Razzcals, Shimmer!, SparX and One Voice

represent Region 21 in the quartet

contest – See Page 2

2008 InternationalChorus Champion

Fall 2007Volume II, Number 2

Harborlites

Contestant #25 (Semifinals) and #5 (Finals)Judy Ashmore, Missy Pearce, Mary Ashford, Patty Cobb Baker

Semifinal Songs: Boys Medley, Tired of MeFinals Songs: You Turned the Tables on Me, After My Laughter

Score: 2491 points • 9th Place • Qualified for the Semifinals in Honolulu

Trophy cover photo by Kim Skvarla. Page 2 photos by Karen Laderman. Masthead design by Linda Carlberg.

Contestant #44 (Semifinals) and #6 (Finals)Cheri Jump, Mary Segura, Martha Segura, Dana Gibbs

Semifinal Songs: Flirty Eyes, There Goes My Heart; Final Songs: How Many Hearts Have You Broken, My Mother’s EyesScore: 2664 points • 3rd Place • Qualified for the Semifinals in Honolulu

3rd Place Medalists: Razzcals

9th Place Medalists: Shimmer!

Contestant #11: SparXDawn Anne Gladden, Andi Rostel, Dayle Ann Cook, Kathy Barnett

Songs: So Long Dearie, You Can’t Go On ForeverScore: 1199 points • 12th Place • Qualified for Honolulu

Contestant #19: One VoiceWendi Young, Karen Meade, Michele Baldwin, Denise King

Songs: Who’s Sorry Now, What’ll I DoScore: 1076 points • 30th Place

Golden West Magazine559 S. Harbor Blvd. # A

Anaheim, CA 92805714-563-9300

Fax: 714-563-9310www.region21.org

GWMEditor@kalpub.com

Sweet Adelines International

Mission Statement:Sweet Adelines International is

a worldwide organization of wom-en singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance.

Golden West Region 21 Mission Statement:

Golden West Region 21 of Sweet Adelines International, being at the leading edge of excellence in music and leadership education, is dedi-cated to providing a wide scope of personal growth opportunities to its members. Through a visionary ap-proach, we enhance member capa-bilities and raise public awareness.

Distributed to members of Sweet Adelines International Golden West Region 21. Golden West Magazine is published tri-annually for distribution at the Region 21 Summer Seminar, Re-gion 21 MusicFest and the Region 21 Spring Contest.

Editor: Karen LadermanDesign: Linda “FG” Carlberg

Photography: Karen Laderman, E.R. Lilley,

Heather Meglasson, Kim Skvarla, Sally Van Horn

Fall 2007 Vol. II, No. 2

COVER STORY:2007 International Quartet Contest

Region 21 had very impressive representa-tives in the International quartet contest, including Razzcals taking home 3rd place medals and Shimmer! placing 9th.

CENTER STAGE:2007 International Convention

Harborlites wins the gold to become the 2008 International Chorus Champion.

2

8&9

features

departments

4 Regional Management Team (RMT)

6 Chorus News

11 Quartet News

14 Around the Golden West

calendar

15

•Arrangers Development Program (ADP)•Highlights from Summer Seminar•Young Women In Harmony (YWIH)

Chorus, Regional and International Events

Young Women in Harmony Contestant

Region 21 attempted to have a Young Women in Harmony Contest at the Sum-mer Regional Seminar in Ontario, but fate had other plans. Last-minute withdrawals and illnesses left the contest with only one contestant. Though informed the compe-tition would not occur, Razz-Ma-Tazz, from Walter Reed Middle School came to Ontario to gain the “contest” experience. They served as mic-testers for the double quartet contest and sang “Who’ll Dry Your Tears?” and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” to a standing ovation.

advertisementsEnchanted MesaShow Chorus .................................5, 11Scottsdale ........................... back cover

Ph

oto

by K

im S

kvarla

Razz-Ma-Tazz: Madeleine Guzman, Madeline Johnson, Courtney Latter, Audrey Frischman

Ph

oto

by K

aren

Lad

erm

an

Finance Coordinator, Charlene Neblett

As I sit at my computer in a post-Calgary daze, I …. snore …. OH, sorry about that. It’s happening a lot this week. Where was I? Yes, I find myself thinking about the educational benefits of competition. OK. I admit it. I’m an education geek. Just about EVERYTHING in life to me is about education, about lessons that can be learned. And competition, be it regional or International, is always an amazing learning experience. The way I see it, there are two opportunities for competition education – one is through competition participation and the other through competition observation. Though the benefits of both are plentiful, I’d like to discuss further competition participation, as I believe learning by “doing” is a most powerful thing.

Competition participation is so misunderstood! We must always remember the real reason we compete. It’s not about placement; it’s not about winning; it’s not about a medal. YES, it IS wonderful to win, and it is wonderful to receive a medal. But the true purpose of competing in our organization is to learn something. It is the opportunity for us to come before our peers and receive feedback about the musical and perfor-mance product that we spend our entire chapter lives creating, to find out how we’re doing on our paths toward musical excellence. Within our journeys to competition we are the beneficiaries of incredible, often life-changing, coaching from our directors and guest coaches. We learn how to become and behave as a team, to coach and encourage one another, and to build efficient organizations that support our competition learning opportunity. And we learn how honestly to GIVE…give of ourselves and of our collective ensemble, to one another and to our audiences.

I imagine some of you may think that it’s easy for me to say and believe these things with a new, shiny gold medal around my neck. Perhaps. But I do know that the day I start making the medal more important than the learning experience will be the last day I will sing competitively. In Calgary, among so many other things, I learned yet again how blessed I am to be a part of a family of remarkable women who passionately work together toward a cherished goal. In my mind, there is no lesson better learned. So, gear up those competition machines, PARTICIPATE, and LEARN!!

Education Coordinator, Patty Cobb Baker

I would like to share with you the Region 21 Profit and Loss Financial Results for the fiscal year which ended April 30, 2007. The legend explanation is as follows:

Income:Seminars/Conventions: Spring Convention,

Summer Seminar, Directors’ WorkshopRegional Assessments: Chapter and CALInterest & Gains/Losses: JP Morgan Mutual

Funds, CD, Money MarketTargeted Education: ADPMiscellaneous: GWM Ads, Charm Sales

Expenses (other than Income listed above):General & Admin: Liability Insurance, Prop-

erty Insurance and storage of sound shell, RMT meetings, supplies and postage

Competitor Support: Love gifts for regional cho-ruses and quartets competing at International.

Targeted Education: ADP, YWIH, Chapter VisitsCommunications: GWM, Newsletter, Re-

gional Roster, WebsiteMarketing & Membership: IES ad, Interna-

tional Contest ads, Reg’l ribbons for Inter-national, Ribbons for Regional VIPs, NOTE-able Woman pins, Chapter Visits.We were very fortunate this past year to end

the year with a profit. This profit contributed to our reserves so that we could continue with-

out raising the regional assessment or fees for convention for another year.

On behalf of the entire Region-al Management Team, I would like to congratulate the Harbor-lites Chorus and Director, Pam Pieson, on their incredible win in Calgary. You’ve truly set the stan-dard for the organization! One Voice represented Region 21 like the awesome champions they are and we can’t say enough about SparX, Shimmer! and Razzcals! We’ll see you all in Hawaii!

Jean Kane was recognized for her 50 years in Sweet Adelines and Sylvia Alsbury was a well-deserving recipient of the Life-time Achievement Award. Both of these ladies have contributed both to our region and the organi-zation in innumerable ways over the years. We are so proud to say you are part of Region 21!

It was a great convention and Region 21 was represented as a true leader in Sweet Adelines. Thank you ladies and congratula-tions!

Team Coordinator, Sue Bowdoin

Enchanted Mesa and the Golden West “East Side” choruses would like to extend our many thanks to

Patty Cobb Baker, Region 21 Education Coordinator

and the entireRegional Management Team,

for bringing us...

MusicFest 2007 with International Faculty, Laura Pallas.

Membership Coordinator, Karen RidoutFirst, the good news for Region 21 – we have

a new prospective chapter in Surprise, AZ. It’s exciting to have another membership growth opportunity in our region.

Each and every one of you has the same opportunity to promote growth within your chorus. Although our rate of loss has slowed to 1.6% down from 2.4% the previous year, the Sweet Adeline organization is still losing members. Natural attrition is 20% a year. If one in four guests joins, you need 16 guests to gain four new members. It is our job to bring guests to help our organization flourish.

Did you know we have a membership growth campaign in our region this year? It’s the “GROW” Award: Golden West Region 21 Recruits and Retains Outstanding Women Singers. The chorus with the greatest net in-crease in membership will receive a $100 gift certificate toward any Regional event. Will it be your chorus?

What can you do to bring in new mem-bers? You’ve probably asked all your family, friends and neighbors. How about changing the question? Go back to those same people and ask “Who do you know who likes to sing?” Another way to let others know you sing is to add an automatic signature on your personal

The Region 21 Management Team (RMT). Back Row (from left to right): Kathy Wright, Andi Rostel, Helen Erickson, Karen Ridout, and Kathy Mayer. Front row: Sue Bowdoin, Patty Cobb Baker, and Charlene Neblett.

Ph

oto

by K

aren

Lad

erm

an

email. Maybe someone you e-mail likes to sing too.Remember, membership is a gift. Share the joys that membership has given to you with others. It’s

our obligation and privilege as members.

Scottsdale Chorus Scottsdale, AZ

Hot, hot, hot! THE SCOTTSDALE CHORUS IS HOT!!! Having just experienced the hottest Phoenix summer on record, who wouldn’t be hot? During this record heat wave, in addition to learning new music and choreography, chorus members volunteered to answer phones for the local Public TV pledge drive and assisted in the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) telethon.

Now that fall is here and the hot WEATHER is behind us, we’re moving on to change the HEAT from body temperature to set-ting our own record of the hottest ever performance in Hawaii in 2008! A re-cent two-day coaching session with Dale Syverson kicked off our compe-tition season. As usual, Dale loaded up our ‘tool belts’ and provided focus and direction to refine our skills. A comment from a prospective mem-ber summarized the value of the time spent with our coaches. She thought the chorus sounded great but was amazed to hear how much improve-ment resulted as Dale worked her magic with us during the weekend. Courtesy of the vision of our music team and Director, Lori Lyford, our coaching schedule is full and includes upcoming visits from Tony DeRosa, Erin Howden, Debbie Connelly, and return engagements with Dale.

And hey...it’s not HOT in Phoenix in February. But we guarantee a HOT performance at our annual show. It will be a great evening of wonderful barbershop sounds. Come and experience the Scottsdale Chorus in person on February 23, 2008, at the Orpheum Theater in downtown

Phoenix. See our website for details: www.scottsdalechorus.org.–Linda Allen

San Diego Chorus San Diego, CA

The Harborlites Chorus is thrilled and honored to be representing Region 21 — and Sweet Adelines — as the 2008 International Chorus Champions!

Calgary was an intense experience as we put the final preparations on our competition songs and show numbers, were spurred on by our coaches and had teams of volunteers working to complete our new costumes on time. With all the preparations finally in place, it was a joy to be able to share our music with the Calgary audience and with the world — and to come out on top alongside such gifted musical competitors.

We must take this opportunity to thank some very special people. First, our coaches, Dale Sy-verson, Tony DeRosa, Jeff Baker, and Erin Howden as well as our “mother” Joni Bescos who worked with us year-round and literally touched each one of us as we waited backstage. We must thank Gerry Papageorge who, again, created an amazing costume design. And we would not be cham-pions without the gifted leadership, artistry, and heart of our beloved director, Pam Pieson.

We must also congratulate our four regional quartets – One Voice, Razzcals, Shimmer! and SparX – on an outstanding performance in Cal-gary. And we’re especially proud of our own front row tenors, Patty Cobb Baker, Dawn Anne Gladden, and Dana Gibbs, (at left) who all made the cut!

Speaking of making the cut, we are looking forward to joining Scottsdale and San Diego in Honolulu next Fall...alongside Razzcals, Shimmer!, SparX

and all of the other quartets Region 21 will be sending. Aloha!–Kathy Wright

The San Diego Chorus Adds More Digital Savvy!

The San Diego Chorus has many members who have tossed their cassette recorders into the closet with the 8 tracks. In their place, we have added digital recorders that plug directly into a USB port on your home computer and send a sound file to section leaders via e-mail.

The impetus for this digital conversion came with an innovative fund-raising idea from one of the chorus’ newest quartets, Rou-lette. The quartet arranged to buy the popular Olympus WS-300 digital voice recorders in bulk and to sell them to c h o r u s m e m -bers for a profit, but at very competitive prices. Roulette offered to pre-record chorus repertoire to the buyer’s specifications. Each unit came with ear phones, a USB port extension and a leash so that the recorder can be hung around the neck or on a bag.

The digitally-chal-lenged were given an introduction to use of the system at our summer retreat in August. As Septem-ber arrived and the chorus started a new round of song quali-fications, we were ready. Weekly re-cordings have been going well as mem-bers get used to the ease of using the Olympus. Recording quality is much higher when using digital recorders and section leaders can review songs right at the computer or download them to a disc for play on a CD player.

The San Diego Chorus website is a huge re-source for members because PDF files of sheet music, song files, rehearsals and sectionals video files are posted for review and down-load. Members have now embraced this new-est technique for using today’s technology to make chorus work easier.

–Claudia Cannon

Ph

oto

by K

aren

Lad

erm

an

Ph

oto

by H

eath

er M

egla

sso

n

Ph

oto

by S

all

y V

an

Ho

rn

Harborlites Chorus Anaheim, CA

Roulette are clock-wise from right: Kara Smith, Tenor, Deb Nguyen, Baritone, Heather Meglasson, Bass, Jennifer Rothrock, Lead.

Mission Viejo Chorus Laguna Niguel, CA

Getting Ready For the Holidays!The Mission Viejo Chorus just wrapped up

another highly successful annual show, titled “Red, White and Broadway” on November 3rd in Laguna Woods, CA. We sang to a packed

Have chorus or quartet news to share? Want to place an ad to advertise your show, sell CDs, or support a fund-raiser? Want to send a Love Note to a competing quartet, coach, director or riser buddy? If so, you donʼt want to miss the deadline for the Spring issue of Golden West Magazine.

All submissions for the Spring issue (articles, photos, advertisements, Love Notes, etc.) are due March 14, 2008.

If you would like to place a display ad — and why wouldnʼt you with business card ads only $20 and full page ads only $100 — your space reservation must be received no later than March 7, 2008. (Special positions are extra, inquire about availability.)

Everything you need to know (pricing, ad sizes, maximum words per submission, etc.) is available in the 2007-2008 Golden West Magazine Media Kit, available for download from the regional website (www.region21.org). Questions? E-mail GWMEditor@kalpub.com.

Ph

oto

by E

.R. L

illey

Fiesta Chorus Tempe, AZ

Ph

oto

by E

.R. L

ille

y

house of nearly 800 people and were joined by the mixed quartet Ready, Willing and Ma-bel, and ragtime pianist, Paul Orsi. Fabulous emcee Nancy Rodewald guided our audience through an evening of Broadway and patriotic favorites. This show also featured the debut of Region 21’s newest quartet, Groove Street.

In preparation for our show, we were privi-leged to experience two coaching sessions with Laura Pallas. Her vocal production and performance techniques have helped to pro-pel our group towards improved sound and overall stage presence. We were also honored to have Stan Sharpe as a guest director for an evening. His keen ear and words of encour-agement inspired us all.

Now it’s time to gear up for the 2007 Holiday season. We will hold three public performanc-es of our holiday repertoire at Heritage Hill Historic Park in Lake Forest, CA on December 1st, 8th and 9th. We will also perform at vari-ous private parties throughout the month of December. A second new MV Chorus quartet is even preparing for their debut performance during the holiday season. So, this is an excit-ing time for our group!

Of course, the Region 21 Convention and Competition is just around the corner and it’s definitely within our sights. We look forward to joining all of our Region 21 sisters to show the growth we have made throughout the year.

–Adelina Dudda

Enchanted Mesa Show Chorus Albuquerque, NM

Fall has been an exciting and busy time for EMSC, as we continue long range planning and re-imaging…moving toward unveiling the “new EMSC.”

In September, 15 EMSC members supported the men of the New MexiChords and Duke City Chorus by volunteering their time and effort at the Rocky Mountain District Convention held in Albuquerque this year. Our ladies were the “class act” that coordinated the competition pattern.

We are also very proud of young Donna Berardinelli (daughter of EMSC Sweet Adeline of the Year, Bev Berardinelli), who is the recipient of the President’s Volunteer Services Award. Donna is the only student in her school who earned the Golden Eagle award, for 100+ hours of com-munity service – part of those hours as the childcare assistant for our members’ children during rehearsal. Congratulations, Donna!

This month we begin preparation for our A Cappella Christmas show with performances on November 30 and December 1. On Friday evening we will be joined by the Sandia High School Girls Chorus, Charisma, and on Saturday we will be performing with the Duke City Chorus.

And finally, we’ve spent a second “long hot summer” as volunteers working the concessions at the Albuquerque Isotopes baseball games, a major fund-raising activity for the chorus.

We also extend a big THANKS to Region 21 for bringing MusicFest to Albuquerque. Our members are excited about this wonderful learning opportunity; our goal is 100% attendance by EMSC members. We look forward to seeing all of you in Albuquerque on November 3, 2007.

–Mary Morse

This Fall, after 28 years of directing Sweet Adelines, Barbara Link announced her retirement to Fiesta Chorus. Barbara gave so many years to Sweet Adelines, pouring her heart into good singing and great shows. We want to give Barb our thanks and wish her the best in her future of traveling the world with the other love of her life, Al.

The future also looks good for Fiesta Chorus! We are so fortunate to have found Anita Barzilla as our new director. Anita has recently moved back to the Valley of the Sun. Luckily for us, she was looking for a chorus! Anita has been a Sweet Adeline for 26 years and has an impressive resume that includes directing, coaching and arranging. She is currently singing Bass with Scotts-dale Chorus. We are looking forward to a bright future with Anita, compet-ing, performing and keeping a song in our hearts.

Calgary was a wonderful experience for those of us who were lucky enough to go and for those of us who watched the webcast. Seeing Harborlites win was so inspirational! We also want to congratulate Razzcals, Shimmer!, SparX, and One Voice on the fabulous job they did in Calgary. Way to go, girls!

–Anne McCawley

HARBORLITES EARNS THE HIGHEST SCORE IN HISTORY TO BECOME 2008 INTERNATIONAL CHORUS CHAMPIONS

Continuing a Winning Tradition: Region 21 Wins 4 of the Last 7 International Chorus ChampionshipsCalgary, Alberta, Canada: So much happens during a chorus’ journey, especially during International Convention week. As of-

fi cial photography was not available at press time, here’s a more personal collection of the moments leading to Harborlites’ second International Chorus Championship.

Director: Pam Pieson, 130 on stageSemifi nal Songs: When Day is Done, Sweet Georgia Brown

Finals Songs: Tonight, My Honey’s Lovin’ Arms, Bundle of Old Love Letters, Phantom of the Opera MedleyScore: 2985 points

Rah-Rahs!

Directorand

Coaches

Warm-Ups

Charter member Rita Van Horn

earns gold on the International

Stage in Calgary

Getting Th ere

Preparations

Photos by Karen Lader-

man, Kim Skvarla, and

Sally Van Horn

HARBORLITES EARNS THE HIGHEST SCORE IN HISTORY TO BECOME 2008 INTERNATIONAL CHORUS CHAMPIONS

Continuing a Winning Tradition: Region 21 Wins 4 of the Last 7 International Chorus Championships

SAI Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Sylvia AlsburySylvia Alsbury has been part of my life for more than thirty years. In that time, she’s

been my role model, counselor, teacher, mentor, adversary, drinking buddy, and friend, and my life is diff erent because of her. And through it all, Sylvia’s just been Sylvia – hon-est, forthright, incredibly talented, argumentative, clever, sensitive, loving and kind.

Sylvia beat me to Sweet Adelines – she joined a small cho-rus in 1959 in Lawrence, Kansas. Before she left that fi rst rehearsal, she’d taught the basses their part to a new song. Within three weeks she was in a quartet, and in three months she was directing the chorus.

To expand the quartet’s repertoire, Sylvia began arrang-ing – and an icon was born. Sylvia was one of a handful of ar-rangers who built the musical foundation of Sweet Adelines with their talent. And, not being stingy with her knowledge, Sylvia became teacher extraordinaire to beginning arrangers like me. Sylvia’s encouragement and guidance (“No. Lynnell, you can NOT do it that way.”) provided the confi dence and

skills I needed to keep practicing and learning. Sylvia taught many classes in arranging, and in beginning music theory, charisma, and just about anything else that was needed. Eventually, Sylvia became a Certifi ed Music Arranger and a member of the Interna-tional Faculty, as well as a Certifi ed Judge in both Music and Showmanship.

And that quartet she began arranging for… well, the Aquatones went on to win sec-ond, third, and fourth place International medals singing many of Sylvia’s arrangements. Her personal favorites among those arrangements are “Let the River Run,” “Th e Twelve Days After Christmas,” and “Ordinary Miracles.” Many of her arrangements are pub-lished by Sweet Adelines International.

In 1966, Sylvia moved to Boulder, Colorado, and was soon directing the eleven-mem-ber Centennial Chorus. Within ten years, Centennial merged with other small choruses to form High Country Chorus, and Sylvia became co-director with Julie Haller. I re-member High Country’s moving performance wearing gorgeous costumes with eagle wings when they won the International championship in 1980.

But Sylvia isn’t one to let grass grow under her feet, and shortly after that performance, she moved to Tucson. She directed Tucson Horizon Chorus for a number of years, and is now an associate member of Desert Harmony Chorus. Her move to Tucson also re-sulted in the formation of “Th e Music Group” with Karen Brooke and Patty Barns. “Th e Music Group” gave annual workshops for many years attended by hundreds of Sweet Adelines. Th ey also collaborated on a number of well-known Sweet Adeline songs, in-cluding “Secrets,” “Only In My Dreams,” “Goodbye My Good time Friend,” and “Hot Stuff .” One of their most beloved songs, “In My Mother’s Rocking Chair,” was performed by All Star Jubilee in their International Championship performance in 1981.

Sylvia’s talents weren’t limited to the creative side. She was also elected to the Inter-national Board of Directors in the 1960s and became International Treasurer. Sylvia loves to tell about the long-distance friendship that developed between her dad and then Executive Director Peggy Chambers. When she was elected Treasurer, Mr. Wal-lace wrote to Peggy requesting that his subscription to the PitchPipe be cancelled. He said he didn’t want to support any group that was foolish enough to trust his daughter with their money.

And has this busy lady “retired” after all these busy years? Hardly. Sylvia’s current pas-sion is providing coaching at half price for small choruses. She’s also a painter, a golfer, an avid fl y fi sher, and a frequent casino visitor. Sylvia also has two sons and three “really beautiful” granddaughters.

Sylvia’s Lifetime Achievement Award is well deserved. I’m happy to share Sylvia with the rest of our organization, but I will always believe that she is my very own special friend. Like the rest of you, I love her dearly.

–Lynnell Diamond

Director: Pam Pieson, 130 on stageSemifi nal Songs: When Day is Done, Sweet Georgia Brown

Finals Songs: Tonight, My Honey’s Lovin’ Arms, Bundle of Old Love Letters, Phantom of the Opera MedleyScore: 2985 points

Th e Call

Directorand

Coaches

Inland Empire Chapter members have been busy these past few months. We have been learn-ing some new songs, performing for the public and perfecting our “craft”! Thanks to our direc-tor, Bonnie Ter Keurst, our regular visiting coach, Chris Robertson and our Assistant Director,

Beth Van Gelder, we are making some good progress. Speaking of Beth, she has recently started the Director Certification Program.

As reported last year, our holiday prepa-rations include learning 2 new Christmas songs and inviting our singing non-Sweet Adelines friends and former members to join us for rehearsals and holiday singing engagements. We already have 2 perfor-mances scheduled for December 1 and 2.

It’s always fun to start rehearsing Christmas music; it puts us into an early holiday mood!–Karen Pritchard Choy

Inland Empire Chorus

Ph

oto

by E

.R. L

illey

Voice of the Desert Chorus Glendale, AZRed RockAppella Chorus Sedona,

AZVoice of the Desert adds its congratulations to all the accolades being

heaped upon Harborlites for the fantastic job done in Calgary. Con-gratulations also to the competing quartets. For those of us unable to make it to the Saddledome, it was very exciting to see our Region 21 sisters strutting their stuff via the webcast.

We have some personnel changes in Voice of the Desert. Penny Cimo has been named assistant director and is taking over the Young Wom-en in Harmony program. Debbie Romney has been named Lead section leader. Best of luck to them with their new responsibilities.

Voice of the Desert had two novice quartets competing at Club 21’s fall event: Hooked on Harmony and Audacious. Both quartets worked very hard, h a v i n g c o a c h i n g s e s s i o n s and extra rehearsals to prepare for the nov-ice contest.

The cho-rus un-dertook a m e m b e r -ship drive inviting po-tential members to learn a couple of patriotic songs and perform with the chorus on its upcoming show November 18. Advertisements were placed in local papers, and the chorus has made contacts in the Luke Air Force Base community and hopes to attract members and perfor-mances from the AFB population.

Upcoming events for Voice of the Desert are the Salute to the Armed Forces show Nov. 18 in Sun City West, an all-day sing-around at area nursing homes and retirement communities December 1, and singing Holiday-grams all day December 16. We may also participate in the an-nual Glendale Glitters event during the holiday season and travel north to Anthem to sing at the Shops at Anthem.

Happy Holidays Region 21!!–Claudia Sherrill

RED ROCKAPPELLA MOVES AIR!Our first real coaching session turned out to be a test of stamina, for

the chorus and for our coach, Gerry Papageorge. One half of our chorus members took advantage of Gerry’s private vocal instruction during the day on Monday, September 24, 2007, and 22 of our 25 chorus mem-bers reaped the benefit of her lessons at rehearsal that night. Observers wondered who would run out of energy first, the chorus or Gerry – as it turned out, everyone’s stamina lasted to the very end.

Choruses who have been coached by Gerry will recognize her key-words: “Elevate notes!” “Suck in 10 people [from the audience]!” “Add beauty to the sound!” “This is fantasyland!” “Get some groove on!” And so we did. Before collapsing into chairs, the chorus gave Gerry a stand-ing “O” – thanks for a new way to visualize sound.

Gerry’s visit coincided with the launch of our fundraising raffle ef-fort, hence the photo of Gerry with “Young Married Hair”, our bronze by International Hopi artist Kim Obrzut. The winning ticket will be drawn at our first annual show on December 2, 2007.

–Fran McWherter

Riverside, CA

Audacious from left: Emily Cramer, Baritone, Claudia Sherrill, Bass, Jeannie Lombardi, Tenor, Debbie Romney, Lead.

Do you like to take pictures? Are you the one with a camera at all the chorus and regional events? Region 21 wants your sub-missions! Weʼre always looking for a fresh view of the people and events that shape our region. Just e-mail your digital pictures to GWMEditor@kalpub.com and your vision may be in the next issue of Golden West Magazine or on the Region 21 website. If you shoot digitally, set your camera for high resolution so the pictures will look sharp in print. If youʼre using film, most processors will put digital versions of your prints on a CD for a small fee. So get shooting!

Congratulations Ladies! From Enchanted Mesa Show Chorus

2008 International Chorus Champions Harborlites, Pam Pieson, Director

3rd Place Quartet: Razzcals 9th Place Quartet: Shimmer!

12th Place Quartet: SparX 30th Place Quartet: One Voice

50 Year Sweet Adeline: Jean Crockett Kane Sweet Adeline International Lifetime Achievement Award:

Sylvia Alsbury

WE ARE SO PROUD!

Razzcals CAL–Reg. #12, Harborlites, Southern Oregon Sound

Dana Gibbs, Mary Segura, Martha Segura, Cheri Jump

Ph

oto

fro

m D

an

a G

ibb

s Shimmer! Channelaire, Harborlites,Harmony Showcase, South Valley Sound

Patty Cobb Baker, Missy Pearce, Mary Ashford, Judy Ashmore

Ph

oto

by K

aren

Lad

erm

an

Wow!!! We had quite a week in Calgary! Razzcals is so excited to represent Region 21 as the 2008 bronze medalist quartet! We are espe-cially proud of our (lil Razzcal) Mary! Her first time ever competing on the international stage and she said she wasn’t even nervous! WHAT-EVER!!! This year was also a HUGE thrill for Dana…not only was she happy to have made it to Calgary…but, she got her first gold medal with the ever-so-awesome HARBORLITES!!! Razzcals would like to thank all of Region 21 and our Harborlites sisters for the cards, gifts, donations and support that you gave us be-fore we headed to Canada. There was a VERY special gift in the Razzcals quartet bag...it was given to us anonymously...whoever you are…we can’t thank you enough!!! Region 21 and the Harborlites Chorus went above and be-yond to make Razzcals feel like we are part of your family. We love you all!!! Congrats to our

friends Sparx and Shimmer! and of course the new chorus champs, Harborlites… You all are AMAZING women and we are so proud to share the international stage with you…Ha-waii, here we come….ALOOOOOHA!!!!!

–Dana, Martha, Cheri, Mary

SHIMMER! on Cloud Ninth! First there was the Big Bang, then the In-

dustrial Revolution, Shimmer! and then Y2K. After sixteen years and nine Sweet Adeline International Competitions, Shimmer! finally hit the Top Ten! We were so proud to rep-resent Regions 21 and 11 as we shared the stage with Razzcals, SparX, One Voice, Rio, Harborlites and Celebrity City. Standing be-hind the curtain waiting to take the stage we could hear everyone chanting “SSSSSHHHH-HIIIIIMER!” It was the most uplifting way to

send us out onto the stage. When we finished you were awaiting us with cheering, hugs, roses and champagne. It was a dream come true and what made it so special was having so many family and friends there to support us. We couldn’t have reached our dream of the Top Ten without our esteemed line-up of coaches, including Sandy Robinson Marron, Lynne Smith, Dale Syverson, Betty Clipman, the ladies of “the Buzz”, and our in-house coach extraordinaire, Jeff “sing better” Baker. Con-gratulations to all our fellow competitors for their marvelous performances and especially to Harborlites for their second International Chorus Championship!

It’s been a whirlwind couple of months since performing for you at Summer Seminar. In August, we sang on the Region 11 Winner’s Circle Show at their annual Summer Sizzler. In September we were featured on the Har-borlites Show and, immediately following Calgary, we performed on the Channelaire Show along with the 2007 BHS International Champion Westminster Chorus. We love doing shows! Call us!

We look forward to seeing everyone at the February Quartet Workshop with “the Buzz” and then at Spring Regional. Happy Holidays!

–Patty, Missy, Judy and Mary

Wow! What a fabulous convention in Cal-gary, eh?! First, SparX would like to congratu-late our new International Quartet champions, the Four Bettys and our new International Chorus Champions, Harborlites! You did it again! Second, we are very pleased with our 12th place ranking and would like to give a loud “Way to go!” to Shimmer! (9th place) and Razzcals (3rd place). It was so incred-ible to share the International Stage with ALL our friends in One Voice, Shimmer!, and Razzcals. We could not be prouder to part of Region 21!

SparX traveled early on October 5th to visit Banff and to do some QT bonding. Our first bonding experience was getting ALL of our luggage to fit in the car! Yes we have pictures and it was amazing! Side thought – when trav-eling with your quartet, “singing in the car” takes on a whole new meaning from when we were kids. We made new friends, took lots of pictures, sang, got to see a wild animal (looked for bears but only found a deer and a fish), and Kathy even learned a little Swedish! Overall, we had a BLAST!

SparX worked with many terrific coaches last year and would like to thank Lori Lyford, Jana Gutenson, Lynne Smith, Tony DeRosa, and Dale Syverson for their guidance and words of wisdom. We are fortunate to have such a great region that showers us with love, encourage-ment, and support. We love you all and thank you for always being there.

–Dawn Anne, Dayle Ann, Kathy and Andi

Fast Track Scottsdale Chorus

Barbara Curry, Connie Vila, Della Davis, Carolyn Eaton

A Hilarious and High-Quality Double Quartet Contest Was Held at Summer Seminar in Ontario. Here are some photo highlights.

Ph

oto

by

E.R

. Lille

y

One Voice Enchanted Mesa Show Chorus,Tucson Desert Harmony, Scottsdale

Wendi Young, Karen Jo Meade, Michele Baldwin, Denise King

Ph

oto

by

Ka

re

n L

ad

erm

an

SparX Harborlites, Scottsdale,Tucson Desert Harmony

Dawn Anne Gladden, Andi Rostel, Dayle Ann Cook, Kathy Barnett

Ph

oto

by

E.R

. Lille

y

Wow, ONE VOICE has had such an exciting year. We are still flyin’ high since becoming the Region 21 quartet champions!! We had such a

great time in Calgary and we were

Happy Holiday Season to you all! Yes, Fast

very proud to share the stage with so many wonderful sing-ers. We’d like to offer a huge congratulations to Razzcals, Shimmer! and SparX quartets. You all made Region 21 proud. And then there is Harborlites.......oh my goodness...... Your performance was absolutely amazing. Con-gratulations to you all. Once International was done, ONE VOICE helped out at the Club 21 Fall Event. Then, we plan on being on the Tuc-son Desert Harmony annual show in No-vember. We’ll continue flying back and forth to our regular quartet rehearsals and racking up those airline miles. Thank you all so much for your love and support,

–Wendi, Michele, Denise, Karen

Track is alive and well and on another run to regional. As

most of you know, we had to bid our lead, Barb Curry, goodbye to marry her high school sweetheart and move to Texas this summer. So, the three of us left in this hobby of four chatted about our options. We knew our first option would be to find another lead and keep moving forward. I guess when you open up your thoughts and wishes to the universe, she comes through for you. We are very fortunate to have found another wonderful lead, Julie Couch/Blair. For those of you wondering why the name sounds familiar, she sang lead and tenor (not at the same time!) in Sequel with Barb. We are so lucky to have her and grateful that she wants to share her gift of song with us and you.

We feel very blessed to be able to continue our journey and appreciate all your support. Now comes the hard part, or is it the fun part…learning music, working it to the best of our abilities, and sharing our love of this art with you! We look forward to seeing you all at fall regional and in April as well. Until then, you’ll find us on any given weekend rehears-ing, laughing, and enjoying a glass of merlot as a toast to time well spent. See you soon!

–Connie, Julie, Della, and Carolyn

Ph

oto

s b

y K

aren

Lad

erm

an

Do you want to learn how to sing your part smart?Do you want to learn how to put together a top quality show that will leave audiences calling for more?

Do you want to learn how to bring your quartet to the “next level”?

Come learn all this — and more — from the 2005 Queens of Harmony “the Buzz!” Nancy Fuhmann, Debbie Connelly, Karen Breidert, and Jeannie Froelich will share their expertise in a weekend-long workshop designed for quartets and quartet singers. You’ll learn how to get to the top in your musical and performance skills from classes including “From Beginning to Winning,” “Get The Buzz Into Your Singing,” “Building Your Repertoire,” and “Give ‘Em a Show They’ll Never Forget.” Each member of “the Buzz” will lead sectionals to teach advanced skills specific to each part. Plus, all partici-pants will be given a unique view “Inside a Buzz Rehearsal.”

And did we mention: every quartet who registers may receive a coaching session with a member of “the Buzz!”

This is a unique opportunity to receive personalized instruction from four of the most vibrant, knowledgable, and skilled international champions in our organization. You need to be there!

February 8-10, 2008Crowne Plaza Hotel (formerly the Hanalei Hotel)

2270 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CASpecial quartet workshop rate: $130 per night (single-double-triple-quad).

The room block may sell out, so make your reservations early! Call the hotel directly at 800-882-0858 and be sure to tell them you’re a Sweet Adeline!

Workshop Fees: $285 per quartet or $75 per individual singer. Fees include all classes with “the Buzz,” participa-tion in the Saturday night Mini Show and party, and knowledge that will last a lifetime. Quartets will also receive a coaching session with a member of “the Buzz” (sessions are limited and will be filled in the order received)!

Registration deadline: January 25, 2008For complete information and registration materials, visit www.region21.org

or send an e-mail to quartetworkshop@region21.org

Summer Seminar was FULL of educational activities and fun. It’s impossible to do it justice in this small space, but here are some photo high-lights to give you a flavor of the weekend. If you weren’t there, you missed a great weekend.

Guest Faculty Åse Hagerman was a dynamo of energy and expertise. She gave several classes centered around the concept of whole body sing-ing. She received demonstration assistance from regional champions One Voice, and she also grabbed Affinity from the audience for a class. Oth-

er sessions she simply formed a small chorus from willing audience volunteers.

Region 21 faculty (many of whom are In-ternational Faculty as well) filled out the edu-cational selections with

classes on such diverse topics as yoga for singers and arrangement selection. RMT

memb ers taught ses-sions in their areas of exper-tise, although Kathy Wright and the chorus PR/marketing coor-dinators chose to share through a “best practices” Happy Hour, rath-

HOORAY!! WEʼRE ON-LINE!!Region 21 Arrangers Development Program now has a web site!

www.GoldenWestArrangers.comVisit the site and you will find dates and locations for our all-day Sat-

urday workshops, information about our faculty, photos from our An-nual Retreat, and most of all……NEW MUSIC AVAILABLE FOR YOUR CHORUS OR QUARTET!

Through this education-al avenue we endeavor to “spread the word” that the songs we choose to sing and their arrangements determine how well we can present the music with its story and/or message as written by the compos-er. Would you like to learn more? Contact us. E-mail JCKMUSIC@MSN.COM

–Jean Kane, ADP Coordinator

Young Women In Harmony (YWIH)

Highlights from Summer Seminar in Ontario, CA with Guest Faculty Åse Hagerman

The YWIH Program continues to be active in various locations of Region 21. The Southern Arizona Youth in Harmony Festival in Tuc-son, AZ on September 8, 2007 co-sponsored by the Tucson Unified School District, Tucson Sunshine Chorus of BHS and the Tucson Desert Harmony Chorus, was very successful. About 200 high school students (70 male & 130 female) participated in a day-long workshop

and evening performance. Among the attendees were four singers from Phoenix’s Almost Adelines. The young men and women each learned three songs, including the National Anthem in 8-part harmony. Every-one had a great time, asking when the next festival will be! Comments from the attending educators included: “…(my students) come to this event and see the amount of work needed for a particular song and the final result all in one day. I can’t put into words how great it is!” and “…I will

apply the teaching techniques in my music program …Lock and Ring”

The YWIH Festival during the 2007 International Convention in Calgary was small but a great success. Donna Berardi-nelli from Albuquerque, NM was a star in the front row of the 20 member chorus, representing young singers from all over

Arrangers Development Program (ADP)

the United States and Canada. At the end of the Young Singers Foundation’s

Lobby Show, Donna was seen having the time of her life singing a tag or two with the 2007 Rising Star Quartet Champion Luminous.

In Arizona, Jeanie Carroll is beginning a 13-week vocal exploratory class with 7th and 8th grade girls at West Sedona School. Assisting her are Anne Uruburu and Dianna Mahoney from Red RockAppella Chorus. The girls plan to sing on the Red RockAppella Holiday Show on December 2nd.

–Annie Hayes, Region 21 YWIH Coordinator

Su

mm

er S

em

inar p

ho

tos

by K

aren

Lad

erm

an

er than a formal session. The Arrangers Development Program displayed the work of our regional arrangers through their booth and the Tin Pan Alley Quartets singing new arrangements between sessions.

To top it off, attendees enjoyed a world-class evening of entertainment. A Young Women in Harmony quartet (see page 3) launched the Double Quartet Contest (see page 12), which was won by a bunch of cows from Inland Empire while the coveted golden banana trophy went to Tucson Desert Harmony’s eight cow-boys/girls. Finally, awards, recognitions and Love Gifts accented an evening of performances by our Calgary competitors (One Voice, Shimmer!, SparX, Razzcals –who couldn’t attend but were there in spirit – and Harborlites).

Nov. 3 Mission Viejo– Annual ShowNov. 10** Tucson Desert

Harmony – Chapter Show

Nov. 17 Song of the Pines– Annual ShowDec. 1** Pacific Belles – Christmas ShowDec. 1** Enchanted Mesa

Show Chorus – Christmas ShowDec. 2 Red RockAppella

– Annual ShowDec. 2 Fiesta – Annual ShowDec. 2** Inland Empire

– Christmas ShowDec. 11** San Diego – Christ-

mas ShowFeb. 23 Scottsdale –Annual

ShowMar. 1** San Diego – Annual

ShowMar 8** Enchanted Mesa

Show Chorus – An-nual Show

Mar. 28 Voice of the Desert–Annual Show

May 18** Red RockAppella – Spring Showcase

Nov. 1** Harborlites – Annual Show

To have your event listed on the re-gional calendar, contact the RMT Team Coordinator, Sue Bowdoin (e-mail: subowdoin@comcast.net). The Chap-ter Date Clearance Form is available on the downloads page of the regional website (www.region21.org).

Chapter Shows 2007-2008‘0

7 November 3 MusicFest (featuring Laura Pallas) – Albuquerque, NMDecember 14-16 RMT Meeting – Anaheim, CA

2008

January 19 Arrangers Development Workshop – **Scottsdale, AZ January 26 Arrangers Development Workshop – Vista, CA

February 8-10 Quartet Workshop (featuring “the BUZZ”) – San Diego, CAMarch 14-16 RMT Meeting

March 15 Arrangers Development Workshop – Vista, CA April 10-13 Regional Convention & Competition – Phoenix, AZ

May 2-4 ADP Annual RetreatJune 27-29 Directors’ Workshop (featuring Betty Clipman) – Phoenix, AZ

**July 16-19 International Education Symposium (IES) – San Antonio, TXAugust 7 RMT Meeting

August 8-10 Summer Seminar (featuring Cindy Hansen) – CA**September 5-7 RMT In-Region Training

October 18 MusicFest – Albuquerque, NMNovember 4-8 International Convention & Competition – Honolulu, HI

2009

Feb. 27-Mar. 1 RMT MeetingApril 2-5 Regional Convention & Competition

June 13 Leadership Workshop – AZAugust 6 RMT Meeting

August 7-9 Summer Seminar (featuring Dale Syverson) – CAOctober 17 MusicFest – Albuquerque, NM

November 3-7 International Convention & Competition – Nashville, TN**Nov. 19-22 RMT In-Region Training – (tentative)

2010

**March 5-7 RMT MeetingApril 15-18 Regional Convention & Competition

June 4-6 Directors’ Workshop**August 5 RMT Meeting

August 6-8 Summer Seminar - CAOctober 19-23 International Convention & Competition – Seattle, WA**November 13 MusicFest – Albuquerque, NM

‘11 April 7-10 Regional Convention & Competition

October 18-22 International Convention & Competition – Houston, TX

‘12 April 26-29 Regional Convention & Competition

Oct. 30-Nov. 3 International Convention & Competition – Denver, CO

‘13 November 5-9 International Convention & Competition – Honolulu, HI

Regional andInternational Events **New Listings/Changes in Red

The Scottsdale Chorus 2006 Sweet Adeline International Chorus Champions

proudly presents our newest recording

������������������������������������������✦ Here’s your chance to SING ALONG

WITH THE SCOTTSDALE CHORUS!

✦ Thrill to their 2005 performance recorded on stage in Detroit … the performance that brought them their long awaited WORLD CHAMPION GOLD MEDAL!

✦ Hear the meaningful title song, ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN along with favorite selections from their fabulous, show stopping repertoire, such as, MAKE ‘EM LAUGH, NATURE BOY, WHAT’LL I DO, SWANEE and that soul-stirring gospel song that brings audiences to their feet, GOOD BYE WORLD, GOOD BYE!

Attend the SCOTTSDALE ANNUAL SHOW on February 23, 2008 in the beautifully restored Orpheum Theater. Built in 1929, in the Spanish Baroque Revival style for movies and vaudeville and listed on the National Register of

Historical Places in 1985, it is the last remaining example of theater palace architecture in Phoenix. Combine that with the FABULOUS SCOTTSDALE CHORUS and you’re in for a magical experience! Please go to the website for a performance schedule and to purchase tickets.

To purchase a CD, go to

www.scottsdalechorus.organd place your order NOW!

SCOTTS_GWMbackpgFa07.indd 1 10/7/07 4:56:54 PM