FAQ

This sounds cool! How do I audition?

What kind of time commitment am I looking at if I join a cappella joy?

What expenses can I expect to encounter when I join?

We are an all female chorus that sings a cappella music in the barbershop style. We are a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, Region 13 based in Bellevue, Washington. Our members come from a variety of backgrounds and ages, but share the same love of music and dedication to musical excellence.

What is Sweet Adelines?

Sweet Adelines is an organization of approximately 30,000 women who share a love for barbershop music and sing in choruses and quartets all around the world. For more information on Sweet Adelines International, visit their website at: www.sweetadelinesinternational.net. You can also visit the Sweet Adeline Region 13 website at: www.sairegion13.org.

What is Barbershop?

Barbershop harmony is produced by four vocal parts sung a cappella. The four parts include the Tenor (highest voice), Lead (melody line), Baritone (harmony), Bass (lowest voice). Barbershop harmony is characterized by:

A strong bass line

Melody is an internal part

Complete chords

Traditional harmonic movement

And, most importantly …

You can’t do it alone!

What part would I sing?

Any woman of average singing ability will find a part that fits her range. Our director and section leaders will help you find the part that best fits your voice.

They listen for:

Singing range, including the part in which you are most comfortable

Voice breaks in your head, mid & chest voices

Past singing experience

Experience as a harmony/melody singer

Ability to match pitch

Ability to carry a tune

Pitch melody intervals

This sounds cool! How do I audition?

Step one is to come visit the chorus for a few sessions. You can start singing as a guest right away. It is important that you get a feel for the barbershop style and the chorus before you decide to audition. After you are comfortable with a song and have decided that our chorus is a good fit for you, talk to your section leader/director and they will set you up with an audition.

Auditions are to be seen as an educational process. If you do not pass your first audition, our section leaders and director will coach you on specific areas and help you prepare to try again. We have every desire to help you succeed!

What kind of time commitment am I looking at if I join a cappella joy?

Here is the general break-down of time commitment:

2 hour weekly rehearsal
1/2 hour per week personal practice
2 day Retreat in February
Additional Pre-competition rehearsals
3 day Competition Weekend in April
Christmas Performances—approx. 3-5
Friends and Family Night Performance
Other performances as set by the Performance Committee
Educational Opportunities (optional, but encouraged)

What expenses can I expect to encounter when I join?

Once you have successfully passed your audition, you will be given membership forms for both a cappella joy and Sweet Adelines International. Members are responsible for paying:

Chapter Dues
Regional Dues
Costumes
Yearly Retreat
Food and housing for competition
Training sessions (optional, but highly encouraged)

When you visit, you can speak with our Treasurer regarding specific dollar amount for each item. Financial assistance is available in some circumstances.