Page 15 - Fall 2022 Tags and Swipes

Tags and Swipes, Fall 2022

Farmington Valley Chorus

It’s HOT and things at Farmington Valley are really heating up on our quest for Phoenix.

This year';s contest was so fun, and we are really proud of our B+ evaluation. Though we missed the pomp and
circumstance of Symphony Hall, our first timers sizzled with the excitement and joy of competition. Here are
what two of our newbies said about it::

Chrissie
My first contest experience was one to remember. It was amazing to be on those risers, all dressed up fancy,
and singing my heart out with 30 of my friends. One thing that really struck me was how quickly it went. All
those months of rehearsals, (years actually,) and it went by like a flash. I wanted to do it again, right away!

Elsa
I am a new member and with the FVC for less than one year so I really did not know what to expect. I have
been in sports competitions but not musical ones before. I was impressed on how well organized the event was
even with the glitches with the video feeds. Everyone I met was upbeat and relaxed. I did not sense tension
and competitive spirit as I was used to when I competed in volleyball or softball games. Instead I sensed a
cooperative and supportive spirit. It was a nice touch to get a "first time" ribbon.

I was very impressed with the level of talent of the participants. I enjoyed their differences. In my head I
would identify the best chorus or ensemble that I would pick if I were a judge. As I am not a formally trained
musician, I was surprised by my ability to pick the best contestants consistently.

I am glad there were more than one opportunity to
rehearse privately, because I think it is important to keep
your voice; limber and lubricated. I don't routinely wear
makeup and I really appreciated the help I received from
my fellow chorus members.

As organized as everything was, there was that panic
moment when our roses would not stay on our blouses
and kept falling off. It made me chuckle. I ended up
using some scotch tape, which someone scrambled to
find, to help the magnet stay together - and it worked!

I stayed for the awards and banquet to get the full
experience. I did enjoy the celebratory performances by
the winners. Unfortunately, by the time the speeches were
over, it was too close to my bed time and I had no energy
to stay for the open-mike event which I'm sure I would
have enjoyed.

All in all, it was a magical day. I put aside everything
else that was going on in my life, and lived a day full of First-timers: Carly, Marion, Elsa,
wonderful music with a lot of wonderful people. Mayu, Taylor, Chrissie and Rebecca.

(continued on the next page)
15
North Atlantic Region 1 Sweet Adelines