Sweet Adelines International 75th Jubilee Commemorative Album

• Our 60th anniversary was celebrated with Barbershop Music Appreciation Day on July 13, 2005. • 59th Annual Convention & Competition originally planned for New Orleans (Louisiana, USA) October 2005 — celebrating our 60th Diamond anniversary — was moved to Detroit, Michigan (USA) due to Hurricane Katrina. • International Board of Directors approved a Master Faculty level in the International Faculty Program. They also approved a proposal to adjust the number of competitors for Division A to 15-30 members and Division AA to 31-60 members, effective with the 2006 regional contests. Webcast coverage for the 2005 international convention was to be increased to video broadcast both the semifinals and finals competitions. Viewing the webcast continues to be free. • Membership experimented with a new member kit in 2005, which included a membership card, a personalized letter from our president, a brochure, and a beautiful membership pin. Another personalized letter was sent six months into membership and again at the 10-month mark, detailing the benefits of membership, reasons to renew, and renewal incentives. Membership retention rate in 2005 was more than 87%.

Members of Skyway Connection Chorus in Region #16 found that by working out at a 30-minute fitness center together, their breathing, stamina, and singing improved.

A Cappella Angels, first YWIH chorus in Region #6, was created through the efforts of the Sounds of Superior Chorus in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. They performed at music festivals, men’s and women’s barbershop chorus shows, and at the regional competition in Duluth, Minnesota, USA.

2002 Valley Shore Chorus sings for Henry W. Jones III, designer of the electronic pitch pipe.

2002 Add-a-Voice membership campaign launched.

2002 Global "Sing Out for Peace" held to bring music, song, and happiness to those affected by terrorist events of 9/11 in 2001.

2002 Wild Card choruses included in international convention.

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