Sweet Adelines International and Song of Atlanta

Overview

Sweet Adelines International is a global organization of women singers founded in 1945 by Edna Mae Anderson in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Its primary mission is to advance the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance. Sweet Adelines is a nonprofit music education association, boasting a diverse membership across the globe, with a current count of nearly 23,000 members in over 600 chapters across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Mexico, and several European countries[2][3].

History

Sweet Adelines emerged as a response to the male-dominated Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), now known as the Barbershop Harmony Society. Initially, Sweet Adelines aimed to teach women barbershop harmony and promote musical groups. The organization went international in 1953 with its first chapter outside the U.S. in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, although it wasn't until 1991 that its name officially changed to Sweet Adelines International[3][5].

Membership and Inclusion

Historically, Sweet Adelines faced challenges related to racial inclusion. Until the late 1960s, it maintained a policy excluding African-American members, leading to the formation of Harmony, Incorporated in 1959 by members who sought an inclusive environment[5]. Sweet Adelines later removed these exclusionary policies and has since made efforts to foster diversity and inclusivity within its ranks.

Song of Atlanta

Song of Atlanta is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International based in the Greater Atlanta area. It is known for its diverse membership and vibrant performances, exciting audiences through a wide range of musical pieces. Directed by Master 700 Director Becki Hine, Song of Atlanta has achieved significant successes in regional and international competitions, including a third-place medal at the 2022 International Competition[4].

Education and Performance

Both Sweet Adelines International and its chapters, like Song of Atlanta, focus on educating members and audiences about barbershop harmony. They organize regular rehearsals, workshops, and performances to hone their skills and share the joy of music with the community. The organization hosts an annual international singing competition that serves as a platform for members to showcase their talents and network with fellow enthusiasts globally[2].

International Competitions

Sweet Adelines' international competitions are a highlight of the organization's calendar. These events, which include competitions for quartets and choruses, provide opportunities for members to refine their skills through friendly competition and networking. The competitions are judged in categories such as Music, Sound, Visual Communication, and Expression, with a focus on advancing the art of barbershop harmony[1][2].

[1] https://www.harmonyonthesound.org/dbpage.php?pg=history [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_Adelines_International [3] https://www.crescentcitysoundchorus.com/history [4] https://www.songofatlanta.com [5] https://sweetadelines.com/sites/default/files/Education/Diversity-Equity-Inclusion/3_Toolkit_History_Diversity_2021Aug04.pdf