The Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus is not only a dynamic group of talented women, but they have some of the biggest hearts I have ever encountered. They are truly a sisterhood, and as you might expect, they come together to help another member who is in need without hesitation. What is truly refreshing, though, is that they have the same depth of compassion for causes in their community. I work in development for a local women's shelter, and on more than one occasion, the Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus has pulled together a collection of toiletries for our women, or designated our organization as the charitable beneficiary from their annual show. I will even have individual members asking what they can do to make our ladies' lives a little easier. They don't know our clients, but it is as though they can't help but reach out to another individual with a caring gesture. They care deeply and sing sweetly, and it warms the hearts of every person they meet.
To reach and teach - that could be the mantra for Sweet Adelines everywhere. It certainly has been brought to the forefront lately with a quartet from the Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus. Dynasty Quartet was featured at an end-of-the-year concert at Beaver Area Middle School/High School. It was such a pleasure to introduce it to an audience filled with young men and women, their parents and their music department. By evening’s end, a young men’s quartet had been formed! (Plans are in the making for a young women’s quartet at the school as well. ) They attended Harmony Camp and enjoyed every minute! And now they find that many doors have been opened for them – including an invitation from the National Barbershop Harmony Society to perform at a fundraiser for victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan at Carnegie Hall in New York City in December. More educational and performance opportunities as well as scholarships for both the young men and the young women are plentiful. To reach and teach, indeed - one of the many joys and pleasures our chorus/organization affords!
This link provides more information on the boys: http://www.timesonline.com/news/local_news/beaver-area-students-form-singing-group/article_c669b253-5716-5496-b5cf-e9c27ff404b7.html#user-comment-area
I've been a member of this dynamic organization for about 20 years. Many of us join because we love to sing, but soon realize that there is much more to gain. The love and support from our Sisters in Harmony is immeasurable.
Sounds of Pittsburgh also gives back to the community. They have partnered with my business many times to "Make Someone Smile," a benevolent project sponsored by Teleflora. Members of SPC have helped design mugs filled with flowers and deliver them to Nursing Homes along with their wonderful gift of song!
I have been a member of this organization for ONLY 11 years. I say ONLY because we have members of 40 years plus. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.
Singing with this diverse group of women has added much joy to my life, and I know we have given joy to many others when we sing for them. I wish you could all see the faces of those in nursing homes and other audiences when we are performing for them. Some even sing along. Our joy transfers to our audiences.
Barbershop is a truely American form of music but Sweet Adelines is an international organization and we recently had guests from New Zealand and Australia visiting our chorus. This kind of friendship crosses the oceans and makes friends for life. It provides a common thread we can all relate to.
Sounds of Pittsburgh is a wonderful support system for it's members and for the community too.
I am a certified behavioral specialist and have been working in this field for over 20 years. I have started my 13th year at the Watson Institute, a private approved school which works with autistic and neurological impaired children (ages 3 - 21) with behavioral disorders. The Sounds of Pittsburgh has been very supportive over the past 10 years as they have donated their time and talents to perform for our children. Both the chorus and chapter quartets have put on programs for our special needs children and their families during holidays and summer camps free of charge. In addition, Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus members helped one of our students and his family this past year after his grandfather and mother were struck by a car. His grandfather was killed and his mother and sole provider was severely injured and endured several back and hip surgeries and was placed in assisted living for several month. Members of this chorus brainstormed ideas as to how to help out this family and generously donated over $600 in gift cards to help with food, clothing and other items to help encure the cost of care during her recovery. It is my pleasure to support such a generous organization who is always willing to give their time and talents to benefit others in the Pittsburgh community.