South Shore Sound Chorus Hits All the Right Notes

Riding on the wave of rhythm and harmony, the ladies of the South Shore Sound Chorus, a branch of Sweet Adelines International, directed by Meg Mahoney, are committed to preserving and advancing the musical art form of barbershop-style harmonization.

Beginning in 1945, Sweet Adelines International, which was started by Edna Mae Anderson of Tulsa, Okla., was formed to allow women to participate in the same chord-ringing harmonies that their husbands, members of barbershop quartets, were singing in. Today, Sweet Adelines International has more than 25,000 members extending over five continents belonging to more than 500 choruses and 1,200 quartets.

This a cappella, four-part barbershop harmony unaccompanied vocal music arrangement is comprised of four-part chords including the melody – generally sung by the lead; the tenor – harmonizes above the lead; the bass – sings the lowest harmonizing notes; and the baritone – completes the chord.

The South Shore Sound Chorus is only one of 18 choruses and quartets that make up Region 9 – the Atlantic-Gulf Regio,n which includes Florida and South Carolina. Chorus members pride themselves on being real women with a common passion – the love of singing.

“Singing increases the endorphins in the body and just makes you feel good,” said bass section leader Marion Patton who started singing in choruses more than 20 years ago. “There are so many branches of Sweet Adelines International that you are always able to find friends wherever you are.”

The South Shore Sound Chorus stays active in the community singing at community centers, schools, churches, festivals and holiday events. It also participates in annual retreats and regional competitions.

Sweet Adelines International is a learning organization which emphasizes the importance of growth through education and performance. “We teach to improve the concepts and the abilities,” said Patton. “We encourage all skill-levels to join us as we are always looking to grow.”

Routine rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Bell Shoals Church of Christ located at 2908 Bell Shoals Road in Brandon.

Guests interested in joining the chorus are encouraged to join the regularly scheduled rehearsals; just follow the sounds of the me-me-mes and za-za-zoos that are floating in the air during voice warm-ups.