QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
SPRING 2007
HARMONY RAG CAMP CHAOS!!
As a relatively new member of Coastline Harmony, appearing in my first show, ‘Camp Chaos’, was amazing. Dressing up in ridiculous costumes has not been a prominent part of my life, so this had to be good or my reputation as a responsible adult was going to disappear fast! All ten of my visitors enjoyed watching the show, which was just as well, because shortly before the evening performance started my realisation took hold that they would all be out there! They all said that we looked wonderful, and were obviously really enjoying ourselves and couldn’t believe what wonderful sounds they were hearing. The highlight for me was our ABBA finale, with the audience clapping us onto the stage to the sound of Dancing Queen. Everyone
were going to come together as a cohesive unit and it really was going to be ‘Camp Chaos’. Obviously order was achieved because even from the wings you could feel the good vibes from the audience. There was a lot of talent too in the acts that supported our show, especially the young dancers, who we only really glimpsed from the wings when they were performing and who were so professional. The MC made everyone feel relaxed and there were other artists that we didn’t glimpse at all but they all gelled together to make a great show. The other thing that made an impression on the audience was the length of the show. “Just right”, “not too long” and “perfect length”, were some of the comments I heard. It’s nice to know the audience weren’t wriggling in their seats wondering when it was all going to end. So, what’s next? It’s got to be good to beat that! Probably not this year I’m told but who knows what next year will bring, ‘Sound of Music’, ‘Cabaret’, you never can tell… “It’s Showtime” again.
said the choreo was great and fitted so well with our new ABBA medley, arranged by the way by our own Assistant Director Debbie Hopkinson. It really brought it home to me how much the audience was enjoying the show and seemed to be totally immersed in it. There was obviously a lot of work that went on behind the scenes, of which I, as a humble chorus member, had no knowledge, so thanks to all those who made it run so smoothly. Having never experienced a technical rehearsal before I was somewhat panicked in the morning because there seemed to be quite a lot of ‘chaos’ (excuse the pun) but probably just my Gay Creasey imagination. I couldn’t believe that we Coastline Harmony
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QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
MURPHY’S LAW
QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
HEARTBEAT FULLY LOADED
A Brief Thesis Exploring the Phenomenon of Bad Luck. By Miss F O’rtune HYPOTHESIS; that which can go wrong, will go wrong. Or – any opportunity for an inanimate object to give rise to human error, misunderstanding, and general chaos, will always be taken by that object. SUBJECTS; Jean (bass), Jenny (lead), Cathy (baritone), and Angela (tenor), otherwise known as Sounds Familiar – ladies’ barbershop quartet. KEY PHRASES; the Murphy effect, a Murphy event, a Murphy situation. ABSTRACT; as a theory, Murphy’s Law has been generally ignored by the scientific world. In order to generate further discussion and investigation of this muchmaligned aspect of everyday life, Sounds Familiar took part in a study that exposed them to the exigencies of this Law of accident and mishap. Is it possible to plan and take a trip to Ireland, the country where the effect originates, and avoid havoc? The journey unfolds. THE STUDY; In May 2006 Sounds Familiar entered the Irish Association of Barbershop Singers (IABS) International Convention, to be held in Athlone in October. Special care was taken to check the IABS website before booking flights, hire cars and accommodation. To avoid all the usual Murphy events (often encountered when travelling) interfering with the competition day, Sounds Familiar decided to get to Athlone the day before they were due to compete. They also recruited the help of a willing husband to do most of the driving and even paid for a second driver – ‘just in case’. With all the necessary plans in place the ladies concentrated on getting their two songs up to scratch. All seemed to be going well. Time for a Murphy event to take place. At the beginning of September it came to the attention of the ladies that the day of the competition was not the one posted on the website when they made their travel plans. (NB – communication breakdown
– a well-known Murphy effect). It had been brought forward by a day. Would Sounds Familiar fall at the first hurdle? A meeting was held. Three members were due to arrive in Athlone at 1400hrs on the (new) day of the competition, with the fourth (Angela) – taking a different route – arriving at 1700hrs. With the
SOUNDS FAMILIAR PROVE THAT TAKING PART IN SCIENTIFIC STUDIES CAN BE THIRSTY WORK
competition due to start at 1930hrs it was decided not to change the plan. The first Murphy situation had been managed. Preparations continued. Came the big day and 75% of the quartet had an uneventful journey arriving on schedule in Athlone. Unbeknown to them however, as is often the case when things appear to be going well, other Murphy influences were at work. A missing driving licence did not get their attention at this point. Angela was experiencing flight delays and traffic jams, two of the most basic problems found on journeys of any length, and ones that could have a devastating effect. 1700hrs was an optimistic prediction which laid the group wide open to a full-blown Murphy event; to wit - missing the competition. At 1900hrs, with no sign of Angela, the competition organizers very kindly agreed to allow Sounds Familiar to go on last – giving them another hour. This proved to be just enough time, with Angela appearing 20 mins before they were due on stage. A close shave.
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Sounds Familiar knew there would be further events to test them but they didn’t expect one as soon as they came off stage. On leaving the auditorium after the results, the quartet returned to their dressing room to find it locked. Noone had a key and no-one knew anyone who might have one. (NB - keys and locks, very common Murphy items specializing in losing one another). All their belongings remained safely locked away until noon the next day when a credit card proved to be a truly flexible friend. And the driving licence? Despite it being lost on the first day, thus rendering the second driver useless, it wasn’t until the group was scheduled to leave that a serious search was mounted to find it. With no sign of it anywhere, it was only as a passing thought that an enquiry was made at Knock airport as the party were leaving. In contradiction to the usual Murphy situation the licence had been handed in to the enquiry desk. It had been dropped in the car park on arrival. RESULTS; during the study Sounds Familiar were given four Murphy situations to deal with, about average for that number of people travelling that distance. They came third in the International section of the competition, thus successfully counter-acting that severest Murphy effect – not competing. No bones were broken, no car accidents happened; havoc was avoided. CONCLUSION; Whereas it is generally accepted that good luck equals preparation plus opportunity, bad luck has no such formula and is difficult to avoid when out and about in the world. This study has shown that plans do help, but the most effective antidote to misfortune is the goodwill and helpfulness of those around you, both strangers and friends; aspects of human behaviour that are found in abundance at Irish barbershop conventions. With thanks to Graham Sutton, Dave Farmer and Tom Digby. Sounds Familiar
Saturday, April 21st, 7.30pm, PLAZA Theatre, Stockport (Supporting The Wellspring Charity, Stockport). Heartbeat invite you to celebrate their 10th anniversary on Saturday, April 21st, at the PLAZA Theatre, Stockport, with their show production “Heartbeat: Fully Loaded”. You are promised an evening of great entertainment with: Colourful dance from the talented Arlette Muldoon Dancers; Sensational Brazilian Samba sounds from Glossop’s Ruido Grande drum, bells, and shakers band; Classy A Cappella harmony from International quartet winners Eu4ia and Heartbeat’s own medal winning quartet Tone-Acity plus their small group ensemble Heart’n’Soul. The evening also celebrates the musical talent of Britain’s Youth. Don’t miss the opportunity to listen to the gifted talent of young Christopher Napier sharing his winning performance as George Formby
in ITV Stars in Their Eyes (Kids) and be inspired by some of today’s best British young male voices with the National Barbershop Youth Chorus. Of course your evening will ignite with the sight and sounds of Heartbeat, the exciting and different close harmony chorus; a group of 45 talented ladies based in Marple, Cheshire led by their charismatic Musical Director Lesley Carson. Heartbeat stand out in the crowd because of their wide and diverse repertoire, covering 4 part A Cappella Harmony, Contemporary sounds, Gospel soul numbers and Traditional 16th Century and modern Choral pieces. Heartbeat don’t just sing - they MOVE! Their exciting depth of sound is teamed with slick choreography to present an outstanding entertainment experience. Heartbeat are a competitive chorus, always raising their standard of excellence, and in July last year wowed the judges and took third place at the world renowned International Musical Eisteddfod, Llangollen, Wales. This is their second time on the PLAZA stage following their appearance at the “Spirit of Christmas” concert in Dec 06, hosted by Gordon Burns, to support The Wellspring, Stockport, Heartbeat’s chosen charity for 2007. Tickets are available NOW, from Stockport PLAZA 0161 477 7779, or chorus members, and we would be delighted if yourself and friends would join us for the evening. For further information email Claire at angel-of-music@hotmail.co.uk or telephone Lorna on 07900 902199. We very much look forward to seeing you on 21st April at this exciting event... HEARTBEAT: FULLY LOADED! Claire Heighway Heartbeat
RAY OF SUNSHINE The members of the Apple County Chorus in Taunton were very saddened to hear of the death of one of our beloved members in January this year. Denise Shrubb sang lead and had been an member of our ‘family’ for 10 years – she was one of those members who was always there – never late and totally reliable. A lovely woman with a tremendous sense of fun and a great laugh! Probably the sort of woman you can all recognise within your own group. We miss her. A friend of Denise’s ( and member of Apple County) penned this poem in memory of her and as Maureen leaves the UK every winter for Australia’s sunshine she sent this to us. It was read at Denise’s funeral and we would like to share the sentiment with you all – something we can all relate to.
DENISE She was a ray of sunshine with a smile for all she met She always brightened up my life a friend I’ll never forget A loyal Chorus member – from dawn till dusk she trilled The risers will not be the same – there’s a gap that can’t be filled. Denise, we love and miss you and feel so very sad But you’ve left us wonderful memories of the good times that we’ve had Rest in peace my dear friend. Time does move on and as I’m sure Denise would have wished the Chorus has too. We have several events planned over coming months and are looking forward to Convention in May – with so
many new Choruses in our expanded Region it should be a great contest. We are working hard on our music and presentation to improve again on our overall score. We look forward to meeting old friends – and making some new ones – at Birmingham in May – See you there! Heather Addicott – Apple County Chorus
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QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
British Association of Barbershop Singers 33rd Annual Convention Featuring
Real Time
2005 International Gold Medal Quartet
Metropolis
2006 International 4th Placed Quartet
Lace City
Region 31 Sweet Adeline Chorus Champions
Cambridge 2006 BABS Chorus Champions
Real Time
Pitch Invasion 2006 BABS Gold Medal Quartet
Register Today BABS invite you to attend our 33rd convention, which is taking place at the Scarborough Spa Complex, North Yorkshire, between the 25th - 27th May 2007.
huge success at our last convention in Harrogate, and the chorus ended up on the risers at one of the after-glow events.
Your week-end registration fee includes tickets for three shows, the BABS Quartet Semi-Final and Final contests, the BABS Chorus Finals, plus access to all other events. These include afterglows at the end of each of the three evenings, Sing-a-Tag sessions and plenty of other opportunities to sing, sing and sing some more!
In addition, there will be a massed sing, a gang sing and if you have a comedy routine you can even perform on stage on Sunday evening!
Sing your heart out with the other ladies attending convention, in a Scratch Ladies Chorus. There will be two separate one hour sessions for you to join, each led by a leading chorus director. This event was a
So come along and enjoy a full 3 days of fun. With 2000 barbershoppers expected, it’s an experience not to be missed and you should feel great with all that sea air!
Hotel Accommodation All hotel bookings are being handled by the Scarborough Conference Bureau. Their details can be found at www.conferencesatscarborough.co.uk/accommodation
Contact the BABS Registrations Manager Now! Brian Garner 23 King Street, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2QZ Tel: 01767 261520 email:babs@garneruk.plus.com British Association of Barbershop Singers
You can download a Registration Form from our web site www.singbarbershop.com
QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
SPRING 2007
SHAKE THAT BOOTY! “OK Rolling”…And with those words Surrey Harmony’s latest funding raising venture began. We’ve tried everything to raise money to fund visits to International Convention, coaching, new risers, even our famous tango men. But deciding we would have a new costume for the U.K. Convention in May 2007 left us all with fundraising fatigue. All that is, except Jean Dack. Jean is a real mean money making machine. She already runs our successful 400 club, but this time she’s surpassed herself by getting Surrey Harmony on the telly! It’s Valentines Day. Jean’s up at the crack of dawn to make her way to the home of fellow Surrey Harmony member Veronica Beckitt. Veronica’s house is an Aladdin’s Cave of treasures waiting to be scrutinised by the team from the BBC 1 programme “Car Booty”. Hopefully there are some real gems that will raise some much needed cash towards our new costume. “I contacted the programme months ago” says Jean. “I thought the idea of a women’s barbershop chorus trying to raise money would appeal to them and it did”. Jean then set about persuading members of the Chorus to part with items
that might raise some money. “We got lots of interesting stuff like a Lulu Guinness handbag, a Victorian mirror with drawers and two 18th century Chinese plates. As usual Chorus members have come up trumps, and that’s after they have already raided the cupboards to keep Judith Hunt with an endless supply of stuff to sell on E-bay.” As for Veronica, she’s worried about the tv crew, trampling all over her newly laid cream carpet in one of the bedrooms. And in the kitchen she and Danny, one of the crew are making endless cups of tea. “I’ve just spotted a cobweb” says Veronica looking worried. “I hope the cameraman manages not to focus on it”. Veronica’s also made a donation to the cause - an old Doctor’s bag given some years ago to her husband David, a retired GP. Car Booty presenter Mark Franks thinks the medical instruments inside could interest a specialist buyer. There’s also much hilarity between Mark and his fellow presenter Lorne Spicer over a Lulu Guinness handbag donated by Bari Carolyn Cotton. Jean merely owns up to having “more than 10 handbags”. Lorne looks sheepish and admits she’s got over 100! But they hope the designer bag might fetch up to £40 from someone looking to add the finishing touch to a glamorous outfit! It’s been a long day of filming. Lorne has to do a piece to camera outside in the rain. Mark admits he’d loves to sing, but no choir would ever have him as he’s got a terrible voice. But the job’s not over yet. Now they actually have to persuade members of the public, and some hardened car boot sale aficionados to part with their cash at a car boot sale in Dorking. Will they be successful in raising enough to buy a few sequins or will we have to go only stage wearing only one new shoe? See you in Birmingham when we’ll reveal all! Sheena Kaighin Surrey Harmony
LANYARDS All chartered choruses have been issued with a set of specially purchased Region 31 embossed lanyards, which also includes a plastic pocket to put the name badge into. Each chorus has been sent enough lanyards to cover all their members, plus a few spare ones. Please ensure that all your chorus members get one lanyard and plastic pocket each. Please also hand out a lanyard to others who come with the chorus to conventions or workshops. The RMT decided that it was a good idea to issue personal lanyards for two reasons. Firstly it is more hygienic to have your own lanyard and secondly
it removes the need for the finance co-ordinator to transport the hundreds of lanyards to conventions and work shops. Please look after your lanyard and bring it with you every time you attend a Region 31 organised event (workshop, convention etc.). When you come to the registration desk at the event you will be handed your name badge to put into the plastic pocket. We will also sell spare lanyards at our events at the cost price of £1.50 each, but we will only have a few available so please remember to bring your own one.
This is a good opportunity for us all to practice CPR (Choosing Personal Responsibility) – as mentioned so many times by Renee Porzel and Jim Arns at our Scarborough work shop. Thanks for your help on this. Please let your Finance Co-ordinator, Eileen Milne, know if you require more lanyards as your chorus grows. We look forward to seeing you all at our next event, which is the 2007 Convention in Birmingham – it promises to be bigger and better than ever! Jeanette Yuile Marketing and Membership Co-ordinator
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QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
Directors’ College Mary Robertson (our Director) and I travelled down to Coventry, last weekend, to take part in the Directors College run by BABS and I was so glad that we did because we had a superb weekend. We flew into Birmingham and decided to check out the hotel and Symphony Hall where we shall be staying and singing in May. We also managed to book a restaurant for the Saturday night, a rehearsal room at the hotel, sandwich platters to be delivered to the hotel for lunch, visit a museum and art gallery and do a bit of retail therapy and this all before we arrived in Coventry!!! Once there, it was down to business. The experience for me, as a complete novice, was of warmth and friendliness and I learnt so much over the two days, how to hold my hand when directing, how to speak with my face and hands and not my mouth, how to recognise the different rhythms and most of all how to encourage your chorus to produce better
quality vocal sound and performance. The most nerve-racking experience was on Sunday morning when I was filmed directing an octet with help from my mentor, which was then assessed. The guys are told to do exactly what you direct and you are not allowed to mouth the words or talk to them before hand, all their instructions have come from your face and your hands!!!! Imagine my horror when they all stopped singing and wouldn’t start again. It would seem I had told them to stop with my hands (huh!) and hadn’t told them to start again (even more Huh’s!!!) I didn’t know just how powerful my hands were. As I got to bring the tape home with me I can look at it again and be able to work with it and learn from it (I must try those hand signals on my husband, I wonder if he will understand them). Mary had to direct a LABBS chorus and in the same way was helped by her mentor. “It was nice to know that a lot of what I am doing is correct and it really boosted
QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
spotlight on Mike Taylor my confidence. In the workshops it was interesting to see and hear the different approaches other directors use towards different aspects of directing and coaching their choruses and I have taken away some good ideas” said Mary. We both enjoyed interacting with BABS and LABBS members as Mary, myself and another young member were the only ones from SA, but that didn’t matter as we’re all there for the same purpose, to promote better quality barbershop singing and going by the singing in the bar on Saturday night, I think we are going the right way. A couple of glasses of wine seems to be the best way of producing good vocal sounds so I am going out tomorrow to buy cases of it. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in directing. Irene Mitchell Choreographer and Fledgling Director City of Roses, Aberdeen
Oo that’s a spooky start – Spotlight was the name of my last quartet. (Of course probably not my “last” last quartet, I should say my most recent quartet. Yes I know it’s a girls quartet, recent champions even)…Start again… Ok so Deborah says to me, we want to put you in the spotlight in Harmony Rag. “Great” I think – someone will sweep up with a notebook in hand to take down my vitals, and they’ll probably be a photo shoot in an exotic location… Hmmm…a bit more “DIY” than that in fact. Start again…
Hello everybody, I’m one of the more recent newbies on the Regional Faculty. My youthful good looks (ROFL) belie the fact that I have been involved in barbershop since 1980. I didn’t really do that much in ladies barbershop until I was asked to direct the newly formed Spinnaker chorus in 2004, but since proudly sporting my green “first timer” flash in Plymouth 2005 I have not looked back. It would be dreadful if this article turned out to be a litany of I did this and that and yada-yada-yada, but you might be interested to know that I am a BABS Singing Judge (currently the assistant category director). I teach at BABS Director’s College and Harmony College. I have sung in many quartets over the years and have 4 silver medals. I arrange barbershop music, and I leap tall buildings with a single bound. All true except the last bit. Seriously, being deeply involved in all three barbershop organisations in the UK, is great and gives me a
We’re in!!
Hi Region 31, its official we’ve now joined the family and are now a Sweet Adelines Chorus. A special thanks to all those that have helped us along the way especially Jeanette Yuile and Alyson Chaney you have been so encouraging and supportive, thank you. The chorus is so excited about this new chapter (no pun intended!) in the 29 year history book of PHOENIX and really looking forward to Birmingham. New
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friends to make and new performances to see. The start of 2007 has been busy for us in many ways. We kicked it off with a PR sing at our Local ASDA store. I did giggle to myself as we stood in all our finery among the bargain washing machines and a sign above us reading ‘Clearance Sale’. It was however great fun and a great PR success. This was followed a few weeks later by a ‘Fame for a day’ singing workshop that we ran. What a ball we had with over 30 barbershoppers from other Choruses (hi!) and 35 people who were experiencing 4-part harmony for the first time. Add that to 45 from the Chorus and we had a 100+ chorus who spent the day receiving education from our music team, singing and performing with new faces. It was lovely to meet new people and share our enthusiasm for our hobby (a hobby, yeah right!). We have also welcomed 12 new members onto the risers and hope that they will be ready to hit the competition stage with us in May. So until then don’t work too hard and remind your MD that there are more than two songs in your repertoire! Ally Law, PRO for PHOENIX
29th Harmony College Worcester University 24th - 26th August 2007 This high quality, highly respected residential college runs from 9.00am on Friday 24th until 1.00pm on Sunday 26th. Arrival on the 23rd is recommended. SEND FOR A PROSPECTUS NOW For full details and prospectus please contact:Ken Hulme, College Organiser, Hardingstone, Cargate Lane, Saxlingham, Nethergate, Norwich NR15 1TS. email: hc.info@babs-education.info Tel: 01508 498170 GRANTS AVAILABLE BABS Harmony Foundation offers grants to both males and females who are interested in developing their musical skills to help others to enjoy singing and harmonising. For full details contact the BABS Harmony Foundation Secretary at the address below.
very interesting insight into their similarities and differences. I am constantly looking for opportunities to promote closer ties, and better understanding of each other. Outside of barbershop I have boring desk job, where I push pens and people around as a manager in a large computer corporation, on which the Dilbert series was undoubtedly based. At home I am marred with two kids. (Please leave the apparent typo in place, Deborah). I haven’t done too much yet in the Regional faculty, but you may have spotted me at Scarborough in that rather dapper red head-band directing a wonderful group singing Fame – what a great highlight in 2006 that weekend was. Look forward to seeing more of you around. Mike
A for Sweet Adelines who set the pace B for Barbershop with Bari’s and Bass C for Chorus, Competition as well D for Dress – Oh! What a swell E for Enthusiasm, just what we have F for Friendship, caring and loving G for the Girls, 30,000 or more H for Harmony, sung the world o’er I for International, the bond is so strong J for come and Join, then its Joy all along K for Kindness, that holds the key L for Leads who have the melody M for Moves, we must get them right N for Notes reaching new heights O for Onionskin, give it a hitch P for Practise, perfection in Pitch Q for Quake which we sometimes do R for Risers transported by you S for Smiles getting broader by far T for Tenors who reach for a star U for Unity, Undivided are we V for Venues, near or far, maybe W for Women, no men at all X for Xmas when we have a ball Y for You, you must play your part Z for Zeal and that’s where you start
The British Association of Barbershop Singers. A registered charity number 1080930 Registered Office: Druids Lea, Upper Stanton Drew, Bristol BS39 4EG
Cathie Young
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QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
That’s what friends are for That’s what friends are for It all started in May 2006. An exhilarating start to the most difficult year of my life, a real rollercoaster of emotions. My quartet ‘Octavia’ won the silver medal at Plymouth at the Regional Convention 2006 after 5 years of hard work together. What a fantastic evening that was. Beckie, Julia, June and I were on top of the world! We felt like Queens. Then the next day at the Chorus competition, Spinnaker won a gold medal and I didn’t think I could feel any happier. This is what Sweet Adelines is all about, I thought.
Two weeks later it all came tumbling down around my ears. I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and had to have an operation. My own Mum had died of the same disease when she was 43 the same age as me – you can imagine my trauma. When the time came for
my operation, I was deluged with cards and flowers from all my lovely friends in Sweet Adelines (and of course, other friends, and family as well.) Two of my quartet were abroad, but they all still managed to send flowers saying ‘we will be with you for the journey’ – and they were. Through the next 6 months of gruelling chemotherapy, losing my hair and my confidence, the girls of my chorus – Spinnaker, and my quartet supported me with love, kindness and their thoughtfulness. One weekend, during breast awareness week, I was invited to a party at Beckie’s house – I wasn’t sure how I would be feeling after the chemotherapy that week, but went along anyway. When I got there, there were lots of friends from my previous chorus – Purbrook – and the Spinnaker girls all dressed up in headscarves/tickled pink t shirts etc – it was a fundraising party to pay for a fantastic wig for me – which would then be styled by Trevor Sorbie in London. Even people who couldn’t be there contributed. It was a fantastic evening, with raffles, paying for various people to sing (karaoke and of course barbershop!) the huge amount of £400 was raised. My new wig made me feel a million dollars. I would like to thank all my friends from Spinnaker and Purbrook Harmony
on Saturday 6/10/07, is introducing a Barbershop Class. To obtain a free copy of the Syllabus, which will be published in March, please e-mail your name, address and contact phone number to: biddulphmusfest@ yahoo.co.uk or phone the Festival Secretary on 01782 785097
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The Tropical Harmony Chorus from America will be touring England in May/June and are hoping to meet Sweet Adelines from the U.K. as they make their way around the country. On Wednesday May 30th they will be in Plymouth and a social evening has been arranged hosted by the Plymouth Mayflowers. The venue is the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club which is situated on the seafront of Plymouth Hoe easily one of the best locations in England. There will be a super buffet and the evening will be a mixture of the chorus/quartets entertaining each other with their performance packages followed by the buffet and then a UK/USA free for all sing. If anyone would like to join us tickets cost £10, please contact Rose Padwick Tel 01752 407787 or E mail roseofengland18@hotmail.com.
Chorus for all their love and support which has helped through this difficult year. I am now half way through a 6 week course of radiotherapy and I am feeling positive and looking forward to Convention this year in Birmingham. The last year has been full of tears, surprises, highs and lows, but the point of my story is this. I have learned after 27 years in Sweet Adelines the true essence of the organisation. Winning those medals was fun – but it’s not what Sweet Adelines is all about. It is about friendship and love through the hard times – to help you get back on your feet when you need it the most. That’s what friends are for. Karen Reilly Octavia Quartet Spinnaker Chorus February 2007
YOUR REGION NEEDS YOU! Biddulph Music Festival, to be held
QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
Have you considered representing your Region at Management Level? The positions coming up in 2008 are: • Events Coordinator • Education Coordinator • Membership Coordinator • Marketing Coordinator The above positions run for a two year term and involve four meetings a year (one of which is held at convention). The meetings take place in locations around the country depending on where RMT members are located. Working for your region is extremely rewarding and will give you an insight into the structure of Regional Management and allow you to be part of the decision making for the future of our wonderful Region 31. For more details and job descriptions on all the above positions come and visit the RMT stand at convention in Birmingham in May.
It is going to be a wonderful evening Rose Padwick Mayflowers
Hello Region 31! We are Flaunt! and we wanted to introduce ourselves and tell you how excited we are about being part of this fabulous organisation. We are all members of Phoenix and started singing together in October last year. Jenn, our lead, has been singing barbershop since 1996. She started as a baritone, but later changed to lead and is now section leader in the chorus. She also dabbles in choreography for Phoenix. In between singing, she teaches 11-18 yr olds the wonders of mathematics!! Kim, tenor, has been singing barbershop longer than she likes to admit to, is Tenor section leader, a Little Dear, very wosname and likes Look Outs! (you’ll have to ask Kim!) In her spare time she is the Chief Nursing Officer of a London Hospital, wife to Chris (who hates barbershop) and mum to two girls who are old enough to send money home, but rely on her generous nature to fund their Top Shop, shoes, handbags and more expensive habits! She is a LABBS Singing Judge and coach and past Category Director. Nicky, bass, previously sang with LABBS quartet finalists - Rapport. She is Bass section leader and a LABBS singing judge and coach, she also teaches singing privately. In “real life” she is an Education Case Worker, working with children in care who are
having problems at school. She has two boys of 11 and 14, and when she’s not singing, she is often found on the side of a football pitch cheering them on. They are very proud of their mum too, even
Caroline, baritone, was a social worker in her previous life, but is now a less stressed Sales Support Specialist for a French Truck manufacturer. Don’t get her started on how cool it is to drive a 44 tonne truck, and definitely don’t ask her the difference between a rigid and a tractor unit! She has a 15 yr old daughter and 18 yr old son. She, along with Kim and Jenn sang with Caboodle, LABBS Champion Quartet in 2002, and has been singing with Phoenix since 1990. Before we sang together we were already good friends and still have trouble differentiating between quartet practice and social time! Both generally include wine/Bacardi and laughter – just need to get the ratio right at the appropriate time! We are actually working hard and really enjoying finetuning our competition songs as well as learning other material. As we approach May we know we are going to get more and more excited until we finally burst onto that stage and Flaunt! to the very best of our ability. We are so looking forward to that weekend, catching up with old friends and making new ones. Please come and say hello! Flaunt!
putting up with barbershop constantly playing in the car - bless!!! She is the email: flauntquartet@btinternet.com; mad one in the quartet (there’s always www.flauntquartet.co.uk one isn’t there?!). (under construction)
SPRING 2007
QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
The Plymouth Mayflower Chorus
CHORUS FEEDBACK – 2006
Moorland Retreat
The following is a selection of the comments made by choruses in the annual regional report, with answers from the RMT. COMMENT: Don’t know what a Faculty write up is. ANSWER: The RMT were not too sure what this was either, but we think it refers to the feedback form that is completed when a chorus has received a visit from the RMT. The form is used to document what was discussed during the visit, what areas the chorus may need help with and general information about their current well being. COMMENT: Events need to be planned for all of UK, taking expense and accessibility into account. ANSWER: The RMT does try to take this into account however, as membership in the Region has grown, our choice of venues, particularly for Convention, has shrunk! In recent years, Convention and Workshops have been in Glasgow, Plymouth and Birmingham and future events are planned for Newcastle and Scarborough. We do recognise we have choruses right across the UK (and now The Netherlands too!) and we are always grateful for suggestions of potential locations. Please do bear in mind though that the venue would also need to provide enough appropriate local accommodation too. If you have any suggestions, please contact Deborah Wheeldon, Events Co-ordinator. COMMENT: Several comments were received around workshop content, including - Workshop was centred around chorus development, additional Director/quartet education is always welcomed, as would be choreography. Administration education would be useful. Some form of education focused on more senior Directors would be good. ANSWER: All of these comments have been noted and the RMT will look to accommodate these requests at future events. However, do not expect them all to be fulfilled all at once! If you have more specific requests or suggestions, please contact Alyson Chaney, Education Co-ordinator. COMMENT: Several comments received stating choruses were unsure of what Regional educational materials are available. ANSWER: There was a regional video library, but this is now quite out of date and rarely used. Because of this, it has been decided to disband the regional video library. Details of what is in the library are listed on the regional website. If you would like any of the items from the library, please contact Irene Mitchell (City of Roses chorus, email:Mitchell.Iain@ btopenworld.com). Requests will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis. All you will have to do is pay the postage. See www.sweetadelines.org.uk for further information.
“Stargazing with Glenn”. The Chorus really looks forward to the annual retreat, and this year was no exception. Our venue was right in the middle of Dartmoor at the training centre. Driving there on the Friday night I just hoped and prayed that no-one would be driving in the opposite direction, it would have meant reversing about a mile up the narrow lane– not a good idea!! What a great place though. Good food, warm rooms and comfortable beds, even if it
around. Hail, sleet, rain, sunshine and some community singing. There is the most beautiful rainbows were our always great coffee, warm mince pies treat this time. It is times like this that and hot mulled wine waiting for us at the bond our Chorus together and make us friends for life.
Sell Out Concert
Our biggest event of the autumn. The local area Police Choir and Four Tenor Soloists joined us for a superb evening of musical extravagance, not a single seat left in the church. All that hard work had paid off thanks to Kay Ringwood and her team. The pink ponchos that no-one was quite sure about, looked great and we had a full end, plus we get paid! Just two of our chorus on the risers. Rumor had it that many performances. I hope we do as the men weren’t sure we would be able well next time around.
Clean Sweep for the Chorus and Octet
The Chorus entered The Saltash Music Festival in two categories and
did mean putting the whole chorus in just two dormitories, Glen played safe though and had his own room. We worked hard during the day and looked forward to playing hard on the Saturday night. It was gone midnight and freezing cold when we all made our way outside to look at the stars—some of us even lay on our backs in the car park. There was not a cloud in the sky. The heavens were just full of twinkling jewels. We
had an amazing view of the Milky Way and Glenn gave us lessons on the constellations. Then it was back inside to try our skill at the old hula hoop. I was never that good the first time around. Roll on Autumn 2007 when we return, perhaps we’ll get snowed in—- that was the only weather we didn’t get this time 10
to fill the church with sound, but we showed them what Sweet Adelines are all about. At the end of the evening their director said that they would be pleased to perform with us again. I think I feel a Christmas Concert coming on, get some dates ready for 2007 Kay! won both cups against tough opposition from both BABS and LABBS choruses. Our Stairway to Directed by Jo Moore every-one excelled Christmas Heaven themselves singing the beautiful ballard Like all other choruses Christmas is Sweet Adeline and the up tempo Deed I always extremely busy, sometimes out Do Medley. The winners show was held up to four times a week if you include the following Saturday and we were rehearsal night, but no-one minds if it’s asked to open the event. We managed fun. We had some great times, especially to drag Glenn along with us as we were singing for M&S in our new shopping having another coaching week-end, so mall. Whilst finding new places to sing in we had at least one supporter in the the store we managed Jingle Bells with audience!! The Methodist Church was a full chorus spread out over four floors packed to overflowing, the lord mayor going up and down the escalators. We and local dignitaries sat in the front don’t get paid, but we all received a gift row, which was only about ten feet and a beautiful hamper to raffle. from the chorus. We opened with our A very successful Carol Supper was Grease Medley and literally nearly blew held at Saltram House for The National them away! The rapturous applause at Trust which will be repeated next year. the end of our performance made it all We do a twenty minute spot while the worth while. guests are having their meal and then Jane Wood come back later with carol sheets for Mayflower Chorus
SPRING 2007
COMMENT: No visit from RMT for 2 years. Only the members with access to the website have any idea of RMT responsibilities. Why does our chorus in the South have a chorus ‘buddy’ in Scotland? ANSWER: It has been clear from these and other comments, that the RMT needs to continue to work on open communication, visibility and provide a clearer picture of what each role entails. There is a planned series of visits scheduled and we hope to have visited every chorus at least once in the last 2 years by the end of 2006. The articles in recent Harmony Rags have focused on the people, rather than their roles. An outline of responsibilities within each role is on the web site, however we are aware not all members have access to the web site, so these will be published in forthcoming Harmony Rag issues. Chorus ‘buddies’ were set up to improve communication links with the RMT, however we received feedback that this was not necessary, so this scheme has been discontinued. (See we do listen!) COMMENT: Many comments were received regarding expense of events, dues, convention, etc. ANSWER: Many good suggestions were received which will be considered at future RMT meetings. Please be assured the RMT tries to minimise the expense for everyone at all events, but as previously stated, this is now a large Region and the venues we now need cost a lot of money. COMMENT: Choruses who have not had an RMT visit for some time have commented how this makes them feel. There were also comments about having more people from smaller choruses on the RMT. ANSWER: As mentioned earlier, there is a planned schedule of visits, with those choruses who have not had a visit for some time being a priority and we hope to have completed this by the end of 2006. Please do remember though that the RMT are volunteers, most of whom also have full time jobs, family and other commitments. With regard to representation from smaller choruses – yes please! If you feel you might be interested in volunteering, please contact any member of the RMT. We have tried above to address the main issues raised in the feedback. There were many other valuable comments received and all of these will be reviewed at the next RMT meeting, to ensure we are working towards meeting the needs of the membership of Region 31. We welcome comments, suggestions, constructive criticism at all times, so please feel free to contact any RMT member with your views. Thanks to everyone who took the time to complete the questionnaires.
Convention Bags – A Reminder Please remember that if you are competing at convention, the bag that you bring with you must be small. It is only intended for essential items that you might need after the contest. Your bag should be no bigger than your convention programme – the size of an A5 piece of paper. This does not mean you can bring a suitcase or rucksack. If you bring a bag that is too big, it will not be accepted by the convention assistants and you will have to make your own arrangements for its safekeeping while you are on stage. Remember, small is beautiful!
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SPRING 2007
QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
SPRING 2007
Chapter at large I’m a lead in the Lace City Singers Chorus and am very interested in how choruses and the Regional Management Team function. I was asked to take over the role of CAL liaison last year and this means that I am the first point of contact for Chapter at Large members. My main job is sending out the Harmony Rag to everyone and making sure that each member is kept informed of any “happenings” in the region - i.e. subs due, concerts, and items of interest. CAL members can telephone me or e-mail about any problem they may have and I will try to help straightaway. Please do not hesitate to contact me. My other role in assisting the Regional Management Team is that of OPL (Official Panel Liaison). I was approached by Deborah Wheeldon (RMT) to take over this role 2 years ago - at the time it seemed a very daunting task as I didn’t even have a computer at home. Anyway Deborah set me up and I haven’t looked back since. There are many “perks” with this role - I get to sit at the front behind the judges and therefore am able to watch every contest performance apart from when I’m singing. On the Thursday night before the contest I meet all the judges and it’s lovely when you realise that they are only human after all. During the three days I get to know them quite well - their likes and dislikes and their favourite nibbles!
They are all very friendly and last year I was invited out for dinner with the judges and their husbands on the Saturday night - this was very enjoyable even though it was a real rush after the contest and being back on stage later. I think I must have lost about 2 stone that night! Organisation before the contest is of paramount importance, I have to make sure all the tables have everything that is required from pens, pencils, paper, water and of course M & Ms. I have to test all the equipment beforehand and really if everything is ready there is not much to do during the actual contest. Last year I prepared lunch and refreshments for them (a trip to Sainsburys in the morning) and they really appreciated it. I have to say I really enjoy this role - the highlight being meeting everyone and realising what a fantastic organised job our Regional Management Team do. I look forward to another successful Region 31 contest and remember I’m the one sitting just behind the judges. In my other life I am married to Roger (40 years this July), have two daughters, one grandson and one grandaughter. My great interests in life apart from singing are football (50 year fanatical supporter of Manchester United - I was born in Manchester ) cooking, gardening, theatre & cinema trips and socialising with my friends. It’s a great life as long as you’ve got the energy! Di Baker.
Look What Happened Next!! Just over six years ago, I was sitting in a school hall looking in a book and singing alto in an adult school choir. Since then I have joined Surrey Harmony, been on the PR team, been President, been to 3 Internationals, 6 Regional Competitions, 1 LABBS regional competition, and become editor of Harmony Rag. I was very happy being in a choir until I went along to a Surrey Harmony open evening at the local church hall. Once I heard that sound and saw that they actually danced as well and wore sparkling costumes, I was hooked. Surrey Harmony were very welcoming and appointed me a buddy, who over time became a very dear friend. I duly learnt songs and passed my audition and before I knew it I had volunteered to be on the PR team. I thought it would be a good way to make friends but 12
soon realised that there was more than a glass of wine, a packet of crisps and a good old chat to this job. It was hard work, but good fun and I really enjoyed myself.
During this time my husband had become a “Surrey Groupie” and as a result he joined the Bromley men’s barbershop chorus. He loved the sound of barbershop and just couldn’t get enough . When we moved he joined the local chorus to us in Christchurch,
Southern Union, and is now in charge of their choreography. Then somehow, and I have no idea how, I was nominated for president. This was a whole new level of angst, but I have to say that I did really enjoy the job and can honestly say that the most nerve racking moment was when I was told that I had to make a short speech on the stage at convention in the evening show. I had been president for all of about three weeks at that time!! I found the job very enjoyable and had a great time but I had to step down when in 2004 we decided to move to Dorset. We had always planned to move down here and the time seemed right, but I wasn’t ready to give up the singing. There were too many friends to leave. So we rented a flat for six months and then I stayed with various people until my daughter bought a flat in Wallington
and for the last year I have been driving 115 miles on a Wednesday, seeing my daughter, singing and then driving 115 miles back home on a Thursday. I even tried my hand at acting and took part in a local pantomime, thinking that maybe this would be my next step up the career ladder and I might do this instead of singing, but NO!!! I joined a local LABBS chorus, Wessex Harmony in Poole in order to meet local singers. They are a great chorus but I found that they weren’t competitive enough and so I stayed with both choruses. After two years I am afraid that the motorway has won
DEADLINE for the next issue
28th MAY
and I have decided to leave Surrey. The performance in Las Vegas was my last singout with them, what a way to go!!! It was a stunning performance and I am so glad and proud to have been a part of it all. Las Vegas was a thrilling place to be and even better to be there with so many friends. I do miss everyone, but we have bought a Lakeland Terrier puppy, so now I don’t have time to miss anything, except my shoes, socks, tissues, trousers, pants and anything else at puppy height. I have also now joined Spinnaker, in Portsmouth, only 50 miles away, as
I just couldn’t bear to leave Sweet Adelines. They are a young chorus but very up and coming and we hope to give Surrey and the others a run for their money. So far I have managed to keep a low profile and do not intend on applying for any posts within the chorus, at least not yet! I wish Surrey all the best in the future and good luck to everyone in Birmingham. And don’t be afraid to take those jobs when they come up, you will have more fun than you think and certainly make a lot of new friends. Deborah Lamble Spinnaker Wessex Harmony Editor Harmony Rag
Advertise your Chorus or Quartet here! Maybe you have a new cd that you want to sell. The costs for advertising are as follows: Full Page £60.00 - 1/2 Page £30.00 - 1/4 Page £15.00. Due to the nature of the magazine your article may sometimes exceed the size stated if I need to fill more space but I will never make it smaller! 13
SPRING 2007
QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS
INCOME
QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
TOURING £
EXPENDITURE
January
522.70
January
449.66
February
1314.63
February
7379.63
March
6319.02
March
3034.42
April
27151.63
April
1820.52
May
3546.11
May
7254.14
June
1869.30
June
4847.23
July
8445.16
July
9839.14
August
8489.56
August
5346.97
September
4708.30
September
2590.27
October
1039.01
October
1926.85
November
1538.86
November
18872.60
December
13432.80
December
17853.49
Total
78377.90
Total
81214.92
THE NETHERLANDS
The possibility of a UK Sweet Adelines chorus touring the Netherlands is now much closer to reality and easier than ever to organise as the Dutch SAI choruses have joined our region. The SAI choruses in the Netherlands are all very keen to participate in a jointly organised tour and we in the RMT would like to support the idea. Following the recent visit to the Netherlands by Jeanette Yuile and Eileen Milne, to meet with the former RMT team there as well as representatives from the Dutch choruses, we found an overwhelming pass the ball over to support for a joint event. We would like to all the UK choruses to find out if
£
there is interest amongst you to arrange such a tour. Any UK chorus could go as a unit or we could look into organising a mixed group with members from several UK choruses. Please contact us if you are interested in being part of an initiative like this. It would also be a perfect opportunity to show off your chorus abroad whilst making many Dutch Sweet Adelines friends. Jeanette Yuile Marketing and Membership Co-ordinator
Scarborough Sparkler INCOME
£
Registration
22416.75
EXPENDITURE
£
RMT and Faculty
4860.42
Refunds
REPRESENTED BY: Balance 31/12/05
Plus Income Total
48957.53 Balance at current account
10246.63
Less unpresented cheques
4657.36
78377.08 Treasurer Account
5589.27
870.00
MCPS
70.50
Kim Kraut
49.52
Badges
20.00
Post and Pack
225.70
CD Making
394.31
Riser Transport
625.00 300.00
127334.61 14 Day Business
30320.13
Riser Hire
Less Expenses
81214.92 Money Manager
10210.29
Fame Licence
47.00
Balance at December
46119.69 Balance at December
46119.69
Feeling Groovy Fee
79.82
Band
250.00
Scar Bor Council
6943.65
Labels
“SPOTLIGHT” Q&A SESSION - ANY QUESTIONS FOR THE QUEENS? What happens at convention this year? During our educational sessions on the Sunday morning we would like to spend some time on a “Questions and Answer” session with the Spotlight Queens. If you have a question burning inside that you would love to ask them, please submit your question to the RMT and we will compile a set of questions to put to Spotlight. You can ask them anything – I wonder which animal they would like to be if they were one…? Well, maybe not! You will find our contact details at the back of the Harmony Rag. We look forward to hearing from you. Jeanette Yuile Marketing and Membership Co-ordinator
14
SPRING 2007
TOTAL INCOME
22416.75
9.99
Coaches Fees
9015.49
Hotel and Taxi
3208.29
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
17954.20
REPRESENTED BY: Income
£22416.75
Expenses
£17954.20
Total Profit
£4462.55
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SPRING 2007
QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
Regional Faculty The Regional Faculty is our own group of trained coaches and educators. They can help in a variety of ways including chorus and quartet coaching, as well as management and administrative advice. Please feel free to contact them to see what they can do for you. Alternatively if you are unsure who to contact, your Education Co-ordinator, Alyson Chaney can advise you on who would be best for you. Fees and expenses should be agreed with faculty members in advance Anne Cargill, Aberdeen Chorus Aberdeen - 01224 704627 acargill@lochside.fsbusiness.co.uk Alyson Chaney, Lace City Singers and Lincoln Sounds Chorus Nottingham - 01636 814377 alysonchaney@yahoo.co.uk Glenn Chaney, Lace City Singers Chorus Nottingham - 01636 814377 glennsings@yahoo.co.uk
Elaine Hamilton, Forth Valley Chorus Edinburgh - 0131 334 2372 elainemrssh@aol.com Dorothy Main, Aberdeen Chorus Aberdeen - 01224 782124 emmandee@tiscali.co.uk Mike Taylor, Spinnaker Chorus Southampton - 01489 600134 mike@stelmo.me.uk Valerie Taylor, Surrey Harmony Chorus Croydon - 020 8660 8037 valerie.taylor@privacysolutions.co.uk Rebecca Thorpe, Coastline Harmony Chorus Southsea - 02392 739161 Becks2010@hotmail.com Gwen Topp, Aberdeen Chorus Aberdeen - 01224 575366 gmtopp@tiscali.co.uk Michelle Walker, Lace City Singers Chorus Nottingham - 0115 9654524 shelbywalks@yahoo.co.uk
Kit de Bolster, Flying High Singers Netherlands +30 6885602 kitjack@calway.nl
Regional Convention Dates: May 2007 11-13 May Birmingham’s Symphony Hall
Got a show? Let us know the details and we will print it here. Swell those audiences for free!
Alyson Chaney Education Co-ordinator Lincoln Sounds Tel: 01636 814377 alysonchaney@yahoo.co.uk Sheila Doherty Team Co-ordinator Surrey Harmony Tel: 020 8395 2765 shortscot@aol.com Elaine Hamilton Directors’ Co-ordinator Forth Valley Chorus Tel: 0131 334 2372 elainemrssh@aol.com Moyra Strachan Chapter Co-ordinator Forth Valley Chorus Tel: 01592 771645 alexander.s@blueyonder.co.uk Eileen Milne Finance Co-ordinator Aberdeen Chorus Tel: 01224 742453 ge@cromar26.demon.co.uk Valerie Taylor Communications/Technology Co-ordinator Surrey Harmony Tel: 020 8660 8037 valerie.taylor@privacysolutions.co.uk
Jeanette Yuile Marketing/Membership Co-ordinator Aberdeen Chorus Tel: 01330 811544 j.yuile@btinternet.com
Other Diary Dates: Heartbeat Fully Loaded Saturday 21st April PLAZA Theatre Stockport
16
2006-2007
Deborah Wheeldon Events Co-ordinator Lace City Singers Tel: 0115 963 0114 deborah.wheeldon@tiscali.co.uk
May 2008 9-11 May Birmingham’s Symphony Hall
For tickets ring Stockport Plaza - 0161 477 7779
Regional Management Team
Editor - Deborah Lamble 72 Sopers Lane, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1JF Tel:01202 487287 Email:deborah@lamble.plus.com