Sweet Adelines International 75th Jubilee Commemorative Album

Mary LaMaster Mary LaMaster was an early member of Sweet Adelines’ music school faculty and directed Choral-Aires and Melodeers Choruses for many years. As an educator, she is best known for beginning a Directors Kindergarten to encourage fledgling chorus directors to try their wings. What did she enjoy most about being a member of the international faculty? “Reading the comment sheets! I almost cry when I read some of the things [the attendees] say — they’re worth every hour of sleep lost…running for planes, undone ironing, and housework.”

Fun and Factoids — 1960s 1962: The international convention is held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada — a big step in “harmonizing the world.” 1962–1963: Positions on the international board were President, Vice President, Executive Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, Historian, Chorus and Quartet Promotion, Competition, Convention, Educational Program, Ethics, Judging. 1963: Items available from the headquarters office included cigarette lighters, cigarette cases, ashtrays, as well as felt emblems for bowling shirts, robes, purses, and luggage. 1964: Mileage for official business: 6 cents/mile USD. 1965: Julimap-Tanta-Lizas Quartet sang I Believe in the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico (USA) in a stunning candlelit installation of Bill Langenegger as president of the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau. 1967: How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice. The 21st international competition is held at Carnegie Hall, New York City (USA). Host chapter: Ramapo Valley. 1967: “Regarding correspondence with the headquarters office: It would help…if your communiqués were either typed or written in lead pencil. Why? Because our direct copy equipment is limited in reproduction, and ballpoint ink will not normally copy. Or you could write your letter in duplicate.“ —Nancy Bergman, executive secretary. 1969: “The Dictaphone service is a must (for international presidents).“ —Helen Ryan, The Pitch Pipe, 1969

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