Membership
SWEET ADELINES CHORUS IDENTITY Crescent City Sound Chorus reflects on what it means to be Sweet Adelines
C
horus identity encompasses several factors and evolves over time. Chorus culture, chorus mission, chorus sound…all these factors and more make up the unique identity by which each chorus is known. For Sweet Adelines choruses, membership in our worldwide organization also factors into chorus identity. Crescent City Sound Chorus (CCSC) recently spoke with the SA Membership Department about what being a Sweet Adelines chorus means to them. Since 2004, CCSC has been known for comedic performances filled with big music in their hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana (USA). Their member-driven chorus believes in welcoming all who come through their doors through top-notch performances and an emphasis on education. Most importantly, they believe they are who they are because they belong to the worldwide organization that is Sweet Adelines International. Sue Galliano, team lead of CCSC, says, “We are who we are because of Sweet Adelines International!... [SA] provides the structure choruses need to understand the art form of barbershop, through continuing education and contest opportunities.” From providing opportunities for chorus members to utilize educational offerings, to hosting watch parties of International contest performances, to connecting with members across the world, CCSC celebrates their identity as a Sweet Adelines chorus in many ways. Sue says, “International Convention and regional education opportunities keep us going…literally!” The chorus provides funding for their team lead, director, and four-member directing team to go to every education session offered regionally and internationally. They also have an educational scholarship program for chorus members to attend
these events. Educational materials from the events are used in the chorus rehearsal plan each week. Team Leader Emeritus Beth Sacco says the chorus has “a strong commitment to continuing education that flows to our chorus through Region #10 via regularlyscheduled workshops with SA key music leaders as faculty.” These workshops benefit the entire chorus as attendees share what they’ve learned with the rest of the chorus, and the education allows them to thrive at contest. Sue says, “Going to contest is one of the things we look forward to most each year.” As mic testers at two different international contests, they performed musical parodies that were hits with audiences. They celebrate International Convention by hosting watch parties for their chorus, cheering the winners, and learning from their performances. New members get introduced to contest right away, receiving YouTube links to the International Champion Quartets and Chorus Champions so they can listen to the best of the best and understand the scope of the organization. Sweet Adelines’ identity as an international organization of singers plays a huge part in the CCSC identity. Sue says the chorus favorite part of being a Sweet Adelines chorus is, “the connection to other women who love to sing! The camaraderie we enjoy on the regional and international level is huge for CCSC.” Being located in New Orleans helps: Sweet Adelines from around the world who are visiting the city often drop in on their rehearsals to ring chords with the chorus. Crescent City Sound loves being a representative of Sweet Adelines. Sue says, “We know we represent all Sweet Adelines. We take that very seriously.”
October 2020 |
31
