LETTERS: CHORUS HELPS PRESERVE HARMONY

To the editor:

In May, the Girardot Rose Chorus will celebrate its 15th anniversary as a member of Sweet Adelines International. Our celebration plans include and ice cream social to which former members and all our friends will be invited.

This seems an appropriate time to thank the many individuals and organizations in this area who have given us moral and financial support throughout the years. Perhaps some of you who are reading this have seen and heard us at Riverfest, West Park Mall, a civic or social organization or at church. It's doubtful whether we could have reached the milestone without the support of the many communities in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois. It's always heartwarming to meet someone who recognizes us from a performance.

This, however, brings up an interesting point. There are still people in the area who are unaware of our existence. We often hear: "I didn't know there was a Sweet Adeline group around here."

Since this is sometimes the case, may I take this opportunity to explain. We are an educational organization of women who like to sing and who are interested in preserving and promoting the art of four-part harmony, barber shop style. Contrary to what some people think, most of us are just average singers -- no Beverly Sills or Barbra Streisand voices here. We joined Girardot Rose Chorus to learn more about and to improve our vocal technique and for the chance to perform. Most of us are hams.

Any lady age 16 and up is welcome to visit our Tuesday night rehearsals at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau. Anyone wishing more information about our organization or about scheduling performances may call me at 334-6550.

Thanks again to all our fans and benefactors. I hope to see you at the ice cream social June 7.

IRENE STEVENS, Director

Girardot Rose Chorus

Cape Girardeau