Clockwise from left are Chordaires Show Chorus Vice President JoAnn Leonard, President Patti Entwistle, Director Adam Thome, At Large Member Joanne Cosgrove, Performance Director Chris Roen and Secretary Norma Tye.
Patrice Reis
“We’re all very excited about our new season,” enthuses Sun Lakes Chordaires Show Chorus President Patti Entwistle, “We have a brand new director, a new board, a new rehearsal spot and many fresh new faces.”
Now entering their 35th season, the Chordaires are a high energy a capella all-woman singing group that performs in barbershop style, a uniquely American art form. Presently enjoying a robust membership of 45 lovely ladies, they range in age from early ‘50s to early ‘90s and are a popular attraction in and around Sun Lakes.
“You’ll probably recognize most of the songs we sing,” notes Performance Director Chris Roen, “we mainly sing songs made popular on the radio, in movies, and Broadway musicals. We go from the Beatles to Barry Manilow to Frank Sinatra. We also specialize in patriotic songs and you will often find us at events honoring veterans. We so enjoy sharing our enjoyment of singing with our community.”
Well-loved Christmas carols and a few newer classics are a Chordaires specialty and you can enjoy them live at several venues this season including the Sun Lakes Country Club tree lighting ceremony, the Christmas Luminaries event at Oakwood Country Club in Sun Lakes and the Cottonwood Palo Verde Christmas celebration after the ever-popular Golf Cart Parade. Watch the Splash for December dates and times!
“I was honored to be asked to direct this chorus,” confides new Director Adam Thome, whom many will recognize from his lengthy tenure at St. Steven’s Church in Sun Lakes, “I am excited and enthusiastic about being part of a group that loves music as much as I do.”
In early April of each year the Chordaires also put on a spring extravaganza to showcase their talents with festive costumes, dramatic scenery and witty story line. Last year their production of Noah’s Follies! All Aboard! achieved two standing ovations. “We want to continue our tradition of topping last year’s show next spring,” says Patti Entwistle, “We’ve been researching new costume designs as far away as India and China so we can dazzle our 2015 audience.”
“We always welcome new members,” invites Membership Director Pam Klima, “We meet Monday evenings from 5:00-7:30 p.m. in the Chapel Center at Sun Lakes Country Club, 9240 North Sun Lakes Blvd. Annual dues are $45 and the funds go toward paying our director, purchasing music, buying costumes and props and miscellaneous. We especially want to encourage experienced singers to join, but it’s not mandatory. We do want women who can carry a tune! If you love singing and being involved in a vibrant singing community, but can’t really hit all those notes right, we would still love to have your help in managing our music, organizing performances, keeping track of props, etc. Please feel free to contact me for information at 480-262-1070. You can also visit our website at www.ChordairesShowChorus.com. You’re also welcome to come to one of our rehearsals to get a feel for the experience!”