Welcome to the first issue of
Real Harmony!
We are so excited to hear of your interest in Sweet Adelines International. This newsletter is intended to inform, encourage and inspire you on your journey towards becoming a Sweet Adelines member.
If you have a story you would like to share about your Sweet Adelines experience please send your letters, articles, photgraphs and information to commdept@sweetadelineintl.org. We also encourage comments and suggestions for the next issue.
Best wishes and happy reading.
Communications Department
Kelly Kirchhoff, Joey Mechelle Stenner, Ann-Marie Dowling and Christine Hill
Sweet Adelines Style
The Real Thing
Being passionate about singing is what this organization thrives on. They are real woman, singing real harmony, making real friendships and having real fun! You can't imagine the thrills that await you as a Sweet Adelines member. You will belong to a well-loved, worldwide family of women singers dedicated to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance. Sweet Adelines International has grown to be one of the world's larges
t nonprofit singing organizations for women, with more than 25,000 members throughout North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Whether you think barbershop is your style or not, you will be surprised when you hear the variety of music that Sweet Adelines choruses and quartets sing. This four-part, a cappella style of music lends itself to songs from any era – today’s ballads, popular show tunes, even jazz. Members also gain exciting opportunities to perform for professional sporting events, Olympic ceremonies, with major symphonies, on several well-known television shows, and many others.
You may be wondering if you can actually sing barbershop music. Barbershop harmony is different from any other kind of choral or group singing because of the vocal harmony produced by four parts: tenor, lead, baritone and bass. Any woman of average singing ability, with or without vocal training, will find a part that fits her range. Finding the right part for your voice is the initial step. With the education and vocal lessons offered through your membership you are bound to be a barbershop sensation.
For more history and details of Sweet Adelines International and barbershop harmony see the Who We Are Web page. You can get started by joining a chorus near you. Be a part of something real!
Young Women in Harmony
Young Women In Harmony is a program developed by Sweet Adelines International to teach emerging voices the skills, joy and rewards of performing and singing four-part harmony, barbershop style. This program delivers both musical excellence and education to young women across the globe, while offering a taste of the exciting world of show business.
The voices of Young Women in Harmony are spreading throughout cities everywhere, but with the cutbacks of music education programs in schools many talented young voices are still going unheard. You can launch a Young Women in Harmony program in your community by contacting your local coordinator. To review our regional listing of Young Women in Harmony coordinators go to http://www.sweetadelineintl.org/ywih-coordinators.cfm or to learn more about Young Women in Harmony watch this latest video, http://www.youtube.com/v/ZdVQBjccGUA.
Membership Benefits
Beyond Trophies and Plaques
The rewards of being a Sweet Adelines member go way beyond awards. As women, we tend to search for endeavors that will bring meaning and purpose to our lives. As a Sweet Adeline you become part of a well-respected family of women where your opinion matters and great friendships form. The organization becomes your own. The programs are planned by members for members. Sure, opportunities are bound to arise where you can earn great prizes, but more importantly it offers a place for you to express your talent like never before. You’ll discover that the opportunities available through Sweet Adelines International are unlimited. Here are just a few:
Education - You will learn music and vocal production, as well as choreography, stage production, costuming, makeup and much more. Training and certification programs are available in the areas of directing, arranging, judging, teaching (faculty), personal growth and leadership.
Competition - Hone your musical and performance skills at regional competitions. Each chorus rehearses regularly and is part of a region that holds educational events and chorus and quartet competitions each year. These events provide exciting opportunities to travel, perform and learn.
International Convention -
Thousands of members assemble annually to listen to the best quartets and choruses from each region compete in the international championships. Convention activities include education classes, a show of celebrity and top barbershop performers and a show presented by our past international champion quartets. The International Convention is held in the fall each year at different locations throughout the world, carefully selected years in advance.
Self-confidence -
Many members say the leadership skills they develop as a Sweet Adelines member change their lives. Through meeting people and learning to work together for common goals, members improve their social skills and gain self-confidence.
In addition to these significant benefits you are also offered discounts through the International Sales department on sheet music, CDs, videos, books, brochures, merchandise and International Convention registration. You will also receive the Sweet Adelines International quarterly publication of The Pitch Pipe magazine and other relevant newsletters filled with news, stories, letters, pictures and everything else you want to know about the wonderful world of Sweet Adelines.
Notable Performances
Real Experiences
Hollywood, Calif. - Region 34 Champion Endeavour Harmony Chorus sung its way into Hollywood's blockbuster Happy Feet. Members of Endeavour Harmony Chorus and other Sweet Adelines c
horuses from Syndey, Australia, were asked to participate in the mass choir for this animated movie.
Greece - Tropical Harmony Chorus organized a trip to Greece where they were asked to sing at the American Embassy in Athens. They also sang with several other quartets and a cappella groups that were local to the area. They performed at one of the hotels they stayed in on Mykonos Island and also enjoyed a four day cruise where they were invited to join the gala show to entertain fellow passengers.
Washington D.C. - Members of the Great Lakes Chorus, from Sterling Heights, Mich. were asked to perform at three scheduled concerts to honor and remember loved ones who have served in the military.
Hollywood, Calif. - The 2001 International Champion Quartet, A CAPPELLA GOLD, became the radio voices for Oreo by winning a national singing contest with their four-part harmony Oreo & Milk jingle. They walked away with a $10,000 grand prize, a recorded Oreo radio commercial and a trip to Los Angeles where they spent a day with Amercan Idol judge Randy Jackson.
London, England - Region 31 Champion Chorus Surrey Harmony were asked to sing for Her Royal Highness Princess Anne just before Christmas in St. James' Palace, home to several members of Britain's Royal family.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada - Members of the Assiniboine Show Chorus were invited to perform on the steps of the Manitoba Legislative Building in front of hundreds of people, including the mayor, Lieutenant Governor, veterans, military, marching bands, color guards and members of the general public.
Upcoming Events
International Education Symposium
July 16-19, 2008
Trinity University
San Antonio, Texas
It's the Final IES!
Kick it up a notch with more than 200 educational classes and learn from awe-inspiring faculty: Sweet Adelines International icons Peggy Gram and Dale Syverson will kick off the week with a session guaranteed to accelerate your vocal skills. From Start to Finish (featuring performances by 1999 International Champion Quartet RUMORS) is a must-see session for all singers!
Experience top educator Dr. Jim Henry, bass of the 1993 Barbershop Harmony Society International Champion Gas House Gang quartet. Dr. Henry is also the acclaimed director of the 160-member Ambassadors of Harmony Chorus and holds degrees in vocal music education, music theory and music composition, including a Ph.D. from Washington University. He travels the world as a guest conductor, coach, and lecturer. Dr. Henry will teach classes for directors and novice directors and will also offer elective classes available to all.
For information on IES and how to register log on to http://www.sweetadelineintl.org/ies-2008.cfm. Excitement abounds when it's kicked up a level never seen before!
International
Convention and Competition
Nov. 4-8, 2008
Harmonize
on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, home to Honolulu, Pearl Harbor,
Waikiki, the North Shore and Diamond Head.
Oahu
is a breathtaking blend of stunning natural beauty combined
with the comforts, amenities, and activities of contemporary
life. Whether relaxing on legendary Waikiki beach (pictured above), watching a traditional
hula, visiting an ancient Hawaiian temple, hiking through the
rich rainforests of Waimea Valley, or watching the brilliant
pastels of dusk fade off of Sunset Beach, spectacular sights
are found at every turn.
Showcase 2008 will be held the first Tuesday of convention week, Nov. 4, 2008, at
8:00 - 10:30 p.m. in Stan Sheriff Center at the
University of Hawaii at Manoa. Showcase 2008 will feature 2008 International Chorus Champions - Harborlites Chorus, SALT - the 2007 International Champion Quartet, a performance of combined japanese choruses, and polynesian entertainment, including a spectacular blend of the finest song and dance from each Polynesian island group. The dramatic war dances of Fiji, the mesmerizing Otea of Tahiti and the graceful hula dancers of Hawaii are but a few of the exceptional highlights.
Don't miss this elaborate production that showcases the grand power as well as the delicate grace found only in the islands of the South Pacific.
Register now - there are a limited number of good seats and they are selling fast! To register online and for more details on the 2008 convention in Honolulu go to www.sweetadelineintl.org/hawaii.cfm.
