The Pitch Pipe January 2020

The

pitchpipemagazine.com | January 2o2o | Volume 73 — No.3

Pitch Pipe THE

VOICE

OF

SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

Viva!

2020 INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION QUARTET

MILLENNIUM MAGIC CHORUS

2020 Harmony Classic Division A Champion Chorus REGION #1, Manchester, Conn.

The

Pitch Pipe January 2020 • Volume 73 — No.3

Features

8 9 10 38 41 42 45 46

A Choice of Courage Vocal Care on the Go Sing As If...

Countdown to 75 years: 1980–1989 Warm Up Safely The Key to Success? Be More You Direction, Guidance, and Help Aligning Your Chorus Identity

In Every Issue

3 5 12 51

From Our President From Our CEO Harmony Roundup Accolades/In Memory

Events and Competition

14 16 18 20 23 26 28 30 31 32 33 34 37 52

New Orleans Highlights Viva!: Healing and Triumph Top 10 Quartets Happening Perfectly: Rönninge Show Chorus Top 10 Choruses Harmony Classic Division A Harmony Classic Division AA Chapter Longevity Awards Lifetime Achievement Award: Cammi MacKinlay Ann Gooch Award: Patti Cooke NAfME Award: Susan Ives A Family Affair: Coronet Club Show 2019 50- and 60-Year Member Awards Competition Dates and Deadlines

On The Cover 2020 International Champion Quartet Viva! shortly after their victory in New Orleans, Louisiana (USA).

January 2020 |

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The

Pitch Pipe

January 2020 | Volume 73 — No.3 | www.pitchpipemagazine.com.

Sweet Adelines International Elevating women singers worldwide through education, performance, and competition in barbershop harmony and a cappella music.

_____________________________________

now hiring front line director

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS Tammy Talbot Chief Executive Officer Marla Mayberry Chief Operating Officer Tamatha Goad Editor-in-Chief Kim Berrey Managing Editor Stacy Pratt Associate Editor/Staff Writer Ben Larscheid Graphic Designer Joey Bertsch Staff Photographer Kim Berrey Advertising 918.622.1444 • communications@sweetadelines.com

Diverse group of energetic women 4x International Competitor including 2013 Harmony Classic Gold Medal Champions 75 members strong in Calgary, Alberta Canada to apply visit:

rhythmoftherockies.org

INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS May 1, 2019 – April 30, 2020 Patty Cobb Baker, International President Paula Davis, Immediate Past President Joan Boutilier, President-elect Thérèse Antonini, Secretary JD Crowe, Treasurer Sharon Cartwright Janice McKenna Leslie Galbreath Renée Porzel Jennifer Harris Mary Rhea Cammi MacKinlay

EDUCATION DIRECTION COMMITTEE Marcia Pinvidic, Chair Corinna Garriock Mary Rhea Peggy Gram Karen Breidert

ordinary voices making extraordinary music

EDITORIAL REVIEW BOARD Joan Boutilier Cammi MacKinlay Corinna Garriock Anna-Marie Shew Elaine Hamilton ______________________________________ Sweet Adelines International members receive The Pitch Pipe as a benefit of their membership. Additional annual subscriptions are available for $12 USD/year U.S.A. or $24 USD/year outside U.S.A. SUBSCRIPTION REQUESTS & ADDRESS CHANGES: The Pitch Pipe 9110 S. Toledo Ave., Tulsa, OK 74137 U.S.A. Telephone 1.918.622.1444 • Toll-free 1.800.992.7464 Fax 1.918.665.0894 • www.sweetadelines.com Office hours: M-F 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CT) 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) (USPS 603-060) is published quarterly: January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 by Sweet Adelines International Periodicals paid at Tulsa, OK U.S.A. and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE PITCH PIPE 9110 S. Toledo Ave., Tulsa, OK 74137 U.S.A. Canadian Post Agreement Number: 1453408 Send Canadian change of address information and blocks of undeliverable copies to: P.O. Box 1051, Fort Erie, ON L2A 6C7 Canada Copyright 2019 by Sweet Adelines International. All rights reserved.

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From Our President

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

W

elcome to 2020, the start of a brand new decade and the year of Sweet Adelines International’s 75th anniversary!

Seventy-five years of existence is, in fact, quite the accomplishment for a non-profit, member-based organization, so there is much to celebrate throughout this milestone year – where we’ve been, where we are today, and where we are going in the future. The theme for this anniversary just happens to be “Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow,” and it underscores the importance of recognizing our history, taking stock of our current achievements, and looking toward the promise of tomorrow.

As we look back on our 75 years, I’m reminded of a quote I learned in a history class many years ago. Robert Penn Warren said, “History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future.” Dwight Eisenhower expanded on that thought, stating that history helps us learn how to “compose our differences using our intellect and a decent purpose.” In other words, history can’t tell us what is going to happen in the future, but it can repeatedly show the nature of the “human condition” and how what we perceive as differences can be reconciled through thoughtful consideration of our common humanness. In a world and a time where no one seems at all interested in other people’s points of view or perspectives about anything, I think it behooves us to remember this fundamental lesson of history and allow it to lead us in the work we seek to accomplish today, as well as into tomorrow.

The history of Sweet Adelines International, for all its failures and successes, has led us to abandon that which failed to serve us so we could make way for that which does. It has helped us put many of our current challenges into perspective as we realize that, as much as we think a challenge is new, it really is just a current version of an age-old concern. Finally, our history provides a wealth of inspiration! If nothing else, it shows how the desire of one individual to sing with her friends can create something truly amazing. That believing in a dream and being courageous and determined enough to pursue it can change not only one

life, but thousands of lives. As we move into our next 75 years of harmonizing the world, let us remember the lessons of history while embracing its inspiration and its example of the power of one. One dream, shared with others, can be history in the making.

In harmony,

Patty

Life on a High Note.

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75th Diamond Anniversary & 74th Annual International Convention and Competition Oct. 12-17, 2020 • Louisville, Ky. USA

Register and Enjoy...

All contest events • Educational classes – including new offerings!

World Harmony Chorus Performance • Harmony Bazaar

Register early to save $50 USD

Best r!

Offe

Early Bird (Ends May 27)

Regular

(May 28-Sept. 11)

(All Events)

International Competitor

$225

$275

Member

$225

$275

Convention Assistant

$160

$185

Non-member

$250

$300

$175

$200

E S T. 1 9 4 5

Youth

(Member and Non-member, 25 and under)

All prices listed in USD.

!

PLUS

75th Diamond Anniversary Events!

• Regional Roll Call and region-themed hat parade!

• Historical displays and brand-new book on Sweet Adelines history!

• Diamond Anniversary mint julep cup, sparkling charm, and custom-designed jewelry!

• Diamond Afterglow Party!

Register today to save! www.sweetadelines.com/louisville

From Our CEO The Executive Department at Sweet Adelines International Headquarters in Tulsa, Okla.

(L-R) Janell Mason, Marla Mayberry, Tammy Talbot, and Karey Sarratt

A

s I watched the incredible competitions, attended meetings and luncheons, and witnessed the enduring friendships of Sweet Adelines in New Orleans, I felt so proud to be part of this extraordinary music organization. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to my department, the Sweet Adelines International Executive Department and to hear (and share!) some of our best memories of the 73rd Annual Convention!

The Executive Department works with the International Board of Directors (IBOD) to implement the strategic plan and ensure smooth business operations of Sweet Adelines International.

For a full description of each role, visit www.sweetadelines.com/ staff-contact.

Chief Executive Officer Tammy Talbot Tenure: CEO for 1½ years; with Sweet Adelines (SA) for 7½ years (as Chief Operating Officer).

Responsibilities: Acts as the primary liaison between the IBOD and staff, members and public, manages fiscal responsibilities, manages overall operations and resources, and serves as ambassador for SA…among many other responsibilities!

New Orleans memory: At the 50-60 year member breakfast, our president-elect, Joan Boutilier, had attendees raise their hands if they had been involved as SA volunteers. With every volunteer position listed, attendees’ hands flew up. Joan shared this quote from Warren Buffet with the attendees: “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”

The 50-60 year members have given of their time and talents throughout the years to Sweet Adelines International, and they continue to sing and give to this amazing organization! I stand in awe of these amazing women!

Chief Operating Officer Marla Mayberry Tenure: Officially began work at SA on Sept. 30, 2019 — but if you were in New Orleans, you probably saw her jumping right in to help as she got to know our organization! Marla is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and she comes to SA with a wealth of experience in organizational leadership in the academic and nonprofit sectors.

Responsibilities: Works alongside the CEO to oversee operations of the organization.

New Orleans memory: “My most memorable moments at this year’s convention include everything from meeting the dynamic

Sweet Adelines Board members, attending the quartet and chorus competition, and witnessing the resiliency and confidence of the Sweet Adelines team and the comradeship of all who attended and covered the streets of New Orleans with singing, smiles, and love.”

Corporate Secretary Janell Mason Tenure: Corporate Secretary since 2012; longest-tenured HQ employee, having worked at SA since July 1976!

Responsibilities: Creates Board agendas, documentation and minutes for IBOD and all committee meetings; administers the IBOD election; serves as liaison to the RLC and oversees the SPARK Newsletter; manages governance documents; answers bylaws and policy questions; handles correspondence on behalf of the IBOD and RLC; manages the State of the Region reports and Annual Regional Evaluations.

New Orleans memory: “Our long-time sound tech, Bub Phillippe, found a lost International Champion Quartet medal during load-out on Saturday night and texted me. He left it at the hotel front desk for me, and I got the privilege of contacting the owner and returning the medal.”

Executive Assistant Karey Sarratt Tenure: Executive Assistant since November 2019; has worked at SA for 7 ½ years (as administrative services assistant).

Responsibilities: Provides administrative and clerical assistance for the Executive Department. Assists with various projects and research related to Board meetings, committee meetings, education events, and International Convention.

New Orleans memory: “Most of my week at convention is spent with our amazing volunteers. I very much enjoy talking with and getting to know our members. I am awed by their stories, their dedication, and the sisterhood in this wonderful organization.”

It is a privilege to work with Marla, Janell, and Karey as we strive to serve this amazing organization and each and every singer!

In appreciation,

Tammy Talbot, CEO

January 2020 |

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Find Your Voice.

INVEST in yourself EMPOWER others SING as one

Sweet Adelines International Education Symposium

July 22-26, 2020 San Antonio, TX United States

Find Your Voice at IES 2020

July 22-26, 2020 Trinity University • San Antonio, Texas (USA)

IES 2020

Registration Rates

Best r!

Offe

Regular

Early Bird

(Before April 29)

(On or After April 30)

Member Double Occupancy

$595

$670

Member Single Occupancy

$795

$870

Non-Member Double Occupancy

$695

$770

Non-Member Single Occupancy

$895

$970

Member Commuter

$495

$570

Non-Member Commuter

$645

$720

Youth (25 and Under) Member Double Occupancy

$450

$525

Youth (25 and Under) Non-Member Double Occupancy

$450

$525

Youth (25 and Under) Commuter

$350

$425 All prices listed in USD.

Find your voice as a singer, leader, director, or seasoned member.

•

Enhance your vocal strength and style with keynote speaker Lisa Popeil, creator of the Voiceworks™ Method, active voice researcher, and professional singer who has performed with Frank Zappa and has toured with “Weird Al” Yankovic!

• Be inspired by guest faculty Jan Carley, the "Inner Coach of Barbershop" and author of Harmony from the Inside Out and The Overtone Effect: Live Your Life on a High Note.

•

Learn from experienced faculty members like co-chairs Cammi MacKinlay, 2019 Sweet Adelines Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and Vickie Maybury, Master 700 Director of Skyline Chorus and certified Expression Judge and Expression Category Specialist.

Registration now open!

G RISSTIAN R 2020 Quartet

Contest

Join us for the Sweet Adelines 2020 Rising Star Quartet Contest in conjunction with IES.

July 24, 2020 www.risingstarquartetcontest.com

Visit www.sweetadelines.com/IES2020 for more information and to register.

2020 International Board of Directors Election Results

T

he election to fill four expiring terms on the International Board of Directors (IBOD) concluded on December 4, 2019, at 3 p.m. CST (9 p.m. GMT).

Elected to a three-year term were Thérèse Antonini, North Metro Chorus, Region 16, Paula Davis, Song of Seattle Chorus, Region 13, Vickie Maybury, Skyline Chorus, Region 8 and Mary Rhea, OK City Chorus, Region 25. The term runs May 1, 2020, through April 30, 2023.

The Board also appointed two members to serve one-year terms beginning on

Thérèse Antonini

Paula Davis

Vickie Maybury

Mary Rhea

Leslie Galbreath

Elaine Hamilton

the same day. The appointees are Leslie Galbreath, Skyline Chorus, Region 8 and Elaine Hamilton, Forth Valley Chorus, Region 31.

Sweet Adelines International President Patty Cobb Baker said that participation in the 2019 election stood at 93.4 percent, lower than the 93.7 percent participation recorded in the 2018 election. This year, six regions achieved 100 percent chapter vote participation: Midwest Harmony Region 3, Spirit of the Midwest Region 5, Sequoia Pacifica Region 11, Canadian Maple Leaf Region 26, Quartet of Nations Region 31, and New Zealand Region 35.

July 16 - 18, 2021 DID YOU MOVE AND FORGET TO TELL US? featuring

Karen Breidert

&

Awesome Location TBA Soon!

Details and Early Bird Registration Information Coming Soon at www.coronetclub.org

You don’t want your issue of The Pitch Pipe to end up at someone else’s house!

(On second thought…perhaps you wanted a stranger to read about Sweet Adelines so they would see what fun we have and join. If that’s the case, we applaud your recruitment efforts. But update your address anyway!)

To update your contact information, log in at www.sweetadelines.com, click on "Manage Membership," "My Profile" then "Contact Info."

January 2020 |

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Education

A CHOICE OF COURAGE Expression Category Specialist Vickie Maybury explains the importance of singing from the heart for singers of every level.

D

o you have to be at a certain skill level to sing expressively?

The quick answer is absolutely not. If you possess a heart, you possess emotions, with a history. It is the heart that allows the singer to sing expressively.

In barbershop we know that when a singer sings in a way that is connected to her heart the performance soars to a higher level, individually as well as collectively. Why then do we not always sing from the heart? I am acutely aware as a director, singer, and audience member that many times our singers try to accomplish expressive singing through technique. For example, dynamics are reflected by numbers (1-10), but artistic expressive singing is not “paint by number.” Another example is when singers exploit the “H” sound through breath attacks to create texture instead of singing and allowing imagination and emotional experience to dictate the lyrical musical line.

Singing word sounds that are delivered technically versus emotionally draws attention to the performance for the wrong reason. Barbershop embellishments will always be more powerful if delivered with emotional intent. True expressive singing will always come from an emotional place. Many times, emotional expression is the result of vulnerability, but vulnerability is often considered a sign of weakness. Author Brené Brown writes, “We associate vulnerability with emotions we want to avoid such as fear, shame and uncertainty. Yet we too often lose sight of the fact that vulnerability is also the birthplace of joy, belonging, creativity, authenticity and love. In actuality, vulnerability is in truth our most accurate measure of courage.”

As musical storytellers in the barbershop art form, we realize it is important at every level to capture the true essence of the story

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then allow our personal emotional feeling of joy and enthusiasm to foster and propel it into action. When a singer sings in a way that is truly connected to the heart, the performance is lifted to a higher level. It happens no matter what your skill set.

Expressive singing is not something you layer on two weeks before a performance. It happens at the onset of learning a new song. Unfortunately, we get caught up in learning just the notes and words. Catalonian composer Pablo Casals wrote, “The written note is like a straitjacket, whereas music, like life itself, is constant movement, continuous spontaneity, free from any restrictions...

There are so many excellent instrumentalists who are completely obsessed by the printed note, whereas it has a very limited power to express what the music actually means."

Only when we sing the written notes and allow our entire being, especially the heart, to get involved can the music come alive. Individual artistic expression is developed through active participation. Intentional, emotional, artistic experience fuels and creates an artistic performance.

In closing, all singers, no matter what skill level they are, can sing expressively; however, it is not a technique. Rather, it is a choice of courage to sing wholly from the heart.

Vickie Maybury is director of Skyline Chorus. She is a certified member of Sweet Adelines International Faculty, a Master 700 Director, and a Certified Expression Judge and Expression Category Specialist.

Education

VOCAL CARE ON THE GO Tips from International President Patty Cobb Baker

A

s regional competitions approach, here is a vocal health checklist for convention, competition, or any time you find yourself in need of vocal care*:

• Drink LOTS of water. WAY more than you thirst for. Doctors recommend a minimum of ½ of your body weight in ounces (1 fl. oz. equals 29.5735 ml.) of water daily. Don’t wait until competition day! Drinking water must be a consistent habit to keep your vocal folds moist and the throat mucus thin. You might find it beneficial to drink two to three large glasses of water two hours prior to performing. This last-minute hydration gives your kidneys time to process the liquid, your bladder time to empty, and your larynx's sub-mucosal glands enough time to begin receiving the water and depositing it onto your vocal folds.

• Humidify your hotel room. Hotel rooms are notoriously dry. Bring a portable humidifier and keep it running throughout your stay. Or keep your room’s bathtub filled with water to help provide a little humidity. Steam inhalation is another great way to hydrate your vocal folds in dry environments.* (Make sure to research proper steam inhalation methods!)

• Get the right amount of sleep. Fatigue will cause you to expend extra energy in your singing. When you’re tired, you will push your voice. So, sleep!

As many hours as it takes for you to feel rested and energized.

• Be careful how you speak. A high percentage of singers’ vocal problems begin with their speaking voice.

If you’re using a loud voice, you’re abusing your voice.

The high range is affected most. Be very careful on airplanes (which are also very dry), in crowds, and when you’re excited. You may not realize how loudly you are speaking. Remember, it takes breath support to speak correctly; it’s not just for good singing.

• What and when you eat affects your voice greatly. Foods and drinks that thicken

laryngeal mucus or create excess stomach acid adversely affect vocal production. Eating late at night can damage the voice if the stomach acid it creates washes over your vocal cords while you are sleeping. Wait about three to four

hours after you eat to recline. Foods and drinks to avoid, especially close to performance time, include fatty/fried/spicy foods, thick sauces, dairy products, sugared foods and drinks, coffee/caffeine, alcohol, and citrus fruits. (Lemons are okay for a quick squirt backstage; they cause a gland above your vocal folds to secrete thin, lubricating mucus on top of the vocal folds.) Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Some singers believe that taking vitamins, especially Vitamin C, strengthens the immune system!* A germ-avoidance tip: NEVER TOUCH YOUR FACE without washing your hands first!

• Avoid clearing your throat. This harsh, often habitual, action does more damage than good. Become aware of how much you are doing it. Swallow, drink more water, and, if you must, clear it lightly with a little more air…gently! If you are experiencing a lot of phlegm, consult a medical professional for advice about using over-the-counter anti-mucosal medication to thin and loosen the mucus and/or an over-the- counter antihistamine daily to ward off allergens from a new environment. Some singers believe using a nasal rinse or neti pot (a device for rinsing the nasal passages) daily can also keep your nasal and sinus cavities free of allergens—and germs, too.* • Warm up your voice before you sing! Gently warm up your voice before going to your competition rehearsals. Use your warm-up tracks to keep your voice limber. There are many great tracks available online that you can download to your smartphone. Equally as important is RESTING your voice. Be a SMART SINGER during this very busy and exciting time! *This article is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult your physician or other medical professional for health-related questions.

Patty Cobb Baker is president of Sweet Adelines International and the tenor of 2020 International Champion Quartet, Viva! and 2013 International Champion Quartet, Touché.

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Education

“SING AS IF…” President-elect Joan Boutilier describes her daily performance practice

I

’ve been giving thought to the phrases and words “practice makes permanent,” “practice performing,” and “perform.” I know I should perform when I practice, but do I really do that ALL the time? Here are the ways I warm up, rehearse, and perform on my own:

Singing in the shower. The shower is where I vocalize. The sound of the shower masks vocal imperfections, allowing me to sing without judgment. I take advantage of the warm, humid air to sing throughout my range with ease. I like the “bathroom ring,” and I listen for ring on specific vowels. I have my favorite song that sits comfortably in my range which allows me to sing “real music” and not just a series of scales, tones or nonsense syllables. In this way, I'm able to sing without judgment and allow my instrument to get literally “warmed up” and ready for the day.

continuing to build vocal and physical stamina required for an onstage performance.

Singing with the keyboard to check notes. The goal behind plunking notes on a keyboard is specific: to check notes.

The tuning of a piano is different than the Pythagorean tuning used in barbershop, so practicing with the piano all the time is not going to help me to learn to sing a high third but will identify wrong notes. I’m not literally performing while singing with a keyboard, but I am applying the basics of good vocal production such as breathing, aligned posture, and proper resonation.

Singing with a warm-up CD. When I warm up with my favorite CD, I’m methodically guided through exercises. It feels like doing yoga for my instrument, allowing me to stretch my range, increase vocal flexibility and listen for vocal resonance.

Because the warm-ups are accompanied by an instrument, I know that my key changes are accurate, tempo steady, and breathing rhythmic.

Singing full voice. This is the time when I stand and sing with authority, filling the room using dynamics, vocal inflections, and emotion. Unlike when singing with the shower, the vacuum, or the keyboard, I use my full voice and sing my entire song with as much vocal freedom and energy as possible, and I sing a song from my repertoire. I start with just a phrase or two, progress to a larger section of the song and then sing the entire song. I allow my body to move and be characterized. I emulate performing, no matter how small or large the section of the song, as if there’s an audience. I avoid judging or correcting myself and instead praise myself for the progress I'm making.

Singing while I vacuum. Like singing in the shower, singing with the white noise of the vacuum in the background allows me to play with my voice in a non-judgmental way. The action of vacuuming, while not highly aerobic, helps me build physical stamina while singing. I'm not “performing,” but I am

Singing in front of a mirror. There are two ways of singing in front of the mirror: silently and with singing. As silly as this may sound, when I'm into focused preparation mode, I use those couple of minutes while I’m washing my hands in the bathroom to mouth a phrase of a song. I can see if my vowels are

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shaped correctly, if my spine and facial postures are generally lifted, if my eyes are expressive and smiling, if my chin is level, and if my head is moving slightly. These moments are like taking a quiz or doing flash cards — they are not lengthy practice sessions, and they are private moments when I can experiment in a non-critical way.

I snap out of regular life and momentarily snap into my alter ego.

Is this “performing”? You bet! Silent singing of a full song in front of a mirror gives me a chance to check my whole self out and apply the things I've been told by a coach. When I begin actually singing out loud in front of the mirror, I start feeling like I'm at a real rehearsal or a real performance. It's more challenging to sing the ENTIRE song from beginning to end because now I begin using my inner voice to analyze and coach as I go. I'm putting everything together!

Singing with my quartet. When I'm singing with my quartet, I aim to always be “performing.” First of all, as preparation for the rehearsal, it's imperative that I warm up on my own, have listened to my previous week's rehearsal, have practiced my new songs, and am ready to sing songs as I intend to put them on stage.

When we're learning or reviewing a new song, I still “perform” to a certain extent because I sing with a confident sound, a lifted facial expression, good posture, and as much intent behind the lyrics as I'm capable of doing at that time. When we run a song to simulate a performance, I try to avoid “going through the motions,” and when I make mistakes, I keep my inner voice positively coaching me along and thinking ahead. I contribute to the vocal and visual

energy of the quartet and feed off of it at the same time — I give and take. Because I record every rehearsal, I know I can go home and analyze what I did so I can do better for the next time rather than going over something for my personal benefit during that session. As long as I'm “performing” I know I'll bring that sound, that look, that story on stage with consistency.

These are my own ways of vocalizing, rehearsing, and practicing performing. Perhaps rather than saying “always perform,” we should say “sing AS IF you are performing,” meaning that each time we sing, we have our instruments built properly, that our facial and bodily postures are always in place, that we sing with confidence and with our best sound. It means that when we come to the ensemble, we're ready with our instruments, our music, and our technique, and we're warmed up and ready to work together as a team so that together we can “SING AS IF…!”

Sweet Adelines International President-elect Joan Boutilier is a member of the International Faculty, a Certified Judge (Sound) and Approved Candidate Judge (Expression). She sang tenor with 2008 International Champion Quartet Four Bettys and is Master Director of River City Sound Chorus.

A campaign. A contest.

A chord being sung by.. …

1000 More Voices 1000 More Voices is an upcoming worldwide campaign of the Sweet Adelines International Membership Department. The goal is to provide Inspiration, Education, and Motivation to get more singers...singing with us! The campaign kicks off with an exciting contest in August 2020 with big prizes for individuals, choruses, and regions!

Be on the lookout for more information on the Sweet Adelines International website and social media channels.

Bring more singers to your chorus, your region, Sweet Adelines International…the world!

www.sweetadelines.com January 2020 |

11

y n o m r a H p u d n u Ro

Harmony Roundup is a place to share your adventures and achievements!

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 In August, Sirens of Gotham Chorus (#15) performed at the New York City Department of Transportation’s Summer Streets event, when seven miles of city streets are closed off for singing, snacks, and fun! Aberdeen Chorus (#31) sang at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a three-week celebration of arts and culture featuring thousands of performers from around the world.

Stockholm City Voices Chorus (#32) performed at Stockholm City Hall to welcome participants in Wikimedia 2019, the 15th annual gathering of the international Wikipedia community.

San Diego Chorus (#21) performed at Festival Internacionale Coralifornia in Tijuana, Mexico. The festival included five days of workshops and nine performances involving 17 choruses and choirs from the United States and Mexico. Region #19’s Electric Avenue and Lustre (2018 International Champion Quartet) sang at the National Folk Festival in Salisbury, Maryland (USA), one of America’s largest and longest-running arts festivals, which draws over 80,000 people. High Desert Harmony Chorus (#12) sang as the sun and a bunch of hot air balloons rose at the Great Reno Balloon Race in September. Also in September, California HEAT Chorus (#12) was a featured performer at the Tehama Jubilee, an event that brings around 3,000 visitors to the small town.

How We Sang Heart of Illinois Chorus (#3) hosted a retreat for area choruses on July 13 for Barbershop Music Appreciation Day. Participating choruses included Sound Celebration (#5), Toast of Champaign (#3), Metro Mix (#5), East Central Harmony (#3), O-Town Sound (#9), Vermillion Valley (#3), Melodeers (#3), River City Sound (#3), and the Choral-Aires (#3)! Laura Baize of Heart of Illinois wrote, “A notable learning point from this coaching session

demonstrated large choruses contend with some of the same issues as smaller choruses. We, as individual chorus members, should strive to continue to learn and take personal responsibility for efforts to grow and improve. Through renewed passion and energy for quality performance, next year when we have our 2nd Annual All-Chorus Retreat, we will be able to focus on additional facets to those discussed and learn more about the musical passion we all share!” Murrumbidgee Magic Chorus (#34) took home the open division trophy at the 99th Annual Wagga Wagga Eisteddfod, a regional arts and music festival in New South Wales.

Why We Sang Voices United Chorus (#11) sang at the Dark Sky Festival at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California. The festival is designed to educate people about light pollution and the importance of preserving areas of natural darkness. Delmarva Chorus (#19) donated filled backpacks for the Worcester GOLD (Giving Other Lives Dignity) organization and rolls of table coverings for the Worcester County Development Center Arts Program. Valley Forge Chorus (#19) performed for the Variety Club Camp Children’s Charity, an organization focused on enriching the lives of children and young adults with disabilities.

Ocean Bay Chorus (#19) participated in National Night Out in Salisbury, Maryland (USA), singing as they strolled through a local park. The event promotes police-community relationships and neighborhood camaraderie. Phoenix Chorus (#31) sang at The Royal British Legion Poppies at the Mill Festival in support of the Poppy Appeal (a fundraising event in support of Remembrance Day activities). Harmony Fusion Chorus (#12) sang at the Have a Heart concert, which raised funds for the Alameda Midway Shelter for Homeless Women and Children.

Crescent City Sound Chorus (#10) welcomed several dual members of Bayou Blend Chorus (#10) to join them on the international stage when they performed as mic testers at International Convention in New Orleans. Bayou Blend is based in Lafayette, which means these dual members drove around three hours one way to get to weekly (and weekend!) rehearsals in New Orleans, where Crescent City Sound is based. Only one member had sung on the international stage before, and they reported that it was “a thrill” to join their fellow Louisiana singers there! Pictured on the front row, left to right, are Brandi Zeagler, Catherine Sarwar, Mary Louise Lamm, and Bobby Comeaux.

Back row, left to right, are Euna Poole, Marisa Fontenot, and Carol Broglio.

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Orangeville Show Chorus (#16) performed as part of Theatre Orangeville’s production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Island Lake, an outdoor venue, in August. It was the largest production ever attempted by the theatre in its 25 year history and one of the largest in Canada, involving professional and amateur actors, creative partners on stage from Orangeville's community living group, large creative, administrative and production teams, and 30 members of the Orangeville Show Chorus! Anne Richardson (Orangeville Show Chorus) wrote, “The chorus experienced rehearsals in the pouring rain, shows in the heat of the summer sun and the cool of the evening after the sun had set. It was a step back in time, a step out of the chorus comfort zone, an endurance test of time and weather, an exposure to 1,400 audience members over the course of five shows, involvement in a large scale production in an outdoor, lakeside setting, an opportunity for community involvement, a learning curve in show business...but most of all, it was FUN!”

Liberty Oak Chorus (#15) participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life in June. Chorus members and their families teamed up to raise almost $3,000 in the fight against cancer, performing for survivors and other attendees at this moving event. “We were thrilled to share our love of music and support a good cause on a beautiful summer day!” they said.

In August, Voices Northwest Chorus (#13) sang at the Seattle send-off of The Maiden Factor as the ship's all-female crew continued its world tour. In 1989 the Maiden was the first ship with an all-female crew to complete the prestigious Whitbread Round the World Race, coming in second place in its class. Today, the Maiden Factor Foundation raises money to fund education for young women around the world.

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International Novice Quartet:

Duly Noted

Good times rolled in New Orleans, Louisiana at the 73rd Annual Convention & Competition!

YWIH Chorus

Of course, Sweet Adelines always bring lagniappe (that’s Louisiana French for “a little more”). In this case, we brought 3,197 singers, 34 choruses, and 44 quartets competing for international championships. We learned in education classes and sang with old friends and new in family chorus, mass sing, and Harmony Parade.

We watched the next generation of barbershoppers

Starlettes

perform with the Young Women in Harmony chorus and posed for pictures with Queens of Harmony from years past. From early morning riser rehearsals to late-night afterglows, we made the most of our time together!

Check out the highlights...

• 2020 International Champion Quartet: Viva!

• 2019 International Champion Chorus: Rönninge Show Chorus • 2019 Harmony Classic Division A Champion Chorus: Millennium Magic Chorus • 2019 Harmony Classic Division AA Champion Chorus: Diablo Vista Chorus • Top 10 Choruses and Quartets • Lifetime Achievement Award: Cammi MacKinlay • Ann Gooch Award: Patti Cooke • NAfME Award: Susan Ives

Family Chorus

“I’m always amazed at how the organization gets everybody organized, from buses to stage curtains and everything else. It’s just astounding.”

— Carol Smith, Diablo Vista Chorus emeritus (#12)

“There’s a lot of love this year at the convention, and being able to share it with my sisters in the chorus and especially with my daughter was awesome. I’ve been doing this since 1986. It’s been a long, long road to get to international, and the support we get from everybody and the organization is fantastic.”

— Kim Calland, Scioto Valley Chorus (#4)

“My most memorable moment would be standing on stage, looking at all the judges in the pit from the front row. It was my first stage performance on the front row, so that was very special.”

— Dale Tiernan, A Cappella West Chorus (#34)

“It was amazing from beginning to end.

All the choruses were wonderful. The quartets were amazing, and I heard every one of them!”

— Susan Burk, Skyline Chorus (#8) (Susan joined Sweet Adelines in 1970 and plans to receive her 50-year pin when her chorus competes in Louisville next year!)

Viva!: Healing and Triumph The story of the 2020 International Champion Quartet

F

our friends, on the ultimate Sweet Adeline adventure — the quest for quartet gold. To all outward appearances, that was the picture presented as Viva! entered the New Orleans International Competition. However, the quartet reveals that the adventure involved much more.

Viva! began in 2015, formed by a group of experienced quartet singers. Tenor Patty Cobb Baker, who is also the current president of Sweet Adelines International, sang with lead Gina Baker in 2013 International Champion Quartet Touché. Baritone Chris DeRosa, who won her first crown in New Orleans, has sung with several regional champion quartets as well as two international finalists (Crystal Clear and Journey). In 2017, bass Peggy Jones replaced original Viva! bass Joanie Jacques (who sang with Gina in Jackpot).

Peggy was a member of 2016 International Champion Quartet Speed of Sound.

Soon after Viva! formed, Patty’s husband, Jeff, baritone of 1996 Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) International Champion Quartet Nightlife, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Patty knew her life was going to be all about caring for her husband, so she told the quartet to replace her.

“They totally refused,” said Patty. “Though we had no idea how long the battle would be, the answer was the same: This is Viva!

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and we’re doing this together. And we did.”

Jeff passed away March 1, 2017, and Viva! began rehearsing again in June of that year. In 2018, they became regional champions, scoring the highest regional quartet score (715) in Sweet Adelines history thus far. They then came in second at international competition in St. Louis with a package of Bette Midler songs from the movie For the Boys.

This year’s finals package was an homage to Barbra Streisand, with gowns made by Toast of Tampa Show Chorus (#10) member Jennifer Jackson.

“After doing a costume tear-away last year, with two costumes (one on top of the other!), we decided to pack (and sweat!) less this year and stick with just one costume!” said Gina.

That was about the only concession to ease that Viva! made.

Already a long-distance quartet — with Patty in Texas, Peggy in North Carolina, and Chris and Gina in Florida — Viva! rehearses one weekend a month, but recording their first CD consumed the first three rehearsals after St. Louis. While completing work on three of their finals song arrangements, designing costumes, planning emcee material and staging, they also did several shows — and Gina was trial scoring as a judge for the first time!

“Because international came a month earlier this year and we

Viva! • Region #9 SCORE: 2862 Patty Cobb Baker (t), Harborlites Chorus Gina Baker (l), Toast of Tampa Show Chorus Chris DeRosa (bt), Toast of Tampa Show Chorus Peggy Jones (bs), Carolina Harmony Chorus SEMIFINALS SONGS: •Put Your Arms Around Me Honey (A. Dale) •How Deep Is The Ocean? (R. Hopkins) FINALS SONGS: • Down With Love (S. Tramack) • I’d Rather Be Blue Over You (G. Volk) • Funny Girl (S. Tramack) • I’m The Greatest Star/ Don’t Rain On My Parade (S. Tramack)

Influences

Patty Cobb Baker, Tenor (Harborlites Chorus)

“My husband’s quartet, Nightlife, has been a huge influence on me. Jeff was one of my longtime quartet coaches, so I learned a lot about the barbershop craft from him. Every person I’ve ever sung with in a quartet and every coach I’ve worked with has been an influencer and an inspiration. Connie Noble, only the best, most incredible tenor singer ever, has been my idol for years and years.”

Gina Baker, Lead (Toast of Tampa Show Chorus) “I grew up on barbershop my whole life.

I would pretend I was singing like Gene Cokecroft, Connie Noble, and Kim Vaughn all at once. It wasn’t until I met Betty Clipman, because of Carole Persinger, that I truly understood my own instrument. My dad’s comedy quartet, The Allied Four, was a huge influence as far as vision, entertainment, and laughter.”

Chris DeRosa, Baritone (Toast of Tampa Show Chorus) had to cancel one rehearsal, our international finals performance was the first time we had sung the entire package in front of an audience!” said Peggy. “We don’t recommend this, as a rule!”

All four members were shocked to discover they had won in New Orleans’ strong field of singers, particularly when they learned that their score differed from second place quartet TITANIUM’s by only two points. That was the exact point difference in THEIR second place St. Louis finish in 2018! Of course, Viva! was thrilled.

But the singers say their true mission was, in fact, “to heal our hearts and, through our healing, to perhaps provide some of the same for our listeners.”

“It’s all too obvious that life can be tough, and every member of Viva! has had her share of heartache,” the quartet wrote in their regional newsletter. “Each member of Viva! committed her ultimate support to her quartet mates in this musical journey.

As an ensemble, we endeavored to sing only for the audience’s enjoyment, not for a score, not for a placement, not for a medal…It was REALLY hard work to go there. It sometimes left us vulnerable and scared. There were moments of frustration and of elation, despair and delight, trial and triumph. It took all we had to give, and it was worth every bit of that and more.”

“My parents, Joe and Lois DeRosa, were HUGE influences. I have watched my brother, Tony, my entire life, and he has been my chorus director for more than a decade on a weekly basis. What I have learned from him is indescribable. He has invested more in my outcome than any human being. The organization changed for me when my daughter Kylie joined. It got way more fun and important.”

Peggy Jones, Bass (Carolina Harmony Chorus) “My greatest influences have been my mom, Lola Morrison, who was barbershopping before I was born, and my sister Cathy Rothey, who was my very first chorus director and quartet mate. I was also blessed to grow up with The Bron’s Tones.”

Top 10 Quartets 2nd Place & Most Entertaining Quartet Award TITANIUM • SCORE: 2860 • REGION: #25, Frisco, Texas, USA Connie Light (t), Rich-Tone Chorus Melody White (l), Rich-Tone Chorus Holly Fisher (bt), Rich-Tone Chorus Lindsay Chartier-Holdeman (bs), Chapter-at-Large, #25 SEMIFINALS SONGS: Next Time I Love (L. Wright); Cuddle Up A Little Closer (C. Hine) FINALS SONGS: If I Ruled The World (R. Craig & N. Bergman); Signed, Sealed, Delivered (S. Paulson & T. Chapman); Don’t Stop Me Now (A. Nystrom); Unbelievable (A. Dale)

3rd Place GQ • SCORE: 2758 • REGION: #19, Owings Mills, Md. USA Amanda McNutt (t), Chapter-at-Large, #19 Katie Gillis (l), Chapter-at-Large, #19 Ali Hauger (bt), Toast of Tampa Show Chorus Katie MacDonald (bs), Chapter-at-Large, #19 SEMIFINALS SONGS: If I Had My Way (D. Harrington); When You’re Smiling (D. Harrington) FINALS SONGS: I Found A New Baby (D. Wright); I Won’t Say I’m In Love (P. McAlexander); Where Do You Start (M. Gellert); Pity Party (P. McAlexander)

4th Place Tenacious • SCORE: 2701 • REGION: #4, Powell, Ohio, USA Shannon Lange (t), Scioto Valley Chorus Chelsea Selvaggio (l), Scioto Valley Chorus Tracy Marcarello (bt), Scioto Valley Chorus Connie Brant (bs), Scioto Valley Chorus SEMIFINALS SONGS: Next Time I Love (L. Wright); Wherever There’s Me, There’s You (T. Gentry) FINALS SONGS: What I Did For Love (D. Wright); Everything (A. Dale); Popular (S. Lange & C. Selvaggio); True Color (M. Brown)

5th Place The Ladies • SCORE: 2647 • REGION: #10, Long Beach, Calif., USA Quincie Smith (t), A Cappella Unlimited Chorus Caroline Beal (l), A Cappella Unlimited Chorus Kimberly Newcomb (bt), Capital City Chorus Ashley Brockman (bs), A Cappella Unlimited Chorus SEMIFINALS SONGS: You Keep Coming Back Like A Song (B. Beck & J. Spiecker); Cuddle Up A Little Closer (C. Hine) FINALS SONGS: Basin Street Blues (D. Wright); Something’s Gotta Give (P. McAlexander); I Wish You Love (S. Kitzmiller); How High The Moon (M. Hine)

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6th Place VOCE • SCORE: 2639 • REGION: #1, Agawam, Mass., USA Deanna Sargent (t), Saratoga Soundtrack Chorus Cheryl Brusket (l), Chapter-at-Large, #1 Angie Kunasek (bt), Millennium Magic Chorus Beth Paul (bs), Millennium Magic Chorus SEMIFINALS SONGS: Cry Baby (M. Hill & N. Bergman); Once Upon A Time (J. Dale) FINALS SONGS: Next Time I Love (Intro Only) (L. Wright); When I Fall In Love (D. Wright); You Are My Sunshine (Intro Only) (V. Uhr); The Chordbusters March (Intro Only) (W.A. Wyatt); I Can’t Give You Anything But Love (N. Bergman); Time After Time (J. Arns)

7th Place Milli Blink • SCORE: 2605 • REGION: #32, Taby, Sweden Hillevi Martinsson Billinger (t), Rönninge Show Chorus Annika Krook (l) Rönninge Show Chorus Maria Fabiansson (bt), Rönninge Show Chorus Susanna Berndts (bs) Rönninge Show Chorus SEMIFINALS SONGS: I Never Meant To Fall In Love (J. Liles); Jazz Me Blues (J. Johnson) FINALS SONGS: It’s A Beautiful Day (S. Paulsson); You Are So Beautiful (J. Johnson); Barberdance Medley (S. Rilton, B. Beck, Ringmasters, R. Krigstrom, N. Bergman, A. Nightingale)

8th Place Renegade • SCORE: 2601 • REGION: #13, Puyallup, Wash., USA Rachel Pack (t), Jet Cities Chorus Alena Hemingway (l), Chapter-at-Large, #13 Holly Davis (bt), A Cappella Joy Chorus Bethany Frerichs (bs), Jet Cities Chorus SEMIFINALS SONGS: I Got Rhythm (D. Wright); What Kind Of Fool Am I? (D. Harrington) FINALS SONGS: This Will Be (D. Harrington); Keepin’ Out Of Mischief (D. Wright); Smile Medley (Smile, Darn Ya, Smile, Powder Your Face With Sunshine) (C. Hine); It’s About Love (Renegade)

9th Place Ambush • SCORE: 2551 • REGION: #32, Södertalje, Sweden Erica Anna Forsgren (t), Chapter-at-Large, #32 Ann-Louise Svensson (l), Rönninge Show Chorus Karin Sjöblom (bt), Rönninge Show Chorus Eva Stahl (bs), Rönninge Show Chorus SEMIFINALS SONGS: Ya Gotta Know/I Can’t Give You Anything But Love Medley (N. Bergman); If I Love Again (N. Bergman & E. Waesche) FINALS SONGS: Deed I Do (A. Dale); Scandinavian Shuffle (J. Johansson); Royal Garden Blues (G. Volk); Lately (S. Paulsson)

10th Place Fortuity • SCORE: 2527 • REGION: #31, St. Austell, Cornwall, UK Veryan Zimber (t), Chapter-at-Large, #31 Gemma Fox (l), Chapter-at-Large, #31 Sarah Netherton (bt), Acappella Sound Chorus Sophie Hasson (bs), Viva Acappella Chorus SEMIFINALS SONGS: Yes Sir, That’s My Baby (D. Wright); Next Time I Love (L. Wright) FINALS SONGS: Something To Talk About (A. Nystrom); The Night Has A Thousand Eyes (D. Wright); Little Black Dress (H. Braham)

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Rönninge Show Chorus

2020 International Champion Chorus & Most Entertaining Chorus Region #32, Rönninge, Sweden Britt-Heléne Bonnedahl and Anna Alvring, directors SCORE: 3061 SEMIFINALS SONGS: I Can Still See Your Face (D. Wright); Let’s Face The Music And Dance (D. Wright) FINALS SONGS: Thank You For The Music (D. Wright) Thank You For The Music Medley (D. Wright)

Happening Perfectly

T

he theme of Rönninge Show Chorus’ finals package could also describe the chorus itself: Made in Sweden, for the World. For the third time (so far!), Rönninge took home the international chorus championship, bringing audiences to their feet with a finals package celebrating Swedish songwriters from hymn writer Carl Boberg to 80s glam metal band Europe and more!

The lively and intricate performance capped off the directing career of the chorus’ formidable and much-loved founder Britt-Heléne Bonnedahl, who is retiring as director to focus on coaching and teaching in her role as Sweet Adelines Master Faculty.

“The idea to tell the story about Swedish music came immediately after our regional win,” said Rönninge Co-Director Anna Alvring. “We felt thrilled about the possibility of spreading awareness about our small country's contribution to music throughout history.”

The package included a 13-song medley.

“All the songs required their own skill, and quite a struggle with music rights, not to mention finals package paperwork,” said Anna. “Given the limited timeframe, the actual learning of this amount of material for the package (including the choreo) was a challenge.”

Riser space also proved challenging for the chorus, which has over 150 members, 146 of whom appeared onstage in New Orleans, “which is still a record for us,” said Rönninge Team Coordinator Maja Marklund.

With good leadership, education, sharing of the workload, and a chorus culture that “dares to keep high expectations in a loving way,” Maja said the chorus lives up to its motto, “Det är roligare att ha kul.” (English translation: “It’s more joyful to have fun.”)

Rönninge extends thanks to their collaborators: choreographer and visual coach Jan Alexandersson, arranger David Wright,

coaches Sandi Wright, Sharon Babb, Peggy Gram, Rasmus Krigström, and Katarina Henryson, former member of famous Swedish a cappella group, The Real Group.

Rönninge mentally prepares for rehearsal with relaxation and visualization, and they take a six-week summer break, “which makes us all come back ‘hungry’ when rehearsals start in August,” said Maja. This year, with International competition earlier than usual, they had to leap right into preparations amid several community performances, but with everyone working together, Rönninge made it happen.

“The majority of us have full-time jobs and families, so sharing the work required to take a chorus to this level is essential,” said Maja.

“Both our musical and administrative leadership teams are quite large, and we of course have teams working on every aspect of performance and marketing. We make it very clear to anyone who aspires to join that everyone is expected to contribute more than ‘just’ singing.”

Rönninge looks forward to a busy championship year as they transition to new leadership.

Anna Alvring continues as director, supported by assistant director AnnaLena Rickardsson, who has been in the role for 10 years. Annika Krook, lead of quartets SALT and Milli Blink, will be new in the assistant director role.

In December, the chorus hosts its annual holiday show, Stjärnjul, which for the last three years has sold out performance venues that hold 10,000+ audience members. They are also raising money to bring “a reasonable-sized chorus” to perform their champion package in Louisville.

“There are a lot of mixed emotions in the chorus,” said Maja. “We will be getting used to seeing Britt-Heléne in a different role, as a coach and mentor, and will miss her as our chorus center, but at the same time we feel very excited about the future.”

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Inspiration from Rönninge Show Chorus

Maybe you heard some of the following inspirational quotes from Rönninge in New Orleans...

• Quote: Det är roligare att ha kul!

“It is more joyful to have fun.” The statement originated with founder and director Britt-Heléne Bonnedahl. She calls it “an attitude for winners”!

• Quote: Do you want more?

Director Anna Alvring created this world championship shout out in Las Vegas (2017), where Rönninge won its second championship (the first was in Hawaii in 2013).

• Quote: It's all happening perfectly.

This statement by Britt-Heléne Bonnedahl is for “framing the championship mindset,” said Maja.

Rönninge Show Chorus Members on Stage

Anette Gunnarsson Anette Johnsson Anette Steen Anita Edlund Ann Hagerman Ann Kvist Ann Ponton Klevestedt Ann-Louise Svensson Anna Alvring Anna Eriksson Anna Johansson Anna Måhl Anna Norström Anna Öhman Anna-Greta Strömberg Anna-Lena Rickardsson Anna-Märtha Bergfeldt Anneli Lagebro Annelie Norburg Jonsson Annette Molander Annika Arnvaller Annika Christensen Annika Dellås Annika Erlandsson Annika Gullberg Annika Johannesson Annika Krook Annika Larsson Annika Risberg Annika Torpner Astrid Palmér Barbro Ekholm Berit Wrebo Birgitta Een-Sternå Birgitta Holfve Britt-Heléne Bonnedahl Cajsa Nellåker

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Camilla Ljung Carin Ländström Carina Dahlgren Catharina Gröndahl Catrin Junestrand Cecilia Moberg Cia Björzen Cim Nordström Cleòpatra Marcateus Eleonor Lindgren Elisabeth Mellin Elizabeth All Emma Nellåker Erika Rodin Eva Eriksson Eva Gullberg Eva Larsson Eva Losman Ragnå Eva Löthberg Eva P Sandberg Eva Pauli Eva Sandstrom Eva Stahl Eva Trillcott Evis Bergenlöv Ewa Hemberg Ewa Sundström Frida Glitterstam Frida Öhman Gill Doller Gunilla Mörtberg Gunilla Nilsson Helen Larhammar Helena Hjertén Helena Lindberg Ingela Hagberg Ingela Wikström

Inger Junvik Ingrid Bergman Iris Hagbjörk Jeanette Gellervik Jennie Lindgren Johanna Nilsson Johanna Thorell Josefin Hero Karin Innings Karin Ljung Karin Mörtberg Karin Sjöblom Karin Tarre Olthoff Karin Winblad Katarina Blix Lundqvist Kate Sullivan Kerstin Brindbergs Kethy Benedek Kicki Jerre Kirsten Braun Kristina Lejon Laura Mardones Lena Gernandt Lena Mörth Lena Toyer Linda Anemyr Lis Ohlgren Lisa Nellåker Lisa Rolf Lisbeth Virta Liz Lundkvist Lotta Liljedal Maja Marklund Malin Ek Malin Nyman Malin Samuelsson Margareta Fält

Maria Brannius Maria Gräntz Maria Homman Maria Lunell Maria Ovesson Maria Stålarw Marianne Hammarlid Marie Flink Marie Henriksson Jalonen Marie Magnusson Matilda Hagerman Matilda Lindgren Mona-Lisa Johannesson Naima Roos Meyer Paula Penttinen Pernilla Thaysen Petra Blixt Pia Brandt Rosmarie Karlsson Sara Glitterstam Sara Hårdén Sigrid Bergfeldt Sofia Häägg Sofia Sjöberg Susanna Berndts Susanne Kihlblom Susanne Larsson Tesla Neidenmark Trixie Löfberg Ulla Nyman Viktoria Wadman Ylva Lovén Yvonne Brinck Åsa Fagerström Åsa Ribbing

Top 10 Choruses 2nd Place

Lions Gate Chorus • Score: 2945 Most Entertaining Chorus REGION: #26, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada DIRECTOR: Sandy Marron SEMIFINALS SONGS: Something Good (C. Hine); Cabaret (C. Hine) FINALS SONGS: The Impossible Dream (C. Hine); Ascot Gavotte (C. Garriock); Life Would Be Perfect (D. Metzger); How To Get A Gold (S. Marron)

3rd Place

Melodeers Chorus • Score: 2931

REGION: #3, Northbrook, Ill. DIRECTOR: Jim Arns SEMIFINALS SONGS: The Very Thought Of You (J. Arns); Georgia May/Georgia Brown (J. Arns) FINALS SONGS: Can’t Help Falling In Love (J. Arns); Dancing In The Streets (J. Arns); Beatles Medley (P. McAlexander); Good Vibrations (P. McAlexander)

4th Place

Harbor City Music Company Chorus • Score: 2815

REGION: #19, Baltimore, Md. DIRECTOR: Michael Gellert SEMIFINALS SONGS: If I Loved You (R. Craig/Intro by L. Wright); This Can’t Be Love (D. Wright)

FINALS SONGS: Caberet (M. Gellert); Let’s Be Bad (M. Gellert); Let Me Be Your Star (M. Gellert); They Just Keep Moving The Line (M. Gellert)

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Top 10 Choruses 5th Place

Scioto Valley Chorus • Score: 2803

REGION: #4, Dublin, Ohio DIRECTOR: Kerry Denino SEMIFINALS SONGS: How Deep Is The Ocean (R. Hopkins); Jazz Me Blues (J. Johnson) FINALS SONGS: It’s You (R. Rund); Headline Theme (P. McAlexander); Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves (P. McAlexander); I Will Survive/I’m A Survivor (M. Hine); The One’s For The Girls (L. Wright)

6th Place

Toast of Tampa Show Chorus • Score: 2785

REGION: #9, Tampa, Fla. DIRECTORS: Tony DeRosa and Clay Hine SEMIFINALS SONGS: Maybe This Time (C. Hine); My Honey’s Lovin’ Arms (D. Wright & C. Hine) FINALS SONGS: One Moment In Time (C. Hine); Overture/Big Bright Beautiful World (C. Hine); Story Of My Life (C. Hine)

7th Place

Christchurch City Chorus • Score: 2764

REGION: #35, Christchurch, New Zealand DIRECTOR: Virginia Humphrey-Taylor SEMIFINALS SONGS: May I Never Love Again (R. Craig & B. Beck); This Joint Is Jumpin’ (N. Bergman & R. Krigstrom) FINALS SONGS: Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square (J. Bescos); That Cat Is High (R. Craig & B. Beck); Birdland (R. Craig); Twilight Tone (B. Beck);

Trickle Trickle (R. Krigstrom)

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8th Place

Stockholm City Voices Chorus • Score: 2713 Harmony Achievement Award Recipient

REGION: #32, Stockholm, Sweden DIRECTOR: Tindra Thor SEMIFINALS SONGS: I Wish You Love (D. Wright); Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall In Love) (J. Brockman) FINALS SONGS: No Other Love (D. Wright); Daft Punk (D. Satter/Amend. Tindra Thor); Freedom ’90 (K. Kitzmiller)

9th Place

Greater Nassau Chorus • Score: 2665 Harmony Achievement Award Recipient

REGION: #15, Baldwin, N.Y. DIRECTOR: Harriette Walters SEMIFINALS SONGS: Alexander’s Ragtime Band (B. Beck); Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring (A. Dale) FINALS SONGS: Back In The Old Routine (R. Craig & B. Beck); Great Day (D. Harrington); Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (J. Minshall); Sing (L. Wright)

10th Place

Forth Valley Chorus • Score: 2652

REGION: #31, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK DIRECTOR: David Sangster SEMIFINALS SONGS: Beyond The Sea (E. Gain/Amend. D. Sangster & S. Marron); Jazzin’ In New Orleans ( J. Lund/Amend. D. Sangster) FINALS SONGS: I Got The Sun In The Morning (D. Sangster); If I Ain’t Got You (R. Johnson); I Got The Sun In The Morning (D. Sangster); Autumn Leaves (D. Sangster); Hold My Hand (R. Johnson)

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Harmony Classic Division A (FEATURING CHORUSES WITH 30 OR FEWER SINGERS)

Division A Champion Chorus

Millennium Magic Chorus • Score: 1271 REGION: #1, Manchester, Conn. DIRECTOR: Laurel Strielkauskas SONGS: Hello (L. Strielkauskas); Ten Feet Off The Ground (B. Bianchi);

My Foolish Heart (N. Bergman, D. Harrington, L. Strielkauskas); Nothing Can Stop Me Now (A. Dale)

2nd Place

A Cappella Unlimited Chorus • Score: 1200

REGION: #10, San Marcos, Texas DIRECTOR: Kathryn Dane SONGS: This Can’t Be Love (D. Wright); Crazy Little Thing Called Love (A. Dale); When I Fall In Love (K. Shaw); You Will Be Found (M. Crockett);

When You’re Smiling (D. Harrington)

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3rd Place

Wichita Chorus • Score: 1188

REGION: #25, Wichita, Kan. DIRECTOR: Melynnie Williams

SONGS: What’ll I Do (R. Craig); As Long As I’m Singing (L. Wright); Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (K. Bromert); Don’t Stop (L. Wright)

4th Place

Limestone City Voices Chorus • Score: 1151 Harmony Classic Most Entertaining Chorus Award

REGION: #16, Elginburgh, Ontario, Canada DIRECTOR: Kristin Stevens SONGS: Oh, How I Miss You Tonight (R. Craig); This Could Be The Start of Something Big (R. Craig); Big Spender (J. Lund); This Joint Is Jumpin’ (N. Bergman)

5th Place

Vermillion Valley Show Chorus • Score: 1114

REGION: #3, Pontiac, Ill. DIRECTOR: Kathryn Filipiak SONGS: My Foolish Heart (J. Bescos); Baby Face (J. Bescos); The Lonesomest Girl In Town (J. Bescos); They Go Wild, Simply Wild (J. Berg & J. Kraut); Bye Bye Blackbird

(C. Schmidt); I Feel The Earth Move (A. Hagerman & L. Wright); On A Wonderful Day Like Today (T. Lippincott)

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Harmony Classic Division AA (FEATURING CHORUSES WITH 30-60 SINGERS)

Division A Champion Chorus

Diablo Vista Chorus • Score: 1311 REGION: #12, Walnut Creek, Calif. DIRECTOR: Caitlin Castelino SONGS: It’s Delovely Medley (L Wright); The Greatest Show (L. Wright); Almost There (A. Dale); Reprise Of The Greatest Show (L. Wright)

2nd Place

Greater Harrisburg Chorus • Score: 1285

REGION: #19, Quentin, Pa. DIRECTOR: Claire Domenick SONGS: Somewhere Over The Rainbow (C. Hine); Hooray For Hollywood (J. Bescos); This Can’t Be Love (D. Wright); Try Everything (C. Prietto);

Before The Parade Passes By (C. Schmidt)

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3rd Place

Midwest Crossroad Chorus • Score: 1217

REGION: #3, Joliet, Ill. DIRECTOR: Tori Hicks SONGS: At Last (N. Bergman); Your First Day In Heaven (A. Dale); Sing (C. Lindberg); The Climb (L. Wright)

4th Place

Bridges of Harmony Chorus • Score: 1194

REGION: #9, Jacksonville, Fla. DIRECTOR: Kim Higdon SONGS: Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring (A. Dale); We Didn’t Start The Fire (B. Joel);

Thank You World (J. Bescos); Sing Your Way Home (J. Martin)

5th Place

Grand Rapids Chorus • Score: 1101

REGION: #17, Grand Rapids, Mich. DIRECTOR: Denise Van Dyken

SONGS: Love Letters Straight From Your Heart (J. Arns); The Muppet Show Theme (L. Wright); Lullaby Of Broadway (J. Bescos); Razzle Dazzle (T. Gentry)

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Chapter Longevity Awards Chapters listed in order of anniversary date.

70 Years

Santa Monica Chapter, Santa Monica, Calif., #11 A Cappella Bay Show Chapter, Clearwater, Fla., #9

65 Years

Altoona Chapter, Altoona, Pa., #19 Verdugo Hills Chapter, Glendale, Calif., #11 Grand Traverse Show Chapter, Traverse City, Mich., #2 Lions Gate Chapter, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, #26 London Chapter, London, Ont., Canada, #2 Inland Empire Chapter, Riverside, Calif., #21

60 Years

Motor City Blend Chapter, Detroit, Mich., #2 Battle Creek Chapter, Battle Creek, Mich., #17 RiverSong Chapter, St. Joseph, Mo., #5 Long Island Sound Chapter, Riverhead, N.Y., #15

55 Years

Unbridled Harmony Chapter, Lexington, Ky., #4 Island Hills Chapter, Hauppauge, N.Y., #15 City of Flags Chapter, Canton, Ohio, #17 Riverport Chapter, Bristol, Wis., #3 Buffalo Gateway Chapter, Buffalo, N.Y., #17 Harmony Celebration Chapter, Ridgewood, N.J., #15

50 Years

Berkshire Hills Chapter, Pittsfield, Mass., #1 Cascade Harmony Chapter, Portland, Ore., #13 Triad A Cappella Connection Chapter, Winston-Salem, N.C., #14 Pride of West Texas Show Chapter, Lubbock, Texas, #25 Inland Harmony Chapter, Genesee, Idaho, #13 OC Sound Chapter, Mission Viejo, Calif., #21 Golden Apple Chapter, White Plains, N.Y., #15 Song of the Lakes Chapter, Davison, Mich., #2 Harbor City Music Company Chapter, Baltimore, Md., #19

45 Years

Sounds of Pittsburgh Chapter, Pittsburgh, Pa., #17 Platinum Show Chapter, Melbourne, Fla., #9 Song O'Sky Chapter, Asheville, N.C., #14 Sounds of Superior Chapter, Thunder Bay, Ont., Canada, #6 Helena Xpress Singers Chapter, Helena, Mt., #13 Sounds of The Valley Chapter, Chico, Calif., #12 Blue Mountain Chapter, Walla Walla, Wash., #13 Indi-Anna Chapter, Indiana, Pa., #17 Gainesville Harmony Show Chapter, Gainesville, Fla., #9 Sound Cascade Chapter, Sioux Falls, S.D., #6 Harmony Fusion Chapter, Hayward, Calif., #12

40 Years

Heart of Missouri Chapter, Columbia, Mo., #5 Tokyo Chapter, Tokyo, Japan, #30 Sacramento Valley Chapter, Sacramento, Calif., #12 Desert Sounds Harmony Chapter, Kamloops, B.C., Canada, #26

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Harmony Northwest Chapter, Mt. Vernon, Wash., #13 Stockholm City Voices Chapter, Stockholm, Sweden, #32 Enchanted Mesa Show Chapter, Albuquerque, N.M., #21 The Blend Chapter, Fort Collins, Colo., #8 RiverOaks Chapter, Sherman Oaks, Calif., #11 Almost Heaven Chapter, Charleston, West Virginia, #4

35 Years

Perth Harmony Chapter, Perth, W.A., Australia, #34 Venetian Harmony Chapter, Venice, Fla., #9 Yahara River Chapter, Madison, Wis., #3 Valley Echoes Chapter, Abbotsford, B.C., Canada, #26 Alberta Gold Chapter, Calgary, Alta., Canada, #26 Pride of Kentucky Chapter, Louisville, Ky., #4 Barrie Soundwaves Chapter, Barrie, Ont., Canada, #16 Canadian Showtime Chapter, Ottawa, Ont., Canada, #16

30 Years

Copper Town Harmony Chapter, Falun, Sweden, #32 Lady Shave Porvoo Chapter, Porvoo, Sweden, #32 Maple Mountain Chapter, Mentor, Ohio, #17 Cape Shore Chapter, Tuckahoe, N.J., #19 Spirit of Spokane Chapter, Spokane, Wash., #13

25 Years

Heart of New Jersey Chapter, Millstone Township, N.J., #15 Hot Ginger Chapter, Sunshine Coast, Qld., Australia, #34 Durham Shores Chapter, Oshawa, Ont., Canada, #16 Piney Hills Harmony Chapter, Ruston, La., #10 Show Me Sound Chapter, Sedalia, Mo., #5 Geelong Harmony Chapter, Geelong, Vic., Australia, #34 Pensacola Sound Chapter, Pensacola, Fla., #9

20 Years

Wellington City Chapter, Thorndon, New Zealand, #35 Harmony North Chapter, Thornbury, Ont., Canada, #16

15 Years

California HEAT Chapter, Red Bluff, Calif., #12 High Desert Harmony Chapter, Reno, Nev., #12 Crescent City Sound Chapter, New Orleans, La., #10 Alberta Heartland Chapter, Edmonton, Alta., Canada, #26

10 Years

Westwind Harmony Chapter, Surprise, Ariz., #21 Rhapsody UK Chapter, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK, #31

5 Years

Canberra Harmony Chapter, Canberra, Australia, #34 Carpe Diem Chapter, Santa Barbara, Calif., # 11 Coastal Charisma Chapter, Broadbeach, Qld., Australia, #34 Dazzling Diamonds Chapter, Springdale, Ar., #25 Sound Harmony Chapter, Seattle, Wash., #13 Bella a Cappella Chapter, Bay of Islands, Kerikeri, New Zealand, #35

Cammi MacKinlay 2019 Sweet Adelines Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient “I make time to do the things I love”

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hortly after Lions Gate Chorus performed the package that would result in a second-place medal at the 2019 international competition, 33-year member Cammi MacKinlay walked back onstage to receive the 2019 Sweet Adelines Lifetime Achievement Award. It was appropriate that this accomplished singer was still wearing full stage make up and costume along with her ever-present strand of pearls, for, as she said, “that’s what I love doing: singing and performing. That’s what I joined to do.”

In addition to singing bass with Lions Gate Chorus, her 20-year quartet Fandango, and her new quartet, Cascadence, Cammi has “done just about every job ever invented by the inventive Sweet Adeline mind,” as International President Patty Cobb Baker said in her introduction.

Cammi has taken on responsibilities at the quartet, chorus, regional, and international level, including a two-year stint as international president (2010-2012), and sixteen years on the International Board of Directors. Seven years ago, she retired from a decades-long career teaching English as a Second Language.

“I honestly don’t know how I did it when I was working full time, but I did,” she said. “I never thought of it as work. It was just learning. I make time to do the things I love, basically.”

Sometimes that meant living with “sequins from one end of the house to the other” while making quartet costumes or, in the early days, rushing home from rehearsal to care for her young daughter and nurse her infant son at 10 p.m. Cammi considers it all part of creating value in her life and in her world.

“I don’t think I’ve done anything extraordinary, but I’ve worked away and done what was asked of me to the best of my ability,” she said. “I’ve always tried to be a person of value…to my family, to my wonderful husband, to my chorus, to my job. I really try to be a person of value in everything I do.”

In 2006, when she was serving as vice president of the organization, Cammi was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer.

“I announced my diagnosis on the webcast and wrote articles about it in The Pitch Pipe, and the messages of support I got were just unbelievable. When my sister came to visit from Scotland, she said, ‘There’s a lot of healing going on in this house.’ She could feel me being surrounded by people who wanted me to survive. I definitely felt surrounded by love and hope and desire to continue on. I’m still here 13 years later, and I just feel incredibly blessed by that support and love I got from everybody who I encountered.”

As she noted in her acceptance speech, Cammi is “not done yet.”

Several projects are on the horizon, including serving as co-chair of IES 2020 in San Antonio, Texas and, of course, mentoring other singers.

“I've had lots of great mentors and people who saw my potential, and now I have people who I am mentoring, in whom I see potential,” she said. “I'm paying it forward because I know what that meant to me as an individual, and there are others who are coming up behind me who need that same kind of encouragement and help, mentoring, and advice that I can now provide.”

In that way, Cammi’s lifetime achievement continues. Nobody who knows her is surprised.

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Patti Cooke

2019 Ann Gooch Award Recipient

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he Ann Gooch Award celebrates a member who “significantly contributed to and is or has been a driving force in the development and growth of Sweet Adelines beyond the borders of North America.”

This year’s recipient, Bella a Cappella Chorus (#35) Director Patti Cooke, grew up in a musical family, often visiting her aunt’s Sweet Adelines chorus in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.

When marriage brought her to the small New Zealand farming community of Wairoa in 1981, she missed singing, so she auditioned for a musical play where she met several women who decided to keep singing together.

“When we realised there weren't many men around who wanted to sing regularly, and that finding an accompanist was going to be a problem, I remembered my aunt's chorus,” Cooke recalled. “She gave me the Sweet Adelines headquarters address in Tulsa, and I wrote, naively thinking I was just requesting help sourcing music for women's barbershop. My letter was handed to Ann Gooch, and she sent us a 10-pound package of information called How To Charter A Chorus. We were all young, brave, and energetic, and we decided to give it a go!”

The rest is Sweet Adelines history. Patti’s family moved around New Zealand, and wherever she went, barbershop followed. By 1990, New Zealand was home to several Sweet Adelines choruses, and Patti was singing with Export Quality, New Zealand’s first champion quartet.

Anyone who watched Bella a Cappella’s 2018 Harmony Classic performance, which began with the Māori song “Haere Mai,” can see that the region she helped start not only acknowledges but also embraces its musical origins while perfecting the American art form of barbershop music.

“New Zealand is a bi-cultural country, and choruses sing

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the national anthem in Māori as well as English,” she said.

“Choruses here often have traditional Māori songs (waiata) in their repertoires. Region 35 has three waiata in its Massed Sing repertoire, with a fourth being discussed, so it's fair to say we have our own unique take on combining traditional American with traditional Māori.”

Bella a Cappella’s team coordinator, Gaye Dawn, who is Māori, taught the actions that accompanied “Haere Mai” along with an uncle and a niece, both experts in kapa haka (Māori group dance).

“We wanted to do something that only a NZ chorus could do,” said Cooke. “Māori culture runs deep in many aspects of daily life in NZ — from our cuisine, to what our children learn at school, to how the country is governed. Māori culture is very visible in our Bay of Islands area. We use Māori words when we speak, the majority of our place names are Māori, and we cherish the Māori traditions of hospitality, respect, and guardianship of the environment.”

In a 1985 issue of The Pitch Pipe, Ann Gooch wrote that when people around the world asked why they should join Sweet Adelines, she instantly recalled a lifetime “of singing tags, making friends, crying over contests lost or won, soaking up applause, broken and mended friendships.”

“When I read those words in 1985, I had only the vaguest idea of what she was talking about,” said Cooke. “Now, 34 years later, I know exactly what she meant when she said ‘the harmony takes over.’ As a young bride, I really had no idea what New Zealand had in store for me but I am filled with gratitude that Ann Gooch made a whole world open up not only for me, but for about 700 sisters in song here in New Zealand. I couldn't be more delighted to receive the award named after her.”

Susan Ives

2019 NAfME Award Recipient “Keep them singing for the rest of their lives”

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orn to a family of singers and multi-instrumentalists, Susan Ives recalls traveling to family vacations in a car “filled with music and never the same song twice!” Her efforts to bring the same sense of musical joy and belonging to her students earned her the 2019 National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Educator Award.

Established in 1992, the award recognizes outstanding music educators who are members of both NAfME and Sweet Adelines International. Nominees must have made outstanding contributions to the furtherance of music education in public or private schools promoting the barbershop style.

Susan, a two-time international champion lead (with Classic Edition, 1998 and Zing!, 2010), found Sweet Adelines during college, where she majored in trumpet. After hearing her sing in her community band, a fellow trumpet player invited her to the local chorus, Sunflower Harmony Chorus. She became an immediate — and enthusiastic — member. Today, Sunflower Harmony is called Topeka Acappella Unlimited, and Susan has been their director for 25 years!

She said her Sweet Adelines experience melds perfectly with her profession.

“In my first job right out of college, I began incorporating the skills I was learning in Sweet Adelines with the degree I had just earned,” she said. “Sweet Adelines has since provided further education and tools for my chosen profession. Being an educator has helped me teach others about their voice, social skills, and personal improvement. Sweet Adelines has provided so much of that to me, and I simply share.”

Since the 1980s, Susan has taught music in both rural and innercity schools, introducing generations of young singers to the joy of barbershop harmony. She has been instrumental in organizing

Young Women in Harmony events, and her students have gone on to join active quartets and even become barbershop directors.

For Susan, watching the effect music has on students is extremely gratifying.

“Teen years can be a struggle,” she said. “Music gives those who don’t have a feeling of worth or self-confidence a sense of purpose.

If the person in charge is compassionate, demonstrates inclusion, provides encouragement, and loves what they are teaching, not many turn that down.”

She recalled the challenge of teaching a mixed choir class at an inner-city school. Incoming students considered it a “just here for the credit” class. By the end of the first semester, Susan took them on a tour to sing Christmas carols at local malls. Later that year, several of the students auditioned and were chosen for the music department’s select singing ensembles.

“Those students found a sense of belonging and purpose and a lifelong skill set,” Susan said. “They came together, got along better, and enjoyed coming to class each day. I saw courage and self-confidence form in front of my eyes.”

She advises new music educators to focus on students’ need for inner strength as much as on music techniques.

“I highly suggest they get involved in their community and in their school activities. The children will respond to someone they know loves what they do but more importantly loves who they do it for,” she said. “You hope to give them the tools, drive, and selfconfidence to keep them singing for the rest of their lives.”

Countless singers would agree Susan has accomplished that.

In countless family cars, on stages, and in other classrooms, the singing that began in her classroom continues.

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A FAMILY AFFAIR: CORONET CLUB SHOW 2019 A reflection from 2019 inductee Mary Duncan of ClassRing

Emcee Nikki Blackmer (Frenzy, 2017) entertains the crowd.

2019 International Champion Quartet, ClassRing, joins the Royal Family Chorus for the first time as members.

1994 Queens of Harmony, Showtime, wow the crowd with their 25th anniversary performance.

Brava! (2003) shakes the rafters and stirs the hearts of the audience!

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Moxie Ladies (2009) celebrate their tenth anniversary with an energetic performance.

Mainstreet, 2017 BHS Quartet Champions, keeps the audience laughing.

legant black and gold gowns, shining crowns, and gleaming gold medals exquisitely set the stage for the 2019 Coronet Club show, Road to Gold, at the Sweet Adelines International annual convention. As a “newbie” member, I found the glitz and glamour of this incredible production overwhelming in the most exciting way possible. I had been an avid attendee of the Coronet Club shows ever since my mom, Michelle Hunget, became a member of the Coronet Club with her quartet, Zing!, and I had been anxiously looking forward to my opportunity to participate all year long.

I diligently studied my music and learning tracks beforehand, attempting to prepare myself for all of the sights, sounds, and feelings; however, I do not think there was any way to anticipate the flood of excitement, joy, accomplishment, and love that poured out of me (literally, poured from my tear ducts) and my quartet mates as we walked into that first Coronet Club rehearsal in New Orleans. Hailey, Heather, Michaela, and I were suddenly surrounded by people we had aspired to be our entire lives.

In some ways, it felt as though we had stepped into an alternate reality. A reality that was full of hustle and bustle as we saw Jean Barford preparing to direct the next song, the section leaders conversing off to the side, the choreography team going over that one particularly difficult move, and the show chair answering questions from our idols on the risers. It was an organized and elite chaos, as only to be expected of a group of perfectionists preparing to pull off the largest production of the week. As the pitch pipe blew from the risers, the chaotic energy was transformed into focused attention. It was powerful. It was exciting.

ClassRing had been observing up until this point. It felt as though we were stuck in time and everyone else was moving with lightning speed around us. The entire experience was surreal.

We felt as though we couldn’t possibly belong there. We had to have come to the wrong room, mixed up our schedules. The only reason we knew we belonged is because the Coronet Club was so incredibly warm and welcoming to each of us.

Singing on the risers with each of those amazing queens was an experience none of ClassRing will ever forget. During that rehearsal, we also practiced ClassRing’s Coronet Club induction (as if we hadn’t been a mess of tears already), and as they sang to us, I was able to look around and really take in the faces of so many who have welcomed me over the years — coaches, teachers, mentors, friends. In that moment, it was apparent to me that the Coronet Club is more than a group of hard working and talented singers. It is a community — a family, quite literally.

We joined the Coronet Club again, this time as members, on the Friday night Coronet Club show. Of course, thanks to everyone’s hard work, the show went off without a hitch! It was so entertaining to hear from Moxie Ladies, celebrating their 10th anniversary, Brava!, celebrating their 15th anniversary and Showtime, celebrating their 25th anniversary. We also had the privilege of seeing LoveNotes, Bling!, Frenzy, Lustre, and Martini perform. Of course, we cannot forget the hard work and success of Frenzy’s Nikki Blackmer (Master Director of A Cappella Joy Chorus), who served as emcee.

ClassRing connected with this show theme because there was a large emphasis put on family. We performed “You Are My Home” with three of our ClassRing husbands. Mainstreet, 2017 BHS Quartet Champions, were incredible, and Tony DeRosa was able to perform to his sister, Chris, baritone of 2020 International Champion Quartet, Viva! in the very front row. Finally, the Royal Family Chorus was the perfect way to punctuate the end of a show centered around family. It truly was a family affair. The 2019 Coronet Club Show will always and forever hold a special place in my heart, for many reasons, and I am already looking forward to being one of those welcoming faces to our newest queens, Viva!

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Mary Duncan is baritone of ClassRing, Sweet Adelines International 2019 Champion Quartet.

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Membership

50-YEAR MEMBER AWARDS Sandy Adams, Vocal Matrix Chapter, #14 Donna Bates, Melodeers Chapter, #3 Louise Blew, Member-at-Large Maureen Brzinski, Member-at-Large Barbara Busch, Bay Area Showcase Chapter, #12 Karen Byington, Inland Harmony Chapter, #13 Carol Collins, Sacramento Valley Chapter, #12 Margaret Cullings, Member-at-Large Dixie Dahlke, Chapter-at-Large, #5 Cathleen Dand*, Sound of Sunshine Chapter, #9 Dorothy Dedrick, Pacific Sound Chapter, #13 Diane Dyke, Chapter-at-Large, #12 Jeanette Fay, Member-at-Large Mary Anne Ferazzi, Chapter-at-Large, #1 Gloria Frost, Chapter-at-Large, #5 Jan Gervais, Chapter-at-Large, #12 Harriet Goglin, Member-at-Large Char Gurney, Scioto Valley Chapter, #4 Lynn Hartmuth, Cincinnati Sound Chapter, #4

Shirlene Hayes, OC Sound Chapter, #21 Janis Hinrichs, Metro Mix Chapter, #5 Pamela Hyde, Saratoga Soundtrack Chapter, #15 Cathy Johnson, Member-at-Large Joan Jones, Lady Luck Showtime Chapter, #11 Connie Kash, Twin County Chapter, #15 Susan Keipp, Aberdeen Chapter, #31 Nancy Kurth, Northwest Harmony Chapter, #13 Rose Lange, Chapter-at-Large, #9 Valarie Lees, Verdugo Hills Chapter, #11 Carol Lyons, Song of the Lakes Chapter, #2 Jan MacCaskill, Harmony Celebration Chapter, #15 Marie MacDonald, Member-at-Large Linda Marzocco, Chapter-at-Large, #3 Paula Mauritzen, Member-at-Large Sandra McCord, Member-at-Large Cathy McCready, City of Lakes Chapter, #6 Sheryl Prince, Chapter-at-Large, #21 Patricia Recht, OC Sound Chapter #21

Christine Reifsteck, Toast of Champaign Chapter, #3 Martha Ristau, Greater Cleveland Chapter, #17 Becky Ross, Triad A Cappella Connection #14 Gaynell Russell, Member-at-Large Suzann Schwenk, Greater Harrisburg Chapter, #19 Doris Sloan, Chinook Winds Show Chapter, #26 Marsha Smith, The Woodlands Show Chapter, #10 Nancy Smith, Scioto Valley Chapter, #4 Sheila Stinnett, Verdugo Hills Chapter, #11 Judi Stygar, Member-at-Large LaDonna Thomas, Chapter-at-Large, #17 Margaret Toole, London Chapter, #2 Penny Turner, Member-at-Large Jacqueline Tutton, Member-at-Large Celia Wamsley, North Metro Chapter, #16 Jackie Wheatley, Verdugo Hills Chapter, #11 Dot White, Azalea City Harmony Chapter, #10 Sandi Wright, Chapter-at-Large, #5

60-YEAR MEMBER AWARDS Carol Ann Bagley, Spirit of the Gulf Chapter, #9 Judy Barner, Greater Harrisburg Chapter, #19 Sally Bone, Chapter-at-Large, #13 Lila Brandon, Member-at-Large Shirley Christie, Chapter-at-Large, #6 Shirley Coffman, Dundalk Chapter, #19 Marilyn Crosby, Toast of Tampa Show Chapter, #9 Lee Davison, Chapter-at-Large, #2

June Deiser, Alamo Metro Chapter, #10 Faye Dennison, Member-at-Large Marie Disher, Chapter-at-Large, #12 Mary Ellen Guntzelman, Columbus Chapter, #4 Teel Haas, Kansas City Chapter, #5 Shirley Holland, Member-at-Large Mary Keener*, Maple Mountain Chapter, #17 Gayle Lanz, Choral-Aires Chapter, #3 Nancy Lewis*, Sound of Sunshine Chapter, #9 Norma Moore*, Dundalk Chapter, #19

Edie Murphy, Harmony Celebration Chapter, #15 Charla Sherman, High Country Chapter, #8 Dolores Stone, Member-at-Large Barb Tame, Greater Cleveland Chapter, #17 Mary Waters, Chapter-at-Large, #5 Sally Wiskemann*, Member-at-Large Anita Wolfe, Kansas City Chapter, #5 *deceased

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Countdown to 75 years

1980-1989: BIG HAIR, BIG CHORDS, BIG CHANGES The name of our game is barbershop harmony — perhaps a little “hokey” sounding to the woman of the 80s. Nevertheless, it is our special kind of harmony, that “lock and ring,” that hooked each of us into this organization — Bev Miller, International President, 1987-1989

E S T. 1 9 4 5

The stories in this article are gleaned from past issues of The Pitch Pipe magazine. All issues can be found in the archives at Sweet Adelines International Headquarters in Tulsa, Okla.

Growth: As the 1980s began, we had chapters in the U.S., the U.K., the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden. In the early 80s, we gained prospective chapters in Venezuela, Germany (West Germany, at that time), and Grand Cayman in the British West Indies. In 1984, Yarra Valley Chapter of Melbourne became our first chartered Australian chapter, followed shortly by Perth Harmony Chapter. At the 1985 convention, the New Zealand flag was raised, and a Scottsdale “mini-chorus” sang a song in Māori in honor of the newly-chartered Wairoa Chapter and New Zealand prospective chapters. (For more on New Zealand Sweet Adelines, see our profile of 2019 Ann Gooch Award winner Patti Cooke on page 32.) In 1988, we gained the Rheinland-Pfalz Chapter of West Germany and in 1989, the Porvoo Chapter from Finland. In 1982, we had 33,703 members in 759 chapters, and in 1989, we had 29,389 members in 672 chapters.

when [Dzintar Chorus] sang the Latvian national anthem, rarely performed publicly since the country was taken over by the USSR,” reported a Sacramento Valley member in The Pitch Pipe. In 1989, Pat Butler Elementary School, which is still in operation in Paso Robles, California (USA), was built and named after Cuesta Belles Chorus Director Pat Butler in honor of her years as an educator.

The school opened the following year.

Iowa City Chorus members pose at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Sweet Adelines hold flags representing countries with chartered chapters.

Sharing, Caring: While in Minsk, Russia, Grand Rapids Chorus performed for children whose families had been displaced by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster. In the late 80s, Santa Fe Trail Chorus participated in a “Concert of Giving” to benefit Kansas City area AIDS patients. “Although we perform at many charity events, this concert was a particularly moving experience,” reported Santa Fe Trail Vice President Beryl Silberg. In 1989, Sacramento Valley Chorus exchanged songs with the 90-woman Dzintar Chorus, an a cappella ensemble visiting from Riga, Latvia (USSR, at the time). “The most touching moment occurred

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Computers: In 1983, Sweet Adelines used a bequest from member Jane Gould of 264 ½ shares of AT&T stock and cash to offset the cost of installing the first computer system — the Wang VS45 — at the headquarters building. A July 1986 article in The Pitch Pipe reported the result of a member survey on computer use: “A few people mentioned owning modems and communications software and commented on the future possibility of a telecommunicating network for Sweet Adelines. This network could provide the exchange of ideas and information across the whole organization without using the mail.” The survey revealed that the most popular computers with Sweet Adelines were the Apple IIe and “the MacIntosh,” along with IBM-PC, Compaq, and Kaypro II.

Unusual performances: In the 1980s, several quartets performed on cruise ships, including Queens of Harmony, MeloEdge (1983) and 4 For the Show (1984). City of Lakes Chorus performed at the 1985 Major League All-Star Baseball Game in Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA), which included many players who were later inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Chinook Winds (Show) Chorus members were among the 1,000 singers who performed at the opening ceremonies of the 1988 Olympic Games in Calgary, Alberta (CAN). Merrimack Valley Chorus and Iowa City Chorus performed in Paris, France as part of the French Bicentennial in 1989. City of Lakes Chorus performed for the American Collectors Association — the “kind that come after you when you don’t pay your bills!” as chorus member Luanne Owen described them in The Pitch Pipe.

Sharon Green (Left), director of accounting and systems administrator, and Janell Mason, extension and systems coordinator, work with the cutting-edge dot matrix printer.

Inset: The Wang VS45, Sweet Adelines Headquarters' first computer.

Celebrities: The 1983 Queens of Harmony, Melo-Edge, appeared on The Phil Donahue Show in the early 1980s.

Entertainer Toni Tennille hosted a 60-minute presentation featuring the 1981 International Quartet Competition, which aired on Public Broadcast Service (PBS) affiliates across the United States in 1982. In 1987, The Nylons (a U.S. a cappella pop group) performed at a benefit to help North Metro Chorus travel to international convention in Hawaii. Sundance quartet from L.A. South Towns Chorus performed in the world premiere of Babbit: A Marriage, the stage adaptation of the Sinclair Lewis novel. Los Angeles Times reviewer Dan Sullivan wrote, “The show uses a slick device here, a barbershop quartet. In fact, two. The 139th Street Quartet (guys) and the Sundance Quartet (gals).

They make some mighty sweet music...” In 1988, the Pride of Toledo Chorus opened for American pop group The Lettermen, and Battle Creek Chorus sang on the Andy Williams Christmas Show. When Vienna-Falls Chorus became the 1988 International Champion Chorus, they received a letter of congratulations from Ronald Reagan, president of the United States.

River Blenders Chorus performs at Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.

Competition Changes: In 1982, a quartet performance package was added to International finals competition, and in 1985, chorus finals incorporated a performance package. In 1989, the IBOD approved the implementation of Wild Card Quartet Contestants, to begin with the 1990 International Quartet Competition in Salt Lake City, Utah (USA). In 1989, the Growing Girls from Rönninge, Sweden, became the first quartet from outside the United States to become Queens of Harmony.

The Growing Girls, 1989 Queens of Harmony, from Rönninge, Sweden.

International President Bev Sellers is interviewed by a local news station at the 1983 convention in Detroit, Michigan (USA).

Directors Certification Program: The Directors Certification Program (DCP) began in 1987, with its introduction at the Directors Seminar in Tulsa, Oklahoma (USA). The program was “designed to give directors a wide range of educational opportunities coupled with evaluative tools to identify strengths and weaknesses.”

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Celebrate! A Moment of International Harmony: In 1986, the Hands Across America event attempted to form a continuous human chain of people holding hands across the contiguous United States. In 1987, for our 40th anniversary, Sweet Adelines held a similar unifying event: “Celebrate! A Moment of International Harmony.” On Tuesday, Oct. 13, Sweet Adelines gathered wherever they were (preferably out-of-doors, in a public area) at an agreed-upon time to perform “Sing and Celebrate!” which was specially composed for the event by Bev Sellers and Sylvia Alsbury. You might recognize the title from the 2019 International Education Symposium, which took it as a theme. They followed up with Nancy Bergman’s “Harmonize the World.”

Young Women in Harmony: In 1989, International President Bev Miller reported in The Pitch Pipe that, “Our concern for the future has led to the beginnings of the Young Women in Harmony program, which is currently being developed as a result of discussions at the International Board table and by the Administrative and Music Direction Committees. The program will be designed to provide education and performance opportunities for high school and college-age women, to provide exposure to barbershop harmony, and to develop curriculum materials in the educational sphere. When young women who have been exposed to this program become older and begin to look for avenues of expression and interest in their lives, we hope they will know where to turn.” The Young Women in Harmony program was approved at the 1989 midyear IBOD meeting.

1976 Queens of Harmony, High Society, perform at a beer festival in West Germany in 1982.

Mavis Burtness reminds Sweet Adelines that Fun is a priority at a leadership seminar in Tulsa, Oklahoma (USA).

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1980 Atlanta, Georgia (USA) 1981 Phoenix, Arizona (USA) 1982 Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA) 1983 Detroit, Michigan (USA) 1984 Las Vegas, Nevada (USA) 1985 Kansas City, Missouri (USA) 1986 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA) 1987 Honolulu, Hawaii (USA) 1988 Houston, Texas (USA) 1989 Miami Beach, Florida (USA)

1979-1981 • Ruth Uglow 1981-1983 • Marsha Fulton 1983-1985 • Bev Sellers 1985-1987 • Nancy Coates 1987-1989 • Bev Miller 1989-1991 • Marsha Fulton

1980 • Penna-Fores 1981 • All Star Jubilee 1982 • Music Gallery 1983 • Melo-Edge 1984 • 4 For The Show 1985 • Jubilation 1986 • Ambiance 1987 • Ginger ‘N Jazz 1988 • Savvy 1989 • Growing Girls

1980 • High Country Chorus 1981 • Seven Hills Chorus 1982 • Gem City Chorus 1983 • Valley Forge Chorus 1984 • Scottsdale Chorus 1985 • Gem City Chorus 1986 • Ramapo Valley Chorus 1987 • High Country Chorus 1988 • Vienna-Falls Chorus 1989 • Scottsdale Chorus

Education

WARM UP SAFELY! Tips from practicing physical therapist, Pat Dunphy

M

any choruses engage in physical warm-ups prior to the director taking charge of the chorus. It can raise the energy level of the singers, set the tone for the evening and help members to cast off the cares of the day. However, we all have differing levels of fitness and physical capabilities. How can we get the most out of physical warm-ups and also engage safely?

• ALL ALL ALL movements should be performed with knees unlocked, even when standing still. You don’t have to bend your knees a lot (1/2 inch [1 cm] is fine), but make sure the knees aren’t locked. When knees are locked, most people use none of the thigh muscles, and we want to access those thigh muscles.

• Any warm up or movement where your hands are over your shoulders or head tends to raise your rib cage. When you come out of that position, be aware and try to keep your rib cage in the up position as you sing!

• When doing shoulder shrugs, the important motions are down and back. When doing shoulder shrug circles, spend some extra time going down and back. This movement puts the sternum or breastbone up and forward, where you want it for singing.

• Toe touching can aggravate the lower back, possibly leading to lower back disc herniation. If you must bend, avoid bending from the waist.

• When standing straight and sliding your hand down the outside of your thigh, be sure to stand up straight and avoid leaning forward.

• A good thing to add to any physical warm up is to practice standing on one foot, as this is a skill we tend to lose as we age.

Try to stand on one foot for more than a moment. Three to five seconds is good; longer is better. The great thing is that this skill will improve very quickly.

• If you have PAIN with any motion, do not ignore it or try to work through it. After a few minutes of warm up, try the motion • When doing circles with your head, be sure to do them SLOWLY again. If it hurts, even warmed up, ask the choreographer for a substitute motion if it is something you need to do on stage. and end the circle slowly.

If it is just part of the warm up, move to a position that DOES NOT HURT. Pain is a warning signal and should be respected.

• When moving your arm(s) away from your side, ALWAYS lead the motion with your thumb pointing to the ceiling. This is true of NO PAIN, NO GAIN is a MYTH. It is important to respect and acknowledge any pain. all movements of your arms.

• When doing twisting motions with your body, be sure to stand up straight and do not bend when you twist. Also be sure to twist and untwist SLOWLY. • If there is a choreo move where the body turns to the left or to the right, or a move where it returns to center from left or right, be sure to move your feet, rather than twisting your knees. It is best to turn your feet at the same time as your body to avoid knee strain.

Pat Dunphy is a practicing physical therapist with a doctorate in physical therapy from Boston University. She also has a degree in voice and has been a Sweet Adeline for almost 25 years.

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Education

THE KEY TO SUCCESS? BE MORE YOU

“Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!”

— Dr. Seuss

S

uccess is the art of being who you already are. You make the greatest contribution when your energies are focused on expanding and living your unique talents and abilities. By acknowledging and working from your signature strengths, you can become the best you can possibly be, and by achieving your peak potential, you can contribute deeply to the world.

Yet our society supports the opposite. Instead of building on strengths, attention and focus is most often placed on correcting our deficiencies. It seems to be a global obsession to focus relentlessly on our shortcomings with messaging designed to make us question our inadequacies. This scarcity mindset keeps us stuck and focused in a downward spiral of negativity that affects our self-esteem, self-confidence and joy.

In contrast, a generative strengths-based approach amplifies what is already good and turns it into great. Playing to your strengths means you can contribute more. Living into your strengths brings you alignment, happiness, and joy.

The work in the area of Strengths-based Psychology, founded

by Dr. Donald O. Clifton, supports this generative approach.

Clifton worked with author Tom Rath and a team of Gallup scientists with a goal of starting a global conversation about what’s right with people. Through their research they discovered

that “People have several times more potential for growth when they invest energy in developing their strengths instead of correcting their deficiencies,” as Rath noted in Clifton’s 2007 book StrengthsFinder 2.0.

What could feel better than knowing your biggest successes will come from magnifying your innate signature brilliance?

“What?” you say. “I have no brilliance. I am only average.”

Let’s get one thing straight — everyone in this world is unique.

In fact, your DNA and your set of life experiences have created a You who is different from anyone else. For the greatest and easiest path to success, you simply need to be more of who you already are. Focus your energies on increasing your capacity in those areas in which you have natural ability. Be more You. Not convinced? Consider this: it is selfish not to acknowledge your strengths and step into them. By embracing your strengths, you will be more of the best parts of you, and the whole world benefits. Playing small shuts down the possibilities of our contributing fully to the world.

It takes but a simple mindset shift to feel the benefits of switching from scarcity thinking (“What is wrong with me?”) to abundant thinking (“What is right with me?”). Follow these four steps and see how your life changes. (Without you changing!)

STEP 1: IDENTIFY AND ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR STRENGTHS First, and most importantly, you must do the work of identifying your strengths. What makes you You? If that’s a tough one for you to answer, it could well be the biggest area of potential improvement (your “growing edge” area).

Exercise: Create your “I AM” List

Grab a piece of paper and set the timer for three minutes. Write a list of 20 of your qualities and strengths. Dig deep and get at the strength underneath a learned skill. For example, instead of writing that you are a good accountant, write the qualities you have that make you a good accountant such as being analytical or thorough.

If you have trouble filling your list, think of talents or qualities you have that others think are fantastic but that you perhaps don’t acknowledge because they are just “who you are.” If you get stuck, ask those close to you what they see in you. Your homework: Fill up your list of 20.

Reflection:

Which of those twenty qualities do you most enjoy using, or exhibiting, or sharing when interacting with others? Circle or highlight those as your signature strengths.

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STEP 2: STEP INTO YOUR SIGNATURE STRENGTHS Once you have acknowledged your signature strengths, think about how you can really step into them. How could you show up as more Susan, more Lynda, more Dianne? How could you be the best parts of yourself most often? Focus your energies on increasing your capacity in those areas in which you have natural ability. Be more You.

Reflection:

On a scale of 1-10 (10 being “always,” 1 being “never”), how often do you show up fully expressing the qualities you circled in Step 1?

STEP 3: ALIGN YOUR STRENGTHS Consciously think about ways to align your life and your goals with your natural qualities. Keep your “I AM List” handy and focus on it daily. Clifton notes that Gallup studies indicate “people who…have the opportunity to focus on their strengths every day are six times as likely to be engaged in their jobs and more than three times as likely to report having an excellent quality of life in general.”

Reflection:

What might happen if you most fully aligned your strengths and focused on expressing them more often? (Write down three positive results.)

STEP 4: HELP OTHERS Help those around you acknowledge and celebrate their strengths, and watch how they grow. Imagine a world in which everyone was encouraged to explore and live from their greatest capacity.

When I work with groups and teams, I encourage each member to consider that their greatest contribution to the team will be when they show up fully as themselves. The different aspects of every individual in a collective are what make the group unique. Celebrating, valuing, and encouraging the expression of the differences of each member is the key to a group’s growth and success.

Jan Carley, the Inner Coach of Barbershop, is the author of Harmony from the Inside Out and The Overtone Effect.

She sings lead in Lions Gate Chorus and Fandango Quartet (Region 26) and will be guest faculty at Sweet Adelines International Education Symposium (IES) 2020.

. ur Voice Find Yo

INVinEySouTrself OWER EMthP o ersING S as one

delines

Sweet A

onal Internati on Educati ium Sympos

20 -26, 20 July 22 onio, TX San Ant es Stat United

Come learn with guest faculty Jan Carley and other great instructors at the International Education Symposium on July 22-26 in San Antonio, Texas (USA).

Registration is open now!

Both books are available from Sweet Adelines International Sales! www.sweetadelines.com/shop

Visit www.sweetadelines.com/IES2020 to find out more.

January 2020 |

43

Re

$1 gister b 00 y Fe US b. 1, 2 D 020 a di nd r sc ece ou ive a nt .

Sing the World with Harmony Travel!

London “Sing In Harmony” Festival • July 17-23, 2021

$2199 USD per person/Double Occupancy • Perform with fellow Sweet Adelines at historic venues in London and Oxford, UK! • See the sights with dedicated tour managers.

• Enjoy organized social events.

• Meals, cultural events, ground services, and transportation included.

Featured Guest…2018 International Champion Quartet, Lustre!

Harmony Travel will donate $100 USD per participant to Sweet Adelines International via The Overtone Society.

Add on Cruise!

Quartet photos courtesy of Sweet Adelines International.

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Post-festival cruise ($1979 Main Deck, $2229 Upper Deck) of the Seine River with the 2020 International Champion Quartet, Viva!

For more information, visit www.harmony-travel.net/London Festival/SeineRiverCruise.

Philanthropy

Direction, Guidance, and Help The story behind Nancy and Dave Kurth’s gifts to Sweet Adelines International

I

n 1969, Nancy Kurth saw photos of the local Sweet Adelines chorus preparing for a show in the Sunday newspaper of her hometown, St. Joseph, Missouri (USA).

“I was out of college and singing in my church choir, but it didn't give me the performance piece that I loved, so when I saw they were doing a show, I thought, ‘Oh, that's what I want to do!’” she said.

Fifty years later, singing with Sweet Adelines is still what she wants to do. Nancy’s career in insurance meant her family moved often due to promotions. She has been a member of seven Sweet Adelines choruses, part of the directing team in five of them, and serves on the Regional Management Team, Today, she sings bass with Rave quartet and Pride of Portland Chorus and directs Northwest Harmony Chorus, and Sweet Adelines are still inspiring her.

Nancy has served with Sweet Adelines’ Young Singers Foundation (YSF) since its inception and currently chairs the YSF Advancement Committee. The YSF provides scholarships for students pursuing degrees in music education. Nancy and her husband, Dave, included YSF in their estate planning. After leaving equal percentages to their children and other family members, the Kurths had a percentage left over. When their financial planner asked if there was a nonprofit they would like to give it to, Nancy said they immediately suggested YSF because of what music has meant to her.

“Growing up, my brothers had sports, and I didn't have any outlet like that until I found music,” she said. “Music helped me develop as a young person, and it was my high school music teacher who was my greatest influence in getting me focused on

going to college. My teacher helped me fill out my applications for college and helped me decide where to go. If my contribution can help a music educator give someone else direction, guidance, and help, that's what I want to do.”

The Kurths are glad to know that they can help continue the legacy of Sweet Adelines International, but “we also talked about how enjoyable it is to be able to see the result of our donation in addition to thinking about how it will continue once we've passed,” said Nancy.

At the international convention in New Orleans, the Kurths celebrated Nancy’s fiftieth year in Sweet Adelines and memorialized the life of her nephew, Keegan Rice, a 27-year-old musician, dancer and actor, with a $10,000 matching gift to Sweet Adelines International’s Support Life on a High Note campaign. Their gift inspired individual members of the international board of directors to add $10,000 USD to match. The Kurth’s generosity gave the Support Life on a High Note campaign a great boost toward its goal of raising $150,000 for Sweet Adelines International educational and other programs by Dec. 31, 2019.

“In Scottsdale's chorus education class in New Orleans, one of their members came out and spoke,” Nancy said. “She was 89 years old, soon to be 90, well-spoken and active in that chorus, and I thought, ‘That's what I want. That's my goal...to still, at 89 almost 90, be able to perform with a high quality chorus and feel like I'm contributing.’”

Nancy said she hopes the Kurths’ gifts help give all singers lifelong access to the power of music.

“I know what music can do for a young person's life and how important it can be, so I want to support that.”

Making Sweet Adelines part of your estate planning through a will or charitable trust means your generosity will last beyond your lifetime.

To find out how you can make Sweet Adelines International part of your estate planning, consult with your financial planner and contact Sweet Adelines International Director of Philanthropy Susan Smith at philanthropy@sweetadelines.com or 1.918.388.8040.

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ALIGNING YOUR CHORUS IDENTITY

Y

Is it time to update your mission and vision statements?

our chorus is your musical family. Just like a family, a chorus’ identity can grow and change over the years. While we are all here for the music, each chorus has a unique culture, made up of values, beliefs, interests, and habits. As you start the New Year, you may want to reevaluate your chorus’ culture. A great way to start this process is by analyzing your mission statement and vision statement to make sure they align with the new Sweet Adelines International Mission and Vision Statements while reflecting your chorus’ unique culture and goals.

Your mission statement describes your purpose and how your chorus fulfills the Sweet Adelines mission of Elevating women singers worldwide through education, performance, and competition in barbershop harmony and a cappella music. Does your chorus love to volunteer in the community? Does your chorus want to shine on the International stage? Are you devoted to music education, or is leadership enrichment your focus? You don’t have to pick just one purpose, but knowing the main reason you come together each

week can help your chorus create focus and goals.

Your vision statement describes your desired end state — how your chorus will contribute to the Sweet Adelines International vision of Inspiring and empowering voices to joyfully harmonize the world. Your chorus can become the preeminent chorus in your area for holiday entertainment, or perhaps you want to become a solid B+ chorus at regional competition. Your mission statement and vision statement should complement each other.

Just as a family grows and evolves, so too might your vision and mission statements, as Sweet Adelines International’s have over the years. Revisit your mission and vision statements to make sure they’re still relevant to your chorus and that they align with Sweet Adelines International’s, and then use them to focus your membership recruiting and retention efforts. Having an understanding of who your chorus is and where your unique gifts fit into the overall mission of Sweet Adelines International helps you live life on a high note!

DIRECTOR SEARCH

Almost Heaven is seeking a new director for our Charleston, WV based group.

Our small chorus would prefer to find a director with barbershop experience but will consider working with a skilled individual who is enthusiastic to be a first time director and/or eager to learn the barbershop art form.

For further information and to apply, send email to: director_search@almostheavenchorus.com; christineharold@gmail.com or suzanwaz@aol.com.

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SING OUT, RING OUT, SHOW OUT… Voice Part Mug This is me!

Advertise your vocal part while soothing your cords with a warm beverage. Available in tenor, lead, baritone, and bass…of course. $9.75

Eyeglasses Cleaning Cloth I can see clearly now…

Keep your glasses spotless with this handy cleaner! $3

Wine Opener Celebrate good times… come on!

Wine-not open a refreshing bottle with this handy tool? $7

Hot/Cold Pack You’re hot then you’re cold…

Keep your cool or stay warm with this hot/cold pack! $4.50

Notecards Write this down…take a little note

These notecards are perfect for musical reminders or friendly encouragement! $12

Earbuds Listen to your heart…

Or whatever you want to hear with these discreet and comfortable earbuds! $5.25

Singer Series Pins Recognize your achievement!

All prices in USD.

You earned every chord, every smile, every point! $19.95

To purchase, contact Sweet Adelines International Sales Department at Sales@sweetadelines.com, visit www.sweetadelines.com/shop, or call 1.918.622.1444 ext. 112 or toll free 1.877.545.5441. Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. CDT (2 p.m.-10:30 p.m. GMT)

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. Publication Title: The Pitch Pipe 2. Publication No.: ISSN 0882-214X 3. Filing Date: Sept. 30, 2019 4. Issue Frequency: Quarterly 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 4 6. Annual Subscription Price: $12 Contact: Kim Berrey Telephone: 918-388-8014 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: Sweet Adelines International 9110 S. Toledo Ave., Tulsa, Okla. 74137-2700 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: Sweet Adelines International 9110 S. Toledo Ave., Tulsa, Okla. 74137-2700 9. Publisher Sweet Adelines International 9110 S. Toledo Ave., Tulsa, Okla. 74137-2007 Editor in Chief: Tamatha Goad, Sweet Adelines International 9110 S. Toledo Ave., Tulsa, Okla. 74137-2007 Managing Editor: Kim Berrey, Sweet Adelines International 9110 S. Toledo Ave., Tulsa, Okla. 74137-2007

Extent and Nature of Circulation Quarterly Magazine of Sweet Adelines International Total Number of Copies (net press run) (1) Mailed Outside Country Paid Subscriptions (2) Mailed In Country Paid Subscriptions (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Total Paid Distribution (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside Country (2) Free or Nominal Rate In Country (3) Free or Nominal Rate Mailed at Other Classes (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution

Avg. No. Copies of Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months 20,180 13,674

Avg. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

0

0

0

0

0

0

13,674 0

13,677 0

0

0

0

0

50

50

50

50

19,800 13,677

Total Distribution

13,724

13,727

10. Owner: Sweet Adelines International 9110 S. Toledo Ave. Tulsa, Okla. 74137-2007

Copies Not Distributed

150

150

Total

13,874

13,877

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 percent or more of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgagees or Other Securities: None

Percent Paid

99.64%

99.64%

12. Tax Status: The purpose, status and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes has NOT changed during the preceding 12 months.

13. Publication Title: The Pitch Pipe 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: Oct. 2019

Electronic Copy Circulation Each issue is posted on SAI website but no separate electronic distribution XX I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are paid above a nominal price.

Publication of Statement of Ownership required. Will be printed in the January 2019 Pitch Pipe.

(Signed by) Kim Berrey Managing Editor

Sept. 30, 2019

January 2020 |

49

Sweet Adelines

Affinity Programs for Members You have no doubt heard that saying about life happening while you were busy making other plans?

Life can be uncertain — yet you can certainly utilize many strategies to help manage difficulties. With that in mind, Sweet Adelines is offering members the opportunity to take advantage of two services that are especially important in today’s world: access to legal advice and identity theft protection.

A third program, Healthiestyou, assures 24/7 access to a doctor for diagnosis, treatment plans, prescriptions and more.

For complete information, visit Added Values for Membership at www.sweetadelines.com/ resources.

All three services operate on easy, convenient mobile apps. Sweet Adelines can choose individual or family plans.

LegalShield It is stressful enough to need legal advice, let alone having to worry about what it will cost. With a LegalShield plan, you can contact your law firm for legal advice and not worry about high hourly fees. No legal issue is too big or too small and your lawyer is just a toll-free number away. LegalShield includes many benefits but even at the most basic level, our plans allow you to have peace of mind.

IDShield IDShield is the only identity theft protection company armed with a team of licensed private investigators on call to restore your identity. IDShield monitors your social security/insurance number, bank and credit accounts, passport, email, driver’s license number, social media accounts and much more. IDShield provides a complete picture of identity theft and can walk you through all the steps to protect yourself.

Healthiestyou

By Teladoc

®

Whether you have questions or just aren’t feeling well, you can effortlessly connect to a 24/7 telehealth hotline for the diagnosis and treatment of illness, second opinions and consultations. Board-certified, licensed physicians in every U.S. state are waiting to provide exceptional care. They can even prescribe medication and save a trip to the doctor’s office, whether members are at home or on the road. Your healthcare just got a whole lot easier!

LegalShield and IDShield are available in the U.S. and Canada,* with variable coverage on the legal plan. Healthiestyou is available only in the U.S. at this time. *(Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nunavut, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon)

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Accolades As of June 21 – November 12, 2019

DIRECTOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM Advanced to Approved Director Jamee Billings, Toast of Tampa, #9 Judy Pugh, Crystal Chimes, #25 Wendy Hoople, Chinook Winds Show, #26 Advanced to Certified Director

IN MEMORY

— August 1, 2019 through October 31, 2019

Grace Moore, Sweet Georgia Sound, #14 Petula Bannard, East City Sound, #34 Mary Kay Donia, River Raisin, #17 Joy Sanders, City of the Hills, #15 Carol Sutton, North Metro, #16 Mary Streeter, Song of the Lakes, #2 Crystal Roosa, Skyline, #8

Alison Souter, Aberdeen, #31

Avis Fellows, City of Lakes, #6

Amanda Hauler, Jersey Sound, #19

Nancy Lewis, Sound of Sunshine, #9

Amy Fleming, Desert High Harmony, #12

Helen Davis, Chapter-At-Large, #2

Anda van Stegeren, Singing Unlimited, #31

Janice Hurschmann, River Raisin, #17

Connie Johnston, Arbutus Sounds, #26

Mayme Malmquist, West Shore, #17

Dorothy Main, Aberdeen, #31

Marilyn Vokoun, TwinCity, #15

Jamie Bearden, Note-Ably North Texas, #25

Ellen Fried, Chapter-at-Large, #19

Jane Brown, Pride of Baltimore, #19

Mary Karney, Flagship City, #17

Jason Scriver, Sounds of Superior, #6

Lindsey Dyer, A Cappella West, #34

Jennifer Winsor, Gainesville Harmony, #9

Debra Adams, Pride of Kentucky, #4

Jonathan Albertini, Coastal Charisma, #34 Kathryn Morrical, Capital Accord, #19 Kathy Littlefield, Sparkling City, #10 Kathy Myers, Colorado Spirit, #8 Kim Kirkman, Hot Ginger, #34 Melody Templeton, Hilton Head Shore Notes, #9 Kimberly Heilbrun, South Florida Jubilee, #9 Leanne Wheeler, Waikato Rivertones, #35 Linda Vinall, Onkaparinga Harmony, #34 Lyn Smith, Coastal Acappella, #34 Melissa Lindholm, Emerald City, #25 Michelle Hunget, Kansas City, #5 Robyn Abernethy, Dunedin Harmony, #35 Vivien Daley, Christchurch City, #35 Harmony 500 Director Dana Evans, Emerald City, #25 Lori Ludlum, Shades of Harmony, #19 Rowena Harper, Waikato Rivertones, #35

CLASSIFIEDS DIRECTOR SEARCH:

The Magic Valley Chorus in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, performs all over the RGV at luncheons, professional organizations, Winter Texan parks and other community functions. MVC presents an annual show with full-time residents and Winter Texans from several states and Canada.

Contact: Assistant Director • Dr. Gloria J. Crum 956-821-4659 • DrGCrum@yahoo.com

CLASSIFIEDS NOW HIRING - FRONT LINE DIRECTOR! Rhythm of the Rockies is an energetic chorus, 75 members strong. We are 4x International competitors and 2013 Harmony Classic champions. Come to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, the #1 ranked ‘most livable’ city in North America! www.rhythmoftherockies.org

Sheryl Brook, Hearts of Harmony, #26 Master Director Marie Erenstedt, Gothia Show, #32 Michael Hengelsberg, Greater Harmony, #17

If you are interested in submitting an article for consideration in a future issue of The Pitch Pipe, email communications@sweetadelines.com.

January 2020 |

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REGION

10

Competition Dates and Deadlines

#

Quartet Entry Deadline (60 Days): 1/20/20 Quartet Late Entry Deadline (45 Days): 2/4/20 Quartet Contest Date: 3/20/2020 Order of Appearance Draw (55 Days): 1/27/20 Chorus Entry Deadline (60 Days): 1/21/20 Chorus Late Entry Deadline (45 Days): 2/5/20 Chorus Contest Date: 3/21/20 Competition Packet Emailing (105 days): 12/6/19 International 30-Day Mailing: 2/19/20

Important: The paperwork for new and renewing quartets must be submitted and processed before they may register for competition.

New quartets or quartet renewals received after Jan. 15, 2020, will be charged additional registration fees.

REGION

11

#

REGION

14

#

REGION

REGION

25

3

#

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Quartet Entry Deadline (60 Days): 1/27/20 Quartet Late Entry Deadline (45 Days): 2/11/20 Quartet Contest Date: 3/27/20 Order of Appearance Draw (55 Days): 2/3/20 Chorus Entry Deadline (60 Days): 1/28/20 Chorus Late Entry Deadline (45 Days): 2/12/20 Chorus Contest Date: 3/28/20 Competition Packet Emailing (105 days): 12/13/19 International 30-Day Mailing: 2/26/20 REGION

2

#

REGION

9

#

REGION

12

#

REGION

19

#

REGION

26

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Quartet Entry Deadline (60 Days): 3/2/20 Quartet Late Entry Deadline (45 Days): 3/17/20 Quartet Contest Date: 5/1/20 Order of Appearance Draw (55 Days): 3/9/20 Chorus Entry Deadline (60 Days): 3/3/20 Chorus Late Entry Deadline (45 Days): 3/18/20 Chorus Contest Date: 5/2/20 Competition Packet Emailing (105 days): 1/17/20 International 30-Day Mailing: 4/1/20

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REGION

4

#

REGION

8

#

REGION

16

#

REGION

21

#

Quartet Entry Deadline (60 Days): 2/3/20 Quartet Late Entry Deadline (45 Days): 2/18/20 Quartet Contest Date: 4/3/20 Order of Appearance Draw (55 Days): 2/10/20 Chorus Entry Deadline (60 Days): 2/4/20 Chorus Late Entry Deadline (45 Days): 2/19/20 Chorus Contest Date: 4/4/20 Competition Packet Emailing (105 days): 12/20/19 International 30-Day Mailing: 3/4/20 REGION

6

#

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15

#

REGION

17

#

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32

#

REGION

35

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Quartet Entry Deadline (60 Days): 3/9/20 Quartet Late Entry Deadline (45 Days): 3/24/20 Quartet Contest Date: 5/8/20 Order of Appearance Draw (55 Days): 3/16/20 Chorus Entry Deadline (60 Days): 3/10/20 Chorus Late Entry Deadline (45 Days): 3/25/20 Chorus Contest Date: 5/9/20 Competition Packet Emailing (105 days): 1/24/20 International 30-Day Mailing: 4/8/20

REGION

REGION

1

REGION

5

#

13

#

#

Quartet Entry Deadline (60 Days): 2/24/20 Quartet Late Entry Deadline (45 Days): 3/10/20 Quartet Contest Date: 4/24/20 Order of Appearance Draw (55 Days): 3/2/20 Chorus Entry Deadline (60 Days): 2/25/20 Chorus Late Entry Deadline (45 Days): 3/11/20 Chorus Contest Date: 4/25/20 Competition Packet Emailing (105 days): 1/10/20 International 30-Day Mailing: 3/25/20 REGION

31

#

REGION

34

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Quartet Entry Deadline (60 Days): 3/16/20 Quartet Late Entry Deadline (45 Days): 3/31/20 Quartet Contest Date: 5/15/20 Order of Appearance Draw (55 Days): 3/23/20 Chorus Entry Deadline (60 Days): 3/17/20 Chorus Late Entry Deadline (45 Days): 4/1/20 Chorus Contest Date: 5/16/20 Competition Packet Emailing (105 days): 1/31/20 International 30-Day Mailing: 4/15/20

DIABLO VISTA CHORUS

2020 Harmony Classic Division AA Champion Chorus REGION #12, Walnut Creek, Calif.

RÖNNINGE SHOW CHORUS 2020 International Champion Chorus REGION #32, Rönninge, Sweden