Page 13 - PowerPoint Presentation

Tags and Swipes, Contest 2018

Farmington Valley Chorus

The Young and the Young at Heart of Farmington Valley

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This was my 12 competition. I can tell by the stickers on the bottom of my shoes – one good luck
“charm” for each competition. Some of them represent what our theme was that year – some are just
hearts that represent the incredible love we have for each other and this “hobby”. This year we had
diamonds on our shoes – little music notes with teeny, tiny rhinestones. A reminder to bring on the
sparkle until the end of time.

After 12 years I’ve kind of got this thing down to a routine, but every year something’s different and
exciting. Some years you remember every move you made (wrong or right) and some years it’s just a
blur and you’re not even sure if you were really on that stage it went so fast. When I see and hear the
video after, I usually say “Holy Stromboli” we never sounded so good. It’s the thrill of the
competition, the absolute joy of performing for a welcoming crowd and the fear of the judges that
brings out the best in us.
This year we had 3 newbies on stage with us- Beckie, Kathy and Ieva. I asked them to write something
for you because, as you all know, there’s nothing like your first time. I also asked our most seasoned
member, Betty, to chime in as well. Enjoy their journey.

Beckie and Kathy

We practiced our competition ballad and up-tune for MONTHS, learning to lift phrases, turn
diphthongs, sing in the ahhh space and tell the story. We were eager and excited for the weekend. We
drove up together early Saturday morning to join our chorus in the King George Room of the Sheraton.
Gently we warmed up, growing our sound from a soft hum to four-part, robust, harmony. Our sleep-
eyed chorus mates were awake now. As chords rang, the excitement spread through the room, this was
the day! After rehearsal was over we were graciously welcomed in by Joan and Carolyn as Kathy,
Christine (another day-tripper) and I crashed their hotel room with our excited chaos. Ok, time to
transform ourselves into our song characters with make -up and hairdos! Eyes, Lips, Lashes, Cheeks,
Skin, Hair!!! What do we do?!! Christine helped us face the make -up challenge. We followed the eye
shadow diagram. “What? The white goes all the way up to the eyebrow? Really? The purple goes in
the crease? Is this enough base? No! More ? Yes! more. More ...? Yes! Still more? How’s my blush?
More.. More ? Yes ! We look like trollops!!!! Ok , we just won’t stand on street corners too long. One
more curl and your hair will look great!” Off to Room 610 to see Lynn for the make-up check.

“You need bronzer” Lynn says. “Ok..sure. Uh.. what’s bronzer? “ I say. Don’t forget your earrings.
Get your zip locks ready—-put your lipstick on and throw it in your bag, throw in some drink cash
too…put on a smile, remember that ahhh space and back to The King George Room.

The King George Room was also transformed. It is now full of the excitement and nervous energy of
40 plus spectacular, looking singers posing, primping, taking lots of selfies and putting musical notes
on the soles of their shoes! A run through of the package and we are off to Symphony Hall.

(continued on next page)

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North Atlantic Region 1 Sweet Adelines