Queens’ College 2008

By Sheila Martinez, Kansas City Chorus, Region 7

The Coronet Club will present its fourth in a series of quartet education schools in the fall of 2008 after almost two years of planning. Spearheading plans for this series are Betty Clipman and Karen Breidert, both master teachers, Certified International Faculty and Queens of Harmony. Members of Sweet Adelines International interested in the art and fellowship of quartet singing can take advantage of this educational opportunity by registering for one of four schools to be held in Denver, Colo.; Baltimore, Md.; St. Louis, Mo.; and Sacramento, Calif., where they will learn from those who have “been there, done that!”

What is Queens’ College?

“I love the Queens’ College — what a wonderful boost to quartets. Thank you!”

“A wonderful educational event, love being part of such a great organization, very well organized — so worthwhile. Thanks so much!”

“Outstanding! I feel so bad for everyone who didn’t come because they thought it only applied to quartet members.”

“The registration fee was so reasonable for all the quartet information and guidance — what a wonderful thing the Coronet Club is doing!”

Queens’ College is a weekend packed with classes, performances, quartet coaching, laughing, examining crowns and meeting new friends — all wrapped up with a song especially selected for participants of the schools.

The Coronet Club established the Queens’ College series in recognition and support of quartet education. The initial series offered schools in six locations in 1996, followed by four schools in 2000 and four more in 2004. Selection of school sites and dates is influenced by the number of potential attendees in a geographical area as well as plans already made for quartet education at the regional level. Other factors considered are availability of Queens to serve as faculty, ease of travel into the selected site and hotel costs.

Learning the Championship Way

“Absolutely the best overall clinic I have ever attended! It hit all the basics as well as specifics.”

“Wish we had this every year! It’s so important to get with the Queens to tell us their secrets and to see they are ordinary people and that it’s possible for us.”

“Fabulous weekend — thank you for this incredible opportunity to learn from the best.”

It’s not just for quartets — these schools are open to all members and chorus directors. Attendees learn championship skills from International Champions in classes designed and taught by members of The Coronet Club. Faculty share tips on music selection and part-smart singing using the song selected for the schools. All pre-registrants receive the arrangement and a learning CD for homework before coming to school. Class topics range from music selection by today’s standards to rehearsal techniques to characterization to how to use the competition experience to improve as a performing unit.

Quartets who register together have the opportunity for a coaching session with a member of the faculty. Coaching slots are limited and are assigned on a first come, first served basis upon receipt of paid registration. If open slots are available onsite, additional quartet coaching and PVIs for individuals are offered. This has been a very popular part of the school. One attendee wrote: “Thank you! We were a bit afraid that it might be over our heads, but everyone made a great effort to be inclusive, answer all kinds of questions, etc. The coaching was kind/understanding — no regrets ... we’ll be back when you are!”

The Faculty

“Excellent. Should be offered again and again. There is no faculty to top a Queen who can teach!”

“I hope you don’t stop doing these. This was fabulous! I thought FANATIX and the faculty were wonderful.”

Queens’ College faculty members demonstrate the highest accomplishments, talent, skills and Sweet Adeline certifications. Active International champion quartets and Queens who are members of Sweet Adelines International judging, faculty and music arrangers programs serve as faculty. These women work long hours during the schools, and they leave the school renewed and excited about our craft. As one faculty member wrote: “Thank you so much for the opportunity ... it was just an incredible feeling for me to be sitting and getting to know such a talented pool of Queens and learning so much even from the couple of hours we had to share during our meals together. The participants were an incredible representation of our organization. They were thirsty for knowledge, gracious and open to instruction and full of questions. I was truly inspired and it renewed my joy of our hobby.”
Future Queens’ Colleges?

“Keep it going — it’s absolutely fabulous!”

“I LOVE this! This is my first Queens’ College, but it won’t be my last!”

“Every four years isn’t enough!”

Our thanks go to those of you who have participated in Queens’ College in the past. It’s your enthusiastic response and love of quartetting that inspires us to continue the schools. The interest is there ... just re-read the comments of some of previous attendees. But, as in any endeavor, it takes time and money.

Many volunteer hours go into the planning and implementation of this ambitious program by members of The Coronet Club. Queens’ College is not a money-making event. Schools are funded by a combination of monies set aside in The Coronet Club budget and registration fees.

For more information on Queens’ College 2008 visit www.CoronetClub.org and click on the Queens’ College link. See you in school!

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