board of Directors reviewed the work of a task force comprised of members of the International Board of Directors and staff that conducted a full historical review and comprehensive foundation examination and evaluation of the Young Singers Foundation. As a result, the mission of the Young Singers Foundation was changed to align with the mission of Sweet Adelines International: Young Singer s Foundation M ission Statement The Young Singer s Foundation is com m itted to enr iching lives of young w om en by pr om oting educational and per for m ance oppor tunities for vocal m usic w ithin the bar ber shop style.

18 | Har m ony Rag | December 2015

The Bev Sellers Memorial Scholarship, established in 1993, is now aligned with the mission of Sweet Adelines International and will be focused on supporting barbershop singing for young women. The next Bev Sellers Memorial Scholarship award cycle will begin in 2016.

In the future, Young Singers Foundation Grants will focus on supporting events that promote the barbershop art form for women and Young Women in Harmony program activities. The next YSF Grant award cycle will begin in 2016.

A standing committee, the Young Singers Foundation Advancement Committee was established to oversee the work of the Young Singers Foundation. The Young Singers Foundation Silent Auction at International Convention will resume in 2016.

SUM M A RY OF THE NOVEM BER 2 0 1 5 RM T M EETING The following items were discussed and agreed at the Regional Management Team (RMT) meeting held at the Holiday Inn M6 Hotel last 13-15 November 2015: A blanket permission will be obtained from Sweet Adelines International to allow all competitors at the 2016 regional convention to publish video of their performances online.

Discussed plans for the Spring Forward event with LoveNotes in January 2016; both Helen Glavina (Regional Quartet Liaison) and Teresa McDonnell (Regional YWIH Coordinator) were present.

COACHING DIRECTORY ELLI E BLACKEBY, Lace City mills_ellie@hotmail.com

SANDRA LEA-RI LEY, Heartbeat UK sandraleariley@virginmedia.com

ANNE CARGI LL, Aberdeen annecargill2012@btinternet.com

DOROTHY MAI N, Region 31 Finance Coordinator, Aberdeen themains@talktalk.net

ALYSON CHANEY, Region 31 Workshop Coordinator, Lace City alysonchaney@yahoo.co.uk

NI CKY SALT, CAL nicky.salt@hotmail.co.uk

GLENN CHANEY, Lace City glenn.chaney@yahoo.co.uk

DAVI D SANGSTER, Forth Valley carsonsangster@aol.com

EMMA DUGUI D, Vocal Dimension duguidemma@gmail.com

VALERI E TAYLOR, Vocal Dimension valerie.taylor@privacysolutions.co.uk

NORMA FERRI ER, Forth Valley norma.ferrier@whec.edin.sch.uk

GWEN TOPP, Aberdeen gmtopp@yahoo.co.uk

ELAI NE HAMI LTON, Region 31 Education Coordinator, CAL elainemrssh@aol.com

MI CHELLE WALKER, Lace City shelbywalks@yahoo.co.uk

TANYA JENKI NS, CAL tunefultan@virginmedia.com

LYNDA WOOD, Phoenix lynda@pottonwoods.co.uk

NANCY KELSALL, Heartbeat UK nancykelsall@hotmail.com

COPY DEA DLINE The next Harmony Rag will be issued in March.

Please send all cont r ibut ions t o har m onyrag@sweet adelines.org.uk by 29 Febr uar y 2016