Sweet Adelines International 75th Jubilee Commemorative Album

Managing a Growing Organization Each of the regions had become part of the governmental structure in 1961. One of the first recommendations of the new Council of Regents was that the annual regional quartet competitions serve as qualifying contests for the international quartet competition because the regents were afraid the international competitions would become “professionals only.” The International Board cautiously put the suggestion into study and later implementation. The International Board of Directors acquired new strength as the bylaws were changed to allow the election of four new board members each year, instead of six. This added a longevity to the board and to the programs it inspired. Suggestions Received for Improving Contests A competition suggestion came from the Lions Gate Chapter (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada). Lions Gate felt that the judging panel, with the exception of the stage presence judges, should sit with their backs to the competitors. No action was taken. And the Catonsville Chapter (Maryland, USA) inquired about initiating an international chorus competition. No immediate action was taken, but the idea continued to percolate. Music Schools Sweet Adelines found that dependence upon our generous SPEBSQSA friends was coming to an end as we produced increasingly better education from within. It was time to fly solo. After a trial International Music School in Kansas City (Missouri, USA), a series of schools was developed, taught by our own specially trained members.

I originally joined Sweet Adelines in 1970 in Alexandria, VA after hearing the chorus in a performance. In 1987, I moved to Winchester, VA and transferred to the Shenandoah Valley Chorus, which is now named Sing Shenandoah. Because I am blind, I depend on learning tapes and braille copies of music. I enjoy the camaraderie of the group and the caring support of the members. Because of illness, it was necessary for me to become a member-at-large in 2018. I attend rehearsals and will sing frequently in the annual Christmas concert. —Sarah Clifton, Region #19, member since 1970 Why I Sing

1966 Sweet Adelines builds headquarters at 5334 E. 46th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma (USA). Conference room dedicated to Dolly Householder, International President (1960-1962).

1966 Bylaw excluding nonwhite members rescinded.

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