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How did it all begin?
In the summer of 1945, World War II was nearly over and the world was looking ahead to brighter days.
One of the things Americans held dearest was music.
In Tulsa, Oklahoma, women wanted to sing that " chord-ringing, fun-filled music"
barbershop harmony! These women took a bold step into a new age by organizing the first chapter of "
Sweet Adelines in America."
By the close of 1945, Tulsa's Atomaton Chapter ("We have an atom of energy to start with.")
had 85 members.
Where are the choruses now?
By 1947 interest in forming a nationwide organization was so strong that the Tulsa chapter made plans
for a national convention. The response was overwhelming.
From that moment on, the organization that is now known as Sweet Adelines International has grown by
leaps and bounds.
Today the international membership of nearly 30,000 women, all singing in English, includes choruses
in all fifty of the United States as well as in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Germany, Japan,
Mexico, New Zealand, Scotland, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
Why did women organize to sing barbershop harmony?
It was inevitable! For many years people believed that barbershop harmony was best suited to men's
voices. Not so! Barbershop harmony is interesting, poignantly sweet and versatile, with
colorful and fascinating costuming and theatrical possibilities.
What do members do?
Each member belongs to a chorus.
The chorus is the workshop where members receive training in barbershop harmony while experiencing the
joy of singing. Groups of four singers, one from each voice part, may voluntarily form quartets.
Each chorus enriches its community.
A chorus provides an outlet for community service for its members. Choruses perform at civic events
and charitable functions, present shows and promote harmony among women.
The Sweet Adelines International Organization offers education and certification in choral directing,
music arranging, judging and teaching while providing opportunities to develop administrative and leadership
skills.
Through the Young Women in Harmony Program, Sweet Adeline members share the joy of singing and
performing with young women of junior-high through college age in association with school music educators.
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