Susan McLean - ACE Award 2022

In December of 1976, a young mom took her daughter to a shopping mall in Calgary.  The purpose of the outing I do not know, but the result is the reason I am writing today.  That woman was Susan McLean and what she saw at the mall changed her life, and mine – and I’m sure many others.

She saw a group of women from Chinook Winds Show Chorus entertaining the mall shoppers with their Christmas program.  After the performance she approached one of the women (Jean Smith) and asked if she could sing with this wonderful group.  “Of course!” was Jean’s reply.  In 1977 Susan joined Sweet Adelines as a member of Chinook Winds. Later on, that year, she had a son and both children became a part of the Sweet Adeline family growing up with many mothers.  Soon, she was on the music team, serving in a variety of roles. As Fran Floen noted in her presentation at this year’s convention, “Not long after she joined our chorus, she was elected President of our Board of Directors.  With her organizational skills, she soon had the chorus ticking like a well-oiled clock.”  It was during this time frame that she realized that she really didn’t know much about Sweet Adelines and she had lots of questions.  The Universe answered  all questions with a school in Tulsa OK geared directly to the new leaders.

In 1982, when Region 26 was born, Susan joined forces with strong members from BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan (Barb Godman, Carol Klassen,  Joey Minshall, Betty Green and Shirley Bleackley, just to name a few) and together they worked to build a dynamic and progressive Region that today is known and respected by Sweet Adelines all over the world.  Susan was, and still is, the “CAN DO” person.  When something needs doing, she gets the job done.  In the early days of Region 26 when everyone on the board was in uncharted waters, feeling uncertain and overwhelmed, during a meeting she had everyone say “I can and I will” – not just I’ll try or I’ll do my best, but I WILL.  She is still inspiring others to believe in themselves; a great mentor and coach, she is one of the most positive and encouraging people I know.

With her natural ability to lead, her potential was quickly recognized.  Susan started on the Regional board as Music Faculty, worked through the SAI appointed roles of International Extension Representative (working with prospective Chapters and promoting growth).  She then followed Marlene Eppy into the role of Director of Musical Activities (this role eventually being replaced with several roles),  and after 4 years  handed that role off to Corinna Garriock. In the Mid ‘80’s she was elected  Regent, (Leader of the Regional Board) by the Members of Region 26. 

Throughout her 45 years with Sweet Adelines, she has served in many capacities for the Region and Sweet Adelines International. Just to round out her CV she was appointed Competition Coordinator for Region 26. She may have filled this role more than once. There are stories to be told here but not by this writer.  Suffice it to say, in this role you see it all.  

But in addition to all of her regional and international positions, she has always remained very involved with her chorus.  After watching and learning for 12 years, In 1989, she became the director for Chinook Winds, serving in that position until 1999, taking the chorus to International Competition in San Antonio Texas in 1991, and again in 1995 to New Orleans. She has held almost every chapter position at one time or another, and has enthusiastically embraced the ever changing technology we are now using on a regular basis.

But wait, there’s more!  Susan shared her musical talents in 2 quartets, Sass n’ Class (they lived up to their name), and Rhapsody.  In 2001, Rhapsody was a Wild Card competitor at the International Competition in Portland, Oregon.

There are many more stories that could be told about Susan, and I’m sure many reading this have some of their own.  She is a woman who makes things happen, with  a vast amount of knowledge and experience that she is willing to share with anyone.

In my experience, Susan is the epitome of what the A.C.E award is about; Achievement, Contribution and Excellence.  And why did she do all of these things?  Not for an award, or any kind of acclaim, but because she loves Sweet Adelines and she loves Region 26.  If you know her, you know this to be true.

One last thing that Susan wants to have mentioned. Those who went before and laid the solid groundwork for the creation of Region 26 are in her memory bank. She says the success of Region 26 is in all of its Members (she knows your names)  and the strength of the future of this Region lies in the hands and the hearts of those who are now carrying the torch of advancement. In her mind it is always the Journey.

Congratulations to you Susan, one of my favourite people on this planet!  A great mentor, friend, director, manager, coach, cheerleader…….and more!