Alberta Gold Chorus

Did you know that women’s barbershop is happening in Calgary? I sure didn’t until January of this year. My spouse saw a sign advertising that Alberta Gold Chorus was looking for female singers so I went to an open house to check it out. I’ve always related barbershop to a men’s quartet. I was totally shocked to see that this chorus of nearly 20 women was singing four-​part, unaccompanied harmony. What the heck?! I was fascinated. They had me and the other visitors participating right away, learning the four parts and how they work together. It was so cool that I had to come back the next week. And then the week after. Before I knew it, I had my vocal range tested, I learned a song, passed a test and became a member within four weeks.
Alberta Gold is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, which is a worldwide organization of women singers advancing their musical skills and performing barbershop harmony. Apparently there are about 25,000 members and chapters everywhere. About 600 choruses and 1, 200 or so quartets.
I’m now singing as a baritone and through the organization and a weekly chorus rehearsal, am also participating in vocal warmups and lessons. I’ve always wanted to take singing lessons and couldn’t believe that just by being a member, I would learn so much. Way more than I ever could have expected. I used to sing lead in a rock and alternative band and this is completely different as well as way more challenging. However, it has totally improved my vocal skills and singing songs other than barbershop is now much easier. I’m hitting notes I never would have before and I’ve only been a member for about four months. It’s craziness. There currently are women in our region (SK, AB and BC) that have been active members for over 50yrs.
Joining this chorus is one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time. I wish I would have known about it sooner. I have so much fun and the women couldn’t be more friendly and supportive. It’s a camaraderie that I haven’t even experienced with sports teams. If you’re even remotely curious, you can come to any rehearsal and check it out. The info is on the website. We have private and public performances too. I’m SO excited to sing at the Calgary Stampede! It’s an incredible personal challenge and any women would be lucky to have a Sweet Adeline in their life.