Page 31 - Summer 2023 Tags and Swipes Newsletter

Tags and Swipes, Summer 2023

Merrimack Valley A Cappella

It seems fitting to start off MVA’s Tags/Swipes entry by saying we are still feeling the glow from our May
weekend in Springfield. Competing in person for the first time since 2019 was a thrill, but taking home two
incredible medals was extra icing on the cake. MVA received first place Division A and second place
overall in the region, and we found out at midnight that we are 4th among all Division A winners
internationally, which earns us a place in the Harmony Classic in 2024! Our score put us at 4th out of all
the 200+ Division A competing choruses worldwide; just incredible!

We are grateful that our hard work in the previous months paid off, and that is in no small measure to the
talent and dedication of our co-directors – Sally Jeffery and Carol Smolenski – who guided us throughout.
In addition, Carol received the region’s trophy for Novice Director!

Contest had even more special moments for MVA. Accidental Charm – an all-MVA crew -- performed the
morning sound check before the quartet competition. That evening, Patti Newman’s quartet, Carried
Away, earned a third-place medal. One of our new members, Liana Buciuman, who is a professional floral
arranger, created gorgeous bouquets to honor Region 1 members who celebrating their 50 th SAI
anniversary and presented the arrangements to them on Saturday evening.

Six new members went to their first contest as MVA singers this year. Here they are with their gift bags
and newbies sashes – and their mentors – at a rehearsal before contest.

(Continued on next page)
31

North Atlantic Region 1 Sweet Adelines