The Pitch Pipe - October 2008 - (Page 30) chorus beat 30 Continued from page 29 other. This was an extremely important time for us as we now know that through our barnoon, a small group of chapter members took bershop harmony, we have become closer as a chorus and as friends, and our lives have her to see different famous tourist spots. She become more enjoyable because of this. This thought it was very funny when we took pictures on the steps of some famous places, and experience and our experience in Hawaii for new members and long-time members alike we called the steps “the risers” — we defiwill be unforgettable events to make our nitely are Sweet Adelines! Through these special few days of train- knowledge of barbershop harmony deeper and more familiar. ing and sightseeing together, we have estabThe Tokyo Chapter, composed of 40 lished trusts and friendships with Gerry, and we also tightened our relationships with each members, was registered with Sweet Adelines International in 1978. Since then for nearly 30 years, it has been actively holding performances. We have performed international gatherings at the American Club, churches, hotels and Christmas charity concerts, contributing our performances to international refugee aid and performances at sanatoriums, comforting aged people. Through these performances, our chorus has achieved its motto of the organization, “Harmonize the World.” Submitted by Kimie Suzuki, Tokyo Chorus Sixty And Still Shining Brightly The Kansas City Chorus Celebrates 60 Years of Harmony! The journey to our diamond anniversary began on September 9, 1946, when Joseph Stern (director), Martinez Franks and Josephine Trabon held a meeting to form a Sweet Adelines chorus. Their debut performance was at a SPEBSQSA’s Ladies’ Night, November 18, 1946. After the program, there were refreshments as well as dancing “for those who cared to indulge in such strenuous exercise.” Kansas City’s HARMONY HONEYS were among the twelve quartets to compete at the first Sweet Adelines convention held October 3, 1947. And, as one of the eighteen chapters in existence at the time, the Kansas City Chapter was chartered on October 30, 1948. In 1981 master craftsman Jo Kraut, became our director and in 27 years has October 2008 polished a diamond-inthe-rough into a dazzling gem. Jo’s daughter, Kim Kraut, recently became our co-director. We are becoming more multifaceted as they share their brilliance with us. Since 1990, we are proud to have placed in the top six each time we have competed in the international competition. Many talented women contributed to our sparkling product. If you are an alumnus of the KC Chorus, we appreciate the part you played in shaping the chorus into the jewel it is today and we’d love to keep in touch with you. Please visit us at www.kansascitychorus.com. To celebrate our 60 years of harmony, a reunion party was held on September 14. And, the celebration continued at our show on September 27, 2008. May the Kansas City Chorus shine like a diamond forever! Submitted by Kathy Charlton, Kansas City Chorus, Region 7 Oldest chartered member living, Fern Price now 103 years old resides in Olathe, Kan. Joe Stern, first director of the Kansas City Chorus. http://www.kansascitychorus.com http://www.kansascitychorus.com
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