Sweet Adelines International 75th Jubilee Commemorative Album

In 2000 International Education Symposium (IES) provided the venue for the newly established Harmony Classic for small and midsize choruses. This was also the year the Ann Gooch Award was established to honor her positive efforts in worldwide expansion. The Ann Gooch Award was first presented in 2001 to a member of the worldwide region or satellite area recognized for her outstanding contributions to the furtherance and development of the Sweet Adelines International organization and the barbershop style as an American art form in her Region, Area or Chapter. Beginning in 2001 wild card choruses were included in the international chorus competition held in Portland, Oregon, USA. IES moved to Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, USA, and Region #3 members participated in the second annual Sing for the Cure in an effort to fight breast cancer and honor its survivors.

2002 was the year of the “Members Count! Toolkit,” which provided a variety of retention and growth tools for choruses.

In 2002, International Board members and staff gathered to break ground for a new international headquarters building. Carole Kirkpatrick Persinger (International President), Rita Hull (Immediate Past International President) and staff members Kathy Hayes and Lorraine Barrows wield shovels.

1998 International Competition schedule revised. Ten choruses compete in finals.

1998 International headquarters staff organized along management team lines.

1998 First Cruise in A-Chord musical cruise.

1998 Regional status granted to United Kingdom Area #31 and New Zealand Area #35.

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