July 2025 | Volume 79 — No.1 | www.pitchpipemagazine.com
Sweet AdelineS internAtionAl
Elevating women singers worldwide through education, performance, and competition in barbershop harmony and a cappella music.
INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
Tammy Talbot
Chief Executive Officer
Kim Berrey
Editor-in-Chief
Stacy Pratt
Staff Writer
Ben Larscheid
Graphic Designer
Joey Bertsch Staff Photographer
Lauren Stark Staff Photographer
INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026
Mary Rhea, International President
Thérèse Antonini, Immediate Past President
Jeanne d’Arc (JD) Crowe, President-elect
Sharon Cartwright, Secretary
Annika Dellås, Treasurer
Joan Boutilier Janice Mckenna
Elaine Hamilton Jean Schoenlank
Jenny Harris Valerie Taylor
Vickie Maybury
EDUCATION DIRECTION COMMITTEE
Valerie Taylor, Chair
Joan Boutilier Leslie Galbreath
Anne Downton Kim Wonders
EDITORIAL REVIEW BOARD
Joan Boutilier Mari Pettersson
Jeanne d’Arc (JD) Crowe Leigh Whitelaw
Becky DeCook
Advertising
1.918.622.1444 • communications@sweetadelines.com
Direct all correspondence, editorial copy and photographs to communications@sweetadelines.com.
Deadlines are 60 days prior to publication. Not all submissions will be published.
THE PITCH PIPE (ISSN 0882-214X)
From Our President
Ignite the Sound and Mission:Retention
have been wonderful programs, helping us focus on two essential questions: How do we attract new members—and how do we keep them? We all want more members in our choruses, don’t we? The music is what initially draws people in, but as we often say, “We come for the music, and we stay for the friendships.” The power of personal connection simply cannot be overstated.
When I was a kid, we moved a lot. I was often the “new girl.” My favorite book was Trudy Phillips, New Girl because I could relate so deeply to her experience. That first day at a new school was always scary and lonely—and sometimes the days that followed were, too. It wasn’t until someone reached out and befriended me that I could breathe a little easier. Having someone to sit with at lunch, walk with between classes, or play with at recess made all the difference. Once I had one friend, it became easier to navigate the school schedule and culture. One friend led to another, and before long, I felt like I belonged. Some of us might remember walking into our first chorus rehearsal—nervous, uncertain, maybe even a little intimidated. It takes a lot of courage to step into a room full of strangers. Choruses are known for being warm and welcoming—but how many of us go beyond the friendly hello and truly befriend a guest? I’m not talking about an assigned riser buddy or chorus mentor; those roles are important and serve a purpose. But real connection usually hap-
pens outside of a system. It happens when someone sees you and reaches out in a meaningful way.
So how do we make sure every guest and new member finds a friend? It takes intentional effort from every member of the chorus. We all play a role in creating an environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and included.
Think about how it might feel to be a guest or a new member, but not yet have a true connection. Or to have been a member for months without a single person calling when you miss a rehearsal. That kind of loneliness can quietly chip away at someone’s enthusiasm. But just one authentic friendship can change everything.
Research shows that people are far more likely to stay in a group where they have at least one close friend. That sense of belonging doesn’t just help retain members—it enriches every aspect of the chorus experience.
So let’s be intentional. Be the reason someone wants to stay in a chorus. Let’s not just be friendly—let’s be friends. No doubt our music – and our lives – will be enriched.
In harmony,
Mary Rhea
"How do we make sure every guest and new member finds a friend? It takes intentional effort from every member of the chorus. We all play a role in creating an environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and included."
How will you celebrate our 80th anniversary with your chorus or quartet? On or around our anniversary, post photos or videos of your celebration so we can share on Sweet Adelines International social media! Also, make sure to enter your celebration photos in the July Mission: Retention contest. See page 35 of this issue for more information.
Attendees before the doors open for the 2024 International Convention and Competition in Kansas City. Celebrating learning and growing together during the Ignite the Sound Celebration during the 2023 International Convention & Competition in Louisville, Kentucky (USA).
“EDUCATION IS A CORE VALUE”
Introducing North by Northwest Region 13 education programs
Education is a core value for North by Northwest (NxNW) Region 13. The education team continually revisits ways to deliver focused learning opportunities for all members. We use an array of innovative and traditional teaching strategies for musical and chapter leaders. We’d like to share several exciting education programs that we offer.
Excellent faculty development specialists oversee our faculty and support the following programs. Their vision is to “Imagine crafting a learning opportunity that changes lives and builds community.” Their mission is to “Select, train, support, and empower faculty to provide education that leads to growth.” Because of their work, we have a very talented faculty of approximately twenty members.
NxNW Presents
NxNW Presents is an online education program that started during the pandemic and continues today. The program consists of 1-hour sessions of barbershop education, with classes such as PVI’s under Glass, director and section leader forums, music theory, TE Tuner training, virtual rehearsal tips, tag writing series, RMT focus groups, and many others. A master class hosted by Alysha Deslorieux, a Broadway actor, was also held. All classes are recorded and are available to members and the public on our YouTube Channel.
Area Schools
In odd-numbered years, we offer one-day, in-person workshops called “area schools” in five geographical zones with two faculty members presenting at each school. We survey the choruses and develop programs which meet their specific needs. Our region is quite spread out. We are in the U.S., with choruses in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. This program ensures our members get education tailored to their needs.
Summer Enrichment Training (SET)
In even-numbered years we host Summer Enrichment Training (SET). We bring in special guest faculty while hosting several classes taught by our fabulous regional faculty. We are especially excited to bring SET 2026 to Anchorage, Alaska with an optional inland passage cruise prior to the event. Singers outside our region are invited, so please come and join us! You can find more information on our regional website, www.sairegion13.org.
Preparing for an Exceptional Performance (PEP)
Chapters can request a PEP (Preparing for an Exceptional Performance) visit by a faculty member addressing leadership or musical education. This option allows chapters to get assistance with needs specific to their ensemble.
Scenes from 2024 Summer Enrichment Training (SET)
Resonate and Inspire New Ideas and Growth (RING Talks)
We are extremely excited to tell you about our latest educational program, RING Talks (ideas that Resonate and Inspire New ideas and Growth). Think mini-TED Talks. These are 10-15-minute educational talks that members can view online. Regional members are encouraged to submit a RING talk for consideration. These talks are advertised in our monthly e-Blast communication newsletter.
This year’s convention education class consisted of three wonderful RING Talks with a Kahoot quiz thrown in at the end. (Kahoot is a game-based online learning platform.) This class generated quite a bit of fun and competitiveness among attendees!
New Certification Programs
Our team is developing new certification programs for the region. We have targeted three areas for initial certifications, as noted below. Stay tuned for more details as they are finalized. You can be sure that some, if not all, will include video classes, written materials, and at least one Kahoot quiz!
• Beginning Sight Reading Certification (Implementation date is October 1, 2025.)
• Integrating a Culture of Belonging Certification
• Membership Retention Certification
Additional Education Initiatives
We also support additional, ongoing educational initiatives in Region 13 including the following:
• The Leadership 13 Cohort Program was created in 2023, and two cohorts have been established thus far. This two-year program consists of seven classes with individual assignments and presentations during the first year. Year two is designed around completion of a leadership project focused on the needs of the region.
• We help support the Ovation Club (a group of previous 1st place regional quartet winners) to provide quartet education at least biannually.
• We look forward to incorporating more education for chapter leaders to help them THRIVE!
For questions about any of our programs and initiatives, feel free to reach out to education@sairegion13.org.
Sandy Smith and Carol Vecchio are outgoing/incoming Region 13 education coordinators.
P“There’s Nothing Like It!”
A Talk with Donor Patty Cobb Baker
atty Cobb Baker loves Sweet Adelines International, and it shows. From chorus member to director, quartet champion to Approved Candidate Judge, chapter leader to international president, she has devoted herself to barbershop music and the people who make it. As a donor, she wants to make sure future singers have the same opportunities that have given her such community, confidence, and joy.
Patty’s barbershop journey began when she worked at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas (USA). There, a colleague and longtime barbershopper invited her to sing carols at a Christmas party. “I just love to harmonize!” she told him. “I have just the hobby for you,” her colleague replied.
performance, sound, music theory—you learn how it all fits together.”
As an Approved Candidate Judge herself, she knows firsthand how expensive the process can be. Travel, lodging, food—all of it is out-of-pocket.
“The scholarship has allowed me to attend more contests each year,” she says. “And for people overseas, it’s even more critical. We need more judges. We need new judges. These scholarships help make that possible.”
She joined Houston Horizon Chorus (#10) in 1983 and later joined Harborlites Chorus (#21), where she still sings. She also spent a few years directing Golden Sands Chorus (#11). Patty is perhaps best known as a two-time international champion quartet member, singing tenor with Touché (2013) and Viva! (2020). She currently sings with Hot Note Quartet (#10).
Alongside her musical contributions, Patty has served in leadership at every level, including 14 years on the International Board of Directors and as international president (2018-2020). That broad experience shaped her views on the importance of philanthropy within the organization.
“Every chapter is basically a small business,” she explains. “Without resources—without someone to help pay for coaching or arrangements or even a director—it all falls back on the members. That makes it hard to attract and retain singers.”
A regular donor to Sweet Adelines International, Patty has also been on the receiving end of philanthropy as the recipient of an Approved Candidate Judge (ACJ) Scholarship.
“Judging has been the most comprehensive learning experience I’ve had in my Sweet Adelines journey,” she says. “You learn about
Patty explains that the value of the ACJ program doesn’t end at the judging table or even with competitors. It spreads through coaching, classes, and conversations that elevate singers, ensembles, and the barbershop art form itself. “There’s nothing like it,” she says.
Her years of singing and service have made it clear: Philanthropy isn’t extra. It’s essential.
“It’s the lifeblood of nonprofits,” she says. “Without it, especially during tough economic times, people can’t afford to stay.”
Patty wants all singers to be able to come to Sweet Adelines, thrive, and learn through all the seasons of their singing lives –just as she has done. That is why she designated a generous, unrestricted legacy gift to the organization to ensure the joy and fulfillment she’s received from Sweet Adelines International will continue for future singers.
“There’s something intangible about singing barbershop,” she says. “It’s visceral. You feel it in your bones, in your soul. And the friendships? They’re for life. When you sing together, everything else goes away.”
If you would like to make a gift in support of Sweet Adelines Scholarship Programs, please contact Susan Smith,Chief Philanthropy and Administrative Officer at susan@sweetadelines.com.
It’s The Music
That Brings Us Together
Sweet Adelines International Official Organizational Songs
Find music, lyrics, learning tracks, and performances on the Sweet Adelines website at www.sweetadelines.com/organizational-songs.
Regional Results 2025
B+ and Above Choruses
Sweet Adelines congratulates and recognizes the accomplishments of all competing choruses. During the 2025 regional competition season, these choruses earned B+ scores (592) and above. Choruses receiving a score of 700 or higher are marked by an asterisk.
Song of Atlanta Chorus*, #14
Skyline Chorus*, #8
Harborlites Chorus*, #21
Scioto Valley Chorus*, #4
Rönninge Show Chorus*, #32
Westcoast Harmony Chorus, #26
Viva Acappella Chorus, #31
A Cappella Joy Chorus, #13
Spirit of the Gulf Chorus, #9
Motor City Blend Chorus, #2
San Diego Chorus, #21
Metro Nashville Chorus, #4
Lace City Chorus, #31
Santa Monica Chorus, #11
Sirens of Gotham Chorus, #15
City of Lakes Chorus, #6
Waikato Rivertones Chorus, #35
Talk of Tulsa Show Chorus, #25
Spirit of Syracuse Chorus, #15
Liberty Oak Chorus, #15
Greater Cleveland Chorus, #17
Rhythm of the Rockies Chorus, #26
Perth Harmony Chorus, #34
Brindabella Chorus, #34
Faultline Chorus, #35
The Woodlands Show Chorus, #10
Melodeers Chorus, #3
Dundalk Chorus, #19
Canadian Showtime Chorus, #16
Harmony Heights Chorus, #32
River Blenders Chorus, #5
Enchanted Mesa Show Chorus, #21
Greater Harmony Chorus, #17
Sound of Sunshine Chorus, #9
Snowflake Singers Chorus, #32
Farmington Valley Chorus, #1
Merrimack Valley Chorus, #1
Pacific Empire Chorus, #12
Diamond Jubilee Chorus, #4
Stockholm Starlight Chorus, #32
Midwest Crossroad Chorus, #3
Alberta Northern Lights Chorus, #26
Grand Rapids Chorus, #17
Greater Auckland Chorus, #35
Greater Harrisburg Chorus, #19
York Harmony Chorus, #16
Vienna-Falls Chorus, #14
Singing Unlimited Chorus, #31
Voices Northwest Chorus, #13
Bridges of Harmony Chorus, #9
Hobart Harmony Chorus, #34
River City Sound Chorus, #3
Mission Valley Chorus, #12
Oregon Spirit Chorus, #12
Pacific Edge Chorus, #26
Greater Richmond Chorus, #14
No Borders Show Chorus, #31
Voices in Harmony Chorus, #17
Get Ready to cheer, to learn,
learn, to sing...
Monday, October 20
9–9:15 a.m. Vocal and Physical Warm-Ups
9:15–11:15 a.m. Tabletop Discussions Session 1
11:20–11:45 a.m. Sing “Tag-Outs” with Lady A Cappella
1–3 p.m. Tabletop Discussions Session 2
3:05–3:25 p.m. Sing “Tag-Outs” with LoveNotes
Switch tables every 20 minutes — new table, new topic!
Tuesday, October 21
9–10:30 a.m. Harmony at its Best... A-”Chord”-ing to Barbershop
Friday, October 24
Saturday, October 25
Throughout the week...
Learn with friends! Win prizes!
On Monday, grab your commemorative Sweet Adelines “passport” and make your rounds to Tabletop Discussions. For each 20-minute session you attend, you’ll receive a “passport stamp” that enters you into drawings for prizes, including an All-Events Pass for next year’s competition and VIP seats for this year’s competition.
The webcast streams live, but competition performances will be available later on the Sweet Adelines International YouTube channel.
Stay tuned for more information!
2025 INTERNATIONAL HARMONY CLASSIC CHORUS COMPETITION
Division AA
Division A
1. Wichita Chorus • Region #25
2. Milltown Sound Chorus • Region #31
3. Capital City Chorus• Region #4
4. Fox Valley Chorus • Region #6
5. Crescent City Sound Chorus • Region #10
2025
1. SwingTime
2. Wildfire!
3. Five Minutes More
4. Lipstick Scoundrels
5. By Special Request
6. Firefly
7. Saving Grace
8. Essence
9. Gusto!
10. Tenacious
11. Lumos
12. Skylark
1. Greater Cleveland Chorus • Region #17
2. Redland Rhapsody Chorus •Region #34
3. Gateway Chorus • Region #26
4. Alaska Sound Celebration Chorus • Region #13
5. London Chorus • Region #2 (Withdrawn)
INTERNATIONAL QUARTET COMPETITION
13. Lucille 14. First Class
15. The Valkyries
16. Uproar
17. SoloVoce
18. Duly Noted
19. Spice
20. PrimeTime
21. Silhouette
22. Yellow Brick Road
23. Maverick
24. Alouette
25. Airwaves
26. Probly Fine
27. Illuminate
28. Alchemy
29. Dynasty
30. Presto!
31. Rewind
32. Midnight Society
33. Venture
34. Twilight
35. Sirens
36. PRISM
37. Nothin’ But Treble
38. All Fired Up!
39. Serenade
40. Wicked Blend
41. Rosegold Four
42. Voxy
43. Lighthouse
44. VOCE
45. Last Call
46. Saffron
47. Radiant
2025 INTERNATIONAL CHORUS COMPETITION
1. Choral-Aires Chorus • Region #3
2. Twin Cities Show Chorus • Region #6
3. Shoreline Sound Chorus • Region #2
4. Spirit of Spokane Chorus • Region #13
5. Harbor City Music Company Chorus • Region #19
6. Toast of Tampa Show Chorus • Region #9
7. Forth Valley Chorus • Region #31
8. Diablo Vista Chorus • Region #12
9. Buffalo Gateway Chorus • Region #17
10. Scottsdale Chorus • Region #21
11. Rich-Tone Chorus • Region #25
12. Pearls of the Sound Chorus • Region #32
13. Bella Voce Chorus • Region #8
14. OK City Chorus • Region #25
15. Jet Cities Chorus • Region #13
16. Harmony on the Sound Chorus • Region #1
17. Greater Kingston Chorus • Region #16
18. Greater Nassau Chorus • Region #15
19. Harmony Celebration Chorus • Region #15
20. Metro Mix Chorus • Region #5
21. Alamo Metro Chorus • Region #10
22. Circular Keys Chorus • Region #34
23. Verdugo Hills Chorus • Region #11
24. Queen Charlotte Chorus • Region #14
25. Houston Horizon Chorus • Region #10
26. OC Sound Chorus • Region #21
27. Circle of Harmony Chorus • Region #16 (Withdrawn)
28. Vocal Matrix Chorus • Region #14
29. Vocal Standard Chorus • Region #5
30. Great Lake Sound Chorus • Region #3
31. Cincinnati Sound Chorus • Region #4
32. Alberta Northern Lights Chorus • Region #26 (Withdrawn)
33. Millennium Magic Chorus • Region #1
Updates to the Sound Category SOUNDS Like a Plan
Singing knowledge, understanding, and technology continually advance. The Sweet Adelines International Sound Category needed to reflect new understanding about how the voice is used to produce barbershop sound, and how to evaluate it. Certified Sound Judges Beth Smith, Mary Rhea, Sandy Marron, Valerie Taylor, and Kim Vaughn recently worked together to update the category.
Over time, our Sweet Adeline singers and judges have become more knowledgeable about good singing skills, teaching methodologies, and evaluation, so the immediate goal has been to clarify the category elements using more current language. In addition, the Guide to Vocal Skills section of the Judging Category Description Book (JCDB) has been reorganized so that it is more encyclopedic and applicable to all categories, as well as being easily understood by competitors.
What has changed?
Currently, the Sound category is weighted 70% Unit Sound and 30% Artistic Sound, leading to a weighted hierarchy of technical elements from Vocal Skills, through Accuracy, into Artistic Sound. Judges are being called upon to more accurately describe performances, and the current structure of the Artistic Sound portion of the category sometimes limits Sound judges. With judges limited by the given descriptors/language in the category, it was challenging for them to give competitors thorough detail in their comments on the scoresheets.
Updates Include...
• Clarifying language and terms of the category
• Incorporating terminology used by the vocal pedagogy community regarding singing mechanics (e.g., Body Alignment instead of Posture)
• Organizing information into the appropriate area of the Sound Category section of the JCDB and more clearly defining the hierarchy of skills
Sound judges will continue scoring 100 points per song as before. Moving from a 70/30 weighted scale to a 100-point holistic approach gives more flexibility and allows Sound judges to reward the artistry they hear, at any level.
New Category Elements
The Vocal Skills section of the category has been expanded to more accurately reflect how skills are used to produce optimal sound, as well as use more current terminology for the mechanics of voice production.
Harmony Accuracy and Ensemble Sound become the focus of the category. These elements are amplifications of the previous center column (Unit Sound/Accuracy) on the scoresheet. The desired product is a sound, not a collection of voices. Harmony Accuracy and Ensemble Sound focus on the precision and skill applied to the technical elements that combine to create blended, ringing, clean barbershop sound.
Artistry & Musicality is a reorganization of elements that bring “magic” to the sound. As Sweet Adelines has moved toward emphasizing performance and audience connection in recent years, this expansion allows Sound judges to evaluate the voice’s inherent ability to convey character and artistry at all performance levels.
Scoresheet Redesign
There are a number of changes to the dashboard (upper portion) of the Sound scoresheet that judges use and which competitors receive following their performance.
The new “volcano cone” on the updated scoresheet is intended to illustrate a three-dimensional approach to balance and to ensure the tenor part is not interpreted as a tight or small voice. Our judges have been talking about balance this way on scoresheets for quite some time, and the volcano cone more accurately illustrates the concept of ringing, dimensional, balanced barbershop sound.
Sound judges have been judging this way in practice, and now the category language and scoresheet reflect these concepts in ways that may be more meaningful and helpful to singers. The 100% approach to scoring allows the judge to consider the entire performance rather than apportioning points for each element in the category. With the upcoming release of the updated Music category, all four categories will now align in their approach to scoring. Both category updates take effect in October 2025.
Sound Category Update Task Force members are Certfied Sound Judges Beth Smith, Mary Rhea, Sandy Marron, Valerie Taylor, and Kim Vaughn.
Find the Judging Category Description Book (JCDB) under the Education tab when you are logged in to the Sweet Adelines International website.
MUSIC Q&A
Updates to the Music Category
In the fall of 2022, a task force was created to review the Music category. The recommendations made by the task force were ultimately approved by the Judge Specialists, the Education Direction Committee (EDC) and the International Board of Directors (IBOD), resulting in an updated version of the Music category. The changes included in this Music category revision will be in effect starting in October 2025.
Why the changes?
As a part of the ongoing review process embedded in the International Judging Program (IJP), discussions with members of the IJP and with Sweet Adelines International membership continually highlighted several areas of needed clarification of the language in the Music category. The task force mandate included a request to review, research, and update language, explanations, and descriptive areas that can clarify the way judges comment in adjudication and provide better understanding and education of the requirements of the Music category to members.
What’s New?
100% vs. 70/30 weights
• Previously, the Music category was divided into Song and Arrangement (30%) and Performance (70%); based on the scoresheet and the directives in the Music category, the judges were to assess each song with this split weight.
• The 2025 Music category revision does away with the split weight, and performances will now be assessed holistically, considering all elements of the category, with each song worth a possible 100 points.
• This change reflects how the Performance elements are inextricably connected to the Song/Arrangement elements through the performer. It reflects actual scoring practice and removes the category weights associated with these two areas so that the impact of song/arrangement choice is appropriately applied in scoring.
Category Elements Language changes
• Separated the descriptions for Song and Arrangement to improve reader clarity.
• Added alternate language for two chords in the Harmonization section and removed the references to the number of chords.
• Added appropriate explanations to chord descriptions that are understandable to the performer as well as the arranger and removed explanations more suited to arranger education.
• Added language defining terms commonly used on scoresheets such as Big Three; Color chord, Dominant vs. Barbershop seventh, Secondary vs. secondary (applied) dominants.
• Changed language to provide latitude for choices in performance elements that may be appropriate at higher skill levels, reinforcing the concept of suitability and its relative impact on performers’ ability to deliver barbershop style elements.
• Reinforced song and arrangement language to reflect the continuum of “weak to strong” that rates relative adherence to barbershop
SONG & ARRANGEMENT
Merit as Barbershop Material
Song: Form/Melody/Lyrics
Arrangement: Harmonization/ Voicing/Creative Devices Song 1
2
SUITABILITY TO PERFORMER
PERFORMANCE
Vocal Skills
Tempo
Rhythm
Musical Unity
Phrasing
Dynamics
Musical Energy
Musical Artistry
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
style hallmarks to improve understanding of the idea of strength of music choice for contest and to move away from the idea of “contestability” as a finite description.
• New language was added that amplifies the importance of assessing the song and arrangement’s Suitability to the Performer in scoring the Music category.
• Reinforced language regarding suitability that points the contestant toward the strongest possible barbershop songs, arrangements, and performance choices.
• Incorporated positive and gender inclusive language throughout the Music category narrative.
Alterations to judging scoresheet
• The top of the revised scoresheet (dashboard) that lists the elements of the category now reflects the role of Suitability to the Performer in scoring by inserting that commentary between Song and Arrangement and Performance and removing it from the bottom of the page.
• The Music category is now judged holistically and combines the song and arrangement requirements and performance elements so that 100 points are available for each song in a performance.
The Music Category continues to describe the strongest possible choices in Song and Arrangement for the barbershop style. Songs and arrangements lie on a continuum from weak to strong in their relative adherence to these standards. There can be no “list of contestable arrangements” because in addition to the evaluation of relative strength, the ability of the performer to bring forward the barbershop style elements of harmony accuracy, tempo, rhythm, musical unity, phrasing, dynamics, musical energy, and musical artistry critically impact the scoring of a song/arrangement in contest.
Song and Arrangement, and Performance elements balance on the fulcrum of Suitability to the Performer, uniting the song and arrangement and performance elements of the category via the performer themselves. Understanding the skills required for a particular song/arrangement and knowing your current skill level is critical to scoring success in the Music Category.
We are excited to bring you these updates to the Music category. There are so many wonderful barbershop songs and arrangements waiting for you to bring them to the contest stage!
Music Category Task Force members are Jana Gutenson, Judge Specialist, Chairman; Corinna Garriock, Certified Music Judge; Jan Meyer, Certified Music Judge; and Kay Bromert, Approved Music Judge, Arrangers Development Program.
Find the Judging Category Description
Book (JCDB) under the Education tab when you are logged in to the Sweet Adelines International website.
Bay Area Showcase Chorus, like so many other choruses, decreased in membership during the pandemic. Our coffers are adequate, but with fewer dues-paying members, we needed supplemental sources of income. Our 2022 online/virtual auction was a success, so we decided to try an in-person live auction – gala style!
Our goal was to create a festive, special atmosphere that would delight new audience members and potential supporters. As our task list grew, we invited chorus members to help, and they came through!
Planning ahead
A member with experience leading non-profit fundraising auctions initiated discussions in August. She introduced us to a professional auctioneer specializing in non-profits. He coached and counseled us through the process.
Wanting to support our local community and encourage more chorus representation, we contacted the local India Community Center that has a wonderful large ballroom and on-site kitchen able to cater a fancy buffet dinner. One chorus member worked with the venue and catering staff and another was successful in getting a wine industry contact to donate wine for the sponsored tables and half price bottles for all other tables. Other volunteers donated beer, cider and soft drinks.
One member was in charge of obtaining items or experiences for the live and silent auctions. Our biggest items were week-long vacations in Hawaii, Lake Tahoe, and Napa Valley, but members also donated tickets to professional football games, expensive wine baskets, beach getaways nearby, and more.
Some members worked with vendors and local contacts to sell tables for ten people at $1000 USD per table. All of the tables were filled by commercial sponsors and chorus members buying tables for families and friends. More tables were “open seating” for chorus members, friends, and anyone else we could reach through ongoing marketing emails and social media posts. Marketing reminders went out more frequently as the day approached.
The day of the gala
Registration and meal purchases were made in advance, so our treasurer trained helpers to handle check-in, which included handing out pre-purchased drink tickets as guests entered. During
the check-out process, people paid for their auction items. Next time, we will handle the check-out process ahead of time by asking for credit card information upon registration and using auction software.
A talented chorus member put together two slide shows: one with miscellaneous photos of the chorus that played during the cocktail hour and one featuring the auction items and speakers for use during the presentations. During cocktail hour, three chorus quartets took turns mingling through the large hall, serenading our guests.
Our chorus performed two sets of three songs each, one at the beginning of the evening to demonstrate who we are and why we were asking for support and one at the end to showcase our contest set. A really fun auction item was a chance to sing We Are Family with us; two bidders had a grand time singing with us!
Our auctioneer, Ben, was a wonderfully engaging speaker and trained his “bid spotters” to help him see who was raising their number to bid among the group of nearly 200 attendees. Others were trained to keep track of those bids.
A chorus member who works in sales and has a truly joyful personality spoke about chorus life as a means of empowerment and awakening for so many women. Sharing that she had grown from a small-town Missouri girl with no dance experience into a front-row performer and one of our leaders of choreography elicited a great round of applause.
Lessons learned, money earned
The planning team met monthly at first on Zoom, then biweekly, and then weekly to make sure everything was covered. We had a great project leader keeping track of action items and helping us make sure no stone was left unturned, but it was still a LOT of work!
But it was worth it … we cleared over $42,000 USD! With matching funds available to some bidders from their places of employment, the amount will grow considerably. For choruses willing and able to work together on a major project, consider such a gala fund-raising event!
If you are interested in learning more about our gala, please contact us at info@singharmony.org.
Julie Starr is Master Director of Bay Area Showcase Chorus.
A professional videographer was hired to create a video to remember the fun everyone had at the Bay Area Showcase Chorus fundraiser gala.
The Pitch Pipe needs you!
Have you had a meaningful, funny, or interesting experience during rehearsal or performance? Have you spent time reflecting on what barbershop singing or Sweet Adelines means to you?
Have you received or witnessed a kindness from your Sweet Adelines family that you’d like to share?
We’d love to read it — and possibly print it in The Pitch Pipe!
Send your submissions to communications@sweetadelines.com with “Attn: The Pitch Pipe” in the subject line.
A few general guidelines:
• Tell a story (beginning, middle, end).
• Keep your submission between 500–700 words in length.
• Send your submission as a Word document.
• Send photos. (High resolution is great, but send what you have!)
• Include a 1–2 sentence bio telling your chorus/quartet affiliation, voice part, etc.
• All submissions are subject to editing, and not all submissions will be printed in The Pitch Pipe. (Some may be used for other SA media.) You will be notified about the status of your submission.
Creating a Culture of Belonging:
How One Chorus Director Uses the Chorus Toolkit to Foster Inclusion
Sweet Adelines International is deeply committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse community. The organization created the Chorus Toolkit to support choruses in this mission. The toolkit is a dynamic and evolving resource designed to help chorus leaders build a strong culture of belonging within their ensembles. The toolkit includes tools for selfassessment, best practices, historical context, inclusive language, coaching options, and actionable steps that choruses can take to assess and improve their DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts.
For Allison Lynskey, Director of Potomac Harmony Chorus and DEI Team Lead for Region 14, the toolkit has been foundational in shaping how she leads with empathy and inclusivity.
“I’ve been a Sweet Adeline for over 10 years, and while I’m not new to the organization, I am newer to chorus leadership,” she said. “Having a structured resource like the Chorus Toolkit has been incredibly helpful in giving me tools and direction for how to make DEI a natural and integrated part of our chorus culture.
Allison’s implementation of the Chorus Toolkit has been both intentional and collaborative. Her work with Region 14’s DEI Task Force, along with chorus members who are also regional DEI contributors, has led to the creation of a new regional initiative called Community Connections. Launched in March 2025, the initiative is open to the entire region and incorporates discussionbased Zoom sessions focused on sections of the Chorus Toolkit.
The first session, “Understanding the Need for DEI,” included guided discussions facilitated by Allison and team members with experience on the International DEI Council. This format allowed attendees to reflect on personal experiences of inclusion and exclusion within their choruses and helped reinforce the idea that
DEI efforts are rooted in shared values and community care. The format of Community Connections is simple and effective: a short presentation using a section from the toolkit, followed by breakout discussions and group sharing. By keeping the sessions to one hour, the task force ensures accessibility and ease of participation. “We’re building a support network,” Allison explained. “It’s about showing people that they’re not alone in this work and that we’re all learning together.”
Using Toolkit Components for Chorus Growth
Allison has utilized multiple elements of the Chorus Toolkit to guide both regional and chorus-level growth:
• Leadership Self-Assessment: As a director, she completed the leadership survey, which she found particularly valuable for identifying growth areas, such as leaning into difficult conversations and modeling inclusive leadership behaviors.
• Chapter Choices: Allison emphasized the usefulness of this section, which provides specific, actionable steps that leaders can take. “Sometimes the scope of DEI work can feel overwhelming,” she noted.
“Having a checklist or menu of options makes it more manageable and practical.”
• Historical Context: Equipped with a strong background in DEI through her work in education and regional leadership, Allison found great value in the historical elements of the toolkit. “It gives me language and context to talk with others who may not already be on the same page,” she said. “It helps ground the conversation.”
• Coaching and Support: Though many of the contributors to the toolkit are also part of Region 14, Allison treats their involvement as an opportunity to bring coaching and peer leadership into her own chorus and regional work. “We’ve learned so much from one another. The toolkit has been a great vehicle for these conversations.”
How to Get Involved: A central theme in Allison’s leadership is the creation of a chorus environment where all members can bring their full selves. From choosing a new rehearsal space with accessibility in mind (including public transportation, elevators, and inclusive facilities) to re-evaluating language used in meetings and music, her chorus has embraced a continuous process of reflection and growth.
Allison also highlighted how using the toolkit helped her chorus have open conversations about sensitive topics like the Song Assessment Tool. “Because we had already laid the groundwork with the toolkit – building that culture of openness and understanding – we were able to talk about challenging issues in a more constructive way,” she said.
Allison’s pitch to other directors: “The Chorus Toolkit helps you understand where your chorus has been, where you are now, and where you want to go. It gives you the tools to create a culture where people can be their authentic selves, which leads to more meaningful music-making and deeper connections among members.”
A 10 for Usability
Allison rated the usability of the toolkit a 10/10, applauding its clear structure and modular design. She sees it as accessible for directors at any stage in their DEI journey.
She emphasizes that the most powerful element of the toolkit may be the way it invites introspection. “It’s not just about checking boxes, it’s about thinking differently, asking better questions, and building trust.”
As illustrated by Allison’s example, the Chorus Toolkit is more than a document. It’s a guide, a catalyst, and a bridge—one that can help every chorus build a future that is more inclusive, supportive, and harmonious.
Find the Chorus Toolkit and other DEI resources under the Education tab when you log in to the Sweet Adelines International website.
HarmonyRoundup Harmony Roundup is
Let us know what your chorus or quartet has been doing in your community. Email your submissions and photos to communications@sweetadelines.com.
Where We Sang
Singing the U.S. national anthem were A Cappella Bay Chorus (#9) at a Clearwater Threshers baseball game, Skyline Chorus (#8) at a Colorado Rockies baseball game, and Scioto Valley Chorus (#4) at a Columbus Clippers baseball game.
How We Sang
Idaho Falls A Cappella Chorus (#8) sang at the 26th Annual Barbershop Festival in Rexburg, Idaho in March. Jersey Sound Chorus (#19) received a grant from the Camden County Cultural & Heritage Commission. Pearls of the Sound Chorus (#32) won second in the chorus competition at the European Barbershop Convention.
Jersey Sound Chorus (#19) performed at a local park’s 50th anniversary.
Lady Shave Porvoo Chorus (#32) sang for runners at Naisten Kymppi, a major women’s wellbeing and running event in Finland.
Valley Forge Chorus (#19) had a great time singing at the Swarthmore Fun Fair.
Olympia Chorus (#13) performed for the Thurston County Board of Commissioners (Washington, USA) to celebrate the county’s Women’s History Month Proclamation.
Ultra L (Satellite Region-Japan) made history, competiting for scores in the International Division at the Region 35 (New Zealand) competition.
Members of Columbia River Chorus joined Pride of Portland Chorus (both #13) to sing with Sunnyside Symphony Orchestra at their performance of The Planets.
Pacific Empire Chorus (#12) took second place in marching/ walking groups at the Butter & Eggs Parade in Petaluma, California (USA).
A Cappella West Chorus (#34) performed at Singing in the City, part of the Boorloo Heritage Festival in Perth.
Vocal Audacity Quartet (#25) sang the U.S. national anthem at a Tulsa Drillers baseball game
Aberdeen Chorus (#31) won three categories at the Aberdeen Music Festival.
HarmonyRoundup
Endeavour Harmony Chorus (#34) performed at the Vivid Sydney Festival.
Magic City Chorus (#26) joined in the national celebration of Pink Shirt Day at rehearsal. They wrote, “We join others who are taking a stand against bullying and promoting kindness and inclusivity.”
Headliners Chorus (#34) was proud to commemorate ANZAC Day, leading the hymns and the national anthems for the dawn service and the main service in Balina, New South Wales (Australia).
Pride of Toledo Chorus (#17) was honored to sing at their city’s February Naturalization Center at the Toledo Club, where 40 new U.S. citizens were recognized.
Vocal Dimension Chorus (#31) performed at the Choral Connections concert, along with the Include Choir, a choir for people with communications needs. The event, sponsored by Redhill Redstone Rotary Club and Include.org, raised money for several local charities.
Carolina Harmony Chorus (#14) sang for the runners at their local Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, an event that supports breast cancer research.
HarmonyRoundup
Members of Verdugo Hills Chorus and Valkyries Quartet (both #11) walked in the PanCAN PurpleStride in Santa Monica to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research in honor of Associate Director Janice Santanostasi Kueppers.They raised more than $25,000 USD.
Merrimack Valley Chorus (#1) quartets Voices of the Valley and Harmonique performed at a meeting of the Cercle Jeanne-Mance de Lowell, a group founded in 1913 in Lowell, Massachusetts (USA) as a social and educational club for the city’s Franco-American women.
In Remembrance Valerie Clowes
Evergreen Chorus (#15) sang at The Arc Greater Hudson Valley Partners at Work Breakfast. The Arc is a not-for-profit agency that provides support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Sullivan, Orange, and Dutchess Counties in New York.
2025 International Champion North Metro Chorus (#16) gathered personal care items and sweet treats to support Nellie's, a Toronto-based organization that provides shelter and support to women and non-binary folks facing gender-based violence.
A group of Sweet Adelines wanted to do something in remembrance of Valerie Clowes, who passed away last year. They had a “remembrance flame” plaque made that is very similar to the one Sweet Adelines International presented to Valerie in 2016 at the international convention as a posthumous recognition for her mother, Lana Clowes. Lana’s removal from the organization during the years of exclusion of Black singers was part of what led to the formation of Harmony, Inc.
The quote on the plaque is from Valerie’s acceptance speech: “That messy, painful past is out in the full light of day and it’s here to teach us, not to haunt us.”
An explanation of Valerie’s place in Sweet Adelines history and list of the names of the 19 singers who contributed to this remembrance accompanies the plaque. The plaque is housed in the library case upstairs at Sweet Adelines International headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma (USA).
Read more about Lana Clowes in the July 2018 issue of The Pitch Pipe or by visiting www.sweetadelines.com/diversity-equity-inclusion.
“Always something new to learn”
Sweet Adelines International Donor Margaret Hanson
Margaret Hanson says when she needs to tell someone about Sweet Adelines International, she relies on the organization’s mission statement, especially the part about education: “Education is at the heart of Sweet Adelines International. In every area of our organization, it is education that enables us to achieve our stated mission.”
“I love learning,” she says. “With barbershop music, there is always something new to learn, or a new way to learn.”
That’s one reason Margaret has designated the education program in her generous donation to Sweet Adelines International. A long-time supporter of barbershop education, she recently made an estate gift to ensure she can continue to give singers the experience and education that has made her own barbershop career so precious to her.
Asked what inspired her to become a member of the Nancy Bergman Legacy Society for donors who make estate gifts, Margaret says, “I love this quote from our president, Mary Rhea: ‘Through our music, we discover common ground, build friendships, and create music that leaves a lasting impact far beyond the stage.’”
Margaret has loved singing for as long as she can remember. “I’ve been singing all my life, starting with family car trips, then in church and school choirs,” she says. “I loved music and singing so much, I decided I wanted to teach music to children, but by the time I got to college, extracurricular classes were being taken away from the schools, including choirs. Every December, I would get together with some college mates and sing Christmas carols at the local hospitals. In 1999, one friend was invited by her niece to sing in the Mission Valley Chorus holiday program. She insisted it was for me. I was a member by February and competed in April. I was hooked.”
And she’s still hooked! “I love to sing and perform,” she says. “Performing was the main reason I first joined Sweet Adelines. I love to bring beautiful music to audiences. I love the harmonies, and I get to sing bass!”
Since joining, she has sung bass with Bay Area Showcase Chorus (front row for 14+ years!) and now with Toast of Tampa Show Chorus. She has also performed with many quartets, including Motif Quartet with whom she competed regionally. She’s also been active in her chapters, serving in many roles including quartet coordinator, finance coordinator, membership coordinator, secretary/records coordinator, competition chair, quartet audition committee member, round-up director, voicer, costume committee member, housing chair for regional and international conventions, chorus contest booklet editor, newsletter contributing editor, and show producer.
Through it all, Margaret has taken advantage of the wealth of education the organization offers.
“Region 12 had and still has a great education program,” she says. “Besides the twice-a-year workshops, I participated in LAW School (Learn Arm Waving) classes every year. Region 9 has great yearly workshops, too.
I’ve also attended great international education events over the years. On top of all that is the excellent coaching by the amazing International Faculty.”
Singing, performing, learning…Margaret says Sweet Adelines International has given her all this and more.
“I'm very proud to be a member of this organization,” she says. “Sweet Adelines has impacted my life in many ways. I know that it has changed me and has given me so many opportunities to grow as a person, and these benefits have carried over into my career. I love to learn and grow, and I like seeing other women being successful and trying new things. Sweet Adelines International has done so much for me that I feel like it's important to give back.”
If you would like to include Sweet Adelines International in your estate planning, please contact Susan Smith, Chief Philanthropy and Administrative Officer at susan@sweetadelines.com.
Long rehearsals. Late practice. Careful attention. Choreography. Costumes. Competition.
You earned every chord, every smile, every point!
Show your pride with Singer Series Pins 500, 600 and 700-point versions.
A New Way to Help Chapters THRIVE!
A Q&A with Sweet Adelines International Membership Manager Laura Crockett
To Help Regions Increase Vibrant Engagement
At their best, Sweet Adelines International chapters are nurturing, exciting, creative environments where members feel fulfilled. A lot goes into making them that way, and a new program is here to help!
THRIVE (To Help Regions Increase Vibrant Engagement) is a two-year pilot program that runs from May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2027. A direct investment from Sweet Adelines International into our choruses and regions, the program is designed to help chapters thrive by focusing on cultural and administrative health. THRIVE is also designed to increase chorus retention through focus on non-musical needs such as chorus culture, administration, membership recruitment/retention, finances, community relations/marketing, leadership training, and more.
To accomplish this goal, Sweet Adelines International will provide regions with significant financial resources to provide support targeted to the needs of their chapters through visits and education (in-person and virtual) from Sweet Adelines leaders and more. THRIVE builds on the chapter health principles explored during the Mission:Retention initiative and utilizes resources created during the Ignite the Sound initiative.
We spoke with Sweet Adelines International Membership Manager Laura Crockett to learn more.
How did the Value Proposition
Task
Force inspire THRIVE?
In 2021, the Value Proposition Task Force interviewed over 50 happy, healthy choruses (referred to us by their regions) to see what made them that way. They reported that chorus health had everything to do with chorus culture and administration. We also saw that when we looked at our data.
I work with chapters that are dissolving, and I’ve learned that almost all choruses that leave the organization do so because of a breakdown in chorus administration. For example, their membership numbers get too low, and that affects finances, among other things. Sometimes that is because they need to focus on recruitment or they need to reassess and focus on who they are and what they offer so they can market their unique identity. It all had to do with chorus culture and administration. The importance of healthy chorus culture and administration cannot be overstated.
How is THRIVE related to Ignite the Sound and Mission:Retention?
With help from our choruses and quartets, we created so many good resources for Ignite the Sound. The ones that resonated with choruses were the ones involving chorus culture and administration, including marketing, membership, recruitment, and retention.
When we started Mission:Retention, we created a toolkit compiled from past resources that have been a success, like the retired Real Guide to Growth. The toolkit takes you on a journey of chorus culture, starting at the foundations, through retention analysis, then into leadership. A strong chorus culture is very much based on leadership training, so we thought focusing on that would be a good next step. THRIVE encourages choruses to apply the resources created during those initiatives..
How does THRIVE benefit healthy choruses?
Chorus culture and administration is a constant journey. Sometimes a chorus might think, ‘We’re doing great; we don’t need to work on that,’ but then when something starts to slip, it’s much harder to fix. Maintaining chorus culture is like growing plants: It needs constant nourishment. You have to water it every day if you want it to thrive. You can’t just water it once during regionals.
That’s where THRIVE comes in. Even healthy choruses can stay ahead by strengthening leadership, revisiting their mission and values, and refining internal systems. Because regions are given flexibility in how they use THRIVE funds, support can be tailored to a chorus’s unique stage of development, as well as to the unique needs of the choruses within a specific region.
We gave a ton of leeway to regions because they know their choruses best. The only requirement is that the funds support chorus culture and administration. It’s meant to be flexible and adaptable. A strong leadership team and a well-run chorus don’t just maintain success—they build on it. The idea is to give choruses resources they can use before issues arise—not just in response to them.
There are resources on the THRIVE page of our website, and I encourage all choruses, even the thriving ones, to go through at least the first half of the Mission: Retention toolkit. That foundation work can strengthen any group.
How does THRIVE benefit the overall organization?
When choruses are healthy, regions are healthy. When regions are healthy, the organization is strong. THRIVE is a direct investment in our infrastructure.
A key part of THRIVE’s design is allowing regional leadership to respond to the specific needs of their choruses. Sweet Adelines are incredibly creative. We didn’t want to limit that. We wanted to give regions the freedom to design support programs that fit their choruses’ geography, size, and culture. All of the work regions and choruses do through THRIVE supports a welcoming, sustainable environment. We always say people come for the music, but they stay for the friendships and community. THRIVE helps us protect and grow that community.
Ready to THRIVE?
Whether your chorus is flourishing, rebuilding, or somewhere in between, THRIVE offers tools and support to help you grow stronger from the inside out. With a focus on leadership, culture, and community, this initiative is about more than surviving—it's about creating the kind of chorus where people want to stay, sing, and lead.
“We want choruses to know that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all program,” says Laura. “THRIVE is built to be shaped by your region, your chorus, your needs. The resources are there—now it’s about putting them to work.”
To get started, explore the THRIVE page on the Sweet Adelines International website. You’ll find toolkits, presentations, and guides, many developed during Ignite the Sound and Mission: Retention.
Regional Results 2025
Region #1 North Atlantic
Quartets
First Place
Saffron • Score: 605
Helen O 'Rourke (t) Sirens of Gotham Chapter
Amanda Fowski (l) Chapter-at-Large Region 1
Valeri Reynolds (bt) Chapter-at-Large Region 1
Susan Berry (bs) Chapter-at-Large Region 1
Songs: Between You And The Bees (A. Dale); All The Way (T. Gentry)
Second Place
Honey Bunches of Notes • Score: 598
Third Place
Maine Squeeze • Score: 586
Competing Quartets: 17
Choruses
First Place
Farmington Valley Chorus
Cheryl Wilcox, Director Score: 615 • 40 on stage
Songs: Once Upon A Time (J. Dale); I Never Knew (R. Craig & F. King)
Second Place
Merrimack Valley Chorus
Carol Smolenski, Sally Jeffery, Directors Score: 613 • 35 on stage
Third Place
Coastline Show Chorus
Debra Lynn, Director Score: 577 • 31 on stage
Division A
Royal River Chorus
Rhonda Williams, Director Score: 557 • 25 on stage
Songs: A Wonderful Day Like Today (J. Minshall); When You Wish Upon A Star (N. Bergman)
Division AA
Farmington Valley Chorus
Cheryl Wilcox, Director Score: 615 • 40 on stage
Songs: Once Upon A Time (J. Dale); I Never Knew (R. Craig & F. King)
Most Improved Chorus
Heart of the Valley Chorus
Stephanie Flinker, Director Score: 496 • 14 on stage
Points Improved: 98
Competing Choruses: 14
Photo Attribution: Chris Marion Photography
First Place Saffron
First Place Farmington Valley Chorus
Division A Royal River Chorus
Division AA Farmington Valley Chorus
Regional Results 2025
Region #2 Border Lakes
Quartets
First Place
Lumos • Score: 611
Andrea Petzold (t) Motor City Blend Chapter
Shayna Stubblefield (l) Motor City Blend Chapter
Debra Densmore (bt) Motor City Blend Chapter
Tamela Moore (bs) Chapter-at-Large Region 2
Songs: It's You I Like (C. Outerbridge); Paralyzed (O. Blackwell)
Second Place
Spectrum • Score: 591
Third Place
Limitless • Score: 576
Competing Quartets: 10
Choruses
First Place
Motor City Blend Chorus
LeAnn Hazlett, Director
Score: 664 • 56 on stage
Songs: May I Never Love Again (R. Craig); Cuddle Up a Little Closer (C. Hine)
Second Place
Fenton Lakes Chorus
Jeanne Lundberg, Director Score: 584 • 35 on stage
Third Place
Grand Harmony Chorus
Silas Chinsen, Director
Score: 576 • 39 on stage
Division A
Song of the Lakes Chorus
Maria Christian, Director
Score: 537 • 18 on stage
Songs: All The Things You Are ( J. Minshall); Blue Skies (R. Craig)
Division AA
Fenton Lakes Chorus
Jeanne Lundberg, Director Score: 584 • 35 on stage
Songs: Goody Goodbye (G. Avener); What I Did For Love (C. Schmidt)
Most Improved Chorus
Song of the Lakes Chorus
Maria Christian, Director Score: 537 • 18 on stage
Points Improved: 59
Number of Competing Choruses: 12
Photo Attribution: Steingard Studios
First Place Lumos
First Place Motor City Blend Chorus
Division A Song of the Lakes Chorus
Division AA Fenton Lakes Chorus
Regional Results 2025
Region #3 Midwest Harmony
Quartets
First Place
PRISM • Score: 632
Cynthia Ahlgrim (t) Melodeers Chapter
Jenelle Lambert (l) Melodeers Chapter
Janet Masters (bt) Choral-Aires Chapter
Deborah Lee (bs) Choral-Aires Chapter
Songs: Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend (L. Robin, J. Styne); Love Letters Straight From Your Heart (J. Arns)
Second Place
Stiletto • Score: 581
Third Place
Cool Beans • Score: 541
Competing Quartets: 9
Choruses
First Place
Melodeers Chorus
Renee Porzel, Director
Score: 623 • 48 on stage
Songs: Rhythm Medley, Errand Girl For Rhythm, I Got Rhythm (M. Hine); Here In My Heart (J. Giallombardo)
Second Place
Midwest Crossroad Chorus
Tori Hicks, Director
Score: 611 • 48 on stage
Third Place
River City Sound Chorus
Joan M. Boutilier, Director
Score: 599 • 35 on stage
Division A
Vermillion Valley Show Chorus
Kathy Filipiak, Director Score: 541 • 25 on stage
Songs: All The Things You Are (J. Minshall); Brand New Shoes (D. Metzger)
Division AA
Melodeers Chorus
Renee Porzel, Director
Score: 623 • 48 on stage
Songs: Rhythm Medley, Errand Girl For Rhythm, I Got Rhythm (M. Hine); Here In My Heart (J. Giallombardo)
Most Improved Chorus
Vermillion Valley Show Chorus
Kathy Filipiak, Director Score: 541 • 25 on stage
Points Improved: 34
Competing Choruses: 10
Photo Attribution: Read Photography
First Place PRISM
First Place Melodeers Chorus
Division A Vermillion Valley Show Chorus
Division AA Melodeers Chorus
Regional Results 2025
Region #4 Harmony Heartland
Quartets
First Place
Lipstick Scoundrels • Score: 651
Nancy Appel (t) Scioto Valley Chapter
Christine Pirot (l) Diamond Jubilee Chapter
Christina Scheiderich (bt) Scioto Valley Chapter
Jennifer Davis (bs) Scioto Valley Chapter
Songs: Almost There (A. Dale); If You Love Me, Really Love Me (N. Bergman)
Second Place
Don't Call Me Shirley • Score: 583
Third Place
Intrepid • Score: 581
Competing Quartets: 19
Choruses
First Place
Scioto Valley Chorus
Kerry Denino, Director
Score: 708 • 67 on stage
Songs: Jumpin' East of Java (K. Kitzmiller); Can't Help Falling in Love (J. Arns)
Second Place
Metro Nashville Chorus
Kim Wonders, Director
Score: 658 • 40 on stage
Third Place
Diamond Jubilee Chorus
Jean Barford, Director
Score: 613 • 25 on stage
Division A
Diamond Jubilee Chorus
Jean Barford, Director
Score: 613 • 25 on stage
Songs: He Touched Me (L. Wright); I Never Knew (D. Wright)
Division AA
Metro Nashville Chorus
Kim Wonders, Director
Score: 658 • 40 on stage
Songs: Time After Time (J. Arns); This Can't Be Love (D. Wright)
Most Improved Chorus
White River Sound Chorus
Debbie Thistle, Director
Score: 544 • 23 on stage
Points Improved: 60
Competing Choruses: 14
Photo Attribution: Read Photography
First Place Lipstick Scoundrels
First Place Scioto Valley Chorus
Division A Diamond Jubilee Chorus
Division AA Metro Nashville Chorus
Regional Results 2025
Region #5 Spirit of the Midwest
Quartets
First Place
Venture • Score: 620
Melissa VanHousen (t) Vocal Standard Chapter
Eva Marie Vargo (l) Vocal Standard Chapter
Melissa Gillespie (bt) Vocal Standard Chapter
Janet Velazquez (bs) Vocal Standard Chapter
Songs: Paralyzed (B. Mastrull); Something Good (C. Hine)
Second Place Fly Girls • Score: 594
Third Place
Starlight Road • Score: 576
Competing Quartets: 16
Choruses
First Place
River Blenders Chorus
Bonnie Burke, Director
Score: 620 • 66 on stage
Songs: All The Things You Are (J. Minshall); The Joint is Jumpin' (N. Bergman)
Second Place
Kansas City Chorus
Michelle Hunget, Director Score: 569 • 51 on stage
Third Place
Sound Celebration Chorus
Terry Ludwig, Director Score: 567 • 31 on stage
Division A
Acappella Omaha Chorus
Annette Wallace, Director Score: 532 • 23 on stage
Songs: A Wonderful Day Like Today (J. Minshall); Yesterday I Heard the Rain (B. Graham)
Division AA
Sound Celebration Chorus
Terry Ludwig, Director Score: 567 • 31 on stage
Songs: Time After Time (J. Arns); Somebody Loves Me (C. Hine)
Competing Choruses: 12
Photo Attribution: Jon Petersen
First Place Venture
First Place River Blenders Chorus
Division A Acappella Omaha Chorus
Division AA Sound Celebration Chorus
Regional Results 2025
Region #6 Northern Lights
Quartets
First Place
Spice • Score: 621
Angela Blackwood (t) City of Lakes Chapter
Heidi Dick (l) City of Lakes Chapter
Liz Miller (bt) City of Lakes Chapter
Jan Rick (bs) City of Lakes Chapter
Songs: It's You (R. Rund); That's Life (BHS)
Second Place
Affinity • Score: 555
Third Place
On the Brink • Score: 549
Competing Quartets: 9
Choruses
First Place
City of Lakes Chorus
Natalie Berdahl, Director Score: 649 • 62 on stage
Songs: All The Things You Are (J. Minshall) I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover (E. Waesche, adapted by Briner)
Second Place
River Rhapsody Chorus
Carol Kurtz, Director Score: 566 • 15 on stage
Third Place
Spirit of Harmony Chorus
Judy Weipert, Director Score: 540 • 19 on stage
Division A
River Rhapsody Chorus
Carol Kurtz, Director Score: 566 • 15 on stage
Songs: A Wonderful Day Like Today (J. Minshall) Once Upon A Time (J. Dale)
Most Improved Chorus
Acappella Express Chorus
Megan Argall, Director Score: 531 • 16 on stage
Points Improved: 88
Competing Choruses: 11
Photo Attribution: Read Photography
First Place Spice
First Place City of Lakes Chorus
Division A River Rhapsody Chorus
Regional Results 2025
Region #8 Rocky Mountain
Quartets
First Place
Nothin' But Treble • Score: 652
Heleena Herrington (t) Chapter-at-Large Region 8
Mindy Butler (l) Chapter-at-Large Region 8
Ashlee Olson (bt) Chapter-at-Large Region 8
Stephanie Osmond (bs) Chapter-at-Large Region 8
Songs: Something Good (C. Hine); Diamonds Medley (L. Wright)
Second Place
Five Minutes More • Score: 618
Third Place
Ember • Score: 594
Competing Quartets: 23
Choruses
First Place
Skyline Chorus
Vickie Maybury, Director Score: 738 • 93 on stage
Songs: I'll Be Seeing You (A. Reimnitz); Strike Up the Band (D. Wright)
Second Place
High Country Chorus
Rebecca Richards, Director Score: 577 • 47 on stage
Songs: It's De-Lovely Medley (L. Wright); Next Time I Fall (L. Wright)
Photo Attribution: InSpirit StudioZ Photography
Region #10
Saving Grace • Score: 619
Elise Zufall (t) Chapter-at-Large Region 12
Kelly Leary (l) Alamo Metro Chapter
Kieley Morales (bt) Chapter-at-Large Region 10
Marisa Garza (bs) Alamo Metro Chapter
Songs: All The Things You Are (J. Minshall); Accident Waiting to Happen (K. Snook)
Photo Attribution: Wyeth Lilley Photography
Region #14
Probly Fine • Score: 611
Amy Reynolds (t) Song of Atlanta Chapter
Lindsay Durden (l) Song of Atlanta Chapter
Heather Brookshire (bt) Song of Atlanta Chapter
Susan Milani (bs) Song of Atlanta Chapter
Songs: Cry Me A River (B. Graham); Somebody Loves Me (C. Hine)
Photo Attribution: Read Photography
Region #8
Five Minutes More • Score: 618
Brigit Baglien (t) Chapter-at-Large Region 8
Heather Tavel (l) High Country Chapter
Rebecca Richards (bt) High Country Chapter
Heather Reimnitz (bs) Skyline Chapter
Songs: Are You the One (A. Reimnitz); I Won't Tell a Soul (I Love You) (S. Alsbury, S. Carlson)
Photo Attribution: Read Photography
Region #21
SoloVoce • Score: 610
Kim Alley (t) A Cappella Joy Chapter
Tracey Sandberg (l) Harborlites Chapter
Jennifer French (bt) San Diego Chapter
Marina Hayden (bs) San Diego Chapter
Songs: O Look At Me Now (A. Dale); Love Walked In (A. Rossi)
Photo Attribution: Wyeth Lilley Photography
Region #14
Wicked Blend • Score: 614
Michaela Medford (t) Song of Atlanta Chapter
Bettina McDougal (l) Virginia Coast Chapter
Jamee Billings (bt) Queen Charlotte Chapter
Lorrie Mauney (bs) Queen Charlotte Chapter
Songs: What'll I Do (E. Waesche, R. Craig); Oh! Look At Me Now (A. Dale)
Photo Attribution: Read Photography
Probly Fine
Rewind
SoloVoce
Sweet Adelines International relies on the philanthropic giving of people like you. We are deeply grateful to our generous supporters who are part of The Overtone Society. Members of this distinguished group are helping to preserve a legacy of empowering singers through music that will change lives for generations.
In
Memory
Ellen Hartz River Blenders, #5
Linda Rightor Columbus, #4
Karla Kurzweil White River Sound, #4
Phyllis Ray Kansas City, #5
Loretta Field Columbia River, #13
Mary Ryberg Zumbro Valley, #6
Virtual Memorial Wall
Honor the memory of a Sweet Adeline by having their name added to the new Sweet Adelines International Virtual Memorial Wall. Memorial donations help continue the legacy of our beloved members by providing funds for the events, education, and other programs that keep our organization thriving.
To find out how to give a memorial gift in the name of a Sweet Adeline, visit www.SweetAdelines.com/Give or email Becky Duncan, Assistant Director of Philanthropy at becky@sweetadelines.com.
• April-June 2025
Mary Haynes Member-at-Large
Lori Benton Sounds of the Valley, #12
Shirley Knapp Metro Mix, #5
Betty Ireland Dundalk, #19
Karen Duehr Skyline, #8
Deborah McCallum Upper Chesapeake, #19
Janie Fritz Grand Rapids, #17
Elaine Griffin Hutchinson, #25
Janice Kueppers Harborlites, #21
Jane Perrin Velvet Hills, #8
Kathie Goulah Motor City Blend, #2
Dot White Coastal Harmony, #9
Olga Thuman Clustered Spires, #19
Sally Eggleston Member-at-Large
Christine Hinkley Verdugo Hills, #11
Memorial Gifts Sweet Adelines honored with a Memorial Gift
Lila Neilon The Blend
Sandra McCord Member-at-Large
Mary Ryberg Zumbro Valley
Carol Rhine Chapter-at-Large
Carrie Shaeffer Harmony Fusion
Gail Gibson The Woodlands Show
Accolades
Accolades as of June 2025
Beginner Arranger
Rebecca Petruccy, Dundalk Chapter, #19
Advanced to Approved Arranger
Cathy McDonald, Hearts of Harmony Chapter, #26
Anja Johansson, Harmony Heights Chapter, #32
Lori Scott, Northern Lights Chapter, #6
Advanced to Approved Director
Candace Dickens, Sound of Sunshine Chapter, #9
Pattee Bender, Grand Rapids Chapter, #17
Marjo Alers, Singing Unlimited Chapter, #31
Janese Blanchard, Song of the Pines Chapter, #21
Abby Twigger, Aberdeen Chapter, #31
Keturah Moller, Chapter-at-Large, #13
Advanced to Certified Director
Ashley Hazen, Valley Forge Chapter, #19
Elizabeth Sinclair, Aberdeen Chapter, #31
Julie Sykes, Canadian Showtime Chapter, #16
Melanie Jewell, Vista Hills Chapter, #21
Grace Schweizer, Greater Cleveland Chapter, #17
Holli Houtz, Grand Rapids Chapter, #17
Heather Minett, Solent Sounds Chapter, #31
Sharon Vaux, Solent Sounds Chapter, #31
Allison Lynskey, Potomac Harmony Chapter, #19
Sara Johansson Selander, Key Town Eskilstuna Chapter, #32
Suzanne Berresford, Greater Auckland Chapter, #35
Mary Chapman, Viva Acappella Chapter, #31
Heather Bentall, Christchurch City Chapter, #35
Nerryl Liston, Riverland Harmony Chapter, #34
Malauna Gibby, Capital City Sound Chapter, #13
Carolyn Weger, A Cappella Joy Chapter, #13
Alana Regular, Durham Shores Chapter, #16
Catrina Tulowiecki, Metro Nashville Chapter, #4
Kim Nuttall, Milltown Sound Chapter, #31
Advanced to Harmony 500 Director
Dawn Krones, Sooner Sensations Chapter, #25
Richard Lavene, Jersey Sound Chapter, #19
Joan Henderson, Skyline Harmony Chapter, #14
Carol Kurtz, River Rhapsody Chapter, #6
Megan Argall, Acappella Express Chapter, #6
Kristi Penelton, Sacramento Valley Chapter, #12
Amy Fleming, High Desert Harmony Chapter, #12
Alana Regular, Durham Shores Chapter, #16
Leila Brown, Barrie Soundwaves Chapter, #16
Sara Johansson Selander, Key Town Eskilstuna Chapter, #32
Colette Mayers, Grand Mesa Chapter, #8
Jenni Pyefinch, Hobart Harmony Chapter, #34
Jenifer Irvine, Vocalescence Chapter, #34
Alison Charlton, Wollongong Chapter, #34
Samantha White, Wollongong Chapter, #34
Nerryl Liston, Riverland Harmony Chapter, #34
Kylie Shanley, Northern Beaches Chapter, #34
Hannah Barton, Heartland Singers Chapter, #16
Alexandra Charlton, Nelson Bay Harmony Chapter, #35
Advanced to Master Director
Renée Porzel, Melodeers Chapter, #3
Nicky Salt, Viva Acappella Chapter, #31
Anita Zengerink, Singing Unlimited Chapter, #31
Carol Smolenski, Merrimack Valley Chapter, #1
Sally Jeffery, Merrimack Valley Chapter, #1
Charlene O’Connor, Voices Northwest Chapter, #13
Julie Sykes, Canadian Showtime Chapter, #26
Friday, October 24, 2025 in Columbus OH
Friday, October 24, 2025 in Columbus OH
FFeaturing: eaturing:
The Coronet Club Chorus
The Coronet Club Chorus
The Starlettes The Starlettes
Our Special Guests -
Our Special Guests - 3 ½ Men, 2024 3 ½ Men, 2024
BHS International Quartet Champions
BHS International Quartet Champions And Your Favorite Queen Quartets! And Your Favorite Queen Quartets!
