Reflections on Blue Sky Harmony’s First Year

Just one year ago, a small group of singers got together for a cup of tea and a chat about an exciting idea – starting a new chorus! We shared our individual stories of the amazing things that barbershop singing had brought to our lives so far, what our goals were for the future, and what we believed we could each contribute to this project.

Although we were nameless that day, the concept of blue skies was touched on. Blue skies. Joy. Opportunity. Sunny Queensland. So many positive themes. The name ‘Blue Sky Harmony’ was soon chosen by our chorus, and approved by Sweet Adelines International - the global singing organisation that we are part of.

Since our first meeting, it has been full steam ahead for our motivated members. During our first nine months as a chorus, we welcomed several talented new members, ran a successful community a cappella singing workshop, had our first public performance, completed an exciting carolling season (including our inaugural Blue Sky Harmony Christmas Concert), and had a productive retreat in Maleny.

Unfortunately the pandemic then struck and derailed some of our plans, such as performing at our first Sweet Adelines Australia regional convention in Hobart, and running our quartet event – Sequins and Songs. Our choir has rolled with the punches, taking our rehearsals online and setting our sights on Sweet Adelines Australia convention in Adelaide in 2021. We couldn't celebrate our first birthday with a party, so our Musical Director, Julie, baked us all cupcakes instead – delivered with the help of bass Katrina. What a wonderful surprise!

Over the past year, we’ve received wonderful coaching from many experts:  Glenda Lloyd, Rose McGee, Lea Baker, Jill Harris (who later joined our chorus), Bec Hewitt and Nicky McGrath. In addition, our members have taken advantage of many in-person and online workshops to further our skills.

Although we’ve had to take a few months off from in-person rehearsals, we’re in this for the long haul and we know we have a great deal more to achieve together. The sky is the limit!