The sweet sound of the Sweet Adelines’ voices drifted across Deb Stern’s lawn Tuesday evening, August 18th. 17 members of the Zumbro Valley Chorus, a Rochester chapter of Sweet Adelines International since 1966, held a public practice in preparation for a special 60th anniversary performance to be held September 26th. Sweet Adelines International is the world’s largest womens’ singing organization. Their mission is to share the joy of four-part barbershop harmony, lasting friendship, music education, and exciting performance opportunities.
Deb Stern has been a member of the group for 16 years and offered her front porch at 412 2nd Avenue in Goodhue for the public practice. The group performed a variety of fun songs that entertained about 30 folks on lawn chairs, with an additional audience walking by or stopping on the street in cars and golf carts. It was a perfect evening to gather for singing, indulging in some ice cream and to linger in conversation.
According to their website, www.zumbrovalleychorus.org, they are not a traditional classical choir. “Our repertoire spans from classic jazz to modern hits from the 1930s to today. We focus on the ‘entertainment factor’, bringing our songs to life with dynamic choreography, theatrical costuming and props, and engaging musical commentary.” For the Goodhue practice, the group wore purple-sleeved white jerseys with the Zumbro Valley Chorus logo on the front, and their last names and the number “60” in celebration of their milestone, on the back. Deb helped design and create the shirts at J-Hill Promotions.
The organization purchases their costumes and other needs through fundraisers and entertaining at events such as banquets, private parties and full-scale musical shows. The organization sometimes splits into smaller choral groups. With Deb a member of their Lady Slippers Quartet, they have sung at Goodhue’s Christmas tree lighting and St. Luke’s ladies’ tea party. In addition to their paid performances, they also give back to local communities by visiting nursing homes and performing on the Rochester Cancer Telethon.
The Zumbro Valley Chorus will celebrate 60 years of harmony, friendship and community with a special anniversary performance. Everyone is invited to the Historic Chateau Theater, 15 1st St. SW, Rochester at 3:30pm on September 26th.
See more on their website listed above or visit the Zumbro Valley Sweet Adelines Facebook page.
