Song of Atlanta Takes a Bite out of Kansas City 🧛🏻♀️
Song of Atlanta reached new heights in Kansas City at the Sweet Adelines International Contest taking the stage by storm and placing SECOND with a score of 2,973 (out of 3200 points)! This enormous accomplishment marked our highest score and placement ever.
The week started off with rehearsals, educational events, the Region 14 RaRa and exploring Kansas City. We can safely say we all had some good Kansas City BBQ!
On Tuesday, we had several members participate in the Harmony Classic Contest with Carolina Style and Bridges of Harmony. We are so proud of their accomplishments!
Wednesday was one of our favorite days of the week, Quartet Semi-Finals! We are so proud of all of our members who crossed the International stage as part of Dynasty, Presto! and Shenanigans! They all shined on the stage.
Thursday was the day! Not only was it contest day and Halloween, but Becki Hine's 29th (wink, wink) birthday! We have been preparing for our 7 minutes on stage for over a year and a half and our moment was here. Dressed in our best black, sequins, fringe, and, of course, fishnets, we took the stage as contestant #25. We started the set with Gimme, Gimme (arranged by our very own Melody Hine) and gave a character filled performance that had the audience on their feet!
With the turn of Becki, we then dropped all pretenses and connected with the audience as we sang If I Can Dream (arranged by Steven Armstrong). This song and its message has such a deep meaning and impact to our members and we wanted the audience to hear us and know that together we can create a brighter future today. It starts with me and with you.
While we sang later in the contest, waiting for the Top 10 draw is still nerve-wracking. We were elated to be drawn as contestant #6 in the Chorus Finals!
Friday was a mix of rehearsals and watching the Quartet Finals where our very own Michaela Slamka-Johnston placed SECOND with Dynasty Quartet. They rang chords, made us laugh, and sang their hearts out.
But it was time to transform… our fangs were out and we were ready to have a bloody good time on stage. From the moment we stepped foot on stage til the time that we left, we were vampires from our fangs to our nails. SOA Rookie, Sandy Marron (Director of 2024 International First Place Medalists, Lions Gate Chorus), in her robe and hood, took to the stage to set the scene. Becki was now a vampire and we were there to let her know that life as a vampire is full of fun and livelihood thanks to the Vampire Polka (written and arranged by Clay Hine).
Others may not see Becki the same, but there is so much hope and life to live (albeit undead, medically speaking). Singing a Queen song arranged by Melody Hine, Who Wants to Live Forever, is a powerful and emotional ballad that lets Becki and the audience know that it doesn't matter if you are different, you are special. We left it all on the stage with I'm Alive (also arranged by Melody Hine). Vampires may not be living, but we've never felt so alive!!
Special shout-out to two of our members, Judy LaBor and Julia Twitty, who earned their 50-Year SAI pins on-stage on Saturday IN their vampire costumes!
We were elated with our highest score EVER and a SECOND place finish. It was a whirlwind week and we can't wait to do it again!
Special shout-out to our coaches Ryan Heller, Sandy Marron, Patrick Brown, and the Chordmaster Clay Hine! Along with the incomparable Becki and our phenomenal Music Team, these four have been with us every step of the way.
The convention and contest week is more than just competing. It's being together with our friends across the organization, connecting with one another and sharing our message on stage. The future is bright and we continue to reach new heights!