Q. When are rehearsals held?

Rehearsals are held every Tuesday from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. We start with warm-ups and sometimes split into sections for group work. Occasionally before special events, members will be asked to attend extra rehearsals which are arranged by consulting the chorus. Approximately 4-5 times a year, choreography rehearsals are held in a dance studio. These are usually on Saturdays or Sundays.

Q. Where are rehearsals held?

Regular rehearsals are held in the Holy Family Catholic Church, Marietta, Georgia. Occasionally we will use other venues in the same area, for which directions are always given and rides arranged if necessary. Click here for directions and a map to our regular rehearsal venue.

Q. How much commitment is involved in joining SOA?

A member is expected to attend rehearsals regularly and learn the repertoire using sheet music and tapes provided. There are many committees which can be joined if a singer is interested in sharing her talents with the chorus' organization, eg. music, fundraising, costumes, social, but this is entirely voluntary. Basically the level of commitment is very much up to the individual and how much time she has to spare. Several times a year, members are given the opportunity to go away with the chorus for a few days. Participation is encouraged but not compulsory.

Q. What does it cost to join SOA?

Sweet Adelines International has a membership fee of $75/year. Regional Annual dues are $36/year and chorus dues are $149/year. In addition to this, members are asked to contribute to the cost of new costumes and to purchase costume accessories. Participation in retreats and workshops is encouraged but not compulsory. Sometimes there is a small fee for participation, depending on the activity, and members are responsible for their own accommodation costs.

There are also financial responsibilities involved for travel, hotel and registration fees for regional and international competitions. Some of these expenses are defrayed by financial assistance from the chorus, but individual members are expected to pay most of the cost of attending and participating in competition. Most of us form carpools for our trips and share accommodations by arranging for three or four to share a room. Arrangements can be made for any chorus costs to be paid in installments.

Q. Do new members have to audition?

Prospective members are encouraged to attend 3-4 rehearsals before auditioning. The audition takes the form of a set piece, which is sung by the individual into a recorder as she sings along with the chorus. The piece must be sung from memory, as no music is used in performance situations. The Music Committee will review the tape at the end of the rehearsal.

Q. How can I join?

Your first step is to contact our Membership Officer . She will answer any remaining questions you may have and invite you along to rehearsal. Alternatively, you are very welcome to drop in to our rehearsal where our members will be delighted to introduce you to the relevant person.

You will be asked to sing a few notes in private to determine which voice part you are best suited to, then will receive a book of music and will join us on the risers to rehearse!

Q. What other activities is the chorus involved in?

Besides competing at regional and international competitions, SOA also gives performances in the local area. The annual show takes place in the spring, which is a large fundraiser for the chorus. Throughout the year small concerts, or 'sing-outs', are held in the community.

Fundraising activities include Singing Valentines, when members of the chorus form quartets, which can be hired to sing a love song on Valentine's Day, and Sally Foster gifts before the Holiday Season.

There are many opportunities for musical improvement, in the form of summer camps and retreats, workshops and coaching sessions. Some of these are arranged for this chorus only, others are held on a regional basis.

Social events are not lacking either! Besides meeting for a drink and a chat after rehearsal, performances are always followed by an 'Afterglow', a party for families and friends at which we enjoy food, fun and more singing.

Q. What music education is available?

Each year there is a Fall Regional Meeting where classes are held in some of the following categories: music theory, judging, arranging, directing and chorus and/or regional administration. At this meeting there is also a show given by and for the members. Although attendance at this meeting is optional, all members of SOA are asked attend when we are performing on the show, such as prior to our going to International Competition.

Another opportunity for music education is Summer Music Camp, usually held in June. It is a weekend of non-stop barbershop harmony where members from around the region gather for fun, great singing, and a variety of classes. This too is optional, but you will enhance your musical knowledge and have a great time so are encouraged to participate!

In July you can visit IES, the International Education Symposium, taught by faculty from all over the world. This is an amazing opportunity to increase your skill, where you can choose an educational track from directing and choreography to singing and arranging.

Best of all is the SOA Retreat, a weekend of concentrated music education, singing and good times. Our talented music staff, under the leadership of the Director, plans learning sessions covering such topics as choreography, vocal production and music theory. The highlight of the weekend is our "No-Talent Talent Show" - lots of laughs and fun!

Particularly of interest to those who enjoy singing in small groups is the Quartet Workshop. This is an annual event sponsored by the region. It is held in the fall and is open to all Region #23 members. The first 15 quartets registered receive coaching from regional faculty. It's a wonderful opportunity especially for newer quartets, but also for those who know that there's always something to learn and improve upon!

Throughout the year we enjoy the expertise of world-renowned barbershop coaches, themselves champions and leaders of champions. Sometimes held at normal rehearsal times, sometimes at a special weekend coaching session, both individuals and the chorus benefit greatly from the encouragement and advice we receive.

Q. What is Sweet Adelines International?

It is a non-profit organization founded in 1947 in Tulsa, Oklahoma under its original name of Sweet Adelines, Inc. Today, known as Sweet Adelines International, Tulsa is the home of the headquarters office. The organization has grown to 30,000+ members around the world and in all of the 50 US states.

Q. What is a region?

Sweet Adelines International is divided into 30 regions and areas, each governed by a Regional Management Team. The eight members of the RMT are Chapter Coordinator, Communications/Technology Coordinator, Director Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Events Coordinator, Finance Coordinator, Membership/Marketing Coordinator and a Team Coordinator. Our chorus is part of Region 23, the "Heart of Dixie Region", comprised of Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and the panhandle of Florida.

Q. What is a chapter?

A chapter is the name given to each officially chartered chorus. The Song of Atlanta Chorus is the larger of two Sweet Adelines chapters in the Atlanta area. Song of Atlanta was founded in October 1957. We are governed by a Board of Directors who meet monthly. These meetings are open to all chapter members. We follow guidelines set out by International and have our own by-laws, which govern our parliamentary-type administration.

Q. What are regional and international convention and competition?

To perpetuate barbershop harmony and continue educating all members in this art form, each region holds an annual Regional Chorus and Quartet Competition. This event is scheduled in the spring and serves as an opportunity to meet other Sweet Adelines in the region as well as enjoy the camaraderie of your own chorus members in a weekend get-away setting. The winners of each region then perform at International Competition.

Each contestant sings two songs (usually one up-tune and one ballad). The songs are judged in four categories by Sweet Adeline judges who have been trained in their respective categories. Preparing for competition is a challenge we thrive on, even as we work hard and sometimes have extra rehearsals. There are also financial responsibilities involved for travel, hotel and registration fees. Some of these expenses are defrayed by financial assistance from the chorus, but individual members are expected to pay most of the cost of attending and participating in competition. Most of us form carpools for our trips and share accommodations by arranging for three or four to share a room.