Change in Directing Team at Southern Accord

Southern Accord has reluctantly accepted the reality that Betty Baldwin stepped down as our Director in June of this year. Betty has been a member of Southern Accord Chorus since 1993 when the chorus had its very first rehearsal and in 1998 as the chorus received its charter with Sweet Adelines International (SAI). 

Betty began as an Assistant Director at the inception of the chorus and has been Director or Co-director since 1999.  She completed the DCP in 2005. Under her tutelage, Southern Accord Chorus has received medals for most improved chorus over all, and third and second place Division A. In 2018, Betty attained the status of Harmony 500 Director.

Betty has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the chorus, Region 26 and SAI. While residing in Milk River she has made the hour drive to Lethbridge for weekly rehearsals plus performances and Board meetings no matter what the weather- literally everything from sheeting rain, blizzards and hurricane force winds. Betty has been instrumental in the development of the core values and long range plans for the chorus and always actively mentored members to expand skill levels and promote personal growth within the group.

Betty embraces life-long learning and sets an example for her chorus to aspire to, by travelling to almost every Region 26 education and contest events and International ones when she could. Betty was fittingly named Spirit of Southern Accord and nominated by her chorus for Spirit of Region 26 recognition in 2014. She exemplifies the best attributes of a Sweet Adeline including commitment to the music and chorus members, dedication to barbershop music and caring for others. 

As noted by Joey Minshall: Betty's enjoyment of barbershop, her dedication to her own and her chorus members' growth through singing together in this unique a cappella style, and sharing that enjoyment through performing in the community, have made a difference - have indeed made the world a better place.

We are happy to announce that Jill McLeod has taken over the well-oiled reins of our chorus. Jill is leading us through the Covid maze using creativity and technical skill. With Elaine Liebelt as Assistant Director and Betty continuing to support the team, we are in good hands.

Carol Quan, President, Southern Accord Chorus October 13,2020