| Our Mission |
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Lake Michigan Region 3 of Sweet Adelines International is dedicated to the advancement of four-part harmony, barbershop-style, for women of all ages, through education and performance. |
| Regional Management Team |
| Communications Coordinator
Education Coordinator
Events Coordinator
Marketing Coordinator
Membership Coordinator
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| DCP |
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Congratulations to Region 3's newly certified directors:
Lynda Keever
Carol Thompson
The Director Certification Program is an educational home-study program designed to develop skills for Sweet Adelines International directors, potential directors, and musical leaders. Much of the information contained within the DCP Resource Modules is useful for ALL chorus members.
To apply, contact the Music Services Department at international headquarters to apply for the program. Modules may be purchased through International Sales.
If you have questions about this program, contact Sherry Berkley, Region 3 DCP coordinator. |
| Chorus Coaching $$$ |
Is your chorus using a Region 3 resource for coaching this year? One $50 reimbursement per year is available for each chorus who utilizes the resources right here in our own region. Contact Finace Manager Alice Deller if you'd like to request your chorus reimbursement. |
| Quick Links |
| Region 3 Website
Sweet Adelines International
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| It's been a looooong winter, but lots has been happening with Region 3 choruses and quartets. Spring is coming soon and we'll meet again for Regional Convention, but until then, enjoy a hot cup of coffee or soothing tea and read about recent happenings . . .
November: Hawaii was the place to be as Four Bettys wrapped up their year as 2008 International Champion Quartet and the Melodeers Chorus wowed the audience and judges to the 2009 International Chorus Champion title.
December: a busy month for many choruses presenting holiday entertainment.
January: the Winter Workshop in Michigan City was a fun day of honing vocal skills and putting together a regional performance at the local mall.
February: three ensembles and five quartets competed in Region 3's Young Women In Harmory Festival at Huntly High School in Illinois.
Linda Rozema, editor
Voices 'round the Lake |
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The record-setting Melodeers |
| At the 2003 International Convention in Phoenix, they won the Chorus Champion title. And set a record as the only chorus to win four consecutive International championships.
When they competed in the 2005 Regional Convention in Grand Rapids, they won with a score of 741 points. And set a record for the highest score ever achieved in a regional competition.
So when the mighty Melodeers took the stage in Hawaii in November 2008, their display of barbershop artistry and creativity earned a fifth international champion title. AND they established a NEW RECORD for highest international score with a whopping 3023 points!
Congratulations, Melodeers!
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| Four Bettys |
| Hello, Region #3!
We've had a fabulous year as your International quartet champions -- we've been privileged to do so many fun and wonderful things. We taught quartet schools (Regions 19, 22 and the winter workshop in Region 3), performed at the Kennedy Center in May, got to be on the Kansas City and Pride of Portland annual chorus shows and we were faculty at a Queens' College!! We sang out the final IES in July; we were on TV in Hawaii (twice!), and we got to crown the new quartet champs, our friends, MOXIE LADIES!
But of all the wonderful events in which we participated this year, and all the new Bettys we met in our travels, the very best part of the entire year was the enthusiastic, loving welcome we got from YOU when we came home to Region #3 in May. Wow. You have no idea how you touched our hearts, and how proud and honored we feel to represent our region (the BEST barbershop region in the WORLD!!) Thank you for your support, love, and good wishes. Your kindness has made this year even MORE spectacular than "just" winning the crown.
With Love,
Heather, Lynda, Cori and Joan
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| Family Chorus in Nashville |
Make plans now to sing in the Family Chorus in Nashville, October 2009!
Betty Heather and Betty Lynda got an email from International asking them to direct the family chorus for 2009! You can bet they said yes in a hurry (the invitation surprised Heather to tears)! So, make your plans now to join them and all the other family groups who make up the family chorus at International convention. This is an opportunity NOT to be missed! Come join us!
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From your Education Coordinator Winter Workshop and more by Ann Jarchow |
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First of all, my heartfelt thanks to our faculty at the Winter Workshop: Judy Herrick, Bonnie Fedyski, Lynda Keever and Carol Thompson. I think those who attended received a good bang for their buck. These faculty members gave up their entire day, willingly, to assist our region with improving our skills as singers and women. They did this without asking for any fees or payment. They did it for the love of our hobby and of our region! I give them a big OOH-RAH (all-purpose exclamation, affirmation and declaration of pride found in the Marines - the only show I watch is NCIS). We probably tried to fit too much into one day, but, as I explained to those attending, would rather that than have people walk away saying it was boring! We had good attendance and the performance at the Mall was a perfect way to end a day of harmony and education! Thanks to all involved (those behind the scenes folks are amazing!)
It is my mission to offer you excellent educational opportunities, assist choruses and quartets to become excellent and to demonstrate excellence in all we do in our region. Thinking about that, I really tried to define what excellence means to me. Excellence is continually and consistently striving to do a better job, meeting new challenges, making a difference, and inspiring others. Excellence is the best you could do at the time you did it. Excellence is taking advantage of every situation and experience to learn and grow. Excellence is taking every opportunity to learn something new. Excellence is achieving excellence when the pinnacle has already been reached.
With the economy in dire straights, people losing jobs and homes - I believe attending rehearsals, attending our reasonably priced educational opportunities and just plain singing together makes an impact on our lives which allows excellence to prevail. Our hobby helps us remain in excellent health and gives us excellent opportunities to meet women of all ages, races and socio/economic backgrounds. And remember, if you need me or someone to help you on the road to excellence - we're there for you on the regional level! Do not hesitate to contact us!
In love and harmony
Ann Jarchow |
| Young Women in Harmony
Sharing the Passion by Krickett Kean |
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Region 3 hosted its annual Young Women In Harmony Contest at Huntley High School on Sunday, February 8, 2009.
The girls performed with passion and pride, and perhaps some trepidation, as they represented themselves and their schools. It seems like Barbershop is getting to be just another team sport -- you have fun, learn the plays, develop skills, practice, and compete. Of course, our goal would be that these young women not only have fun with it now, but also develop a love and passion for the "game" that will endure for a lifetime.
 Helpful hints and scores were provided by Sherry Berkley (Sound), Helen Giallombardo (Music), Bon Pressley (Expression), and Carla Stephens (Showmanship), with Shelly Hughes as panel secretary.
Have You Heard of the Cone? from Huntley High School won the Quartet Contest, and their schoolmates, Four-Part Funatics, scored Second Place Honors. Hilary & the Chamberettes from Elk Grove High School rounded out the Top Three. The Gren-a-Darlings from Elk Grove High School rang the winning chords in the Ensemble Division.
Before the prizes were awarded by The Four Bettys, the royal quartet inspired the audience with their wonderful example of barbershop at its best. With the standing ovations and the kids screaming to show their appreciation, Queen Betty Joan declared that she "really felt like a rock star."
It's exciting to see that the kids "get" what the barbershop craft is about, and as they continue to improve their skills and their performances, we will continue to share our passion. We just don't know how we're going to top ourselves next year - The Four Bettys is a hard act to follow.
Submitted by Krickett Kean, Melodeers Chorus
If you are interested in hosting a Young Women In Harmony Contest in your "corner" of the region, you may want to contact Kathy Peterson (kbpbass@aol.com, Region 3 YWIH Liaison, who will be happy to share not only how we do it, but also her enthusiasm and passion for the project. |
| In Memoriam |
The Edge O' Town Chorus is sad to announce the passing of our much beloved member Dolores Felten. Dolores passed away on November 20th.
In her 42 years as a Sweet Adeline she made many friends and cherished them dearly. Dolores began singing with the Chicago Chapter then transferred her membership to Edge O' Town. Dolores sang bass in our chorus and in her quartet Four on the Edge. She was always quick on her feet and kept the chorus in stitches. She will be greatly missed. While she held many chapter executive positions, she was on the regional board, lastly as registrar for the AIM weekends.
If Dolores touched your Sweet Adeline life you were lucky because another like her will not come along. We celebrated her life on Sunday November 23rd. After the tears came singing, laughter and a toast -just the way she wanted.
Sharl Ludwig, Edge O'Town Chorus |
| Choral-Aires goes pink! |
On Monday, October 27, the women of Choral-Aires Chorus, donned pink and opened their wallets to give to the fight against breast cancer. The Chorus raised $317 toward the cause for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure's Passionately Pink for the Cure, part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
L-R: Joan Boutilier (Master Director), Sue Roberts (Chair), Bonnie Fedyski (Associate Director), George Zima with the Olympic Torch, and Peggy Arnold, (Chorus President) Photo credit: Sheila Otto
Chorus President Peggy Arnold says of this event, "Many chorus members have been touched by the fight against breast cancer, either personally, or within their families. We are thrilled to stand with them and offer our support. The women in our chorus are extremely close, what each person goes through, we all experience; the good and the bad. We also do this to honor the memory of a member who lost her battle with breast cancer, Marcia Zima. Marcia was a dynamic woman who is missed. She was scheduled to be a torch bearer in the 2004 Olympics, but was unable run to because of complications with her disease, so her husband ran in her place. I can't think of a better way to honor Marcia, and all of the women in our Chorus touched by this disease."
submitted by Debbie Fletcher, Choral-Aires Chorus |
| Region 3 Director Searches |
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Spring Valley Chorus
The Spring Valley Chorus of Schaumburg, IL is an enthusiastic group of singers seeking a highly motivated, barbershop savvy individual to assume the directorship of small chorus. We are looking for a special leader to continue the musical growth of our small chorus and take us to the next level of performance.
Interested parties may apply in writing to Pat Spilotro, 1911 Jonquil Terrace, Arlington Heights, IL 60004 or call 847-259-8282 or e-mail mjsips1911@aol.com Mid-Lakes Chorus The Mid-Lakes Chorus of Plainwell, Michigan is a group of fun-loving singers with a rich history in Sweet Adelines and an enthusiastic attitude about improving our barbershop skills. We are looking for a skilled and energetic leader who will keep us in that forward motion begun by a talented director whose employment needs has taken her from us. We are a mid-size chorus (membership is currently at forty-three).
Interested applicants may apply in writing to Carolyn Brooker, Board President and Task Force Leader. Her address is 1483 128th Ave., Hopkins, MI 49328. You may call her for additional information, as well as an application form at (269) 793-0278 (h), in the evenings, or (616) 393-1383 (w) during the day. Her email address is: mombrooker@aol.com (h) or carolyn.brooker@haworth.com (w).
Please visit our website at www.midlakessweetadelines.org additional information. |
| 2009 MENC Award Nominations |
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The International Board of Directors has requested that Regional Management Team members and the YWIH Coordinators submit recommendations for the Sweet Adelines International/Music Educators National Conference Award and for the European Music Education Association Award. At its June 2009 meeting, the Board will select the recipient of these prestigious awards, which will be presented at the International Convention.
Last year there were many qualified musicians nominated for these awards. Please do not hesitate to update the nominations of these outstanding teachers and resubmit them along with your new nominees. We frequently hear reports of other members who are also devoting their time and energy to promoting the study of music, including the Young Women in Harmony program, in their local areas. We would love to see these members recommended so they are recognized for their efforts. You may submit more than one recommendation.
Qualifications for the MENC award recipient are as follows:
● Recipient must be a music educator and a member of MENC
● Recipient must be a member of Sweet Adelines International
● In addition, through her talent and dedication, the recipient must have made outstanding contributions to the furtherance of music education in public and/or private schools by promoting the barbershop style as an American art form.
To submit a nomination, please send completed form to Carol Thompson, Region 3 Team Coordinator, by April 30, 2009. Forms are available at the Region 3 website in the Announcements section. |
| Regional Management Team |
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At the January RMT meeting in Michigan, 4 coordinators were confirmed for two-year terms beginning in May 2009.
Sherry Berkley will step into the Communications Coordinator role. Sherry is a certified director at River Bend chorus and has previously served as Education Coordinator for the region.
Back for second terms in their current roles are Lynda Keever, Directors Coordinator; Alice Deller, Finance Coordinator; Carol Thompson, Team Coordinator.
The Regional Management Team for 2009-2010:
Communications, Sherry Berkley Finance, Alice Deller
Directors', Lynda Thompson Marketing, Corinne Garcia
Education, Ann Jarchow Membership, Penny Hock
Events, Shelly Hughes Team, Carol Thompson
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| What's new at HQ? |
 In November HQ launched a revamped website that is rich in resources. Explore the Marketing Center and check out these fabulous tools to promote your chorus in your community:
Grant Proposals
Center Tips
Logos/Graphics
Photos
Templates
Press Materials
Resources
Training Library
The Training Library has several handbooks available for download along with Barbershop Basics and a collection of articles from past newsletters. You can also register for the February Webinar in the Training Library:
Member Orientation
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. CST Featuring members of the International Membership Committee, Kathy Carmody, Fran Furtner, and Erin Lunn Join the Member Orientation Webinar to listen and interact with members of the Membership Committee as they describe Sweet Adelines International's programs and benefits while offering their expertise. Whether you're a new or long-term member -- you'll gain valuable information that will help you get the most out of your membership and answer any questions you may have. The following topics will be covered:
· Embracing new members · Getting to know each other · Getting to know the organization · Benefits of Membership · A big sister program · Communication is key · Getting involved · Member recognition · Member expectations · Director's role Registration is free to members. To register for a Webinar, send an e-mail to ann-marie@sweetadelineintl.org. Include the name of the Webinar, your name, chorus, region number and any other questions or concerns you may have about the session. |
| Region 3 Convention: April 30 - May 3 |
Information packets have been sent to each quartet and chorus. Registration forms and payment must be received at headquarters in Tulsa 60 days prior to the competition date.
Quartet Registration Deadline:
Monday, March 2
Chorus Registration Deadline:
Tuesday, March 3
Late entries will be accepted at headquarters until March 17 for quartets and March 18 for choruses. A late fee of $100 will be assessed to any competitor missing the 60 day entry deadline.
Hotel information and tentative schedule are posted at the Region 3 website. Watch for more details in the March/April issue of Voices 'round the Lake. |
| Share your story! |
| Do you remember your very first competition? Do you have a favorite moment that comes to mind every time you head for regional convention? Do you have a few words of advice for first-time members as they prepare for a great weekend?
Share your convention experiences in the March/April issue of Voices 'round the Lake. Send your story to Linda Rozema, Voices editor, linda.rozema@gmail.com. |
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The digital version for the January 2009 issue of the Pitch Pipe, quarterly magazine from Sweet Adelines International, is now available.
Click the picture above or the link below to view this issue.
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