FROM OURPR ES I D EN T
St. Louis Stories
Celebrating with my family in St. Louis! (L to R) sister-in law Criss Baker Nunamaker; Gina and husband Jeff Baker; yet another sister-in-law, Bonnie Baker.
I
wrote this issue’s President’s Message shortly after returning from the International Convention and Competition in St. Louis. I was still wrapped in my barbershop bubble, full of the powerful and profound feelings that come from a week of total musical and performance immersion, as well as a week of celebrating all that Sweet Adelines International brings to the world of women’s barbershop. There was, of course, so much love for one another and so much fun! There was immense camaraderie and joy – joy in just being there, doing what we love to do, joy in our successes, big and small and in sharing the successes of others. There was amazement at the creativity exhibited. I witnessed it not only on the stage, but in the boardroom, in the classes and in the convention operations. Creativity that showed courage in stretching and growing, taking risks and stepping beyond zones of comfort to offer something new, improved, exciting and more impactful. There was an overarching feeling of solidarity that we are working and growing together through times of change and growth. And then – there were the stories we shared. Everyone has a story and, oh, how those stories come alive at our conventions and competitions. So many stories were told on the stage in St. Louis – in the performances, in the celebrations of our award winners, in our 50- and 60-year members and in the presenters for the annual donations appeal. Yet there were many other stories with us in St. Louis, off the stage. They were the stories of the women in the arena seats,
Sweet Adelines sisters harmonizing during the World Singing Day Mass Sing in St. Louis. women who were backstage working and singing on the streets of St. Louis. Stories that we couldn’t hear, stories in the process of being written. Yet stories that we all know and feel. All of these stories – of love, heartache, triumph, growth, trials, tribulation, support and of joy – are universal life stories. We are drawn to them, on and off the stage. They show us our humanness, make us feel, create a vulnerability in us that helps us build relationships and trust. These stories inspire us and help us see what is possible. They allow us to escape our burdens, our own story, even if just for a moment. They let us feel and be a part of something, empowering us to move outside of our singularity to something bigger than just ourselves. They help us learn we are not alone. This is why we love our conventions. Yes, the amazing singing and performances enthrall and amaze us. But it’s the stories that draw us there. We need the stories. For they strengthen and sweeten our own. In harmony,
Patty Cobb Baker International President
January 2019 | T HEPI T CH P IP E
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