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The Pitch Pipe - JANUARY 2013 �

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About the Cover

Touché (2013 International Champion Quartet), GQ (2013 Rising Star Champion Quartet), North Metro (2013 International Champion Cho-rus), Carolina Harmony (2013 Division A Champion Chorus) and Westcoast Harmony (2013 Division AA Champion Chorus).

Cover and inside convention and competition photos by Lilley Photography.

January 2013 • Volume 66/Number 3

7Denver 2012Maggie Ryan gives you a synopsis of the whirlwind con-vention week in Denver! In addition, see scores and songs for the international choruses and quartets, Harmony Clas-sic and Rising Star champions.

23 Touché!Meet the 2013 International Champion Quartet and how this geographically challenged group of extraordinary women came together to rise to the top.

26 North Metro!The 2013 International Champion Chorus shares the les-sons learned from their journey and the story behind their fourth championship.

29 A Truly Inspirational WomanPresident Renée Porzel shares secrets and successes of the 2012 President’s Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, Ann Gooch.

31 Attracting Younger MembersGet up close and personal with member Karen Fish (Dia-blo Vista Chorus, Region 12), who helped initiate the art of barbershop within her local high school and kept it going strong for nearly 20 years.

37 The Music We SingRead about two composers we love — Kim Vaughn takes us back to the days of the Gershwin brothers.

44 Honolulu BoundWe want you to join us on the beautiful beaches of Waikiki! Read about some very real tips on how to escape to and enjoy Honolulu on a budget, making it affordable for every one of us.

MiscellaneousPresident’s Message 4HQ Matters 5IBOD Election Results 6International Update 22Young Singers Foundation 35The Overtone Society 38Contributions 39Honolulu Registration 47

Bulletin Board 3Membership Matters 32Harmony Roundup 33New Music Reviews 36In Memory 49Song of Welcome 49Accolades 49

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� The Pitch Pipe - JANUARY 2013

SweeT AdelineS inTernATionAl

A worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop

harmony through education, competition and performance.

International Headquarters9110 S. Toledo • Tulsa, OK 74137

P.O. Box 470168 • Tulsa, OK 74147-0168Telephone 918-622-1444 • Toll-free 800-992-7464

Fax 918-665-0894www.sweetadelineintl.org

Email — Use one of the following departmental prefixes:admindept@ commdept@ education@ meet-corp@

member@ music@followed by: sweetadelineintl.org

Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Central Time)Monday through Friday

International Board of DirectorsMay 1, 2012-April 30, 2013

Renée Porzel,International President

Cammi MacKinlay, Immediate Past President

Marcia Pinvidic, President-elect

Fran Furtner, Secretary

Peggy Gram, Treasurer

Sharon Babb

Joan Boutilier

Betty Clipman

Patty Cobb-Baker

Paula Davis

Carole Kirkpatrick

Dale Syverson

Education Direction CommitteeBetty Clipman, Chair

Cammi MacKinlay, Diane Porsch, Judy Pozsgay, Dale Syverson

Editorial Review BoardEllen Curran Puffe, Emma Duguid, Marcia Pinvidic,

Judy Pozsgay, Marge Zimmerman

The Pitch Pipe EditorLinda Clark

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERSKelly Bailey, Executive Director

Keesha Cashmore, Interim ControllerLori Decter Wright, Interim Director of EducationJennifer Hughes, Interim Director of Meetings and

Convention ServicesCarol Schwartz, Director of Music ServicesJoey Mechelle Stenner, Interim Director of

Communications

THE PITCH PIPE (ISSN 0882-214X) (USPS 603-060) is published quarterly,

January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1,by Sweet Adelines International,

9110 South Toledo, Tulsa, OK 74137. Periodicals paid at Tulsa, OK.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes toTHE PITCH PIPE

P.O. Box 470168, Tulsa, OK 74147-0168.

Canadian Post Agreement Number: 1453408. Send Canadian

change of address information and blocks ofundeliverable copies to

P.O. Box 1051, Fort Erie, ON L2A 6C7

Direct all correspondence, editorial copy,and photographs to Linda Clark,

The Pitch Pipe, at the above address.Deadlines are 60 days prior to publication.

Graphic design byLKM Design, Tulsa, Oklahoma

pitch pipethe

Challenge yourself with Competition Folio Book 4 – Challenging. $5000 for the book and � CDs. Folio includes:

• I Had Someone Else Before I Had You• Bill

• I’m Gonna Steal Somebody Else’s Baby• Laughing On The Outside• Button Up Your Overcoat

• Oh Johnny, Oh Johnny, Oh/Ma, He’s Making Eyes At Me• I’m Making Believe That I Don’t Care

• There’ll Be Some Changes Made/Runnin’ Wild

Make the New Year bright with sparkly lanyards, necklace pens and executive pens!

Prices start at just $799

We are currently working to provide immediate download of music purchased through our online Sales Department. During this transition, please contact us for electronic delivery of music purchases and previews.

Contact us directly! Call sales toll free at 877.545.5441 (outside U.S. and Canada 918.622.1444). Email the sales team at [email protected] or [email protected].

http://www.sweetadelineintl.org

http://sweetadelineintl.org



mailto:[email protected]



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Kim Vaughn,Master Director 700, Certified Judge (sound), International Faculty, International Quartet Champion (2001 – A CAppellA Gold, 1988 – SAvvy, 1976 – HiGH SoCiety), San Diego Chorus, Region 21

Reneé Porzel, International President, Ex-ecutive Committee, Certified Judge (showmanship), International Faculty, Melodeers Chorus, Region 3

Maggie Ryan, Membership Committee, Greater Harrisburg Chorus, Region 19

Global Success — You Helped Teach the World to SingLet’s do the math! What do you get when you add up more than 30,000 Global Video views, 14,375 Facebook fans, 600 publicity features, 600 chapters welcoming new singers and close to 4,000 Global Open House guests? It equals a global success! You’ve definitely done your part in teach-ing the world to sing — let’s keep the momentum going throughout January and help make 2013 the most harmonic year ever.

Invite a Friend to Sing!Do you have a friend who loves to sing? Sweet! Invite her to learn the art of singing a cappella music barbershop-style by customizing her own invitation on the homep-

age of the Sweet Adelines Interna-tional website!

Notice to All QuartetsNew quartet registrations must be received by Jan. 15 to avoid ad-ditional fees. After May 1st, the fee will revert to the usual $80 cost.

Did You Know?All four issues of The Pitch Pipe are now being printed and mailed to the entire membership! You can still view the digital version of The Pitch Pipe on most mobile devices, smart phones and some e-readers. You can find all the digi-tal issues in the Members Only area of the website.

Members OnlyVisit the Members Only area of the website to change your con-tact information (mailing address, phone number and email address), utilize the tools in the marketing center and education center, view chapter reports, pay dues and so much more.

Be Our Friend and Follow UsHave you “liked” us on Facebook yet? Are you following us on Twit-ter? If not, check us out! Sweet Adelines trivia, photos, videos and fun await you!

YWIH Video Chorus ContestSweet Adelines International is proud to announce an all-new contest for youth choruses. The contest will be by video (DVD) submission and held on June 1, 2013. Awards include cash prizes of $1,000, $750 and $500 for the first, second and third place winners. All three winners will also received a copy of the Young Women in Harmony Competition Music Folio. Please contact Katie Grassmyer for more information: [email protected].

ITEM OF NOTE: Effective Jan-uary 1, 2013, SESAC performance licenses will increase to $10.00.

Lynell Diamond,Music Arrangements Coordina-tor, Cerfitifed Director; Certified Judge (music), Approved Candidate Judge (expression), Master Arranger, Chapter-at-Large, Region 9



4 The Pitch Pipe - JANUARY 2013

The holidays are an incredible time of year — especially for women. So many of us are taking care of family members, decorating, baking, shopping, wrapping, planning meals, cooking, welcoming company, working and singing! We get caught up in the to-do list, and it is hard to appreciate the simple things.

January is a time of new beginnings. We turn the calendar and have twelve months in front of us full of promise. It is our chance to close the book on last year and look forward to what is coming around the corner. Before we throw our-selves into 2013 with gusto, we need to take a few moments to look back on last year and celebrate a few of our successes.

We began 2012 with our first Global Open House. Nearly 350 choruses participated in this month-long event and by all accounts, it was a success. We welcomed many guests and gained new members, too. This month, we are hold-ing our second Global Open House, and we all have the opportunity to increase awareness about our organization even more. The economy and the ever increas-ing demand on women’s time has caused our membership numbers to decline a bit. It is up to all of us to make membership growth a priority this year. Women who are not yet our members need us … and we need them!

Our regional contest season results showed that we are continuing to raise our own musical bar. We keep getting better every year, and are continuing to learn about our voices and what it means to perform emotionally. Contest gives us the opportunity to perform in front of an appreciative audience and learn from our peers. As we prepare for contest this year, we need to cherish the whole expe-rience and appreciate what it means to us as performers.

Harmonic Progression is progress-ing! It has been inspiring to hear about the many ways regions are planning for the final phase of this process. The cre-ativity, compassion and innovation being displayed by our RMTs is very special. There have been some bumps in the road, and there are still some who feel un-settled by the changes headed their way. I wish you all could see the global picture I am fortunate enough to see in this job. We really are amazing. Regions are hold-

ing contests to rename themselves. Some are pairing choruses in their existing region with choruses moving into their region. I have heard stories about new songs being chosen so everyone in the newly configured region will know a song together. Education events have been combined and new friendships are being formed. We even have a few regions that have no new choruses coming in who are sad they are not getting the chance to re-invent themselves! Have I mentioned that I love us?

In July, we held the A Cappella Harmony Academy (AHA) in Orange, Calif. It was a huge success, and the education received in those three days was outstanding. The campus was buzz-ing with people singing tags, longevity chorus members practicing choreogra-phy, incredible performances by MarTini and tons of education. If you have never attended one of these worldclass events — you need to! Your next opportunity is at Side by Side: The 2013 Directors’ Seminar, Judge and Faculty Training in July 2013.

This fall, our convention in beautiful Denver, Colo., was a smashing success. Congratulations to our quartet and chorus champions, Touché and North Metro! They both gave outstanding per-formances and will represent us so well as they proudly wear their new gold med-als. Carolina Harmony and Westcoast Harmony are our new Harmony Classic Champions, and they both brought the house down with their entertainment packages. What wonderful examples they are for small and midsize choruses. Congratulations to both groups! On Saturday morning, GQ quartet became our new Rising Star Champions. They gave a wonderful performance, and we can look forward to hearing much more

from them in the future. We had over 2,200 contestants cross the stage and over 6,000 people in the audience. The webcast had over 6,000 people watching, and our music was shared in all corners of the globe.

In reviewing Denver, we must acknowledge what our members on the East Coast of the United States experi-enced just as many of us were leaving to attend the convention. Superstorm Sandy caused unspeakable damage. Members lost their belongings, their homes and some lost family members in the wake of this terrible storm. We had a number of choruses who went onstage without all of their members, and competition schedules were rearranged to accommo-date travel schedules that were altered. A quartet from Region 15, EasT coasT sTylE, was forced to withdraw because one of their members did not arrive by Wednesday. In true Sweet Adeline fashion, she arrived later in the week, and we happily invited them to mic test for the Rising Star contest Saturday. Our members worked hard to get to Denver — even if it was only for two days. Sing-ing means everything to them, and being surrounded by 6,000 people who feel the same way was something they knew they could not miss. Our continued thoughts and prayers go out to all of them as they slowly put their lives back together. I think it is safe to say they have already been having rehearsals and are learning new music! Singing heals!

This is only a small glimpse into what made 2012 a wonderful year. We learned more about our voices, made new friends and reached new musi-cal heights. We are not perfect, but we don’t have to be. We just have to be true to the music and everything falls into place. This year promises to be exciting, challenging and busy. My sincere hope is that you have a successful Global Open House and welcome new women into our organization. Get involved in the Sweet Adds campaign, and share what we all love!

Bob and I hope you all had a won-derful holiday season and wish you a happy and healthy New Year!

With a song and a dance, Renée

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The Pitch Pipe - JANUARY 2013 5

By Kelly Bailey, executive Director

Greetings from Tulsa!WOW! I am so excited and still

running on adrenaline from the Denver Convention! I sincerely hope that everyone enjoyed the festivities as much as I did and that you too are still basking in the Sweet Adelines glow! It is difficult to believe that I have only been the executive director for eight months — most times it just feels so much like home that I think I have been a part of the family forever. That is only one of the innumerable things that I love about Sweet Adelines!

As we get ready to close out the cal-endar year, I always take time in my own life to take stock of the last 12 months and prepare my thoughts for the coming year. This is a great time to reflect on what I have learned and how I am different than I was 12 months ago. I love to look back at holiday photos from last year and take a quiet moment to be ever so thankful for all of the glorious blessings that I have in my life, for all of the people who have made a difference, and for the lessons that have made me who I am today. This is a perfect time to ponder all of the things that I have learned from each of you and to think about how Sweet Adelines has changed me, made me better, and allowed me to witness first hand the incredible power of the diligence to preserve and perfect this magnificent art form.

I hope you will allow me to share with you the following top eight lessons I have learned from serving as executive director of Sweet Adelines International for the last eight months. 1. Singing a cappella harmony with

Sweet Adelines International IS NOT A HOBBY!

Webster defines hobby as “a pursuit outside one’s regular occupation en-gaged in especially for relaxation.” Oh no … I don’t think being in a quartet or a chorus falls into this category! Rather, being a Sweet Adeline is a lifelong passion — a physical demonstration of true grit and determination. From my seat, being a member is a blood, sweat and tears triathlon of purpose and drive to perfect the human voice in hopes of achieving an overtone that lasts forever. I have learned that women work their entire lives to earn the privilege of per-forming on that international stage, to achieve that culminating moment when

many voices harmonize to perfection!2. Sequins and bling can and should be

worn at all times. Saving these items for special occasions

is a fashion travesty and quite simply a waste of good jewelry. Laugh if you must, but the truth must be told that our orga-nization boasts the best bling on planet earth! I love the fact that Sweet Adelines can be recognized in a crowded airport merely by the glint of their jewelry and the joy in their spirit. I have learned that I no longer have to shelve my jewelry until that special holiday party, but rather I can take it out and wear it on any ole Tuesday morning if I feel like it. We are Sweet Adelines, and we shine seven days a week, 365 days a year!

3. You can work 18 hours per day, eight days straight and still love your job!

Always a hard worker, I have worked my share of overtime and put in the hours to do whatever it takes to get a job done … but you guys are downright impressive! Since April, I kept hearing that convention week was a marathon, and you know what, it is! I don’t think I have ever worked harder than I did in Denver. Overall, I worked 131 hours during that nine-day event, and I know that the Board and members worked harder and longer than I did. I am continually amazed by the tenacity, per-severance and stamina that I see from Sweet Adelines members. You rock!

4. Pure joy is real and can be seen back-stage at convention!

In the day and age that we live in, I think we forget that pure joy does exist. It is rare indeed, but I am so glad that I have had the privilege to see it and experience the feel of it, which I did while in Denver at convention. As most of you know, I had the opportunity of serving as the emcee on one night of the competition. It was a true insider’s view of what happens behind the scenes. I

got the chance to see the raw nerves on the faces of those getting ready to com-pete, to witness the moments leading up to that culmination flash when the lights went on and the pitch pipe was all that was heard prior to the first note sung. I can close my eyes now and see the faces, herding quietly up the back ramp as they prepared themselves mentally for this big moment. Then there was the performance — each one representing hours and hours of tenacious diligence to perfect every note. I was in awe and stood in sheer appreciation for the sights and sounds coming from that in-ternational stage. Then the competitors came off the stage. Sheer, pure, absolute joy was what I saw on the faces of those who had truly given it all they had. I will never forget that moment in time. Total … pure … real … genuine … joy. Sweet Adelines, you continue to impress me and I remain in awe of your talent, your diligence to purpose, your tenacity to achieve perfection and for represent-ing to the world the power of harmony!

5. Sweet Adelines is rooted in true self-lessness and inconceivable giving!

During convention, Superstorm Sandy wrecked so much of the East Coast. It was so difficult to watch the carnage on television, knowing that so many of our members would be victim to that devastation in one way or another. Dur-ing that time, when many of us were at convention, I read a post on the SING list from a member who opened her home to any Sweet Adelines member who needed a place to go. Her mes-sage went on to say that she was not at home at the time, but that her husband would certainly take in any members who needed a refuge from the storm. It is difficult for me to find the words to say how this message touched my heart. Again, in a world full of cynicism and darkness, this one woman restored my faith in humankind. She wasn’t opening her home for any personal gain, only because she feared that one of her sisters may need something that she could pro-vide — such a simple, yet magnificent gesture. This is but one of so many I have witnessed since April. I love Sweet Adelines and think the whole world could take lessons from our foundation of giving and selflessness.

6. Never underestimate the power of

HQ

Matters

Continued on page 6

� The Pitch Pipe - JANUARY 2013

Board E

lection Results

The following were elected to three-year terms beginning

May 1, 2013:

women’s diligence to empower and grow something they cherish!

One of the things I love to do is to look at the history panels that line the hallways and stairwells of our beautiful headquarters building. The displays are such a magnificent testimony to the rich legacy of Sweet Adelines International and a beautiful visual representation of the power of diligence to preserve and nurture this incredible art form. As I look across our nearly 70-year history, I see how the styles and fashions have changed; I enjoy reading the articles of women’s empowerment and the stories of the ladies who have each added her own special mark to make this organization what it is today. I like looking at the crown changes over the years and the historical newspaper articles that are now yellowed with age and fraying around the edges. There are so many transitions that have attributed to our existing identity of today. But what I am most impacted by in my consider-ation of this visual history of our orga-nization is the look in the eye of each champion, the spark that can be seen in each member’s picture on each of those panels. I look at these and think, “so this is what determination looks like;” that constant, passionate resolve that has resulted in the worldwide women’s barbershop movement of the 21st century. The women that have come before us have provided such a tremendous example of what we can accomplish. The sky is the limit. The tenacity of these heroic, pioneering women serve as a living example of the power of women’s diligence to empower something they love. What a legacy we have!

7. Sweet Adelines have discovered the fountain of youth!

I noticed something early on in my eight-month tenure at Sweet Adelines International. All of the women are young, vivacious, spir-ited, captivating and full of the zeal for life! What has shocked me is that these young vixens I am getting to know are not spring chickens in terms of physical age. Since getting to know several members on a more personal note, I have discovered that some of them are well into their 70s. Now certainly this is not old

by any standard measure, but what shocks me is that not only do they have more energy than my 3-year-old, but they still look like they haven’t seen the downside of 50 as of yet. I am convinced that the joy of singing and being a Sweet Adelines member keeps you young! I’m thinking of promoting this as our new membership campaign ;-).

8. I’ve been a Sweet Adeline all of my life …

As many of you have read and prob-ably already know, I truly have fallen in love with this amazing organization. I feel like I have been a Sweet Adeline all of my life, I just didn’t realize it un-til April 2012. Each of you is a shining jewel in the Sweet Adelines treasury, and I consider it an incredible privi-lege to serve you in this remarkable role. There is just something about this organization that is special — something that sets us apart from all other groups. Some days I think that it is the sisterhood of sup-port that makes us so great — that network of support that we have all over the world where we know we have a group of friends if we should ever have the need. Sometimes, I am convinced that it is the ambition to perfect and preserve the barbershop style that holds us all together and continues this incredible legacy. Other times, I think it is the sheer determination and perseverance to be the best, both in competition and organizationally, as we portray the living example of synergy — that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. But whatever it is about us that sets us apart, we are special. Sweet Adelines sing together, laugh together, celebrate together, cry to-gether, grieve together, love together and create harmony together. What we do is profoundly important and has greatly changed the lives of all of the precious women who have found this incredible gift. The true beauty of Sweet Adelines is that its meaning and significance can be different for each woman, and it can change over the lifespan. I am so blessed to be a part of this tapestry of music and extraordinary talent. Thank you for the precious gift of Sweet Adelines International.

HQ

Mat

ters

The International Board of Directors is elected by the membership and func-tions as the governing and decision-mak-ing body of the organization. The Board elects the officers of the corporation. The International Board of Directors has the full authority to do all things necessary to fulfill the purpose of the organization, including strategic planning, the levying of fees and the execution of contracts. Board members work directly with the Interna-tional Headquarters staff to monitor and administer the organization’s programs.

The following were elected to one-year terms beginning

May 1, 2013:

Patty Cobb Baker, Region ��

Peggy Gram, Region �5

Carole Kirkpatrick, Region ��

Dale Syverson, Region �5

Anne Cargill, Region ��

Paula Davis, Region 8

pp


By Maggie ryan, greater HarrisBurg cHorus, region 19

One day you look up and realize they see you differently now. It’s not any one thing, it’s just there in their eyes or that little quirk of their lips — that tiny inside smile that they just can’t help whenever you start talking about Sweet Adelines.

Sure, they’ve heard it before. How excited you were for the next contest, how the songs were strong and the arrangements were meaty right where you could bite into them as a singer. The costumes, choreogra-phy and coaching were locking into place, and ... and ... Oh. Their eyes were glazing over. They were happy for you, really they were, but ... well, they just didn’t get it.

Until now.Now, they see.If there’s anything more cliché than talk-

ing about the journey, you’ll have to prove it. And yet, here we are, taking that very route. Why? Because Denver 2012 represented a tortured journey for some, and a magic car-pet ride for others. Because this contest left us gasping, and not just because of Denver’s notoriously thin air. Because the distance from almost to absolute is as thin as frog’s hair and getting there might just take you on the ride of your life.

The road to Denver was never a straight line. Great journeys never are. There are always switchbacks and setbacks, seemingly huge strides that ought to be measured in

tiny, significant steps. Take your 2013 Inter-national Chorus Champion North Metro, for example. If ever there was a chorus whose trajectory seemed sealed in the stars, it was the powerhouse from suburban Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Can it really be 10 years since we last saw them claim gold?

They’ve always been right there, right at or near the top, since they made sequins optional with their groundbreaking “News-ies” package that won them the 1997 title. North Metro followed that up with gold in 2000 and 2003, and before our eyes, a decade slipped past. But the chorus roared back with a vengeance in 2012, dazzling the semifinals audience with a sound as lush as velvet and precision as crisp as a military review.

The chorus’ finals package of toy soldiers on parade was brilliant and vintage North Metro. It had everything we’ve come to love: Master 700 Director June Dale’s layered and nuanced arrangements, high-stepping and eye-popping choreography, costuming complete to the perfect red dots capping every bright smile, and impeccable vocals from the 135 singers onstage. There was just one thing missing. A packed house.

North Metro drew the first slot in the chorus finals, an unenviable position in such a deep field. Was the audience prepared to be gob-smacked by the very first group? While Sweet Adelines know that judges evaluate what’s in front of them, as audience mem-bers we don’t share that discipline. The first chorus sets the bar for everyone who follows,

so we parcel out our approval in measured portions. Behind North Metro were nine top-notch competitors, any one of whom could claim the gold. And what no one knew was that North Metro was stepping onstage not in first place, but second behind Harborlites by 18 points.

Entering the finals you could have thrown the proverbial blanket over the top competitors. Out front was Harborlites with a sizzling 1,502 points in the semifinals. Next came North Metro’s 1,484 and right behind was Rich-Tones with a 1,476. Denver favorite, Skyline, was sitting in fourth with a 1,435 and the closest thing a chorus can have to home-field advantage. Indeed, the entire top 10 was packed with choruses just itching to pull off an upset.

And here is where that journey meta-phor slips back into view. You know the one that says every great journey begins

Continued on page 8

�0�� Champions North Metro Chorus and Touché Quartet.

Harborlites Chorus.


with a single step? How about a single step multiplied by135? One, single marching beat repeating precisely in time, step ... step ... step ... each North Metro member completely inhabiting her character as a toy soldier as they entered from both sides of the stage. Was there ever a walk-on you wanted to see twice? This was it.

Great athletes will tell you that their best performances sometimes catch them by sur-prise, that everything just falls into place that day. They talk about how the game seems to slow down, how they can see what’s coming before it arrives. This does not happen by accident, of course. It comes from training, dedication, skill, a lot of repetition and even a little luck. And all of that rests on a bedrock of belief.

North Metro marched past its competi-tion to the top of the Sweet Adelines world once again with scores that nearly defy understanding. How about 95 out of 100 in showmanship from both judges for both con-test songs in the finals? Five points from per-fection. Five. Or no score under 90 for both rounds? That should stamp your ticket to the title without so much as a hiccup. Except, for the second year in a row — it didn’t.

Rich-Tones also compiled all-90s scores, an achievement that can’t go by without a hearty congratulations. In 2011, Rön-ninge Show Chorus finished just behind the near-perfection of the Melodeers in a similar

fashion. This time, Rich-Tones ran into the North Metro buzz saw. The difference in the finals? One point, 1,574 to 1,573, enabling North Metro to slip to the top by a scant nine points.

Even June Dale was surprised. “I felt pretty good about our (performance), until I saw Rich-Tones and then I thought, well, that’s that,” she said.

June’s admission came shortly after she sheepishly said that yes, she had come to Denver to win. Gold was the milepost for this particular edition of the North Metro Chorus, and their willingness to reinvent themselves every few years is what keeps our interest. They have won before, and history tells us they will win again. And we’ll get to watch where their next steps take them. It’s a road we sense is just beginning.

While Denver basked under sunny skies and shirt-sleeves temperatures, the eastern U.S. was battered by Superstorm Sandy, which threw travel plans for many Sweet Adelines into total mayhem. Sweet Adelines International staff stayed in contact with competitors as they struggled to arrive in Denver in time to compete, and altered the orders of appearance right up to contest day to accommodate the competitors. In Denver, onlookers informally kept score tracking how many members of this chorus and that would be down five, eight or even 13 members.

For the quartet EasT coasT sTylE, it all boiled down to one. The Region 15 champions had one member stranded in New Jersey and despite seven flight delays and changes, she did not arrive in time to compete and they were forced to withdraw. Undaunted, she finally caught up with her quartet a day late to compete, but not too late to get her chance onstage. In a gracious nod to the quartet’s disappointment, Sweet Adelines International invited EasT coasT sTylE, to open the Rising Star contest. And while it wasn’t the road they had intended

to take, EasT coasT sTylE, ’s detour gave them a different, and gratifying, view.

Because here’s the thing about that whole journey metaphor: We’re all on it. We’re all headed somewhere. Maybe we’re the members of the 2013 International Quartet Champion Touché, and we’re from three chapters and four regions literally span-ning the United States from

Florida to Oregon. These four women threw

out the map and chucked aside common sense to chase a dream. And they got it, by George, and darn you if you didn’t find your-self happy for them. We’ve seen them come so close together and in other combinations. Whether we know them personally or not, we feel like we do. This is what sportscasters like to call a “feel-good win,” and you could see it on the faces of their competitors during the announcement of awards. All smiles, little nods — sometimes pointing inwards — that said “Yeah. Good for you.” That’s perspec-tive, and it comes from experience and disap-pointment, sure, but also from admiration and respect. It’s a nice place to be.

T.S. Eliot wrote that “We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” This, then, might be where we all find ourselves poised. Our landscape is changing and even as we stood on familiar ground, we saw a bit of our future on dazzling display in Denver. As we honor our past, we look into tomorrow and find you looking back at us, watching and hoping for even more, even better, even higher. We find that you look at us differ-ently now, your eyes reflecting only the best of what you see. Here’s to that new, shinier vision. Here’s to what’s possible. The view from here is lovely. Hop on, and enjoy the ride.

Skyline Chorus.

Touché Quartet.

EasT coasT sTylE Quartet.

ppRich-Tone Chorus.


Quartets make appearances

across Denver.

International Sales in Harmony Bazaar.

MarTini singing with The Bron’s TonEs.

lovEnoTEs win Most Entertaining.

Honolulu Registration.

ThE FourcE Quartet.

Family Chorus.

Melodeers Chorus.

Mass Sing.

Kelly Bailey, Colorado Governor Hickenlooper and Renée Porzel.

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�st Place QuartetRegions 9, 11, 21 and 24, Wesley Chapel, Fla.Patty Cobb Baker, Gina Baker, Jan Anton, Kim A. McCormicChapter-at-Large, Harborlites, Pride of Portland and Toast of Tampa ChorusesScore: 2830Semifinals Songs: When The Midnight Choo Choo Leaves for Alabam’ (Olguin); Auld Lang Syne (Hine)Finals Songs: Powder Your Face With Sunshine/Smile Darn Ya Smile Medley (Hine); Lover Come Back To Me (Bergman); Come Rain Or Come Shine (Fullmer); A Tisket A Tasket (David Harrington)

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North MetroRegion 16, Toronto, ON, CanadaJune Dale, director135 on stageScore: 3058Semifinals Songs: I Love A Piano (Bescos); I Miss Mother Most Of All (Liles)

Finals Songs: Toy Soldier Marches On Parade (Giallombardo); Little Man You’ve Had A Busy Day (L. Wright); One Toy Soldier (J. Dale); Breakthrough (J. Dale)

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Quartets�nd PlaceBling!Region 9, Plantation, Fla.Dayve L. Gabbard, Angie Love-Callahan, Deanna Kastler, Kim Elger-GriffinSpirit of the Gulf ChorusScore: 2790

Semifinals Songs: Time After Time (Arns); How Many Hearts Have You Broken (Arns)

Finals Songs: Bling! It On! (Meyer); If I Give My Heart To You (Clancy); Shanghai (Bergman); Feelin’ Good ( David Harrington)

�rd PlacelovEnoTEs

Region 12, Sunnyvale, Calif.Brittany Nicole Gilmore, Mia Dessenberger, Caitlin Smith, Stephanie Rose LawsonChapter-at-Large, Bay Area Showcase and Mission Valley ChorusesScore: 2733

Semifinals Songs: No, No, Norman (Hine); More Than You Know (L. Wright)

Finals Songs: Angry/Bill Bailey Medley (Bergman); My Foolish Heart (Bescos); When Will I Be Loved (Wright); Time To Say Goodbye (Lewis)

4th PlaceFrEnzy

Regions 13 and 26, New Westminster, BC, CanadaKay Macrosson, Nikki Blackmer, Anne Marteniuk, Judy Pozsgaya cappella joy, Lions Gate and Westcoast Harmony ChorusesScore: 2647

Semifinals songs: All The Way (Graham); Shangai (Why Did I Tell You I Was Going To) (Bergman)

Finals Songs: Lover Come Back To Me (Giallombardo); Yesterday I Heard The Rain (Graham); I Might Love You…Soon (Metzger); Goodbye, World, Goodbye, (Wright)

5th PlacerEMix

Region 32, Huddinge, SwedenHillevi Martinsson Billinger, Marie Flink, Camilla Ljung, Marie Henriksson-JalonenRönninge Show Chorus Score: 2585

Semifinals Songs: Oh, Look At Me Now (A. Dale); If I Love Again (Waesche, Bergman, Doug Harrington)

Finals Songs: My Honey’s Lovin’ Arms (I Love My Lovin’ Charm) (D. Wright); Roses of Yesterday (Bergman, Doug Harrington); The Guy Is Mine (Wikström); I Got Life (Kingström)


�th Placea.k.a.Regions 9, 15 and 19, West Palm Beach, Fla.Sue Taylor, Janeen Summey, Harriette Walters, Janell R. PaviolitisChapter-at-Large, Greater Nassau, Harbor City Music Company and Upper Chesapeake ChorusesScore: 2571

Semifinals Songs: I’ve Got A Feeling I’m Falling (Bergman); I’m Through With Love (Diamond)

Finals Songs: April In Paris (Cokeroft); I’m Gonna Ring The Bell (Cokeroft); He Was There (Bergman); How Ya Gonna Keep ‘Em Down On The Farm (Cokeroft)

�th PlacelusTrE

Region 19, Elkridge, Md.Kathryn A. Morrical, Lori L. Crouter, Lori A. Dreyer, Jennifer L. HarrisCapital Accord and Harbor City Music Company ChorusesScore: 2561

Semifinals Songs: Flirty Eyes (Hill); What Kind Of Food Am I (Keller)

Finals Songs: Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah (Bergman); Bandstand In Central Park (Bergman); South Rampart Street Parade (Beck, Craig); Are You Having Any Fun? (Rhea); Nobody Does It Like Me (Gellert)

8th PlacespriTzEr

Region 16, Mississauga, ON, CanadaKaren E. Romanson, Susann McKinley, Hannah Barton, Sharon DemyNorth Metro ChorusScore: 2536

Semifinals Songs: Bye-Bye Baby/Baby Won’t You Please Come Home Medley (L. Wright); My Romance (Craig)

Finals Songs: As Long As I’m Singing (L. Wright); Over The Rainbow (Giallombardo); You Turned The Tables On Me (Bergman); There You’ll Be (L. Wright)

�th PlaceFinEssE

Region 31, Leighton Buzzard, EnglandHelen J. Owen, Beth Brimmicombe, Tanya Jenkins, Nicky SaltChapter-at-LargeScore: 2535

Semifinals Songs: You Turned The Tables On Me (Bergman); If You Love Me, Really Love Me (Bergman)

Finals Songs: How Many Hearts Have You Broken (Arns); Heart of My Heart (unknown); You Don’t Know Me (Clancy); Amazing Grace (Shaw)

�0th PlaceDolcE

Regions 11 and 21, Aliso Viejo, Calif.Megan Lyne, Ruthie Tabone, Erin E. Sears, Mina HarkeyChapter-at-Large, Harborlites and Mission Viejo ChorusesScore: 2492

Semifinals Songs: Don’t Break The Heart That Loves You (Volk); If Ever I Would Leave You (Hine)

Finals Songs: Sugar (Reimnitz); At Last (Bergman); The Girl in 14G (Potter)


Choruses

�nd PlaceRich-Tone ChorusRegion 25, Richardson, TexasDale Syverson, director115 on stageScore: 3049

Semifinals Songs: All The Way (Graham); Hot Town Strutters’ Ball (Minshall)

Finals Songs: Let Yourself Go (D. Wright); A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square (Bescos); The Night Has A Thousand Eyes (D. Wright); Born This Way (Nystrom)

�rd PlaceHarborlites Chorus Region 21, Anaheim, Calif.Pam Pieson, director105 on stageScore: 3016

Semifinals Songs: Love Me And The World Is Mine (D. Wright); Sweet Georgia Brown (Bescos)

Finals Songs: Almost Like Being In Love -Intro (Reimnitz) Oh, You Beautiful Doll (Giallombardo); Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring (A. Dale); Feeling Good (David Harrington); Almost Like Being In Love (Reimnitz)

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4th PlaceSkyline ChorusRegion 8, Denver, Colo.Vickie Maybury, director145 on stageScore: 2875

Semifinals Songs: If I Loved You (Craig); My Honey’s Lovin’ Arms (ReMix, Doug Harrington, D. Wright)

Finals Songs: Medley: Colorado My Home - Intro (Arns)/Colorado My Home (Alsbury); I Told Them All About You/You Dear (Arns); Somewhere Over The Rainbow (Hine); Country Girl (A. Dale)

5th PlaceSong of Atlanta ChorusRegion 23, Atlanta, Ga.Becki Hine, director106 on stageScore: 2855

Semifinals Songs: Medley: Ain’t She Sweet/Yes Sir, That’s My Baby (Hine); If I Had My Way (Hine)

Finals Songs: Steppin’ Out (Hine); Young & Foolish (Bescos); Lulu’s Back In Town (Arns)Medley: Disco Inferno (Beck) /Stayin’ Alive/You Should Be Dancin’/Dance With Me (Craig)

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Choruses

�th PlaceSpirit of the Gulf ChorusRegion 9, Ft. Myers, Fla.Karen Breidert and Tony DeRosa, directors149 on stageScore: 2793

Semifinals Songs: Goodnight, Little Soldier (Shook, Twardosky); There’s Something About A Soldier (Giallombardo)

Finals Songs: Medley: How Ya Gonna Keep ‘Em Down On The Farm/Green Acres (Senter, Twardosky); This Little Piggy Went To Market (Fellows, Twardosky); The Rooster Song (Twardosky); Medley: Old MacDonald (McDaniel)/Bach Fugue (L.Wright); The Auctioneer Song (Twardosky)

�th PlaceCity of Lakes ChorusRegion 6, Minneapolis, Minn.Scott Kvigne, director109 on stageScore: 2734

Semifinals Songs: My Foolish Heart (Bescos); So Long, Dearie (Craig)

Finals Songs: It’s A Good Deal (Steinkamp); Oh, You Beautiful Doll (Giallombardo); Heart Of My Heart (Graham); At Last (Bergman); It’s A Good Deal (Graham)


8th PlacePride of Portland ChorusRegion 24, Portland, Ore.Ryan Heller, director92 on stageScore: 2704

Semifinals Songs: Sonny Boy (Bergman, Bescos); Floatin’ Down To Cotton Town (D. Wright)

Finals Songs: Performance Package Songs: Beethoven’s 5th Symphony (Heller); My Romance (Craig, Heller); Baby Face (Hine); Hallelujah Chorus, Messiah (Heller); Medley: Beethoven’s 9th Symphony/ Sound of Music (Heller); Joyful, Joyful (L. Wright, Heller)

�th PlaceBuffalo Gateway ChorusRegion 16, Buffalo, N.Y.Diane Porsch, director88 on stageScore: 2663

Semifinals Songs: Red, Red Robin (Volk); My Foolish Heart (Bescos)

Finals Songs: Medley: I Can’t Give You Anything/I’m Flyin’ High (Bergman); I Never Meant To Fall In Love (Liles); Gee, But It’s Good To Be Here (Minshall); Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better (Gentry); Medley: Kazoo Koncerto - Ode To Joy/Fifth Symphony/Can-Can (Gentry)


Choruses

Division A

�0th PlaceCapital City ChorusRegion 4, Indianapolis, Ind.Bev Miller, director75 on stageScore: 2650

Semifinals Songs: Time After Time (Arns); Yes Sir, That’s My Baby (D. Wright)

Finals Songs: What’ll I Do (Craig); South Rampart Street Parade (D. Wright); Somebody To Love (Mannherz); It’s Your Song (Fenske)

�st PlaceCarolina HarmonyRegion 14, Raleigh, N.C.Susie Smith, directorScore: 122832 on stage

Songs: Don’t Tell Me The Same Things Over Again/Lies Medley (Bescos); Over The Rainbow (Hine); Heartache Tonight (Arns); Don’t Stop Believin’ (Rochefort)

�nd PlaceSaratoga SoundtrackRegion 16, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.Nancy B. Faddegon, directorScore: 116640 on stage

Songs: The Chant (Faddegon); Also Sprake Zorathustra (Faddegon); Hallelujah Barbershop (Faddegon); I Love To Hear That Old Barbershop Style (Lund); Sweet Adeline (Giallombardo)


�rd PlaceHeart of MissouriRegion 5, Columbia, Mo.Marjorie Friedmeyer, directorScore: 110226 on stage

Songs: Ya Gotta Know How To Love ‘Em (Bergman); I’m Alone Because I Love You (Coffman); I Can’t Give You Anything But Love/Love (Bergman); You Are My Sunshine (Uhr)

5th PlaceBella VoceRegion 8, Craig, Colo.Chelsea Asmus, directorScore: 103317 on stage

Songs: Mamma Mia! (Rochefort); Once Upon A Time (J. Dale); Cry Baby (Hill, Bergman); SOS (Rochefort); Dancing Queen (Rochefort); Take A Chance On Me (Rochefort); Super Trooper (Rochefort)

Division AA

4th PlaceDiamond StateRegion 19, Newark, Del.Pamela T. Nichols, directorScore: 108925 on stage

Songs: Fame (Mauritzen); What’ll I Do? (Waesche); Too Many Guys (Bergman, Lobaugh, Baltensberger); Aquarius (L. Wright)

�st PlaceWestcoast HarmonyRegion 26, Vancouver, BC, CanadaAnne Marteniuk, directorScore: 131949 on stage

Songs: Pure Imagination (Minshall); Nothing Can Stop Me/Us Now (A. Dale); How Deep Is The Ocean (Hopkins);Sweet Georgia Brown (Bescos); Entrance Of The Gladiators (Minshall); Just The Way You Are (Amazing) (Minshall); Firework (Minshall); I Got A Feeling (Minshall)

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�nd PlacePacific EmpireRegion 12, Petaluma, Calif.Patty Pennycook, directorScore: 129057 on stage

Songs: Harmony (D. Wright); How Many Hearts Have You Broken (Arns); You’re Breaking In A New Heart (Bescos); Can’t Buy Me Love (Gentry)

5th PlaceMelbourneRegion 34, Melbourne, VIC, AustraliaJeanette E. Whitmore, directorScore: 117238 on stage

Songs: Everything Old Is New Again (Minihane); Time After Time (Arns); Lulu’s Back In Town (Arns); At The Beginning (Schmidt)

Division AA

�rd PlaceValley ForgeRegion 19, Valley Forge, Pa.Joe Spiecker, directorScore: 124952 on stage

Songs: Showtime (Spiecker); Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square (Bescos); Sweet Georgia Brown (Avener); Symphony No.5 (Spiecker); Carol’s Theme (Spiecker)

4th PlaceOrangevilleRegion 16, Orangeville, ON, CanadaJoan Borden and Pat Vipond, directorsScore: 120261 on stage

Songs: For All We Know (Briner); Mama Goes Where Papa Goes (Arns); Somebody To Love (J. Dale); Take A Chance (Minshall)



5th PlaceMelbourneRegion 34, Melbourne, VIC, AustraliaJeanette E. Whitmore, directorScore: 117238 on stage

Songs: Everything Old Is New Again (Minihane); Time After Time (Arns); Lulu’s Back In Town (Arns); At The Beginning (Schmidt)

Rising Star

�st PlaceGQAberdeen, Md.Amanda McNutt, Ali Hauger, Katie Gillis, Katie MacDonaldScore: 397

Songs: You Are My Sunshine (Uhr); Put Your Arms Around Me, Honey (A. Dale)

�nd PlacehEavEnly

Napa, Calif.Lisa Shortridge, Elizabeth Dyer, Dani-elle Shortridge, Rikki M. PrattScore: 389

Songs: I’m The One You’re Looking For (Johnson); I’ll Be Seeing You (Hopkins)

�rd PlacesnapshoT

Lebanon, Tenn.Rachel E. Craddock, Kyla E. Hallums, Rebecca G. Foster, Hailey MyattScore: 371

Songs: When I Fall In Love (Minihane); Don’t Break The Heart That Loves You (Volk)

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• Lynnell Diamond was granted Master Arranger level status in the Interna-tional Music Arrangers Program.

• Carolyn Schmidt was granted Master Arranger level status in the Interna-tional Music Arrangers Program.

• Sally Eggleston was granted emerita sta-tus in the International Judging Program.

• Maureen Holcombe was granted emerita status in the International Judg-ing Program.

• The charter and chapter membership for the following chapters was autho-rized:

The Woodlands Show, The Woodlands, Texas; Singing Sands, Ridgecrest, Calif.;

Delta Harmony Xpress, Stockton, Calif.; Aoyama Harmony, Minato-ku, Tokyo,

Japan• International Policy was amended for

the election of the 2013-2015 term of regional directors coordinators to permit front-line directors who are changing regions with their chorus as a result of the Harmonic Progression to vote for a director coordinator in the region in which they will become a member on May 1, 2013.

• The early-bird discounted registration rate for Side By Side, the 2013 Direc-tors’ Seminar was set at $475.

• Effective May 1, 2013, the number of internationally-funded visits to char-tered chapters will increase from 15 to 18 visits annually.

• The rule “that any contestant who sings the same song in more than one session of the same contest shall be disqualified” was amended to refer to contest songs only.

• The International Competition DVD that is available through the Sales Department will be discontinued im-mediately due to low sales volume. This will save the organization $31,000 in

production costs. Instead, competition performanc-es will be placed on the Sweet Adelines web-site. Individual per-formance DVDs of each competitor’s own perfor-mance will still be produced and provided to competitors.

• Each chorus will be encour-aged to send one representa-tive to sing in the new World Harmony Chorus that will perform on the international stage in Honolulu.

• Work has begun on a new Young Women in Harmony Competition Folio, which will feature both TLBB and SSAA formats.

• A new small and midsize chorus level DVD is under production and will be released at Side By Side, the 2013 Directors’ Seminar.

• Sweet Adelines has joined the Center for Nonprofits, which offers opportu-nities for partnering with other non-profits, provides networking oppor-tunities for foundations that may be potential donors to the organization, provides educational opportunities and offers discounts for services such as insurance.

• The Young Singers Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The foundation will be seeking additional marketing opportunities to increase the number of grant applica-tions it receives.

• An exciting International fundraising campaign entitled “Bowling for Barber-shop” was approved. Additional details will follow in early 2013.

• The Sweet Adelines International web-site will soon feature a music player so visitors to the homepage can choose to listen to barbershop music by click-ing on the player.

• In order to increase service provided to our members, publication of The Pitch Pipe Lite will be discontinued and The Pitch Pipe will once again be printed and mailed to all members and subscribers four times per year. A digital version will continue to be published offering multi-media, interactive and bonus features.

New

slin

e In

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Sweet Adelines International • 259th (Midyear) Meeting of the International Board of Directors, • October 27-28, 2012

International Update

The Pitch Pipe - JANUARY 2013 ��

By toucHé — introDuction By carole KirK-patricK, pacific sounD cHorus, region 13

What do you get when you have four beautiful, talented, hard-working women, with excellent skills, who are fun, warm, giv-ing, smart and totally genuine? International quartet champions, of course! Touché will be exceptional ambassadors for Sweet Ade-lines International. I feel honored and blessed to have been with them from the beginning ... coaching, teaching, encouraging them every step of the way, helping them achieve their ultimate dream of becoming Queens of Har-mony. These exceptional women have taught me so much about perseverance, dedication and friendship. I love them bunches and wish Touché a wonderful championship year and many, many years of harmony in their, and our, future.

....................................Once upon a time, in faraway lands,

four women began a journey. In the begin-ning their journeys were separate, yet direct-ed by a shared dream — the dream of becom-ing part of a Sweet Adelines International Champion Quartet, of becoming a Queen of

Harmony. One very special day, their separate roads converged, leading to fantastic adventures, magical moments and a dream come true. Sound like a fairy tale? To Patty, Gina, Jan and Kim, it absolutely feels like one! Their united journey took them to happily-ever-after in Denver, where they were crowned your 2013 Queens of Harmony.

That journey, preceded by 100+ years of combined barbershop experience, began when Gina and Kim met at the 2007 BHS International Convention in … where? Den-ver! An immediate friendship commenced, and their admiration of the other’s singing led to dreams of someday quarteting together. In 2010 that opportunity arose and they invited Jan, Gina’s long-time baritone and step-mom, to join them. Jan was game; now all they needed was a tenor. Kim and Patty had met in 2009, singing tags after a Region 24 Quartet Workshop where they were faculty. A quick e-mail to Patty was all it took. Four individual journeys finally merged and Tou-ché was born in May 2010, named after

a popular res-taurant in Kim’s hometown of Portland, Ore.

In addition to Oregon, the faraway lands of Touché include Florida (Gina - Tampa, Jan - Deland) and California (Patty - Long Beach). They are often asked how they make a long-distance quartet work. Well … the way it works in every fairy tale — magic! (Plus a lot of frequent flyer miles!) The real moral of this enchanted story is that when you love one another and love the mu-sic you make together, anything is possible. You just have to believe.

Patty Cobb Baker, TenorStanding around a piano singing Christ-

mas carols at a co-worker’s party in 1982, Patty commented, “I just love to harmonize!” Her host, barbershopper Lloyd Erickson,

Continued on page 24


replied, “Have I got a hobby for you!” Four months later, Patty attended her first Sweet Adelines rehearsal, visiting and subsequently joining the Houston Horizon Chorus. Voice-placed as a lead, she persisted in singing harmony whenever possible. Her first (of ultimately six) regional quartet champion-ships was as a lead (Ms. BEhavin’, 1988), but in 1992 she was asked to sing tenor in a new quartet, SoundTrax. She never looked back! Harmony is home for Patty, evoking cherished memories of her dad playing the old songs by ear on the piano as they harmo-nized together. SoundTrax enjoyed five trips to the International stage, placing as high as 8th in 1995.

Around the same time, Patty decided to leave her job as a contracts business manager for NASA and began a career as a voice teacher and coach. A lifelong student of voice, Patty apprenticed with the founder of The Singers’ Workshop, Debbie Beinhorn. Debbie opened Patty’s eyes to the marvel of the human voice and the spirit that fuels it. A move to south-ern California in 1998 brought Patty new quartet adventures — PErsua-sion and ShimmEr quartets who were both top ten International finalists. In all, Denver represented Patty’s 17th appearance at Interna-tional as a quartet competitor!

Patty is a proud member of the two-time International Cham-pion and 2013 International third place medalist Harborlites Chorus. As a member of the Music Team, she serves as their vocal education

coordinator and is blessed to work with and learn from her dear friend and director, Pam Pie-son. She is co-direc-tor of the Golden Sands Chorus of Long Beach, serves on both Region 11, 21 and Interna-tional faculties, and is a member of the International Board of Directors and YSF Management Committee.

Patty gives thanks to her

parents for raising her with the gift of vocal music; it has filled her life with so much joy and led her to the love of her life, her husband Jeff. Baritone of 1996 BHS Cham-pion Quartet, NighTlifE, Jeff has been her ultimate fan and an amazing life coach. She thanks him, from the bottom of her heart, for sharing her journey. She feels incredibly blessed to be Queen to his King!

Gina Baker, LeadThey call her “brat” — barbershop brat,

that is, and she’s proud of it! Gina grew up in northwest Indiana and started singing tags with her dad’s quartets at the age of five. You could catch Gina listening to eight-tracks of ThE SunTonEs, singing into her hairbrush, pretending to be Gene Cokeroft. She sang all through high school, received the National Choral Award, and performed with The

Singing Hoosiers at Indiana University.Gina officially joined Sweet Adelines in

1993 and sang under her mother’s direction in Calumet Corner Chorus. After moving to Florida, she formed her first quartet, firE-works, with her stepmom Jan. firEworks received a wildcard to International and came in 51st! Her next quartet, JackpoT!, formed in 2001 and competed as a wildcard at International each succeeding year until an 11th place finish in 2004. They initiated the 11th place Mic Tester Pin tradition that continues today. JackpoT! went on to several top ten International finishes, including three consecutive silver medals, until their retire-ment in 2009. Although having achieved International notoriety, Touché is Gina’s first Regional Championship Quartet.

Gina is very active in her chorus, Toast of Tampa Show Chorus, serving on the chorus management team and dancing on the front row. She credits her chorus, the leader-ship and directors Joe Connelly and Tony DeRosa as being the main force behind her development as a singer and her strong per-formance style. At the regional level, Gina is a member of the Region 9 Education Faculty and coaches several choruses and quartets.

Gina thanks her parents, Jerry and Bonnie, for raising her in the culture of barbershop and allowing her to explore and cultivate her talents while encouraging her all along the way. Gina is married to her Iron-man Jeff Baker, the inspiration to her music and her true soulmate in life. They have two daughters, Lauren and Lisa, and live in Wesley Chapel, Fla. Together, Gina and Jeff work at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where

Gina is an R.N. and practices her other passion — taking care of pre-mature infants and their families.

Jan Anton – BaritoneIn 1979, Jan attended a wed-

ding reception, and found herself sitting at a table with a lovely man named Joe Loose. He was wearing a unique tie clip — four men singing in straw hats. When Jan asked him about it, Joe told her he sang in the BHS Arlingtones Chorus and invited her to attend their upcoming show. At the show, Jan heard her first barbershop quartet, Chicago nEws. After picking her jaw up off the floor, Jan wandered into the afterglow where Don Bagley

asked her to sing a tag. He told Jan,

Patty with her husband, Jeff.

Gina with her husband, Jeff.

The Pitch Pipe - JANUARY 2013 �5

“You know, the women do this, too!” Don sent Jan to the little chorus down the road — Region 3’s Melodeers Chorus, and Jan promptly joined. Jan was choreographer for the chorus for several years and was everyone’s favorite fill-in baritone. She joined her first quartet, STardusT, in 1988 and won her first Regional Quartet Cham-pionship a few short months later. She still remains very close friends with her very first lead, ThE Four BETTys’ Lynda Keever. In Region 3, Jan earned five more Regional Championships with STardusT, midnighT Magic and ThE TonighT show, and quali-fied for International seven times.

Jan left the Chicago area after meeting her husband, Jerry, in 1993 at a BHS dis-trict contest in Peoria, Ill. Jerry is a lifelong barbershopper — and Gina’s dad! Gina was only 20 years old when she and Jan met; little did they know that 19 years later they’d win a crown together! Jan and Jerry married dur-ing the 1994 Sweet Adelines International Convention in Reno, in a little Elvis chapel. They will never forget the feeling of walking into the Melodeers rehearsal as the chorus sang I Love You Truly to them. Everyone was crying! That very same day, Jan won her first International chorus gold medal. After relocating to Florida in 1997, Jan began her quartet journey with

Gina, singing in firEworks, JackpoT! and Touché .

Jan wants to thank Karen Breidert, her very first teacher and mentor in this wonderful art form; her special friends, for their love and support; and Jerry, for being so understand-ing of all her time away from home. He is truly her biggest fan! Lastly, she wants to thank Team Touché : Gina, Kim and Patty for their hard work and total dedication that enabled them to reach their dream. She feels so blessed.

Kim McCormic – BassFor Kim, Touché’s week

in Denver was full of amaz-ing moments — seeing so

many dear friends in the hall-way celebrating their semifinals

performance; spending time with coach Renée Porzel in her beautiful President’s Suite; seeing the crowns and the smiles on her quartet mates’ faces during the awards ceremony; being treated like royalty at the Coronet Club show and feeling so much joy; watching the Coronet Club slideshow of previous queens and realizing she was now a part of that legacy! A dream that began for Kim in 1988 was finally realized!

You may remember Kim from her appearances with International quartet competitors Razzcals, AcT IV and ouT of Bounds. It was while Kim was singing with Razzcals that Gina first saw Kim perform and fell in love with her rich bass voice and captivating stage presence. Kim’s gratitude runs deep for the guidance provided by the

coaches who have taught her so much over the past 25 years —Betty Clipman, Carole Kirkpatrick, Renée Porzel, Kim Vaughn, Roland Wyatt, West Coast Jeff Baker, Shannon Harris and barbershopper husband, Tim. She is so thankful for their abiding belief in her!

Life outside of Sweet Adelines is nar-row but rich for Kim, spent with family and her career. You can regularly find Kim playing domestic goddess in her back-yard, entertaining friends and loved ones! Kim has four children: Alisha (35), Anna (30), Kendra (25) and Chad (22). Her passion and favorite pastime — outside of singing and her career — is spending time with them and her grandkids — Carlos (8), Adaya (1), and the latest addition to the clan, Jocelyn, who is just three weeks old. Thanks to Alisha and her husband Mike, one more grandbaby is on the way, due in July! Kim’s career has been in the medical field since 1995, specializing in nu-traceutical/botanical medicine. She serves the alternative and integrative medical community as an independent consultant.

Kim currently sings with Cascade Harmony Chorus in Canby, Ore., and is also a member of the Pride Of Portland Chorus. Kim and Tim live on the outskirts of Portland in beautiful wine country, where Sunday drives and hikes with the dogs are a regular occurrence.

....................................In French, “toucher” means “to

touch.” Throughout their long barber-shop histories, countless people — in ways that have shaped them into the women and quartet they are today — have touched each member of Touché . They thank all of the teachers, directors,

coaches, friends, chorus members, quartet sisters and especially family who have touched them along the way, with spe-cial thanks to Touché coaches Carole Kirk-patrick, Renée Porzel, Betty Clipman, Jean Barford, Stacey St. John and Jeff Baker. Their endless love and support have helped the four of them become liv-ing proof that, no matter how long it takes, never

give up on your dreams … just believe! pp

Jan with her husband, Jerry.

Kim with her family. Left to Right: Anna, Alisha, Kendra, Chad, Kim, Tim, Shannon, Mike, and Ryan.


By nortH Metro cHorus, region 16

And now, with a score of 3058 points, your 2013 International Chorus Champion … North Metro Chorus! It was a heart-stopping moment for all 135 singers as we flew to our feet with complete joyful abandon. Did they really call our name? As we looked to the stage in this sur-real moment, we knew it was true! June Dale, dedicated director for more than 40 years, was in a state of shock as we made our way to the stage. Her outpouring of love and belief in each one of us resounded as we jumped, hugged, laughed and cried — this was the ultimate reward for two years of revitalization, hard work and the redefinition of why we sing!

A Moment To Cherish — A Journey Of Joy With

Lessons Learned


We were thrilled to compete first in the finals at this year’s competition, as we love to experience the talent and creativity of all of the wonderful choruses within our organization. After enjoying such amazing performances, we are both humbled and honored to wear these gold medals.

Our journey this time around was an intentional one as we made a very con-scious decision to redefine our approach. You would think that two years to pre-pare would be plenty, but any chorus who works toward an International Competi-tion can agree that the months move more quickly than we ever anticipate. Inspir-ing the hearts and lives of people with our music has always been at the center of why we love to sing. The ability to compete well plus enjoy the journey to the stage as a chorus meant changes needed to be made in our preparation schedule and in the individual mindsets and work ethic of each member.

Lesson #1: Love our music! Be cou-rageous to change direction if the music does not work for us.

The first hurdle is always music selec-tion. We actually had chosen a new first round package in fall 2011. We taught and choreographed it and then had a coaching session. June Dale and Erin Howden sat in the car afterwards and, in a fit of ner-vous laughter, agreed that they both hated the music equally. We needed a change. At the turn of 2012, we were thrilled when June and Erin threw out the music and introduced a brand new set of piano tunes with which the chorus immediately and enthusiastically jumped on board. We were especially excited about singing the toy sol-ider songs. Our love of the music made all the difference to the speed of the learning process and the end product.

Lesson #2: Celebrate fear and be courageous about our personal growth!

We all made a conscious decision to set a plan in motion for individual musi-cal and performance improvement. We wanted to feel more confident and pre-pared during this competition. We wanted to increase the predictability of our performances. We recognized that com-petence would breed confidence, so we all had work to do! We knew the chorus would only be as strong as each individual member’s preparation and skill level. We

invested in small group work early in the process and then ensured the deadline dates for qualifying music and visual were set and met earlier than in the past. What we were really interested in was a higher quality, more consistent musical and visual approach. We agreed as a chorus that we needed to create new singing and performance habits in order to reach our goal of performing two consistent rounds at International. Moments of greatness are possible with a random approach, but consistency of a higher quality product requires building new habits. The work became fun as the members began to hear and see the changes happening from week to week. We reminded ourselves that learning can be scary. “What if I try and I find out I can’t?” We all decided to go for our next level despite this fear. We all began to surprise ourselves as we found new territory to explore and began to see improvements that were recognized by our leaders and our peers.

Lesson #3: Surround ourselves with caring experts and seek out continuous education.

We were blessed that two incredibly gifted men, Tony DeRosa and Joe Con-nelly, coached us. They both introduced and inspired new approaches to singing that worked very well for us. Tony’s ap-proach to vocal technique was amazing and refreshing as we worked and devel-oped while we thought we were playing! He is a master musician and vocal teacher, and his passion for our art form and for musical excellence is contagious. Joe, another tremendously gifted musician and coach, has been with North Metro for more than 23 years and continues to bring a fresh perspective to our interpretive plans and to our musical product. His pas-sionate approach and his ability to inspire the best possible performance from each member are second to none. Both Tony and Joe, in spite of their crazy schedules, came to our rehearsals on-site in Denver, and their obvious genuine emotion meant the world to us as we enjoyed the final stages of our preparation. We thank both of these loving people who gave freely of themselves to help bring our performanc-es to life.

Lesson #4: Intentionally strategize our preparation.

In addition to setting earlier deadlines

for individual preparation, in the spirit of our goal to feel as prepared as pos-sible, we set a September date for a show in which we performed both of our sets at matinée and evening performances. Although having a show prior to contest is not a new concept for many choruses, this is the first time we had done it, and what a wonderful experience it was! It allowed us to ensure we were performance-ready earlier, but it also provided us with useful insight to continue to mold our pack-ages even further. Effective planning and preparation substantially increased the joy of our journey and the fun we were able to have onstage!

Lesson #5: Work smart and hard, but plan to play!

In past competitions, we found our-selves in the situation where we have at-tended extended rehearsals on-site and by the end of the week, we were too tired to enjoy ourselves. We vowed that would not happen this time! Our first gathering was at our regional pep rally on Monday eve-ning. What an evening to celebrate as four choruses (North Metro, Buffalo Gateway, Saratoga Soundtrack and Orangeville) and two quartets (SpriTzEr and PhoEnix Rising) represented Region 16. It was a wonderful time of sharing joy and music together as we were reminded how many wonderful relationships formed because of this incredible organization. We planned only one two-hour rehearsal per day during the week to ensure that the ladies were able to enjoy the convention. Tues-day was an unusual but wonderful time for us as the chorus was given the day off! We decided that instead of rehearsing, we would go on a chorus field trip. One of our members coordinated the scheduling of six buses to take us on the Billy Banjo tour through the city of Denver. After this we had dinner and went to the Harmony Classic together to support our regional representatives and enjoy the hard work of all the competing choruses. We have never considered the option going to play instead of rehearsing. Having playtime in the midst of an International Contest was foreign territory to us, but a formula we are sure to use in the future!

Celebrating Our LeadersEarning a gold medal requires com-

mitment from every member of a chorus; Continued on page 28


however, there are a few people whose inspiration helped us climb higher than we ever thought possible.

June Dale, master director 700, certi-fied music arranger, coach and extraordi-nary leader. There are no words that can properly reflect the joy this incredible wom-an has brought to our chorus for more than 40 years as our dedicated musical director. She is truly a visionary. We appreciate her courage to embark on new creative ways to present music in the barbershop style. Her loving, caring and determined approach with each and every member creates a posi-tive environment for continuous learning. In spite of her highly competitive instincts, she has always put the needs of the people at the center of her leadership. Her joy and her passion for barbershop come through as she magically arranges, teaches, coaches and leads us. In doing the math, this amaz-ing woman has directed our chorus at more than 2,200 regular rehearsals. Her cour-age as she endured constant pain this past year awaiting hip replacement surgery this month is a testament to her dedication and strength. The members of North Metro are truly grateful for this incredible director, leader and friend.

Erin Howden, associate director, choreographer, international faculty, coach, creative genius. June’s daughter, Erin, is June’s right hand, an outstanding leader

and an integral part of our success. Brilliant, unique, innovative — these words have all been used to describe Erin’s stunning visual work. She inspires personal belief and en-thusiasm as she motivates people to pursue breakthrough levels of continuous improve-ment and excellence. We are so thankful for her relentless push for higher levels, her vision, her mastery and her innovative concepts that bring our music to life.

Lynn Reisch, costume design coordi-nator, designer extraordinaire. Lynn, also June’s daughter, has a flare and a vision for costuming that creates a visual spectacle, reinforcing the musical image being created onstage. Her flare for colour and design are impactful, and the chorus is very lucky to have her on our team.

Each one of us had our own amazing and memorable life experience in Denver that will live in our hearts forever. Here is some insight from a first-time gold medal winner in our chorus.

A Member’s Perspective ... My First International Gold!

“I have never been comfortable wear-ing my achievements pinned to my chest, but I do wear this medal with joy. It is a marker of this remarkable journey that I have been encouraged to experience. It reminds me of each step I have taken along this musical path and of the enchantment of

that big day. It is a symbol of the pride and love I have for my North Metro Chorus and the chorus leaders. It is the evidence of the overwhelming support and love I felt from the audience through their heart-felt applause and accolades that made me believe that I was truly special in this moment in time. And finally, the brilliance of the gold exemplifies the Sweet Adeline community who, through their vision, has allowed me to soar and has led me to a place in music I have never even dared to dream.”

A Final Note of ThanksWe would like to recognize and thank

Sweet Adelines International for encour-aging continuous education and musical excellence all over the world. There are so many who offer their time for the better-ment of us all. We owe special gratitude to the members of Region 16 who have al-ways shown us so much love and encour-agement. We would also like to thank our families for their love and support, every person who has helped us on our path and each of you in our audience who have al-lowed us to shine our light.

We are so very proud, honoured and thankful to be your 2013 International Chorus Champions!

With love and thanks,North Metro Chorus pp

Lynn Reisch and Erin Howden.


By renée porzel, MeloDeers cHorus, region 3

It’s hard to summarize 53 years of singing, performing and teaching, but Ann Gooch has spent her life doing all three with style, flair and a passion for changing women’s lives through music.

To really understand the path Ann has followed since she joined in 1960, we have to start with a little background about her non-Sweet Adeline life. Ann’s career included a bachelor’s degree in music education from Florida State Uni-versity, and a master’s degree in educa-tion from the University of Florida. She served for many years as a professor of music and humanities at Florida State College. She also taught classes on art appreciation — and gave me the lesson of a lifetime a few years ago.

She was preparing a lesson plan for one of her art classes and took me to the Museum of Modern Art in Jacksonville. I was wandering around trying to find a painting that I liked and stopped for a long time to study an enormous canvas — with one orange dot in the bottom right hand corner. Ann asked me what I thought of it — and I said that I was shocked that it was considered art. I told her that anyone could take orange paint and put a dot on a canvas and call it art.

Her answer was quintessential Annie; she said, “Yes, dear — but did you?” She educated me that day!

Her journey the last 53 years re-flects her can-do attitude and her abso-lute dedication to spreading barbershop harmony to every corner of the world. Our name – Sweet Adelines Interna-tional – is truly a reflection of Ann’s vision and perseverance. It’s safe to say that we would not be harmonizing the world if it weren’t for this talented woman.

Ann has a very interesting claim to fame — despite her long membership,

she has never sung in a Sweet Adeline chorus! She directed the Greater Or-lando Chorus for five years, the Valley Forge Chorus for two years and has been the director of the Jacksonville Harmony Chorus for the last 40 years. It seems it was destined for Ann to be a director.

In 1960, Ann was teaching junior high music and was facing the task of picking music for her students. She de-


Annie as International President ��5.

Passion, Singing and Harmonizing the World 2012 President’s Lifetime

Achievement Award Recipient, Ann Gooch

A coaching session with Renée Porzel.

Jacksonville Harmony sings Make Mine Music.Lynn Reisch and Erin Howden.


cided to get the boys in her class singing and found four-part arrangements to give to them. Some local male barbershoppers heard them sing and suggested they attend a local chapter rehearsal. They also told Ann there was a local women’s barbershop chorus — and she was very intrigued. She went to their rehearsal and found 18 singers getting ready for their regional competi-tion. They told her she couldn’t sing with them until they came back from contest, and the week they returned, Ann was there and ready to get started. The chorus administration knew that Ann was a music teacher and when they introduced her, they announced to the chorus that Ann was their new member and also their new director! She was totally surprised but assumed that this was something the group did when they took in a new member, thus she hap-pily agreed to give it a try. And the rest is history; she has been serving as a front-line director ever since. It was a match made in heaven!

Ann’s years in Sweet Adelines have been filled with every leadership role this organization has to offer. She has been a judge for 40 years and is currently a certified music judge. She began at a time when there was no actual program — the judges trained each other! They learned by judging a contest, and then analyzing each other’s work. They were trailblazers who laid the groundwork for the judging program that is in place today.

Ann has also been in a long list of quartets, most notably La fiEsTa, who placed in the top 20 in Miami and in the top 10 for a few years after that. I’m sure many of you remember the cat number! When I asked Ann how many quartets she has been in, she said there was no way she could count them. There is rarely a time when she is not singing in a quartet and con-tinues to grace the stage with her elegant style and larger-than-life stage persona. And her singing is pretty good, too!

Ann has been given international faculty emerita

status after spending many years teaching and coaching our members. She was one of the wom-en who helped develop the original Faculty Program in the 1970s and has taught classes all over the world.

Ann served on the Board of Directors for 25 years and was our international president from 1975–1977. She loved serving on the Board and told me she enjoyed the politics and the negotiating. I would have loved to see her in action at a meeting!

During her presi-dency, Ann heard the QuarTErnoTEs quartet sing a song about what

Sweet Adelines would be like in other countries. Ann thought — why not? And then she made it happen. She raised the funds to get the idea rolling by putting on a show at Inter-national Convention, and the money raised was used for world development. During her presidency, she traveled to England, Holland, Sweden, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, Singapore and Austra-lia. She searched out leadership everywhere she went in order to keep the program going and got in contact with any woman who expressed interest in learning more about us. We are truly an international or-ganization because of her abso-lute belief that this music must be sung by women all over the world. We are all reaping the benefits of her work today.

If you have been a mem-ber since the 1960s, you have witnessed some amazing stage outfits from our Annie! She

remembers emceeing in a towel in Miami and wearing a long, black, see-through lace dress in Hawaii. I’ve been told she also wore an entire dress made out of seashells — but she will not corroborate that story! She is always ready for the next new idea, the next character and the next chance to en-tertain. At 75 years young, she is raring to go and ready to keep moving forward to

the next challenge. One of her friends,

Dee Pelletier, describes Annie as “the real deal — compassionate, consid-erate, caring and even-tem-pered.” Ann is unflappable and takes whatever life hands her and keeps on smiling. She has been an inspiration to so many of us, and we are fortunate to have her in our midst.

When asked about herself, Ann quickly turns the conversation to the person in her life who has been her rock, her support system, her number one

fan. Her husband Jim has been through every contest cycle, every show and every convention with Ann, and she believes she never could have accomplished any of the things she has without his love and support. Jim established the Ann Gooch Award in her honor to help support non-North American regions and the work they are doing to spread barbershop har-mony in their countries. He is so proud of all that Ann has accomplished.

For 53 years, Ann Gooch has been working tirelessly as a teacher, mentor, coach, director, committee member and friend to our members. She has changed the lives of so many women, and her lifetime’s work has truly made a difference.

Ann Gooch is past international president, certified music judge, interna-tional faculty emerita, master director, 2001 Harmony Classic AA champion and instrumental in the development of the non-North American regions. For this dedication to our organization, our members and the barbershop craft — we thank you.

Little Devil at chorus Halloween Party.

Ann emcees Showcase at International Convention in Miami.

Jim Kane with Annie at International Convention.

Annie and Jacksonville Harmony Broadway Show, �0��.

pp


Ladies First is a female barbershop chorus at Concord High School in Con-cord, Calif. It is a select group of singers from grades 10-12, taught by Christian Emigh and coached by Sweet Adelines member, Karen Fish.

The chorus has a distinguished history within its 18-year tenure at the school. As the school’s singular bar-bershop chorus, the group has taken top honors at festivals in Boston, Las Vegas, Seattle, Hawaii, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Chicago and Vancouver, Canada. In 2005, Ladies First received official recognition from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for their selection as California’s representa-tive choir chosen to perform at a series of concerts honoring military veterans over Memorial Day at the nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C. In 2006, the group was awarded a gold medal at the New York Choral Festival for their performances at Lincoln Center. Well known throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Ladies First has been a featured group for the San Francisco Giants, the Oakland Athlet-ics, the Golden State Warriors and the Oakland Holiday Parade. The group’s appearances for television and radio in-clude NBC, KTVU Channel 2 and KFRC Radio.

But how did they get started? And how can you start a similar phenom-enon in your town? We got up close and personal with Karen Fish (Diablo Vista Chorus, Region 12), who helped initiate the art of barbershop within her local high school.

Q: How long have you been in-volved with Sweet Adelines?

I’ve been a Sweet Adelines member since 1988. I came to barbershop as a classically-trained vocalist with three young children; I needed a fun night out! Twenty-four years later and it’s still a fun night out with great music and wonderful friends.

Q: How did you get your start in singing?

I started singing in third grade when my mom put me in chorus at the request of my teacher because I kept getting in trouble for singing in class. We per-formed songs from the “Wizard of Oz.” I loved it and have been singing ever since.

Q: Was there a special teacher that inspired you to continue?

Mr. Hartzell, my high school choir teacher, encouraged me to take vocal lessons. Although my forté was classical, Mr. Hartzell provided me with the oppor-tunity to sing a variety of musical genres.

Q: How did you get started in Ladies First?

In 1994, Airiana Guthrie, a teacher at the local high school and a brand new Sweet Adeline to the Diablo Vista Chorus, approached me. Airiana wanted to start a new class at Concord High and could teach the basic songs but needed assistance with the finer points of the barbershop craft. Thus, a partnership to form the Ladies First choir was born. Skip to 18 years later, and I am still coaching alongside Christian Emigh as the teacher.

Q: What is the Ladies First class curriculum?

As in any chorus, I always start with the basics. Mr. Emigh breaks the girls up into quartets and small groups to teach them sight-reading (Solfége). I coach the barbershop portion of the class. We have sectionals, extra rehearsals and choreography classes. I bring in both men’s and women’s coaches from the barbershop world in order to give Ladies First a well-rounded musical education in barbershop.

Q: Can you list some challenges you have had in coaching Ladies First?

There are a few major challenges. Girls at this age don’t always have the range to sing bass, so the size of our class depends on our number of basses. We lose seniors and gain raw talent. Our school year begins at end of August, and we have to have a full program up and ready to perform by the end of Novem-ber. This is a working choir; we’ll average 15 - 20 performances during the holiday season. Ladies First is Concord High’s premier choir. It is an audition-only class. Those auditions take place every May where we have nearly 80 young ladies try out. They go through both individual and group auditions before selections are made. Ladies First has grown from 11 girls who had never heard of barbershop to nearly 40 young ladies who want the opportunity to perform and compete in this gold medal-winning choir. Another challenge is the difference in ages. We’re working with teenage young ladies, which means hormones, drama and boy troubles! Sometimes I’m not just the coach but also a second mother, mentor and sounding board. But in the long run, I love it!

Q: What are some mantras or life lessons you emphasize with girls?

That any music –memorable music – draws from life. Sometimes they are just too young and haven’t lived enough to get that, so I give them instances in my life, and it helps them to visualize the


Attracting Younger Members

Ladies First Choir with teacher, Christian Emigh.


Mem

bers

hip

Mat

ters

Membership matters more than anything to Sweet Adelines International. It’s what keeps this organization vibrant, thriving and enduring. You are what make it extraordinary, which is why we are focusing heavily on spreading your harmony and passion with others across the globe. If we haven’t already put enough emphasis on your participation in the Global Membership Drive, here’s another reminder to keep it fresh in your mind: in January 2013 we launch another Global Open House event and the new Sweet! Adds Membership Incentive campaign!

It’s important for all of us to remember that the purpose of these internationally-supported events is to strengthen the Global Membership Drive initiative using the One Voice, One Message collaborative strategy. Neither of these campaigns will be suc-cessful without the enthusiasm and drive of our membership, and we truly need to rely on the support and loyalty of the membership to make a difference.

There are two main objectives of the One Voice, One Message program: we want to first increase public aware-ness of Sweet Adelines International by building a consistent image and brand utilizing the real women. real harmony. real fun. graphics and message across all of our regions and chapters. Next, we need to capitalize on this increased awareness with well-planned, coordi-nated promotional events to attract new members. The One Voice, One Mes-sage program is an ongoing mission to create awareness about our organiza-tion, attract more singers and ultimately increase membership. It is a long-term program that we will build for years to come. All the resources, tools, promo-tional plans, etc. that we generate are designed to support this program over the next several years.

Before announcing what’s new in 2013, here’s a brief reminder of some very helpful existing benefits and resources: • Sweet Adelines International website• Marketing Center resources • Global Open House promotional

videos

• The online Ad Builder • Real Guide to Growth handbook with

bookmarks• Global Event Timeline template • Global Membership/Marketing Plan

template• Global News Release template • Global Campaign Evaluation template

Now it’s time to announce the many new items available for you to take advantage of: Global landing pages for:

• The Global Open House for members • The Global Open House for prospec-

tive members • The Sweet! Adds Membership Incen-

tive Campaign• Invite-A-Friend electronic postcards

on the website• A Google-based chapter search • A Facebook Global Event page• New archived webinars on “What’s

New In 2012/2013?” and “Social Media Marketing”

• New directional signs and busi-ness card templates in the online Ad Builder

• New items added to the Sweet Ade-lines International Cafe Press store

• I’d Like to Teach The World To Sing sheet music, now available in the newest version of the Mass Sing Songbook

• New items added to the Global Re-sources page of the Marketing Center

• Performance press release template• PSA script samples• Archived webinars• Applied membership campaign plans

and a variety of samples from the January 2012 event

• Global publicity• Social Media Marketing Guide

The January 2013 Global Open House After months of promoting and pre-

paring, the January 2013 Global Open House is underway. Surveys went out to chapter leaders at the beginning of the month to obtain feedback on participation levels and plans. Another survey will go out in February to evaluate promotional efforts. We hope each member, whether or not you belong to a chapter, is making even the most simple effort to raise aware-

ness for Sweet Adelines International this month. As we saw in 2012, this event has the potential to bring Sweet Adelines together to amplify the unity of our orga-nization, tighten bonds between members no matter the distance and reach out to women around the world.

Please join the 2013 Global Open House Face-book page. Share your promotional plans, cheer on other members around the world, post your promo-tional materials and news coverage, share your success stories and more!

For more information on the Global Open House event, go to http://www.sweetadelineintl.org/index.cfm?id=304

Sweet! Adds Membership Incentive Campaign

Don’t forget — beginning this Janu-ary, members will be rewarded for their recruitment efforts in the new Sweet! Adds Membership Incentive Campaign. To further strengthen the January Global Open House and the Global Membership Drive, members now have the opportu-nity to earn dues incentives and additional bonuses for bringing in new members. When completing the new member ap-plication, don’t forget to include the name of the member who referred that new member in the “Referred By” field.

For more information about the Sweet! Adds Membership Incentive Campaign and the rewards being offered, go to http://www.sweetadelineintl.org/in-dex.cfm?id=317.

Just imagine the global impact of showing women all over the world the joy of singing barbershop harmony. With 24,000 members worldwide speaking with one voice, delivering one message — we can make a tremendous impact on mem-bership. With your help we can create a recognizable brand for Sweet Adelines In-ternational and make it a household name. Now wouldn’t that be extraordinary!

What’s New in 2013?


http://http://www.sweetadelineintl.org


By EllEn E. WithErs, top of thE rock chorus, rEgion 25

On Oct. 13, Top of the Rock Chorus was proud to host a wine and cheese party to celebrate Peggy Gram’s 40th anniver-sary as their director. Peggy’s service at the helm of the chorus, as well as serving at the helm of Sweet Adelines International, has been a huge credit to both.

“When I started directing Top of the Rock, I never antici-pated I would be celebrating 40 years of directing this fantastic group,” Peggy said. “We didn’t have a director, and I was the assistant director. I told them I would take it on until we found someone better.”

Before the bash, Peggy continued to reflect about her time as director. “People ask me what we do, and my answer is we make things better in the lives of the women we touch and their families, as they experience the power of the music and the magic of the camaraderie and spirit that grows among musicians who are creating art together,” Peggy said. “In turn, we make our community better as we share the product of our rehearsals with them. Music just has a way of bringing people together whether you’re creating it or listening to it.

“My time with the chorus has been a gift, a learning laboratory for me,” Peggy said. “I was so young when I started this adventure, I look back in amazement that the leadership was willing to entrust the responsibility to me, but I am very fortunate that they did. It has been a life-changing experience for me.”

Although Peggy feels there are a multitude of benefits to directing, she explains what she likes best about leading singers to a better performance. “My favorite thing about directing has been getting to meet and work with so many talented people,”

Peggy said. “If you’re a singer, you aren’t really happy unless you are singing, so it is rewarding to watch women blossom as they find the chorus, return to singing, and start to grow again as singers. I love leading that education process. I am an educator at heart and get the largest charge out of seeing the synapses come together as someone gets it across the room, whether that’s mastering the concept of a challenging vocal-ize as we warm up, as she hears a chord lock and ring for the first time, or seeing her standing on stage acknowledging an audience’s applause and seeing in their eyes that the music we made together moved them.”

Harm

ony Roundup

Queen of Our Hearts

From Left to Right, Kristi Jacimore, #�5 Events Coordi-nator & member TOTR, Nancy Nortz, #�5 & member OKC, Kat Nortz, friend, Peggy Gram, Camron Marsh, grandson, Kerri Barnes Marsh, daughter, Kristen Barnes Rhodes, daughter. Photo by Chris Barnes.

By sharon cartWright, northErn BEachEs chorus, rEgion 34

Australia’s a rugged country with wide expanses of dry and dusty land separated by remote townships with tiny populations. In one such community resides a Sweet Adelines member named Melissa Harrison. A barbershop brat, originally a member of Coastal aCappella Chorus in the lush Cen-tral Coast resort area of New South Wales, she is now a Chapter-at-Large member and a teacher at Wanaaring Public School, one of the most isolated schools in the state. Her mum Jennie and aunty Cheryl are long-time Sweet Adelines members, and Melissa sang with the Young Women In Harmony Chorus at the Seattle Convention in 2010.

With only nine students enrolled from kindergarten to year six, Wanaaring Public School has little opportunity to raise funds to provide additional sporting equipment. So when a sports equipment coupon

promotion was run by one of Australia’s largest supermarkets, Melissa reached out to the Sweet Adelines network to help. She dreamed of a target of 10,000 coupons and with Region 34’s generosity, the little school received 37,773 coupons! This enabled each student to choose their own piece of sporting equipment, some-thing previously way beyond their reach.

Counting the coupons became a part of the school’s math lessons and reading the notes that arrived with the cou-

pons provided new and interesting things to read. The students loved looking on

maps to see where all the choruses were located, thus learning more about their vast country.

Melissa and the children sent a letter of thanks to each chorus that supported them. What may have seemed a small gesture to indi-vidual members of the many choruses who got behind the effort really made a difference to this isolated community and has helped Melissa feel more connected to her

Sweet Adelines sisters across the country.

Sweet Adelines’ Spirit Reaches Australia’s Outback

Students from Wanaaring Public School say thank you to Sweet Adelines! Continued on Page 34


By DEBBiE toy, chEsapEakE harmony chorus, rEgion 1

It was in the summer of 2009 when Jan Sczcerba came through the door at Chesapeake Harmony Chorus for the first time. Who could ever have imagined the impact she would have on us in such a short time.

Jan was a school teacher — a reading specialist at a local elementary school. She always had a smile on her beautifully made-up face, and was quite the fash-ionista, but also knew how to go casual at Girl’s Weekends (aka Singer’s School, or FLASH — depending on the region). Her laughter and smile could light up a room like no other.

Jan was a classically-trained singer, so watching her morph from soloist to singing barbershop harmony first as a lead, then tenor section leader, was a treat — although perhaps a challenge to the

perfectionist in her. After a few weeks on the risers, she gave up comparing how the notes appeared on the music staff to how our director wanted it to be sung. Unfail-ingly, she watched Tancey’s hands — re-gardless of those little dots on the paper.

In addition to being a wonderful wife and mother, Jan was the sort of grand-mother I secretly wished I had. She was always planning something fun with her grandchildren in mind — baking cook-ies, watching the wildlife over a campfire in the woods or her own backyard. Done together, it was special time for them all.

She had a serious side though and could always be counted on to dissolve tension within the chorus when something was amiss or to be the consummate diplo-mat to solve an impasse. Using a technique developed for sixth graders or younger, we would secretly fill a chorus member’s bucket with good thoughts to brighten her week or a thank-you for an obscure job

performed on behalf of the chorus. Jan was kind above all else.

Her arrival at Chesapeake Harmony was the result of her late brother Roy’s wish that she do something musical. She’d been out of music, one of her many creative outlets, for a time, and she found us online. What serendipity for us all! She loved being a Sweet Adeline, and we loved having her be a part of our small but mighty chorus.

Our Jan passed away on a recent autumn afternoon. It was much too soon. Chesapeake Harmony Chorus wants Jan’s legacy of doing something musical to live on. We are hopeful that our donation to YWIH in her memory will, in some small way, allow others to do something musical.

We miss you, Jan. Our hearts are heavy with grief, but we know that you are singing tenor with the angels and watching over us as we continue to do something musical in your memory.

Har

mon

y R

ound

up Do Something Musical

By shEEna kaighin, alaska sounD cElEBration, rEgion 13

Alaska has got its own version of the “growing girls!” Its Young Women in Harmony Chorus just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Now in its fourth year, Alaska A Cappella U (AAU) is an annual one-day festival staged by Region 13’s 2012 Champion, Alaska Sound Celebration. It is traditionally held on the same day as ASC’s Fall Show, which gives the girls both an educational day of barbershop singing and the chance to perform on stage in front of a packed house.

AAU is organized by Chera Boom and Melodee Risi, both of whom are Sweet Adelines Certified Directors. Melodee says, “I was amazed in 2011 when we had 43 girls. That was double the previous years’ number, so you can imagine our excitement when this year we had 85 participants!”

Teaching the barbershop craft and good vocal technique are the top priorities of the event. Chera says, “It shows the girls that being a performer is more than those few exciting minutes on stage. There’s the hours of rehearsal, maintaining focus, learn-

ing choreography, getting make-up and costume de-tails right and then waiting until you go on stage.”

Every Sweet Adeline knows the thrill of perform-ing. And after the show the excitement in the green room was evident. Dozens of girls in matching T-shirts clutched the flower each of them had been given as they came off stage and talked to friends old and new about their performance.

First timer Gabbe Blackwell is hooked. “It was neat how all the music blended to-gether. I was a little nervous because I was also a piper, but in the end it was a breeze. I had such a fun time, and really want to come back next year.”

Mary Rasheed was thrilled about singing bass for the first time. “It was an awesome experience. I sing in my church choir, but this was very different — the atmosphere, the technique, the movement. The choreography was the cutest thing, looser and more fun than what I do in other groups.”

The success of AAU is beyond what Chera and Melodee dreamed of when they started the Festival in 2009. But they have

bigger aspirations. Chera says, “We are get-ting increasing support from teachers in the school system. We’d like to encourage more participants from further afield in Alaska, start some quartets and eventually have a year- round YWIH Chorus. And one day we’d like to be cheering an Alaskan quartet in the Rising Star competition.”

Melodee pays tribute to Alaska Sound Celebration for it’s for support of Alaska A Cappella U. She says, “AAU began thanks to a grant from YWIH, but since then Alaska Sound Celebration has continued to underwrite the festival, and members help with everything from registration to teach-ing choreography and ordering many pizzas for hungry girls.”

It seems the future is bright for barber-shop in the last frontier.

Alaska’s Growing Girls

Chera Boom (L �rd row) and Melo-dee Risi (R �nd row) with Alaska A Cappella U members before their performance.

The Pitch Pipe - JANUARY 2013 �5

Young S

ingers Foundation

Endowment Fund Goal $500,000 • Current Level $424,190

The Voice BoxHealth Tips for Sweet Adelines

Also known as aphonia, having no voice usually im-plies that the folds have become so swollen that they are weighed down and stiff. Vibration is absent or severely decreased, irregular and slow. More phonatory pressure and increased breath flow is needed to initiate a tone. If you have to push to get a tone started, something is wrong. In such cases, voice rest is better than phonation.

Dr. Rachael Gates is a singing health specialist. She has taught at Northwestern University, The Hartt School of Music, Yale University and Michigan State University where she is currently on the Musicians’ Wellness Team. The Young Singers Foundation Bev Sellers Memorial Scholarship helped to fund her college education.

What happens when I lose my voice?By racHael gates

Young Singers Foundation, one of the official charities of Sweet Adelines International, is committed to enriching the lives of young people by supporting the educational and performance opportunities in vocal music. Please support the Young Singers Foundation with your tax-deduct-ible gift. You may contribute online by visiting http://www.youngsingersfoundation.org/giving.cfm. Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Young-Singers-Foundation/400692866741.

The silent auction and donations generated $22,185 to benefit the Young Singers Foundation. A special thank you goes out to Kate Veeder, Chair of the Silent Auction! During the quartet finals, members gener-ously donated $4,903 to the Friends of the Foundation collection. Thanks to Melina Perry and Brianna Perry who served as the co-chairs of the Friends of the Foundation in Denver. The total proceeds raised by the Young Singers Foundation in Denver were $27,088! Thank you to all who contributed. We hope to see you in Honolulu in 2013!

Members of the Denver Silent Auction Team pictured from left to right: Joan Kienitz, Anita McLarin, Hisako Denda and Marsha Williams.

The Foundation in Denver

http://http://www.youngsingersfoundation.org

http://facebook.com


New

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By lynnEll DiamonD, toast of tampa shoW chorus, rEgion 9

CMA Carolyn Healey has once again created a musically luscious ballad arrangement for our adult singers. The song is Cry Me A River, made popular in the 1960s by singer Julie London. Carolyn uses frequent lead solo pas-sages that make the arrangement best for groups with a strong lead voice or section, and tenor melody lines are used in the hook, so strong tenor voices are also important. The song’s haunt-ing minor mode melody and frequent secondary harmonies indicate that this arrangement is best suited for general audience performances. The arrangement is rated me-dium/challenging, and voice ranges from high to low are: lead, high D - middle C; tenor, high F - mid G; bass, mid E flat - low E flat; bari, high B flat - mid B flat.

The final folio in the Competition Folio series, Competi-tion Folio Book 4 – Challenging, is now available from the Sweet Adelines International Sales Department. The folio is comprised of three ballads, one swing song and four uptunes, all arranged at the advanced level. Tom Gentry, a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, provided two of these arrangements for us: Bill, a favorite love song from the musical Show Boat, and Button Up Your Overcoat, a wonderful swing song from the 1920s. Sweet Adelines CMA Avis Fellows also contributed two arrangements to the folio: I’m Gonna Steal Somebody Else’s Baby, a clever uptune from the 1920s with snippets of Somebody Stole My Gal and I Want a Girl (Guy), and the beautiful ballad I’m Making Believe That

I Don’t Care. Also included are two of CMA Jo Lund’s fine arrangements of a classic barbershop ballad, Laughing On The Outside, and an uptune medley of There’ll Be Some Changes Made and Runnin’ Wild. I Had Someone Else Before I Had You, another popular barbershop uptune, is arranged by CMA Lorraine Rochefort, and CMA Linda Masterson’s entertaining medley of Oh Johnny, Oh Johnny, Oh and Ma, He’s Making Eyes At Me complete the folio selections. Dale Syverson’s excellent learning notes are included, along with learning media for each song.

Several arrangements are now avail-able for singers in our Young Women in Harmony program in both TLBB (tenor,

lead, baritone, bass) and SSAA (soprano I, soprano II, alto I, alto II) formats. I Feel Pretty from the Broadway musical “West Side Story” is a new arrangement for young singers by CMA Carolyn Schmidt. This delightful song describes every girl’s dream, and Carolyn’s arrangement captures all of the joys of a teenager discovering that she is a very special person. Additional titles adapted for YWIH singers from Sweet Adelines adult arrangements are I Don’t Know Why (I Just Do), If You See Johnny, God Bless America, Mary, You’re A Little Bit Old Fashioned, The Star Spangled Banner, We’re All In This Together.

The Sales and Marketability Com-mittee of Sweet Adelines International

accept music arrangements for review. Published music arrangements earn generous payment for the arranger. If you have an arrangement to submit for review, contact Carol Schwartz at [email protected] for further information on the submission and review process.

The song’s haunting minor

mode melody and frequent

secondary harmonies

indicate that this

arrangement is best suited

for general audience

performances.




By kim vaughn, san diEgo chorus, rEgion 21

The 1920s were a fascinating and ex-citing time in America. The Great Depres-sion was over and the “Roaring Twenties” were on their way! It was the age of Charlie Chaplin, dance marathons, flappers, the Charleston, the Cotton Club, Al Jolson, Coco Chanel, art deco, and The New Yorker magazine. Young people flocked to major cities like New York and Chicago wanting to sing, dance, and be entertained. They were greeted by the music of African-Americans like Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith, and a young Louis Armstrong — and they loved it, adopting it and adapting it into white American culture. The jazz influence was here to stay!

One of the most creative teams in the history of music as well as two of the best at adopting and adapting the jazz style were brothers George and Ira Gershwin. From The Real American Folk Song is a Rag to I’ve Got Rhythm, Fascinatin’ Rhythm, The Man I Love to Rhapsody In Blue, the rhythms, the colors, the emotions are all there for us to enjoy, even today.

Ira, born in 1896 and George, born in 1898, were two of four children of Russian Jewish immigrants who immigrated to New York City. George dropped out of school in 1914, immersing himself in piano and the popular music scene with a job as a sales-man for the music publisher Remick. He was greatly influenced by ragtime and stride piano music, and as a songwriter had his first hit in 1920 with Swanee, recorded by the leading vocalist of the time, Al Jolson.

Ira graduated from high school in 1914 where he demonstrated a talent for light verse although he started out working for their father, who ran a number of small businesses. By 1917 he was fascinated with the entire subject of lyrics and began writ-ing under the pseudonym Arthur Francis — so as not to trade on the success of his younger brother. Ira’s first personal success was as lyricist for a Vincent Youman’s show called Two Little Girls in Blue.

But the brothers worked best when they created together.

From 1924 until George’s death in 1937, the brothers wrote almost exclusively with each other, composing over two dozen scores for Broadway and Hollywood. They wrote and created, along with librettist DuBose Heyward, the classic Porgy and Bess folk opera, and George attained great

success in the concert arena as a piano virtuoso, conductor, and composer of such celebrated works as Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris, and the Concerto in F.

In 1930 they wrote the show Girl Crazy and its catchy yet strikingly complex hit number I Got Rhythm. The 1932 show Of Thee I Sing was especially notable for its crackling political satire that would win the 1932 Pulitzer Prize. In 1936 George and Ira went to Hollywood to write for the RKO film studio but by mid-1937, George was complaining of headaches. He died from a brain tumor on July 11, 1937. He was not quite 39 years old.

It would be three years before Ira could or would write again.

But Ira did eventually work with other songwriters. Ira worked in film and theatre with collaborators ranging from Kurt Weill and Jerome Kern to Harold Arlen, Burton Lane, Vernon Duke and Harry Warren, among others; writing such standards as Long Ago (and Far Away) and The Man That Got Away, both nominated for Academy Awards.

In addition to his own career, Ira attend-ed to the details of his brother’s estate and the Gershwin legacy. With help from singer, pianist and historian Michael Finestein, he annotated their manuscripts and consigned to the Library of Congress all the materials that pertained to their careers. In 2007, The Library of Congress created a special award: the Gershwin Prize, in honor of George and Ira Gershwin. The first winner of that first prize was Paul Simon. Subsequent winners have been Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul Mc-Cartney, Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Finestein has written an interesting book called The Gershwins and Me that is interesting reading for those who would like to know more.

In 1983, after a 40-year career and at the age of 86, Ira died in his Beverly Hills home.

Fortu-nately for us, the music never dies. Our ar-rangers, our choruses and our quartets search out these amazing songs and pre-serve them for us all to enjoy.

Have you sung a Gershwin tune? It’s very likely you have. Everyone you can think of — from Fred Astaire to Amy Wine-house, Bing Crosby to the Moody Blues — has loved and sung a Gershwin song.

Let’s all go sing a Gershwin tune!

Bidin’ My TimeBut Not For MeClap Yo’ HandsCrazy For YouEmbraceable YouFascinating RhythmFoggy Day, AHow Long Has This Been Going On?I Can’t Get StartedI Got Plenty O Nuttin’I Got RhythmI’ve Got A Crush On YouIt Ain’t Necessarily SoLet Yourself GoLet’s Call The Whole Thing OffLittle Jazz BirdLong Ago (And Far Away)Love Is Here To Stay

Love Walked InMan I LoveMan That Got Away, TheNice Work If You Can Get ItOf Thee I SingRhapsody In BlueReal American Folk Song Is A RagS WonderfulShall We DanceSlap That BassSomebody Loves MeSomeone To Watch Over MeStrike Up The BandSummertime SwaneeThey All LaughedThey Can’t Take That Away From Me

The Music We Sing, Part 1: The Gershwins

Songs by George and/or Ira Gershwin:

pp

(Above) George Gershwin (Below) Ira Gershwin.


The Overtone Society is an official fundraising outreach of Sweet Adelines Inter-national. The Board of Directors conceived the Society in 2009 so that members and non-mem-bers could take leading roles in the financial security of this dynamic organi-zation.

Like the capacity of an overtone to ring indefinitely, your financial support of the programs, services and facilities can result in the perpetuation of this organization for generations to come.

All contributions to The Overtone Society directly benefit the mission of Sweet Adelines, which is focused on edu-cating and acknowledging exceptional a cappella singers in the barbershop style, and their successful leadership locally and internationally.

Mission Statement:The Overtone Society is committed

to ethically and professionally soliciting financial support from members and non-members to ensure a robust and stable financial position for Sweet Adelines International, to support and expand its programs, services, and facilities and to protect and perpetuate our organization for future generations.

Ways to GiveThere are several ways to contribute

to the Overtone Society.• Direct gifts are those that can be sent

to the Headquarters office in Tulsa, Okla.

• Gifts of any size can also be made by going to The Overtone Society page on the Sweet Adelines International website and clicking on the “give now” button.

• Contributions can also be made in person at The Overtone Society booth in Harmony Bazaar at International Convention, or through the live col-lection that takes place during the competition.

• In addition to the traditional philan-thropic means to donate, there is also planned or deferred giving that allows an individual to leave money or assets to Sweet Adelines International pay-able upon death. This is also known as

estate planning. Estate Planning &

Deferred GivingEstate planning (deferred

giving) makes up a very large percentage of the total giving in the United States. An average person works 40 years to accumulate his or her assets, spends 10 to 20 years conserving that accumulation, and often takes two hours or less to plan for the distribution of those assets.

Planning is not about how much you own (“my estate is not worth that much”), but planning is for the peace of mind for those you leave behind and for the legacy you wish to leave. Currently, only one out of three people in the United States has a will, and of those who do, many of their wills are out of date. A will addresses issues related to where you want your property to go, can designate guardians for minor children and even make provision to reduce taxes.

Deferred giving contributions amount to almost $23 billion in total gifts annually, and it is estimated that these figures will increase in coming years. In order to make this type of gift, an indi-vidual can name Sweet Adelines Interna-tional as a beneficiary in a life insurance policy or through a charitable remainder trust. There are tax advantages to setting up these specialized giving programs, and with some exceptions, contributions made in these situations can result in a tax deduction for the year in which the premiums were paid.

Please consult with your attorney or tax professional to determine which of these giving options best serves your needs and those of The Overtone Society. Thank you in advance for your generosity and the philanthropic spirit that ensures that the legacy of Sweet Adelines International will continue for generations to come.

Anderson, Birgit L.Bernard, Karen W.Burg, Barbara M.Burklund, PattiBusch, BarbaraCambell, BeckieCaterpillar FoundationCenter Stage Show Chapter Chalmers, Lee P.Davis, Judy D.DeVine, Alice D.Ferenc, Deborah B.Furtner, FranGarside, MicheleGoin, Patti I.Gordon Generation FoundationGreen, Victoria L.Head, KarlieHennessy, DeborahHolland, ClareHughes, Shelly K.INTERKULTUR Management GMBHJohnson, Coral C.Jones, Ronald G.Jurs, Dorothy S.Kirkpatrick, Carole A.Kurth, Nancy S.Loos, Jolene and RandyMahoney, MegMcFarland, Samuel A.McKarns, MarjorieMiller, BevOrtega, EdieOsterman, Valorie L.Palagi, Julie AnnPeckham, SuePeters, Debra L.Pollock-Mouche’ Charitable FundRidout, Karen and PhilipRocky Mountain Region 8Schmidt, Carolyn E.Sims, MicheleSwanston, Helen M.Thirion, Cynthia & WilliamTrout, April E.TuneTown Show ChapterVelvet Hills ChapterVirginia Medical Alliance, P.C.Wile, PatriciaWilliams, Susan B.Wolff, JaneWright, PattiZylks, Gwen E.

Overtone Society Donations as of

November 30, 2012


All contributions re-ceived and posted through November �0, �0��. Listed in alpha-betical order by first name.

Young Singers FoundationAcappella Jubilee Xpress, 24 American Assoc of University Women Northville-Novi, n honor of Jeanne & Roger LundbergAnita Cleaver, Brindabella, 34Anita Wolfe, Kansas City, 7 Ann Reid, Melodeers, 3 Anne Rhome, Vienna-Falls, 14, in memory of Virginia L. Minnick Atlantic Bay-Mountain, 19, Pasadena, MDAtlantic-Gulf, 9Barbara deFerrari, Golden Apple, 15 Barbara Hill, Mission Valley, 12, in memory of Fran McWherter Barbara Hyder, CAL, 9, in memory of Maripat Hansen Barbara Patton, Kansas City, 7 Barbara Pletcher, City of Lakes, 6 Barbara Reid, Spirit of Detroit, 2 Bay Area Day Timers, in honor of Bay Area Day Timers, Santa Clara, CABayou Blend, 10, in memory of Howard LeBlanc Beckie Martini, CAL, 8, in honor of 8 RMT Becky Wilkins, Queen Charlotte, 14 Bette Templeton, Toast of Tampa Show, 9 Bev Miller, Capital City, 4Beverly Bruening, Laurel Harmony, 17, in memory of Melba Emert Beverly Garelick, Bay Area Showcase, 12 Beverly Leding, Westosha Lakes, 22, in memory of Jean McFayden Beverly Shoecraft, Kansas City, 7Brenda Arriens, Carolina Har-mony, 14, in honor of Kate Veeder Bridger Mountain Harmony, 24

Bruce McGrath, Templeton, CA, in honor of Diane McGrathCandice Bassett, Southern Acappella Sound, 25, in honor of SASC members Capital City, 4, in memory of Matthew John McCardle, Lillian Singer, Susan J. Bettcher, William Patterson & William SteinwachsCaren Laiosa, Wilmington, DE, in honor of Jan MuckCarol Austin, Harborlites, 21Carol Morgan, Sounds of Superior, 6, in memory of Tracy Martin Carolyn Frampton, Sligo, PA in memory of Jessie C. ZarembaCatherine Sarwar, Bayou Blend, 10 Cathy Bucholtz, Harmony Celebration, 15 Cathy Frey, Toast of Tampa Show, 9 CelebrAtion Charles & Gail Stevens, Westborough, MA, in memory of Robert DallaireChautauqua Shores, 16Colonial Spirit, 1 Colorado Spirit, 8, in memory of Kathryn Ann Bridge Cookie Weinert, O.K. City, 25 Crosstown Harmony, 22, in memory of Shirley Woller Dean Rust, Alexandria, VA, in memory of Virginia L. MinnickDeb Bloomquist, Scottsdale Chapter, 21, in honor of Scottsdale 50th AnniversaryDebi Gordon, Bay Area Showcase, 12Deborah Bauch, River City Sound, 22Debra Leedham, Circle of Harmony, 16Diana Duff, Kansas City, 7, in memory of Tom Hedges & In memory of Joan BishopDiane Rousseau, High Country, 8 Donna Johnson, Windsong, 8 Donna Kerley, Tulsa, OK, in honor of Rita Hull

Donna Prochazka, Bay Area Showcase, 12 Dorothy Hirt, Vienna-Falls, 14 Douglas Whitney, Tipp City, OH, in memory of Judy BrownEast Central, 4 Ellen Kurcis, Arlington, VA, in memory of Robert DallaireEris Doorneweerd, Plymouth, MA, in memory of Nancy DallaireFerne Hogan, CAL, 11 Five Valley, 24 FuSion

Gayle Lowell, CAL, 25, Priscilla Sullivan Gem City, 4, in memory of Alma BrillGene & Beverly Dunn, Broken Arrow, OK, in memory of Carolyn FeddeGolden West, 21 Greater Cleveland, 17, in memory of Bill Clipman Greater Eugene, 24 Greater New York, 15, in honor of eASt CoASt Style

Gretchen Slemmons, Brookline, MA, in memory of Robert Dallaire Harborlites, 21, in memory of June Snow, Don McPherson, Carol Jean Mussen, Betty Burkholder, Don Ramsay, Myrtle Ziemer, & Shirley Feld Harmony Celebration, 15, in memory of Lorraine Chasnov Harmony of the Gorge, 24Heart of New Jersey, 15 Hellen Wistrand, Västerås, 32, in memory of Christina Westlund Inland Harmony, 13 J. Atlas, Willows, CA, in memory of Judy BrownJackie Bottash, Potomac Harmony, 14 James Willwerth, Westborough, MA, in memory of Robert DallaireJamie Reed, CAL, 8, in memory of Marsha Ann BowerJan Gervais, Pacific Empire, 12

Jan MacCaskill, Harmony Celebration, 15 Jan Meyer, Spirit of the Gulf, 9 Jan Sloan, Celebrity City, 11, in memory of Diane PaganoJanet Corrigan, Greensboro, NC, in memory of Robert DallaireJanet Manning, Walpole, MA in memory of Robert DallaireJanet Shawcross, Lowell, MA, in memory of Marjorie PalmerJanice Propert, Bay Area Showcase, 12 Jean Knight, Framingham, MA, in memory of Robert DallaireJean Woods, Melodeers, 3 Jeanette Bryant, Idaho Falls A Cappella, 24, in memory of Jessie C. Zaremba Jeanne Elmuccio, Liberty Oak, 15 Roger & Jeanne Lundberg Foundation, Northville, MIJerry Tullos, Houston Horizon, 10Jersey Harmony, 15 Jim and Julia Gleason, Florissant, MO, in memory of Judy BrownJive! Jo Gray, MAL, in memory of Jane Poocher Joan Kienitz, CAL, 2, in memory of Mary Alice Thurman-WhippleJoan Stoner, Pride of Toledo, 17, in honor of Pride of Toledo’s 25th Anniversary Joanna Lyes, Greater Auckland, 35 Joanne Parker, Cranberry Shores, 1Joe Liles, Kenosha, WIJoyce Brandt, Hickory Tree, 15, in memory of Joan Shuster Judi Naill, Sierra Gold, 12, in memory of Marion CleaverJudy Stutzman, Song of the Lakes, 2Julie Kendrick, Melodeers, 3, in memory of Carolyn Fedde June Berg, Riverport, 22 Karen Moran, Melodeers, 3Karen Ridout, Harborlites, 21

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Karen Wysocky, Crosstown Harmony, 22, in memory of Rick Wysocky Kate Veeder, Waikato Rivertones, 35 Kathleen Roche Goggins, Worcester, MA, in memory of Robert DallaireKathleen Traynor, CAL, 8, in memory of Mary Couch Kathy Sellstrom, CAL, 10 Katie Bratton, Melodeers, 3, in honor of Julie Kendrick Kay Lehman, Tucson Desert Harmony, 21Kristi Bianconi, Grand Rapids, 3 Lannette Crutchfield, Calumet Corner, 3, in memory of Dodie Wodrich Linda Hoagland, Omaha, NE, in memory of Mary CouchLinda Melcher, Song of the Lakes, 2 Lindi Bortney, MAL, in memory of Lorraine ChasnovLipSCHtiCk

Lisbet Duponte, CAL, 15, in memory of Gina Genovese live it up!, in honor of 2s Lorna Stephens, Emerald City, 7, in memory of Mary Williams Magic Valley, 10 Mardell Sunley, Harborlites, 21 Margaret Donapel, Jersey Sound, 19, in memory of Jessie C. Zaremba Mari Pettersson, Harmony Heights, 32, in honor of Camilla Ljung, 32 for a wonderful educationMarilyn Block, Liberty Oak, 15, in memory of Lorraine ChasnovMarilyn Douglas, CAL, 10 Marjorie Schirmer, New Pine Creek, ORMarsha Bock, Bayou Blend, 10, in memory of Bertha “Cookie” NagelMartha Delargey, Shoreline Sound, 2Martha Gilliam, Vienna-Falls, 14 Martha McCardle, Capital City, 4 Marti Lovejoy, MAL, in honor of The SinG Group Mary Beth Smith, Melodeers, 3 Mary Beth Szabo, Scottsdale, 21

Mary DiLeo, Women of Note, 9, in memory of Joan Shuster Mary Hower, Sparkling City, 10, in memory of Margaret Schneider Mary-Sue Johnson, MAL, in memory of Lorraine ChasnovMelinda Reitman, Winterhaven, FLMelodie Hays, Coeur d’Alene, 13 Metro Rhythm, 15 Michele Garside, Diablo Vista, 12, in honor of Cyndi Sharp Michelle Sevigny, TuneTown Show, 23 Midwest Gateway, 5, in honor of 5 Judging Panel (2012) Nadine Hauser, London, 2Nancy Hill, Acappella Omaha, 7, in memory of Mary Couch NAturAlly, in memory of Charles Gutowski Nikki Blackmer, a cappella joy, 13, in memory of Sarah Solomita North Atlantic, 1, in memory of John H. Shultis Jr Northwest Harmony, 24 notewortHStAndinG

Olive Carey, North Metro, 16 Oregon Coast, 24 Oregon Spirit, 24 Patricia Hubbard, East Syracuse, NYPatricia McCandless, Bay Area Showcase, 12, in memory of Marion Cleaver & Fran McWherterPatricia Wile, Potomac Harmony, 14, in memory of Virginia L. Minnick Patt Mueller, Celebrity City, 11Patty Cobb Baker, Harborlites, 21, in honor of Donna KerleyPatty Collins, Baton Rouge, 10, Jackie Hall Peg Millard, CAL, 19 Phyllis Wrenick, Troy, OH, in memory of Judy BrownPotomac Harmony, 14 Pride of Baltimore, 19, in memory of Virginia L. Minnick Pride of Portland, 24

Ray/Pat Levesque, Westborough, MA, in memory of Robert Dallaire Regina Reninger, in honor of Chrissy Chadwick, Annandale, VARegina Reninger, in memory of Carole Schauer, Annandale, VARhonda Brennan, Melodeers, 3 Risa Page, Celebrity City, 11, in memory of Morris & Barbara Sears, RMT 8, in memory of Jamie Reed’s father Robert Billings, Tulsa, OKRocky Mountain, 8, in honor of 8 Judging Panel Ron and Carol Gutberlet, Salisbury, MD, in honor of Sue and Cam Weiffenbach Rosalie Anderson, West Shore, 3 Roxanne Crowley, CAL, 1, in honor of 1 Competings Ruth Feld, Heart of Iowa, 5, in honor of Diane HuberSA Headquarters Staff, in honor of Donna KerleySA International Board of Directors, in honor of Donna Kerley Sally Burns, Shoreline Sound, 2, in memory of Marie Parzych Samuel McFarland, McLean, VASandra Detroit, Pride of Portland, 24 Sarajoy Pickholtz, Melodeers, 3, in honor of Kenneth GoldmanScottsdale, 21, in memory of Jim Carpenter Sea Breeze Harmony, 24 Sharon Hohmann, Bay Area Showcase, 12, in honor of The Great 8 Sharon Holmes, Scenic City, 23Sharon Spalding, Ashland, OR, in memory of Sharon Kinman Smith Sheila Koplitz, Fox Valley, 22Shelly Hughes, Melodeers, 3 Sheryl Curlee, CAL, 25, in memory of Marion Nikolajczyk Sierra Gold, 12, in memory of Marion Cleaver Sisters in Song, 4

Skyline Harmony, 14, in honor of Dorothy HalvorsenSpirit of Harmony, 6 Sue Beck, Voices Northwest, 13, in honor of Mina P. Coleman & In memory of Carolyn FeddeSusan Chirafis, Spirit of Southeast Texas, 10 Susan Lengal, CAL, 4 Susan Svendsen, Santa Monica, 11Susan Zura, Vienna-Falls, 14 Susanna Price, Houston Horizon, 10 Suzanne Zam, Gainesville Harmony Show, 9, in honor of Competings of 9 Sylvia Kelty, Pride of Baltimore, 19, in memory of Virginia L. Minnick tGiF The Best Ever Book Club, Waterford, MIThe Villages at Walker Meadow, Franklin, MA, in memory of Robert DallaireTom & Shelly Masters, Menomonee Falls, WI, in memory of Maripat HansenToula Oberlies, Capital City, 4, in honor of Jessica, Declan and JasperVicky McKinley, River Blenders, 5 Victoria Green, Saratoga Soundtrack, 16 Wagner Insurance Agency Inc., Chico, CA, in memory of Judy BrownWalker Meadow Mens Club, Westborough, MA, in memory of Robert DallaireWanda Spivey, CAL, 5Wendy Witt, Melodeers, 3 Western Lights, 3, in memory of Robert J. Bollweg Windsong, 8

YWIH 22 Karat Gold, Menomonee Falls, WIAnn Cianchette, Royal River, 1 Arbutus Sounds, 26 Betsey Usher, Nashville, TN, in honor of Amy and Tony CoxBluewater, 2

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Canadian Showtime, 16, in honor of Jim Arns, Betty Lou Coleman, Debbie HiteCenter Stage Show, 23 Central Oregon Showcase, 24 Chesapeake Harmony, 19, in memory of Jan Sczcerba Colleen Matt, Crosstown Harmony, 22 Dan Czycalla, Columbus, OH, in memory of Mary Alice Thurman-WhippleDarciann Ketter, West Bend, WI, in memory of Rick WysockyDeana Grade, Yahara River, 22 Diane Jochum, CAL, 22 Enchanted Mesa Show, 21, in memory of Georgianne Podrug Smith Ferne Hogan, CAL, 11, in memory of Sharon Kinman Smith Grand Rapids, 3, in memory of Fran Beugelink Great Lake Sound, 3, in memory of Dodie Wodrich Greenville in Harmony, 14, in memory of Ara Radler’s Mother, Sybil Carrol Jones & Virginia (Ginger) HardinJanice Stevens, Gem City, 4 Jerry and Sharon Roberts, Broken Arrow, OK, in memory of Carolyn FeddeJersey Sound, 19, in memory of Jessie C. Zaremba Joy McDougall, Fairbanks Frontier, 13, in honor of Great Somers Christmas Donation Judith Westers, Grand Rapids, 3 Kay Stephens, Delta Harmony Xpress, 12 Larry Luttrell, Miami, FL, in memory of Peggy WatersLeah Williams, Grand Rapids, 3, in memory of Helen Rozema Linda Sherratt, MAL Marché Marquis, Alamo Metro, 10 Midwest Gateway, 5 Music City, 20, in memory of Jeanne Schroeder, Catherine Mattis & Bev Thorson

Music City, 6, in memory of Sarah Stang Nina Yellin, Flower Mound, TX, in memory of Joan ShusterOmni Interlocken Resort, Broomfield, COPattee Bender, Grand Rapids, 3, in memory of Helen Rozema Red RockAppella, 21, Fran McWherter Shoreline Sound, 2, in memory of Marie Parzych Susan Heald, Metro Mix, 5, in memory of Arlene Schultz & Becki GreerTrish Holland, Kansas City, 7 WE Energies, Milwaukee, WIwHiStle JunCtion Wisconsin Energy Corporation Foundation, Inc., Milwaukee, WI

Yahoo SING GroupSandy Adams, MAL, 15, in memory of Joan ShusterNancy Aird, Shoreline Sound, 2, in memory of Marie ParzychPaula Allen, Greater Kingston, 16, in awe of 16 competitorsLauren Altiere, Scottsdale, 21, in honor of the 18 Scottsdale Youth membersAnonymous, 13Sherril Arnold, Mobile, AL, in honor of Anita WolfeAtlantic Bay-Mountain, 19Marlene Babb, Shoreline Sound, 2, in memory of Marie ParzychGina Baker, Toast of Tampa and touCHé, in memory of Mary CouchCarolyn Barron, MALAnita Barry, Jersey Harmony & Hickory Tree, 15Carolyn Benkowitz, Song of Atlanta, 23, in honor of Vicki Wonders Foltz & Lee WondersAnn Berg, Top of the Rock, 25, in honor of Peggy Gram (40 Year Director of Top of the Rock ), Dale Syverson and Darlene RogersKaren Bernard, Bayou Blend & Voice of Vermilion, 10Brenda Bernhardsson, Voices in Harmony, Center StAGe 17

Sarah Bican, Jacksonville Harmony, 9, in honor of the Jacksonville Harmony’s 50th year in actionArlene Blackmer, a cappella joy, 13, in honor of Bev Staats 50th Anniversary as a Sweet AdelineNikki Blackmer, a cappella joy, 13Marilyn Block, Liberty Oak, 15Marsha Bock, Bayou Blend, 10Carol Bonner, Sounds of Pittsburgh, 17Marcia Bosma, Verdugo Hills, 11 & Harborlites, 21Jackie Bottash, Potomac Harmony, 14Doris Boudreaux, Bayou Blend, 10Barbara Braxten, Liberty Belle, 1Nancy Brian, Pride of Kentucky, 4, in honor of Pride of Kentucky Amy Brinkman, Choral-Aires, CHiCAGo Fire, 3, in memory of my Dad, Bob Bollweg, and of Mary CouchKay Bromert, Harmony Central, SpeCiAl ArrAnGement 7, in honor of my good friends in ZinG! Patricia Broussard, Bayou Blend, 10Carol Brown, CAL, 17Laura Brown, Greater Richmond, 14Bev Bruening, Laurel Harmony, 17, in memory of Melba Emert, formermember of Ligonier Valley, 19Mandi Strelow Burch, Harborlites, 21, in memory of Sally BrinerGail Burke, CAL, 9, in honor of the tireless Marti Lovejoy and in memory of Fran McWherter, 21 and Judy Price, 8Kathy Callahan, Canadian Showtime, 16Marcy Canulette, Voice of Vermilion, 10Canyon Lake Lioness Club Vivien Carmichael, Cincinnati Sound, 4Kathy Carmody, Velvet Hills, 8, in memory of Sheila Cope

Pat Carr, CAL, 23Diane Catellane, Shoreline Sound, 2, in memory of Marie ParzychLee Chalmers, Choral-Aires, 3, in honor of the 100th birthday of my Mom, Marjorie PearsonDebbie Chamberlayne, Vocal Dimension, 31Alyson Chaney, Lace City, 31, in memory of Gwen CresswellBecky Cherry, Shoreline Sound, 2, in memory of Anne KotchmanDiane Clark, CAL, 2Linda Clements, Spirit of Detroit, 2Betty Coleman, O. K. City, 25, in memory of Peggy BagbyJo Coleman, O.K. City, 25, in memory of Peggy BagbyBeverly Colomb, Bayou Blend, 10Cathy Conley, CAL, 24Rebecca Conner, Capitol Accord, 19, in honor of Marti Lovejoy and all of the hard work she does all year long for usAmy Cordero, Greater Nassau, 15, in memory of Joan ShusterBetty Couch, Voice of Vermilion, 10Marilyn Cox, Velvet Hills, 8Joan & Guy Cummings, MALSara Davis, Houston Horizon, 10Kelly Deare, RiverSong, 7, in memory of Kathy CornishMartha Delargey, Shoreline Sound, 2, in memory of Marie ParzychMarilyn Dickey, Pride of West Texas Show, 25Mary DiLeo, Women of Note, 9, in honor of Joan Shuster, 15Judy Dixon, Rich-Tone, 25Maggie Donapel, Jersey Sound & Philadelphia Freedom, 19, in memory of Jessie ZarembaPeg Drummey, MAL, in memory of Anne McGowanDana Dunlevy, Hickory Tree, 15, in memory of my mother, Anne Lawlor

Contributions

The Pitch Pipe - JANUARY 2013 4�

4� The Pitch Pipe - JANUARY 2013

Carla Elkins, Emerald City, 7, in memory of my mother, Karen ElkinsMarilyn Fairchild, Cedar Sounds, 22 & Metro Mix, 5Sherry Feller, High Country, 8Anne Fenton, Vienna-Falls & ESCApAde, 14Pat Fenton, Houston Horizon & The Woodlands Show, 10Deb Ferenc, Greater Cleveland, 17Nancy Field, Greenville in Harmony, 14Shirley Fine, O. K. City emeritis, 25, in memory of Sheryl KinderRenee’ Fisher, Emerald City, 7, in memory of my mother, Karen ElkinsJean Flinn, Greater Cleveland, 17Cathy Frey, Toast of Tampa, Spirit of the Gulf, 9Patti Gallagher, Fairbanks Frontier, 13Sharon Gardner, Top of the Rock, 25Mary Linda Gauche, Shoreline Sound, 2, in memory of Marie ParzychPaula Giffey, Potomac Harmony, 14Martie Gilliam, Vienna-Falls, 14Laura Gliedman, Mountain Jubilee, 8, in memory of Judy PriceGolden Apple, 15, in memory of Joan ShusterBette Gorton, San Diego, 21, in memory of my husband, Tom GortonLyn Graham, O. K. City, 25Peggy Gram, Top of the Rock, 25, in memory of Polly Sullivan & Peggy Bagby, two grand ladies who were great supporters of young women & music Grand Traverse Show, 2, in memory of Mary Alice WhippleCathie Grant, Vienna-Falls, 14, in memory of Chrissy Chadwick and Carole SchauerShirley Green, Edgewater, Florida, in memory of Jeri Sweeney, Sound of Sunshine, 9Cathy Guidry, Bayou Blend, 10

Judy Sanford Guise, Greater Nassau, Island Hills & Sirens of Gotham (prosp.),15Barb Hansen, Metro Nashville, 23Andrea Hass, Velvet Hills & Skyline, 8, in memory of Sheila CopeCindy Hegle, River Blenders, 5Dina Hendershot, Melodeers, 3Janet Henry, Alaska Sound Celebration, 13, in memory of my Dad, John HenryMartie Heyde, The Woodlands Show, 10Polly Hightower, CAL, 10Charlie Hill, Aloha Chapter FWD, SPEBSQSALisa Hilton, Pride of West Texas Show, CROSSFIRE, 25Libba Hinson, Voice of Vermilion, 10Mel Horgan, Skyline, 8, in memory of Sheila CopeMary Hower, Sparkling City, 10, in memory of Margaret SchneiderMolly Huffman, Capital City, 4, in honor of Chris Noteware & Ann JarchowAsuka Ichikawa, Twin County, 15Sally Ison, The Woodlands Show, 10Christa Jacimore, Top of the Rock, 25Marianne Jackson, Sparkling City, 10Donna Johnson, Windsong, 8Heather Johnston, Fox Valley, 22Diana Jordan, Alaska Sound Celebration, 13, in memory of Jean MahoneyJanet Kamrad, Spirit of the Gulf, 9Melody Kelly, Lone Star, 10Sylvia Kelty, Pride of Baltimore, 19Becky King, Merrimack Valley, 1, in honor of MVC director, Eileen GioeSusan Kinniff, Bayou Blend, 10Sharon Kittle, Yahara River, 22Rachel Klein, Emerald City, 7Bunny Klinger, High Country, 8Marion Koch, Mission Valley, 12Pam Kurburski, Austin Harmony, 10, in honor of my mother, Helen KurburskiPeeDee Kurfess, MAL, in memory of Joan and Dody Karen Laderman,

Harborlites 21, in memory of Sally Briner and Jim MundySally Lampe, Pride of Portland, 24Evelyn Langenstein, Spirit of Syracuse, 16Bron Latta, Top of the Rock, 25, in honor of Dot Calvin and in memory of Sally BrinerBercry Leas, Spirit of the Gulf, 9, in honor of Karen BreidertMarcelle LeBlanc, Bayou Blend, 10Peggy Leon, City Voices, 5Linda Liddicoatt, Shoreline Sound, 2, in memory of Marie ParzychCorla Lindsey, Bayou Blend, 10Beth Lisk, Upper Chesapeake, 19, in honor of my barbershop moms, Lee Hines & Marci SaundersMarti Lovejoy, MAL, in memory of Peggy BagbyGretchen Lovelock, Shoreline Sound, 2Kathy Lucken, Vallee de Croix, 6Lori Ludlum, Shades of Harmony, 19, in memory of Jessie ZarembaSusan Lynch, Sound of New England, 1Angie Mack, Lawton Harmony, 25, in memory of Peggy BagbyElaine Macrillo, Seneca Soundwaves, 16Beckie Martini, Velvet Hills, 8Lee Mathis, Voice of Vermilion, 10Betty Matthews, Capital Accord, 19Betty Mausolf, Virginia Coast, 14Ann McAlexander, Melodeers, 3, Capital City, 4Martha McCardle, Capital Cit,y 4Anita McLarin, Greater Richmond, 14Cathie McClary, Shoreline Sound, 2, in memory of Marie ParzychBecky McDuffee, St. Louis Harmony, 5Judith Mellen, Shoreline Sound, 2Frances Mewett, Endeavour Harmony, 34Sue Middleton, Jet Cities, 13 & Pride of Portland, 24Mary Milian, CAL, 9Anna Miller, Scenic City, 23Joey Minshall, Westcoast Harmony, 26

Marylou Montpas, Shoreline Sound, 2Vivian Moran, Spirit of the Gulf, 9, in memory of Helen Wilcox and Peggy Waters, wonderful women who were a great inspiration to me and were both passionate about encouraging young women to join to Sweet AdelinesKathy Mussett, Mission Valley, MyStique 12Jackie Narduzzo, Acappella Omaha, 7Elaine Neasham, Sea Breeze Harmony, 24, in memory of Fran McWherterGael O’Brien, Sound of New England, 1Mary Ann Page, Smoky Mountain Harmony & Song of Atlanta, 23 in memory of Nancy Shumard and Jane DorseyRisa Page, Celebrity City, 11 & Harbolites, 21Jennifer Palus, Metro Nashville, 23Kathy Parker, The Woodlands Show, 10Cindy Burrus Partlow, Spirit of the Gulf, 9, in memory of Peggy WatersMary Patrick, Shoreline Sound, 2, in memory of Anne KotchmanSandy Perley, Heart of Missouri, 5Lynda Peterson, CAL 12, in memory of Fran McWherterPiney Hills Harmony, 25Bonnie Plumley, River City Sound & Yahara River, 22Carole Prietto, St. Louis Harmony, 5Cheryl Pyle, Austin Harmony, 10Vicki Raichl, MAL, in celebration of Tomi McEvoy, new director of Inland Empire Sharon Rankin, O. K. City, 25Leslie Rawlings, Shoreline Sound 2, in memory of Doris Jordan, mother of Merry Lu Jordan, director of Water Wonderland; in memory of Frank Poindexter, father of Sandra Carpenter, member of Spirit of Detroit & live it up!

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Bobbie Reid, Spirit of Detroit, 2Christy Reid, Mission Valley, 12, in honor of Mission Valley Regina Reninger, Vienna- Falls, 14Mary Rhea, O. K. City, ZinG!, 25, in memory of Peggy Bagby Karen Ridout, Harborlites, 21Emma Riley, Vocal Dimension, 31Tera Rockett, Carolina Style, 14, in memory of Shelba MarloweShirley Rose, Scottsdale, 21Marsha Ross, Harborlites, 21Rosie Roy, Voice of Vermilion, 10Catherine Sarwar, Bayou Blend, 10SASHAy 2 - Cam, Deb, Marie & Jill; in memory of Mary AliceWhippleJane Schlinke, Alamo Metro & SoundwiSe 10Jackie Schmidt, Spirit of the Gulf, 9, in memory of Helen Wilcox, Spirit of the Gulf and long time Sweet Adeline in 1 and 9Priscilla Schoelzel, CAL, 1Bonnie Schuler, Lone Star & Panther City, 10Carol Schultheis, Evergreen, 15Susan Schuman, Harmony Celebration, HArmoniCS, 15Susie Scott, Cincinnati Sound, 4Jan Seales, Pride of Kentucky 4, in memory of Sweet Adelines gone too soonConnie Selmi, River City Sound, 22Michelle Sevigny, TuneTown Show & Song of Atlanta, 23Sara Shirk, City Voices, 5Delia Siemers, Golden Apple, 15, in memory of Joan ShusterMickey Simmons, Voice of Vermilion, 10Judith Sirut, Shoreline Sound, 2, in memory of Anne Kotchman and Marie ParzychMary Smith, The Woodlands Show, 10

Cynthia Sommerville, Shoreline Sound, 2, in memory of Doris Jordan, mother of Merry Lu Jordan, director of Water Wonderland, in memory of Frank Poindexter, father of Sandra Carpenter, member of Spirit of Detroit & live it up!! Cheryl Springer, Saratoga Soundtrack, 16Lorna Stephens, Emerald City, 7, in memory of my mother, Mary WilliamsKathy Sullivan, Greater Nassau, 15Mardell Sunley, Harborlites, 21Kate Sutton, Bayou Blend, 10Kathy Swenson, inland Empire, 21, in honor of our director, Tomi McEvoy, and her competing unlimited 21 and in memory of Rosalie Cervantes and Lynn ZackerLee Tayon, Lone Star, 10Myra Tener, Bayou Blend, 10Lloyd Thomas, Pride of Baltimore, 19 & Wellington City, 35Trudie Thompson, Vienna-Falls, 14Marilyn Turner, Houston Horizon, 10, in memory of Margaret Schneider,Sparkling City, 10Susan Updegraff, Tucson Desert Harmony, 21, in memory of Lila Kraft and Dotty EarlyVienna-Falls, 14, in memory of Chrissy ChadwickJoyce Walker, Potomac Harmony, 14, in memory of my Mom, Evelyn Walker, and in honor of Ozzi MaskCookie Weinert, O.K. City, 25Jan Welsh, Shoreline Sound, 2, in memory of Doris Jordan, mother of Merry Lu Jordan, director of Water Wonderland, in memory of Frank Poindexter, father of Sandra Carpenter, member of Spirit of Detroit & live it up!Jan Welsh, Shoreline Sound, 2, in memory of Marie ParzychNancy Werden, Cincinnati Sound, 4Christine White, CAL, 21

Ruth Widerski, Merrimack Valley & Coastline Show, 1Becky Wilkins, Queen Charlotte & Carolina Style, 14Ellen Wills, Bayou Blend, 10JoAnn Wilson, Greater Cleveland, 17, Scioto Valley 4, TGIF, 17Valorie Winslow, Sound of New England, 1Anita Wolfe, Kansas City & Wamego Dutch Mill, 7Kim Wonders, Metro Nashville, 23, in memory of my mother, Lee Wonders, and my sister, Vickie Wonders FoltzLynn Woolf, Spirit of the Gulf, 9, in memory of Helen WilcoxSheila Worthington, Shoreline Sound, 2, in memory of Marie ParzychAlice Zaher, Spirit of the Gulf, 9, in honor of Karen BreidertDeanna Zerr, Skyline, 8Adelina Zottola, Scottsdale, 21, n honor of the 18 Scottsdale youth membersSusan Zura, Vienna-Falls, 14

In Memory(Donation will be listed separately if more than 12 donations were made in that person’s name.)

Sheila CopeYSFArlene Armata, Velvet Hills, 8 Carol Shouldice, High Country, 8 Catherine Leavitt, Colorado Springs, COCatherine West, High Country, 8 Char Lou Simonson, Southern Star, 8 Colette Mayers, Grand Mesa, 8 Deanna Zerr, Skyline, 8 Del-Rose, 8 Dolly Baker, Colorado Spirit, 8 Edie Couture, Palco, KS Frances Worthington, Velvet Hills, 8 Gayle Miller, Skyline, 8 Grand Mesa, 8 Henry Goldman, Colorado Springs, COHigh Country, 8 Jill Reuter, Tempe, AZ Joan Levitin, Pacific Sound, 13 Juliet Diana, Skyline, 8 Kacki Brown, Southern Star, 8Kathleen Sorg, Mountain Jubilee, 8 Kathy Russo, Tempe, AZ

Linda Barker, Grand Mesa, 8 Mary-Sue Johnson, MALMel Horgan, Skyline, 8 Nancy Schroeder, CAL, 8 Nancy Stromer, Velvet Hills, 8 Pat Dorsey, Top of the Peak, 8 Randi McQuiston, Mountain Jubilee, 8 Rocky Mountain, 8Rocky Mountain, 8 Arranger Group, The Farm TeamSandra Mosser, High Country, 8 Sharon Babb, Colorado Spirit, 8 Shellie Angelette, Pinola, MS Sherry Feller, High Country, 8 Skyline, 8 Vicki Rowley, Grand Mesa, 8

YWIHCheryl Harshman, Del-Rose, 8 Holly Beck, Rich-Tone, 25 Nebraska Pride, 8

Peggy Bagby YSFBetty Coleman, O.K. City, 25 Mark & Sarah Fortino, Overland Park, KSNancy Grove, O.K. City, 25

YWIHAngie Mack, Lawton Harmony, 25 Asbach Vanselow, Wauconda, ILBetty Coleman, O.K. City, 25 Bruce & Francie Wenner, Leawood, KSCentral States District, Des Moines, IA Dan & Estyl Bowser, Overland Park, KSDon & Linda Fuson, Leawood, KSDonna Smith, O.K. City, 25 Harvey and Janet Kiser, Manhattan, KSHeart of America Jana Henderson, Kansas City, 7 Jim & Marcia Massey, Oklahoma City, OKJudith Peterson, O.K. City, 25 Kay Lehman, O.K. City, 25 Keith & Connie Schweer, Overland Park, KSKim Balfanz, Arvada, COMildred Sawyer, O.K. City, 25 O.K. City, 25 Polly Worthington, O.K. City, 25 Rose Marie Wolf, O.K. City, 25 Sally Liles, O.K. City, 25 Wendy Whorton, O.K. City, 25 Yonni Mobley, CAL, 25


Contributions


As we begin a new year, many of you are budget-ing for the 67th Annual Convention and Competition in Honolulu — if you haven’t already started.

Some of you will use your sav-ings, some will put the expenses on a credit card and others will simply continue to save your money for a less-expensive convention. Well, contrary to popular belief, Honolulu doesn’t have to break the bank.

A savvy, budget-conscious traveler can find money saving ways to approach Honolulu. Known for its touristy reputa-tion, crowds and inflated prices, Honolulu often gets a negative rep. The Aloha State is also considered a paradise — and you CAN enjoy paradise on a shoestring budget.

Depending on where you are traveling from, whether you are a sharing a room and how expensive your tastes and shopping habits, the average budget for a week in Hawaii is $3,000 (U.S.). If you start plan-ning in January, you will need to save $300 a month— that’s approximately $10 a day. And if you seek out the lowest airfares, share a room with a friend and follow some of the advice in this article, you could drastically cut that average budget of $3,000 to a more reasonable number.

Getting There and Getting AroundIt’s best to start planning for your trip

as early as possible. Planning months in ad-vance helps you get the best deals on airfare. Airfare is also least expensive in Hawaii’s off-season, which thankfully is mid-April to mid-June and September to mid-December. Interestingly, these are the best times to be in Hawaii in terms of reliably great weather. Many airlines offer discount packages during these off-season months. Another advantage to traveling during off-season is you won’t have to deal with crowded tourist spots and beaches.

Sweet Adelines International has secured airline discounts from several of the airlines flying into Honolulu. You can find the discount codes on our website.

Some travel agencies also offer payment plans. Working with a travel agent is a good idea as one can help you make travel plans according to the budget you describe.

Using the airline discount codes and shopping for flights online will ensure the best deal.

Once you land in Oahu, you will want to share a taxi with friends if possible. The convenience of a taxi is often worth the cost, especially if you are sharing a taxi. Taxi drivers are often island-born and proud of their island, acting as ambassadors of aloha — pointing out landmarks and places of in-terest. So a shared cab ride from the airport to your hotel can be a great way to start off your week of harmonizing with friends from all over the world.

Airport shuttles take you right to the front steps of your hotel and generally cost around $15 one-way if you make the reser-vations in advance.

If you stay in the Hilton Hawaiin Vil-lage or Sheraton Waikiki, your transporta-tion to and from the Hawaii Convention Center (via bus/shuttle) is 100% FREE.

Buses throughout the island are $2.50, and can be a fun and adventurous way to explore. Four-day passes are $25 and are good for unlimited travel on 100 routes around the island.

Fun, Cheap and Free Activities

Several hotels in Hawaii actually offer free shows and events for their guests. Ask your concierge if they have special events or musical/cultural performances that don’t require pay-ment. The Hilton Hawaiian Village hula dancers, fire dancers and fire-

works on Friday at the pool – free. Poolside seating is $20 and includes Mai Tai punch. The hotel also offers a free nightly Torch Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village has 22 acres of FREE white-sand beach to enjoy, plus swimming pools and waterslides and a beach lagoon. You might also see some penguins and flamingos on the property.

Many cultural events are free to hotel guests (hula lessons, necklace making, etc.).

The Sheraton Waikiki has the most amazing infinity pool that will leave you breathless. Enjoy an afternoon of lounging in the pool, overlooking the ocean. The hotel also boasts an Aloha Day Schedule of fun cultural experiences — Puka Shell Crafts, Lei Making, Ukulele Lessons, Hula Lessons and more. All for FREE. Check the hotels schedule when you arrive.

Speaking of amazing pools, the Ala Moana has the coolest rooftop pool in Honolulu. The hotel is also adjacent to the Ala Moana Shopping Center. And remember, window-shopping is always free!

When visiting Hawaii, sightseeing is usually number one of the list. There are many beautiful beaches that offer free views of the sunset every night. And there are many destinations where you don’t have to pay a cent to see the gor-geous scenery.

Iolani Palace offers a free perfor-mance of the Royal Hawaiian Band every Friday. The USS Arizona Memorial, where you will see the Pearl Harbor

How to Harmonize in Honolulu Without Breaking the Bank



pp

Example BudgetsAs of December 15, 2012

Tulsa, Okla. to HonoluluNov. �-�0, �0��Airfare (through Lowestfare.com): $800Hotel (Sheraton Waikiki Hotel): $210.90 per nightAll-Events Registration: $160Airport transfers: $30Busing from hotel to Hawaii Convention Center (if you stay in hotel block): $0Food and snacks ($40 per day): $280Souvenirs and activities: $250Total: $2,996.30Total (if you share the cost your hotel with a friend): $2,258.15

Christchurch, New Zealand to HonoluluNov. �-�0, �0��Airfare (through New Zealand Air): $1,299Hotel (Ala Moana Hotel): $188.10 per nightAll-Events Registration: $160Airport transfers: $30Food and snacks ($40 per day): $280Souvenirs and activities: $250Total: $3,335.70Total (if you share the cost your hotel with a friend): $2,677.35

Los Angeles to HonoluluNov. �-�0, �0��Airfare (through Delta, using the Delta airline code): $414Hotel (Hilton Hawaiian Village): $215.46 per nightAll-Events Registration: $160Airport transfers: $30Busing from hotel to Hawaii Convention Center (if you stay in hotel block): $0Food and snacks ($40 per day): $280Souvenirs and activities: $250Total: $2,642.22Total (if you share the cost your hotel with a friend): $1,888.11

By margE BailEy, cal, rEgion 24

It’s the most asked question in the Sweet Adelines organization. It’s the deci-sion made by every director, music team and quartet. “What’ll we sing for contest?”

At every contest Regional and Inter-national there are attendees writing down the songs that each competitor sings in their

programs — with stars and underlines on those that they would like to look at and consider.

“Rich-Tones sang Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square. There’s Red Hot Mama and what about What’ll I Do or If I give Me Heart To You? There’s also Time After Time — I heard three different versions of that one!

We need more uptunes — there’s three or four versions of Red Red Robin. Which one is the best? Which one scores better? And what about that wild and crazy version of Yes Sir, That’s My Baby? And wow! Did you hear My Honey’s Lovin’ Arms?”

Museum, offers free tours for a limited number of visitors every day. You can also hike to the top of the Diamond Head crater.

If museums are your thing, you won’t want to miss the Honolulu Mu-seum of Art. Works by Picasso, Van Gough, Cezzanne and Matisse, includ-ing local artists as well, grace the walls. Or wander through the impeccably landscaped courtyards all for under $10.

The Waikiki Aquarium is a won-derful place to visit with many exhibi-tions specific to Hawaii and the tropical Pacific ($9 adult admission, $6 senior admission, free-$4 for children).

Meet the Komodo dragon at the Honolulu Zoo. A trip to this zoo is never dull — spend a day there for just $14.

The Dole Pineapple Plantation is a must for any visitor. There is nothing like fresh Hawaiian pineapple. Admission to the grounds is free and there are plenty of free activities, including pineapple cutting demonstration and fish-feeding pond. The garden tour is $5, pineapple maze is $6 and train tour is $8.50. Rates drop by 50% if you have a group of 25 or more.

Keep your eyes open for humpback whales off Makapu’u on Oahu’s South Shore or Kaena Point on the north-west side of the island from November through April.

Where to Dine on a Shoestring BudgetThose expensive breakfast buffets

and meals in hotel restaurants are deli-cious, but the expense adds up quickly.

Just across the street from the Hilton Hawaiian Village is a lovely little joint called Wailana Coffee House. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, this place is open 24/7. Steak and Eggs are $10 and a burger and fries are $8. Portions are large and the service is friendly.

One could eat there three times a day for way less than $30.

Food trucks and stands are an inexpensive and adventurous way to dine. From hotdogs to sushi to spam rolls (yes, they are really delicious) you can find a deal for around $10 or less.

Have a hankering for some fresh seafood? You won’t want to miss Nico’s Pier 38. The seafood is as fresh as you can get and you can order inside and eat outside whilst watching the fishing boats. The pan-seared ahi is $8.45 and comes with rice and fresh organic baby greens. Uncle’s Fish Market and Grill is just as good and located right next door to Nico’s. Prices at Uncle’s range from $5.95 to $16.

Are you an adventurous foodie on a budget? Check out Helena’s Hawaiian Foods. Find real Hawaiian food and try several items that won’t dent our wallet. Grab a taste of kalua pig ($2.90), poi ($2.25) and fried butterfish collar ($4).

Mei Sum Dim Sum offers some tasty samplings ranging from $1.95 to $3.15. A culinary adventure awaits you and you’ll get full for under $10.

Looking for something a bit more trendy and fancy? Vino is a fun tapas and wine bar on Honolulu’s Restaurant row. Seafood ravioli and gourmet pizza for under $10 and wine flights starting at $2.50. If you love good food and low prices, you won’t want to skip this deli-cious adventure................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Many attractions and restaurants offer senior and child discounts, so be sure to ask! And keep your eye on our website and The Pitch Pipe for up-to-date infor-mation on deals and specials.

We look forward to seeing you in Honolulu! Aloha!

What To Sing For The Next Contest? Preparing For The Honolulu Stage.


http://lowestfare.com


Experience timeless beauty blending with the modern luxuries of today. Swim in the warm waters of world-famous Waikiki one moment, then enjoy the dramatic mountain views of the Nuuanu Pali Lookout another.

Come to Convention for the world’s best barbershop performances; stay for vacation with your best friends.

Watch for more information about the 2013 Honolulu International Convention and Competition in the coming months!

Please visit our Honolulu 2013 Convention webpage: http://www.sweetadelineintl.org/index.cfm?id=302

Join the party on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/277182442403585/

Dive into the competition … and the Pacific Ocean

Honolulu, HawaiiNov. 4-9, 2013

http://http://www.sweetadelineintl.org

http://http://www.facebook.com




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Delta Harmony Xpress ChorusRegion 12, Stockton, Calif.Chartered on September 20, 2012Carol “Kay” Stephens, team coordinatorCurtis Mannah, director

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In Memory

Sally Briner, Harborlites, #21Judy Brown, Sounds of the Valley, #12Betty Brunkow, Wamego Dutch Mill, #7Rosalie Cervantes, San Diego, #21Barbara Davidson, Heart of Columbia, #14Sheryl J. Kinder, Chapter-at-Large, #25Jean Lewis, River Oaks, #11Janice May, River Valley, #16Marianne McAvoy, Millennium Magic, #1Theresa (Terry) Lovin, Lock Cities, #2Mary Alice Whipple, Chapter-at-Large, #25Lee Wonders, Metro Nashville, #23Joan Shuster, Greater Nassau, #15Trena Smith, Danville, #5Donna Struyk, Magic Valley, #10Jan Szczerba, Chesapeake Harmony, #19Jessie Zaremba, Jersey Sound, #19Doris Zerbini, Diablo Vista, #12

Accolades

Director Certification ProgramAdvanced to Certified DirectorJoan Adler, Channelaire, #11Britt Bergqvist, Prospective Telge, #32Christine Knowles, Twin County, #15Elaine Macrillo, Seneca Soundwaves, #16Cindy Pilios, Tri City Sound, #11Linda Verzosa Southern Company, #9Kathleen Watkins, Cincinnati Sound, #4Chelsea Young, South Florida Jubilee, #9

International Judging ProgramAccepted as Approved Candidate JudgesCarolyn Schmidt, Music, Hickory Tree, #15Kerry Denino, Sound, Scioto Valley, #4

International Music Arrangers ProgramAdvanced to Master ArrangerLynnell Diamond, Chapter-at-Large, #9 Carolyn Schmidt, Hickory Tree, #15

Advanced to Certified ArrangerJoan D’Agostino, Channelaire, #11Elaine Gain, Greater Kingston, #16Cheryl Suhr, Skyline, #8

Sweet Adeline choruses. There are girls singing in Califor-nia, Florida, Illinois, Massachu-setts, Texas, Utah, Alaska and Washington.

Q: What advice can you give to other regions to reach out to local school system and do a simi-lar program?

The approach that has worked the best is to introduce barber-shop singing to the students. I’ll take Ladies First or a quartet into other schools. It excites the kids, and they go to their teachers and request to try it. Each year Mr. Emigh takes Ladies First to all the feeder schools and puts on a program before those schools make their schedules for the next year. It’s a great way to open the door and introduce them to the world of barbershop.

Q: What advice do you have for attracting younger members to Sweet Adelines International?

You have to sing songs that are fun and upbeat. We will com-pete with very square barbershop, because that’s how they learn the craft, but I always have entertain-ing songs for our package.

Q: What advice can you give for those teaching young singers or working with younger mem-bers?

Patience! There is a lot going on in their lives, and you have

to be there for them when it gets overwhelming. Share lots of laugh-ter, love, hugs and smiles. But most of all, just be there for them. They are what their name evokes, Ladies First.

Q: Any final words?I have to thank Christian

Emigh. How many teachers would hand over their class to a coach and let them create and mold their choir? Chris and I have developed a warm friendship filled with trust and a love of music. I get to put the fun into Ladies First. It’s a wonderful opportunity, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Karen received degrees in music and English from California State University, San Jose, and is currently a member of the Diablo Vista Chorus. Active as a performer as well as a coach for more than 25 years, Karen has performed on the Sweet Adelines International stage as a member of numerous quartets and choruses.

Beyond her work with Ladies First, Karen is the music director for the Young Women in Harmony di-vision of Sweet Adelines’ Region 12. Continually active as a competitive barbershopper, Karen is currently preparing for the Sweet Adelines International Regional Quartet Competition to be held this upcom-ing spring as part of Taylor madE for an opportunity to compete on the International stage in Honolulu.

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Ladies First performed at Grand Ole Opry in April �0��.


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The problem is that most performers approach the decision of what they should sing in reverse order. First of all, you must know whom you are — what are your assets? What are your problem areas? You consider these before you buy a new costume, choose a director or place the singers on the risers. However, since the biggest question is what to sing — this should be your first consideration.

Sit down with your music team or with the mem-bers of your quartet and look at the assets. 1. How are your vocal skills (yes, this includes breath-

ing!)2. How many voices do you have in each section?3. How high and low can the voices sing in each part?4. How do the director and singers handle the interpre-

tative areas such as phrasing, dynamics, tempo and rhythm patterns?

After you have reviewed these areas it’s time to look for music. First, look for the printed music avail-able from Sweet Adelines International. They are listed on the Sweet Adelines International website. Secondly, check with your education director, other directors and, of course, check that program with all those songs that you’ve starred and underlined. Hopefully, when you listened to these performances, you noted ability of the chorus or quartet to handle the music. If you have a chorus of 30 fairly new singers with developing vocal skills, you need to be aware that the music performed by a chorus of 60 voices with well-developed vocal skills will most likely be beyond your capabilities.

Review what you did the previous year. Re-read the score sheets while you look at the performance. Do ei-ther of these songs suit your style? What was your level? Do you want to do these two songs again? Or maybe do one of them and learn one new one? Or didn’t either one of them work and you want to start over?

If you want to ask for help from a music judge or an arranger, let them know your level in the last contest, your size, how your vocal skills are developing and the arranger of the arrangement you are considering.

Finally, start early. You need a lot of time to be sure the music you have chosen will work for you. Sing through the music with your music team. Do what Dale Syverson calls “trap shooting” — looking for challeng-ing areas such as key changes, unusual rhythm patterns, busy lyrical patterns, chords that are widely voiced, places where the baritones are above the leads, long phrases that need good breath management, lots of hard consonants and breathing patterns that will affect stamina.

With all of these pieces in line, your chances of do-ing well in a contest setting are greatly improved. Your hard work will be rewarded with higher levels and a lot of joy in your performance.

Sweet! Adds Membership Incentive

CampaignBeginning January 2013 you can earn FREE DUES and additional bonuses for recruit-ing NEW members! Participants who are directly responsible for adding new members between January 1 and December 31, 2013 earn:

+5 members = free dues for 1 year ($90 value) +10 members = free dues for 2 years ($180 value) +15 members = free dues for 2 years and The Pitch Pipe recognition ($180+ value) +20 members = free 3-year membership and The Pitch Pipe recognition ($243+ value) +25 members = engraved brick on the HQ pa-tio, free three-year membership, The Pitch Pipe recognition AND International Convention acknowledgement ($343+ value)

PLUS, each member that adds 25 members or more before August 1, 2013 will be entered into a drawing to win a dream vacation to the 2013 Honolulu Convention (includes airfare, registration and hotel at $3,000 value).

How Sweet! is that?

Member recruitment tools are readily available for your use in the Marketing Center on the Sweet Adelines International website.

When members come together — anything is possible. One Voice, One Message!


Sweet Adelines International is proud to announce an all-new contest for youth choruses. The contest will be by video (DVD) submission and held on June 1, 2013. Awards include cash prizes of $1,000, $750 and $500 for the first, second and third place winners. All three winners also will receive a copy ofthe Young Women in Harmony Competition Music Folio. For more information, please email [email protected]

ClassifiedsATTENTION SM/MID SIZE CHORUSES: Exceptionally well-made light green sparkly tops with black/green handkerchief skirts. Created by Designing Women and these are WOW COSTUMES! Thirty-six (36) sets and no alterations have been made to the originals.90% acrylic, 10% lycra, hand-washable. $40/set, shipping extra. View at www.rivermagicchorus.org or contact [email protected]

http://rivermagicchorus.org

http://comcast.net

http://adelineintl.org









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