Thursday, July 16, 2009

Shake Your Groove Thing

For many years, and up until a few years ago, I used to sing with the local chapter of Sweet Adelines, an international group devoted to barbershop singing for women. There were about 30 members, and I sang Bass or Baritone, since I have a low voice. It was not only some of the best singing I've ever been privileged to be a part of, it was also an excuse to dress up in girly clothes and makeup to a level I have not experienced before or since.

Once a year, the Sweet Adelines go to "competition" and sing two songs for judging by some incredibly picky professionals. We never won our Region (or even our division within the region) - although we did get 'most improved' one year - but we did our thing on the big stage, just like all the giant choruses. Each group sings one ballad (slow song) and one up-tune. During the up-tune, there's 'choreo' which is short for choreography, but sounds a bit more sophisticated than it actually was (at least in our group).

Anyway, here's a photo of my former singing group onstage at Symphony Hall during our performance at Region I competition. in the midst of the big finish of our up-tune. The song is "You've Got to See Mama Every Night (or you can't see Mama at all)." I am in the front row, second from left, and am shaking my, uh, feather boa, like nobody's business. I was hot, baby, but you can see that for yourself...


12 comments:

Evansmom said...

What a great photo - I bet you have wonderful memories.

Reddirt Woman said...

Love barbershop and Sweet Adelines. I remember them from before you were born times. What fun.

Regarding the zucchinis... e-mail me your address and I'll send them. Ask Rick over at Organized Doodles. I sent them okra last year. That too is a lot of fun.

Helen

Unknown said...

always thought you had a nice boa

Elenka said...

That is one thing I wish I could do..SING! Can't sing worth a nickel. When my son was little and still in a car seat in the back seat, I used to sing to the radio. He told me in no uncertain terms, in that tiny little voice, "Don't do that, Mom."
sheesh

c3 said...

Awesome! My father used to do that for a short time (I forget the men's group name), and I always enjoyed the performances.

Too bad there isn't an audio post to go along with that fabulous photo!

Sarah Laurence said...

Looks like fun! Too bad that we couldn't play the music along with the image.

MaBunny said...

At least you can carry a toon! not so over here!

for a different kind of girl said...

EVERYTHING goes better with boa!

joanne said...

we always knew you were hot baby..;p

Mrs4444 said...

My mom was a Sweet Adeline, back in the day. She tired of what she said were "the politics," and she and four of her friends broke into their own group, which is still going strong today! They call themselves "The Stumblebums," and they get PAID to sing for women's groups, etc. Pretty fun, I'd say.

I've always wanted to sing with a group (that was not full of blue- hairs). It would be a dream if, while at BlogHer, a bunch of ladies got together to sing and let me join in.

Caution/Lisa said...

I always wanted to sing with Sweet Adelines!! Now, where is the video?

Cupcake Blonde said...

I love groups like that. What a great opportunity for you! Have you ever thought about getting back with them? And you must watch Glee on FOX this fall. It sounds like it would be a show right up your alley. :)