Recently, local chorus group Hearts of Harmony took fifth place at a competition in Edmonton on Saturday, May 11.
Hearts of Harmony is based out of Red Deer and has members from many Central Albertan Communities including Sylvan Lake, Stettler, Red Deer, Innisfail, Sundre, and other rural locations.
The group is one of many that are part of Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide organization of women singers originally established in 1945 that is committed to the advancement of the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performances.
During the Sweet Adelines International Region 26 contest where the Hearts of Harmony chorus took fifth place 14 other choruses also participated including:
- White Spruce City Chorus from Prince George, B.C.
- Southern Accord Chorus from Lethbridge, Alberta
- Peace Arch Chorus from Surrey, B.C.
- Desert Sounds A Cappella Chorus from Kamloops, B.C.
- Valley Echoes Chorus from Abbotsford, B.C.
- Chinook Winds Show Chorus from Calgary, Alberta
- White Sails A Cappella Chorus from Kelowna, B.C.
- Alberta Gold Chorus from Calgary, Alberta
- Battlefords Blend Chorus from North Battleford, Saskatchewan
- Alberta Northern Lights Chorus from Edmonton, Alberta
- Magic City Chorus from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Gateway Chorus from Edmonton, Alberta
- Pacific Edge Chorus from Victoria, B.C.
- Rhythm of the Rockies Chorus from Calgary, Alberta
The competition results were great, marketing manager for the Hearts of Harmony Chorus Jackie Hewson said.
"Our marks were improved by 45 points over our past year’s competition which placed us in fifth place overall. We felt wonderful about the improvement which placed us in the medals."
The group's total score was 565 points which is a solid B-plus category.
"To put it in context the first place score was 645, second place was 613, third place was 603, and fourth place was 590. As a point of interest we were only 3 points away from winning ‘most improved’ as well," Hewson said.
Each of the choruses performed two songs during the Region 26 competition.
"Our songs were 'A Wonderful Day Like Today' and 'The Way You Look Tonight," she said.
It felt great performing the songs on stage during the competition, group member Hilary McDermott said.
"I felt really confident and felt that as a group we presented really well."
For those interested in joining the Hearts of Harmony Chorus is always welcoming new members, Hewson said.
"We invite anyone interested in singing with us to attend one of our weekly rehearsals to see what we are all about. We also have Guest Songbooks so they can join in if they choose or simply spectate and determine whether we would be a good fit for them."
The group meets every Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Davenport Church of Christ in Red Deer located at 68 Donlevy Ave.
