Spring is in the Air — Regional Contests and Elections

The pressure is on! Two weeks until contest and I still don’t have a window. Do you think that lead will ever remember that the notes go straight across? How can she stand there and never emote? Her costume is never going to fit by contest time! Is our director deaf? Can’t she hear that flat baritone behind me? I don’t know about you, but this is not a journey I’m anxious to take! Some of us have already competed and some of us have yet to experience the wonder of performing for our peers this spring. Let’s harvest all the points we can and make sure we’re good to one another along the way. Last year, Diane Porsch wished the competitors in our region the very best and reminded them that K-mart would open on Monday no matter what the outcome! What a great attitude!

I’ve learned over the years that the world around me is largely made up of my own attitudes. Why not choose a happy one?!

It’s also election time in our choruses. I’m sure that you’ll say “YES” when the nominating committee comes to you for the slate. The experience of working with such a diverse group of women is so rewarding. You’ll not only hone your management skills but you’ll enjoy the mixture of personalities and the laughter you’ll share. Give it a shot!

Thank you to the 2004-05 committee members who contributed countless hours coming up with creative and educational ideas and plans throughout the year. Those members are: Executive Committee, Carole Kirkpatrick, Pat LeVezu, Inger Bergqvist, Patty Warren, Ellen Gallacher; Editorial Review Board, Inger Bergqvist, Marge Bailey, Cissie Alexander; Education Direction Committee, Kathy Carmody, Marge Bailey, Joni Bescos, Tori Postma, Dale Syverson; International Bylaws and Rules Specialist Rita Hull; Worldwide Liaison Patty Warren; International Faculty Coordinators, Marge Zimmerman, Marilyn Cox, Peggy Gram; International Music Arrangers Program Coordinators, June Berg, Jo Lund, Jarmela Speta; Judge Specialists, Betty Clipman, Jackie Hall, Carolyn Healey, Marcia Pinvidic, Ruth Ann Parker; Nominating Committee, Dorothy Jurs, Cammi MacKinlay, Jackie Hall, Linda Gummerson, Janie Macchiaroli; Regional Leadership Coordinators, Ellen Gallacher, Dorothy Jurs, Molly Huffman; Showcase Committee, Inger Bergqvist, Becki Hine, Gail Jencik; Published Music Sales/Marketability Committee, Debbie Connelly, Åse Hagerman, Tori Postma, Sandy Robinson, Dale Syverson; Director Education Coordinators, Sharon Babb, Kim Hulbert, Harriette Walters, Cathy Rainey; 2005 IES Planning Chair Bev Miller; YSF Management Committee, Rita Hull, Toula Oberlies, Pat McCandless; and Membership Committee, Cammi MacKinlay, Cara Artman, Jane Barry-Davis, Pat LeVezu.

Speaking of laughter, there is a Denver doctor who says laughter really is the best medicine. Dr. Brad Nieder is a corporate comedian. He travels all over the country as a Healthy Humorist selling his routine. The point of his routine is that laughter is good for you. Laughter is an immune booster, a stress-hormone reducer, a pain manager and a mood enhancer. The good doctor says that laughter in the work place improves morale and boosts creativity and productivity. Bottom line message is that laughing makes you feel good and it’s good for you, too. That’s a lot like singing isn’t it?

You’ve heard me say it before — singing is aerobic, creates endorphins and is so good for you. So laugh a lot and sing pretty. Remember — TELL SOMEONE about Sweet Adelines and how good it is for your body and spirit. Happy Spring!

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