So, what do you get when you combine a feisty red-head from Milwaukee (that would be Heather Johnston, master director) and close to 40 women of all ages from all over the Fox Valley and well beyond? A group of championship-quality singers called the Fox Valley Chorus of Sweet Adelines International.
The FVC earned the right to compete at the SAI international competition by winning the regional competition in Minnesota last spring over 14 other choruses from Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Canada.
This is the seventh time the local chorus, which includes women from Shawano County, has qualified for the international competition, which will be held next month in Las Vegas.
The chorus over the last year held fundraisers for new costumes, coaches and other expenses.
“We have a very dedicated group of women, striving to be the best they can be,” Johnson said. “We only spend a little over two hours together every week, but we wouldn’t accomplish everything we do if they didn’t spend time at home working, too.
“They continue to challenge me to be a better director and musician. Working with these women is definitely worth driving from Milwaukee every Tuesday night!”
The chorus sings a capella four-part harmony in the barbershop style. The group is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
The FVC has an open house rehearsal scheduled from 7-9:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at Grace Lutheran Church, 900 W. Mason St., Appleton, and a Christmas show at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley Theatre, 1478 Midway Road, Appleton.
Guest singers are always welcome at the Tuesday night rehearsals. For information, call 920-739-3511 or 920-810-6831, or visit www.foxvalleychorus.org.
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