We Found What Was Right

Top Tips:

• Sing with intention, not tension. • Remember that sound is not created at the larynx and mouth - it is just coloured there. • Ground yourself through your feet, as this will reduce tension at the neck. • Allow your voice to resonate from the feet up - take the focus away from your throat. • It takes a whole body to sing! (Originally published Oct 2, 2014 by iSing Magazine at www.isingmag.com and published here with permission.)

About the Author: Jennie Morton specializes in the treatment of performing artists. She is a professional singer and performance coach; trains health practitioners in the management of performers’ injuries; lectures internationally on performing arts medicine; and wrote “The Authentic Performer: Wearing A Mask and the Effect on Health.” Visit www.healthyperformers.com.

Hear Jennie Morton in Person:

Jennie will be a featured speaker at Sweet Adelines 2019 Directors’ and Visual Leaders’ Seminar, Aug. 8-10, in San Antonio, Texas, USA. Registration opens Jan. 7, 2019, for this dynamic seminar, which promises “A Brand-New Song and Dance.” Led by co-chairs Mary Rhea and Kim Vaughn, the seminar is a must for frontline/assistant directors and visual leaders. For more information, visit www.sweetadelines.com/events.

We Found What Was Right and Built on It

BY TARANAKI HARMONY CHORUS, REGION #35

Last year, then-president Paula Davis encouraged SA members "to find what is right and build on" the strengths and unique character of our choruses.

What better way to build on what is right than to share with our international sisters the enduring friendships, the passion for musical harmony and the growth our chorus has enjoyed?

Recently, our 29-strong chorus gathered to celebrate 20 charter-years; five 20-year members; and our many years of shared experiences with Fauna McNair, a 35-year member.

Fauna was there when our inaugural chorus (Wairoa) chartered in 1985. She later moved to the Taranaki region and relentlessly pursued her barbershop passion, eventually engaging 19 women who loved to sing. Sounds Easy Chorus was formed, later chartering as Energy City Chorus in 1998. In 2003, we became Taranaki Harmony Chorus to better represent our proud regionwide membership.

We have our visionary leaders to thank for their foresight and sustained passion 20 years ago. Their invested energy and time helped us excel individually and as a chorus. As a result, when we competed recently with an open package for the first time, we were so proud, so lifted by confidence and energy from our long-shared history. The audience rewarded us with three standing ovations.

We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our 20 years, as this is our gold!

(L-R) Chorus Director Gill Holmes, Rosemary Richards, Christine Pool, Judy Cunningham, Regional Representative Kerry Stewart, Joan Pearson and founder Fauna McNair. January 2019 | THEPITCHPIPE 41