Voices from the Kansas City Risers

EST.1945

Congratulations to SA’s Oldest Chapter Voices from the Kansas City Risers

You don’t get to the age of 70 without some stories to tell

In the beginning: Kansas City Chorus and director Joe Stein

As Sweet Adelines International nears its 75th anniversary, the Kansas City Chorus (KCC) marked its own anniversary last October, turning a proud 70 years old. Chartered on Oct. 30, 1948, it’s one of 18 original SA chapters and one of two still in existence from those pioneering days of visionary women barbershoppers. “To learn that a chapter of Sweet Adelines Inc. is being organized in Kansas City is very welcome news… my hope is for much success. I shall appreciate a word, now and then, about the progress being made by a Sweet Adeline all girl chorus,” Edna Mae Anderson wrote “sing-cerely” to chorus director Joseph Stern in September 1946.

Edna Mae would be amazed and proud, as we all are. The Kansas City Chorus has enjoyed seven decades of harmony, sisterhood, quartet Queens (including 2019 champion ClassRing baritone, Mary Duncan), dozens of medals, unforgettable show themes, an international president, iconic directors and hundreds of performances, from Arrowhead Sports Stadium to the steps of the White House. Now under the direction of Queen of Harmony Michelle Hunget, this chorus truly exemplifies Region #5’s Spirit of the Midwest.

“Kansas City's heart and perseverance has flourished through these 70 years, giving the gift of music and love to countless women. I believe we are a beautiful example of what it means to be a Sweet Adeline – growing, learning, loving, supporting, encouraging, celebrating women singers everywhere.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it! We've reached an amazing milestone – and we’ve only just begun!” Michelle said.

KCC and director Ruby Pike, 1972

Director Stacy Schumacher, 2009

Director Michelle Hunget, 2017

First Meeting: Sept. 3, 1946

A news release announcing the first meeting invited women with one qualification: a desire to sing. Forty-five women attended; the group elected a president and secretary/treasurer.

First Quartet Performance: Nov. 18, 1946 The Kansas City Sweet Adeline’s first quartet, the talented What Are We Singing Four, performed 72 years ago at Ladies Night, hosted by the local men’s group of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America. Chartered: Oct. 30, 1948 Directors 1946-1961 • Joe Stern 1962-1966 • Arlo Moore 1966-1973 • Ruby Pike 1974-1976 • Steve Leone 1978-1980 • Judy Seawood 1981-2008 • Jo Kraut 2008-2009 • Kim Kraut, Stacy Schumacher, co-directors 2009-2015 • Stacy Schumacher 2016-2016 • Susan Ives, interim artistic director 2017-present • Michelle Hunget

International President: Margaret Moyer, 1956-1957

Regional/International High Notes: KCC won SA’s first regional competition in 1952 and went on to capture 15 regional titles and numerous top-three finishes. Since 1990, the chorus has earned ten Top-10 finishes.

Visit kansascitychorus.com or the chorus Facebook page.

Congratulations from Sweet Adelines well-wishers around the world have flooded the KCC’s Facebook page, especially during the 70th anniversary birthday party the chorus threw for themselves in late October. In St. Louis, SA President Patty Cobb Baker read a proclamation from the Missouri state senate applauding the chorus for its long history as an outstanding arts organization.

What bonds and sustains such a musical sisterhood for so many years? Photos of the group speak loudly, capturing the group’s love of music, each other and an irrepressible sense of fun.

Here’s how some members, old and new, expressed it:

“What have I learned? Oh, so many things, like you don’t really meet just once a week; that you’re able to shed all your cares for a few hours of singing; what dear friends your riser mates become.”

- Anita Wolfe, joined in 1958

“I’ve sung in different groups all my life and I never knew until now that barbershop is exactly what I love most about singing. Before SA, I hadn’t had much opportunity to develop friendships and mentorships with older women.”

- Nicolette Lewis joined in 2017

“I found KCC through Google! I jumped in kind of blind – I showed up at my first rehearsal knowing only that they were a women’s barbershop group. We have such a powerful history and members who had been involved since they were the age I am now (23). I hope that we continue the legacy they are leaving for us.”

- Maggie Tirrell joined in 2017

Carol Schumacher knew she wanted to join when she was only 7 years old.

“My mother took me to rehearsals when I was very young. In fact, a "Kansas City Star" reporter took a photo of me sitting on the risers and captioned it, ‘ I want to be a Sweet Adeline when I grow up!’” she remembered.

When she turned 16, Carol joined and said since then, she’s learned many life lessons from her SA sisters through the years.

“One lesson was about change. As a chapter, we’re no stranger to that. At one point, we went from 35 members in 1986 to 92 singers and a second-place regional finish in 1987.

“As we learn to adapt to change, we find things that make us stronger. It’s like riding a wave – if you can just ride it out, you can find a rainbow or distant shore you never saw before, to start afresh. Together, we can do anything!”