Here are a number of frequently-asked questions that we hope will be helpful:
Regular rehearsals are held at the St. John's United Methodist Church, 550 Mt. Paran Rd., NW, Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. If you need directions, please
click here. If you need information on possibly car pooling, please
contact us.
In addition to weekly rehearsals throughout the year, we have an annual show usually in the spring. We also participate in a Sweet Adelines regional competition in March or April each year, and should we qualify, compete internationally every two years in the fall. On the years that we compete internationally, we have a fun and exciting weekend retreat to focus on preparing for competition. We tend to perform in and around our area about 2-4 times per quarter for local festivals, business events, charitable events, as well as participating in holiday events. Members are expected to attend coaching sessions as scheduled.
Sweet Adelines International has a membership fee of $80/year. Regional Annual dues are $40/year and chorus dues are $29/month or $86/quarter (which includes a costume rental fee). Participation in retreats and workshops is encouraged and sometimes there is a small fee for participation, depending on the activity, and members are responsible for their own accommodation costs. Most of our payments can be made via PayPal on the web.
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.
It is the non-profit organization our chorus or "chapter" belongs to which was 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.
A chapter is the name given to each officially chartered chorus. The Song of Atlanta Show Chorus is the largest chapter in the Atlanta area. Song of Atlanta was founded in October 1957 and 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.
Sweet Adelines International is divided into 30 regions and areas, each governed by a Regional Management Team. Our chorus is part of Region 23, the "Heart of Dixie Region", which encompasses all of Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, portions of Tennessee and the panhandle of Florida.
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 Team will review the tape at the end of the rehearsal.
We believe that just about anyone can be a great singer and there are amazing opportunities for growth and education to help you release the great singer within! Each week you'll receive direction for our Master Director, Becki Hine, and her music team. You'll learn new and exciting ways to bring out the best in you!
Definitely! We are an educational organization. For example, 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. While attendance at this meeting may be optional, all members of SOA are asked to 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. It will enhance your musical knowledge and you'll have a great time, so you are encouraged to participate!
One of our favorite educational opportunities is the SOA Retreat, a weekend of concentrated music education, singing and good times. This is an opportunity for us to have complete focus and energy towards our vocal and visual product under the masterful coaching of some of the world's best coaches. While our talented music team, under the leadership of the director, also plans learning sessions covering such topics as choreography, vocal production and music theory.
Particularly of interest to those who enjoy singing in small groups is the Quartet Workshop. This is an annual event sponsored by the region and is held in the fall. It's a wonderful opportunity to sing in or observe a quartet being coached because there is 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. There are also educational opportunities provided by the organization we belong to, Sweet Adelines International. To learn more click here.
You will be given excellent learning media including sheet music and learning vocal tracks to take home and sing along with. You'll also be given opportunities to learn at rehearsals where we often break into sectional rehearsals and small groups to hone in our music and learn it at a high level.
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. Preparing for competition is a challenge we thrive on, even as we work hard and may have a few extra rehearsals.
Besides competing at regional and international competitions, SOA also gives performances in the local area. Our 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.
Some of our fund raising opportunities include Singing Valentines, where members of the chorus form quartets, which can be hired to perform a "singing telegram" on or near Valentine's Day, and products are sold such as Entertainment Books and Chik-Fil-A calendars which offer special discounts in the area to the buyers and revenue for our chorus.
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. We also have special gatherings around the holidays and following important competitions.
Didn't see your question answered here? If not, contact us and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have!
