Sweet Adelines International

Overview

Sweet Adelines International is a nonprofit music education association dedicated to advancing the art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance. Established in 1945 by Edna Mae Anderson in Tulsa, Oklahoma, it is one of the world's largest singing organizations for women. The organization's motto is "Harmonize the World."

History

Sweet Adelines International began as a response to the men's Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), now known as the Barbershop Harmony Society. The first chapter, Atomaton, was incorporated in Oklahoma with Edna Mae Anderson as its president. The organization expanded internationally with its first chapter outside the U.S. chartered in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, on March 23, 1953. The name officially changed to Sweet Adelines International in May 1991 to reflect its global presence.

Membership and Activities

Sweet Adelines International boasts a diverse membership spanning multiple continents. Members participate in over 500 choruses and 1,200 quartets. The organization focuses on barbershop harmony music, which includes a cappella arrangements of contemporary ballads, show tunes, and jazz. Educational opportunities are integral to the group's mission, offering training in vocal production, directing, arranging, performance, and administration.

International Convention and Competition

Sweet Adelines International holds an annual international singing competition, where quartets and choruses compete for titles. The first international chorus competition was held in 1973 in Washington, D.C., with the Racine Chorus from Wisconsin winning the inaugural championship.

Record-breaking Events

In 2009, Sweet Adelines International set the Guinness World Record for the Largest Singing Lesson at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tennessee, with 6,651 participants.

Nonprofit Status

Sweet Adelines International is recognized as a 501(c)(3) exempt educational organization under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to the organization are tax-exempt. While primarily focused on promoting barbershop harmony, Sweet Adelines can also engage in fundraising activities for other qualified charitable organizations, provided these activities do not jeopardize their exempt status.

Mission and Impact

The organization's mission is to provide education and training in four-part harmony singing, promote public and private performances, and award grants and scholarships for vocal music education. Through its global presence and diverse membership, Sweet Adelines International seeks to enrich the lives of its members and audiences alike by promoting the art form of barbershop harmony.