eZine Contents
Greetings
Your Letters
Features
Queens' College
International Sales
Events
Notes of Interest
 Song of Welcome



Events

International Convention and Competition
Nov. 4-8, 2008
Register now - there are a limited number of good seats and they are selling fast!

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, 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.

Pictured above: A yacht sails into Waikiki and past Diamond Head in Honolulu.

Competition Location:
Stan Sheriff Center
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, Hawaii

Harmony Bazaar and international riser rehearsals will be located in the Hawaii Convention Center.

Prices:
Competing Chorus/Quartet: $110
Convention Assistant: $60 (this applies to those who served in Calgary)

Member Registration:
$120 until March 1
$145 after March 1
Nonmember Registration:
$135 until March 1
$160 after March 1

To register online for the 2008 convention in Honolulu go to
www.sweetadelineintl.org/hawaii.cfm and
Download the Registration form here.

Showcase 2008 - FINAL Show!
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008
8:00 - 10:30 p.m.
Stan Sheriff Center
University of Hawaii at Manoa

VIP Showcase tickets are $75 each. Preferred Showcase tickets are $35 each. Reserved Showcase tickets are $25 each.

Featuring: SALT, 2007 International Champion Quartet

Combined Japanese Chorus
Sweet Adelines International singers in choruses throughout Japan are combining for a special Showcase performance.

Polynesian Entertainment
Hawaii is the gathering place of the Pacific. This production features 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 scorching fire-knife dance of Samoa 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.

Coronet Club Show
Friday, Nov. 7, 2008
8:00 - 10:30 p.m.
Stan Sheriff Center at University of Hawaii at Manoa

To order tickets visit www.coronetclub.org



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.

New This Year
Each class description will include the name of the faculty member teaching the class! Sign up early to get your first choice of classes. More than 100 new classes are being offered at IES 2008.

Specialized learning tracks will be available for:
- Aspiring Judges
- Assistant Directors: including new second-year classes for those who have previously attended the Assistant Director Workshop at IES.
- Choreographers/Visual Leaders
- Coaches
- Directors: including an extra day of training funded by the international organization for all front-line, contracted directors who register.
- Director Certification Program members
- Music Educators
- Novice Directors: including an extra day of training funded by the international organization for all front-line, contracted directors who register and who have directed fewer than three years.
- Regional Education Coordinators
- Registered Quartets
- Section Leaders/Musical Leaders
- Vocal Production
- Young Women in Harmony
- All Elective: write your own education plan by choosing each of your classes from an extensive list of offerings.

Excitement abounds when it's kicked up a level never seen before! Look for information on IES registration in next month’s eZine.


Notes of Interest

Election Extention
The deadline for balloting in the election for four positions on the International Board of Directors for the 2008 -2010 term has been extended. International President Patricia LeVezu has extended the deadline for balloting in this election to 3 p.m. (CST) Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007 due to concerns that some chapters may not have received the ballots in time to meet the deadline.

Information about the nominees can be found in the October issue of the Pitch Pipe and also on the Web site. To access it online, click here. You may opt to return your chapter's ballot via fax. Please use only the following fax number: 918-388-8083. You may also return your ballot as an attachment to an e-mail message. The ballot packet contains instructions that must be followed carefully.

We regret the mailing issues and hope this extension of one week will allow you to complete the process and meet the extended deadline. Ballots received after 3 p.m. CST, Dec. 12, 2007 will not be accepted. Please contact corporate secretary Anita Larsen by email at corp_secy@sweetadelineintl.org.
or by phone at 800-992-7464 or 918-622-1444 (ext. 139) with questions or concerns.

Quartet Registration Fee Increase
Please note that effective May 1, 2008, the quartet registration fee for new and renewing quartets will increase to $80.

Quartet Deadline Registration Notice
As a reminder, quartets need to be registered by Jan. 15, 2008 in order to compete in the 2008 regional competitions. Online registration is available. Please contact Ruth Cameron by email with any questions at ruth@sweetadelineintl.org.

Can You Arrange Music?
If you or someone in your chorus is looking for a challenge, we encourage you to pursue a vital aspect of the barbershop art form - arranging music. Arranger training programs exist in almost every region and materials are available through the International sales department to guide you. You can contact your regional education coordinator to discuss the programs offered in your area or you can contact the Music Services Department at music@sweetadelineintl.org to locate an arranger mentor in your area.

New Video Links
The 2007 Harmony Classic and Rising Star Competition clips are now on the Sweet Adelines Web site. Click here to view the entertaining performances.

Available Now!
Song Snippets and Sound Bytes
The Sweet Adelines International Web site now contains a selection of sample sound files to illustrate the music available through International Sales. Easily search and listen to short keyboard portions of a variety of songs generated by FINALE, plus view the first page of the music in PDF format. This is the ideal way to sample music prior to buying it.

Go to http://www.sweetadelineintl.org to check out the new sound files.

*Not all songs are available for preview.

The Basics of Barbershop
If you are new to Sweet Adelines or are looking to refresh your mind on the basic components of membership, you can find information on the Web. By clicking on the Education link the home page of Sweet Adelines International Web site, you will find topics to download that cover barbershop basics. These can also be very helpful resources for membership coordinators to hand out to prospective and new members. 

Provided are articles on vocal skills, learning music and rehearsal expectations/riser etiquette. Please check back for new and useful topics as we continue to add material to this Web page.

Street Smarts When Traveling:
Sponsored by the Women's Travel Club (www.womenstravelclub.com):
- Study a map ahead of time.
- Dress down and do not look like a tourist.
- Do not wear jewelry, even fake gold. But, do consider wearing a wedding ring.
- Wear a money belt, looped into your belt loops.
- Keep valuables away from the street side.
- Only carry one credit card and photocopies of important documents with you.
- Use zipper-style plastic bags to divide money for small purchases and for larger ones.
- Become familiar with foreign currency before you have to use it.
- Do not talk to people on the street. People can lure you in by asking for directions, change, etc. If you must ask directions, ask families, women with children and phrase it "Where is the xxx, I am meeting my husband there."
- Remove ID tags if you have been at a meeting.
- Lodge a rubber door stop under your hotel door for extra security.
- Bring a flashlight.
For more information and to print a copy, visit here.

Song of Welcome

We wish to welcome a new consolidated chapter:

Spirit of Southeast Texas Chapter
(formerly Spindletop Sound Chapter and Greater Sabine Chapter)
Region 10
Beaumont, Texas
Charter Date: March 10, 1982




Greetings

Dear Singer,

Welcome to the December SING eZine, your monthly newsletter by e-mail. This month you'll enjoy reviewing exciting stories sent in by members, several items of interest and information on what to expect at the next IES and 2008 convention. Please feel free to write to us at: commdept@sweetadelineintl.org.

Have a great holiday season!

The Communications Department
Kelly, Joey, Ruby, Ann-Marie and Christine


Your Letters

Calgary: My First Convention
Now that we’re back from Calgary, I’m finding out what it’s like to rehearse without being in competition mode. I was lucky enough to join Greater Auckland Chorus last March. Preparation for competition was already well underway. My mom urged me to go by saying, “you’ll feel like a pop star on stage.” We all know that moms are always right and mine didn’t let me down.

Calgary had a lot to live up to, and I was not disappointed a bit. There was such a high concentration of barbershop ladies, paraphernalia and glitz under one roof. It was tremendous! Everything ran smoothly. Everyone seemed so relaxed, ready and confident. I couldn’t help but join them in the feeling that we were going to give everyone in the stadium a huge surprise when we got on stage and let 'em have it. Even through a couple of wardrobe mishaps, I performed with confidence. "KIWI, KIWI, KIWI," is a great thing to hear as you’re walking onto a stage in Canada. It reminded me that we were not just there to sing and have fun. More importantly, we were there to represent our country.

I had a fabulous time in Calgary. I got to know my fellow chorus members better and now I look forward to growing with the chorus and working on my own skills. Seeing such a high standard of singing and performing from so many choruses and quartets was inspiring and made me realize how lucky I am to be in an organization like Sweet Adelines.

Natalie Guest
Greater Auckland Chorus
Region 35



Vallee de Croix Chorus Recognizes Its Singing Sisters  
According to Kathy Lucken, Carolyn Ward, and Jackie Hillman of St. Croix Falls, Wis., and Pat Teorey of Stillwater, Minn., singing with Sweet Adelines has become a way of life for more than 40 years now. The CARLSON SISTERS started singing barbershop harmony while they were in middle and high school in the late ‘50s. Their first quartet together was called the TEENETTES.

Throughout their tenure they achieved fourth place in a regional competition and won a novice quartet award. They’ve held various chapter offices. Kathy works tirelessly with schools to encourage young singers to become part of Young Women In Harmony, and is currently working on the first co-ed Youth in Harmony Festival in the St. Croix area, which will be held Jan. 19, 2008. Costume design is Jackie’s forte, and Carolyn and Pat have been choreographers in every chorus in which they have sung. In addition, Carolyn served on the board of directors in Region 6 for 15 years.

This is a remarkable demonstration of dedicated commitment to a joyful barbershop way of life. Vallee de Croix Chorus, under the direction of Patricia Rygg, master director, is proud and grateful to have the CARLSON SISTERS as members of the chorus with their enthusiasm, energy, and love of harmony. Kathy says, “When folks ask ‘What are your hobbies?’ We say stamping, crocheting, gardening, reading, etc., but barbershoppers are who we are and what we do!”

Gloria VanDemmeltraadt
Vallee de Croix Chorus
Region 6

The AQUA TONES Quartet Reunion
It was our first reunion in 40 years; the AQUA TONES quartet finally reunited after we split-up in 1967. We claim responsibility for some important changes in the organization. In 1960 at the international convention in Detroit all contestants were sent backstage to await the results. We heard our quartet name being announced and we thought we made it into the finals. After entering the stage throwing kisses to the judges and jumping for joy, we heard the announcement being made for the first quartet to compete. We realized then that we were the mic-testers. Talk about humiliation! As I recall, the quartets never congregated backstage after that.

In 1962 at the international convention in Toronto we dressed in top hats, canes and black satin pants. The showmanship category docked us ten points for wearing pants. That set off a riot across the country, and needless to say, it appears more pants are now seen on stage than skirts.

These events never dimmed our enthusiasm. We loved competing. We are still very proud of our accomplishments as we competed six times on the international stage and earned 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th place medals. We also made two records together. Life changes forced our separation and although Lanna Wyatt, Sylvia Nahman (Alsbury), Pat Blair and I (Lucy Knos), continued to sing, moving distances apart prevented our seeing each other until a chance conversation precipitated the possibility of a reunion at Region 24’s competition this year. We had a very short time together, but it’s a memory we’ll cherish forever. Thank you for allowing us to share this very special weekend.

A. Lucille Knos
Chapter-At-Large member
Region 24


Features

Oklahoma Recognizes Sweet Adelines
On Nov. 16, Oklahoma had its centennial celebration, including a performance by the O.K. City Chorus. Oklahoma recognized Sweet Adelines International as one of the leading entertainers to originate from the state as the chorus performed alongside some of the biggest stars who are proud to call Oklahoma home, including Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Toby Keith, Amy Grant and Blake Shelton.

The Tulsa World newspaper featured a cover story on the centennial celebration and listed Sweet Adelines as one of the top entertainers.



Young Singers Foundation

Thank You for 15 Great Years
The Young Singers Foundation is celebrating its 15th year as Sweet Adelines International's official charity and would like to thank all the individuals who have supported the foundation. Sincere gratitude goes out to so many of you who stopped by the booth in Calgary to bid on Silent Auction items, attended the lobby show, donated funds through the SING group, came to the foundation liaisons' breakfast, and contributed to the donations collected by the Friends of the Foundation at the quartet finals. You're all helping to further the mission and vision of the foundation, and your collective contributions are helping to enrich the lives of children and young people around the world. Thank you!

Toula Oberlies, YSF marketing chair
Young Singers Foundation Management Committee



The Singing Angels Harmonize the World
This month we would like to feature recent grant recipient, The Singing Angels, of Cleveland, Ohio. Their motto is, "Make Music! Make Friends! Make a Difference!" Cyndie Gluntz, office administrator/comptroller, writes: "This is an exciting time to be a part of The Singing Angels. More than 300 students hail from ten countries, 74 municipalities, and 140 different schools. Our students have fun, make lasting friendships, learn important life lessons, and discover interests and skills that lead to rewarding lives and a commitment to our community. Last summer, The Singing Angels visited their 30th foreign country as a group, and spread the message of goodwill to the people of Italy, Greece, and Turkey. The highlight of the tour was a command performance for Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican. We are also about to begin our holiday season with concerts throughout the community. It is because of support from generous donors like the Young Singers Foundation that we are able to continue these great traditions." 

You can help talented young people obtain a quality music education too! Please visit http://www.youngsingersfoundation.org 


Queens' College 2008

Planning for Success
Queens’ College is a weekend packed with classes, performances, quartet coaching, laughing, examining crowns and meeting new friends – all wrapped up with a song selected especially for participants of the schools. Attendees learn 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. Click here for more information and to view the 2008 Queens' College schedule.


International Sales

International Sales Inventory
The International Sales department will be conducting its semi-annual physical inventory beginning Dec. 1, 2007. Any orders placed before 3:00 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, 2007 will be processed and shipped. All orders placed after this time will not ship until inventory is complete.

 

International Competition Performances Now Available
Don't miss your chance to view the top ten chorus and quartet performances from the 2007 Calgary convention. Order your copies now from International Sales.
DVDs: $35
CDs: $15
(plus shipping and handling)



Sing, Baby, Sing!
CDs Volumes 1, 2 and 3 available.
Volume 3, Vocal RX - A First Aid Kit for the Voice takes you through a frank discussion of what's happening to your voice when you're experiencing vocal difficulty and leads you through exercises designed to get you back in good vocal health as quickly as possible.
$12 (members)
$15 (non-members)
Order online at the Sweet Adelines International Sales Web site or by calling toll free sales direct at 877-545-5441.



Now Offering Music Subscriptions
Join the Sweet Adelines International music subscription club and have 30 of the latest music titles delivered right to your door. Joining the music subscription club is a great way to keep your music library current. Club price for Sweet Adelines International members is just $25 and nonmembers pay only $30. The latest music titles are automatically sent to club members about every eight weeks. As an added benefit, shipping and handling is free. Join now and discover a world of new music at a great price and convenience.

Mass Sing Songbook CD Revised
The revision of the Mass Sing Songbook CD is now available for purchase. This CD is available by voice part for $10 each. Songbooks and CDs are sold separately.

 

 


SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
PO Box 470168 - Tulsa OK 74147-0168
Telephone: 918.622.1444 - 800.992.SING (7464)
E-mail: commdept@sweetadelineintl.org
www.sweetadelineintl.org
www.myspace.com/sweetadelines

Visit the Young Singers Foundation Web site
http://www.youngsingersfoundation.org
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eZine Submissions
We welcome articles for inclusion in the eZine. Sweet Adelines reserves the right to accept or reject content on individual merit. To submit information for the eZine, contact the communications department.

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