Page 17 - Spring 2022 Tags and Swipes

Tags and Swipes, Spring 2022

Merrimack Valley A Cappella

MVA started the year off on the right note – with a performance! – and has been venturing into new
territory with renewed energy and new members. About a dozen of us sang the national anthem at the
Merrimack College men’s hockey game on Jan. 8. Since then, it’s been full steam ahead to get ready for
contest, where we’ll submit a video for Open Division – our first time in that category.

We’ll keep the story line a surprise for now, but the package is sure to generate a few laughs while it
speaks to how much singing together means to us. A small group of our talented members have rewritten
most of the lyrics of the songs to create the parody. We spent the early part of the year refining our
choreography, tweaking words and building up vocal stamina.

Karen Sweeters (director, Harmony on the Sound) got us pointed in the right direction during a fun and
energizing Saturday coaching session in February – our first visiting coach in almost two years. In early
March, we had a fabulous retreat with Kim Wonders (director, Metro Nashville Chorus). She offered lots
of good information, encouragement and strategic suggestions for our package. We saw our confidence
blossom over the two days, realizing that not only had we not lost too much during the pandemic, but we
were well prepared for the months ahead. During the retreat, we announced the winner of MVA’s In Her
Footsteps/Marge Bennett Award. Christina Miner, lead section leader, technical wiz and all-around
amazing contributor, was well-deserving of the honor. Congratulations again, Christina!

\\

MVA’s March retreat with Kim Wonders. (Don’t mouth words while conducting, Sally!)

(continued on next page)
17

North Atlantic Region 1 Sweet Adelines