Harmony
SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
Rag
UK REGION 31
The newsletter of Quartet of Nations Region 31, Sweet Adelines International
AUTUMN 2005 INTERNATIONAL HERE WE COME! How the Lace City Singers set about planning the journey to New Orleans – in more ways than one! I have just returned home, tired but exhilarated, from Nottingham’s 10,000 seater Arena where the Lace City Singers have been rehearsing for over two hours. A rehearsal? In a 10,000 seater stadium which echoes mainly to the sound of ice hockey games and rock concerts? When the chorus won gold in 2004 we spent a great deal of time planning a campaign which would enable as many of the chorus as possible to represent the Quartet of Nations in New Orleans. Fundraising, of course, was a top priority and our fundraising team (ably assisted by members of the Board and all chorus members) had the unenviable task of overseeing a campaign which, some sixteen months later, has raised over £35,000. As a result of this, 86 of us will be sitting on the plane to New Orleans on October 1st, looking forward with huge excitement to the wonderful Sweet Adelines adventure that is International Convention. Soon after we won gold, our President at the time, Pamelia Robinson, received an email from Gail Jencik, Master Director of Coastline Show Chorus from Rhode Island, with an offer we coudn’t refuse. Her chorus wished to become our sister chorus in New Orleans. As our sister chorus, they would offer us free rehearsal time on their risers in their hotel, and would set up a
network of e-pals so that we would have some ready made supporters and friends when we arrived in New Orleans. We would stay in the same hotel as them, and would be involved in all of their parties, celebrations and banquets too. It was certainly an offer we couldn’t refuse. As Pamelia said, “ I couldn’t believe the generosity of this offer: in fact, it brought tears to my eyes when I read Gail’s email!” Needless to say, the offer was quickly accepted and Lace City now have a bunch of firm friends in one of the choruses widely predicted to be in the top five this Autumn. It will be so valuable to us to have the help and support of seasoned competitors sitting in the audience as we perform. Additionally, our music team set about planning a campaign to improve the chorus’s musical and visual product. We knew that if we were to make an impact in the USA we would need to become A- singers. To help us achieve this we secured the help of Certified International Faculty Gail Jencik, who spent a week and a bit coaching us (and two other choruses in the Region) and Doug Harrington, from Sweden, who is an International Quartet Gold Medallist in his own right. Gail’s visit was funded entirely from the proceeds of a particularly inspired lottery bid (if you want to know how we managed to do this, attend Glenn Chaney and Helen Willis’s class at the Regional Workshop in October!) and we invited all members
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of the Region to attend any of her sessions because we wanted as many people as possible to benefit from her visit. We planned Gail’s coaching visit very carefully during a Music Team Retreat weekend at Matlock Youth Hostel in January so that not a minute of her time would be wasted, and we produced a supporting information booklet for each chorus member. Again, Helen and Glenn will outline how this coaching weekend was planned and delivered during their class at the Regional Workshop – a must for musical leaders!. As Gail said, “You guys certainly know how get the most out of a coach ....sometimes I arrive at chorus retreats and there’s no structure to the weekend at all, so this has made my job that bit easier!” To help us further along the road, recommendations were made that the chorus should sing for evaluation in Plymouth in 2005. This would allow the musical leaders to receive helpful remarks from the judges which would shape future rehearsals in the run-up to New Orleans. Performing in Plymouth was not without its little glitches however, as the champion chorus from the previous year is always called upon to assist in the
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traffic pattern, and so most of the chorus were more than a little harassed by the time they gathered on the risers to sing at the end of the chorus contest! During the earlier part of the summer this year a nine week development plan was devised, based on comments made by the judges in Plymouth, and at the end of the nine weeks, each chorus member received a learning pack which included a CD of vocal warm-ups, advice from Glenn on singing smart, and recap notes on each rehearsal and choreography session. This was especially welcomed by our members whose holidays fell within the nine week plan and of course our overseas (and competing) members in France, South Africa, Florida and Manchester! So where did the Nottingham Arena idea come from? One thing we realised was that we would have to recreate the atmosphere of the huge stadium in New Orleans where we would be competing. Could we find such a place in Nottingham? Yes! The new Nottingham Arena, home to the Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey team, with its huge auditorium, would be the ideal place....would they be willing to let us rehearse there? Thanks to the efforts of Board Member Elaine Roberts, we were offered the venue free of charge, and have just had the most inspirational rehearsal singing to our handful of supporters in that vast arena, where our chorus director Glenn and choreographer Michelle put us through our paces. Again, our Music Team Leader, Helen Willis was instrumental in masterminding this bold venture and our warmest thanks goes to all members of our chorus who helped to organise this very different kind of rehearsal.
Whatever the result in New Orleans we will go there feeling that we have done everything we can to be worthy ambassadors for our Region, and we hope that we will do you all proud. We are especially grateful to all of our “groupies” from Region 31 who will be cheering us on in their droves. See you there!! Alyson Allan Editor's note: This article was written before the terrible events in New Orleans - Lace City will now be travelling to Detroit and we wish them all the best in the competition.
EISTEDDFOD – PURBROOK HARMONY STYLE ! As our Director, Pat, said you could never bond more than we did on a fun filled weekend at the Welsh Eisteddfod. It all began when we were asked if we would like to attend the Eisteddfod and we had to submit a tape of three songs to pass the audition – we were thrilled when we learnt our entry passed. Then it began – could we afford it? As you all know after Convention cash is very tight and knowing our Coach travel would cost us over £1,000 hotels were out of the question, but on hearing of our plight the Eisteddfod Board fell over backwards to help and offered camp beds in a village hall with kitchen, three toilets and sinks for £1.50 per night! It did not take Purbrook long to accept this kind offer and many a laugh we had planning it all but it went like an Army campaign – Chris armed with a box of toilet rolls, bread, two toasters, milk, butter and plenty of wet wipes and someone even thought of marmalade. The little village Pub Page 2
provided us with a wonderful Roast and Pud on Friday night and we sang in thanks. At 10.00pm we walked back to our billet (a pretty flint hall dating back to 1800) and it all looked very cosy with 24 camp beds made up with a variety of sleeping bags and duvets. We were very good and all had our heads down by midnight as Pat had the alarm set for 5.30am – yes that’s right 5.30am – we had to be up and ready to go for 8.30am fully dressed and made-up. After a lot of giggling it was all quiet and then a very loud snore which became a night of snores that echoed in the hall’s high ceiling and one by one people were sitting up wondering who was going to volunteer to smother the culprit and some of us were consumed with laughter trying not to wake those (not many) that could sleep through anything and as dawn broke at 4.30am the snorer awoke and some tried to get a precious hour’s sleep!! But with great stamina one after another we used the only one toilet for the disabled that had hot water to prepare for the day. Toast and tea was continuous and it all went so well we even surprised ourselves. When we arrived at the venue we just could not believe our eyes – it was so vast with the marquee holding seats for 5,000 and the stage was huge..... o.k. so we didn’t hit the top but boy what an experience!! On Saturday afternoon there was not a sound from the coach as we all slept to the first stop! Would we do it again – you bet we would and as for “bonding” Purbrook are masters at it!!! In Harmony – Merle Legge
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SH-ooting for Success Have you have sat at a Region 31 Convention and thought sadly “I don’t know if I’ll ever get the opportunity to go to International”? It is a fact that some choruses all over the world are never fortunate enough to win the gold medal in their Region. But just like Cinderella, you CAN go to the ball with Surrey Harmony! Many choruses around the world recruit from their region to supplement their own ranks for International. Even the big names like the Melodeers do it. So why shouldn’t we? People who join-up like this are commonly known as “out of towners” or “ooters” hence we offered the chance to become a Surrey Harmony “SHooter”. This type of idea hasn’t really been explored in Region 31 before. After the excitement of winning our 5th gold medal at Plymouth, the reality of mounting another International trip sank in. A brief head count of members who wanted to go revealed that for various reasons, our numbers would be down. Obviously recruiting new members was a priority, but then the idea of “ooters” was raised. Our baritone section leader Carolyn Hill was one of the first to raise the idea. Carolyn along with bass Margaret Fordyce are from New Zealand where “ooters” are common place. “Doing this has many benefits, both for individual choruses and a Region as a whole” says Carolyn. “In terms of the chorus, it means you can boost numbers in one particular section or just enlarge the chorus as a whole, and for the Region it means that more individual Sweet Adelines can have the chance to have the whole wonderful International experience. They then bring that back to their own chorus which can only have benefits.”
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At the time of writing this, Surrey Harmony director Jenny Lawson is busy sifting through the applications. “I am very pleased with the response, but we are just at the start of the process so I’m not going to guess at just how many singers may join us”, says Jenny. “It’s an exciting prospect to have other chorus members potentially going with us to Las Vegas. I know that if anyone decides to join us as a “SH-ooter” it will mean lots of hard work and commitment from them. But in return we look forward to welcoming them to the Surrey Harmony “family” in the run up to what undoubtedly will be one of the most exciting Internationals yet. Just look at the line-up...some of the biggest names in the Sweet Adelines world will be there and maybe you will be too!”
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A Fella For Forth Valley Maggie Wood retired this year after 16 years as Musical Director of Forth Valley Chorus. Replacing Maggie was never going to be easy, but we are pleased to announce the appointment of our new Musical Director, David Sangster. As the first male Director of Forth Valley, David might feel outnumbered by the 65 ladies of Forth Valley but we are sure he will soon have us eating out of his hands....or should we say following his hands as they direct us towards an exciting and challenging future. Over the last decade David has coached nine different quartets and Forth Valley itself. David did a spell in the Rolling Hills Chorus and has arranged music for both female and male quartets in the past. He is very experienced in knowing what is needed both technically and musically, to make good music, barbershop style. Forth Valley look forward to an exciting future with our new fella David Sangster. Page 3
Erratum Apologies for error in the Summer issue of the Harmony Rag. Quartet results from Convention in Plymouth - Sound Bites were placed second and Vocal Zone were placed third.
CONVENTION 2006 12-14th May 2006 Plymouth Pavilions Regional judging panel members are:Janie Macchiaroli - Sound Linda Masterson - Music Patti Burklund - Expression & Panel Chair Diane Porsch - Showmanship
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a large money prize. If you share the fee, I would only need the person in charge of the group to give me their contact details. You could ask friends, family and work colleagues to take part also.
SURREY HARMONY 400 CLUB We are launching an exciting draw to help our fundraising so that we can compete at International in Las Vegas in 2006. We are inviting all members of all choruses in Region 31 to join with us and we hope that in the future all choruses who compete at International may be able to adopt this fundraising draw to ensure that they will also be able to raise the necessary funds. We, of course, will support them in the same way. All we are asking is that you pay £10 by standing order each month until next September (I will be giving out standing order details later) and you could win....... If we have 400 people - £1,000 each month and eight prizes of £50 weekly. If we have 200 people - £480 each month and four prizes of £40 weekly. You could also share the £10 fee with a friend (so you will each pay £5 a month) or two friends (£3.33 each a month) which makes it £ affordable to everyone - and you still get the chance to win
Please either send or email me your c o n t a c t details (name, address, phone number and email) and the details of anyone else that might like to take part as soon as possible to:
JEAN DACK, 52 Greenways Crescent, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6HS Phone: 01273 465640 Email: dackfamily@aol.com We would be very grateful for your support in this and I look forward to hearing from you. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.
Finance Report Beginning of August 2005 The Income for Convention 2005 was Expenditure so far
£37,448.83 £11,906.08
This leaves a profit of
£25,542.75
To my knowledge there are the following expenses still to be paid: Surrey Harmony Prize Money £1,000.00 Eu4ia Prize Money TBC Judges Fees $4,239.89 Bank Account Reconciliation Previous Total Income to June 05 Total Less expenses to June 05 Total Plus outstanding cheques Total
£30,590.25 £44,589.46 £75,179.71 £18,908.95 £56,270.76 £2,050.78 £58,321.54
I will be in touch with the Treasurers in the near future once I have the dues up to date. As International lists are usually behind with new members I would like to get new accurate listings of Chorus members for the Region. I look forward to serving as your Finance Co-ordinator and if I can be of any help to you please do not hesitate to contact me. Kind Regards Eileen Milne Finance Co-ordinator - Region 31 Page 4
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NEWS FROM THE RMT At the end of July, the RMT attended a training weekend in Manchester, facilitated by Cathy Rainey, International Faculty. This was the first time this Team had got together properly (we don’t count Convention weekend, as it’s too hectic!) and the first time most of us had met Cathy and she us. So it had the potential to be quite nerve wracking, but of course when Sweet Adelines get together, it was in reality great fun! We had training in a variety of areas, e.g. marketing, membership, communication, conflict management and strategic planning, all of which was very informative and interesting. Cathy proved to be very good at keeping us on track as, would you believe this, we occasionally talked too much! We received lots of really useful information about surveys conducted by International, which will help the RMT understand the broader issues affecting choruses across the globe. If you would like any more information about any of the topics discussed, please contact anyone on the RMT. Elaine Hamilton Directors’ Co-ordinator
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ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW OPPORTUNITY? Joining the RMT can offer you a wealth of opportunities, including the chance to: · Learn about the region and get to know the choruses and quartets · Influence the direction the region takes · Develop your own skills and experience (useful not just for singing but for work and life generally) · Get to meet so many people · Have fun with a great group of people (that’s the rest of the RMT!) and continue the Trivial Pursuit challenge… What do you have to contribute? · attend 4 meetings a year, one of which is held at convention · add your bit by email when issues are being discussed If you are interested in these great opportunities, whether as an RMT member or part of one of the teams, just let us know! For more information please contact Valerie Taylor (Communications & Technology Co-ordinator) or visit the region’s website at www.sweetadelines.org.uk Valerie Taylor Communications & Technology Co-ordinator
Bags of Harmony from Vocal Zone at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe This year the Fringe got the barbershop treatment, when Vocal Zone appeared for the first time with their one hour show: Bags of Harmony. The show was presented in St Andrew’s and St George’s Church, right in the heart of Edinburgh: a beautiful venue with great acoustics and a wonderful stage. Gwen, Anne, Dorothy and Val were delighted to welcome a large audience, including a number of familiar faces from various Sweet Adeline choruses. The quartet also took this opportunity to launch their first CD, also entitled Bags of Harmony which can be purchased from the quartet’s website: www.vocal-zone.co.uk. Many thanks to all who supported the quartet by attending this event. Anyone who missed the show in Edinburgh can catch it again on Wednesday 14th September in Gardner Memorial Church, Brechin as part of the Brechin Arts Festival. If you would like the quartet to pack their “Bags of Harmony” and bring their show to you, then please email Val at val@vocal-zone.co.uk
CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Deborah Wheeldon from Lace City Singers and Brenda Lomax from Stockport Liberty Belles for passing their DCP.
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Programme – Regional Workshop, Birmingham, October 28-30th Have you booked your place yet?? Pick and Mix classes (Grey area) - members to decide Please note that there may be some last minute changes…….. Friday 28th October
7.30pm 7.45 - 8.30pm 9.00 - 10.00pm
Welcome and Faculty introductions Singing Smart (Britt-Helene) Chorus Rehearsals - 3 Workshop Classes led by Glenn Chaney, Jenny Lawson & Suzi Marshall-Hasdell
Saturday 29th October
8.45 - 9.30am 9.45 - 10.45am 10.45 - 11.15am
Music in the Morning (Regional Faculty) Chorus Rehearsals Break
11.15 - 12.15pm
Pick n Mix Session 1 • Develop your Speaking & Singing Voice • Directing - more than just arm-waving • Four into One Will Go
12.15 - 1.15pm 1.15 - 2.15pm
Lunch The Art of Possibility
2.30 - 3.30pm
Pick n Mix Session 2 • How to get the most out of a coaching weekend • Quartet Coaching • Directing for Beginners • The ABC of the MC
3.30 - 4.00pm
Break
4.00 - 5.00pm
Pick n Mix Session 3 • Goal Setting & Smart Strategies for Quartets • Set Yourself Free - The Psychology of Performing • Making a Difference through PVI
5.15 - 6.15pm 6.30 - 8.00pm 8.30 onwards
Chorus Rehearsals Dinner Evening Activities
9.00 - 9.45am 10.15 -11.00am 11.15 - 12.15am 12.15 - 12.30pm
Music in the Morning (Britt-Helene) Chorus Preparation & Warm-ups for the Show Show and Presentations Evaluations and Wrap-Up
Sunday 30th October
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Faculty Members for Regional Workshop: • Britt-Helene Bonnedahl, Certified International Faculty, Master Director (Ronninge Chorus, Region 32) • Glenn Chaney, Master Director (Lace City Singers, Region 31), Regional Faculty • Alyson Allan, International Faculty Associate, Education Coordinator, Region 31 • Anne Cargill, International Faculty Associate, Region 31 • Michelle Walker, International Faculty Associate, Region 31 • Elaine Hamilton, Regional Faculty, Directors’ Coordinator, Region 31 • Dorothy Main, Regional Faculty, Region 31 • Cherry Hartshorn, Director, Ireland Unlimited Chorus, BABS Faculty member • Helen Willis, Music Team Leader, Lace City Singers, Region 31 • Jenny Lawson, Director, Surrey Harmony Chorus (2005 Regional Champion Chorus) • Suzi Marshall-Hasdell, Director, B Natural Chorus (2005 Regional Small Chorus winners)
Changes to your Chorus Board or T eam Team duri ng the year during If you have any changes, can you please let Valerie Taylor (Communications & Technology Co-ordinator) know, so that she can have all the up-to-date contact information as it takes time to come from the USA!
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THANKS TO BERYL AND PENNY It was with great sadness that the Lace City Singers said good-bye to Beryl Kemp, half of their successful choreography team. Beryl’s partnership with Penny Kimmins was instrumental in the gold medal winning performance of the chorus in Glasgow 2004. You may recall that Beryl and Penny were awarded the Jeanne Miller Rose Bowl for the highest showmanship score in the 2004 chorus contest.
Beryl is moving on to a new challenge with Sheffield Harmony, while Penny is staying to continue to sing with the Lace City Singers. The chorus owes them both a huge debt of gratitude for their hard work and huge commitment to the chorus over the years. The enthusiastic new choreographers, Michelle Walker and Esther Boyd, know they have a hard act to follow. Michelle will be well known to Region 31 as the baritone of the three times champion quartet Sound Bites. Michelle is also an associate member of the International Faculty. Esther is a talented front row member of the chorus whose fame was sealed in the Lace City Singers’ World War II package at Convention 2005 when she played the part of the young woman in love who finally got her man (and dragged him off the stage!!). The picture shows Michelle and Esther making a presentation to Beryl and Penny. Elaine Roberts, Lace City Singers PR Team Page 7
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Within the larger organisation, most of you will probably recognise me, as I think I’ve attended nearly all of the educational events and conventions since I’ve joined! (I did say I was addicted!). In 2003, I began the Directors Certification Programme and I was awarded with my Certificate at convention in 2004. Also in 2004 I attended training to become a member of our own Regional Faculty and then, in May 2005, I became the Directors Co-ordinator and DCP administrator for the Region. Phew!
When four members of Surrey Harmony realised they would be celebrating a half century in 2005, there was only one group of people they want to celebrate with - the rest of the Chorus! Pictured at their joint 50th birthday party are (from L-R) Kären Lainchbury ,Tricia Butler, Lorraine Nash and Elaine Glover. Sadly all are Leads with the exception of Tricia who is a Tenor, so they didn’t manage a scratch quartet on the night. But the Happy Birthday rendition was of course in perfect four-part harmony.
SPOTLIGHT ON
ELAINE
When I went along, in response to a newspaper advertisement, to a Forth Valley Chorus open night in 1990, little did I know what a barbershop junkie I’d become! I was instantly hooked not only by the singing, but by the warmth and friendship of the welcome I was given. All of these years later, I am still as enthusiastic about barbershop as ever.
develop my knowledge and skills. I’ve been Lead Section Leader, Choreographer then Visual Team Leader and Assistant Director in Forth Valley and have served on their Music Team, in some capacity or other, for approximately 11 years! I’ve also sung Lead in a couple of quartets, but over the last 18 months, I’ve gone through a life change and become a Baritone! (I’m still bisectional with several chorus songs!). So I now sing with Mac4 (placed 8th in our first convention in May wahoo!!) and love it!
In my other life (what is that?!), I am employed in the HR team of a global bank, supporting approximately 900 staff in a call centre. I say team, but in fact there are only three of us, so we’re kept very busy! I’ve just recently taken over this position, having previously worked in the Recruitment team for 5 years and, prior to that, within the Training team. I’m married to Peter, who does not sing! Instead, he keeps fit by running. He also provides guided walks of the ‘Old Town’ in Edinburgh, so if you’re ever in Edinburgh?? (Shameless plug!) I’m really looking forward to my time on the Regional Team. So far, I’ve found it to be very interesting, with the best bit being able to make a contribution and give something back. It’s also great getting to know people from other choruses and just learning more about our organisation. So any Directors reading this, please remember this role is really about you. Please contact me about Remember anything and if I can help I will and if I can’t I’ll find someone who can! See you in Birmingham!
Over the years I’ve been privileged to have the opportunity to grow and
Elaine Hamilton Page 8
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THE BEST OF TIMES
also a Symposium Chorus if you want to go along to experience singing with new riser mates under a different director.
Solent Sounds had their show on 3rd September – was it going to be the Best of Times? Our Assistant Director, Sharon Vaux, produced the show and took on the job of creating the story and writing the script – a new venture for us. We were also to try out a new venue, The Nuffield – a theatre in the city of Southampton, some 25 minutes drive from our usual meeting place in Fareham. Our main guests were to be a comedy quartet from the USA who were meant to fly over for our show in September 2001 but were unable to join us because of 9/11. The day was due to start at 9.00am and on getting into the car just before 8.30am, I discovered I had an almost flat tyre! Was this an omen? Students from City College Southampton had made all our props as a college project and had come along with their tutor to put it together at the theatre. This was a long painstaking business with flyers and on-stage construction, and took longer than planned and so our rehearsal which was due to take place in the morning, became our afternoon performance! Some glitches were taken care of during this time and the evening performance was all we could have ever hoped for. Nevertheless, both audiences appreciated the show. Many of you will remember Sian Jones, who shared the job of Co-
Director with me prior to her untimely death, and there were a few watery eyes as her three young sons sung together on stage! Standing in front of the chorus as they sang Sweet Adeline, I was SO proud to belong to such a wonderful organisation. All those months of singing, taping, acting and choreography etc. was worthwhile! (After all – what would we have done with all that spare time!!?) Well done Solent Sounds – it was the Best of Times! Lorraine Howden Solent Solent Chorus
IES 2005 – The Beat Goes On! In July I was lucky enough to attend the International Education Symposium in Greenville, South Carolina. What an experience! It’s not every day you get the chance to be with 1200 other women from all over the world who all want to learn more about the art of singing. The education at IES is separated into different tracks so you can focus on whatever you are particularly interested in. Tracks this year included Novice Directors, Assistant Directors, Vocal Production, Choreography and Coaching (the track I chose). There is Page 9
Each day started with Music in the Morning, something that will be familiar to you if you have attended EES or other regional education events. These were fantastic sessions with Jean Barford, Kim Hulbert and Tori Postma providing inspirational teaching, even if it was 8.30 in the morning! They each gave us simple, fun but amazingly effective tools to enhance our singing technique. The classes at IES were given by international faculty including Betty Clipman, Dale Syverson, Joni Bescos and Åse Hagerman. Some of the best classes that I attended were given by Darlene Rogers. Some of you may have heard of her – she is Dale Syverson’s voice coach… Oh, and did I mention The Buzz? The international champion quartet appeared every morning and sang in every show, dazzling us again and again with their flawless technique and emotional delivery. They were the demonstration quartet in Dale Syverson’s class on barbershop embellishments, where they were generous enough to share with us the swipe from their contest song “No No Norman”. They demonstrated that, even if you aren’t in a chorus or quartet of their standard, you can do things with music that make it come alive. Outside of the classes they were warm and welcoming, and often to be seen careering around the campus in their golf buggy, the Buzzmobile! Highlights of the event include the welcome ceremony, where they cont. over
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showed the video of “The Art of Possibility”. This shows you how to unlock the potential both in yourself and in others. It’s not often that a video receives a standing ovation! Watch this space for news of this amazing video coming to our shores… Another highlight was the Rising Star contest where Young Women In Harmony quartets (all aged under 26) competed for the Rising Star title. The winning quartet, “Underage”, included two 14 year olds! This is the talent of the future, watch out The Buzz! Three of us made it to IES from region 31– along with me were Carolyn Hill (Bari section leader from Surrey Harmony) and Paula Dennis (CAL and Lead with Alliance! quartet).
INTRODUCING YOUR OWN REGIONAL FACULTY What is the Regional Faculty? Our Regional Faculty consists of members of the Region’s choruses who have been trained by International to run classes at regional events, coach choruses and quartets, organise chorus visits, and pass on their expertise to members of our Region. How can they help my chorus or quartet? Listed below is a description of each member of the Regional Faculty together with information about the kind of help they can offer you. Their email addresses are listed so that you can contact them directly. How much do they charge? That is negotiable, depending on how many hours you are looking for, and the fee would also include travel expenses. Chorus evening rehearsal visits, however, as part of the educational visit programme, are funded by International.
Thanks to Surrey Harmony for sponsoring me to attend and experience this wonderful opportunity.
I’m not sure who would best fit my needs. If you have any queries, contact Education Coordinator, Alyson Allan on alysonallan@yahoo.co.uk
IES this year was held at Furman University which must rank among the most beautiful of university campuses – after all, how many universities do you know with their own lakes, complete with turtles, ducklings and swans? Next year IES will be at Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas. I can’t recommend it highly enough – if you get the chance to go next year or any year, jump at it!
How can I become a member of the Regional Faculty? You would need to be trained. A weekend is about to be planned for Spring 2006 where aspiring Regional Faculty members will receive training. At this weekend, you will be asked to teach a sample class and your performance will be recorded and critiqued. However, it is not as daunting as it sounds! If you are interested in becoming a member of the Regional faculty, please contact Alyson.
Valerie Taylor Assistant Director, Surrey Harmony Lead with Vice Versa Quartet RMT member
What about International Faculty? At the Regional Faculty weekend you Page 10
would receive information on how to apply to become a member of the International faculty. Our Regional Faculty for 2005-2006: Alyson Allan – vocal skills, YWIH, planning rehearsals, teaching skills, quartetting, quartet coaching, chorus coaching, mixed bag of musical tricks, new and exciting ways of warming up your chorus. alysonallan@yahoo.co.uk Anne Cargill – the ABC of the MC, strategic planning, organisational skills, conflict management. acargill@lochside.fsbusiness.co.uk Glenn Chaney – directing skills, directing for beginners, vocal skills, organising an effective music team, planning a coaching weekend, raising your level, chorus coaching, quartet coaching, musical leadership. glenn@lacecity.org Elaine Hamilton – the psychology of performing, performance preparation, visual performance, planning visual rehearsals, vocal skills, chorus coaching. elainemrssh@aol.com Dorothy Main – quartetting, quartet coaching, vocal skills, how to be a great lead, how to be a great bari mwmainjoiners@tinyworld.co.uk Gwen Topp – vocal skills, creativity, quartet coaching, chorus coaching, arranging for beginners gmtopp@tiscali.co.uk Michelle Walker – choreography, directing skills, quartet coaching, chorus coaching, YWIH, physical warmups for your chorus, keeping your chorus focussed, musical leadership, shelbywalks@yahoo.co.uk
SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
UK REGION 31 Regional Management Team May 1st 2005 - April 31st 2006
Director of Education Excellent opportunity for an innovative individual to manage the educational programs and events for Sweet Adelines International, an international nonprofit music association. The position serves as a member of the Executive Management Team. Position requires: Bachelor’s degree in vocal music, education or management. Minimum of three years of experience in a management or administrative position; minimum of five years of experience in vocal music or education preferred. Strong four-part harmony, barbershop style background preferred. Experience working with volunteers in a non-profit environment helpful. Some travel and weekend meetings required. Excellent benefits package including health insurance, 401(k) plan with employer match and flexible spending account. Send cover letter, resume and salary requirements by November 1, 2005 to: Director of Education position P.O. Box 470168, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74147
Alyson Allan Education Co-Ordinator Lincoln Sounds Tel: 01636 814377 E-Mail: alysonallan@yahoo.co.uk
Sheila Doherty Team Co-ordinator Surrey Harmony Tel: 020 8395 2765 E-Mail: shortscot@aol.com
Elaine Hamilton Directors' Co-ordinator Forth Valley Chorus Tel: 0131 334 2372 E-Mail: elainmrssh@aol.com Moyra Strachan Chapter Co-ordinator Forth Valley Chorus Tel: 01592 771645 E-Mail: alexander.sblueyonder.co.uk
Eileen Milne Finance Co-ordinator Aberdeen Chorus Tel: 01224 742453 E-mail: ge@cromar26.demon.co.uk
Regional Convention Dates: 12-14th May 2006 Plymouth Pavilions May 2007 Birmingham's Symphony Hall May 2008 Birmingham's Symphony Hall
Other Dates for your Diary: 4-9th October 2005 International Convention Detroit 28th-30th October 2005 October Fest - Birmingham with Britt-Helene Bonnedahl
Valerie Taylor Communications/Technology Co-ordinator Surrey Harmony Tel: 020 8660 8037 E-Mail: valerie.taylor@privacysolutions.co.uk
Deborah Wheeldon Events Co-ordinator Lace City Singers Tel: 0115 963 0114
DEADLINE
for the next issue NOVEMBER 15TH
E-Mail: deborah.wheeldon@tiscali.co.uk
Jeanette Yuile
Editor - Lorraine Howden
Marketing/Membership Co-ordinator
15 St. Mary's Road, Stubbington, Fareham, Hampshire PO14 2HP
Aberdeen Chorus Tel: 01330 820034
Tel: 01329 662185 E-Mail: lahnote@lineone.net Advertising Rates:- 25 pence per single column centimetre
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E-Mail: jyuile@muir-matheson.com
SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
UK REGION 31
Sound Bites Still together after all these years! Yes, we will shortly be celebrating our 10th anniversary as a quartet. During those years we have produced three babies, acquired two university degrees, moved house twice, and owned eleven cars! We have been in seven different relationships and have been involved with three different barbershop choruses. We have worn seven different costumes, (eleven if you count the 2003 mic cooling Addams Family routine!) ripped off two different skirts, and have worn out twenty pairs of false eyelashes. We have rehearsed in countless front rooms, draughty church/village halls and even toilets and car parks. Together we have travelled over 25,000 miles to compete in contests near and far. Our 10th anniversary year will see us produce our very own CD with some of our old favourites, but also some of our brand new songs. Since Convention we have been working very hard to include some new, exciting songs in our repertoire and these will feature on our CD which
will be for sale in Spring 2006. We will also be holding a 10 th anniversary show/party bringing together some of the barbershop friends we have made during our ten year journey. More details to come..... Our next gig (at the time of writing) is to entertain all 188 guests at Glenn and Aly’s wedding in September and we fervently hope that our tenor Aly will be able to control herself during the singing of Shania Twain’s “From This Moment”. We’ll let you know! We are ever grateful to our choruses, the Lace City Singers and Lincoln Sounds, for their unswerving support and encouragement, and to our fantastic families who have had to put up with so much. Lastly, to our coach Glenn Chaney, who has worked with us for the past nine and a bit years, a huge and heartfelt vote of thanks for his patience, humour and sound advice. Love from Rosie, Michelle, Laura and Alyson Sound Bites, 2nd place quartet 2005.
New Quartet Liaison
Having sung styles as different as choral, musical and 70s glam rock, I was looking for a challenging form of music and once I saw what Barbershop was about, I was hooked! I joined Surrey Harmony as a Baritone in 2002 and haven’t looked back. For my day job I’m a Desktop Support Controller, running a six strong team to look after around a 1000 people in a legal publishing firm. Bari is at times intricate, always interesting and, fortunately, about as far away from computers as it’s possible to get! As Quartet Liaison I am looking forward to helping everyone get the most out of quartetting in the Region. Emma Riley
All of Region 31 would like to send good wishes andcongratulate Glenn Chaney and Alyson Allan on their recent marriage.
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