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(Chorus Name) Member Handbook Instructions The Member Handbook provides basic information about Sweet Adelines International plus specific content about your chorus and region. As each chapter and region has its own activities, events, traditions, personality and procedures, you will want to customize the handbook. Most sections provide sample wording that may be useful to you. If particular information fits your chapter, include it; if not, edit it to fit your purpose. For instance, spell out your costume and makeup information. Include the specific dates for shows and other activities. The Member Handbook is created with the text font Helvetica. Main headings are point size 22, section headings are point size 14, subheadings are point size 12 and body text is point size 11. Please note that italicized items in parentheses are for your information only and should be deleted before final distribution. The information in this handbook is intended to be a resource to new members. We have taken care not to include too much in this first edition, as new members may feel overwhelmed if they receive more than is necessary. As time goes by, consistently deliver information in other ways, such as through Big Sisters or a buddy system, special orientation sessions, or by using your chapter Web site, e-mail and publications. Periodically update the handbook’s information and utilize it as one of your many tools in membership retention. Special Thanks: In creating this Member Handbook, the International Membership Committee asked for help from many chapters. We examined a number of chapter membership materials, and appreciate the creativity and knowledge reflected in each. Thank you to these chapters, in particular, whose membership handbooks served as models for this one: Bay Area Showcase Chapter, San Jose, California, Region 12 Dogwood Blossoms Chapter, Mt. Vernon, Ohio, Region 17 Houston Horizon Chapter, Houston, Texas, Region 10 Spirit of Liberty Chapter, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, Region 19 Toast of Tampa Show Chapter, Tampa, Florida, Region 9 Mission (Use this page after the title page, insert your chorus' mission statement/vision statement. See Guide to Real Growth, Section One) Sweet Adelines International is a worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance. Handbook Contents People in Our Chapter Roster Chapter Structure About Our Director Structure of Sweet Adelines International Chapter Organization Chapter Activities Regional Organization Regional Activities International Organization International Activities Nuts and Bolts Financial Information Bylaws and Standing Rules Chorus Goals Calendar Policies Job Descriptions Protocol Terminology Performance Readiness Learning Music Learning to Perform Attendance Guidelines Costuming Makeup Chapter Show Regional Conventions International Conventions Membership Information Membership Requirements Leave Request People in our Chapter This section helps us get to know one another better. The roster of chorus members enables us to connect between chorus rehearsals. Knowing how our Sweet Adeline chapter is organized will help you know who to contact with various questions or concerns. A little background information about the director is included so that you can become better acquainted with our musical leader. Because our chorus continues to grow and change, this section requires frequent updating. Add in names of new members as they join. If chorus jobs change, correct your copy to keep it current. When the handbook is officially updated each year, you will receive copies of the new pages. Roster (Chapter Directory) (insert Chapter Directory here) Chapter Structure Describe in words or graphic form how your chapter is governed (by board of directors or management team) and outline its committees. An organizational chart is a good way to provide members with this information. About Our Director Many choruses write a short informational piece about the director when they develop show programs. Add a little more information to that document, or use it as written. Or, consider interviewing him/her and writing a new piece. Ask questions like: How did you begin your Sweet Adeline career? What part do you sing? Have you sung in a quartet? What words of wisdom would you offer a new member? Do you have a career outside the home? Are you active at the regional and/or international level of the organization? If yes, how so? Structure of Sweet Adelines International Throughout the world, Sweet Adelines are singing four-part harmony. Tied together by our love for this unique art form and by the friendships that develop around it, we have grown into an organization that enriches the lives of its members and its audiences. This section of the handbook will acquaint you with the structure of the Sweet Adelines International organization. Chapter Organization When you joined Sweet Adelines International, most likely you joined a chorus, or chapter of the organization. Guided by a set of bylaws, which are consistent for all, each chapter develops its own standing rules to help the chorus function effectively. Members vote on any revisions to these rules, as chapter needs change. Some choruses elect a board of directors to guide the chorus; others choose a management team. A board of directors governs our chorus. (Note: Change last sentence if a management team governs your chorus.) 2009-2010 (Insert correct year) Board of Directors (or Management Team) for (Chorus) Chapter Activities Our chorus, like other service and arts organizations, is an asset to the community. We entertain at civic events and charitable functions, and participate in many other activities such as ways-and-means projects and social events. Following is a brief description of the activities you will enjoy as a member of our chorus: Annual Chapter Show Our annual show provides a main source of income for the year. It is an opportunity to entertain local audiences and may motivate interested women to join the chorus. Because show production requires many months of planning and committee work, all of us are involved. Not only is our annual show a primary fundraiser for the year, but it also is a catalyst for friendships formed as we work together. Our next show will be (add current information). (Add other chapter activities here.) Regional Organization Sweet Adelines International choruses are divided into geographic regions, each governed by a management team. The team of elected and appointed coordinators is responsible for guiding the smooth operation of the region. Our chorus is part of (Customize this information to fit your chorus' region.) Together, the regional management team performs the following duties: Serves as middle management and liaison to the international organization. Oversees activities of the region. Develops education focus for the region. Assesses the educational needs of the region and plan programs to meet those needs. Develops long-range plans based on the goals and values of the regional membership. Oversees and evaluates the implementation of long-range plans. Accepts fiduciary responsibility for the region; monitors regional financial processes. Develops a structure of task-oriented groups (teams, committees, staffs) that are responsible for devising strategies to implement plans determined by the management team. Monitors chapter compliance with corporate and regional bylaws, international policies and administrative procedures. Provides counseling to individual chapters. Ensures open communication at all levels of the region. Oversees election/appointment process. Following are brief descriptions of each position: Communications Coordinator (Regional Appointment) Maintains internal communication channels among the region, chapters, and individual members and receives and disperses communications from the international organization to the region. Directors' Coordinator (Elected by directors in the region) – Assesses and communicates directors' needs within the region and represents the interests of the region's directors on the Regional Management Team. Education Coordinator (International Appointment) – Plans curriculum for educational events such as seminars and workshops and develops, coordinates, and monitors regional education programs. Events Coordinator (Regional Appointment) – Facilitates securing appropriate venues for regional programs and events, including site inspections and negotiation of contracts. Finance Coordinator (Regional Appointment) – Ensures that all financial resources of the region are accounted for in an effective and efficient manner. Marketing Coordinator (Regional Appointment) – Develops and provides marketing and public relations programs that promote chapter and regional events, and membership growth and retention. Membership Coordinator (Elected by members in the region) Plans and implements membership growth and retention programs, guides prospective chapters through the Steps program, and assists chapters in revitalization. Team Coordinator (Regional Appointment) Facilitates meetings of the Regional Management Team, maintains the region's long-range plan document, and reviews and approves all chapter standing rules. 2009-2010 (Insert correct year) Regional Coordinators for Region (Insert Region # and Name) (Note: Type in the names of your regional coordinators, placing the names before the titles; i.e., "Mary Brown, Chapter Coordinator.") Communications Coordinator Directors' Coordinator Education Coordinator Events Coordinator Finance Coordinator Marketing Coordinator Membership Coordinator Team Coordinator Regional Activities Each year, our region conducts special activities and events, which are publicized on the regional Web site (insert Web address), regional newsletter and through regional mailings. The educational opportunities these activities provide are the strength of our organization, and the friendships you'll form through attendance will enrich your Sweet Adeline experience. Following is a brief description of the activities you will enjoy as a member of the region: Regional Convention and Competition Each spring, our regional convention showcases choruses and quartets from around the region. By competing, we not only have fun, but we also raise our level of performance by working toward specific musical goals. The performances we hold for the public throughout the year become better and better as a direct result of these competition preparations. (Include specific information about your region's convention.) Regional Weekends Several times a year, educational seminars are the focus of our regional weekends. Skilled faculty teaches classes in every aspect of barbershop harmony, including visual performance (choreography, make-up, costuming), vocal production, the judging categories, music arranging, and leadership training. The networking sessions for chorus presidents, membership chairs, public relations chairs, and others also are held. In addition, traditional performing events occur during these weekends. (Include specific information about your region's educational weekends plus any additional regional activities.) Leadership Training Many leaders are created in the Sweet Adelines organization. Although all members bring with them a unique set of skills when they join, there is ample opportunity to extend those skills and develop new ones. Musical leaders are offered coaching, special classes, and weekend events devoted to honing their skills. Administrative leaders also have opportunities for training. Other Regional Activities (Add other regional activities here.) International Organization Barbershop harmony is one of four types of music indigenous to the United States. The enjoyment of singing four-part harmony in this unique a cappella style has assured its worldwide popularity. Singers from many countries benefit from membership in Sweet Adelines. We, the individual members, are the foundation for the structure of this nonprofit organization. The International Board of Directors (IBOD) sets policy for the organization, maintains fiduciary responsibility, and oversees its strategic plan. Under its leadership, various committees are directed to develop and implement the programs of Sweet Adelines International. Additionally, the IBOD directs our headquarters executive management team and staff, who are employees of the organization. Twelve members make up the international board. Ten members are elected by the general membership to serve three-year terms. Two additional members are appointed annually to serve one-year terms. 2010-2011 (Insert correct year) International Board of Directors: (Note: Type in the names of International Board members, placing the names before the titles; i.e., "Mary Brown, Board member.") President President-elect Vice President Secretary Treasurer Immediate Past President Board member Board member Board member Board member The headquarters executive management team and staff conduct the business of the nonprofit corporation and assist in the implementation of programs, as directed by the International Board. The headquarters office, owned and operated by Sweet Adelines International, is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Be sure to visit our building when you are in Tulsa. International Activities Just as your chapter and regional organizations sponsor events, so does the international organization. International Convention Held in the fall, international convention brings together Sweet Adelines from all over the world. Convention activities educate, entertain, and nourish worldwide friendships. Front and center are the choruses and quartets who have qualified to compete in the international contests that occur at this convention. Share in the excitement of the Harmony Classic Competition as the ten best small and mid-sized choruses present entertaining 12-15 minute performance packages. Women aged 25 and younger who enjoy singing in barbershop quartets may perform in the Rising Star Quartet Contest. Whether audience or competitors, participants thrill at the top-level performances exhibited each year. This year's international convention will be held (add current information). Nuts and Bolts This section of your handbook includes the rules of the organization. It provides the financial information you need to plan ahead, as well as describes the goals of our chapter, the calendar (long-term and short-term), and the policies and protocol for situations unique to our chorus or to Sweet Adelines and the barbershop culture. This section also explains the work various chapter leaders do to help the chorus function, and provides a glossary of terms you'll hear frequently. If you have questions about any of this material, just ask your chorus leaders. Financial Information Following is a summary of the financial commitments associated with being a member of the (Chorus Name) of Sweet Adelines International. As you review this information, please keep in mind that not all amounts are due right away. Some expenses will occur much later in the year, and some are optional. This information is provided to allow you time to budget your expenses and to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with the membership representative or the chorus treasurer. Dues and Per Capita Fees Our chorus dues are $___ per month, payable quarterly ($___ per quarter), for a total of $____ per year. You submit your first month's dues with your membership application. After your application has been accepted, you should contact the Financial Coordinator or Chorus Treasurer to set up your payment plan for the remainder of the year. You may pay quarterly (May 1, August 1, November 1, and February 1) or yearly (our fiscal year begins on May 1). In addition, Sweet Adelines International collects a per capita fee of $___ per year from each member to support the programs managed at the international level. This fee is due in full when you apply for membership, and annually thereafter, during your anniversary month. Members age 25 and under pay half the amounts stated above, or $___ per month for chorus dues and $ per year for per capita fees. Once you become a member, you can set up an escrow (pay-in-advance) account to accumulate the $ per capita fee payable on your next anniversary. The escrow account is fully refundable if you leave the chorus. Sweet Adelines also offers a lifetime membership available for $___. If you become a life member, you won't have to concern yourself with per capita fees or escrow accounts again. Also, Sweet Adelines International offers multi-year discounts. (Customize this dues information to your chapter’s dues payment amounts and schedule of payments.) What Happens to the Money? Your international per capita fees are sent to Sweet Adelines International headquarters, which uses them to provide educational programs, member services, publications, training and accreditation of judges, and staff to handle the logistics of a 25,000 member organization. A portion of your chorus dues also is sent to the region, which uses the funds to support education, membership development, and administration of the activities and programs provided by the region. Our chorus receives support from the region to help defray some of our outside coaching costs as well as other expenses involved in preparing to represent the region at an international competition. The remainder of your chorus dues supports chorus operations such as paying for rehearsal facilities and risers, paying a nominal fee to our director, paying for our music and covering all the administrative, telephone, and printing costs associated with our busy chorus life. Other expenses incurred by the chorus, such as outside coaching, costume materials, refreshments, etc., are paid for from other monies (not dues). We raise such funds through performances, shows, and fundraising events and projects. In creating our yearly budget, we follow the guideline that at least 75 percent of our total funds will be used to support the musical program of the chorus. (Customize this information to your chapter’s funding allocations.) What Other Things Do Members Pay For? Despite keeping our dues at a level to cover chorus operations and spending a minimum of 75 percent on the chorus musical program, some optional expenses still have to be paid by members. If you only attend chorus rehearsals, then you will not incur any additional expenses, though you might miss out on some of fun and exciting learning and performing opportunities. (Explain what the other expenses are: explicit information on costume expenses, makeup, hairstyling, retreats, regional weekends and convention, and international convention.) Paying Your Expenses Every effort will be made to announce upcoming expenses well in advance of the due date. The chorus operates on a "pay-as-you-go" basis, meaning that payment is expected at the time you sign up for an activity or item. Checks should be made payable to " Chorus Name." Please be sure to indicate on the check exactly what items or events you are paying for, especially if you are combining several into one check. If you have questions or concerns, please talk to one of us. (List appropriate personnel that can answer financial questions.) Bylaws and Standing Rules Our chapter is governed by two sets of rules: Standard Form Chapter Bylaws (either Board of Directors or Management Team as determined by the chapter) and Chapter Standing Rules. Standard Form Chapter Bylaws are set by our international organization, and they are the framework upon which all chapters are structured. These bylaws may be amended only by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the International Board of Directors. Chapter Standing Rules are the rules we set for ourselves, using guidelines provided by the international organization. Standing rules are flexible, and should be reviewed frequently to ensure that they continue to meet our needs. When a standing rule no longer serves us well, we can change it, provided it does not conflict with Chapter Bylaws. All chapter members vote on proposed changes to the Chapter Standing Rules. Chorus Goals (Include the chorus' goals or strategic plan) Chorus Calendar (Include the calendar of rehearsals and events for the upcoming year, as well as an outline of long-term plans. Most choruses try to plan coaching sessions, shows, and retreats up to three years ahead.) Policies Policies are decisions made by the chapter board or management team about how to handle situations that arise frequently, but which may not be specifically defined in the chapter's standing rules. For instance: Escrow of Per Capita Fees: Escrow (paying per capita fees in advance and having them held in the chorus treasury until they are due) is an option for chorus members. Paying dues in advance or holding them in escrow helps keep the chorus financially healthy. (Include pertinent chapter, regional and/or international policies) Chorus Job Descriptions (Include chorus job descriptions here) Protocol Protocol defines the "appropriate" way to handle situations or behave in our organization. Some of the policies your chapter embraces may suggest certain protocol. For instance, it is important for members to know whom to talk with when they have concerns. If she doesn't understand something about the director's interpretation of a song, how does she go about communicating her problem? Protocol also includes courtesies that may be unique to our organization; such as fifth wheeling, or singing as a fifth member of a quartet, is not considered polite. New members need to know about our organization’s etiquette and intricacies. (Include chapter protocol here) Terminology Afterglow All-in-One Break a Leg! Chest Voice (Register) Chorus Position Cast party after a show or performance Undergarment worn under costumes Said to wish someone well in performance Lower range of voice Downstage foot slightly in front of the other foot, facing the director Cluster Chord When more than four parts are being sung (someone singing a wrong note) Cone Balance of barbershop sound Coning The art of adjusting to maintain the proper balance of a barbershop chord Coronet Club Association of all past International Champion Quartets Diphthong Two vowel sounds sung on one note, with greatest stress on first vowel (A =Ay-ee, O = Oh-oo, I = Ah-ee) Double Two parts on the same note, usually an octave apart (bass on low F, lead on F above middle C.) Downstage Toward the front of the stage Dynamic Contrast Planned volume changes to enhance performance of song Embellishment Swipe or other musical addition to song for added interest Fanny Rails Rails attached to top riser row Forward Motion Sense of lyrical flow, with vocal line moving toward something in anticipation, especially in ballads Hang Ten on Standing forward to the front edge of the riser the Risers Hard Palate Firm part of the roof of the mouth Head Voice Upper range of voice (Register) Inside Smile Lifting of the soft palate Interval The distance between two notes Intro First part of a song Key Letter name of the scale in which a song is written. This note is blown on the pitch pipe (tonic) Mask Facial muscles under the eyes into the temples, around the nose, in the lip, and from the temples down to the chin Off the Paper Being able to sing your part without referring to the music Overtone Unsung tone heard above the highest tone of a properly balanced and matched chord Patter Harmony parts singing different words while lead sings melody Physical Warming up of body to provide a suitable environment for the Warm-Ups singing mechanism to operate Pickups Beginnings of phrases sung by only one voice Pitch Pipe Cookie-shaped musical instrument used to help singers begin in the same pitch; electronic pitch pipes also are used. Also, The Pitch Pipe is the name of the magazine published by Sweet Adelines International. Progression A sequence of chords Quartet Etiquette Displaying courtesy by not singing along with a foursome Queens of Harmony Ringing Chord International champion quartet When a barbershop chord is balanced, overtones are produced and an exciting "ringing" sound results Ripple Choreographed move that starts at one side of the chorus and travels to the other side (the same principle as a wave) Soft Palate Soft, squishy part behind hard palate Stage Left The performer's left, when onstage facing the audience Stage Right The performer's right, when onstage facing the audience Stagger Breathing In chorus singing, taking a quick breath in other than a planned breathing place, usually within a word or by omitting a word Swipe Two or more chords used to embellish a melody note, sung on one word or syllable Tag Last part of a song Take It From Start at the beginning of the music, or "take it from the top" the Edge Tidley Tiny swipe done by one part Traffic Pattern Designated and carefully timed path followed by choruses and quartets on competition day Tuning Refers to the ability to sing both "in key" and "on pitch" Upstage Toward the back of the stage Unison Two or more voice parts singing the same note Vocal Warm-Ups Getting the voice ready to sing Woodshedding The art of singing barbershop "by ear," without a written musical arrangement Performance Readiness What does it mean to be ready to perform? How do I go about becoming performance ready? Who can help me? How long does it take? What kinds of performances does the chorus do? These and other questions will be answered in this section. Learning Music Chorus members learn their music in many different ways. Although our musical leaders provide tools and experiences that help us learn, ultimately it is up to each of us to make the learning happen. Regular attendance is an important factor in learning our music. It is at chorus rehearsals that our director helps us learn the interpretation of the new song. Before a new song is introduced, members are given the sheet music ahead of time. Some members like to study it or play it on a keyboard. If you do not read music or do not play an instrument, never fear! Recordings of the song are usually available, featured with your part predominant. When it is time to learn a new song - be ready! Carry a pencil with an eraser in your chorus bag so that you can mark the breathing places and make notes about dynamics on your sheet music. Bear in mind that the interpretation may change as the chorus progresses; be flexible...and don't write those marks in ink! Section rehearsals help our four-part harmony develop. When a song is new, section leaders often teach individual sections to "sing the part smart" using techniques particular to the voice part and giving attention to troublesome areas. After rehearsing two or three weeks on a new song, the director will ask the chorus members to sing the song into personal recorders. After recording, each member will give her recording to a section leader or recording checker to review for notes, words, and correct breaths. This system helps provide individual coaching to each member, and results in a musical performance we're proud to present to our audiences. As a new member, you will have many songs to learn. Be patient with yourself. All of us understand the dilemma, for we remember going through it, too. Take advantage of small group sessions, use your recordings and your sheet music, and realize that it normally takes six months to a year to learn the whole repertoire. Most people find that concentrating on one song at a time works better than trying to learn several at once. Ask your section leader or the director for guidance about which songs to learn first. Learning to Perform If you're like most of us, one reason you joined the chorus is because you want to perform. Performing barbershop harmony requires teamwork. When we sing, we try to present a musical story to our audiences, involving ourselves emotionally in the message and delivering it in a unified, coherent way. That unified approach takes many hours of practice. First, we have to understand the story as our director has interpreted it. Then, we must communicate it through our music, facial expressions, and body language. Other aspects that enhance communication are: costumes, choreography, makeup, staging and scripts. Learning to perform the music is another reason why regular attendance is essential. Although individual practice at home is necessary, practicing as a whole group helps us become a performing unit. Together, we learn the nuances of emotion embedded in the musical story, we develop the skills to deliver that musical message, and we experience the "goosebumps" of the ringing chord. Attendance Guidelines Although each of us finds it necessary to miss rehearsal now and then, barbershop music relies heavily on regular attendance. New members often ask, "What happens if I have to miss a rehearsal before the show, or before a contest? Will I still be able to perform?" The answer is, "It depends." First and foremost, you must be performance ready in order to participate in a show, contest, or community performance. Mastering your music and choreography, obtaining your costumes, and acquiring chorus make-up comes only from regular attendance. Songs are often refined and reinterpreted long after they are first taught. Songs you passed long ago need to be practiced regularly to remain vibrant. The chorus standing rules in the Nuts and Bolts section of this handbook contain additional information about attendance requirements. These rules have been developed to help us present the very best performances possible. Costuming Just as you probably had fun playing "dress-up" as a child, we think you'll enjoy wearing chorus costumes onstage! Our costumes are designed to present a visual image that will enhance the musical product. Sometimes they are glitzy, sparkly gowns that make us feel glamorous. Other times they may be period or character costumes, or simple, informal outfits that unify our appearance as chorus members. The costume chair and her committee will work with you to help you obtain wellfitting costumes. Each member requires a complete chorus wardrobe so that she is ready to perform in every type of venue. Sometimes the chorus' inventory may contain the costumes you'll need. Other times, it will be necessary to create a new costume for you. The committee will provide you with complete instructions about obtaining your costume, and will provide ready assistance. Costuming costs are handled in different ways. Sometimes, the chorus treasury pays part of the expense; other times individual members pay the entire amount. In either case, the committee strives to create reasonably priced costumes. Information about new costumes is communicated well in advance of construction so that members have time to plan for the expense. Chorus costumes should be worn only for performances, or as directed by the costume committee. Following is a listing of our current costumes, including the member's cost: (add current information) Makeup As with costuming, chorus makeup helps us feel glamorous onstage. However, the real purpose of wearing stage makeup is to allow our faces to carry the message of the music to the audience. Under bright stage lighting, our own coloring fades. Faces are pale, eyes and lips disappear. Even our hairstyles seem to shrink in size. Barbershop harmony requires us to "sell" the songs, using facial expressions and body language. If the audience cannot see our facial features, the musical message is less meaningful. Stage make-up helps us enhance the music. Our makeup chair and her committee will help you obtain the materials, and will provide whatever help you need as you learn to apply it. Wait until you see what fun we have in front of the mirrors at show time! Following is a list of the makeup supplies and related costs: (add current information) Chapter Show Chapter shows allow us to introduce ourselves to our community once again, and to sing our songs in a package we've designed especially for the event, complete with colorful costuming, stage sets, and a script to tie it all together. Shows require months of planning, and involve the help of many people. As a new member, show planning is a time when you can help with myriad tasks. We welcome your assistance and value the chance to get to know you. Being performance ready for the show means that the music has been mastered, choreography learned, and all costume and makeup requirements met. Following is the information about our next show: (add current information) Regional Convention Each spring, our chorus participates in a regional convention. If we are competing in the regional contest, we will sing two songs, an uptune and a ballad. Many of our rehearsals will be devoted to preparing for this performance. Performance requirements are the same as for other chorus performances: mastery of notes, words, breaths, and choreography in each song, with appropriate costuming and makeup. You will probably feel as excited about competing as the rest of us; it's great fun! However, please know that it is a challenging time, particularly for new members who are working on learning an entire repertoire. If you decide to wait a year before taking part in the competition, please know that it is okay. Please plan to go along with us to the convention. We'll be anxious to share the fun with you! Our next convention will be held (add current information). International Convention International convention is held each fall. Choruses are eligible to compete in international competition a year and a half after winning regional competition. Regional chorus champions prepare for many months at regular chorus rehearsals, as well as at weekend retreats. Sometimes extra rehearsals and coaching sessions are scheduled. Regular attendance at rehearsals helps members develop stamina, better vocal production skills, and the artistry and finesse needed for excellent performance. The end result is a product that the chorus is proud to present to all audiences, not just the contest attendees. In fact, the most important reason for competition is to hone barbershop skills that produce better choruses. Performance requirements are again the same. Some of us attend international convention even when we are not competing, for its fun-filled educational activities. It also provides another opportunity to learn from watching other great choruses. The next international convention will be held (add current information) Our chorus will/will not be competing at that convention. Membership Information As members of a Sweet Adelines International chapter, each of us has responsibilities to the chorus as a whole. This section describes those responsibilities. Membership Requirements (This section would be an excellent place to include a copy of your Director/Chorus agreement. If the chorus has specific attendance requirements, you can add those as well.) Leave Request (Describe when and how a member goes about requesting a leave of absence.)