International Competition

Atlanta - September 21-25 1999 Georgia Dome

Click Here to See the Pictures of Our Practice!

NORTH METRO CHORUS - 2000 INTERNATIONAL SWEET ADELINE CHAMPIONS

November/December 1999

Finally, North Metro chorus members have recovered from the dreadful virus which flattened many of us immediately following International Competition. Which means - now that I'm up and around again - that I can review our trip and let you know how we are feeling.

So - how ARE we feeling? YAHOO! ALAKAZAM! WOWEE! LOFTY LEAPING LIZARDS, BATMAN! @#$%$#@! I think that pretty much sums it up!

Becoming International Champions for the second time was an indescribable experience for all of us….and becoming the MILLENNIUM CHAMPIONS made it even MORE exciting. Our families, friends and supporters were so amazing to us in Atlanta that it made our job that much easier. Whatever we needed they made sure we had - whether it was the moving of equipment, the carrying of costumes or just the space to be together as a chorus so that we could rehearse at the intensity level to which we aspired. That is true support!

The semi-finals were amazing! We were so psyched and unified it was like functioning at a different level….we were definitely in the "zone" that athletes talk about. The last thing we saw backstage before going out to perform was an awesome banner from June's MegaCity Men's chorus - wishing us luck and urging us to, "Go For Gold!" On the Saturday - at the finals - there was another inspiring message to take on stage as MegaCity hung yet another banner - again wishing us luck and reminding us that, "THIS Is Your Moment!"

It wasn't quite the moment we had hoped for - in that we all agreed later that we could have performed the package with a little (O.K….a LOT!) more energy. Despite this, the audience seemed to enjoy the sailor package and it was certainly lots of fun to do. As always - June's outstanding arrangements and Erin's brilliant choreography made it a pleasure to perform.

I personally had worried about the daylight in the Georgia Dome - wondering whether or not being able to see people and movement in the stands would throw us off . Anticipating that this might happen, we had discussed it at length as a chorus and prepared for it so that it would not be a distraction. Distraction? I was so focused that as soon as June appeared on stage to direct us I saw no one else! Other chorus members said the same! SO MUCH FOR ENJOYING THE APPLAUSE!! WHAT APPLAUSE? WHAT PEOPLE? WHAT STANDS?

Because of our late draw in the competition we saw no one else perform on Thursday and only a few choruses on Saturday. Those we did see, however, made us realise what an honour it was to share the stage with such exceptionally talented women.

North Metro members want me to thank all those Sweet Adelines who shared our happiness in Atlanta - all of you who wished us well and were thrilled that we won. You know who you are and your generosity cannot be repaid.

Upon our return home we threw a huge celebratory party which was attended by approximately 500 family members, friends, Sweet Adelines and Barbershoppers. A fantastic time was had by all! Once back at rehearsal we shared many funny and poignant stories about our week away together and went over the scores and Judges' comments….always a powerful learning experience. We are also dying to get our video so that we can first enjoy and then assess our two performances - again a great learning tool.

Our new International Gold Medals are being worn with tremendous pride as we begin to rehearse new music. We will be taping our next CD in a week or two, holding a chorus Novice Quartet Contest, and enjoying our Christmas Party. Then it is on to a well-earned Christmas Break! Next year we are lined up to appear as guests on several shows, including the first one put on by "June's Guys" - the Greater Toronto MegaCity Chorus. In the New Year we will also be focusing on our Spring Regional package as well as planning our Music Education Class and Outgoing Package for Orlando in the Fall.

Speaking of Orlando - suffice to say that all the young people in our lives have begun to save their pennies and dream of wearing "Mouse Ears." (Actually, we are doing the same!) DISNEYWORLD HERE WE COME!

And so - as North Metro chorus members look back and realise that we really have managed to survive this exciting, hard-working International Year, we are overwhelmed that it came to such a joyous conclusion. Thanks to all of you for your interest in our chorus activities - I have enjoyed being your "window" into the life of North Metro and the roller-coaster of events and emotions that one encounters as a busy chorus member. Thanks too for your Internet messages, letters and cards - your greetings and warm wishes are deeply appreciated.

As we approach the end of this millennium we wish you and yours a very happy time over the holidays and hope you will be ringing in the new millennium with those you love!

Until our paths cross again on this magical journey…….may you all stay safe and sing well!

Doreen