Sweet Adelines shine on the world stage
3 Dec 2024
Christchurch City Chorus and the Greater Auckland Chorus recently returned from competing in Kansas City — with medals and trophies to boot.
At the Sweet Adelines International Competition in Kansas City, Missouri — held from 28 October to 2 November — Christchurch City Chorus placed fifth in the hotly contested chorus competition, while the Greater Auckland Chorus scooped first place in the Harmony Classic Division A (for smaller choruses of up to 40 singers).
Read on for reflections on the whirlwind experience by a member of each chorus, and some choice photos of each group on stage and off. Our warmest congratulations to both these fantastic groups!
A first-time journey to the international stage: A new member's experience with Christchurch City Chorus
by chorus member Jamie-Leigh
When I joined the Christchurch City Chorus in October 2023, I had no idea what an incredible journey lay ahead. My introduction to this vibrant group was almost serendipitous—I had simply Googled “singing groups” in search of an outlet, as my role as a first responder often brings high levels of stress. Although I had some background in kapa haka as a teen and took piano lessons as a child, I had never been formally trained in music. Despite this, I was welcomed into the chorus with open arms, and the experience quickly became a dream come true.
The challenge of preparing for an international competition
I initially didn’t plan on going to Kansas City for the Sweet Adelines International Competition. With my limited musical experience, I wasn’t sure if I’d be ready or if I could master the material in time. The thought of preparing for an international stage felt daunting. However, our musical director, Virginia, had a way of making the journey feel achievable. She suggested that I could start by focusing solely on the two songs needed for the semifinals. This simple yet effective approach took a huge weight off my shoulders. By breaking down the task into smaller, manageable steps, I felt less overwhelmed and more capable of meeting the challenge.
The process of learning and submitting assessments for these songs was a mix of excitement and nerves. I passed the initial assessments, which was a significant confidence boost. Once I had overcome that first hurdle, I found myself feeling more confident and motivated to keep going. The encouragement and belief in me from the team made the learning process both challenging and rewarding.
The highlight of Kansas City: A moment of triumph
Stepping onto the international stage in Kansas City was surreal. I had overcome my self-doubt and worked tirelessly alongside an inspiring group of women. When we learned that we had made it to the finals, I was overwhelmed with emotion. It hit me that I had just achieved something significant—something I hadn’t initially believed I was capable of. It wasn’t just about hitting the right notes; it was about being part of a community that lifts each other up and strives for excellence together.
The atmosphere during the competition was electric, filled with excitement, nerves, and camaraderie. The shared experience of performing on such a grand stage, with so many talented groups from around the world, was unforgettable. The moment we finished our finals performance, I felt a deep sense of pride—not just in myself, but in the entire chorus. We had all put in countless hours of preparation, and it paid off in a spectacular way.
Lessons learned — and advice for other singing groups
Reflecting on this experience, I realize how much I have grown, both as a singer and as a person. Joining Christchurch City Chorus has taught me to push past my comfort zone and has helped me work through my perfectionism. I’ve learned to trust in the process and believe in my own abilities, even when faced with something new and intimidating.
For other singing groups considering an international trip, my biggest piece of advice is to embrace the journey step by step. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of learning required, but breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks can make it feel less daunting. Also, lean on your team; the support and encouragement from fellow singers and your director can make all the difference. Building a strong sense of community and trust within the group is crucial.
Lastly, remember that it’s not just about the competition. The experience is about the connections you make, the personal growth you achieve, and the joy of creating music together. Whether you win a medal or not, the journey itself is incredibly rewarding and life-changing.
You can view Christchurch City Chorus's performance in the Chorus Finals here.
The Greater Auckland Chorus journey to Kansas City: A harmonious rollercoaster
by chorus member Suzanne Berresford
Ah, what a year it has been for our chorus! From Auckland to Kansas City, the Greater Auckland Chorus has been on a whirlwind journey that began back in May 2023. That's when we clinched the top spot in the small chorus division at the regional competition. With our soaring score qualifying us first among the top five globally, the invitation to the prestigious Harmony Classic Division A was in hand. Cue the excitement—and the planning!
And plan we did. To conquer the international stage, we plotted a roadmap covering the timeframe for outlining the theme, member qualification dates on songs, mandatory rehearsal dates, and everything else needed to get buy-in from all our talented singers. And with that, we were revving the chorus engine. Next, we had to settle on the specifics of our concept and song lineup. But this wasn’t just a “pick your favourite tunes” situation; we wanted a theme that would wow audiences, and to use the approach of selecting songs to fit the story, rather than build the story around the songs. With that in mind, Jocosa Bruce, Kristina Roper and Anna Graham gathered for some serious brainstorming. Out of this think tank emerged a cohesive, theatrical 15-minute “Haunted House” entertainment package—something bold, fun, and uniquely us. With two songs specially arranged by our in-house musical wizard, Kristina Roper, we were well on our way.
After months of hard work and effort from our incredible director, Jocosa Bruce, as well as from every single member in multiple aspects of preparation and planning, May 2024 found us taking our concept for a “test drive” on stage at the Sweet Adelines regional competition in Dunedin, where we showcased a shortened version of our package. It was an invaluable experience, complete with audience appreciation and judges' feedback to fuel our Kansas City dreams.
Then, we stepped things up with coaching sessions from two phenomenal external coaches, Cherie Moore and Rob Sequira. They worked with us on theatrics, staging, and storytelling, transforming us from harmonious singers into full-on entertainers. And let’s just say, “selling it” on stage quickly became our new forte. The final prep included performing for friends and family, giving us a chance to nail our mic technique, run a full dress rehearsal, and soak up the energy from our biggest fans. By the time we boarded our flights to Kansas City, we were pumped and primed for an unforgettable performance.
Our time on stage was where it all came together—our peak moment. Every note, every move, every ounce of energy went into those 15 minutes. When we finally stepped off stage, the nail-biting began as we waited for the results. And then, in a surreal moment, they announced that we had won. Was it really us? We were in complete shock, feeling disbelief—after all, we’d never placed first in an international competition before! But once it sank in, joy and pride took over as we accepted our gold medals and lifted the trophy, overwhelmed by the journey and the honor of bringing home the win.
So here’s to the power of planning, passion, and a little extra pizzazz. Greater Auckland Chorus, we did it! Here’s to the journey, the music, and every glorious high note along the way.
You can view Greater Auckland Chorus's winning performance here.
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