“Your good will in making the lives of seniors better is very much appreciated. You made a difference that really matters. May you be richly rewarded for your talented and giving efforts in entertaining others.”

--Lisa Montgomery, Activities Director, The Gilbert Residence, November 2004

Our Members

With 50 members and growing, there's probably a member of County Connection living near you! Chorus members represent many different communities and several Michigan counties. Ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, and musical experience are as varied as the individual singers themselves. Check out our member list and see if you know one of our members?

Our Leadership Team consists of our directing, music and management teams. Each team meets to review the goals and strategic plan of the chorus and makes sure we're on the right path, always moving forward and having fun in the process.

Music for All Women

Four-part barbershop harmony spans the entire vocal range and is perfect for the average singer who longs to be part of an ensemble where she can sing and dance. There are no age, race, weight or religious limitations. Acceptance in the chorus is measured on the ability to match pitch and blend with the rest of the chorus.

Organization

The County Connection Chorus is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and an award-winning chapter of Sweet Adelines International, a world-wide singing organization for women. Since 1975, the chorus has provided Southeastern Michigan with the highest quality a cappella and barbershop harmony through performance, education, and community service. Over the past 5 years, the reputation of the chorus has grown regionally and nationally with an invitation to perform at the National Festival of States in Washington, D.C. Through grants, corporate gifts, and various fundraisers, the chorus has been able to maintain a high standard of excellence, while attracting quality voices, great rehearsal space, and the expertise of a talented, certified musical director.

Outreach/Education

The County Connection Chorus is at the forefront of vocal education. Through outreach and performances, the chorus takes fun, entertaining, and educational programs into the community to promote barbershop harmony. The chorus itself paticipates in classes and workshops sponsored under the auspices of Sweet Adelines International. In addition, the chorus works with master directors and certified judges to improve sound, expression, showmanship, visual performance, and musicality.

Community Programs

Music Therapy - Singing to Heal is a rewarding music therapy program established in 2004 to reach residents of assisted living facilities with aging related conditions. Members of the chorus have performed at several assisted living venues and with carefully planned song selection, audience involvement, humor, and physical movement have made an impact on this community.

Community Performances - County Connection has a full calendar of community performances that range from local festivals, summer music programs, fundraising banquets, and annual concerts. Performances are family-friendly, highly entertaining, and educational.

Singing Opportunities - There are opportunities each year when members of the community can participate with the chorus in singing engagements, voice lessons, and performance training in areas such as showmanship, expression, and choreography. For example, in November 2005 a holiday chorus will be established for women in the community to learn and perform holiday music. This is an excellent opportunity for women to experience the sound of a large ensemble, immerse themselves in a cappella harmony, learn proper vocal techniques, and experience live stage performances and adience rapport.

Innovation

The chorus is known for presenting innovative and creative performances. By exploring these areas, the more traditional art form of barbershop harmony is getting a cutting-edge boost. It is bringing a new generation back to singing the old songs in new and interesting ways. By adding the visual aspect of planned ensemble choreography, the County Connection Chorus is not only entertaining and interesting to watch, but it is attracting women interested in performing and singing. Aside from the music, women participate in the chorus because of the challenge, the education, and the social opportunities.

County Connection Chorus….where everybody knows your name!