Page 19 - 2018 Fall Tag and Swipes

Tags and Swipes, Fall 2018

Farmington Valley Chorus

I love the posts going around Facebook that One member took it a little further, she came to
berate “millennials” for what they don’t know rehearsal wearing her “competition” wig. Our
about past life, like having to physically get up director had no idea who she was. None of us
and turn the channel on a television or that the did. It wasn’t until she was asked “what brings
phone was attached to the wall. Two of FVC’s you to FVC” that we realized she was one of our
members, Virginia and Carol, recently celebrated own. Panic set in because I was afraid that I was
25 consecutive years with the chorus. Here’s going to be asked to wear a wig too. Fortunately
their thoughts on what we “whippersnappers” that never came to pass.
don’t know.
We had a “Travel Costume” of cream slacks and
Virginia a dark green blazer, with a coordinating
scarf. Outfits were not always “age appropriate”
I joined FVC in the spring of 1993. There were and as a young woman, I didn’t feel like “me”
about 15 of us that came to a 6 week program when dressed in chorus attire. Today we are
offering free voice lessons. About 10 of us joined encouraged to dress in the same color palette but
FVC at the end of the 6 weeks. Today, only 2 of we are given leeway to select a style that suits us
us remain as active members. When I first joined, as an individual.*
everything seemed so formal and
regimented. There were rules to be followed. For I’m happy that Sweet Adelines has moved away
competition, we needed BIG hair and tons of from the rules and regimen. I’m happy that
makeup, especially blue eyeshadow. choruses sing more freely and the joy of singing
WHAT??? You’re talking to someone with is evident throughout the performance. I’m
straight hair and doesn’t wear makeup…Can I do happy that I can be an individual standing on the
this??? In the weeks leading up to my first risers but still be a part of this cohesive group
competition, I recall being told to come to made up of amazing, accomplished, intelligent,
rehearsal wearing our all –in-ones and our shoes diverse women. I’m happy I am a Baritone.
so we could get used to performing while
wearing them.

Then: Now:
Taffeta Dresses or Long Skirts that required lots Micro Pleated Pants – no maintenance
of maintenance
Blue Eyeshadow up to your eyebrows Natural colors – heavily applied
A Wig – must have BIG hair on stage Natural styling – a recognizable you
Dyed shoes and stockings to match your taffeta dress Black or Neutral
Hand held cassette tape recorders Smartphone
Paper Phone Chain – 1 call at a time Blast email

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North Atlantic Region 1 Sweet Adelines