Sweet Adelines usher in the holidays with harmonies

Courtesy photo Sweet Adelines from left to right: Row One: Jim Whitten, Director. Row Two: Kelley Taylor-Forgar, Ronnette Brissette, Cheryl Moe, Marcia Wallin, Karin Morse. Row Three: Connie Mida, Susan Maskill, Dori Crawford, Terrie Larson. Row Four: Donna Taylor, Deanna Snider, Nancy Culp, Jackie Mohr, Marilyn Sengelaub.

REED CITY - If you were a Timber Tones fan in the past, your loyalty will be re-ignited by the Crossroads Harmony Chorus.

Crossroads Harmony Chorus of Sweet Adelines International, performers of four-part harmony barbershop, emerged from the disbanded Timber Tones three years ago.

“The Timber Tones were in Cadillac for 34 years,” said long-time member Donna Taylor. “Many left the chorus when our director Karen Miller retired. The majority of people going to rehearsals came from Reed City, Tustin and LeRoy, driving the distance to Cadillac. So, we thought we'd move it to Reed City.”

The remaining members chartered as Crossroads Harmony Chorus and partnered with a new director, James Whitten.

“The actual rehearsal and activities aren't any different,” Taylor said.

The singers are again immersed in their favorite musical style and barbershop fans are welcoming the Sweet Adelines back to the stage.

“On a weekly basis people ask me when and where we are going to perform,” Taylor said.

This weekend the Sweet Adelines present two performances of “A Song for all Seasons.” The fund-raising concerts are Saturday at 7 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Reed City and Sunday at 3 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Evart. A four-season round up, songs include “Harvest Moon,” “Singing in the Rain,” Frosty the Snowman” and others.

“If you want to know more about the heart of our chorus and why we love it, you might want to attend one of the performances,” Taylor suggested.

Sweet Adeline Sue Maskill said she was motivated to join the group after attending a Christmas performance.

“It was wonderful and I knew it was something I wanted to participate in even though I had a busy, hectic schedule,” she said.

Crossroads Harmony Chorus currently has 14 members and is seeking to grow to enhance competition opportunities.

“We're hoping to have as many as 20 to 25 members,” Maskill said. “It would be wonderful to have that many voices raised in harmony.”

Members need no formal music training, but should be able to carry a tune and hold it when surrounded by three other parts. Membership requires a commitment of a minimum of six hours per week.

“This is a total experience - voice lessons, choreography, everything.” she said. “It's not that we rehearse and go home. A lot of us practice an hour a night.”

The group meets every Monday at 6:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Reed City. Women interested in becoming a Sweet Adeline may attend four rehearsals before auditioning for membership.

Your local connection

€ Who: Crossroads Harmony Chorus of Sweet Adelines International

€ What: Local women's performing barbershop chorus

€ Who may join: Anyone who enjoys barbershop and can carry a tune

€ Member process: Prospective members attend four weekly rehearsals. Members are then selected by audition.

€ Costs: Initial fee $115 plus $20 per month

€ For membership information: Call (231) 832-4085 or (231) 832-4437

€ Upcoming performances:

Saturday at 7 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Reed City

Sunday at 3 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Evart

Fri. Nov. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Reed City's Evergreen Festival at the Open Space

Fri. Dec. 1 during Cadillac's Christmas in the Park. Festivities begin at 6 p.m.

sbarber@cadillacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)