Based on the number of Facebook comments I’ve seen about individuals’ experience at FLASH this past weekend, I would say a great time was had by all. For you non-barbershoppers, FLASH (Friendship, Laughter and Singing Harmony) is an event that SAI Region 19 puts on that provides classes, opportunities for new quartets to introduce themselves, and a venue to allow those choruses and quartets going off to international competition to strut their stuff. It also allows for Sweet Adelines around the region to reconnect and to learn about upcoming regional events. We certainly reconnected with our sisters in harmony: we “dedicated ones” were still singing in the hotel lobby until 2:00 a.m. FUN!
This year’s FLASH was held in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Classes started late Friday evening and went through Sunday morning. The guest faculty was Tori Postma, director of Mountain Jubilee Chorus. Lustre attended several of the classes on Saturday which included a class on the barbershop style that really enhanced my understanding of our craft. In addition to the classroom learning, Lustre also had the opportunity to be coached by a long time friend of Lustre and HCMC, Gene Bender. Gene’s coaching helped give some emotional color to our contest ballad and to help create a unified emotional look and sound to this moving song. We thank you, Gene!
To top the weekend off, Lustre was invited to perform on the Saturday evening show which included performances from the chorus and quartets in the region who are bound for this year’s SAI International Competition in Nashville. As you may recall from an earlier article, HCMC is representing Region 19 at International contest. Lori, Lori and Jenny are members of HCMC and thus performed with the chorus on Saturday’s show as well.
I personally want to take the opportunity to thank everyone for all the laughter and friendship and for once again sharing your talents with the region. I’m exciting for the new quartets that have introduced themselves this weekend and wish them best of luck. Want to also say “in bocca al lupo” to our three quartets and chorus who will be competing in Nashville. We’ll be there to watch and cheer you on!