Chapter Chat for June

 Date Posted: Sun, Jun 23 2024
Chapter Chat for June
We are very excited to be welcoming Ryan Heller to Sacramento for a day and a half much-anticipated coaching session.  He is the award-winning director of Alamo Metro Chorus in San Antonio.  We will be meeting on Friday, July 19th from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm and Saturday, July 20th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  The rehearsal location is the Rancho Cordova Elks Lodge at 11440 Elks Circle, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742.

We are also welcoming Julie Baxter, member of Diablo Vista Chorus and very talented choreographer who will be coaching the front row on Friday, September 8 and the entire chorus on two Wednesdays, September 11th and 18th during our regular rehearsal time (6:30 pm to 9:00 pm) at our location at the Arden Nazarene Church (3337 Arden Way).

I hope you are planning on attending the fall AIM.  SVC is hosting and currently making fun plans.  The dates are September 27 - 29 and will, once again, be held at the Doubletree Hotel, 2001 Point West Way in Sacramento.  The International Faculty member for the weekend is Anne Downton, master director of Westcoast Harmony Chorus and baritone of the International Champion Quartet, Frenzy.   
 

Chapter Chat for May

 Date Posted: Wed, May 22 2024
Chapter Chat for May
Sacramento Valley Chorus now has two recently-appointed Assistant Directors recruited from our ranks. They are Sherry Rowe and Elizabeth Dyer, both of whom have extensive musical backgrounds and skills.  They will be providing much needed support for our director and the chorus as a whole.  How lucky are we!
 

In July, we will be coached by Ryan Heller, director of Alamo Metro Chorus in San Antonio, whom most of you know.  Beginning the evening of July 19th and continuing all day July 20th, we will be working hard to upgrade our competition music.  As soon as the location and schedule for this event is confirmed, it will be announced in the next chapter chat.

August brings one of our larger fundraising opportunities on the 24th called "Race For The Arts".  This organization raises funds and awareness for California nonprofit visual, performing, cultural, literary, and culinary arts organizations, as well as school programs. We receive 100% of pledges designated to us on the Pledge Form.  We will also be hosting a booth to provide education about our art form and recruitment of potential singers.  There will be a Free Arts Festival with entertainment throughout the 5K Run/Walk race and all day on the Amphitheatre Stage.  It should be a fun day!

Chapter Chat for April

 Date Posted: Mon, Apr 22 2024
Chapter Chat for April
At our first rehearsal following competition, we had our annual installation of the new management team.  The "ceremony" was conducted by Barb Vander Putten, who asked each member to dance a solo to music she selected while she read our job descriptions.  It was fun and enjoyed by everyone.

During the above-mentioned meeting, we honored our newest Sweet Adeline of the Year.  This year's honoree is Sherry Rowe, whose credits are numerous.  If I were to list her qualities, it would take hours and fill numerous pages.  She is our current team leader, director of our daytime chorus (Extension Chords), Section Leader, and major support person for our director.  That's just a small sample of all she contributes to the chorus and individuals.

We were satisfied with our 5th place medal given a difficult year.  Our last director, Dede Nibler, decided to retire, and the search for a replacement took longer than expected. We also moved to a new rehearsal facility.  We finally have a new director, the newly minted Kristi Penelton (formerly Kristi Bispo) that we are happy about.  It promises to be a very busy new year leading up to next year's contest because she has lined up extra rehearsals, numerous coaching sessions from international coaches, a slew of new music, and a show in October (details will follow as they become available).

You will be hearing more from us in the coming months.   

Chapter Chat for February 2024

 Date Posted: Fri, Mar 29 2024
Chapter Chat for February 2024
February began with some initial choreo coaching with Region 12's very own Julie Baxter, who is always such a pleasure to learn from and work with. Next we had a weekend retreat with international faculty's visual performance coach Judy Pozsgay. She fine-tuned our moves and helped guide the chorus toward a more unified presentation of sound and movement. We also got some unexpected practice in focus since the group on the other side of our ballroom wall had a live band playing for part of the afternoon. It was a "frenzy of sound"! ðŸ˜Š Afterwards we had a tasty dinner, a bunch of wonderful member performances, and then some entertaining games, including a photo booth.

Sweet Adeline members are so fortunate to be part of a community that values continuous learning and growth, as well as camaraderie, and SVC looks forward to the many musical adventures that lie ahead. Here's to a harmonious journey together!

Chapter Chat for March

 Date Posted: Fri, Mar 22 2024
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of rehearsals, vocal warm-ups, and fine-tuning every chord. And at this past weekend's regional convention, our beloved director, Kristi (Bispo) Penelton, guided her very first chorus through this extremely talented competition among 13 other choruses and nailed 5th place overall with a score of 546! We are over the moon proud to have her as our director! 
 

What's even more remarkable is that amidst the whirlwind of convention, she got married! So at our most recent rehearsal, our festivities maestra, Donna Spitzer, fashioned a bridal veil for each chorus member, and we celebrated Kristi with song, cake, and a basket of cards/gifts. We're excited to be with her on this path toward future growth and excellence! Huge thanks to Kristi for her guidance, patience, and endless enthusiasm!
 

Chapter Chat for January 2024

 Date Posted: Tue, Feb 20 2024
Chapter Chat for January 2024
SVC was happy to get back to rehearsals in January after the holiday break. The highlight of the month was a two-day coaching session with Caitlin Castelino, whose contagious enthusiasm and impressive knowledge of vocal technique was truly inspiring! Caitlin did some voice-placing the first night, and she then taught us how to find a better start to singing each phrase by doing a 3-dimensional breath, which makes use of all the space available for sound. She and Kristi tweaked the song arrangements a bit as they determined how best to strengthen singer unity and forward motion. And we had fun doing it!



The other news from us is that we're restarting our daytime chorus, "The Extension Chords". We're excited to have 17 members signed up so far who will meet twice per month for learning, singing, and socializing.

Chapter Chat for December 2023

 Date Posted: Mon, Jan 8 2024
Chapter Chat for December 2023
Sacramento Valley had fun singing on the Voices of California's show at the beginning of December, and then later we sang at the Capitol Rotunda to a crowd of folks who came out on a rainy Monday to get into the holiday spirit with us.



Happy 2024 to our sister choruses, may this year bring lots of new members to each of our choruses!

Chapter Chat for October/November 2023

 Date Posted: Sun, Jan 7 2024
Chapter Chat for October/November 2023
In October, Sacramento Valley Chorus had several visitors join us as we continue to work on our new uptune and also our holiday music. The highlight in October for SVC was welcoming two new members, Elizabeth Dyer, baritone, who recently interim-directed men’s chorus Voices of California, and also Eris Schneider, baritone, who is joining us as a young woman who loves harmony. They both bring fresh voices and energy to our chorus which we are so very happy to have. 

  



We want to send our warmest congratulations to both Gusto! quartet and Diablo Vista Chorus for so well-representing Region12 at this year's international contest! 7 of our members dueled with DVC and we are so proud of them!

Chapter Chat for September 2023

 Date Posted: Mon, Oct 23 2023
Chapter Chat for September 2023
SVC had a wonderful first month with our new director, Kristi Bispo. We've already started work on a fun new contest song, plus we're singing holiday music in preparation for an upcoming appearance on a holiday show put on by our local men's barbershop chorus, Voices of California.

A bunch of us attended the recent AIM classes and Pep Rally, and even though many of us have seen Kim Vaughn before, she always has something to teach that reinvigorates the enthusiasm we share for barbershop chord ringing. Thank you Kim and the R12 Education Team!

Chapter Chat for August 2023

 Date Posted: Mon, Sep 25 2023
Chapter Chat for August 2023
🎵 Exciting News: Welcoming Our New Director, Kristi Bispo! ðŸŽµ

 
With a wealth of experience and a passion for barbershop, Kristi is poised to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to our beloved chorus. She comes to us with a proven track record of artistic excellence, a deep understanding of vocal techniques, and a commitment to nurturing the musical talents of our members.

Kristi's experience ranges from Regional Faculty workshops, quartet, and chorus coaching, and she’s working on the Director Certification Program. Her quartet Turbulence won Regional in 2016. Here is a link to their performance in the 2016 International Quartet Semifinals:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHNEwoimrbw

Sacramento Valley Chorus is so excited to welcome Kristi to our chorus family!

Chapter Chat for May 2023

 Date Posted: Tue, Jun 20 2023
Chapter Chat for May 2023
After contest in May, SVC elected our new management team, which is now made up of the following members:
·        Team Coordinator – Sherry Rowe
·        Finance Coordinator – Pattie Bauer
·        Fundraising Coordinator – Val Richie
·        Marketing Coordinator – Desiree Hughart
·        Membership Coordinator – Becky Garcia
·        Secretary – Donna Spitzer
·        Events Coordinator – Cindy Taurone
·        Communications Coordinator – Debi Gordon
We celebrated this year’s Sweet Adeline of the Year, Valerie Richie, for the many chorus jobs she has taken on, especially her incredible fundraising/grant accomplishments. She's an all-around helpful member who is knowledgeable about so much and is so easy to work with. Thank you, Val, for your many contributions to the SVC family!  

We’re enjoying our new (temporary) Monday rehearsal nights, with current guest director Angela Suraci and all the wonderfulness she brings to us, and now we are very much looking forward to some upcoming July/August director-candidate auditions!

Chapter Chat for April 2023

Rising Star Contest - Sweet Adelines International

 Date Posted: Tue, Apr 18 2023
Rising Star Contest - Sweet Adelines International

Chapter Chat for March

 Date Posted: Sun, Apr 16 2023
Chapter Chat for March
This month SVC has been working to refine our performance skills, with wonderful guidance from North Metro's Erin Howden. This means getting into a mindset of the emotion of a song, which in turn can help automatically refine our body movements and facial expressions to most authentically convey the message of the music to our audience members, and all the while still blending with the voices around us!

We took a quick time-out from rehearsing to make a video for the 'celebration of life' event for one of our former members, Betty Hamzy, who recently passed away. Since we were unable to attend the event due to a scheduling conflict, we sent the video to her family with a couple of songs and memories of Betty which will be shown at her celebration of life event.

Also, many of you know long-time Sweet Adeline member Nancy Thompson from R12's MVC, POP, and SVC choruses, or from her part-time radio hosting of the Human Voice Show. She recently had hip surgery and is recovering at her home in the University Retirement Community of Davis, CA. SVC sends our love to you, Nancy!

We ended the month of March with a celebration of love and appreciation for our director, Dede Nibler, by making signs to hold up and surprise her! She has been, and still is, an inspiring mentor and teacher to us all. Thank you, Dede! ðŸ’•

Chapter Chat for February

 Date Posted: Fri, Feb 10 2023
Chapter Chat for February
February was another busy month for SVC. In addition to getting ready for our performance in May, we had several pick-up quartets get together, rehearse for a few weeks, and then deliver Singing Valentines to members of the Sacramento community. It was so heart-warming to see how happy folks were to get a singing gift.

Recently we began looking for a new rehearsal facility within Sacramento County so that we meet the grant requirements of the city. We currently rehearse at a church in nearby Yolo County, but we hope to find our new home soon. The city of Sacramento has been, and still is, very supportive of us and the local Arts community, and we are extra thankful for their sponsorship after these past few years of the pandemic.

We ended the month with some fabulous coaching from the wonderful Erin Howden of North Metro Chorus. She’s always thinking ahead and trying new things, which makes it extra fun to have her with us.


 

Sacramento Valley Chorus Director Search 2023

 Date Posted: Thu, Jan 12 2023
Sacramento Valley Chorus Director Search 2023


Sacramento Valley Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, is seeking a dynamic director with skills, interpersonal and musical, to help us achieve our goals. This is your opportunity to direct a high-level, competitive women's barbershop chorus.

If you or anyone you know is interested in applying for the Director or Assistant Director positions please use the Google Form Application link below. If you have any questions please contact dst@sacramentovalleychorus.com

For more information about Sacramento Valley Chorus

Website: sacramentovalleychorus.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SacValleyChorus 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacramentovalleychorus/

#SweetAdelineStrong #SacramentoValleyChorus #PacificShoresRegion12


Job Descriptions:
Google Form Application: https://forms.gle/fnAbox7w8BeJBsBx9

Chapter Chat for January

 Date Posted: Tue, Jan 10 2023
Chapter Chat for January
After our Christmas Show in December, we continued the fun by singing carols at the Capitol Rotunda, where we dressed up in our glittery finest and joyfully sang for the many passers-by. The following two weeks we delivered Christmas grams to folks from New York to Washington! We were able to advertise for this by having a quartet featured on our local channel 31 on Good Day Sacramento. It was a music-filled holiday season, and we were so thankful to be able to sing together as much as we did this past year. And best of all, we have 4 new members starting 2023 with us!

December Chapter Chats 2022

 Date Posted: Wed, Dec 7 2022
December Chapter Chats 2022
Greeting from Blessing USA and Sacramento Valley Chorus
Harmony Academy 2022 finished on a perfect note. Five of our original Harmony Academy members performed with us on our show on December 3rd, T'was the Night Before Christmas "in Blessing USA". We all had a great time finding our inner character and learning new songs. There has been much laughter and joy these last three months of Harmony Academy for us all. Congratulations to Natalie, Debbie, Jill, Mary "Mike" and Jean our HA Graduates. For six of our members, this was their first show performance with SVC. We are so happy to have you on the stage with us
- Meredith, Dawn, Debi, Charla, Joanna, and Barb.

We also made a Holiday Video - "O Christmas Tree" - edited and organized by Debi Gordon. 
November was a fabulous month of togetherness, we are so thankful!

Be sure to order your Singing Christmas Gram a wonderful gift to let your loved ones know you are thinking of them.
Sacramento Valley Chorus wishes you all a wonderful and safe holiday season and a happy New Year!
Looking forward to seeing you all in 2023.

SVC - Region 12 Chapter Chats Article - November

 Date Posted: Wed, Nov 16 2022
SVC - Region 12 Chapter Chats Article - November
Sacramento Valley Chorus spent the month of October working on our upcoming Christmas Show. Join us on Saturday, December 3rd, at Orangevale Community Center, Orangevale, CA. There will be two shows - one at 1:30 pm and one at 4:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite. Come see us.....you won't be disappointed!  We'll be featuring our Harmony Academy graduates - they are fabulous. The show has a cast of characters you won't want to miss!  
 

 

Chapter Chats Article for Pacific Shores Region 12 - September

 Date Posted: Tue, Sep 20 2022
Chapter Chats Article for Pacific Shores Region 12 - September
In August, Sacramento Valley Chorus took a vacation. We start up again on September 21st all rested and ready to go. 

On September 28th we start our Harmony Academy with our first guest night of 10. We are looking forward to many guests interested in learning more about SVC, SAI, and being a part of our Winter Holiday Show in December. 
 

We would like to wish all of Region 12's International competitors the best of luck. We will be watching and cheering you all on. Best wishes too to our SVC dual members with PEC - Nancy Maas, Alison Miller, Desiree Hughart, Valerie Richie, Sandy Cope, and Kerry Kaempf-Wood. 
 

 
Thank you, Sweet Adelines International, for putting on a webcast so that we can all watch from home. We are so excited to see and hear 4-part harmony again. 
 

Sacramento Valley Chorus Region 12 Chapter Chats Article

 Date Posted: Sun, Aug 14 2022
Sacramento Valley Chorus Region 12 Chapter Chats Article

The month of July is behind us. What a fun and exciting month it was. 

We started the month with a party to celebrate our fabulous Jannie, who married her sweetheart Ken on a family cruise in June. We honored our in-resident Charter Founding member Dar Haag, who celebrated her 91st birthday this year. We celebrated Dede's birthday with cards and hugs, and we acknowledge our active members who have been Sweet Adelines for over 50 years. 
Jannie, Dar, Dede and Stefanie, Dar, Donna
 
We ended our month with a photo session in the park and a pizza social outing.  We are taking the month of August off to relax, regroup, and gear up for the fall. When we come back we will start off the month of September with a Harmony Academy leading up to our holiday show at the beginning of December.
 


Click on the link for the Chapter Chats
 

June Article for Region 12 Chapter Chats

 Date Posted: Fri, Jun 10 2022
June Article for Region 12 Chapter Chats

Friends and Family show May 1st 
with all the Sweet Adelines in the audience with our guest quartets Verve and WhatEver 4
Wonderful May
After three years we finally were able to perform in front of our Friends and Family before we were able to compete in Region 12's Video Contest. It was truly a blast to be able to perform again for those who support and encourage us every day. 

We miss all the excitement of seeing all our regional friends and their chorus's performances live this year. Thank you Region 12 for making it possible for us to compete and to be able to see everyone even if it had to be on YouTube. We were cheering everyone on and we're so happy to see you all perform.

Thank you to the outgoing Management Team

Outgoing Piet Chini and Nancy Maass.
New 22/23 Management Team: Sherry Rowe - Team Leader, Debi Gordon - Communications,  Sue Barkley - Events, Pattie Bauer - Finance, Valerie Richie (not pictured)- Fundraising, Judi Naill - Marketing, Cindy Henry - Membership, Donna Spitzer - Secretary and Dede Nibler - Director
SWEET ADELINE OF THE YEAR 2022
Congratulations to our Sweet Adeline of the Year our director Dede Nibler. She was the glue that kept us together during this time of Covid with her Wake up with Dede Zoom meetings, small group rehearsals, and weekly words of wisdom. Dede is the forever teacher and we love that she is continuously bringing the joy of learning to us. 


Mark you calendar! SAI Region 12 Contest Results YouTube

 Date Posted: Mon, May 16 2022
Mark you calendar! SAI Region 12 Contest Results YouTube

Mark your calendar for May 28, the YouTube Channel for Pacific Shores Region 12!!!!  
  • Quartet Competition Saturday, May 28, 11 am Pacific Time
  • Chorus Competition Saturday, May 28, 2 pm Pacific Time
YouTube Video URL:

Sacramento Valley Chorus Article for Pacific Shores Region 12 Chapter Chat - May Edition

 Date Posted: Tue, May 10 2022
Sacramento Valley Chorus Article for Pacific Shores Region 12 Chapter Chat - May Edition



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April was a busy month for Sacramento Valley Chorus as we prepared for Video Contest on May 14th. We are happy to be back on the risers again. We feel so fortunate to be able to rehearse at our Center of Spiritual Awareness rehearsal site on Wednesday nights. The positive words hanging from the rafters inspire us and make it impossible for us not to smile. We worked on the contest set and our first Friends and Family show in 2 years. May 1st.
279040771_5140027122732148_6753763712333605437_n.jpg
(We wish all the best to our competing quartet Whatever4)

We welcomed a new member Tamra Perez - baritone, who was a past member of Sacramento Valley Chorus and is a delight to have back in the fold. 
279075330_5140030366065157_4049917844096279035_n.jpg

And we had a special guest this month during Spring Break, Melody, Dede's lovely granddaughter. She directed the chorus for one song, a budding director for sure. 
 
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We wish everyone a wonderful May. 

April 2022 Chapter Chats article for Region 12

 Date Posted: Sat, Apr 16 2022
April 2022 Chapter Chats article for Region 12
We are so happy to be back together. The rehearsal hall is filled with an excited hum as we greet each other every week. With each step up onto the risers, we get stronger not only physically but also emotionally. There is no better place to be but back surrounded by our riser sisters and feeling the hug of four-part harmony while ringing chords.  
 
This past month, the highlight at SVC was a 3-day coaching session with Ryan Heller: learning, singing, and laughing – what could be more fun than that? We so enjoyed the opportunity to experience Ryan doing what he does best!
 
 
The ‘lowlight’ this month was that our new riser trailer was broken into, and our new sound system, keyboard & stand were stolen, so we are once again looking for a new rehearsal hall since it appears we really do need a place where we can store everything inside a building. We choose to be resilient in the face of setbacks and are moving forward optimistically!

Upcoming events in April include:
  •  April 2 - Bingo Fundraiser
  •  April 4 - Social Event of Quilting & Crafts
  •  April 13 - Book Club Meeting
  •  May 1 - Friends & Family Show
All events are open to the Region.  See our calendar here: https://www.sacramentovalleychorus.com/dbpage.php?pg=calendar

Lastly, we welcomed new members: Cindy Taurone (lead). We are thrilled to be moving forward and adding a wonderful new singer to our chorus!
 
Cindy Taurone, Bonnie Garlow, and Cindy Henry

March 2022 Chapter Chats article for Region 12

 Date Posted: Tue, Mar 8 2022
March 2022 Chapter Chats article for Region 12
February ended on a high note as we met (on the risers!) for a full Saturday of singing and choreography. North Metro’s Erin Howden had previously met over zoom with our dedicated choreo team and given them some creative ideas for our uptune.

Our Costume Chair, Valerie Richie, organized a plan for our upcoming rehearsals that involves having us wear a specific costume piece each week so that we can be sure everyone has the appropriate pieces on hand, and that the size & fit are still consistent with an attractive, unified chorus appearance.
 
 
And to add to all the usual fun, our beloved and incredibly high-energy director offers regular small-group voice lessons to all interested members. And that’s many of us! We love having the opportunity to build our skill level and confidence, thank-you Dede Nibler!
 

Chapter Chats January

January Chapter Chats Article for Region 12

 Date Posted: Mon, Jan 31 2022
January Chapter Chats Article for Region 12
 
The highlight for us this month was a trip that many of us took to Honolulu to sing as part of Hawaii’s annual Pearl Harbor Parade. The friendly people, the outdoor rehearsals in the park, the always-changing weather, the trolley ride down the main boulevard – all combined into a memorable and very enjoyable trip! Plus our earlier dress rehearsal in Sacramento made the local CBS news - check it out: https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/video/6167239-harmonies-from-the-heart/

Sacramento Valley Chorus gave ourselves a much-needed Christmas present this year – a new ‘gently used’ trailer to store our risers! Many thanks to member Joanna Davis for finding a trailer that will give us a little extra storage room since our current rehearsal venue did not have any extra space available. Also, kudos to member Cindy Henry and her husband Phil for their help and many suggestions about how the trailer can be modified (by Phil) in order to make loading and unloading the risers a bit easier.

Though regular chorus rehearsals were on hold in December for the holiday break, some of us still got together for our monthly book club meeting (most recent read was Summer Island), our social “Crafty Women” (for quilters, sewers, etc), and a new fundraiser this year: a Tamale Making class held by the Cooking Chicas (Dede Nibler, Angie Yokay, Margaret Leggett, Kirby Cass). See our Facebook page for all of the fun photos!
Finally, congratulations to members Stefanie Carson for achieving her 50-year membership with Sweet Adelines, and also to Shirley Kout for achieving her 60-year membership. You are both amazing and wonderful women!



For the full issue of 02/17/2022 - Pacific Shores Region 12 -  CHAPTER CHATS

KCRA 3 - Sacramento Valley Chorus in Hawaii for 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack

 Date Posted: Tue, Dec 7 2021
KCRA 3 - Sacramento Valley Chorus in Hawaii for 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack

Sacramento Valley Chorus in Hawaii for 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack



HONOLULU COUNTY, Hawaii —

The Sacramento Valley Chorus is in Hawaii to mark the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. All 30 ladies are singing to preserve history.

They want to raise awareness to help young people learn more about that fateful day when the Japanese Navy Air Service attacked the United States naval base in Hawaii, killing more than 2,400 Americans.

Many of the singers have loved ones who were in World War Two.

Chorus director Dede Nibler says she is proud to represent the West Coast in Hawaii.

They've been busy rehearsing to take part in several performances this week.

They plan to sing their hearts out on the streets of Honolulu to honor veterans and remember those who have passed.
On Wednesday, the chorus from Sacramento will perform on the U.S.S. Missouri.

The group received an invitation to go to the Pearl Harbor anniversary three years ago, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, they had to postpone the trip until now.

"Everyone that is singing has someone in their life that has served, either a father, a grandfather, a brother an uncle," said Dede Nibler, Sacramento Valley Chorus director. "So it's not about us so much as it is about the history... It's very emotional for me. My father was in the Second World War and I think this happens to many. They don't really talk about it. I think it's that whole idea that they come home, and they want to forget about it, and yet we can't forget about it. We have to continue to keep it alive. I want to keep my father's memory alive."

Oahu has experienced flooding from heavy rain, but organizers have told them the parade is happening, rain or shine.

#GoodMorningSacramento #SacramentoValleyChorus #PacificShoresRegion12

Good Day Sacramento - Harmonies From The Heart

 Date Posted: Thu, Dec 2 2021
Good Day Sacramento - Harmonies From The Heart
Thank you Good Day Sacramento for the wonderful send-off for the Sacramento Valley Chorus Pearl Harbor Ensemble.

The SVC Pearl Harbor Ensemble will land in Hawaii on December 5th and return on December 9th. They will perform on stage for the opening ceremonies before the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade, as well as join in the parade. Plus they will do a tribute performance at the USS Missouri. We are so proud of these women. We wish them all a safe and fun journey.




 

SVC - Looking for Rental Space

 Date Posted: Wed, Jul 14 2021
SVC - Looking for Rental Space
RENTAL SPACE WANTED

The Award-Winning Sacramento Valley Chorus is looking to rent a rehearsal space!  After a long time of rehearsing only on ZOOM, we can now meet in person and once again hear the harmony we can only hear when all four parts are present.
    
If you have a place or know of a place that may work for us, PLEASE let us know so we can check it out.  Our contact information: fst@sacramentovalleychorus.com



Specifications for Rehearsal Space: 
  1. Room approximately 60 feet by 45 feet (to accommodate the choral risers). 
    1. Ceilings at least 12 feet high, but not much more. 
    2. Acoustic tiles in the ceiling would be a plus.
  2. Breakout rooms (3 preferred) for section rehearsals and meeting rooms on occasion
  3. Carpeting preferred
  4. Storage space for risers and sound equipment
  5. Free Parking for a large group.  Lighted parking lot a plus.
  6. Bathrooms
  7. Available tables and chairs – at least 4 tables and 50 chairs
  8. Heating and Air Conditioning
  9. Handicap access
  10. Available every Wednesday evening (Occasional Friday Evenings and Saturdays 9 – 5)
  11. Security if possible
  12. Preferably in the greater Sacramento area

We are a nonprofit organization with 501 (c) (3) status, and we carry our own insurance provided by Sweet Adelines International.

Visit our website: SacramentoValleyChorus.com

SVC Strong by Michelle Cordova

 Date Posted: Thu, Jul 1 2021
SVC Strong by Michelle Cordova
Sacramento Valley's newest member Michelle Cordova submitted an article for the Sweet Adeline International publication of the Pitch Pipe. Her article talks about what it is like to pass her audition on the last day of live rehearsal before the pandemic shutdown. SVC is so fortunate to have Michelle as a member and we look forward to getting to know her better as we open back up to in-person rehearsals in the near future.

Please enjoy: SVC Strong by Michelle Cordova
Attachment:

Pearl Harbor Tour - Participation Agreement & Registration

 Date Posted: Thu, Jun 17 2021
Pearl Harbor Tour - Participation Agreement & Registration
Aloha from SVC Tour Committee,

We are excited about our upcoming Pearl Harbor Tour and look forward to your participation. This tour is open to all Friends of Sacramento Valley Chorus, You can join us on this tour as a singer or as an audience member.

To sign up please click on the attachment and follow the instructions. Once we have received your submitted participation agreement, we will send you a confirmation and an individual financial statement.  Looking forward to traveling together,

SVC Tour Committee
Stefanie Carson - Tour Coordinator
Maxine Verma - Tour Finance Coordinator
svctour@sacramentovalleychorus.com



Pearl Harbor Tour
www.sacramentovalleychorus.com
Attachment:

Big Day of Giving 2021

 Date Posted: Tue, Apr 20 2021
Big Day of Giving 2021

Wake Up with Dede - vocal conditioning and warm up session

 Date Posted: Sun, Jan 31 2021
Wake Up with Dede - vocal conditioning and warm up session
Dede Nibler - Master Director of Sacramento Valley Chorus, is hosting WAKE UP WITH DEDE, 
a Tues-Thurs 30-minute vocal conditioning and warm-up session, which begins at 9:30 AM Tuesday through Thursday. You are invited to join in for humming, bubbling, trilling, arpeggioing, appoggioing, and many other fun warm-ups. There will be fun songs and rounds.

For the ZOOM link for this event contact: contact@sacramentovalleychorus.com

You can come one day a week, two, three, or four!  Come as you are - in your pajamas, hair not perfect, no makeup (who wears makeup anymore), barefoot, and comfy!  That will be me! This daily morning vocal warm-up session will help strengthen your breathing and singing skills.  


Classes start again on January 5th T-TH @ 9:30 am - weekly T, W &TH

Happy New Year! 

Jan/Feb handout

KAHI Radio interview promoting ZOOMtastic

 Date Posted: Tue, Oct 27 2020
KAHI Radio interview promoting ZOOMtastic
Judi Naill - SVC Marketing Coordinator Live on KAHI Radio promoting our upcoming ZOOMtastic Guest Night this Wednesday 10-28-2020.

Take a listen: KAHI Radio - Interview/ZOOMtastic

Come join us - contact
membership.coord@sacramentovalleychorus.com for the Zoom Rehearsal Link

Deke Sharon's visit with SVC 10-07-2020

 Date Posted: Fri, Oct 9 2020
Deke Sharon's visit with SVC 10-07-2020
We were honored to have Deke Sharon visit our rehearsal on October 7, 2020. Here is his talk about "Moving BBS into the Future"
YouTube Video URL:

Moving BBS Into The Future

 Date Posted: Thu, Oct 1 2020
Moving BBS Into The Future
Come join us on YouTube Live Stream to hear what Deke Sharon has to say about BBS / A Cappella singing into the future. 



This is the YouTube Live Stream Link for our event: https://youtu.be/yJOUT8sEYwg  
we go live at 7:20 pm. 

Due to the number of Region 12 members interested in this event and our participation limited Pro-Zoom account, we have decided to limit access to Zoom to svc members and reg12 directors. 

Feel free to share our Live Stream Link information and website links with your chorus members, we will be monitoring the YouTube Chat for questions and comments.
YouTube Video URL:

Slightly Batty Guest Night - ZOOMtastic

 Date Posted: Wed, Sep 30 2020
Slightly Batty Guest Night - ZOOMtastic

TO ALL SACRAMENTO VALLEY CHORUS MEMBERS - 
PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.  SEND EMAILS TO WOMEN IN YOUR CONTACT LISTS.
MAKE COPIES OF THE ATTACHED FLYER  (WITH WHITE BACKGROUND)
AND DISTRIBUTE TO BUSINESSES AND FRIENDS. 
WHEN YOU SEE THIS POSTED ON FACEBOOK, PLEASE LIKE AND SHARE! 

Sacramento Valley Chorus is offering a special Halloween treat that will last beyond candy treats. 
Treat yourself to singing while Staying in Place and be ready to perform when safe from Covid-19.  
Welcome to our Slightly Batty Guest Night - ZOOMtastic Harmony Academy,   
Women of all ages are invited to ZOOMtastic - Harmony Academy. 

Sing 4-Part Harmony, a cappella, Barbershop Style

Wed, Oct 28, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

For more fun, come in costume!  (Optional, of course!)

Contact: Membership.coord@sacramentovalleychorus.com
Visit our website: sacramentovalleychorus.com

BONUS: 
Guests attending two rehearsals will be eligible for a private zoom voice lesson by Master Director Dede Nibler.  

Don't miss out on this great opportunity.  


Judi Naill
Sacramento Valley Chorus
www.sacramentovalleychorus.com
Attachment:

Sweet Adelines International Board of Directors Statement

 Date Posted: Sat, Jun 20 2020
Sweet Adelines International Board of Directors Statement
Dear Sweet Adelines International Members,
 
The Sweet Adelines International Board of Directors met June 10-13 and with unanimous decisions, took action on several important issues that affect our members and how we all can better live out our organization's guiding principles. Here is a statement from the board regarding those decisions:
 
In accordance with our guiding principles on the Culture of Belonging and Diversity & Inclusion (D & I), Sweet Adelines International rejects any song with racist lyrics, messages or history, and we consider them unacceptable for performance in any setting.

Therefore, we commit to actions including but not limited to:
  • Changing our contest rules so that these songs will be unacceptable for performance in any contest setting. Performance of these songs in the 2021 Regional competition will result in a score penalty. Beginning with the 2021 International competition, it will result in disqualification. The phased implementation is to ensure that all members fully understand how to evaluate the lyrics, message, and history of a song before the disqualification penalty takes effect.
  • Establishing education and resources to teach our members how to determine if a song has a racist lyric, message or history. To support this, the development and release of the Song Evaluation Tool component of the D & I Chorus Toolkit is being accelerated. A more detailed schedule for its release will be shared the week of July 6, 2020.
  • Creating an ongoing, living database to which members can continually refer and share information regarding songs that have racist lyrics, messages or history.


In addition to the decisions related to music with racist lyrics, the Board unanimously voted to establish the email safe@sweetadelines.com as a way for members to confidentially contact us to share their concerns within the Culture of Belonging and D & I guiding principles.

To ensure that the work of the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force continues, the Board also took action to create a body to serve as the permanent stewards of this important work. This body will be known as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council and will be created with wide representation of our membership.

As these initiatives are developed, additional details will be provided. We know that you have many questions about this, and we welcome your thoughts and ideas. Please contact us at exec@sweetadelines.com.

In Harmony,
 
International Board of Directors
Joan Boutilier, President
Thérèse Antonini, President-Elect
Patty Cobb Baker, Immediate Past President
JD Crowe, Treasurer
Mary Rhea, Secretary
Sharon Cartwright
Paula Davis
Leslie Galbreath
Elaine Hamilton
Jenny Harris
Vicky Maybury
Janice McKenna

Rehearsals during Covid-19 Shelter-in-Place

 Date Posted: Thu, Apr 30 2020
Rehearsals during Covid-19 Shelter-in-Place
Join Us on Zoom!
Contact: Membership Coordinator
 

Sang on Channel 31, KMAXTV - to promote Merry & Bright Christmas Show

 Date Posted: Sun, Nov 17 2019
Sang on Channel 31, KMAXTV - to promote Merry & Bright Christmas Show
Sacramento Valley Chorus was invited to sing on Channel 31 Morning to promote our upcoming
Merry & Bright 40 Anniversary Celebration Show
December 7th at 2 pm

Here are the videos from SVC's performance interview with Channel 31 on 11-25-2019
The first link is Jingle Bells and the second is Winter Wonderland:

https://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/4221180-sac-valley-chorus/
https://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/4221211-sac-valley-chorus-pt-2/


 

Merry and Bright - Sacramento Valley Christmas Show

 Date Posted: Fri, Nov 8 2019
Merry and Bright - Sacramento Valley Christmas Show
Sacramento Valley Chorus Presents:

MERRY & BRIGHT
40th Anniversary Celebration and Show
Saturday, December 7th


Tickets: $25
Doors Open 1:30 PM
Show Starts 2:00 PM

Tickets can be purchased by contacting our Ticket Coordinator at tickets@sacramentovalleychorus.com
Price Includes: Hors D'oeuvres, Coffee, and Cinder
Attachment:

Sacramento Valley Chorus - Celebrates 40th Anniversary

 Date Posted: Wed, Oct 16 2019
Sacramento Valley Chorus - Celebrates 40th Anniversary



On October 30, 1979, a few women met and chartered with Sweet Adelines International to form the Sacramento Valley Chorus.  One of the original founding members, Dar Haag, is still an active member of SVC.  They competed in the next regional competition in 1980, and proudly came in 15th place out of 31 choruses. They were jazzed! 


The rest is history.  SVC has competed on the International stage four times: once in 1990, and three times in a row 2015, 2017 and 2019.  In addition to competing, the chorus sang at Carnegie Hall in 2012, and performs annually at shows, local events, Singing Valentines, etc. 

One thing hasn’t changed in 40 years, SVC loves to sing and welcomes women of all ages to join us in singing this wonderful art form of four-part a cappella harmony.  Rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings, 6:30 - 9:30 pm, Arena Christian Church, 4027 No. Freeway Blvd., Sacramento, CA

Find more information about Sacramento Valley Chorus on our website: sacramentovalleychorus.com 

 
Attachment:

Choral Review -SVC Fall Festival Friends and Family Show

 Date Posted: Wed, Sep 11 2019
Choral Review -SVC Fall Festival Friends and Family Show

Capital Region Performance Gallery

Choral Review
Sacramento Valley Chorus - Sweet Adelines

Fall Festival Friends and Family Show - September 7, 2019

by Dick Frantzreb

The Sacramento Valley Chorus is celebrating its 40th year as a chartered member of Sweet Adelines International, the women’s barbershop organization. And a great way for them to celebrate this anniversary year is by having the opportunity to compete in Sweet Adelines’ 73rd Annual International Convention and Competition coming up September 16-21 (2019) in New Orleans. It was their success in competitions last year that earned the Sacramento Valley Chorus (SVC), under the leadership of Master Director Dede Nibler, the invitation to compete at International this year ? an honor they had in 2015 and 2017, as well.

As you become familiar with barbershop organizations, you quickly learn that barbershop choruses (and quartets, for that matter) are all about competition. Of course, there’s also the joy of singing, the camaraderie, and the thrill of performing. But barbershoppers ? at least at the highest levels where the Sacramento Valley Chorus currently resides ? embrace competition as a way to refine their art and pursue new paths of creativity.

A week or two before major competitions, SVC has put on a “Friends and Family Show.” It’s an opportunity to show off for their biggest fans, most of whom won’t be able to follow them to a distant city for the actual competition. More importantly, though, this special show gives the chorus an opportunity to test themselves against a live audience, and discover last-minute ways to refine their performance.

This time, the “Fall Festival Friends and Family Show” took place on a Saturday afternoon at Sacramento’s Arena Christian Center. Chorus member, Becky Garcia, served as emcee and welcomed the several hundred audience members.  She went on to explain a bit about SVC’s history and and let us know that in the presentation of their “package,” we would be getting a “taste of what it would be like to be at International.” As Garcia was speaking, the 84 members of the chorus entered in a single line from stage right in their attractive new costumes (below). Those at the front of the line stopped after filling the stage, facing stage left, and they presented cover for the rest of the chorus as they took to the risers behind them. As I watched these 15 or so ladies, with stage make up, carefully coiffed and with a pose that reflected discipline and confidence, their smiles reminded me of the way synchronized swimmers present themselves before entering the water.  To read the full article........

 

HOT OFF THE PRESS! SVC heading to New Orleans!

 Date Posted: Thu, Aug 22 2019
HOT OFF THE PRESS! SVC heading to New Orleans!
The Award-Winning Sacramento Valley Chorus can't wait to hear our introduction on the Sweet Adelines International stage:

"Now Contestant #25, from Sacramento California, under the direction of Master Director Dede Nibler, the Sacramento Valley Chorus!"    


Sweet Adelines International Competition will be held September 16 - 21, 2019, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.   Our friends and family who are unable to go to New Orleans may watch us live on the webcast: http://sweetadswebcast.com  We perform in the Semi Finals on Thursday, September 19, at 5:33 pm Central time, (3:33 pm California time). 

Watch a sneak preview of our International performance by attending the Fall Festival on Saturday, September 7, 2:00 pm at the Arena Christian Center, 4027  N. Freeway Blvd., Sacramento.  Tickets are $10.   For tickets, see any chorus member or check our website: sacramentovalleychorus.com
 

Watch Sacramento Valley Chorus Compete - May 3rd and 4th, 2019

 Date Posted: Mon, Apr 29 2019
Watch Sacramento Valley Chorus Compete - May 3rd and 4th, 2019
Sacramento Valley Chorus is traveling to Sparks Nevada, to perform on the Sweet Adelines Pacific Shores Region 12 Contest Stage - MAY 3 - 5, 2019

Please watch us on the webcast: R12WEBCAST.MEDIA

We have three quartets competing on Friday May 3rd,
  • Sneak Preview:  contestant # 7 - performance time:  ~2::20 PM
  • Fresco: contestant #22 - performance time: ~6:00 PM
  • Whatever 4: contestant #24 - performance time ~6:20 PM

Sacramento Valley Chorus will perform for Evaluation May 4th at 12:30 PM. We will perform again around 4:30 PM as the 2019 Wild Card Chorus Champions.  Be sure to sign on earlier to make sure you do not miss us.

Thank you for your continued support and well wishes.



 

Performing for Evaluation at Region 12 Competition

 Date Posted: Wed, Apr 24 2019
Performing for Evaluation at Region 12 Competition
Sacramento Valley Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, is pleased to announce that they will be performing at the Sweet Adelines International Pacific Shores Region 12 Competitions in Sparks, NV, on Saturday, May 4, 2019! They get together weekly in the Sacramento area to practice and celebrate an art form known as barbershop singing!  They are lead by Master Director, Dede Nibler, who provides excellent educational opportunities for both the members and their community!
 
SVC is proud to have been a competitor at the Sweet Adelines 2017 International Convention and Competition in Las Vegas, NV, where they placed 14th among 34 other world class competitors!  This year the chorus will journey to New Orleans, LA, to test their skills, once again, on September 19th.
 
The chorus is always looking for women who love to sing and dance!  They rehearse at the Arena Christian Center 4027 N. Freeway Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95834 – in the Natomas area!  If YOU love to sing, go to the SVC website for more information!   (www.sacramentovalleychorus.com)
 

Big Day of Giving - May 2

 Date Posted: Sun, Apr 14 2019
Big Day of Giving - May 2
Big Day of Giving is coming soon,  Don't forget to make your donation.  Remember, you can donate as little as $15 and all donations are great!  Here's some important information:
  • We have $4000 in matching funds from anonymous donors!  That means that your donation will be doubled until all other donations equal $4000.
  • Please schedule your donation on April 15.  Valerie will contribut $10 for the first 20 scheduled donations and $5 for all other donations until midnight on April 15th. Thank you, Valerie!
  • Great news!  If you are a Golden One credit union member, Golden One will match your donation if you use your Golden One credit or debit card.  Let's go after those funds.
  • Ask your friends and family to donate.  Use whatever social media you are active on.  The link for donations is: www.bigdayofgiving.org. Donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes immediately.  Put this link on your facebook page.  There is also information about our participation in Big Day of Giving on our website.
  • Here's how to donate:  Go the the link. Type Sacramento Valley Chorus in the box at the top right of the page, or on the middle of the page where it says "Find Your Cause."  Starting on April 15 there will be a donate button on our entry.  
  • If you are tech savvy (or even if your not) you can set up a fundraising "campaign" on the website. Click on "Learn More" and then on Fundraise.  Contacts that you reach out to will be able to see your campaign when they access the BDOG site.
  • And if you can, check out the other deserving organizations that are participating in Big Day of Giving.  This is a wonderful way to support non profit organizations in the Sacramento area.

 

Big Day of Giving - Sacramento Valley Chorus

 Date Posted: Wed, Mar 20 2019
Big Day of Giving - Sacramento Valley Chorus



Dear Friends and Colleagues:


Sacramento Valley Chorus is participating in the 2019 Sacramento Region Community Foundation Big Day of Giving.  The Big Day of Giving provides a platform for eligible non profit organizations in the Sacramento area to receive donations from interested donors on a designated date.  To learn more you can visit the Big Day of Giving website: www.bigdayofgiving.org.

At Sacramento Valley Chorus we strive to “harmonize the world” by providing an opportunity to our members to learn and perform four part acapella barbershop harmony; and an opportunity to our audiences to experience this uniquely American art form.  This year, in addition to our local performances, we will be performing in competitions in Sparks, Nevada, and in New Orleans, Louisiana. With your support during Big Day of Giving on May 2, we can grow our impact in this community and beyond.

Sacramento Valley Chorus is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization. Our Tax Identification Number is 94-2617400.  Donations are fully tax deductible. The minimum donation is $15 and all donations will help our cause.  You can schedule your donation in advance starting on April 15. To make a donation, visit www.bigdayofgiving.org and enter Sacramento Valley Chorus in the “Find Your Cause” text block.  Of course, if you prefer to donate by check you may mail a check to our Big Day of Giving team lead: Sarah Eary, 2721 Zane Drive, Woodland, CA 95776.
Are you interested in being a matching fund donor?  Matching fund donations encourage additional donors because the amount attributed to matched donors is doubled until the total matching funds have been depleted.  Matching funds really do have a significant impact on potential donors. If you are willing to be a matching fund donor, please contact Sarah Eary at 925-212-5061.
Thank you so much for your support.
 
Attachment:

Sang the National Anthem for the Kings vs Celtics 3-6*2019

 Date Posted: Thu, Mar 7 2019
Sang the National Anthem for the Kings vs Celtics 3-6*2019
Sacramento Valley Chorus had the honor to perform the National Anthem at the Kings vs Celtic game on March 6th.
We had a blast. (Click on the  blue link)


 

July 2nd - SVC at Warriors Game - A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY!!

 Date Posted: Fri, Jun 8 2018
July 2nd - SVC at Warriors Game - A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY!!
Sacramento Valley Chorus will preform the National Athem at the Golden 1 Center on July 2nd. If you would like to join us and watch the game, a limited supply of tickets are available. See the  flier and attachement. 
Attachment:

It is Official - New Orleans 2019

 Date Posted: Wed, May 30 2018
It is Official - New Orleans 2019
IT IS OFFICIAL -  Sacramento Valley Chorus has been invited to compete in New Orleans in 2019
 
Our second place score at our Region 12 Compeition in Reno last month made us  eligible to compete as a Wildcard Chorus at the 2019 International Convention held in New Orleans, Louisiana. We are super excited. 

Region 12 Webcast - Sacramento Valley Performance information

 Date Posted: Tue, May 1 2018
Region 12 Webcast  - Sacramento Valley Performance information


Region 12 Webcast  
$20: (live video stream of quartet & chorus contests, includes 3 weeks of video-on-demand following the live contest). 

Sacramento Valley Chorus competiting  quartets perform at the following times on Friday:
2:17 pm  contestant #7     Whatever 4 
4:05 pm  contestant #16    Vibrance 
5:59 pm  contestant #22    Fresco
and the  chorus performs on Saturday  at approx time 3:24 pm - Sacramento Valley Chorus contestant 14th

April 29 - Spring Fling

 Date Posted: Sun, Apr 22 2018
April 29 - Spring Fling

Enjoy an afternoon of great music as the chorus prepares for regional competition and debuts our newest music. Featuring:

  • Performances from our competing quartets
  • Gourment snacks
  • Wine Pull Raffle

Sun, April 29, 2018 
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM PDT


La Sierra Community Center 
5325 Engle Rd # 100 
Carmichael, CA 95608


Book now

Sacramento Valley Chorus Place 14th at Sweet Adelines International Contest

 Date Posted: Tue, Jan 30 2018
Sacramento Valley Chorus Place 14th at Sweet Adelines International Contest
Watch our performance at the last Sweet Adelines International Contest October 2017 in Las Vegas. We are very proud and excited about our 14th place finish and are looking forward to the coming year. 
YouTube Video URL:

The Sacramento Choral Calendar - Concert Review - by Diane Boul

 Date Posted: Sat, Dec 9 2017
The Sacramento Choral Calendar - Concert Review - by Diane Boul
The Sacramento Choral Calendar

 
   
Concert Review

Sacramento Valley Chorus


'Tis the Season To Be Jolly - December 9, 2017

by Diane Boul
What do you think of when you think of a choir or a chorus? Church choirs? Amateur community choirs? Maybe children’s choirs or one of the large professional choirs? These are all groups of people that come together to sing and, often, to entertain. They come in all types: all men, all women, mixed groups, professional-level, purely amateur, some better than others.

Then there’s the Sacramento Valley Chorus, directed by Dede Nibler. They are pure theater! They sing, dance, and act, all with professionalism, sophistication, and with so much enthusiasm and fun. Sacramento Valley Chorus (SVC) is an award-winning, high-energy chorus of women dedicated to musical excellence in the performance of four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. In 2017 they represented Region 12 at the Sweet Adelines International competition in Las Vegas, placing 14th.  That’s 14th in the world of Sweet Adeline choruses!

One of the four categories on which SAI competitors are judged is expression: this includes matched open vowels, diction, and execution of interpretive plan, use of barbershop style and vocal drama, and emotional communication. If more choruses would adhere to these qualities in their singing, there’d be much larger audiences listening to much better choruses.

Most choruses don’t have a distinctive sound that identifies them, but SVC does. It’s the barbershop sound that is revered by many and appreciated by so many more. Some folks just like that distinctive sound, while others delight in the tight harmonies that make this music difficult to sing. All barbershop groups (men and women) sing in four parts: tenor, lead, baritone, and bass, from highest voice to lowest, but these do not correspond well to classical voice parts. Each of the four parts has its own role: generally, the lead sings the melody, the tenor harmonizes above the melody, the bass sings the lowest harmonizing notes, and the baritone completes the chord, usually below the lead.

According to the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS), "Barbershop music features songs with understandable lyrics and easily singable melodies.” May sound simple, but if you have time, read what else the BHS and others say about the complexities of the barbershop tone and chords. The history of how barbershop evolved is really interesting and sounds very scientific and complicated. What you hear is no accident!

The elements of the barbershop style and the names of the voice parts are the same for both men and women, but the ranges in each part are different, of course. The ideal balance in a chorus is about 40% bass, 30% lead, 20% baritone and 10% tenor singers. Fortunately, there are many arrangers with the skills to include the barbershop chord structure in their arrangements.  Today's barbershop quartets and choruses sing a variety of music from all eras — show tunes, pop, and even rock music have been arranged for choruses and quartets, making them more attractive to younger singers. I was disappointed that no mention was made in the program of these talented arrangers.

The defining characteristic of the barbershop style is the ringing chord, one in which certain overtones of the four voices reinforce each other, sometimes so strongly that the overtone is perceived by the listener as a distinct tone, even though none of the voices are perceived as singing that tone. Wrap your head around that idea!! Barbershop music is always a cappella, because listening to anything but the other three voices interferes with a performer's ability to tune with the precision required.

“Tis the Season to Be Jolly,” Sacramento Valley Chorus’s concert at the Oak Hill Church in Folsom on this day, mixed the finals package from their competition in Las Vegas with an impressive array of Christmas songs, plus three costume changes along the way. Oak Hill Church was perfect for this group, because they have a huge following.  This spacious hall accommodated all of them, and it was almost full. There wasn’t a problem acoustically, because the singers were heavily miked with professional equipment, so the sound was full and even. I noticed how dressed up members of the audience were. This was a nice change from the casual attire I see at most concerts  definitely not a jeans affair.

(Click here to open the program in a new window.)

Emcee Gwen Marks asked the audience to imagine the Road to OzVegas, another tale of Oz, which was a parody on the Oz plays, including The Wizard of Oz,The Wiz, and Wicked.  The Oz characters were well-represented, including Dorothy (director Dede Nibler); the Tin Man; the Lion; the Munchkins; the Wicked Witch of the West; Glinda, the Good Witch of the South (or the North if you go back to the original movie), etc.

This was a really creative skit about auditioning a new baritone for the competitive quartet of witches. Beginning with “Pure Imagination,” the skit progressed to “Move on Down the Road” as the auditions went on. This actually made sense if you were there, and it was hilarious how they continued to weave the Oz songs into their parody, including the revivalist, “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News”; “Popular,” Glinda’s teaching moment for the quartet; and the finale, “Brand New Day.”  Then the frenetic characters, along with the crazy, costumed, backup chorus, left the stage. This could have been the end of the show, and we would all have gone home happy; but no, SVC was just getting started!

The next introduction was to guest artists, Artistic Licensea quartet from the barbershop chorus, Voices of California (another Sacramento group worth hearing). Their “Silver Bells” rang out in this hall:  just beautiful. “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” brought us beautiful harmonies with broad vocal ranges. This piece was arranged by Deke Sharon, heralded as "The Father of Contemporary A Cappella."

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” was arranged by bass, Jason Dyer, and featured him. In this number, I was particularly impressed by the way they all seemed to breathe together. It was obvious that they were listening to each other and adjusting as necessary to keep the voices in balance. “We Three Kings of Orient Are,” written in a jazzy, rock rhythm with beatboxing accompaniment was one of my favorites. I never realized barbershop singing could be so versatile.

Jason then talked about Joseph being somewhat forgotten in the Christmas story.  So, from Joseph’s point of view, they sang “Joseph’s Lullaby,” written by Christian rock band, MercyMe, and featuring baritone, Gabe Caretto. This was a touching lullaby, so smooth and lilting and impeccably sung. This ought to be in the repertoire of more choruses. Completing their set, Artistic License sang a medley of Santa Clause-themed songs. I really didn’t care for the barbershop arrangement of this piece.

Emcee Gwen then told us that SVC had a quartet qualified to represent Region 12 (Northern California) in the International Competition for quartets. Called Fresco, Sandy, Megan, Margaret and Marriann entertained us with the upbeat, “Come On, Get Happy,” a very expressive “Chances Are,” and a scatty number, “Nobody But Me.”

Then the two quartets, Artistic License and Fresco, sang as a double quartet. Their vocal blend was smooth, the harmonies very tight. This was interesting and perhaps a little unconventional, since barbershop choruses/quartets are not usually mixed, but it worked for me. 

The entire chorus returned to show us why they were 14th in the world at the 2017 Sweet Adelines International Competition, singing “Over the Rainbow” and “My Honey’s Lovin’ Arms,” both with choreography. (See YouTube, Contestant #14 Sacramento Valley Chorus for the live performance, complete with cartwheels.)

Intermission was an event with lots of items for sale, including gifts and snack food and drinks.

The chorus returned with “Angels We Have Heard on High,” and then the audience got a chance to sing a Christmas round with the chorus, along with a few other well-known carols. It was a rousing affair, because there were hundreds of people in the audience. I think they must all have been singing.

I regret to say that I had to miss the rest of the concert, but at 5:00 p.m., this concert (which started at 3:00 pm) was only a little more than half over. I had another engagement, so I had to leave. I missed the light and funny Christmas songs I’ve heard before, but I feel confident that they were done to the standards demanded by this group of women. I did want to hear the Whatever 4 quartet, another Region 12 quartet (you can hear them at  https://www.whatever4.net/listen-to-us.html) and the SVC small ensemble, Extension Chords. I also missed one of my favorite Christmas songs, “Mary Did You Know?” Maybe it’ll turn up on YouTube, sung in the inimitable style of the Sacramento Valley Chorus!

All Reviews

SAI - Contestant 14 - Sacramento Valley Chorus

 Date Posted: Sun, Oct 1 2017
SAI - Contestant 14 - Sacramento Valley Chorus
Watch Sacramento Valley Chorus as the 14th Contestant in the Sweet Adelines Internation Semi-finals competition on Thursday, October 12 around 1 pm. Log on early so as not to miss our performance. We truly appreciate all your support as we have journeyed on the road to Oz Vegas!

 

Harmony Academy / Holiday Edition

 Date Posted: Fri, Sep 1 2017
Harmony Academy / Holiday Edition
Each year Sacramento Valley Chorus opens their doors to welcome women singers to come to our event, called "Harmony Academy". This is a seven-week program where women join us at our rehearsals and learn or review the songs that the chorus sings during the holidays and at our holiday show. It provides them the opportunity to sing our style of music and to sing with us during the holidays. If they happen to get bitten by the a cappella bug we are happy to welcome them back after the holidays. 

Register Today! 

HERE!

Friends and Family Performance

 Date Posted: Fri, Aug 25 2017
Friends and Family Performance
SEPTEMBER 27, 2017
 
Richard Brunelle Performance Hall
315 W. 14th Street, Davis, California, 95616
Wednesday   
7 - 9 pm

   
(Directions)

       
Enjoy an evening of great music as the chorus prepares for International competition
in Las Vegas. We will be getting in some stage time singing for our very best audience!     


Our family and friends!

FREE Admission      
Donations Welcome!