New Member Series

I Have To Do What?!?
Responsibilities of A Sweet Adeline (Part I)

By Cara Artman, Region 5, River Blenders Chorus

Congratulations, you are now a member of a unique group of women. You probably do not realize it but you have gained 30,000 friends. Some of them are as close as the women standing next to you on the risers and some are a half a world away. Each and every one of you shares a love of singing and will forever have a strong Sweet Adeline connection that those on “the outside world” will never understand.

Now that you are a “full-fledged Sweet Adeline,” you get to reap the benefits and share in the responsibilities of this international singing organization. Hopefully your chorus has given you some idea of what is expected of Sweet Adelines and seeing as that you are receiving The Pitch Pipe and reading this article, it must mean that you are willing to accept the responsibilities.

Save Your Pennies …

“Money, money, money, lots of money, money, money!” For you newbies, that is a line from a fun song many Sweet Adelines are familiar with. It is also one of those annoying responsibilities every member has. Sweet Adeline membership does cost money, just ask your chorus financial manager (she’s probably in the baritone section). In the beginning, it will seem like you are always paying for something regarding Sweet Adelines. Members will pay their international, regional and chorus dues. Regional and chorus dues vary depending on the region and the chorus. Then comes the costume. This cost also varies with each chorus. Most likely you should plan to pay for one or two costumes, the appropriate shoes, make-up, jewelry, all-in-one and any other accessory that the chorus may have that goes with a costume. Competitions also cost money (but they are worth it!). There is usually a registration fee, transportation, food and hotel fees that you will have to pay. When all is said and done, it is all money well spent. All hobbies cost money, but not all hobbies offer the joys of harmony and camaraderie that Sweet Adelines International offers its members. Besides, one of the greatest aspects of membership is spreading the word about your chorus and the organization; this is best done with fund-raising. The more fund-raising your chorus does, the less out of pocket money. So, be creative.

… and Your Time

Every Sweet Adeline must realize that this hobby takes time. Time in the sense that you have a weekly rehearsal that you should attend if you plan to grow and get better as an individual singer and as a group. It is wise to allow some time to really bond with your chorus and understand what is being taught. Plan to attend the chorus fund-raisers, dinners, and picnics. In the end you will be happy you gave that time. Another thing you have to provide time for is for your instrument. Your voice will not improve overnight. You need to prepare it for weekly rehearsals and daily practicing of your music. As competitions and shows get closer, more demands will be made on your time. Please know that this can be a very beneficial for you as a Sweet Adeline. The extra rehearsals and coaching sessions are when the final touches are made and you can really make a song your own. The time you put into a song or package will pay off for you at competition, both regional and international. Both are thrilling, fun and educational experiences. Competition is another aspect of membership and can be a very fun and rewarding experience. Just being on stage provides encouragement for many choruses to excel.

The mission of every Sweet Adeline member and the entire International organization is to advance the musical art form of barbershop through education and performance. While this does take a lot of work, always remember that no matter what the responsibility, being a member of Sweet Adelines is a hobby. Keep singing, have fun and continue learning. Welcome to this amazing organization, we love having you.

*Part 2, Benefits of Being A Sweet Adeline—Like I Didn’t Already Know will be in the next issue of The Pitch Pipe.

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