September 17, 2007

The Hood River Valley Sweet Adelines Chorus was visible throughout early September, kicking off the Saturday performances at the Huckleberry Festival in Bingen, and then performing at the Stevenson Eagles’ Summer Picnic in Stevenson.

The women’s chorus is truly a mid-Columbia performing chorus, which sets itself apart from most other choral groups in the area, according to said co-director Judy Becker of White Salmon.

“All songs are memorized, sung a cappella (without accompaniment) and some are performed with choreography,” said co-director Judy Galloway of Hood River. “The song list is full of four-part arrangements of popular songs from over the years, including a fine patriotic set.

“The chorus is a delightful mix of busy, dynamic, active women from throughout the Mid-Columbia area, who come together Thursday evenings for rehearsals in Hood River,” Galloway said.

The chorus held a “Guest Night” Sept. 13, and began learning a new song, “Wells Fargo Wagon,” made famous in the musical “The Music Man.”

Dec. 19 of this year marks the 50th anniversary of “The Music Man,” and the chorus and quartets will be learning some songs to perform from that musical. The chorus is also starting to learn new Christmas music for performances throughout the Gorge during the holidays.

The directors said that any women who enjoy “singing their heart out” are invited to check out the Hood River Valley Chorus at www.hrvsa.com or call Judy at (541) 490-2481 or (509) 493-2006.