News

Spirit of Syracuse and 2010 BHS International Silver Medalists, Old School, set to THRILL October 30th

Darkness falls across the land
The midnight hour is close at hand
And whosoever shall be found
Without the soul for getting down
Must stand and face the hounds of hell
And rot inside a corpse's shell

This October, the place to be for goosebumps is Syracuse, New York!  The Spirits of Syracuse present a "Thriller Night" – complete with Witchy Woman, The Time Warp, The Headless Horseman, Love Potion #9, Zombie Jamboree, and Michael Jackson’s Thriller, this show will feature the 4th place Region 16 Medalists, quartets from the Spirit of Syracuse, and more than a ghostly surprise or two. 

We are also SO excited to feature the 2010 Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Silver Medalist Quartet, Old School as our guest performers for the evening… if you’re looking for goosebumps, you have to hear these four gentlemen!  Your only chance to see this award-winning quartet in the northeast is here on our show, so don’t miss it!

Show will be held at Eagle Hill Middle School in Manlius, New York at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $20 in advance - call 315-492-2712 to purchase your tickets now! Tickets will be $25 at the door, so reserve your seat for this not-to-be-missed performance today and be sure to reserve your seat at the afterglow as well - food, drinks and more entertainment! Updates will be available through our Facebook Fan Page so become a fan today and make your plans to be in Syracuse on October 30, 2010!

Summer Song Program for High School Girls Begins on July 13th!

The Spirit of Syracuse Chorus extends an invitation to  high school girls to join us for our annual Summer Song Program! Keep your vocal skills sharp and learn a new vocal art form! Step onto the risers with CNY’s Premier Women’s chorus for 6 weeks.

July 13th - August 17th
Tuesday nights - 7-9 p.m.
Saint Matthew's Academy
214 Kinne Street, East Syracuse

Learn to sing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” in 4-part a cappella harmony! No membership commitment, no cost to participating singers.  Program includes educational materials, learning CDs and sheet music. For more information call Barbara at (315) 622-2551

SOS Part of Sounds of Summer Series with Syracuse Symphony

July 4th at 8 pm at the New York State Fairgrounds - join the Syracuse Symphony for a July 4th concert complete with fireworks! Fairgrounds open at 5 pm with pre-concert activities including the Spirit of Syracuse beginning at 6:30 pm. Concert is free and open to the public. Visit www.syracusesymphony.org for more information.

Spirit of Syracuse Storms Region 16!

The Spirit of Syracuse was named the 2010 4th Place Medalists this month at the Sweet Adelines International Region 16 Contest.  The chorus scored over 600 points, earning their director, Kay Crawford, the title of Master Director.  Kay was also selected by the Region to receive the Novice Director Award for the 2010 Contest and she has been named the new permanent director of the Spirit of Syracuse. See our award-winning performance regionals performance, now online!

Upcoming Events Ready to Show Off the New SOS

After the success of our Friends and Family shows throughout the year, we'll have as many friends and family events throughout this year as we can!  You can count on seeing us in late August this year with another Friends and Family event, of course open to the public.  I'm sure we'll have something around the holidays as well, keep checking the website for dates, location and times! 

It is such a great time for the Spirit of Syracuse Chorus, we just can't wait to share what we're doing with you, so be sure and stay tuned to the web!  And, look for our really big fall show coming up on October 30th of 2010!  I think the name will be Barbershop Gone Bad!  It promises to be a real THRILLER!!! (That was a hint, get it, Michael Jackson, Thriller?)  This one will be really huge and we'll be bringing you an international quartet as well, so plan on spending a little time and a little money, you won't be disappointed!
 
So, to our friends and families, we love you, we'll keep entertaining you!  And to our developing public, we love YOU, and we will look forward to seeing you at all our events, especially our extended friends and family events held throughout the year!
 
Kay Crawford

SOS Hosts First Friends and Family Dress Rehearsal

As we approached our 2010 contest date, May 1, we decided we'd do a dress rehearsal.  It seemed only natural to invite our friends and families once again.  We opened this to the public as well and tried to simulate a real contest situation by using the bright lights and microphones so it would seem like the actual contest experience.  Our competing quartets had an opportunity to try their numbers on the crowd as well.  So, another friends and family event open to the public, and yep, you guessed it!  Standing room only!  We were packed to the gills as we performed our gorgeous set of contest material and at the end of the program were lucky enough to receive a standing ovation from the crowd. 

SOS Brings Holiday Cheer to CNY

The SOS have been singing to many of the nursing and rehab centers in central New York having been hired by K&A Services (a mobile X-ray company from Oswego) for the last several years, and we sing at the Landmark Theater for the annual tree lighting ceremony as well, but we wanted more than that this year.  We wanted to share the joy of music with our families and friends. This time we invited a guest quartet as well and had our Spirit of Syracuse quartets perform. We even opened it up to the public to spread the holiday cheer.  Well!  We were all surprised that there was a full house and even some media coverage!  I guess when you offer to share your music at no charge, just for the sake of joy that it really pays off!

Happy Valentine's Day from the Spirit of Syracuse!

The chorus's main fund-raiser takes place every year in February. Singing Valentines offers fans the opportunity to delight loved ones with a personal message sung by a small group of women from the chorus. We offer two songs from a list of five or six songs, a personalized card, and a box of chocolates. We have sung for husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, children and grandparents. We have surprised teachers and coaches and nursing home residents, and once or twice we've even provided music for marriage proposals. We all feel that we get back more than we give when we deliver messages of love and support on a day that celebrates romance!

Summer Programs Garner New Members and Young Women in Song!

This past summer, in addition to a successful membership drive, we also began a pilot program of SummerSong, lead by a few of our fabulous members targeting young women ages from 14 through 25.  We intended to teach them what we know about a cappella music hoping that someday they might find a Sweet Adeline organization somewhere throughout the world to sing with and encourage them to see singing as the way of life that we do.  All the fun we were having led to wanting to showcase our new members and our summer only members. 

We scheduled an end of summer party and included our new members, our summer guests and our friends and families.  It was a tailgate party the way only the Spirit of Syracuse could do it!  We had members cooking hot dogs outside, members with their tailgates open serving mouth watering summer fare from their cars, and laughed and had fun for a couple of hours. Our friends and families then gathered inside and we showed them what we'd been up to since the spring.  It all went off without a hitch and everyone was happy and full - we even retained some of the summer guests as regular members as the fall progressed!

Praise for SOS

"The power of voices harmonizing into one intense sound fills the room with an energy that is difficult to understand and impossible to explain. They sing as one … and the result is a remarkable display of a cappella four-part harmony."
Karl Turner, Syracuse Newspapers

"I ordered a Singing Valentine for my parents in Syracuse from your website and they were just thrilled. They are 86 and 88 years old and living alone. One of the remaining pleasures in my Dad's life is listening to good music. They couldn't stop telling me about all those women singing so beautifully and looking so nice. You certainly brightened their day. I am so glad I thought about doing it. Thank you for a special treat."
Elaine Macrillo, after receiving a Singing Valentine for her parents

"Jason, Baby Haiden and I were so very happy with your performance today in our home. My fiance, Jason's, 'Loving Holiday' was truly blessed this year! And ALL of YOU put the icing on the cake! Thank you so much for all your hard work, time and absolute wonderful talent! We appreciated all of it! It was so beautiful!"
Jennifer Costa, after receiving a Singing Valentine

"Just a quick note to say thanks. My wife was completely surprised. The staff at Jowonio also appreciated the 'show.' I will recommend your service to anyone who asks."
Jerry Carges, after receiving a Singing Valentine for his wife

"Thank you so much for singing yesterday for my husband. He really enjoyed it, as did I."
Mary McBlane, after receiving a Singing Valentine

Community Connections 2009

On February 12th, the Spirit of Syracuse Chorus performed in Fabius-Pompey 's Barbershop Festival. This is becoming a wonderful tradition in true Barbershop style.

This was followed by our annual "Singing Valentines" event, with small groups travelling all over the Greater Syracuse area to deliver memorable gifts to unsuspecting recipients.

On March 15th, the chorus hosted its first "Spring Fling" A Cappella Festival at Fayetteville-Manlius High School. The Spirit of Syracuse Chorus performed "Proud Mary";" Red, Red Robin";" Sway";" Let Freedom Ring"; " You Turned the Tables on Me" ; and wrapped up the show with a rocking rendition of "We Are Family". The Music Masters Men's Chorus performed a wonderful patriotic package. A special treat was had from Blue Skies Quartet, followed by a cappella groups from Cazenovia High School and Phoenix High School. A highlight of the show was our annual Sing for Scholarship Contest. The five contestants represented Mexico, Cicero-North Syracuse, Cazenovia, Phoenix and Bishop Grimes High Schools. They each performed a solo, and the audience voted the winner, American Idol style. Our winner this year was Sara Czyz of Phoenix, who had also just performed in her high school musical all weekend. What a pro!

A small group performed at the U.S. Small Business Administration's "Operation Start Up and Grow", a conference for Veterans at Onondaga Community College on March 26th.

The chorus sings regularly at the Federal Courthouse as part of the naturalization ceremonies welcoming new citizens to our country.

The chorus participates in the Memorial Day remembrance program on May 25,2009 at the Butterfly Garden in Liverpool, sponsored each year by Hope for the Bereaved.

June 11th will see the chorus at Marcellus High School for the school's " A Cappella Celebration 4".This is another tradition the chorus looks forward to. Performers at this event include the Marcellus High School Select Chorus, Blue Skies, the Marcellus Ecumenical Choir, and the Music Masters Men's Chorus.

New York State Fair

The Spirit of Syracuse Chorus performed at the Great New York State Fair on August 25, 2008 for an appreciative and enthusiastic crowd. We were featured on the Chevy Court Stage along with Finger Lakes Chorus, a male barbershop chorus. Finger Lakes Chorus got things started with a beautiful version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and continued with crowd pleasers such as "Under the Boardwalk."

Then the Spirit of Syracuse Chorus took center stage to perform songs ranging from patriotic ("Let Freedom Ring") to a Latin flavored dance number, "Sway". The crowd really rocked to a Tina Turner classic, "Proud Mary". We really enjoyed being part of Senior Citizen Day and Barbershop Music Day at the fair.

2008 Regional Competition

The Spirit of Syracuse Chorus participated in the Region 16 competition Saturday April 12th at the John Mulroy Civic Center, in Syracuse, NY. The theme for the weekend was "Anything Goes" which was embraced by participants one and all. The chorus opened the performance with Sweet Georgia Brown and closed with a heart wrenching rendition of Forgive Me. In what was the closest competition in recent memory, with only seven points separating first and third, we proudly received a third place medal.

Community Connections 2008

On January 9, 2008, The Spirit of Syracuse Chorus performed in the Fabius-Pompey Barbershop Festival. This festival showcased a variety of a cappella groups from local high schools, as well as a group from Roberts Wesleyan College , and The Music Masters Men's Chorus.

In June, the Spirit of Syracuse Chorus again participated in "An A Cappella Celebration 3" at the Marcellus High School Auditorium. The audience was thrilled to hear a cappella groups from around the area, including the presence of several high school groups and the excited response of younger audience members proved that barbershop is an art form that is enjoyed by all. The Music Masters Barbershop Chorus, Skaneateles and Marcellus High School groups, Solvay Jazz Ensemble, and the Marcellus Community Chorus entertained a great audience. A portion of the proceeds of this show were donated to a Music Scholarship at Marcellus Central School .

Holiday Show 2007- "Hollywood For The Holidays"

Fayetteville Manlius High School was the venue for our annual Holiday Show, "Hollywood for the Holidays. Featured guests included Frenzy-Region 16's 2007 1st place Quartet, Blue Skies - our own SOS Quartet, Elton John, Tina Turner and Elvis. We also held our 4th Annual Sing for Scholarships contest and Katie Weber from Jamesville Dewitt High School was the big winner.

Spirit of Syracuse Chorus Takes International Stage in Calgary

The Spirit of Syracuse Chorus represented the Lake Ontario Region October 9-13 at the 61st Annual Sweet Adelines International Convention and Competition at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The chorus performed "When the Red.Red Robin Comes Bob,Bob,Bobbin" and "Danny Boy", the two numbers that won them 1st place in their Regional Competition in May 2006 at the John H. Mulroy Civic Center in Syracuse.

The chorus was rewarded with 17th place at the International event, a wonderful achievement to celebrate their 50th Anniversary Season.

50th Anniversary Celebration

The Spirit of Syracuse Chorus celebrated "50 years of Harmony" on July 31, 2007 with a gala event at the Knights of Columbus in Syracuse , New York . It was a fun-filled evening where members past and present gathered to share their favorite laughs and memories. It featured a performance by the current chorus, and a video montage of past performances. The highlight of the evening was a Fashion Show of costumes gone by.

From the wigs and flapper days to our chic black lace dresses, we've seen a lot of fashion styles come and go. It was a party we'll never forget.

Blue Skies Quartet wins 2007 Novice Quartet Award

Bright, light, and uplifitng: all words that describe a day filled with blue skies. Blue Skies Quartet is made up of four women whose goal is to do just what the name implies - brighten the lives of those who hear them sing. Each of these women brings her own special talent to the quartet: tenor Denise Weinberger; baritone Rhonda Spolestra; lead Mary Tanner; and bass Maria Manzare. After singing together for just one year, Blue Skies was rewarded for their hard work and great sound when the quartet was the recipient of the 2007 Sweet Adeline's Region 16 York Highlands Novice Quartet Award

Laff-In Show

Flower power, glowing colors, Dan Rowen and Dick Martin all helped transport the audience back to the 1960s when the Spirit of Syracuse put on a tribute to "Laff-In" on October 22, 2006. Fayetteville-Manlius High School was the site for a memorable and funny show with students competing in the 3rd Annual Sing for Scholarships contest. All the students sang exceptionally well, and the winner was the thrilling Roy George-Thiemann from Faith Heritage. Everyone loved seeing the stars of the future! As the show progressed, many favorite personalities from the past made an appearance, including Lily Tomlin, Goldie Hawn, and a special cameo by Tiny Tim. Blue Skies Quartet's version of "Love Potion No. 9" was a crowd favorite. The jokes, laughs, and songs came fast as we connected with the past and enjoyed the sweet harmonies from the Spirit of Syracuse.

Spirit of Syracuse Chorus Takes the GOLD!!!

The Spirit of Syracuse Chorus was thrilled to be named Region 16 Champions at the Sweet Adeline’s Regional Competition on May 7, 2006 at the John Mulroy Civic Center, in Syracuse, NY. The chorus sang “When the Red, Red Robin Goes Bob, Bob, Bobbin’” and “Danny Boy” during their first place performance.

Excitement filled the air as all 87 members of the chorus rushed to the stage to be presented with their gold medals. The Spirit of Syracuse is now making plans to represent Region 16 at the International Sweet Adelines Competition to be held in Calgary, Canada in October 2007

Spirit of Syracuse congratulates Babs Rubenstein - Winner of the 2nd Annual Sing for Scholarships Contest!

Babs,a senior from Jamesville-Dewitt High School, has been a member of her show choir, In Achord, for four years. She has performed in high school shows such as Les Miserables, Titanic, and Footloose, She has also been in community theater productions such as Into the Woods, Once on the Island, Cinderella, Footloose, and 42nd Street, She plans on pursuing musical theater or opera.

Spirit of Syracuse Drives for Success in the Motor City!

Detroit, MI - Performing When the Red Red Robin Comes Bob Bob Bobbin and Danny Boy the Spirit of Syracuse finished 15th place overall in 60th Sweet Adelines International Chorus Competition in Detroit, Michigan. This semi-finalist ranking places the chorus 15 out of over 700 choruses worldwide.

Over 17,000 singers from Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and the North American Continent attended the quartet and chorus competitions.

In addition to enjoying spectacular performances by 50 quartets and 33 choruses, Spirit of Syracuse attended education classes, enjoyed Harmony Bazaar, and attended the Coronet Club Show.

See more images of the Detroit performance on our Sights and Sounds page.

Spirit of Syracuse congratulates Molly Brown - Winner of the 1st Annual Sing for Scholarships Contest!

The Spirit of Syracuse chorus held its annual show Saturday, October 2nd featuring its first annual sing for scholarships contest. Also performing in the show were the 2003 Buckeye Invitational Mixed Quartet Champions - Sound Celebration and our own Syracuse Sound quartet.

A Taste of Broadway for Spirit of Syracuse

Verona, NY - The Spirit of Syracuse Chorus performed with Broadway sensation Linda Eder at her holiday show in the Showroom of the Turning Stone Casino, Verona, New York, on Friday, December 19th at 8:00 pm. The Chorus sang a number of Christmas favorites with her, as well as two of Ms. Eder's signature songs, Vienna and If I Had My Way.

Spirit of Syracuse Turns Up The Heat in Phoenix!

Phoenix, AZ - Performing It's A Sin To Tell A Lie and I Will Love You Til The End Of Time the Spirit of Syracuse finished 15th place overall in 57th Sweet Adelines International Chorus Competition in Phoenix, Arizona. This semi-finalist ranking places the chorus 15 out of over 700 choruses worldwide.

Over 15,000 singers from Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and the North American Continent attended the quartet and chorus competitions.

In addition to enjoying spectacular performances by 50 quartets and 33 choruses, Spirit of Syracuse attended education classes, enjoyed Harmony Bazaar, and attended the Coronet Club Show featuring the Knudson Brothers.

All this plus the opportunity to some magnificent Arizona scenery, blue skies and temperatures soaring over 100 degrees!

See more images of the Phoenix performance on our Sights and Sounds page.

Spirit of Syracuse Featured in Syracuse New Times

Syracuse, NY - New Times writer Molly English stopped by one of our rehearsals before our trip to the Sweet Adelines International Competition in Phoenix, AZ, and wrote a wonderful article for their annual New Season issue. Read the complete article.

"Sing Out For Peace" Events Attract Over 13,000 Singers

Click the certificate to see a larger image.

Tulsa, OK - The Sweet Adelines International 'Sing Out For Peace' events on September 11, 2002 attracted singers from dozens of cities worldwide, including our own Spirit of Syracuse Chorus. We were joined by more than 13,000 sister members throughout the world, not only to honor and remember those whose lives were affected by the terrorist attacks, but also to make a difference in our communities by spreading peace through harmony.

As a small "Thank you" for our participation, we received a certificate from Sweet Adelines International, honoring us for our inclusion in these events.

As always, we welcome any opportunity to brighten peoples lives with song and harmony.