Sweet Adelines International 75th Jubilee Commemorative Album

As the 1972 fiscal year ended, Sweet Adelines, Inc. could no longer be termed (if it ever was!) a group of nice ladies who like to sing. More and more, meeting time of the International Board of Directors was devoted to administering a true corporate entity. Rules, regulations, bylaws, and adherence to legal and best practices became a vital part of every board meeting, making sure our not-for-profit status was maintained. The annual membership dues (per-capita fees) accounted for the great majority of income, but sales of merchandise from inventory stocked at the headquarters office in Tulsa became a greater source of revenue than was the annual convention.

Why I Sing

There is no question that Sweet Adelines has contributed greatly to me being the woman I am today. I grew from being a shy 20-year-old (who sang so softly that the director was challenged to hear me audition). I have worked my way through the administrative and musical chorus ranks, Region #19 ranks, and coach quartets and choruses. My mentors and friends in this organization have been AMAZING, instructive, and loving. —Cathy Johnson, Member-at-Large, member since 1969 Singing has always been part of my life, including performances in my early teen years. However, Sweet Adelines came into my life as a result of a concert in 1973. After becoming a charter member of Merrimack Valley Chapter in 1974, and subsequently, the assistant director, I became the frontline director of the Liberty Belle Chapter in 1977. I retired in 2014, loving all of Sweet Adelines and what it represents. —Barbara J. Braxten, Region #1, member since 1974

1975 Regions given choice of remaining in governance mode of Executive Committee/Regional Council or changing to Board of Directors.

1975 Sweet Adelines, Inc. holds first Mass Sing to greet our hosting convention city in Seattle, Washington (USA).

1974 Regional boundaries increase from 16 to 22 regions.

1975 200 music educators attend a class at Music Educators National Conference (MENC) on teaching young girls barbershop harmony with new music educator kits.

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