Arbutus Sounds Chorus
Harmonizing on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada

Welcome from Arbutus Sounds!

Arbutus Sounds
Chorus is a charter
member of
Sweet Adeline's
International,
a worldwide
organization of
women singers
committed to
advancing the
musical art form
of barbershop
harmony through
education and
performance.

Vancouver 2010 - Olympic Torch Relay Celebrations in Sechelt, Feb 4

We are located
on the beautiful
Sunshine Coast of
British Columbia,
a scenic 40 minute
ferry ride from
Horseshoe Bay,
just outside of
Vancouver.

There are more
than 600 Sweet
Adeline's chapters
comprising a total
membership of
over 30,000, from
many countries
around the world.

Performances  |  About Us  |  Barbershop Style
Join Us!  |  Photo Gallery  |  Fundraising  |  Contact Us  |  Related Links 

This page last updated on June 30, 2010.

Performances & Events

Recent and Upcoming Events & Performances:

Saturday June 26, 2010 – Shornecliffe and Totem nursing homes, Sechelt
Saturday July 17, 2010 – fundraiser Garage Sale, 4747 Whitaker Rd, Davis Bay
Tuesday September 28, 2010 – ‘Open House’ at Roberts Creek Elementary

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About Us

Part of Sweet Adeline's Region 26, we have 25 members from Langdale to Halfmoon Bay, ranging in age from 15 to 70, from a wide variety of backgrounds and vocal experience. Weekly rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings from 6:45 to 9:15 pm, at Roberts Creek Elementary School (usually) — year-round, except for a summer break. Our director is Deb Sneddon, who previously sang lead with the chorus for several years before taking over director's duties from long-time Sweet Adeline Grace Kucher, the chorus founder.

The chorus performs in the community throughout the year at various events and competitions, and at seniors/nursing homes. We also travel to Sweet Adeline's regional or international competitions when they are within driving distance. We will be competing in the 2011 Regionals (Region 26 comprises the three western provinces) and we recently put on a very successful first show on March 27, 2010 in Gibsons. Performances blend singing with costumes, stage makeup and dance moves (choreography) to add visual excitement.

chorus fun!
Always having fun! (Gibsons Fall Faire 2008)

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About the Barbershop style

You're probably familiar with men's barbershop quartets. Women's barbershop has the same four parts: bass, baritone, lead, and tenor, but in a smaller range (yes, the men go lower AND higher!).

Songs arranged for barbershop singing are distinguished from other choral arrangements by the use of a specific set of chords, the smoothness with which words flow from one to the next, unique timing, and the dynamic changes from soft to loud within phrases. All songs are performed "a capella" — no accompaniment, and no sheet music!

Arbutus Sounds practice and perform a wide variety of musical selections, ranging from classic old ballads to modern movie themes, from upbeat jazz arrangements to swingin' gospel tunes. We are constantly adding new songs to our repertoire. Plus, every winter we bring out a selection of Christmas music arranged with a barbershop twist, for seasonal performances.

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Do you like to sing? Join us!

You don't have to have any previous vocal performing experience to become a member. You don't even have to read music! The only requirements (other than being a local resident for obvious reasons) are enjoyment of singing and the ability to carry a tune. In other words, if you like to sing and the sound of your voice doesn't send family and pets running for cover, come and check us out! Contact Linda Karleen at 604-885-7452 if you'd like to be a guest at our next rehearsal or Open House, or attend one of our upcoming public performances. New members are always welcome.

Dates to remember: July 20, 27, August 3, 10 – Chorus Summer Break

 

singout in Sechelt, fall 2007

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Photo Gallery

Annual Installation Dinner 2009
Chorus Christmas Party 2008

Christmas at Trail Bay Mall - Photo by Duane Robert Burnett

Singing Valentine-O-Grams

 

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Fundraising Activities

Fundraising activities include volunteering for local running events, BC Choral Federation raffle ticket sales, garage sales and sales of Avon products through member Mary Rennie.

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How to Contact Us

To book the chorus for your event, contact Carol Illingworth at 604-886-8573.
If you like to sing and want to be a guest at an upcoming rehearsal, contact Linda Karleen at 604-885-7452.
For information about past performances and events, contact Deb Sneddon at 604-886-7059.
To contact the webmaster, click here.

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Related Links

Region 26 (of Sweet Adelines International) website
Sweet Adelines International official website
Lions Gate Chorus
Westcoast Harmony Chorus
Attention Web & Graphic Design — "Professional web design you can afford"

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