What is International Education Symposium?
Each summer, Sweet Adelines International holds the International Education Symposium (IES). IES is a three day immersion in classes dedicated to the barbershop style for women. Click here for more information on IES.
The musical education available to members of Sweet Adelines International would be difficult to duplicate. Not only do members learn vocal production and music, they also learn choreography, stage production, costuming, makeup and much more. Training and certification programs are available in the areas of directing, arranging, judging, teaching (faculty), and more.
Harmony Classic Contest
Ten of the best small and midsize choruses compete in 12-15 minute performance packages. These choruses compete for Division A (small chorus) and Division AA (mid-size chorus) Champion Chorus titles.
Rising Star Contest
Rising Star Quartet Contest is to encourage young women, 25 years and under, to develop mastery in their singing technique, and experience the pleasure of singing four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. These young women compete for the Rising Star Champion Quartet title.
What is Sweet Adelines International Convention and Competition?
Barbershop harmony lovers from all over the globe gather to listen to the world's best adult female quartets and large choruses from each region, as they compete for international championships. It is an thrilling experience and one you will never forget!
Judges give detailed feedback on performances, which members can use as a learning tool to improve the performance of the individual as well as the group. Competitions represent exciting opportunities to travel, perform and learn.
Thousands of members assemble annually for the highlight of the Sweet Adelines year: the International Convention. Convention is held in the last quarter of each year at a popular destination site carefully selected several years in advance.
Click here for more information on International Convention and Competition.
Interested female singers, with or without vocal training, from around the world who would like to sing Barbershop Music!
Click on the link below and enter SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL.
What kind of music do Sweet Adelines sing?
Sweet Adelines choruses and quartets perform four-part a cappella harmony, barbershop style. This style of music lends itself to songs from any era – today’s ballads, popular show tunes, even jazz.
Barbershop harmony is vocal harmony produced by four parts: lead, tenor, baritone and bass. It is different from any other kind of choral or group singing.
Lead is the melody and is sung in the range between A below middle C, and C above middle C.
Tenor is a harmony part sung consistently above the lead. Although tenor is the highest voice in barbershop harmony, it should not be confused with soprano of conventional singing groups. The tenor should have a light, sweet, pure tone that will compliment but not overpower the lead voice.
Baritone covers approximately the same range as lead. The baritone harmony notes cross the lead notes; sometimes sung below and sometimes above. Baritones must constantly adjust their balance to accommodate their position in the chord.
Bass singers should have a rich, mellow voice and be able to sing the E flat below middle C easily. Basses should not be confused with the alto of conventional groups. Many altos can sing the bass part, but others are much better suited to lead or baritone, depending on range and vocal quality.
Listen and watch the 2006 Rising Star Champion Quartet FOOTNOTES!
The Pitch Pipe is the official magazine of Sweet Adelines International. It is a quarterly magazine published in January, April, July and October. The magazine is distributed to nearly 30,000 homes in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Mexico, England, Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, Scotland, Sweden, Wales, Ireland, and other countries.
The Pitch Pipe spotlights the many faces of Sweet Adelines, plus informs, educates and recognizes the members who have made the organization a success. The subscription price for Sweet Adeline members is included in the annual per capita fee. Nonmembers may purchase a subscription for a fee of $12.00 annually, and $24 outside of North America. To learn more or download a subscription form, click here .