IES 2020: Find Your Voice

Your voice. It’s unique. It’s important. Make it strong. Make it genuine.

“Find Your Voice” at the 2020 Sweet Adelines International Education Symposium (IES) on the campus of Trinity University in artistic, historic San Antonio, Texas (USA) from July 22-26.

Event co-chairs Cammi MacKinlay (2019 Sweet Adelines Lifetime Achievement Award) and Vickie Maybury (Master 700 Director of Skyline Chorus and Certified Judge in the Expression Category) will be joined by innovative, exciting faculty for classes designed to help you find your voice both on and off the risers. On Friday, hear voices from the next generation at the Rising Star Quartet Contest!

Classes Designed With You in Mind

Start your day right with Music in the Morning, then choose from a wide range of classes designed to help you reach your potential. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from some of the best music educators in a cappella and barbershop singing, such as guest faculty Lisa Popeil, developer of the VoiceWorks® method, who recently completed a tour with popular parady singer “Weird Al” Yankovic, and Jan Carley, the “Inner Coach of Barbershop,” author of Harmony from the Inside Out and The Overtone Effect. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from 2020 International Champion Quartet, Viva!

All classes are open to general attendees, and each class is labeled with its area of focus to help you create an individualized class schedule based on your needs or choose a schedule designed specifically for certain focus areas. This year, there are complete class schedules (tracks) for Aspiring Judges, Quartets, and Young Women in Harmony singers.

For a full schedule, class descriptions, and faculty bios, visit www.sweetadelines.com/IES2020. For a list of focus areas, see the insert included with this issue of The Pitch Pipe.

Registration and Accommodations

Registration:

To save $75 (USD) on registration, complete your registration by April 29. The last day for regular registration is June 19, 2020. Registration includes on-campus housing, three meals a day beginning with dinner on Wednesday, July 22 and ending with breakfast on Sunday, July 26, three days of classes, and access to the Closing Show featuring performances from 2020 International Champion Quartet, Viva!; the 2020 Rising Star Champion Quartet; Young Women in Harmony Chorus; Symposium choruses and more!

Remember that IES registration includes audience admission to the Rising Star Quartet Contest on Friday, July 24. Rising Star welcomes women aged 25 and younger to compete in barbershop singing. At Rising Star, you’ll hear what happens when young singers embrace The Power of Four! Contest entry is open until June 1, 2020 (though spaces are limited and filling up fast!). For more information, visit www.RisingStarQuartetContest.com.

Accommodations:

On-campus accommodations will begin Wednesday, July 22, and will end the morning of Sunday, July 26 at noon. Housing and roommate request changes will be accepted until June 1. For information about amenities, accessibility, roommate assignments and more, visit www.sweetadelines.com/IES2020.

Find Your Fun in San Antonio!

San Antonio is home to a diverse population. That means you’ll find a wide variety of art, food, and culture to explore. If you don’t mind a little driving, you can explore the city’s famous River Walk, historic Mission Trail, or relaxing Japanese Tea Garden. But you don’t have to travel far from campus to enjoy eclectic arts and entertainment enclaves in this vibrant city!

St. Mary’s Strip

Located near campus, St. Mary’s Strip is a neighborhood of restaurants, dance clubs, shops, and food trucks. The Strip is a great place to find live music in the evening, and food options range from casual, family-owned El Milagrito Café to Demo’s Greek Food Restaurant to the creative vegan restaurant La Botánica, with its dog-friendly patio, innovative drinks menu, and calendar of live music and events.

The Pearl District

Also near campus is the Pearl District, where you’ll find just about everything you could want to eat, do, or see! The District offers a wide variety of food choices, from the Peruvian-Asian Botika to San Antonio’s only 100% Kosher vegetarian restaurant, Green, and, on weekends, a farmer’s market selling local, seasonal produce and other edibles directly from the producers. You’ll also find The Twig Book Shop, art galleries, and a wide variety of boutiques selling curated treasures of all kinds.

Southtown

A short drive from campus, Southtown includes the stately architecture of the King William Historic District and the always exciting activities of the Blue Star Arts Complex. The Complex is home to several art galleries, shops, restaurants, and studios of working artists. The Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum is the longest-running venue for contemporary art in San Antonio. Local eateries range from reservation-required gourmet restaurants like Bliss to Tex-Mex comfort food like Rosario’s and Tito’s and the Alamo Street Eat Bar, a late-night food truck park.

El Mercado/Market Square

El Mercado/Market Square is a three-block outdoor plaza lined with restaurants, shops, and produce stands just a short drive from campus. It is the largest Mexican market in the U.S. Here, San Antonio’s working artists, musicians, and dancers create a festive atmosphere. In July, the Square hosts its weekend Fiesta, with art, food booths, and live music. Anchoring the Square is Mi Tierra, a Mexican restaurant by day, with a bar that features mariachi music in the evenings and – for your late-night cravings – a 24-hour bakery.

Staying Cool in San Antonio

Texas in July is hot, literally and figuratively. You know the advice about staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and not overdoing it in the heat. But the good thing about staying cool in south Texas is that you have an excuse to eat raspas! Also known as raspados, raspas are special shaved-ice treats that originated in Mexico. In San Antonio, you’ll find them sold from carts all over town, flavored with fresh juices as well as lechera (sweetened, condensed milk), cappuccino, and more. Some raspas are simply ice and juice, but look out for fancy raspas that include skewers of fresh fruit, among other delicious edible decorations!