Sweet Adelines International 75th Jubilee Commemorative Album

Why I Sing

After graduation, I moved to a city 100 miles from home. A college friend who lived there went to a chorus rehearsal every week. I wasn’t a singer. My voice was too low. After a few weeks, she convinced me to go to a rehearsal. The director and members were excited to have a 21-year-old bass (which meant nothing to me). I thought this might be a good group to hang with until I found a place to play my clarinet. Sweet Adelines hooked me from the first night. It’s now a way of life for me. —Lori Jo Whitehaus, Region #19, member since 1978 My mom was a charter member of Harborlites Chorus and I always listened to her sing when I was little. I was always singing, playing piano, and other instruments so it was inevitable that I sing in Harborlites . —Sally Van Horn, Region #21, member since 1981 I love music — especially the harmonies of barbershop. I first saw a quartet (the Hallmarks) in 1977. I wanted to do that someday; my kids were small. After moving to a small town in 1979, I went to a rehearsal and soon became an assistant director, then director in 1986. I directed Heart of Missouri Chorus for over 30 years. —Marjorie Friedmeyer, Region #5, member since 1979 My next-door neighbor dragged me to my first rehearsal, where we went into sectionals on a new song. When we came back together, we sat in sections and sang it. All I heard was lead and it wasn’t very interesting. However, afterward in the parking lot, my neighbor and two other women taught me a tag: “I Wish You Love.” While I held my one note, I heard the soaring harmony. I’ve remained hooked for 40 years! —Jan M. Welsh, Region #2, member since 1979 I LOVE the closeness of the harmony and having a HUGE family all around the world! I wish I had found you earlier! —Heidi Zacchera, Region #1, member since 1979

SPOTLIGHT: COSTUMES

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