Pacific Edge Chorus - Spiraling Wave
Pacific Edge Chorus - Spiraling Wave
Pacific Edge Chorus was swept up into a spiral of activities and events in the last quarter of 2023 that carried us through into the New Year and set several of us down on the deck of a luxury cruise ship – top that wave!! An excited 15 eager members set sail on the Sweet Adelines Cruise hosted by the fabulous Rich-Tones Chorus in January. Based on photos and postings from everyone who sailed the deep blue, it was a time that will not soon be forgotten.
While the cruise was the highpoint for some, we all agree that the highlight of the year was landing a 24th position in the Sweet Adelines world of choruses in Louisville Kentucky, Nov 2023. While the results of the Louisville competition may have been the crème de la crème, the cyclone continued upon our return home, as we engaged in local communities’ festive events, performing at five Christmas functions. We really went over the top in spreading the Christmas spirit around this year – it was like old times (pre-covid) and super exhilarating.
Our quartets did their share in the communities up and down the island, while trying to fit in our chorus Xmas gigs – Kudos to ‘Chrysalis’: Cathy Crawford, Rose Justice, Lisa Morson and Ruth Saefkow (tenor stand in: Julie Smith) who performed South Island events (including the upper Rotunda in the Parliament buildings). Accolades to ‘Rumor Has It’: Karen Sorchinski, Rosanna Duffy, Shirley Nicholson and Nancy Farkas who shared Christmas renditions in their neck of the woods Then there is ‘Cloud 9’ who are a constant when it comes to entertaining and sharing the joy of their musical magic: Lori Murphy, Lolanda Emerson, Sue Smart and Mary-Ann Connaghan. Keep your ears and eyes open for more fabulous 4s on the rise.
Marcia Pinvidic made our chorus proud again when she received the Sweet Adelines international President’s lifetime Achievement award at the convention in Louisville last Nov. Earlier last fall during one of our many coaching sessions with Marcia, we had awarded her a lifetime membership with Pacific Edge Chorus. We are so thankful for her expertise and willingness to take us on in the education of our beautiful acapella 4-part harmony art form.
Pacific Edge Chorus extends a special congratulations to our Canadian sister chorus Lions Gate Chapter for their phenomenal contest package that won them 1st place in the 75th Sweet Adelines International Competition – so well done – so well deserved – so proud of you.
The infamous delicious and entertaining Pacific Edge Potluck dinner and events topped off our 2023 year in mid Dec at our rehearsal hall – Fran Errington, MC extraordinaire, and Judith Sibbald guided the events of our festive celebration, while Bev Price and Gail Thomas worked the kitchen to make sure the ebb and flow of food and delicacies were easily accessible. Bev Price also gathered personal items and monetary donations from the chorus for one of our charities, the Victoria Women’s Transition House. Their heart-warming gratitude overwhelmed us when they received a substantial monetary gift from us for their ongoing needs.
Guess who came to visit us at our Xmas potluck - Santa Claus!! He gave everyone a present from Les coffres des members du Pacific Edge Chorus (our members’ Basement/attic stash-lol). Santa was a HOT HOOT – we had no idea he had such a sense of humour and a lovely Welsh accent. He had something nice to say about each one of us during his ‘presence’.
Since our last MLX update in late Sept 2023 we sang our welcome song to 2 new members, Lisa Finch and Hilary Mackey, both of whom are welcome additions to our lead section. Our membership drive continues as we invite and welcome prospective candidates to our rehearsals on an ongoing basis, to check us out in hopes of being a part of our beautiful sound.
We sailed into January at a slower pace at first, due to elements such as: bugs, weather and a ‘Cruising’ experience with other Sweet Adeline sisters. Now, we need to pick up some speed and hunker down at the same time – put our noses to the grindstone and begin another educational journey – this time to the Regionals in Edmonton. Such is the life of an engaged Sweet Adeline chorus – adventure after adventure – don’t stop! – WHOOT!
Barb Denbow and Communications Team
Pacific Edge Chorus, Region #26