Pacific Edge Chorus Scholarship
It may not be common knowledge that women like barbershop singing, but roughly 30,000 members of Sweet Adelines International, including about 70 active members of the Pacific Edge Chorus in Victoria, can vouch for this. And they’re not standing around singing your Grandpa’s barbershop songs! These women perform jazz, pop, and show tunes in difficult four-part harmony with glitz, pizzazz and a little dancing thrown in.
Sweet Adelines International is a non-profit organization for women dedicated to education and achievement through competition and performance. The first chapter was established in 1945 in Tulsa, Oklahoma and has now expanded all over the world. Currently there are chapters in the US, Central and South America, Canada, Great Britain, Scandinavia, The Netherlands, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, the Arabian peninsula and Africa.
The Pacific Edge Chorus was formed in Victoria in 1967 and has achieved several memorable awards along the way, including a gold medal in regional competition and the privilege of singing in Sweet Adelines’ annual international competition. Recently, chorus director Julie Smith was awarded the title of Master Director for leading the chorus to a high score of 600 points at regional competition.
A spirit of camaraderie is shared by the women who join Sweet Adelines. As one local member says, “Sweet Adelines harmonize the world through music. Members join to sing, and they stay to sing and enjoy fulfilling friendships.” The Pacific Edge Chorus also commits time and energy to involvement in the community, and among other activities, raises money to sponsor a scholarship for a University of Victoria Education student.
The Pacific Edge Chorus Scholarship is awarded to a female student in the Bachelor of Education degree program who has demonstrated a talent and achievement in vocal music.