A Message from Region 15 on SAI 2021 Regional Competitions Update

Victoria Tisch's picture
September 25, 2020 - 11:04am -- Victoria Tisch
The following email was sent to all members of Region 15 on 9/25/2020.

TO: All Members of Region 15

FROM: Lori Britt Horvath, Region 15 Management Team Coordinator
 
Dear Region 15 Members,
 
Yesterday's announcement from Sweet Adelines International President, Joan Boutilier, was not surprising given the ongoing impacts of the pandemic — yet many of us were still disheartened to see the cancellation of the 2021 Regional Competition season confirmed in writing. The Greater NY/NJ Region 15 Regional Management Team (RMT) wants you to know that we fully support the International Board’s decision to cancel the 2021 Regional Competitions. But we also look forward to hearing more about their potential virtual contest contingency plans.
 
Although our contest has always provided us with a treasured opportunity to come together annually to share our music and friendship, our Sweet Adelines experience is so much more than that. Every chorus across the region has leaders working hard to keep their members connected on a regular basis and the RMT will continue to plan educational, social, and entertaining events to bring Region 15 together.
 
We did specifically want to address this line from Joan’s statement: “Some regions may choose to continue with their in person convention if allowed by local authorities.” Region 15 is not planning an in-person convention for spring of 2021. However, we do leave the door open to plan smaller in-person educational and/or social events later in 2021, if it is safe to do so.
 
Lastly, although the RMT Is here to support and advise our choruses, quartets, and members at large, we are not providing guidance or direction on whether or not it is advisable to meet live, to sing or socialize. We acknowledge and respect that people have different and strongly-held opinions about meeting in person. This is a very personal decision impacted by geography, venue options, health concerns, and personal beliefs. We only wish for the continued health and safety of our membership.
 
Stay well and look for more information on virtual events in the months to come.
 
In Harmony,
Lori
 
Lori Britt Horvath
Sweet Adelines International
Greater NY/NJ Region 15 Team Coordinator
 

 

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: Sweet Adelines International <[email protected]>

Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2020, 09:08:28 AM EDT

Subject: Important Update Regarding 2021 Regional Competitions

 

Dear Sweet Adelines Member,

 

Looking forward to 2021, the International Board continues to monitor official information about the pandemic, with the health and safety of our members, as always, at the forefront of our minds. With so much uncertainty still surrounding the pandemic and its attendant precautions and travel restrictions, the International Board has the made the difficult decision to cancel regional competition for 2021.

 

We realize this decision is disappointing, though not wholly unexpected. Despite the cancellation of regional competition, some regions may choose to continue with their in person convention if allowed by local authorities as it relates to gatherings and safety. Watch for communications from your regions as those decisions are made.

 

Contingency Plan for Competition

Should conditions allow, we plan to offer a virtual quartet competition with a July 2021 deadline and a virtual chorus contest late in 2021. In this manner, we hope to allow for some competition while keeping everyone safe. We will, of course, keep you updated on the status of these potential competitions.

 

Hope for 2021

While it is our greatest hope that we will be able to gather in person in 2021, we are excited about the possibilities for education, connection, and fun in the coming year! Over the last several months, we have admired our regional leaders’ creativity and dedication and your spirit and enthusiasm as we all learn to navigate this new virtual world.

 

To support you in the coming year, the International Board has compiled a working group to develop ideas, along with the Education Direction Committee, for dynamic, fun, and inspiring education events and opportunities for Sweet Adelines members around the world to gather virtually - think education - think connection - think fun! Watch for exciting announcements and details during the upcoming 75th Anniversary Virtual Convention, October 15-17.  

 

As a Sweet Adeline, as a Director, and as your President, I deeply empathize with your longing to gather in song once again. There truly is nothing like being enveloped in overtones with your chorus or quartet. While we wait for the day that we are able to sing together again, we will continue to work on our individual voices and strengthen our bonds through continued communication so when we do meet, the sound will be glorious and the joy of reuniting in person will be incredible.

 

Stay Sweet Adelines Strong,

 

Joan Boutilier

Sweet Adelines International President

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